Singer-songwriter Ian Jones talks about getting hooked on applause at his first gig and being a general contractor (and using the experience to build his home rehearsal space).
Monday Morning Video – Jack Ingram
Last week was long and this week is shaping up to be even longer. Jack Ingram’s “I’m Drinking Through It” may be about dealing with heartbreak but seems like a suitable anthem for the week.
AHI on Telemarketing and Being a Storyteller
Singer-songwriter AHI talks about eating chips & salsa on the road and why he wishes that he broke more guitar strings.
Monday Morning Video – Alex Wong
I’ll admit that I’d lost touch with Alex Wong’s music for awhile. Although I recall his early days as part of the Animators, I hadn’t kept up with his solo output. I re-connected with his music with 2019’s Kivalina, a joint EP with Jesse Terry and, thanks to a chance meeting in Nashville this past […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2021
What’s the Matter, James McMurtry (from the New West Records release The Horses and the Hounds) Even in the shittiest of years – and the past two years have been beauts – new music from James McMurtry is always a bright spot. In fact, given the songwriter’s infrequent album releases – The Horses and the Hounds is […]
Americana 2021: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
AHI One of my AMA highlights was hearing AHI preview his forthcoming album Prospect. The setting was his producer Paul Mabury’s home studio, nestled in the mountains south of Nashville. A handful of us sat in the studio with AHI, Mabury, and several of the musicians who appeared on the album. In between listening to […]
Americana 2021: Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
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. Going back through the schedule to consider the highlights is always a frustrating experience. Not only is it tough to feature just […]
Sean Rowe on Tour Foraging and Trusting His Instincts
Singer-songwriter Sean Rowe talks about finding inspiration in Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” and why he doesn’t like the sound of new guitar strings.
Monday Morning Video – The Accidentals
Michigan’s The Accidentals continue to shine brightly. They have just released the Vessels, the latest in a brilliant string of releases since they began their careers while still in high school. This gem is from their early 2021 release, Time Out Session 1.
Dar Williams on Symbolism, Hotel Coffee, and Learning New Technology
Singer-songwriter Dar Williams recalls working at a gardening store, talks about going on an “apologetic charm offensive” when she breaks a guitar string, and explains why her 2013 Prius is “more of a symbolic plug-in”.