J.T. by Steve Earle & The Dukes Steve Earle’s moving tribute to his late son Justin Townes Earle is an emotional gut punch. Yet beyond the tragedy of the younger Earle’s passing, the elder Earle’s performances of his son’s songs highlight their shared gift of songwriting and storytelling mastery. Be warned, though, that the closing […]
Bhi Bhiman on Rudyard Kipling, Caddyshack, and a Band Named “Hippie Grenade”
Singer-songwriter Bhi Bhiman talks about breaking in new guitar strings and finding a more reliable income stream.
Monday Morning Video – Ben de la Cour
Ben de la Cour’s 2020 album Shadowland overflowed with stark tales and flawed characters, none the more so than “Anderson’s Small Ritual”. De la Cour has just announced a planned follow-up, no doubt as dark – and wonderful – as the last. Learn more about the album here.
Todd Snider on Busking, Ruminating, and Dip Shit Open Mic Talk
Singer-songwriter Todd Snider talks about the lower middle of the folk circuit, a tour bus fire, and Hayes Carll.
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2021, Part 2
The Wind’s Just Gonna Blow, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, and Jack Ingram (from the Vanner Records/RCA Nashville release The Marfa Tapes) Lambert, Randall, and Ingram. Kind of sounds like a law firm, doesn’t it? In this case it’s a trio of songwriters who have just released some intimate recordings from their writing retreats in Marfa, […]
Son of the Velvet Rat on Vinyl Sales and the Privilege of Being a Musician
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.