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.
Joe Larson of TopHouse on Working as a Landscaper and Covering Rusted Root
Singer, guitarist, and banjo player Joe Larson of TopHouse talks about a song called “Teddy Bear” and being willing to laugh at oneself.
Jojo Garza of Los Lonely Boys on Renovating Houses and a Missed Gig
Jojo Garza of Texas family trio Los Lonely Boys talks about touring in planes, buses, and automobiles, the learning curve on how to be band frontmen, and finding the balance between life and a music career.
Pete Mancini on Subaru Breakdowns and Buc’ees BBQ Sandwiches
New York singer-songwriter Pete Mancini talks about touring with Jimmy Webb, a love/hate experience at his first gig, and sharing Tom Petty’s definition of success.
Ron Pope on BBQ, Natty Light, and The Last Great Watering Hole
Nashville singer-songwriter Ron Pope talks about rough times at his earliest gigs, working security at an overpriced jeans store, and learning from whom – and from whom not – to accept suggestions.
Joel Timmons on Diversification and Teaching Geology
South Carolina reared, Nashville-based Joel Timmons talks about roadside tour van repairs and building long lasting relationships in the music business.
Hattie Webb on Tom Petty, Leonard Cohen, and the Gift of the Moment
English singer/songwriter/harpist Hattie Webb talks about getting advice from tour bus drivers, time spent in Tom Petty’s rehearsal space, and a meaningful non-music day job.
Johnny Hickman of Cracker on Renting Tour Vans and the “Steely Dan” Method
Cracker co-founder Johnny Hickman talks about his strategy for avoiding overpriced breakfasts while on tour, why he enjoyed his last non-music day job, and the song that he wrote for Elvis.