After a number of years spent living in New York City, singer-songwriter Kevin Daniel decamped for Asheville last year. One listen to his forthcoming album Been Here Before and one can hear the influence of both locations. The collection of songs combines the rootsy mountain air of Asheville with the gritty edge of NYC, with […]
Tommy Dunbar of the Rubinoos on The Blue Whale and the Importance of Pre-Production
Rubinoos guitarist Tommy Dunbar talks about empty Dannon yogurt containers and dissects the first song that he wrote.
The Williamson Brothers on Making Custom Draperies and Enjoying Regional Cuisine
Adam and Blake Williamson of The Williamson Brothers and Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires talk about the sound of old dirty bass strings, broken drum sticks, and the wild time capsule where the band rehearses.
Monday Morning Video – Hothouse Flowers “Give It Up”
Long-time readers may recall that I like to listen to my iPod on shuffle. I love the surprise when it randomly reminds me of a favorite song from years gone by. Last week it pulled out this gem from Ireland’s Hothouse Flowers. I’m particularly enamored with this live version circa 2014, complete with a horn […]
Michigan Rattlers – That Kind of Life
Ok I admit it. I am late to this party. However, I would rather be late than never to have partied at all. I have just discovered The Michigan Rattlers and their Jangly Midwest by way of LA Rock and Roll brilliance. There newest release is “That Kind of Lifeâ€, and it is comprised of […]
Paul Givant of The Contraptionists on Pepsi, Fred Meyers, and the Band’s LA Industrial Loft
The Contraptionists’ Paul Givant talks about an early slacker day job and touring in a converted airport shuttle bus (and the associated breakdown stories).
Graham Young of Michigan Rattlers on CCR and Gas Station Wasabi Almonds
Graham Young of Michigan Rattlers talks about the “hammering jackass” style of guitar playing and an old day job delivering platters of corned beef and pastrami for a delicatessen.
Monday Morning Video – Amy Ray
Our recent interview with Amy Ray sent me back into her solo catalog. Here’s “Sure Feels Good Anyway” from 2018’s Holler.
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2021, Part 2
The Wind’s Just Gonna Blow, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, and Jack Ingram (from the Vanner Records/RCA Nashville release The Marfa Tapes) Lambert, Randall, and Ingram. Kind of sounds like a law firm, doesn’t it? In this case it’s a trio of songwriters who have just released some intimate recordings from their writing retreats in Marfa, […]
Stoney LaRue – Double Live 25
Virtually all the new records that have crossed my speakers in the last year were studio albums. They were material that was semi-finished and just needed some polish, or were new songs inspired by elements of the pandemic. Leave it up to Stoney LaRue to find a third path. LaRue is a road warrior, typically […]