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.
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2021, Part 1
Deep End, Joe Pug (from the Nation of Heat Records release The Diving Sun) What began as a collection of archival material emerges as a full-fledged album, complete with some wonderful new compositions. All flow with the grace and melodic charm that are Pug hallmarks. The Diving Sun is a mix of quiet acoustic and […]
Monday Morning Video – Glorietta
The band Glorietta was billed as a one-time collaboration among singer-songwriters Noah Gundersen, Matthew Logan Vasquez, Kelsey Wilson, David Ramirez, Adrian Quesada, Jason Robert Blum. I’m hoping that they go back on their word and re-convene for a second album. In the meantime, here’s a beauty from their self-titled first release.
Amy Ray on Life as a Solo Artist and an Indigo Girl
Amy Ray talks about her exercise regime while on tour, time spent working in a record pressing plant, and being disciplined about songwriting. Ray also shares some advice about mixing a record.
The Accidentals Talk About Becoming Business Owners and Surviving a Tornado
Sav Buist and Katie Larson of The Accidentals reflect on the generosity of fans, sponsors, and strangers, share some of their favorite tour van and trailer breakdown stories, reveal what they did with the proceeds from their first gig, and describe the day job of running their music business.
We’ll Go Walkin’ – A Special Dallas Playlist
The City, Brandon Callies (from the Hand Drawn Records release Sunrise Diner) Sunrise Diner, born of heartbreak, is not a happy album. Nonetheless, it is immensely satisfying as Brandon Callies blends melody and melancholy into regal pop songs. Opener “The City” sets a sorrowful tone, describing the singer wandering seemingly deserted city streets trying to […]
John Smith on Nick Drake and Spending More Time with the Pen
Songwriter and guitarist John Smith talks about working in a comic book shop and a boozy tour bus breakdown while on the road with David Gray.
Monday Morning Video – William Prince
I’ll admit that I’m a late-comer to William Prince’s music. While in Nashville two years ago for the Americana Conference, I arrived at a venue early in anticipation of catching a favorite artist (Terra Lightfoot, if you must know). The sounds that greeted me, courtesy of Prince, were astonishing. While I can’t recall with any […]
Natalie D-Napoleon On Dodging Kangaroos and Pursuing a Ph.D
Australian singer-songwriter Natalie D-Napoleon talks about a beached Ford Mustang, Jim Connolly’s Piano Kitchen, and her magical doorway into music.