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.
Austin Jenckes on Breaking Strings and the Definition of “Be Yourself”
Country singer Austin Jenckes talks about working as a Nashville tour guide and his quest to find a tour van.
Monday Morning Video – Andrew Duhon “No Man’s Land”
Andrew Duhon’s False River was one of my favorite albums from last year. He recently released this stunning video of the melancholy “No Man’s Land”, the beauty of the setting offering a gentle contrast to the song’s forlorn lyrics.
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2019, Part 2
All Some Kind of Dream, Josh Ritter (from the Pytheas Recordings release Fever Breaks) Josh Ritter is one of the most literate songwriters of these times, waxing poetic as easily as unleashing fiery commentary. He sets the tone early on the newly released Fever Breaks with “Ground Don’t Want Me” a somewhat jubilant melody and […]
Mike Jacoby – Long Beach Calling
What came first, the chicken or the egg. Did Mike Jacoby write songs honoring The Clash and Elvis before he knew about the album artwork connection? Or, did he pen one of the songs after discovering the London Calling and Elvis Presley sleeves? Either way, his latest collection of originals, Long Beach Calling, puts an […]