The simple fact is, some bands are better when they’re in the studio and some are better out on a stage.  Ray LaMontagne literally made me squirm at a show given how obviously uncomfortable he was on the stage.  Carrie Rodriguez has never managed to capture the magic of her stage charisma on a record. I […]
Ryan Montbleau Talks About Sharing a House With Bandmates and Not Taking Yourself So Seriously
Ryan Montbleau reflects on the economics of the music business (with a contrarian view on streaming), crawling out from a ton of debt, and breaking fewer guitar strings as he gets older.
Frank Turner Talks About His First Gig, His Last Day Job and Trusting Your Own Judgement
Frank Turner reveals something of which he is proud and something that he has never owned.
Twangville’s Shaky Knees 2015 Recap
A new location brought a special surprise – no rain. Rain, often torrential, is a Shaky Knees tradition. From year one’s mudfest to last year’s lightning storm, the weather has never been kind to Shaky Knees. Until this year, that is. The sun shone bright (perhaps too much at times, but I’m not complaining), making […]
Danny Vines of Banditos Shares Tour Stories and Why He Wishes He Had Apprenticed as a Mechanic
The Banditos bassist talks about why he doesn’t write lyrics and the challenge in trying to find time to practice while spending 200 days a year on the road.
Monday Morning Video – Vintage Los Lobos
Let’s kick it old school this week with a classic from one of rock music’s true legends. These guys can do it all, from the Mexican music of their heritage to blues to rock and everything in-between. Here’s a full concert from 1989 that proves the point. Over the course of an hour-long show they […]
Otis Taylor – Hey Joe Opus … Red Meat
Otis Taylor likes to experiment. As architect of a mesmerizing style of blues music christened “trance blues,” Taylor’s albums tend to have an atmospheric, dream-like quality. Taylor’s style might sometimes be described as Muddy Waters meets Shawn Phillips or Pink Floyd. Taylor’s career, like his musical style, has been unconventional. He was active in the […]
Paul Lacques of Double Naught Spy Car & I See Hawks In LA On Rehearsal Studios and Never Turning Down a Gig
Paul Lacques of Double Naught Spy Car and I See Hawks in LA shares the first song he wrote and talks about why he doesn’t miss industrial rehearsal spaces.
Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2015, Part 3
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH The Firewatcher‒s Daughter, by Brandi Carlile For some, the process of getting off the major label merry-go-round can be a traumatic experience that results in musical purgatory. Not for Carlile, who shifted to ATO Records and returns with another stand-out release. Her voice is as radiant as ever, beautifully complimented by […]
Archie Powell Introduces “Rick Morvanis” and Reveals the One Constant in his Songwriting Over the Years
Archie Powell of the Exports talks about what makes for a “good day” of tour meals and the simple rule that he wished that he knew at the start of his career.