Miss Tess talks about the virtues of pho and the hazards of humidity, dealing with a broken down van while listening to Bill Frisell and the benefit of blindly throwing herself into the music business.
Steve Barton Reflects on a Few Firsts (Song and Gig) Plus Some Memorable Day Jobs
Steve Barton recalls a memorable first gig playing to people with names like “Hippie John” and “Flower Child Doris” and describes how the first song that he ever wrote finally saw the light of day thirteen years after it was written.
Ted Drozdowski of the Scissormen on His “No Burgers, No Fries” Rule and Learning to Treat Music as a Business
The ringleader of Nashville’s Scissormen talks the benefits of driving a “soccer mom” van, writing a jingle for a fictional funeral parlor and why he’s like Donald Trump.
Eilen Jewell Talks Diapers, Burritos and a Van Called White Lightnin’
Eilen Jewell reflects on mixing motherhood and rock-and-roll, a holiday-inspired first song and the less glamorous side of touring.
Uncle Lucius Share a Few Scary Tour Van Moments and How They Are Embracing the Evolution of the Music Industry
Josh Greco of Uncle Lucius reflects on his path from high school jazz band to life as a full-time musician “spreading good vibes.” He also adds another gem to our list of great tour van names.
Jamie Lin Wilson on Keeping a Journal and Avoiding the”Bright Lights of Fast Food Joints”
The Texas singer-songwriter talks about traveling with children (not her band), playing to a packed room for her first gig and working in the family business while pursuing her musical career.
Ryan Montbleau Talks About Sharing a House With Bandmates and Not Taking Yourself So Seriously
Ryan Montbleau reflects on the economics of the music business (with a contrarian view on streaming), crawling out from a ton of debt, and breaking fewer guitar strings as he gets older.
Frank Turner Talks About His First Gig, His Last Day Job and Trusting Your Own Judgement
Frank Turner reveals something of which he is proud and something that he has never owned.
Danny Vines of Banditos Shares Tour Stories and Why He Wishes He Had Apprenticed as a Mechanic
The Banditos bassist talks about why he doesn’t write lyrics and the challenge in trying to find time to practice while spending 200 days a year on the road.
Paul Lacques of Double Naught Spy Car & I See Hawks In LA On Rehearsal Studios and Never Turning Down a Gig
Paul Lacques of Double Naught Spy Car and I See Hawks in LA shares the first song he wrote and talks about why he doesn’t miss industrial rehearsal spaces.










