I’m fortunate enough to live in an area with a tradition of supporting live music. Â It’s not Austin or Nashville, but Santa Cruz holds its own when it comes to getting some great Americana tour stops. Â I’m also lucky enough to be able to travel to some music festivals every year. Â So while I don’t […]
Curtis McMurtry on Playing At a Bar Mitzvah and One Definition of Music Industry Success
Curtis McMurtry talks tour strategies, his first gig (at a Bar Mitzvah) and band battles in the rehearsal space.
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2014
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2014. And the War CameShakey Graves The Shipwreck From the ShoreAnthony D’Amato HealStrand of Oaks Parker MillsapParker Millsap All or Nothin’Nikki Lane Common Ground: Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill BroonzyDave Alvin and Phil Alvin Eli Paperboy […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2014
This has been a great year in music, a feast for the ears but a challenge when it comes to picking my favorite albums for the year. A good problem to have, I suppose. Without further ado…. #1. MATTHEW RYAN, Boxers Ryan has never been one to pull his punches so why should we expect […]
Readers’ Pick: MARK KOZELEK, Sings Christmas Carols
You picked MARK KOZELEK, Sings Christmas Carols as your favorite holiday album of 2014. Don’t forget to vote in our weekly poll:
Ronnie Fauss Talks Mini-Vans and What It Takes to Find Success
Ronnie Fauss shares his touring strategy, rehearsing in his neighbor’s garage and the value of little victories in building a career in music.
Monday Morning Video: Uncle Tupelo
How about some vintage Uncle Tupelo (circa 1994) to start your work week? Why yes, that sounds good.
Chris Batten of Enter Shikari on the Path from Selling CDs (at Woolworths) to Making Them (for Themselves)
UK-based rock quartet Enter Shikari talk about the time that their tour van was impounded by the police and how they found success in the music business.
Say What?! Fall 2014 Edition
One of my favorite things about seeing live shows (well, after the music) are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from Fall 2014. This song is for everyone having a bad day. If you’re having a good day, sit this one out. Andrew Duhon No “Freebird,” […]
Dom Flemons On the Path From His First Gig to Winning a Grammy
Dom Flemons, co-founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, talks about how he and the band pass time in their tour van, stocking up on harmonicas and finding success in the music industry.