I’m fortunate enough to live in an area with a tradition of supporting live music. Â It’s not Austin or Nashville, but Santa Cruz holds its own when it comes to getting some great Americana tour stops. Â I’m also lucky enough to be able to travel to some music festivals every year. Â So while I don’t […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2014
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2014. And the War CameShakey Graves The Shipwreck From the ShoreAnthony D’Amato HealStrand of Oaks Parker MillsapParker Millsap All or Nothin’Nikki Lane Common Ground: Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill BroonzyDave Alvin and Phil Alvin Eli Paperboy […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2014
This has been a great year in music, a feast for the ears but a challenge when it comes to picking my favorite albums for the year. A good problem to have, I suppose. Without further ado…. #1. MATTHEW RYAN, Boxers Ryan has never been one to pull his punches so why should we expect […]
Dom Flemons On the Path From His First Gig to Winning a Grammy
Dom Flemons, co-founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, talks about how he and the band pass time in their tour van, stocking up on harmonicas and finding success in the music industry.
Brett Newski’s Salute to Holiday Shopping
Here’s a song for your shopping soundtrack courtesy of Milwaukee-based troubadour Brett Newski.
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2014, Part 1
ALBUM OF THE MONTH Chasing Beauty, by Ellis Paul Ellis Paul long ago established his credentials as a folk musician. He is an astute observer of the world around him who excels at transforming stories into song. In recent years he has shifted a bit from his folk roots, flexing more of his acoustic pop […]
Brett Newski on Parking in Detroit and Why the Merch Table Is Important
Brett Newski speaks about the difference between tour meals in the US, Europe and South Africa, the peculiarities of his old rehearsal space and the role of fan support in building a successful career in music.
Sid Griffin on Rehearsing in the Basement and the Future of the Music Industry
Sid Griffin talks about a pub called the Betsey Trotwood and the similarities between the whaling industry in the 1800’s and the music industry today.
Ellis Paul on Touring in a Honda CR-V and Selling Fewer CDS (But More Books)
Ellis Paul talks the hazards of tour driving and building a successful career in the music industry. Plus, he shares a lyric from the first song he ever wrote.
Lac La Belle – A Friend Too Long
As I sit here starting to write this review, I Â realize it”s somewhat appropriate that tonight is Halloween, when costumed children pretend to be someone they wish they could be and costumed adults pretend to be someone (or something) they don”t want to be. Â The latest record from Detroit-based Lac La Belle, A Friend Too […]