Sometimes you just have to run with the moment. A random conversation between Nashville residents Afton Wolfe and Jaimee Harris about cult movie hit “Big Lebowski” was the spark behind this impressive collaboration. Those familiar with the movie will recall that Townes Van Zandt’s cover of The Rolling Stones’ composition closes out the movie. Harris […]
Freak Show – a Premiere from Jack Barksdale
Credit Alex Marcenaro It may seem odd to describe 17 year-old as a music veteran but, given that Jack Barksdale started his professional career at age 9, the term rings true. More to the point, it’s hard to escape the impressive maturity of his musicianship and songwriting. Case in point is “Freak Show”, the latest […]
Monday Morning Video – Brittney Spencer
Brittney Spencer’s story is one of perseverance and commitment to craft. The Baltimore native made her way to Nashville in 2013 and, just over ten years later, celebrated the release of her debut full-length album this past January. Here’s “If You Say So”, a fave from the impressive My Stupid Life.
When It’s Twilight in Boston – a Special Playlist
Enough, Alisa Amador (from the Thirty Tigers release Multitudes) If I’m honest, I’m really skeptical about music competitions. Call me idealist, but I think the music industry is tough enough already and pitting artists against one another is counterproductive. That said, watching Alisa Amador win the NPR Tiny Desk Contest is somewhat reassuring. It’s wonderful […]
Karen Jonas – The Rise and Fall of American Kitsch
Elvis has inspired many a musician over the years, but rarely, if ever, in the way he catalyzed Virginian Karen Jonas. Watching an Elvis biography on the plane home from SXSW she was incited to write 8 songs in 8 days and add a few others pulled off the shelf from a previous writing spurt […]
American Aquarium – Fear of Standing Still
By the time most bands have released a dozen or so albums, they are past their prime. They may still be releasing solid material, but the zenith is clearly in the rear view. Thankfully American Aquarium isn’t most bands. BJ Barham’s band is scarred, and road worn for sure. Lineups have changed and morphed over […]
Hermanitas in the Rain – a Premiere from Lisa Morales
Music has been a constant in Lisa Morales’ life, dating back to childhood days singing mariachi songs with her sister Roberta at Mexican restaurants in Tucson, Arizona. From those precious beginnings, she’s gone on to a tremendous career. The core of her musical journey has been Sisters Morales, a collaboration with her sister Roberta, who […]
Brian Mackey on WD-40, Pho, and Eddie Van Halen’s Guitar
Singer-songwriter Brian Mackey talks about his first gig – a Holiday Inn in New Jersey – and the plethora of day jobs that he’s done over the years.
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2024 (So Far), the Songs
Better By Now, Heather Little (from the Need to Know Music release By Now) “I’ve wasted a lot of love being wrong, I learn too late and I stay too long,” in this haunting tale of heartbreak, “I oughta be better by now but I got mixed up with you somehow.” So Glad You Made It/Go All […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2024 (So Far), the Albums
Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat by Fantastic Cat The sum is greater than the part with this collective of four singer-songwriters. Each of the four brings their own personality and songwriting style to the group, but they compliment one another beautifully. The songs crackle with intelligence and humor, all the better when the […]