Justin Currie of Del Amitri talks about train ticket vouchers, working as a poisoner, and buffing guitar strings.
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2021, Part 1
Deep End, Joe Pug (from the Nation of Heat Records release The Diving Sun) What began as a collection of archival material emerges as a full-fledged album, complete with some wonderful new compositions. All flow with the grace and melodic charm that are Pug hallmarks. The Diving Sun is a mix of quiet acoustic and […]
Don Dixon on Allen Toussaint, Michael Jordan, and his Least Favorite Part of Life as a Musician
Don Dixon talks about his four different income streams and why it’s better to not have known the pitfalls of a musician’s life when he started his career.
Amy Ray on Life as a Solo Artist and an Indigo Girl
Amy Ray talks about her exercise regime while on tour, time spent working in a record pressing plant, and being disciplined about songwriting. Ray also shares some advice about mixing a record.
We’ll Go Walkin’ – A Special Dallas Playlist
The City, Brandon Callies (from the Hand Drawn Records release Sunrise Diner) Sunrise Diner, born of heartbreak, is not a happy album. Nonetheless, it is immensely satisfying as Brandon Callies blends melody and melancholy into regal pop songs. Opener “The City” sets a sorrowful tone, describing the singer wandering seemingly deserted city streets trying to […]
Vanessa Peters on Coffee and Saying No to a Paid Gig
Singer-songwriter Vanessa Peters talks about the relationship between audience demographics and merch sales and recalls touring with “Charlotte” and “Mercurio”.
Jon Klages on Inspirational Photographs and the Poseidon Adventure
Hoboken music scene veteran Jon Klages talks about a tour breakdown at a goat farm, an early job archiving music magazines, and the importance of musical collaborations.
Parker Millsap on Band Dynamics, Kurt Vonnegut, and Streaming Service Algorithms
Parker Millsap talks about retrieving a stolen tour van (and amp), ordering off-menu at Taco Bell, and what motivated him to build a career in music.
Monday Morning Video – The Waterboys
A recent conversation with some music friends was a welcome reminder of the greatness that is The Waterboys. Here are two favorites to start the week. First is the Waterboys performing “The Whole of the Moon” in Germany back in 2007. Second is The Waterboys’ Mike Scott and Steve Wickham joining James Maddock at New […]
Stephen Flatt – Cumberland Bones
They say alt-country is country music played with a punk aesthetic. Stephen Flatt has a slightly different idea; it’s southern rock with a bluegrass aesthetic. On his latest album, Cumberland Bones, Flatt leads with the Southern rock stories and anthemic, pump-your-fist sound. The bluegrass comes in via him recording this record not with a longstanding […]