Singer-songwriter Ruston Kelly talks about rehearsing at home, working at a chicken plant when he was 20, and the time that his tour bus caught on fire.
Monday Morning Video – Three from Allen Toussaint
I got sucked down the Toussaint rabbit hole this weekend. And what a rabbit hole it is. The legendary New Orleans songwriter, producer, and musician has influenced so many during his illustrious career. Here are a trio of Toussaint compositions that became staples for other artists: “What Do You Want the Girl to Do” (Bonnie […]
SXSW 2024 – Say What?!
One of my favorite things about SXSW (well, after the music) are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from SXSW 2024. Concert, hit play. Matthew Caws kicking off his set a few minutes early That’s how I do the requests. I just wait for someone to […]
SXSW 2024: The Sounds, Part 3
The Lottery Winners My last official SXSW set was delivered by one of my fave new artist discoveries – England’s The Lottery Winners. The band’s energy, combined with the positivity of their songs, made for a cathartic experience. Ben Kweller Kweller treated a Friday night crowd to a set filled with rockin’ fan favorites. Power […]
SXSW 2024: The Sounds, Part 2
Alejandro Escovedo I’d like to say that Escovedo is the elder statesman of SXSW, which he undoubtedly is, but it really doesn’t do him justice. He rocked SXSW as hard, arguably harder, than musicians a fraction of his age. I caught him three times through the week, each appearance unique. The stand-out was a small […]
SXSW 2024: The Sounds, Part 1
Kathleen Edwards I don’t recall this ever happening before, but this year I kicked off SXSW with one of my favorite sets of the week. Kathleen Edwards performed solo (save a brief appearance by Lauren Morrow on harmony vocals), highlighting songs from throughout her illustrious career plus a new one. Attitude, charm, and great music. […]
Robert Jon Burrison on Playing Live and Early Days Working as a Barista
Robert Jon Burrison of Southern California’s Robert Jon & the Wreck talks about the Johnny Cash vibe of his first song and shares the name of the band’s new tour van.
Monday Morning Video – The Trews
This feels like a week that would be best kicked off with some rock and roll. And who better to do so than Nova Scotia, Canada’s The Trews. The group is currently touring to celebrate the 20th anniversary of House of Ill Fame, their debut full-length release. I caught them a few weeks ago in […]
Dan Forsyth of Driftwood on Fixing a Broken Fuel Pump and Trusting One’s Instincts
Guitarist and songwriter Dan Forsyth of upstate New York rock group Driftwood talks about 25 years spent rehearsing in the basement of a bandmate’s parent’s house and working at Cracker Barrel.
Monday Morning Video – Allison Russell
Allison Russell has firmly established herself as one of today’s most dynamic artists. From the profoundness of her songwriting to the fervor of her performances, she is clearly fueled by a creative ambition that inspires audiences and fellow artists alike. Here she performs the title track from last year’s outstanding The Returner.