One of the good things that’s come out of the pandemic is that quite a few musicians, normally consumed full-time with being part of a band, have used the time to challenge themselves and make a solo record. Sometimes the musical style veers afield from what their band normally plays. One of the better examples […]
We’ll Go Walkin’ – A Special Dallas Playlist
The City, Brandon Callies (from the Hand Drawn Records release Sunrise Diner) Sunrise Diner, born of heartbreak, is not a happy album. Nonetheless, it is immensely satisfying as Brandon Callies blends melody and melancholy into regal pop songs. Opener “The City” sets a sorrowful tone, describing the singer wandering seemingly deserted city streets trying to […]
John Smith on Nick Drake and Spending More Time with the Pen
Songwriter and guitarist John Smith talks about working in a comic book shop and a boozy tour bus breakdown while on the road with David Gray.
Hillary Grace Fretland on Gas Station Taquitos and Working at a Wine Bar
Singer-songwriter Hillary Grace Fretland of Fretland talks about finding leftover snacks in the band’s rehearsal space, stealing lyrics from Drew Barrymore.
Grace Pettis – Working Woman
As the daughter of singer-songwriter Pierce Pettis and poetry scholar Dr. Margaret Mills Harper, it is no surprise that Grace Pettis turned out to be a powerful songwriter herself. Raised in both the rural mountains of Mentone, Alabama and the suburbs of Atlanta, her music reflects both traditional roots and modern styles. Her powerful voice […]
Zach Schmidt on Pandemic Day Jobs and Building a Rehearsal Space
Nashville (by way of Pittsburgh) singer-songwriter Zach Schmidt talks about Mama Jo, his luxury touring ride, and keeping his focus on the songs.
Monday Morning Video – Celebrating Levon Helm at the Ryman
Levon Helm is an Americana, hell, an all-around music legend who we lost nine years ago today. Here are two celebrations of the man at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The first is a Levon Helm’s Ramble show from 2009 and features the man himself, as well as John Hiatt, Sheryl Crow, Buddy Miller, Sam […]
Amy Speace – There Used To Be Horses Here
We should all be thankful musicians find writing songs to be cathartic. Amy Speace has taken inspiration from the first birthday of her son, and the passing of her father, to deliver an emotional, passionate new record. Entitled There Used To Be Horses Here, it’s a natural fit for vinyl with two pretty distinct parts […]
Parker Millsap on Band Dynamics, Kurt Vonnegut, and Streaming Service Algorithms
Parker Millsap talks about retrieving a stolen tour van (and amp), ordering off-menu at Taco Bell, and what motivated him to build a career in music.
SXSW 2021 – The Sounds
The most indelible musical memory is the ubiquitous SXSW theme music that opened every event. That aside, here are some musical favorites from SXSW 2021 Sir Woman Wild Child’s Kelsey Wilson steped out with a beautifully soulful set that highlighted tracks from her debut EP. Wilson, accompanied by two background vocalists, an electric guitarist and […]