Some bands have a birthing moment, a specific date they first played together. Others form in what is probably best described as an organic fashion. The latter is the case with Santa Cruz’s AJ Lee & Blue Summit. Two of the members, mandolinist AJ Lee and guitarist Sullivan Tuttle, first performed together with his siblings […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2024 (So Far), the Songs
Better By Now, Heather Little (from the Need to Know Music release By Now) “I’ve wasted a lot of love being wrong, I learn too late and I stay too long,” in this haunting tale of heartbreak, “I oughta be better by now but I got mixed up with you somehow.” So Glad You Made It/Go All […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2024 (So Far), the Albums
Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat by Fantastic Cat The sum is greater than the part with this collective of four singer-songwriters. Each of the four brings their own personality and songwriting style to the group, but they compliment one another beautifully. The songs crackle with intelligence and humor, all the better when the […]
Monday Morning Video – Twangville in NYC on July 15th
Twangville is back in NYC for another great show! Join us on Monday, July 15th at Heaven Can Wait for a singer-songwriter showcase featuring Mando Saenz, Graham Weber, and Parker Twomey. Here’s a trio of videos that will give you a taste of what to expect at the show. First up is Mando Saenz’s “As […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2024
So Glad You Made It, Fantastic Cat (from the Missing Piece Group Records release Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat) Fantastic Cat showcase their humor by maintaining a countdown clock until they’re eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, prominently displayed at their shows. Yet, it’s not entirely a joke – if […]
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.
Monday Morning Video – Antonio Lulic
As I’ve written before, I generally listen to my music on shuffle. I love the surprise of not knowing what song is coming next, all the more so when it surprises me with a one that I haven’t heard in a while. Such was the case last week with Antonio Lulic’s “Hey, It’s OK”. I […]
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
Monday Morning Video – Justin Townes Earle
Justin Townes Earle was taken from us at the much too young age of 38. He left behind an incredible catalog of songs striking and profound. Later this summer New West Records will release a double album of rarities that include demos, live performances, and covers. In the meantime, here’s one of my favorite Earle […]
Oliver Wood – Fat Cat Silhouette
Every morning when he isn’t on the road, Oliver Wood starts the day in his designated writing chair with a cup of coffee. Many of the songs from “Fat Cat Silhouette”, Wood’s second solo record, began taking shape in that chair. The contemplative feeling of meditation/prayer and a morning coffee is what sets the mood […]