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 […]
Jillette Johnson on Teaching Yoga and Taking Her Wurlitzer on Tour
Singer-songwriter Jillette Johnson talks about playing an NYC bar at the age of 12, getting robbed while on tour, and sharing her rehearsal space.
John Paul Keith on Leather Jackets, Telecasters, and Record Stores
Memphis artist John Paul Keith talks about a memorable ordeal in an Arizona desert, and alphabetizing records, and living in a fertile musical city.
J.R. Jones on Attic Rehearsals and His Quest for the Perfect Set of Guitar Strings
J.R. Jones talks about finding a decent cup of coffee, working as a bread baker, and how the music industry is like a knife fight.
New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers, Vol. 2
Sequels are so often disappointing, but not this time. Last October, Stony Plain released a great set of jam sessions featuring blues masters Charlie Musselwhite and Alvin Youngblood Hart, together with former Squirrel Nut Zipper Jimbo Mathus, North Mississippi Allstars brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson and their father Jim that were recorded in 2007. Now, […]