Cityview, The Accidentals (from the self-released Vessels) With the addition of drummer Michael Dause the Accidentals have expanded their musical palette into full-on rock territory. Songs like opener “Count the Rings”, “Rollercoaster” and “Slow and Steady” bristle with an electric guitar and bass fueled energy. That said, the group also mine familiar acoustic cello and […]
Eleanor Buckland on Soundcheck Tricks and Her Dolly Parton “Co-Write”
Singer-songwriter Eleanor Buckland of Lula Wiles, who has just released a solo album, talks about working as a nanny and competing in the Franklin County Fair Fiddle Contest when she was in the 2nd grade.
Monday Morning Video – Stephen Kellogg’s Thanksgiving
It’s been a few years since we’ve shared Stephen Kellogg’s ode to – and hopes for – Thanksgiving. This seems like a good year to share it again. Oh Thanksgiving, the harvest draws to a closeRedemption is a bugle humility composedSweet forgiveness, thawing across frozen groundCasting light eternally, carrying its sound
Ian Jones on Acrylic Fingernails and Hiring a Producer
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 […]