One of my musical discoveries during the lockdown was Sarah Shook & the Disarmers. Their brand of pounding country punk was the perfect soundtrack with which to give fate the middle finger. And underneath the attitude, there were a lot of good songs. So I was looking forward (deservedly so, it turns out) to their […]
Adrian + Meredith – Bad For Business
One of the things I find so intriguing about music is how an artist, citing the same influences as their peers, can nonetheless produce a totally unique sound. Current Nashville residents Adrian + Meredith exemplify that on their latest album, Bad For Business. Listing unsurprising inspirations like Bruce Springsteen, Nina Simone, and Aretha Franklin, the […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2019, Boston/Dallas Edition
I’m fortunate to be able to explore and enjoy the music scenes of two cities – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local. LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER (BOSTON YOU’RE MY HOME) LULA WILES, What Will We Do What Will […]
Raymond Watts On The Pillow Fight At His First Gig And Why He Prefers Tour Vans Over Buses
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Thomas Turner of Ghostland Observatory Talks About a Big Band Expense and Keeping Things in Perspective
Ghostland Observatory’s Thomas Turner talks about touring in FBI cruisers and why it’s important for musicians to keep things in perspective.
William Ryan Key on Playing in a Band Called “Backwash” and Working Hard to Never Need a Day Job
Former Yellowcard singer-songwriter William Ryan Key compares his previous and current rehearsal spaces and talks about why he works so hard to never have a day job again.
Joachim Cooder – Fuchsia Machu Picchu
Listening to Joachim Cooder’s EP Fuchsia Machu Picchu, it’s easy to see how his famous father Ry Cooder got the atmospheric feel that dominates many of the tracks on The Prodigal Son, released last month. Cooder the Younger, who turns 40 later this summer, has been a drummer, percussionist and keyboardist on his father’s team for many […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2017, Part 1
Don’t Tell Me to Smile, The Mastersons (from the Red House Records release Transient Lullaby) The husband and wife team of Chris Masterson and Bonnie Whitmore continue to refine their sound on the glorious Transient Lullaby. The duo thoughtfully explore the foibles of contemporary relationships with a studied blend of thoughtfulness and realism. The arrangements […]
Well You Heard About The Boston… Playlist, Part 2
Climb the Ladder, The Rationales (from the self-released Upstream) I’m a sucker for great power pop and have long enjoyed The Rationales, who have consistently been among Boston’s finest practitioners. Their latest release not only continues that trend, it raises the bar a few notches higher. The band’s line-up has evolved over the past few […]
Mink’s Miracle Medicine – Song Premiere
Hailing from Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, Mink’s Miracle Medicine is primarily the brainchild of Melissa Wright and Daniel Zezeski. Â Melissa approaches music with her background in Americana and formal training from Berklee College of Music, while Daniel comes at things from a punk and ska band experience. Â Their upcoming album, House Of Candles, has a […]