We all had to make unplanned changes for the forced differences the pandemic made on our lives, but few had to adapt as much as Nora Jane Struthers. Having reconciled how to be simultaneously a traveling musician and full-time mother, she suddenly had to re-examine almost everything. That whole process informed the songs on her […]
Bonus Monday Video – Scott Kempner
Last week also brought the news that we lost Scott Kempner, co-founder of The Dictators and The Del-Lords. The former are considered punk rock pioneers while the latter was a gloriously unbridled rock and roll outfit. Kempner epitomized the rock and roll ethos, combining a NYC attitude with raucous guitars. Here are The Del-Lords performing […]
When It’s Twilight in Boston – a Special Twangville Playlist
Bulletproof Man, The Bluest Sky (from the self-released The Bluest Sky) Chuck Melchin first appeared on our radar a number of years ago as the Bean Picker’s Union. Essentially a solo artist surrounding himself with a loose collective of acoustic players, he wrote songs that oozed melancholy and were tied to quiet and captivating melodies. […]
The Pretty Flowers on Renting Vans from Costco and Not Setting Goals
The members of Los Angeles rock band The Pretty Flowers talk about why they need a new rehearsal space and the sisyphean task of making a living in a band.
Matthew Marcantonio of Demob Happy on The Demobile Mk III and Learning to Relax
Singer-bassist Matthew Marcantonio of UK rock band Demob Happy talks about achieving maximum vibe in the band’s old rehearsal space, taking inspiration from Dave Grohl (and subsequently regretting it), and a tip for eating healthy while on the road.
Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia – Blood Brothers: Live in Canada
As reviewers, and volunteer reviewers at that, sometimes we miss things. More than a few times I’ve realized that some music I overlooked was actually pretty good, and I wanted to take a “Mulligan” by reviewing something well after its release. When Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia released their collaboration album, Blood Brothers, early this […]
Barrence Whitfield and Peter Greenberg of Barrence Whitfield & the Savages on Record Stores and Performance Royalties
Barrence Whitfield and Peter Greenberg of Barrence Whitfield & the Savages talk about finding rehearsal spaces and tour meals in Europe, how the band got its start, and the benefit of not having expectations.
Sharif Mekawy of Looms on Jeff Tweedy and Being Grateful
Singer-songwriter Sharif Mekawy of Brooklyn-based Looms talks about investing in the band and the time an intruder tried to get into their rehearsal space.
Honey Island Swamp Band – Custom Deluxe
Back in the 60’s Stax Records famously plowed the fertile ground of the overlap between early rock & roll and rhythm & blues. That sound became identified with Memphis, but like the stone thrown in still water, its effects spread across the south from Muscle Shoals all the way to the Atlantic seaboard. Along the […]
Bonus Monday Video – Ben Kweller
It’s hard to believe that Sha Sha, Ben Kweller’s debut record, is more than 20 years old (even older if you count the original self-released version). It launched Kweller as one of power pop’s shining lights, a place that he still holds today. Kweller is celebrating the anniversary with a handful of shows across the […]