Eef Barzelay of Clem Snide talks about what happens when he breaks a guitar string and memories of working as a NYC tour bus guide.
Jon Cleary on Fixing a Broken Tine and Keeping A Diary
New Orleans singer-pianist Jon Cleary talks about his favorite employment agreement, playing freeform jazz at his first gig, and the inspiration for his first song (just don’t ask him what the song means).
Sierra Hull on Tour Bus Breakdowns and Always Finding New Hills to Climb
Mandolin virtuoso Sierra Hull recalls the bribe that got her to take the stage for the first time and talks about taking time to stop and smell the roses.
Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill on Front Porch Rehearsals, First Gigs, and 3am Lobby Calls
Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill celebrate the release of their debut collaborative album by talking with us about, among other things, their favorite non-music gigs and a staple tour food
Ashleigh Flynn on Her Start in Songwriting and Savoring the Golden Moments
Portland-based Americana artist Ashlynn Leigh talks about avoiding corporate food chains, working for a health and housing non-profit, and “The Willie Way”.
Adam Reed of Michigan Rattlers on Oil Painting and Hometown Gigs
Bassist Adam Reed of Michigan Rattlers talks about the time the band’s van got robbed and the importance of likes and follows.
Shane Alexander on European Hotels and Being Entrepreneurial
Los Angeles musician Shane Alexander talks about the song that he wrote for his grandmother, the robbery at his old rehearsal space, and time spent shaping Christmas trees.
Olivia Ellen Lloyd on Apples, Joni Mitchell, and Monel Guitar Strings
County singer Olivia Ellen Lloyd talks about avoiding the toxic feedback loop of the music business, the time she out guitar-guyed a guitar guy, and the story behind the first song that she wrote.
Kira Annalise of The Waymores on Gas Station Pizza and Touring in Wheelie Nelson
Kira Annalise of Atlanta-based The Waymores talks about the pro and the con of how music distribution works today and shares a favorite line from the first song that she and partner Willie Heath Neal wrote together.
Chris Berardo On a Tense Songwriting Session and an Alabama Breakdown
Singer-songwriter Chris Berardo talks about the first dollar that he ever made in the entertainment business and recalls an old manager’s advice.