2024 isn’t quite over but it’s not too early to start thinking about 2025. Fort Worth’s Matthew McNeal, alongside his long-time collaborator Andre Black, tease an album to be released next year with a gem of a song. A sublime melody, the wail of a pedal steel guitar, and McNeal’s plaintive vocals come together to […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2024, Part 2
Behind The Eight/Count Your Blessings, Michael McDermott (from the Pauper Sky Records releases East Jesus and Lighthouse on the Shore) For nearly a decade, Michael McDermott has been on a creative tear, releasing more albums in that period than many artists create during their entire careers. And apparently he’s not interested in slowing down; rather, […]
Ben Chapman on Guy Clark, Chick-fil-A, and the “Wantcha Back Blues”
Nashville singer-songwriter Ben Chapman talks about the time his tour van was almost stolen, the band he performed with at his first gig, and the business of the music.
Arlen Roth – Playing Out the String
With Arlen Roth, it’s all about the guitar. Having shared stage or studio with Bob Dylan, John Prine, Paul Butterfield, Loudon Wainwright III, Ry Cooder, Rory Block, Eric Andersen and many others, Roth has been long established as a “go to” session man or sideman on tour. Originally from New York City, Roth started a […]
CJ Lewandowski of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys on Preventative Maintenance and Oatmeal Cream Pies
CJ Lewandowski, mandolinist and bandleader of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, talks about the ebb and flow of music economics, getting their start as the house band at a Tennessee moonshine distillery, and the time that they had to use a broom handle as the key to their tour bus.
Jeremy Dion – Bend In the Middle
It’s not unusual for musicians to have day jobs while they’re getting established, and frequently continuing it throughout their careers. You can read about many of them in our Why It Matters column. This is the first time, though, I’ve heard about the day job being a mental health therapist. Such is the case with […]
Lindi Ortega on Side Hustles and Being Grateful
Singer-songwriter Lindi Ortega talks about the ghost that haunts her rehearsal space, touring in a self-described clown car, and how her prom dress inspired the first song that she wrote.
Bonus Monday Video – Twangville Showcase Preview, The Covers
Hannah Aldridge, Kellen Asebroek, and Trapper Schoepp – all of whom are performing at tonight’s Twangville showcase in NYC – have been known to sprinkle some fun covers in their sets. We’re not promising that they’ll do so tonight but figured that we’d give you a taste of what might happen. Hard to go wrong […]
Monday Morning Video – Twangville NYC Showcase Tonight!
Last call for tonight’s Twangville showcase in NYC! Hannah Aldridge, Kellen Asebroek, and Trapper Schoepp will share the stage for a stellar evening of songs and stories. Here are a trio of videos – one from each artist – to get you ready. First up is Hannah Aldridge performing “Dream of America”, the title track […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2024
Give It To Me One Last Time, Jeremie Albino (from the Easy Eye Sound release Our Time in the Sun) Canada’s Jeremie Albino traveled to Nashville to record an album steeped in Memphis and Muscle Shoals soul. In Nashville, Albino teamed with Dan Auerbach to create an outstanding album that has a retro feel without […]