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.
Reckless Kelly Talk About Frank The Tank and Starting Their Own Label
Cody Braun and Jay Nazz of Reckless Kelly dish on getting paid $5 and a Roy Rogers drink at an early gig and years spent living paycheck to paycheck. They also explain why cab drivers knew their Austin house by name.
Gary Nicholson on Avoiding Rehearsals and Not Chasing Trends
Gary Nicholson describes his early gigs playing at the legendary Ft Worth Cellar and time spent welding fins on bombs.
Sour Bridges – Neon Headed Fool
Sometimes, when you hear music coming out of Austin you realize that it just couldn’t come from anywhere else. The songwriting style of Guy Clark and Townes van Zandt from back in the day; the fiddle and accordion Tejano influences; the dance halls of central Texas; it’s all there. That’s what struck me most about […]
My Mind Must Be Back in Boston – A Special Playlist
Reckless Heart, Todd Thibaud (from the self-released Hill West) Singer-songwriter Todd Thibaud decamped to rural Vermont to craft his latest album. He returned to Boston with a collection of songs somber and introspective, no doubt reflective of the environment in which it was born. Stark but nuanced arrangements play into the pensive nature of the […]
John Paul White on His Approach to Rehearsals and a Sam’s Club Romance
Singer-songwriter John Paul White talks about why his friends don’t let him borrow their guitars and why there is nothing that he knows now that he wishes he knew at the start of his career.
Megg Farrell & Friends – Megg Farrell & Friends
Imagine if Patsy Cline took the stage at a smoky old jazz club, backed by a string band. Or better still, Diana Krall guesting on vocals with Heybale! at the Continental on a Sunday evening in Austin. That juxtaposition is a good way to think about the self-titled, debut album from Megg Farrell & Friends. […]
David Ball on Playing for the People and Having the Right Team
David Ball on why he prefers salads while touring and the day job that lasted a month when he moved to Nashville.
Monday Morning Video – The Texas Teens
There’s a talented group of young musicians establishing themselves in Dallas. Their choice of musical genre may vary but they share a determined commitment to craft that shines bright in their music. If they are any indication, our musical future is in good hands. Have a listen to Parker Twomey, Remy Reilly, Frankie Leonie and […]