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 […]
Yonder Mountain String Band – Get Yourself Outside
Some bands stay fresh through a process of having two or three core members and a rotating lineup of additional musicians and collaborators. Others have a more stable roster and view the infrequent change as a breath of fresh air and insurance against getting stale. Such is the case with Yonder Mountain String Band, who […]
Sarah Shook on a Tour Game Changer and Staying Hydrated
Sarah Shook talks about avoiding gas station fare, trying not to avoid the neighbors during band practices, and bartending at in Chapel Hill, NC.
The Sound of the Sea – A Premiere from Mary Lee’s Corvette
I’ve never attended the Outlaw Country Cruise but I’ve no doubt it’s an amazing experience. The line-up is always filled with an incredible array of artists – a who’s who of Twangville faves. Among those appearing this year is Brooklyn-based Mary Lee’s Corvette. Mary Lee Kortes is apparently so excited about the cruise that she […]