Country musician Brennan Leigh talks about noshing like a trash panda and saying yes to one’s self.
Laura Cantrell on the “Reward Reflex” and An Early Songwriting Challenge
Country singer Laura Cantrell talks about her shared rehearsal space and getting advice from Eric Ambel after her first gig.
Kiss Off – a Special Twangville Playlist, Part 7
A few times over the years I put together a series of special playlists featuring my favorite kiss off songs. Despite what some may think, I’m really not that cynical. Rather, I just appreciate how some songwriters can tackle the topic with humor and bite. It’s kind of like a genre unto itself. There have […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2023, Part 1
Rockaway, Brian Dunne (from the Kill Rock Stars release Loser on the Ropes) Brian Dunne sets a clear tone for his latest album with its title. Loser on the Ropes chronicles life in a troubled world, focused on the personal rather than the geo-political. The characters in his songs are often taking stock of their […]
Logan Halstead – Dark Black Coal
Comfort is a small town in southwest West Virginia. As the saying goes, it’s a place to be from, not where you want to go. A kid growing up there knows from an early age they want out. But like a socio-economic black hole, that’s easier said than done. Poverty has a way of desensitizing […]
Zach Williams of The Lone Bellow on RX Bars, Love, and Asbestos
The Lone Bellow’s Zach Williams talks about “The Green Monster” (not the one in Boston) and working as a realtor.
Jill Rogers and Crying Time – Many Worlds Theory
I’m not sure the debate over nature versus nurture will ever get resolved, but there’s no doubt you absorb some of the culture of anywhere you live for an extended period of time. My proof point to that is the title track from Oakland’s Jill Rogers and her band Crying Time’s latest album, Many Worlds […]
SXSW 2023 – The Sounds, Part 4
SIR WOMAN Sir Woman celebrated their 2023 Austin Music Awards Band of the Year award by, well, playing all over town. I caught their last set – on Sunday afternoon – where singer-songwriter Kelsey Wilson led the group, including featured vocalists Spice and Roy Jr., through a wonderous and soulful performance. GOODNIGHT TEXAS Another band […]
SXSW 2023 – The Sounds, Part 3
ROANOKE Another on my short list of new to me artists for me this year was Roanoke. They bore more than a passing resemblance to the fictional Daisy Jones and the Six in both song and spirit. A good thing in my book. JAKE BLOUNT Jake Blount is a true student of American music. So […]
Ryan Humbert of The Shootouts on Graphic Design, Streaming Radio, and Cliches
Ryan Humbert of country band The Shootouts talks about being in a band of foodies, selling their old tour vehicle, and lessons learned along the way.