Elvis has inspired many a musician over the years, but rarely, if ever, in the way he catalyzed Virginian Karen Jonas. Watching an Elvis biography on the plane home from SXSW she was incited to write 8 songs in 8 days and add a few others pulled off the shelf from a previous writing spurt […]
American Aquarium – Fear of Standing Still
By the time most bands have released a dozen or so albums, they are past their prime. They may still be releasing solid material, but the zenith is clearly in the rear view. Thankfully American Aquarium isn’t most bands. BJ Barham’s band is scarred, and road worn for sure. Lineups have changed and morphed over […]
Hermanitas in the Rain – a Premiere from Lisa Morales
Music has been a constant in Lisa Morales’ life, dating back to childhood days singing mariachi songs with her sister Roberta at Mexican restaurants in Tucson, Arizona. From those precious beginnings, she’s gone on to a tremendous career. The core of her musical journey has been Sisters Morales, a collaboration with her sister Roberta, who […]
Brian Mackey on WD-40, Pho, and Eddie Van Halen’s Guitar
Singer-songwriter Brian Mackey talks about his first gig – a Holiday Inn in New Jersey – and the plethora of day jobs that he’s done over the years.
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2024 (So Far), the Songs
Better By Now, Heather Little (from the Need to Know Music release By Now) “I’ve wasted a lot of love being wrong, I learn too late and I stay too long,” in this haunting tale of heartbreak, “I oughta be better by now but I got mixed up with you somehow.” So Glad You Made It/Go All […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2024 (So Far), the Albums
Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat by Fantastic Cat The sum is greater than the part with this collective of four singer-songwriters. Each of the four brings their own personality and songwriting style to the group, but they compliment one another beautifully. The songs crackle with intelligence and humor, all the better when the […]
Monday Morning Video – Twangville in NYC on July 15th
Twangville is back in NYC for another great show! Join us on Monday, July 15th at Heaven Can Wait for a singer-songwriter showcase featuring Mando Saenz, Graham Weber, and Parker Twomey. Here’s a trio of videos that will give you a taste of what to expect at the show. First up is Mando Saenz’s “As […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2024
So Glad You Made It, Fantastic Cat (from the Missing Piece Group Records release Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat) Fantastic Cat showcase their humor by maintaining a countdown clock until they’re eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, prominently displayed at their shows. Yet, it’s not entirely a joke – if […]
John Davis of The Folk Implosion on RX Bars, AI, and Expensive Guitar Strings
John Davis of indie folk duo The Folk Implosion talks about rehearsing in an uninsulated attic, working in the rare books department of Harvard Medical School, and aging in music with grace.
Grace Pettis on Her Dream Touring Vehicle, Protein Shakes, and Defining Success
Singer-songwriter Grace Pettis talks about Kickstarter campaigns, songs that she wrote as a child, and building a community.