While out hiking in the woods in her native Pacific Northwest, Brittany Collins started composing a tune telling someone how she was coming to terms with a childhood best left behind. She was determined to forge her own path and not be defined by her family. On further reflection it became obvious that little ditty […]
Caroline Spence on Her “Sweet Old Ride” and Achieving Career Goals
Singer-songwriter Caroline Spence talks about her home writing space, recordings of songs she wrote when she was six, and unlearning things learned early in her career.
Three Summer Gems
A lot of good music is coming out this summer. A number of the releases are shorter records or EPs. That sometimes makes it hard to write a full-length review. In no way does that mean you shouldn’t check them out. Three of my favorites are Nick Pagliari, The Early Mays, and Juliana Nash. Nick […]
Elizabeth Cook on Fresh Produce, Designer Shoes, and Her Tricked Out Tour Van
Nashville singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cook talks about what happened when her band stayed up all night playing video games in her van and why she knows Little Jimmy Dickens and Tammy Wynette’s shoe sizes.
Monday Morning Video – Jason Molina
Jason Molina left us way too young back in 2013. Nonetheless, the prolific songwriter left behind a tremendous catalog, including the brooding – and wonderful – “The Dark Don’t Hide It”. Here are two versions of Molina performing the song – one solo and one with Magnolia Electric Company.
Forrest McCurren – Oh Me, Oh My
Pick any small town in America and there’s a cast of characters you can generally recognize. The former high school football star; the good kid always in the wrong place at the wrong time; the family matriarch who’s the real power behind half the successful people in the county; the favorite cousin that just can’t […]
A Little Boston in Your Attitude – A Special Boston Playlist
Follow, Susan Cattaneo (from the Jersey Girl Music release All Is Quiet) It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that Susan Cattaneo taught songwriting at Berklee School of Music for many years. Her songs are wonderfully crafted, filled with meaning and musical grace. Her latest album may be stripped down in terms of arrangements, […]
Parker Twomey on “Betty White Lightning” and His Hand-Me-Down Guitar
Texas singer-songwriter Parker Twomey talks about letting his guitar strings build character and why it is important to cherish each step of the way.
Eric Ambel on His Favorite NYC Rehearsal Spaces and Why Musicians Break Guitar Strings
Acclaimed musician and producer Eric Ambel talks about downsizing from a Suburban to a “sweet Ford Flex” and a lesson learned from a career in music.
The Brothers Comatose – When It All Falls Apart Video Premiere
San Francisco-based band The Brothers Comatose was formed in 2009 by brothers Alex (banjo, vocals) and Ben (guitar, vocals) Morrison and fiddler Philip Brezina. They added Steve Height on bass and Greg Fleischut on mandolin, and started taking the northern California acoustic music world by storm. Walking the line between jam band and progressive bluegrass […]