For me, the true harbinger of spring is the arrival of the SXSW conference and festival in Austin, Texas. Or rather, spring begins for me when I arrive in Austin for the annual event. With upwards of 1,000 artists and tens of thousands of attendees from around the world, SXSW is the world’s premiere music […]
Blue Moon Marquee – New Orleans Sessions
Going to sound like my dad here, but I’ll challenge anyone not to tap your toes listening to the new upbeat, old-timey New Orleans Sessions from Canadian duo Blue Moon Marquee. The duo, which features A.W. Cardinal on vocals and guitar and Jasmine Colette on vocals and upright bass, captures a unique feel they’ve dubbed […]
Yonder Mountain String Band – Nowhere Next
Although the roots go back further, the progressive, jam grass arm of the itself-upstart bluegrass genre really started hitting its stride about 25 or 30 years ago. One of the handful of bands that’s been around since then is Colorado’s Yonder Mountain String Band. Their 11th studio album, Nowhere Next, has just come out, and […]
Fruition – How To Make Mistakes
It’s an interesting idea, being a prisoner to your own success. You start out with your dreams, work your tail off, and then find out what got you to where you are is what’s holding you back from your future. Portland, Oregon’s Fruition found themselves with a little bit of that happening when the pandemic […]
John Davis of The Folk Implosion on RX Bars, AI, and Expensive Guitar Strings
John Davis of indie folk duo The Folk Implosion talks about rehearsing in an uninsulated attic, working in the rare books department of Harvard Medical School, and aging in music with grace.
Oliver Wood – Fat Cat Silhouette
Every morning when he isn’t on the road, Oliver Wood starts the day in his designated writing chair with a cup of coffee. Many of the songs from “Fat Cat Silhouette”, Wood’s second solo record, began taking shape in that chair. The contemplative feeling of meditation/prayer and a morning coffee is what sets the mood […]
Rachael Sage on the Magical “Tour Bubble” and Writing Ad Jingles
NYC-based alt-pop artist Rachael Sage talks about finding success internationally, tour snacks, and rehearsing in her old studio apartment.
Rachel Garlin – The Ballad of Madelyne & Therese
Something you don’t see much of anymore is an album that fills multiple roles, not just as something to listen to but also an accompaniment to a theatre presentation or as a scripted performance piece. San Franciscan Rachel Garlin has gone down that road with her new record, The Ballad of Madelyne & Therese. Besides […]
SXSW 2023 – The Sounds, Part 2
ANNIE HAMILTON A favorite new artist discovery for me – great pop songs wrapped in an indie rock package, delivered by one of the most captivating performers that I saw all week. WILLIAM PRINCE I caught Canada’s Prince two times within twelve hours, first closing out the Canada House line-up at 1am on Wednesday night […]
SXSW 2023 – The Scene
For me, the true harbinger of spring is the arrival of the SXSW in Austin, Texas. Or rather, spring begins for me when I arrive in Austin for the annual event. With upwards of 1,500 artists and tens of thousands of attendees from around the world, SXSW is the world’s premiere music conference. Even better, […]