Singer, songwriter, and fiddle player Phoebe Hunt talks about why she became a vegetarian, life running two businesses, and why different types of gigs each have their own place.
Arielle Silver Video Premiere – Rickie Lee
One of the pleasant surprises I had at this year’s Folk Alliance conference was lucking into a performance from LA transplant Arielle Silver. After several sets of protest and grievance-laden anthems, her mix of sophisticated, reflective songs were a welcome respite. Talking with her afterwards, it was nice to hear a musician just enjoying her […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2023
Alameda, Anna Rose (from the White Pony/Electric Child Music release Last Girl of the Rodeo) Anna Rose doesn’t pull any punches – lyrically or musically – on Last Girl of the Rodeo. The LP cycles through the collapse of a relationship, bleeding raw emotion as it does. The deeply brooding “Whatever Gets You Through the […]
Steep Canyon Rangers – Morning Shift
The sun was in my eyes. Or maybe more appropriately, the banjo was in my ear. Like many people I’m sure, my first exposure to North Carolina’s Steep Canyon Rangers was the first record they did with Steve Martin. It established them in my mind as a bluegrass band, and then they proceeded to build […]
Dana Cooper on Duct Tape Car Repairs and Time Spent Driving a Cab in LA
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Dana Cooper talks about the view from his rehearsal space and becoming the lead singer of his high school band (and what happened after he did).
Monday Morning Video – Whitney Rose and Brennen Leigh
Both Brennen Leigh and Whitney Rose are celebrating newly released albums – Rose’s Rosie was released back in May while Leigh’s Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet arrived in June. But let’s take it back two years to 2021 when the two teamed up to cover Concrete Blonde’s classic “Joey”.
Monday Morning Video – Jimmy Buffett
We lost another legend this weekend with the passing of Jimmy Buffett. Buffett’s legacy stretches beyond music that is revered by countless fans. He also helped shape the business of music, creating an empire that made him a cultural icon. It’s hard to pick just one classic from a catalog that is filled with them. […]
Lauren Calve on MacGyver Car Repairs and Finding a Musical Community
Singer-songwriter Lauren Calve talks about an old Washington D.C. musician rite of passage and being creative about the business side of music.
Birds of Play – Birdsongs of the American West
There are plenty of examples where a musician’s geographical home bears no resemblance to the music they’ve made their own. City boys playing outstanding country music or kids from Minnesota inhabiting the sounds of musica Norteña from Mexico, for example. In the case of western Colorado-based, string band Birds of Play, the relationship seems to […]
Teddy Thompson on Food Deserts and the End of Royalties
Singer-songwriter Teddy Thompson talks about his fruit and vegetable fund, working at a hair salon, and the meaning of “JFP”.