Eric Bazilian, guitarist and singer-songwriter of The Hooters, recalls how the band’s early rehearsal space, a warehouse in a then-rough part of Philadelphia, became the birthplace of the band’s name and its first songs. He also reveals who between the band and crew gets the nicer tour bus when the Hooters are on the road.
Jesper Lindell on Record Deals and Lyrical Memory
Swedish singer-songwriter Jesper Lindell talks about the moment his tour van’s brake pads flew off just as they pulled into a venue, his years working as a mailman before music took over full-time, and why streaming alone doesn’t sustain artists outside the mainstream.
William Matheny on Tinned Fish and Not Making Artistic Compromises
West Virginia singer-songwriter William Matheny talks about Isaac Asimov, destination dining, and why every US citizen should be drafted into two years of mandatory customer and food service upon turning the age of 18.
Low Cut Connie’s Adam Weiner on Parking Lot Meals and Touring with a 400-Pound Piano
Adam Weiner, pianist and frontman of Low Cut Connie, talks about driving himself to gigs in his own Hyundai while the band and crew travel in a 15-passenger van, rehearsing in a 200-year-old barn in New Jersey, and why he wishes he had learned the business side of music earlier than he did.
Charlie Marie on Her Favorite Road Snacks and Why Music Is Her Calling
Rhode Island country singer-songwriter Charlie Marie talks about making this the first year she has earned her entire income from music, the first sync placements of her career with songs set for Dutton Ranch and Ransom Canyon, and why she rehearses alone in front of a mirror.
Gráinne Duffy on a Collapsing Touring Economy and Her Horse Barn Studio
Irish guitarist, singer, and songwriter Gráinne Duffy talks about growing up working in her parents’ shop and fuel station and why she believes having something to say matters more than playing great.
Futurebirds’ Thomas Johnson on Breaking 2.73 Strings a Show and Nurturing Income Streams
Thomas Johnson of Athens, GA’s Futurebirds talks about retiring the band’s old van “Paco” on the side of a Georgia road, rehearsing in a space that exists only in his imagination, and the TV-repair gig he took without ever being qualified for it.
Grey DeLisle and James Intveld On Singing Telegrams, Rick Nelson, and the Bing Crosby Plan
Grey DeLisle and James Intveld talk about a lesson in how to strum a guitar (James), a successful side hustle (Grey), and being in charge of one’s own destiny (Grey & James).
John Gallagher Jr. On Tour Van Rentals and Social Media Content
John Gallagher Jr. Talks about why he doesn’t rent a permanent rehearsal space and the weather report for lower to mid level touring acts these days.
Thomas Csorba on Truck-Camping and Memorializing Moments in Time
Texas singer-songwriter Thomas Csorba talks about what he does to keep busy in the sometimes-boring greenrooms far from home, a fan-favorite EP that can no longer be found, and experience gained working as a talent buyer for a Texas venue owner / promoter.