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 […]
John Paul Keith on Leather Jackets, Telecasters, and Record Stores
Memphis artist John Paul Keith talks about a memorable ordeal in an Arizona desert, and alphabetizing records, and living in a fertile musical city.
Monday Morning Video – The Clash
‘Cause some days you just wanna need to hear The Clash. Here’s “Career Opportunities” and “Train in Vain”.
Israel Nash Talks About Plato’s Form for Burgers and Building a Body of Work
Singer-songwriter Israel Nash discusses Ray Wylie Hubbard, turning down a lifetime laser tag membership, running a NYC children’s after-school program, and being dedicated to craft.
Monday Morning Video – Billy Bragg
I’ve been digging into the greatness that is the Billy Bragg catalog lately and enjoyed being re-connected with these classics: “Levi Stubb’s Tears” and “Waiting For the Great Leap Forwards”.
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.
Jorma Kaukonen on Managing a Gas Station and Waiting for the Next Big Thing
Jorma Kaukonen from Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna talks about why bus drivers have to be magicians, his rehearsal space, and modern roadside America.
Jay Gonzalez on Delivering Flowers and Staying True to His Own Vision
Solo performer and Drive-By Truckers multi-instrumentalist Jay Gonzalez talks about breaking a guitar neck, the Jimmy Page “overbending up a third” thing, and a song for Elizabeth.
Chris Roberts – Red Feather
Life is unpredictable. That’s maybe the lesson learned from Austin native, now Colorado resident Chris Roberts. Unlike many musicians that throw away other opportunities to make music, Roberts’ success as a hat maker drove him to concentrate more on the music, perhaps as a creative counterbalance to the rigors of being a successful entrepreneur. His […]
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 […]