Nobody’s Coming to Get You, Fantastic Cat (from the Blue Rose Music release The Very Best of Fantastic Cat) It takes some chutzpah to call your debut album “The Best Of” but Fantastic Cat darn sure deliver the goods with their first album. The group’s four singer-songwriters, each talented in their own right, come together […]
Rachel Sumner on Her Band’s “Wellness Wizard” and The Importance of Having Quality Live Videos
Singer-songwriter Rachel Sumner talks about her band’s sweet customized tour vehicle and Kiki the love bird, who occasionally sings along during band rehearsals.
Mariel Buckley on Pre-Tour Food Shopping and Steadily Improving Profit Margins
Canadian singer-songwriter Mariel Buckley talks about her ‘08 Dodge Grand Caravan, shitty gas station decisions, and working as a cook.
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2022
Clean Getaway, Caroline Spence (from the Rounder Records release True North) Caroline Spence looks at relationships from a myriad of perspectives on her wonderous new True North. “Blue Sky Rain” and “Clean Getaway” focus on their failure with a thoughtful clarity. “You never see it coming, only see it pass,” she sings on “Blue Sky […]
Newport Folk 2022 – the Twangville Recap
The fog seemed to foreshadow Joni Mitchell as it rolled in, surrounding the peninsula housing the War of 1812-era Fort Adams that makes up the venue of the Newport Folk Festival, after a weekend of intense sun and heat. There had been whispers all weekend about special guests; rumors of Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, Jimmy […]
Caroline Spence on Her “Sweet Old Ride” and Achieving Career Goals
Singer-songwriter Caroline Spence talks about her home writing space, recordings of songs she wrote when she was six, and unlearning things learned early in her career.
Lydia Luce on a Favorite Songwriting Gig and Working as a Session Violinist
Songwriter and musician Lydia Luce talks about touring in a school bus, making smoothie bowls on the road, and growing up in the classical music world.
Monday Morning Video – Jason Molina
Jason Molina left us way too young back in 2013. Nonetheless, the prolific songwriter left behind a tremendous catalog, including the brooding – and wonderful – “The Dark Don’t Hide It”. Here are two versions of Molina performing the song – one solo and one with Magnolia Electric Company.
A Little Boston in Your Attitude – A Special Boston Playlist
Follow, Susan Cattaneo (from the Jersey Girl Music release All Is Quiet) It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that Susan Cattaneo taught songwriting at Berklee School of Music for many years. Her songs are wonderfully crafted, filled with meaning and musical grace. Her latest album may be stripped down in terms of arrangements, […]
Parker Twomey on “Betty White Lightning” and His Hand-Me-Down Guitar
Texas singer-songwriter Parker Twomey talks about letting his guitar strings build character and why it is important to cherish each step of the way.