Several years ago Twangville had a cousin blog that ran an artist interview series called “Why It Matters”. The interview questions were somewhat light-hearted but served a real purpose: to shine a light on the investments and sacrifices that artists make to build sustainable careers and why fan support matters. More than 80 artists participated […]
Bill and the Belles Talk Fun Day Jobs and The Band’s Quest for the Best Cheese Puff
Bill and the Belles reflect on avoiding gas stations and dollar menus while touring, the hound dog that guards their rehearsal space and the difference between a full-time job and a full-time salary.
Paolo Von Giordano of New Diplomat Talks About the Band’s Multi-Purpose Rehearsal Space and Shares His Tips for Writing Songs
Paolo Von Giordano of electronic indie rock band New Diplomat talks about trying to eat healthy while on tour and why the band waited before scheduling their first gig together.
Blake Miller of Moving Units on Eating an Apple a Day and the Benefits of Learning Accounting
Blake Miller of dance-punk band Moving Units talks about the skill that changed the game for him in the music business and writing his first song for a Christian rock band at the age of 14.
Adam Carroll on Avoiding Complacency and His Envy of Darrell Scott’s RV Camper
Texas singer-songwriter Adam Carroll talks about not (yet) being fired as a sideman in his wife’s band and why his tour vehicles are SUVs rather than RVs.
Beaver Nelson Reflects on a Career Spent Painting Houses and Making Records
Austin singer-songwriter Beaver Nelson talks about bartering for guitar strings, the virtues of good gas mileage and touring with massive amounts of Diet Cokes and granola bars in the trunk.
Doug MacMillan of The Connells Makes Sparks at the Gas Station and Finds Cheap Eats on the Road
Doug MacMillan of the Connells on working with record companies (his present one excluded) and songs 1 through 7.
Juliet Simms on Rockin’ a Kia Hybrid and Getting Fired From Her First Job
LA by way of Florida singer-songwriter Juliet Simms talks about why getting sick before her first gig turned out to be a good thing and how she earns a living in, or rather alongside, the music industry.
Daro Behroozi of Lucky Chops Dishes on Cooking on a Tour Bus and Why the Band Rehearses in Front of Mirrors
Daro Behroozi, saxophonist for Lucky Chops, recalls the band’s early tours via the NYC subway, discusses the connection between nourishment of appetite and soul and a day, or rather night, job guarding against fires in empty buildings.
Matt Bigland of Dinosaur Pile-Up Shares a Cure for Tour Anxiety and Sums Up His First Gig in 4 Words
Dinosaur Pile-Up singer-guitarist Matt Bigland describes life touring in a van that is on its last legs and recalls a memorable night mopping the floors at the bar where he was working. He also talks about the balance between being poor and finding job security.