Several years ago I voted for Jason Isbell’s Southeastern as #1 in our annual album poll. I kind of surprised myself at the time, because as awesome as the record was, the subject matter of many of the songs was dark. I found myself having to steel up a little before I hit play. I […]
The Sea The Sea on Hard Won Lessons and Touring with a Blender
Mira Stanley and Chuck E. Costa of The Sea The Sea talk about why they can’t tour with a harmonica and recall the first songs that they wrote.
Non Duo – In Your Eyes
I’ve been writing reviews for over a decade, and I listen to a bunch of things I never write about. Plus, stints on the radio and owning too many records. In all that time, I’ve never heard an album start and end with the same song, only in English and Russian. I have now. Better […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2020, Part 2
Fine, Bonnie Whitmore (from the Aviatrix Records release Last Will & Testament) Bonnie Whitmore lulls you in with a chorus of harmonies on the opening track to her latest album. But before one can settle into the lushness, a fuzzy bass, quickly joined by ominous strings and a resonating electric guitar, interrupts to create a […]
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”.
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, […]
Arlo Guthrie on Boiling Guitar Strings and Making a Living in Folk Music
Legendary singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie talks about a way to eat healthy while on the road, the vow that he made after his first gig, and remembering what you thought you forgot.
Garrett Owen on Homemade Jerky, Merch Sales, and Stairwell Rehearsals
Fort Worth-based artist Garrett Owen talks about a moment of food regret while on tour and what he wishes he took rather than music sight-reading classes.
Suzi Ragsdale Premiere – Live Until You Die Video
Sometimes you just have to give in to temptation and root for the favorite. That’s kind of how I felt when I heard Suzi Ragsdale’s new EP, Ghost Town. Suzi has toured with Guy Clark and Darrell Scott. She’s sang on over 60 albums from a who’s who of Nashville, and had her songs recorded […]