Legendary singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell shares a few favorite Texas restaurants, talks about legislating music in the internet age, and declines to reveal a state secret.
Jacob Groopman – Through the Gates
I love it when musicians do musical side projects. It usually means they’re passionate enough about something they’ve made time for it despite all the other demands for their attention, and the result generally reflects that passion. Such is the case with the album from Front Country multi-instrumentalist guitar player Jacob Groopman, entitled Through the […]
Grayson Jenkins on Side Hustles, Handling Rejection, and “Vincent Van Goat”
Kentucky singer-songwriter Grayson Jenkins talks about the best investment that he’s ever made, working as a carpenter, and Krispy Krunchy chicken tenders.
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2021 (So Far), the Songs
Breaking a Heart/The Wind’s Just Gonna Blow, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, and Jon Randall (from the Sony Music Nashville release The Marfa Tapes) If you thought their song “Tin Man” was achingly beautiful, they’ve got a few more from their time in Marfa that just might make your eyes a little misty. I couldn’t decide […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2021 (So Far), the Albums
J.T. by Steve Earle & The Dukes Steve Earle’s moving tribute to his late son Justin Townes Earle is an emotional gut punch. Yet beyond the tragedy of the younger Earle’s passing, the elder Earle’s performances of his son’s songs highlight their shared gift of songwriting and storytelling mastery. Be warned, though, that the closing […]
Monday Morning Video – True Believers
The feels like a week that calls out for rock and roll. One of the great shoulda been huge rock purveyors were Austin, Texas’s True Believers. Three singer-songwriters, three guitars, and a pounding rhythm section – it doesn’t get much better. Here’s a vintage clip of the group performing “The Rain Won’t Help You When […]
Bhi Bhiman on Rudyard Kipling, Caddyshack, and a Band Named “Hippie Grenade”
Singer-songwriter Bhi Bhiman talks about breaking in new guitar strings and finding a more reliable income stream.
Shay Martin Lovette on Networking and Finding Clean Eats on the Road
Boone, North Carolina-based Shay Martin Lovette talks about working at a vaccine clinic and blowing out a tire outside Asheville.
The Wandering Hearts on The Band’s Taco Game and The Power of Saying No
UK trio The Wandering Hearts talk about mud at summer festivals and Doris, the cat at their favorite studio.
Monday Morning Video – Ben de la Cour
Ben de la Cour’s 2020 album Shadowland overflowed with stark tales and flawed characters, none the more so than “Anderson’s Small Ritual”. De la Cour has just announced a planned follow-up, no doubt as dark – and wonderful – as the last. Learn more about the album here.