Imagine you’re driving through a winding valley deep in the mountains of British Columbia when you happen upon a barn along the side of the road. You stop, open the door to investigate, and it’s a full-on rave; keyboards, synthesizers, flashing strobes, and a bass line threatening to turn your insides to jelly. Oh, and […]
Ben Balmer Premiere – I’ve Got You Under My Skin
Ben Balmer plays with a lot of folks around the Austin area and last fall he released an album, Honky Tonk Macbeth, that featured many of them. He has a new record coming out soon under the moniker of Ben Balmer & Friends, so we can assume that it will likewise feature a number of […]
Ali McGuirk on Tour Salads and How Her Approach to Songwriting Has Evolved
Singer-songwriter Ali McGuirk talks about the optimistic first song that she wrote, forming “The Youngins” with her uncle and brother, and the meaningful day job that she does when not on tour.
Matt Kelly of Dropkick Murphys on the Band’s Rehearsal Space and “Woulda’ Coulda’ Shoulda’, but Didn’a”
Drummer Matt Kelly of Dropkick Murphys talks about a favorite day job from when he was a kid and time spent blasting records at the band’s rehearsal space during the pandemic.
Monday Morning Video – Loamlands
Hat tip to Lee Bains for introducing me to North Carolina’s Loamlands. The band recently toured with Bains, opening the show and then backing Bains for his set. The band, led by singer-songwriter Kym Register, pack their rock and roll with a simmering intensity. Here’s a taste, “What Kind of Love” from their 2016 release […]
Drayton Farley – Walk Home
Before I get into his excellent new EP, let me reflect on the near meteoric rise of singer-songwriter Drayton Farley. His is a true DIY story and proof that talent, not publicists, sometimes win the day. He started out recording in his home studio with no publicists or street team and no label. He persists […]
Dan Navarro on Band Instructions and the Value of Old Classic Songs
Singer-songwriter Dan Navarro talks about the open mic at L.A.’s Troubadour in the mid-1970’s, his definition of a day job, and the true beginning of the long hard climb.
Daniel Womack of Futurebirds on AirBnB Rehearsals and the Many Facets of Honesty
Daniel Womack of rock band Futurebirds talks about his favorite fast food burger and working as “the fry guy” at a restaurant.
Monday Morning Video – Stevie Wonder
I’m kinda in the mood for something funky to start the week. And who better to provide it than Stevie Wonder. Here’s “Living For the City” performed live back in 1974.
John Fullbright – The Liar
It’s been 8 years since John Fullbright last released an album. For a Grammy-nominated artist headlining festivals, that’s an eternity. He has a new record coming out later this month, called The Liar, and it’s clear he put all that time to good use. He embraced a new band in the studio and developed a […]