We had so much fun in Boston this past Friday that we’re hosting an encore, this time in Dallas. On August 8th we’re teaming up with our friends at Sundown at Granada for a special show featuring Pedigo’s Magic Pilsner and Ronnie Fauss. Adding to the fun – the fine folks at Oak Cliff Brewing […]
Monday Morning Video – Johnny Clegg
Anyone who says that music can’t be an instrument of social change has clearly never heard of Johnny Clegg. The South African artist put together a multi-racial band in response to – and defiance of – Apartheid, creating music that blended traditional Zulu street music (and dancing) with Western pop and rock. The result was […]
Monday Morning Video – Join Twangville in Boston
Hey Boston and Camberville! Twangville is bringing together some incredible New England artists for a special showcase later this month. We’ll be taking over the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge MA, one of our favorite listening rooms, on July 26th for one heck of party. Joining us for the night will be The Silks, Todd Thibaud, […]
Lucy Spraggan on Stinky Rehearsal Spaces and Winging it
Singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan talks about a weird early gig and the possibility of touring the US on a motor bike.
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2019 (So Far), the Songs
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 […]
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.
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 […]
Ariana Gillis on Her Favourite Day Job and Welcoming Her Mistakes
Singer-songwriter Ariana Gillis talks about the song that she wrote when she was three years old and getting back on the musical path after a two year hiatus resulting from a severe concussion.