Fine, Bonnie Whitmore (from the Aviatrix Records release Last Will & Testament) Bonnie Whitmore lulls you in with a chorus of harmonies on the opening track to her latest album. But before one can settle into the lushness, a fuzzy bass, quickly joined by ominous strings and a resonating electric guitar, interrupts to create a […]
Jackson Emmer on the “Get Discovered” Fairytale and Chasing Todd Snider
Colorado-based Jackson Emmer recalls getting paid in French fries at his first gig and talks about making one’s own opportunities.
Trae Sheehan on a Stocked Cooler, Sound Engineering, and Painting Fences
Singer-songwriter Trae Sheehan talks about touring in a minivan without hub caps and the first song that he wrote (which contained only two chords).
Thriving Roots 2020 – Mayer’s Highlights
THE SCENE It’™s a glass half empty, glass half full kind of situation. The Americana Music Association awards and conference is an event that I eagerly await and always enjoy every year (mild understatement). A chance to catch up with friends both old and new, gain some knowledge at the panel discussions, and, of course, […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2020, Part 1
Remember It, The Northern Belle (from the Die With Your Boots On Records release We Wither, We Bloom) You’d never know from their music that The Northern Belle hails from Norway. Their brand of Americana is bathed in Southern California sunshine in more ways than one. This is music warm and lavish, not to mention […]
Arlo Guthrie on Boiling Guitar Strings and Making a Living in Folk Music
Legendary singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie talks about a way to eat healthy while on the road, the vow that he made after his first gig, and remembering what you thought you forgot.
Garrett Owen on Homemade Jerky, Merch Sales, and Stairwell Rehearsals
Fort Worth-based artist Garrett Owen talks about a moment of food regret while on tour and what he wishes he took rather than music sight-reading classes.
Garrett Owen – Quiet Lives
With Labor Day now in the rearview mirror, life gets more serious. Students are back in school, work projects pick up, winter is coming. Even the chaos of 2020 isn’t changing that cycle. As it happens, singer-songwriter Garrett Owen is releasing a good accompaniment to buckling down, his second full length album, Quiet Lives. The […]
Monday Morning Video – Randy Newman “Louisiana 1927”
Fifteen years ago this week I published my first Twangville post. From then until now, the experience has been an absolute joy. I’m privileged to have developed so many tremendous friendships along the way, from the Twangville posse to the countless PR and industry professionals to, of course, the talented artists who continue to inspire […]
Admiral Radio – Sounds Like You
It’s funny how you can get attached to an item over time, appreciating it first for what it physically is, and then over time for what it represents. South Carolina natives Becca Smith and Coty Hoover had that experience with a 1941 Admiral Radio. As they learned more about the antique and how it related […]




