New York singer-songwriter Pete Mancini talks about touring with Jimmy Webb, a love/hate experience at his first gig, and sharing Tom Petty’s definition of success.
Monday Morning Video – Robbie Fulks
Let’s spend Monday morning talking about Saturday night, courtesy of Robbie Fulks. The Fulks catalog covers a broad spectrum, from songs raw and honest to those that are comical and entertaining. At his best, however, he combines the two into songs that are imminently catchy but have a serious undercurrent. “Let’s Kill Saturday Night” is […]
Ron Pope – American Man, American Music
There’s a famous lyric from Hank Williams, Jr., that asks “why must you live out the songs that you wrote.” In the case of Nashville’s Ron Pope, his signature move is the reverse: to write songs about the life he’s lived. You can argue that’s what many songwriters do, but in Pope’s case he has […]
“Beautiful Mess” – a Premiere From Olivia Ellen Lloyd
After taking a hiatus from music, Olivia Ellen Lloyd returned to music a few years ago. And it’s a damn good thing that the she did. The Brooklyn by way of West Virginia singer-songwriter is a special talent. She’s fearless in her songwriting, a refreshing reminder of what country music can be. “Beautiful Mess”, her […]
Ron Pope on BBQ, Natty Light, and The Last Great Watering Hole
Nashville singer-songwriter Ron Pope talks about rough times at his earliest gigs, working security at an overpriced jeans store, and learning from whom – and from whom not – to accept suggestions.
Joel Timmons on Diversification and Teaching Geology
South Carolina reared, Nashville-based Joel Timmons talks about roadside tour van repairs and building long lasting relationships in the music business.
Monday Morning Video – Garth Hudson and The Band
We lost a giant last week with the passing of Garth Hudson, the last surviving member of The Band. The group The classically trained multi-instrumentalist was a quiet force within the group, one whose contributions helped define their sound. Here are a few choice Garth moments. First, “The Genetic Method/Chest Fever” where Hudson’s expansive solo […]
Dave Murphy Song Premiere – If I Could Fly
Not a lot of Twangville artists call New Jersey home. They may hail from there, but they make their way to Nashville or Austin or LA. For Dave Murphy though, the life and events that inspire the best country and folk songs had no problem finding him in the Garden State. Over the last couple […]
Everett Wren – Cascades
Something I’ve noticed lately is how many musicians identify now as multi-instrumentalists. The idea isn’t new–every professional musician I’ve ever known plays multiple instruments. What is new perhaps is the willingness to showcase those talents in a more public way, whether to play them in a live show or highlight them on a record. An […]
The Twangtown Paramours – The Wind Will Change Again
You’re no doubt familiar with the idea that two people know each other so well they can finish each other’s sentences. In the case of Nashville couple MaryBeth Zamer and Mike T. Lewis, also known as The Twangtown Paramours, they know each other so well they can finish each other’s songs. As MaryBeth notes, “I […]