Andrew James O’Brien and Catherine Allan – Fortunate Ones – talk about the benefit of in-ear monitors and the importance of maintaining a semblance of consistency and routine while on tour.
Shanna In A Dress – Robot
There’s one in every high school class. The kid that’s smart enough to talk to the geeks, hip enough to be accepted by the cool kids, and sincere enough to be liked by the parents. I’m pretty sure Shanna Hoar, musically known as Shanna In A Dress, was one of those kids. She just released […]
Monday Morning Video – James McMurtry
James McMurty may not be the most prolific songwriter – he’s released two albums in the past 11 years – but he sure is consistent. His catalog is rock solid, a songwriter’s songwriter who tells brilliant character-driven stories that accompany well-crafted melodies. And don’t forget that he is one heck of a guitar player – […]
Mike Stevens – Breathe In the World, Breathe Out Music
At the next Twangville town council meeting I’m making a motion to adopt “Municipal Harp Day” in honor of the best new recordings by blues and roots harmonica players. Along with Charlie Musselwhite’s new release, Canadian harmonica virtuoso Mike Stevens in May released his remarkable Breathe in the World, Breathe Out Music. Stevens has been […]
Monday Morning Video – Dallas House Show Preview
In Dallas-Ft. Worth? Can you get to Dallas-Ft. Worth? If so, come join Twangville next Sunday as we host a backyard concert with a few stellar artists – Alex Wong from Nashville, TN, Wood Willow from Oklahoma City, OK, and DFW’s own Brandon Callies. Here’s a preview playlist that highlights songs from each artist’s latest […]
Fredrik Saroea on Ritchie Valens, Metallica, and His Accountant
Fredrik Saroea talks about the basement speakeasy at his rehearsal space, how his 2020 album came to be, and sticking with his old crew.
Monday Morning Video – Vintage Steve Earle
Steve Earle just released Jerry Jeff in honor of the late Jerry Jeff Walker, the latest in his series of albums paying tribute to songwriters that have inspired him. Here’s a vintage clip of him reminiscing about several others, including Townes Van Zandt – for whom “Ft. Worth Blues” was written.
Folk Alliance International Conference 2022 – The Music
As I mentioned in my previous post, I had the privilege to attend this year’s Folk Alliance International conference in Kansas City last week. There are all kinds of industry panels and how-to seminars, but for me the highlight is always the music. There are Official showcases, held in the various hotel ballrooms, and Unofficial […]
Folk Alliance International 2022 Conference
There is a long list of associations promoting music and providing resources to artist members and guests, from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (the Grammy people) down to local bluegrass organizations in the hollers of Appalachia. Most of them have some sort of festival or event as a fund-raiser, not only to […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2022
Southern Intentions, Wood Willow (from the self-released Southern Intentions) Oklahoma’s Wood Willow – the duo of Becca Herrod and Joel Parks – introduce themselves in fine fashion with Southern Intentions, Wood Willow (from the self-released Southern Intentions). Their debut’s ten tracks shift effortlessly between between sweet (“You’ve Got Me”, “Birds”) and brooding (“On With the […]