Deep End, Joe Pug (from the Nation of Heat Records release The Diving Sun) What began as a collection of archival material emerges as a full-fledged album, complete with some wonderful new compositions. All flow with the grace and melodic charm that are Pug hallmarks. The Diving Sun is a mix of quiet acoustic and […]
Don Dixon on Allen Toussaint, Michael Jordan, and his Least Favorite Part of Life as a Musician
Don Dixon talks about his four different income streams and why it’s better to not have known the pitfalls of a musician’s life when he started his career.
We’ll Go Walkin’ – A Special Dallas Playlist
The City, Brandon Callies (from the Hand Drawn Records release Sunrise Diner) Sunrise Diner, born of heartbreak, is not a happy album. Nonetheless, it is immensely satisfying as Brandon Callies blends melody and melancholy into regal pop songs. Opener “The City” sets a sorrowful tone, describing the singer wandering seemingly deserted city streets trying to […]
Vanessa Peters on Coffee and Saying No to a Paid Gig
Singer-songwriter Vanessa Peters talks about the relationship between audience demographics and merch sales and recalls touring with “Charlotte” and “Mercurio”.
Monday Morning Video – The Waterboys
A recent conversation with some music friends was a welcome reminder of the greatness that is The Waterboys. Here are two favorites to start the week. First is the Waterboys performing “The Whole of the Moon” in Germany back in 2007. Second is The Waterboys’ Mike Scott and Steve Wickham joining James Maddock at New […]
SXSW 2021 – The Sounds
The most indelible musical memory is the ubiquitous SXSW theme music that opened every event. That aside, here are some musical favorites from SXSW 2021 Sir Woman Wild Child’s Kelsey Wilson steped out with a beautifully soulful set that highlighted tracks from her debut EP. Wilson, accompanied by two background vocalists, an electric guitarist and […]
Kimon Kirk on Arguing with Turtles and Enjoying the “Wild Ride” of Being a Musician
Kimon Kirk talks about a breakdown in Joshua Tree, avoiding deli platters, and the fun of surprises.
Gerry Beckley on Italian Truck Stops and His 50 Year Musical Journey
America co-founder Gerry Beckley on nightly “rehearsals”, covering the Ventures, and his first (and last) day job.
Evergreen – a Video Premiere from Kimon Kirk
Back in “normal timesâ€, Kimon Kirk was an in-demand bassist with quite the musical resume. The LA-based Kirk has toured and recorded with the likes of Aimee Mann, Alejandro Escovedo, Gaby Moreno, and Grant-Lee Phillips, to name just a few. That busy calendar has kept Kirk from releasing much of his own music, something he […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Jan/Feb 2021
Far Away In Another Town, Steve Earle & the Dukes (from the New West Records Release J.T.) Chances are you might already be aware of the story behind J.T., Steve Earle’s tribute to his late son Justin Townes Earle. The younger Earle tragically passed away from a drug overdose in August of 2020, leaving behind […]