SOMEBODY’S CHILD I do a fair amount of research on the artists attending SXSW in the weeks leading up to the event. Before I arrived, Ireland’s Somebody’s Child were at the top of my artists to see; when I left they were the best band that I saw. The group, the brainchild of singer-songwriter Cian […]
SXSW 2023 – The Scene
For me, the true harbinger of spring is the arrival of the SXSW in Austin, Texas. Or rather, spring begins for me when I arrive in Austin for the annual event. With upwards of 1,500 artists and tens of thousands of attendees from around the world, SXSW is the world’s premiere music conference. Even better, […]
Parker Gispert on an Early Rhyme and Being Present
Parker Gispert, solo artist and co-founder of Athens rock band The Whigs, talks about why he eats neither cheap nor healthy while on tour and shares the story behind his first song – an epic western tale.
New Earth Farmers – The Good Ones Got Away
When I first became aware of musical duo Paul Knowles and Nicole Sarto, they were fronting a band, Mars Arizona, centered on a mythical place in the Southwest. They soon expanded their horizons and became New American Farmers, likewise expanding their musical style. They’ve broadened further, leaning more to rock than anything twangy, and have […]
Colin Blunstone of The Zombies on the Band’s First Gig and a Long Ago Day Job
Colin Blunstone, co-founder of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group The Zombies, explains the story behind the cover of the band’s new album and talks about one of the exciting and scary aspects of the music business.
Touchin’ Down in New England Town – a Special Boston Playlist
By My Lonesome, GA-20 (from the album Karma Chief Records release Live in Loveland) Just Because, GA-20 (from the Karma Chief Records release Crackdown) Blues band GA-20 have emerged from the pandemic with a vengeance. Their non-stop touring aside, they are releasing their second album in seven months. Both are tremendous showcases for the group’s […]
The Runaway Grooms on Broken Van Transmissions and Their Inspirational Rehearsal Barn
Colorado combo The Runaway Grooms talk about indulging in local cuisine while on tour and recall early gigs at the Vail Brewing Company.
Monday Morning Video – Abby Hamilton
I saw Abby Hamilton as part of last fall’s Underwater Sunshine Festival in NYC, where she and her band were among the weekend’s highlights. A little rock, a little acoustic country, and a whole lot of goodness. Here are two videos that showcase her talent, the electrified “Change Things”, filmed at an Arts Center in […]
Matt Charette on Early Gigs and the DIY Music Community
Boston musician Matt Charette talks about touring in a non-descript vehicle and recalls rehearsal space hangs.
Monday Morning Video – Robert Randolph with Los Lobos
Let’s spend another week with Robert Randolph, this time sitting in with the legendary Los Lobos on a rousing version of the band’s “Don’t Worry Baby”.