Paul Hunton from Albuquerque, New Mexico’s Dust City Opera talks about rehearsing in an old dance hall, Halloween cover band gigs, and a very memorable day job.
Mayer’s Playlist for Feb/Mar 2022, Part 2
Not Ready Yet, Jamie McDell (from the ABC Music release Jamie McDell) I’ve been not so patiently awaiting the latest release from New Zealand’s Jamie McDell. Her 2019 EP was a tremendous introduction to her songwriting talent, especially the pull no punches “Botox” and the raw emotion of “Worst Crime”. Both songs are featured, alongside […]
The Weeping Willows on Voltaire, Tropical Cyclones, and “Coolio Iglesius”
Australian duo The Weeping Willows talk about their DIY rehearsal space and the day jobs that they envy.
Cactus Blossoms – One Day
They call it blood harmony. It is that special coherent blend that siblings can attain when they harmonize. In the case of The Cactus Blossoms, comparisons are abundant to the Everly Brothers. However, sometimes the obvious is the most apropos. The blend of their vocals seems effortless and gives each song a comfortable, smooth vibe […]
Erika Lewis Song Premiere – Unsatisfied
Guy Clark said that money won’t buy you love or homegrown tomatoes. He could have added seeing Tuba Skinny live to that list. In case you’ve missed it, Tuba Skinny is a musician collective known for their live performances busking in the streets of New Orleans. Drummer and vocalist Erika Lewis is part of the […]
Suz Slezak on Family Tours, Sardines, and Building a Barn
Suz Slezak of David Wax Museum celebrates her debut solo album by talking with us about about family campout in the band’s tour van, road salads (and a memorable incident at a Kentucky rest stop when they were making one), and why her life is unbelievably rich.
Jamie McDell on Authenticity and Signing with a Major Label Early In Her Career
New Zealand singer-songwriter Jamie McDell talks about choosing the lesser evil while on tour and playing a stadium at the start of her career.
Monday Morning Video – Mando Saenz
Here are acoustic versions of two songs from All My Shame, one of my top ten favorite 2021 releases, courtesy of Nashville by way of Texas songwriter Mando Saenz.
Joshua Rilko – Lost Soul/Rock & Roll
All that time with no gigs to play has resulted in some really good music being written. The latest example of that comes from Joshua Rilko, founding member of Lindsey Lou and the Flatbellies, and mandolin-about-town for the likes of Sierra Ferrell, Billy Strings, and others. He came up with 11 new songs, about half […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Feb/Mar 2022, Part 1
The Ballad of Sissy & Porter, The Whitmore Sisters (from the Red House Records release Ghost Stories) There’s a throwback quality to the Whitmore Sisters’ Ghost Stories. Sure, sisters Eleanor and Bonnie have magical familial harmonies that recall The Everly Brothers. It’s the songs and arrangements, however, that hearken back to a bygone era when […]