Back in 2012, Bruce Springsteen made the trek to Austin for SXSW. Aside from giving the keynote address, he and the E Street Band played the 2,750 capacity Moody Theater. He, accompanied by some special guests, led the crowd in an amazing sing-along of Woody Guthrie’s classic “This Land Is Your Land”. Said guests included […]
Everett Wren – Cascades
Something I’ve noticed lately is how many musicians identify now as multi-instrumentalists. The idea isn’t new–every professional musician I’ve ever known plays multiple instruments. What is new perhaps is the willingness to showcase those talents in a more public way, whether to play them in a live show or highlight them on a record. An […]
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.
Bonus Monday Video – Peter Yarrow
“Puff the Magic Dragon” is one of folk music’s greatest songs. Sure, songs like “This Land Is Your Land” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” epitomize folk’s socio-political spirit. Yet I ask you this: how many songs have been – and continue to be – sung by generations of children. I’m fairly certain just hearing the […]
Monday Morning Video – Sam & Dave
When I think back to the pivotal artists that cemented my lifelong love of music, Sam & Dave rank high on the list. I stumbled across the Atlantic Records R&B Anthology and was immediately drawn to Sam and Dave’s magic. The energy, the songs, the voices – they were all something special. Sam Moore passed […]
The Twangtown Paramours – The Wind Will Change Again
You’re no doubt familiar with the idea that two people know each other so well they can finish each other’s sentences. In the case of Nashville couple MaryBeth Zamer and Mike T. Lewis, also known as The Twangtown Paramours, they know each other so well they can finish each other’s songs. As MaryBeth notes, “I […]
The Twangville Early 2025 Preview
Astrovan: The Love Song Vignettes by Humbird (10 Jan) Humbird’s slow trickling of singles over the past couple months has us primed for their newest full length. Landing somewhere musically between Bjork and Neil Young, these short tunes showcase Siri Undlin’s sweet vocals. (Todd Mathis) Bloom by Larkin Poe (24 Jan) Megan and Rebecca Lovell […]
Tommy Castro on Protein Shakes and a Favorite Non-Music Day Job
Soul-blues rocker Tommy Castro talks about playing for beer at his first gig and reflects on what blues music has become.
Monday Morning Video – Lucero Unplugged
Memphis’ Lucero personify fortitude and commitment to craft. For more than two decades, the group has delivered a steady mix of boisterous rock songs and heartbreaking ballads, much to the delight of fans who turn their live shows into high octane sing-along affairs. At the core, however, are the songs. And what better way to […]
Ian Fisher on His Favorite Regional Foods and The Future of Local DIY Scenes
Singer-songwriter Ian Fisher talks about his philosophy of guitar strings and rehearsing on his family’s farm in Missouri.