Foregone Conclusion, Zach Schmidt (from the Boss Dawg Records release Raise a Banner) Zach Schmidt has been waiting awhile for the release of his sophomore full length album. Not Chinese Democracy long, but long enough. Schmidt recorded the album, backed by producer Sadler Vadan and the 400 Unit (yes, that one), then saw the album […]
Rodney Crowell Talks About Pawn Shop Drums and a Tour Bus Fire
Legendary singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell shares a few favorite Texas restaurants, talks about legislating music in the internet age, and declines to reveal a state secret.
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2021 (So Far), the Songs
Breaking a Heart/The Wind’s Just Gonna Blow, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, and Jon Randall (from the Sony Music Nashville release The Marfa Tapes) If you thought their song “Tin Man” was achingly beautiful, they’ve got a few more from their time in Marfa that just might make your eyes a little misty. I couldn’t decide […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2021 (So Far), the Albums
J.T. by Steve Earle & The Dukes Steve Earle’s moving tribute to his late son Justin Townes Earle is an emotional gut punch. Yet beyond the tragedy of the younger Earle’s passing, the elder Earle’s performances of his son’s songs highlight their shared gift of songwriting and storytelling mastery. Be warned, though, that the closing […]
Bhi Bhiman on Rudyard Kipling, Caddyshack, and a Band Named “Hippie Grenade”
Singer-songwriter Bhi Bhiman talks about breaking in new guitar strings and finding a more reliable income stream.
Monday Morning Video – Ben de la Cour
Ben de la Cour’s 2020 album Shadowland overflowed with stark tales and flawed characters, none the more so than “Anderson’s Small Ritual”. De la Cour has just announced a planned follow-up, no doubt as dark – and wonderful – as the last. Learn more about the album here.
Todd Snider on Busking, Ruminating, and Dip Shit Open Mic Talk
Singer-songwriter Todd Snider talks about the lower middle of the folk circuit, a tour bus fire, and Hayes Carll.
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2021, Part 2
The Wind’s Just Gonna Blow, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, and Jack Ingram (from the Vanner Records/RCA Nashville release The Marfa Tapes) Lambert, Randall, and Ingram. Kind of sounds like a law firm, doesn’t it? In this case it’s a trio of songwriters who have just released some intimate recordings from their writing retreats in Marfa, […]
Son of the Velvet Rat on Vinyl Sales and the Privilege of Being a Musician
Georg Altziebler of Son of the Velvet Rat talks about an Autobahn breakdown and converting the garage into a rehearsal space.
Paula Cole on Rock ‘n’ Roll Minivans and Seeking Truth in Song
Singer-songwriter Paula Cole talks about local health food stores, making music with an experimental, fluid mindset, and the most important life decision.