The most indelible musical memory is the ubiquitous SXSW theme music that opened every event. That aside, here are some musical favorites from SXSW 2021 Sir Woman Wild Child’s Kelsey Wilson steped out with a beautifully soulful set that highlighted tracks from her debut EP. Wilson, accompanied by two background vocalists, an electric guitarist and […]
Jillette Johnson on Teaching Yoga and Taking Her Wurlitzer on Tour
Singer-songwriter Jillette Johnson talks about playing an NYC bar at the age of 12, getting robbed while on tour, and sharing her rehearsal space.
Esther Rose on Coffee Culture and Slow Disco Beats
Singer-songwriter Esther Rose talks about her old cherry red Subaru Forester and the delightful combination of sounds to be heard in her rehearsal studio.
Monday Morning Video – Billy Bragg
I’ve been digging into the greatness that is the Billy Bragg catalog lately and enjoyed being re-connected with these classics: “Levi Stubb’s Tears” and “Waiting For the Great Leap Forwards”.
Gerry Beckley on Italian Truck Stops and His 50 Year Musical Journey
America co-founder Gerry Beckley on nightly “rehearsals”, covering the Ventures, and his first (and last) day job.
Monday Morning Video – Joe Pug
Joe Pug will be releasing The Diving Sun, his latest album, on 19 March 2021. As we eagerly await its arrival, here’s a favorite from the Pug catalog: “If Still It Can’t Be Found” from 2015’s Windfall.
Mayer’s Playlist for Jan/Feb 2021
Far Away In Another Town, Steve Earle & the Dukes (from the New West Records Release J.T.) Chances are you might already be aware of the story behind J.T., Steve Earle’s tribute to his late son Justin Townes Earle. The younger Earle tragically passed away from a drug overdose in August of 2020, leaving behind […]
The Brother Brothers on Early Day Jobs and Making Things Happen
Adam and David Moss – The Brother Brothers – talk about tending bars and pedi-cabs, keeping their instruments working right, and touring with a box of Triscuits.
Monday Morning Video – Glenn Thomas
Although I never wrote about Reassure Me There’s a Window, the 2020 release by Glenn Thomas, it has maintained a place in my musical rotation. The album version of this stunning song about confronting loss is lush and string-laden. This acoustic version, however, lays bare the song’s raw emotion.
Elizabeth Ziman (Elizabeth and the Catapult) On Documentary Films and Live Streaming
Elizabeth Ziman of Elizabeth and the Catapult recalls her first song composition and talks about touring in other people’s buses and vans.