Singer-songwriter Brian Mackey talks about his first gig – a Holiday Inn in New Jersey – and the plethora of day jobs that he’s done over the years.
Cody Dickinson on Stealing His Brother’s Guitar Strings and Avoiding Tour Buses
Cody Dickinson talks about his home studio in Mississippi, winning his kindergarten talent show, and why he memorizes music rather than using charts.
James Felice of The Felice Brothers on Touring in a Winnebago and Circumnavigating the Pit of Poverty
James Felice of The Felice Brothers on his special recipe “The Feasting Bowl”, rehearsing in a chicken coop, and his first gig in NYC.
John Davis of The Folk Implosion on RX Bars, AI, and Expensive Guitar Strings
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.