John Davis of indie folk duo The Folk Implosion talks about rehearsing in an uninsulated attic, working in the rare books department of Harvard Medical School, and aging in music with grace.
Grace Pettis on Her Dream Touring Vehicle, Protein Shakes, and Defining Success
Singer-songwriter Grace Pettis talks about Kickstarter campaigns, songs that she wrote as a child, and building a community.
Ordinary Elephant on Building a Tour Van and their Favorite Snack
Lousiana duo Ordinary Elephant – Crystal and Pete Damore – talk about meeting at an open mic, their approach to rehearsals, and why lighting is so important to them
Eden Brent on Toyota Minivans and Living Room Jam Sessions
Blues artist Eden Brent talks about breaking a piano string at the British Embassy in Washington, her apprenticeship with Abie “Boogaloo” Ames, and the joy of performing live.
Alisa Amador on Old Guitar Strings and Saying “No” More Than “Yes”
Singer-songwriter Alisa Amador talks about not owning a tour vehicle, being a master snack packer, and the mystery of the music business.
Big Head Todd on Tour Breakfasts and Being a Light to One’s Self
Todd Mohr of Big Head Todd and the Monsters talks about making mods to the band’s Mercedes Sprinter tour van and working as a bicycle mechanic.
Chris Colbourn of Buffalo Tom on Tour Van History and Reading Marcus Aerelius
Chris Colbourn of Boston rock band Buffalo Tom recalls a teenaged J Mascis, who would produce their first album, showing up at their first gig and talks about the band’s rehearsal space, sandwiched between AC/DC and Billy Joel cover bands.
Matthew Milia of Frontier Ruckus on Tour Van Names and His Dad’s Guitar
Matthew Milia of indie folk band Frontier Ruckus talks about working in advertising, winning a battle of the bands, and making salsa in a hotel sink.
Ruth Moody on Her Band Scrüj MacDuhk and an Epic Trip to Louisiana
Ruth Moody, solo artist and a founding member of The Wailin’ Jennys talks about touring with a portable kettle (oatmeal in the mornings, tea for the day) and shares a tip on how to revive droopy vegetables.
Tim Easton on Thai Food and the Importance of Songs
Nashville singer-songwriter Tim Easton shares tales of his tour van, recalls the first song that he wrote, and the food on which he spares no expense while touring.