The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Here are some of my highlights from Americana 2022. CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM Ingram is now in the category of “when you can […]
Monday Morning Video – Billy Bragg
Billy Bragg is among the artists who released an album in 2021 and is finally able to support it with a tour in 2022. Bragg is about to hit the road through portions of the US and Canada (dates listed below) to showcase songs from The Million Things That Never Happened and, undoubtedly, others from […]
Ali McGuirk on Tour Salads and How Her Approach to Songwriting Has Evolved
Singer-songwriter Ali McGuirk talks about the optimistic first song that she wrote, forming “The Youngins” with her uncle and brother, and the meaningful day job that she does when not on tour.
Dan Navarro on Band Instructions and the Value of Old Classic Songs
Singer-songwriter Dan Navarro talks about the open mic at L.A.’s Troubadour in the mid-1970’s, his definition of a day job, and the true beginning of the long hard climb.
Freedy Johnston on Pink Floyd’s “Welcome to the Machine” and Lessons Learned at Early Gigs
Singer-songwriter Freedy Johnston talks about regaining the publishing rights to his early albums and quotes Jonathan Richman on his approach to rehearsals.
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2022, Part 2
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 […]