Auyon Mukharji of folk quartet Darlingside talks about the virtue of renting a tour van and the band’s first gig, where they opened for a puppet parade.
Dave Alvin on Keeping a Low Overhead and Going Where the Love Is
Dave Alvin talks about working as a fry cook and the most important night of his life.
Ben Roberts of Carolina Story on Gifted Guitar Strings and the Long, Hard Road of Music
Ben Roberts of duo Carolina Story talks about performing at his 13th birthday party, working at a private school, and following in Johnny Cash’s footsteps.
Patterson Hood on Worn Out Tour Vans and Investing in Longevity
Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers talks about “them pretty road cases”, his favorite “straight” day job, and why he feels rich.
Chris Smither on “Real Work” and What Makes Him Happy
Singer-songwriter Chris Smither talks about his cozy and comfy home rehearsal space, early gigs on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, and the first song that he wrote (and that he still occasionally plays)
Griffin Sherry (The Ghost of Paul Revere) on “Skyship Mkll” and Learning from the Lean Years
Griffen Sherry, guitarist for The Ghost of Paul Revere, talks about building custom children’s playhouses, rehearsing in public parks, and brief moments of forgiveness
Karen Jonas on Virtual Tip Jars and Learning As She Goes
Singer-songwriter Karen Jonas talks about state-shaped waffles, broken finger nails, and the melodramatic civil war themed song that she wrote in 11th grade.
John Perrin of NRBQ on Tympani Repairs and Believing That Something Will Happen
Drummer John Perrin of NRBQ talks about getting banned from Enterprise rentals, bothering his parents, and double espressos.
Dawn Landes on Wisdom Teeth and Taking Things Slow
Singer-songwriter Dawn Landes talks about a favorite NYC bookstore and a tour breakdown in the midst of a blizzard.
Joe Funk of Kitchen Dwellers on Hotel Room Noise Complaints and a Litany of Van Names
Joe Funk, bassist for progressive bluegrass band Kitchen Dwellers, talks about tour meal strategies, moonlighting as a structural engineer, and the band’s hourly wage.