“We took our chances, sure enough / I am brambles / But I am tangled in your love.” Gregory Alan Isakov’s words in his new record speak for themselves and and like a rare stone sparkle either on the page as poetry or as slow burning acoustic ballads that burrow into the listener’s consciousness. These […]
Monday Morning Video – Ruby Boots
My first encounter with Ruby Boots was an acoustic set when she opened for the Waifs. As much as I enjoyed that show, it did little to prepare me for the fire and fury when she fronts a band. It’s something to behold. Although the video quality is a bit rough, here’s Boots and company […]
Sweet Caroline – A Special Boston Playlist
By Degrees, Mark Erelli & Friends (from the benefit single By Degrees) Several of Mark Erelli’s longtime friends and collaborators join him for a special song written in response to the tragic gun violence in America. While the artists are an impressive group – Rosanne Cash, Sheryl Crow, Lori McKenna, Anais Mitchell, and Josh Ritter […]
Michelle Malone Shares Ten Tips for Building a Career in Music
Michelle Malone discusses the steady decline in recording music income and recalls playing drums in her first band.
Halloween Video Premiere – Jon Hatchett Band
Happy Halloween! Â We’re happy as all get out to premiere a perfect Halloween video today. Â It’s from New Orleans-based Jon Hatchett Band. Â I make mention of the geography, because it’s important to the story here. Hatchett commented that New Orleans is a place that feels like Halloween all year round. Â I can attest to the […]
Travis Meadows Recalls the First Song He Wrote and Explains Why He Avoids Day Jobs
Songwriter Travis Meadows talks about the benefit of left-overs while touring and why he’s never been good at projecting where his career will go.
Brother Dege on “Van Quixote” and Rehearsing in Near-Condemned Buildings
New Orleans artist Brother Dege describes his band’s frugal touring strategies, some colorful day jobs and overcoming shaky hands at his first gig.
In Memoriam – Tony Joe White
Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s I lived in Chicago. Â Popular music, whether created in Nashville or Los Angeles, wasn’t capturing my ears or heart. Â Fortunately, I could go down to North Halsted any night of the week and hear blues from some of the greats; Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Otis Rush, Sugar […]
Jacob Groopman of Front Country on the Lure of Combo’s Baked Snacks and Why Music is a Full-Time Job
Front Country’s Jacob Groopman talks about yelling, crying and light wrestling at rehearsals and a future that will either be more money or hellscape.
Nobody’s Girl Discuss The Importance of Hustling, Both Financially and in Pursuit of Career Goals
The members of Austin trio Nobody’s Girl talk about the value of a good cooler while touring and cranking the rehearsal space PA as loud as they can. Member Grace Pettis also shares a song she wrote when she was 10 years old.