Americana singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale talks about “chopping wood”, a rare missed gig and how has income has gradually shifted in the last ten years.
Bonus Monday Video – Remy Reilly & Vandoliers
Teenage singer-songwriter Remy Reilly counts many Dallas-Fort Worth musicians among her fans. Case in point is Vandoliers and John Pedigo, who join her for her latest single. The song is called “Burn” – and that it certainly does. Bonus points for the AC/DC t-shirt….
Monday Morning Video – Dave Alvin on the 8th of July
Sure, the 4th of July was last week. But every day is a good day to listen to Dave Alvin’s classic “4th of July”. Although the song was originally recorded by X, Alvin included it on 1994’s King of California. To celebrate the album’s 25th anniversary, Alvin is releasing a re-mastered and expanded edition. Alvin […]
Derek Senn – How Could A Man
Central California musician Derek Senn’s latest album, How Could A Man, creates a kind of musical black hole. As you approach it, the shining light (or in this case, the lyrics) tells you of its existence, and tempts you to come closer. As you circle about it though, you realize there’s no escape. Time becomes […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2019 (So Far), the Songs
Canyon, Joshua Ray Walker (from the State Fair Records release Wish You Were Here) Talk about making a statement on your debut album. Walker’s moving acoustic ballad is both a highly personal reflection on his father’s battle with cancer and his own desire to be a better person. Simply stunning. Full Moon Goodbye, Michael McDermott […]
Robert Earl Keen on Learnable Skills and A Litany of Day Jobs
Singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen talks about finding good food while on tour, working as a roughneck and Larry’s Mexican Food Restaurant in Rosenberg, Texas.
Wood Robinson of Mipso on Going All-In and Why You Shouldn’t Text and Drive
Mipso bassist Wood Robinson talks about the coolest that he’s ever felt at a gig and the rehearsal space that forced them to take breaks when it rained.
Monday Morning Video – A Premiere from Melanie Brulee
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Melanie Brulee took to the road to find inspiration for her latest album. And not just any road, but the legendary Route 66. Although song titles like “Oklahoma Rain†and “Pretty Wasteland†suggest a travelogue, it’s more the spirit of the adventure that inhabit the songs that inhabit the songs that ultimately came […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2019 (So Far), the Albums
Orphans by Michael McDermott It speaks volumes about Michael McDermott’s songwriting prowess that the songs that make up Orphans were originally written for his last few albums but were left sitting on the shelf. In some ways this is fairly relaxed record by McDermott standards, but it still packs a powerful emotional punch. Key Tracks: […]
Chris Stamey on Roller Rink Gigs and the Economic History of Pop Music
North Carolina musician and producer Chris Stamey talks about touring in a 737, rehearsing in a slingshot shack and the magic of creating string and wind arrangements for himself and others.