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 […]
Ted Russell Kamp Video Premiere – Home Away From Home
Life on the road is hard. Â As the glass of water metaphor describes, though, optimists and pessimists see that challenge differently. Â You can put Ted Russell Kamp firmly in the former. Â Between his own performances and as a long-time member of Shooter Jennings’ band, Kamp gets double the opportunity to travel. Â On his latest record, […]
Jimbo Mathus on Rehearsing in an Old Fire Station and Working to Stay Afloat
Jimbo Mathus recalls riding multiple tour vans into the ground, time spent working as a deck hand for the Canal Barge Company in New Orleans and a blessed career without health insurance.
Tim Bluhm – Sorta Surviving
There’s nothing like going to the source of your inspiration to really understand its intricacies. Â Californian Tim Bluhm, of The Mother Hips, did just that when he decided to do a country music album. Â Sorta Surviving was recorded at Johnny Cash’s cabin-cum-studio, and features A-list players like Jesse Aycock on guitar and Elizabeth Cook on […]