I realized recently that I think maybe a duo is the optimum configuration for a “band”. I’m sure some psychologist could explain it, but it just seems the shared sound comes through more purely. Bands tend to have a leader and it’s generally obvious who that it is. With a duo, everything just seems more […]
Laurie Lewis on Spatial Relationships and Finding Banjo Strings in Hawaii
Bluegrass artist Laurie Lewis talks about playing a biker bar and the environmental impact of touring.
Pam Tillis on a Notable Wedding Present and Keeping a Travelogue
Country singer Pam Tillis talks about the first management contract that she was offered and why she researches the towns that she visits while on tour.
Monday Morning Video – A John Prine and Steve Goodman Classic
Let’s kick off the week with another John Prine classic. “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” was written by Prine and his good friend Steve Goodman. It later became a hit single for David Allan Coe, no doubt earning Prine and Goodman some fine mailbox money. It is humorously referred to as the […]
Sarah Siskind – Modern Appalachia
With most of us home full-time now, it’s fortuitous that Sarah Siskind is releasing a musical tale of discovery of her home this week. Entitled Modern Appalachia, it weaves together lyrical musings of her recent mountainous lifestyle and fusion jazz instrumental influences. All of it gels into an autological definition of modern Appalachia. Several songs […]
Newski Tells It Straight: A Twangville Premiere
One of the joys of Twangville is having a somewhat front row seat to watch the arc of an artist’s career. We’ve been fans of Brett Newski and his music for many years now. We’ve watched him transition from a solo musical nomad, touring relentlessly with acoustic guitar in hand, to a more seasoned road […]
Anthony da Costa on Tour Per Diems and the Difference Between Hope and Expectation
Singer-songwriter Anthony da Costa on balancing a solo career with life as a side person and why he should never work in a guitar store again.
Andy Dunnigan of The Lil Smokies on an Early Songwriting Lesson and Why He’s Happy Now
Andy Dunnigan, singer and dobro player with The Lil Smokies, recalls working in Glacier National Park, and early gigs playing lounge music, and a 3-day tour breakdown.
Monday Morning Video – A Long Monday Without John Prine
Gonna be a long MondaySittin’ all alone on a mountain by a river that has no endIt’s gonna be a long MondayStuck like the tick of a clock that’s come unwound again and again As we mourn the loss of the wit, wisdom, and humanity of John Prine, here’s a collection of artists paying tribute […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2020, Part 1
FEATURED ALBUM Trouble Don’t Follow Me, Christopher Paul Stelling (from the Anti- Records release Best of Luck) Christopher Paul Stelling has never been much of a conformist. While many artists are expressing anxiety and frustration with the state of the world, Stelling has decided to celebrate harmony and contentment. It’s all the more noteworthy for […]