All that time with no gigs to play has resulted in some really good music being written. The latest example of that comes from Joshua Rilko, founding member of Lindsey Lou and the Flatbellies, and mandolin-about-town for the likes of Sierra Ferrell, Billy Strings, and others. He came up with 11 new songs, about half […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Feb/Mar 2022, Part 1
The Ballad of Sissy & Porter, The Whitmore Sisters (from the Red House Records release Ghost Stories) There’s a throwback quality to the Whitmore Sisters’ Ghost Stories. Sure, sisters Eleanor and Bonnie have magical familial harmonies that recall The Everly Brothers. It’s the songs and arrangements, however, that hearken back to a bygone era when […]
Yonder Mountain String Band – Get Yourself Outside
Some bands stay fresh through a process of having two or three core members and a rotating lineup of additional musicians and collaborators. Others have a more stable roster and view the infrequent change as a breath of fresh air and insurance against getting stale. Such is the case with Yonder Mountain String Band, who […]
Sarah Shook on a Tour Game Changer and Staying Hydrated
Sarah Shook talks about avoiding gas station fare, trying not to avoid the neighbors during band practices, and bartending at in Chapel Hill, NC.
Monday Morning Video – The Sadies
We lost another great talent this past week with the passing of Dallas Good, co-founder of Canada’s treasured The Sadies. In addition to the group’s own prodigious output, they have collaborated with countless friends and admirers, including Neko Case, John Doe, Justin Townes Earle, Gord Downie, and countless others. Good’s passing is another tragic loss […]
The Sound of the Sea – A Premiere from Mary Lee’s Corvette
I’ve never attended the Outlaw Country Cruise but I’ve no doubt it’s an amazing experience. The line-up is always filled with an incredible array of artists – a who’s who of Twangville faves. Among those appearing this year is Brooklyn-based Mary Lee’s Corvette. Mary Lee Kortes is apparently so excited about the cruise that she […]
VanWyck Video Premiere – Maybe, Maybe Not
Singer-songwriter VanWyck started taking notice of all the people adrift, washing up on the steps and benches of her native Amsterdam. Realizing the gap between their demons and the ones we all fight is narrow, she started writing a story, a landscape, an alternate reality where everyone has a safe space, a place to recover […]
Good Morning Bedlam – Lulu
Rochester, Minnesota-based Good Morning Bedlam says, “we want to surprise our audience.” Ostensibly a folk music trio, they accomplish that feat admirably on their latest album, Lulu. The record careens between indie folk and speed-grass, with side trips to Balkan jazz, klezmer, and Roaring 20’s pop music. One thing that does remain constant is the […]
Jackie Bristow on Honda Civics and Her SongCatcher Program for Kids
Singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow talks about the price of guitar strings in New Zealand and writing songs as a love-struck teenager.
Tinsley Ellis on Songwriting and His 6th Grade Talent Show
Blues guitarist Tinsley Ellis talks about working in a medical library and why it’s a good time to be a music listener.