Sugar-loaded Christmas ballads aside, if there was ever a holiday that lends itself to a soundtrack, it’s Halloween. Pacific Northwesterner E. Ray Bechard was thinking a parallel thought, though more of a soundtrack to a movie in his own head. He pulled together some musician friends, now known as This Lonesome Paradise, and they headed […]
Elijah Ocean on His Online Merch Store and Touring in a Chevy Express
Elijah Ocean recalls various day jobs that he didn’t like and explains why his living room has no couch.
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2021
What’s the Matter, James McMurtry (from the New West Records release The Horses and the Hounds) Even in the shittiest of years – and the past two years have been beauts – new music from James McMurtry is always a bright spot. In fact, given the songwriter’s infrequent album releases – The Horses and the Hounds is […]
Vicki Loveland and Van Duren on Tour Snacks, Bruno Mars, and Flying Cars
Vicki Loveland and Van Duren talk about relationship, rather than van, breakdowns and not being able to predict the future.
Monday Morning Video – The 2021 Americana Music Awards
UPDATE: The full show video is no longer available so we’ve added a brief highlight clip. One of the most memorable experience of the annual Americana Music Association conference is the awards show. Held at the historic Ryman Auditorium, it is a tremendous celebration of music and musicians as well as host to some memorable […]
Americana 2021: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
AHI One of my AMA highlights was hearing AHI preview his forthcoming album Prospect. The setting was his producer Paul Mabury’s home studio, nestled in the mountains south of Nashville. A handful of us sat in the studio with AHI, Mabury, and several of the musicians who appeared on the album. In between listening to […]
Americana 2021: Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Going back through the schedule to consider the highlights is always a frustrating experience. Not only is it tough to feature just […]
2021 AmericanaFest – Shawn’s Favorites
After taking last year off for the pandemic, AmericanaFest was back in (almost) full swing again. A few artists decided not to do their show, the number of venues was scaled back, and vax requirements were in effect. However, combined with most attendees exercising common sense and respect for fellow music lovers, the overall vibe […]
2021 Americana Music Awards
It was good to be back. The annual awards show, held at the fabulous Ryman Auditorium, is always a highlight of my musical year. First, how can you not favor any show at the Ryman. The acoustics, the atmosphere, the decor, it would make any event special. Second, although showcases have starting creeping in ahead […]
Tony Kamel on Why He Loves Touring Solo and His Downsized Home Rehearsal Space
Tony Kamel talks about working in healthcare before launching himself into music and what happened when a friend told him to relax when he played his first gig.