AHI One of my AMA highlights was hearing AHI preview his forthcoming album Prospect. The setting was his producer Paul Mabury’s home studio, nestled in the mountains south of Nashville. A handful of us sat in the studio with AHI, Mabury, and several of the musicians who appeared on the album. In between listening to […]
Americana 2021: Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Going back through the schedule to consider the highlights is always a frustrating experience. Not only is it tough to feature just […]
Tony Kamel on Why He Loves Touring Solo and His Downsized Home Rehearsal Space
Tony Kamel talks about working in healthcare before launching himself into music and what happened when a friend told him to relax when he played his first gig.
Sean Rowe on Tour Foraging and Trusting His Instincts
Singer-songwriter Sean Rowe talks about finding inspiration in Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” and why he doesn’t like the sound of new guitar strings.
Monday Morning Video – The Accidentals
Michigan’s The Accidentals continue to shine brightly. They have just released the Vessels, the latest in a brilliant string of releases since they began their careers while still in high school. This gem is from their early 2021 release, Time Out Session 1.
Dar Williams on Symbolism, Hotel Coffee, and Learning New Technology
Singer-songwriter Dar Williams recalls working at a gardening store, talks about going on an “apologetic charm offensive” when she breaks a guitar string, and explains why her 2013 Prius is “more of a symbolic plug-in”.
The Furious Seasons – Home All Day, Home All Night
Most musicians used the forced isolation of the pandemic for inner reflection, or going back and polishing some partially finished work. Los Angeles-based trio The Furious Seasons instead created a musical documentary of a life-changing period of time, entitled Home All Day, Home All Night. Songwriter and guitarist David Steinhart has a particular gift for […]
Martin Sexton on His Last Day Job and Finding Great Food While on Tour
Martin Sexton talks about thumpy, muted guitar tones and why he switched his solo tour vehicle from a Land Cruiser to a Suburban.
Monday Morning Video – Two Cow Garage
20 years is a long time in pretty much any context, but it’s a lifetime for a rock and roll band. Columbus, Ohio-based Two Cow Garage will be celebrating that milestone later this week – Saturday, September 4th to be exact – the date that they held their first band rehearsal 20 years ago. They […]
AJ Lee & Blue Summit – I’ll Come Back
Although not as well known as what’s happening in the Rockies or Appalachians, there’s a strong bluegrass scene in the northern California Bay Area. The most famous product of that community right now is undoubtedly Molly Tuttle. But there are several other emerging talents, notably AJ Lee and her band, Blue Summit. In fact, Lee […]