There’s something special about a melancholy pop song. Sure, a happy song now and then never hurt anyone. But the real emotions – and the power of music – emerge when things aren’t so great. Which brings us to “Forget”, the latest single from The Half Guided Hearts. Anchored by singer Raquelle Langlinais and guitarist […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2022
Roll Away (Like a Stone), Butch Walker (from the Ruby Red Recordings release Butch Walker as… Glenn) Butch Walker’s latest is something of a concept album, but not in the traditional sense. It portrays an artist playing a club show, complete with an emcee introduction, a simulated bar fight, and calls for an encore. Yet […]
Drew Lawrence of The Dales on Broken Piano Keys and Committing to the Long Haul
Singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Drew Lawrence of the Dales talks about perseverance and follow-through and the band’s home studio decorations.
Monday Morning Video – The Explorers Club
South Carolina-reared popsters The Explorers Club make a long overdue return to the road this fall, hitting select cities on the East Coast. If you like classic 1960’s-style pop songs that are dripping with harmonies, you’ll wanna check ’em out. Here’s a taste – “Run Run Run” from 2012’s Grand Hotel. While I generally stick […]
Americana 2022: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Here are some of my highlights from Americana 2022. WILLIAM PRINCE A couple of songs at the Yellowstone round wasn’t enough so […]
Americana 2022: Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Here are some of my highlights from Americana 2022. CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM Ingram is now in the category of “when you can […]
Glenn Tilbrook on His Touring RV and Quitting His Last Day Job
Renowned singer-songwriter Glenn Tilbrook recalls a time when a show audience lent him a helping hand and shares the first song that he ever wrote (later recorded by Squeeze on their first EP).
Monday Morning Video – Billy Bragg
Billy Bragg is among the artists who released an album in 2021 and is finally able to support it with a tour in 2022. Bragg is about to hit the road through portions of the US and Canada (dates listed below) to showcase songs from The Million Things That Never Happened and, undoubtedly, others from […]
Moontricks – Currents
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 […]
Freedy Johnston on Pink Floyd’s “Welcome to the Machine” and Lessons Learned at Early Gigs
Singer-songwriter Freedy Johnston talks about regaining the publishing rights to his early albums and quotes Jonathan Richman on his approach to rehearsals.