Back last summer I ran across the debut album from LA-based Greg Felden. I noted at the time he set an emotional tone with the songs and several of them were driven by a rock and roll guitar sound. He also did a bit of introspection on some of the acoustic numbers. Well, he’s turned […]
Gordy Quist of The Band of Heathens on Quality Pour-Over Coffee and the Path to Writing Good Songs
Singer-songwriter Gordy Quist of The Band of Heathens talks about The Finishing School studio, a brief stint as a substitute teacher (with an accompanying apology to substitute teachers that he had as a child), and why music can be personal therapy.
Jackson Emmer on the “Get Discovered” Fairytale and Chasing Todd Snider
Colorado-based Jackson Emmer recalls getting paid in French fries at his first gig and talks about making one’s own opportunities.
Isaac Hoskins on Channeling Steve Earle and Finding Freedom from Doubt
Denton, TX singer-songwriter Isaac Hoskins reflects on the first of his 10,000 hours in music, a tour van with some musical history, and his definition of “making it”.
Sam Morrow – Gettin By On Gettin Down
Sam Morrow’s previous release “Concrete and Mud†walked the line between Country and Rock. This made sense given the songwriter was Texas born but had moved to Los Angeles. He was definitely fusing his roots with his newfound locale on the record. It was also a successful fusion and garnered much critical acclaim. On his […]
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2020
I already knew the Hellman family had challenged the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass staff to come up with a worthy alternative to the annual musical gathering in Golden Gate Park the first weekend in October. I knew they had been shooting video with various artists in music towns like Austin, Nashville, and of course San Francisco. […]
Trae Sheehan on a Stocked Cooler, Sound Engineering, and Painting Fences
Singer-songwriter Trae Sheehan talks about touring in a minivan without hub caps and the first song that he wrote (which contained only two chords).
Bonnie Whitmore on Gluten Free Touring and Not Wasting Time on Regret
Austin-based Bonnie Whitmore talks about why she named her first tour vehicle “Shirley” and shares some life advice she saw written on a dive bar bathroom wall.
Monday Morning Video – Steve Earle Mini Acoustic Set
An acoustic mini-set from Steve Earle is a fine way to kick off the week, right? It includes the Earle classics “Copperhead Road” and “Guitar Town”, along with his Guy Clark tribute “Goodbye Michelangelo” and a cover of the Allman Brothers’ “Midnight Rider”.
Thriving Roots 2020 – Mayer’s Highlights
THE SCENE It’™s a glass half empty, glass half full kind of situation. The Americana Music Association awards and conference is an event that I eagerly await and always enjoy every year (mild understatement). A chance to catch up with friends both old and new, gain some knowledge at the panel discussions, and, of course, […]