The dog days of summer have hit most of the U.S. now, with the heat and humidity encouraging a laconic approach to just about everything. Lasers Lasers Birmingham, the musical progeny of L.A.-based Alex Owen, has dropped the perfect soundtrack to it, Warning, with wry observations on everything from ambition to intuition, all to the […]
Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison On A Duct Taped Tour Van and Starting a Label
Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison explain why to avoid the captain’s chair behind the driver in their tour van and why being a duo is better than being a solo act.
Monday Morning Video – Join Twangville in Boston
Hey Boston and Camberville! Twangville is bringing together some incredible New England artists for a special showcase later this month. We’ll be taking over the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge MA, one of our favorite listening rooms, on July 26th for one heck of party. Joining us for the night will be The Silks, Todd Thibaud, […]
Jim Lauderdale on Working At Rolling Stone and Why He’s Excited About the Future
Americana singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale talks about “chopping wood”, a rare missed gig and how has income has gradually shifted in the last ten years.
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2019 (So Far), the Songs
Canyon, Joshua Ray Walker (from the State Fair Records release Wish You Were Here) Talk about making a statement on your debut album. Walker’s moving acoustic ballad is both a highly personal reflection on his father’s battle with cancer and his own desire to be a better person. Simply stunning. Full Moon Goodbye, Michael McDermott […]
Robert Earl Keen on Learnable Skills and A Litany of Day Jobs
Singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen talks about finding good food while on tour, working as a roughneck and Larry’s Mexican Food Restaurant in Rosenberg, Texas.
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2019 (So Far), the Albums
Orphans by Michael McDermott It speaks volumes about Michael McDermott’s songwriting prowess that the songs that make up Orphans were originally written for his last few albums but were left sitting on the shelf. In some ways this is fairly relaxed record by McDermott standards, but it still packs a powerful emotional punch. Key Tracks: […]
Austin Jenckes on Breaking Strings and the Definition of “Be Yourself”
Country singer Austin Jenckes talks about working as a Nashville tour guide and his quest to find a tour van.
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2019, Part 1
Waiting For a Sign, M. Lockwood Porter (from the Black Mesa Records release Communion in the Ashes) M. Lockwood Porter is on a quest, longing to step beyond the anguish and misery he sees around him in hopes of finding a better place, personally and for everyone. The opening – and title – track freely […]
Chuck Mead on His Grandfather’s Advice and the Importance of Listening
Chuck Mead talks about the “Little Shack Out Back” and how canvasing for Greenpeace prepared him to play club gigs.