There are many paths a band can take between inception and the first album (assuming they make it that far). The 40 Acre Mule chose to follow a simple formula. First they decided to kick ass and do it loudly. Second they played anywhere and everywhere people would listen, and made it a party. Third […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2019 (So Far), the Songs
Canyon, Joshua Ray Walker (from the State Fair Records release Wish You Were Here) Talk about making a statement on your debut album. Walker’s moving acoustic ballad is both a highly personal reflection on his father’s battle with cancer and his own desire to be a better person. Simply stunning. Full Moon Goodbye, Michael McDermott […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2019, Part 2
All Some Kind of Dream, Josh Ritter (from the Pytheas Recordings release Fever Breaks) Josh Ritter is one of the most literate songwriters of these times, waxing poetic as easily as unleashing fiery commentary. He sets the tone early on the newly released Fever Breaks with “Ground Don’t Want Me” a somewhat jubilant melody and […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2019, Part 1
Waiting For a Sign, M. Lockwood Porter (from the Black Mesa Records release Communion in the Ashes) M. Lockwood Porter is on a quest, longing to step beyond the anguish and misery he sees around him in hopes of finding a better place, personally and for everyone. The opening – and title – track freely […]
Monday Morning Video – Dr. John
It’s been a rough spring in the music world. This past week brought the news that Mac Rebennack – Dr. John – had passed. The New Orleans native captured all of the energy, flamboyance and mystery of his hometown and instilling it in his music. Here’s a trifecta from the good Doctor. The righteous funk […]
Ori Naftaly of Southern Avenue on the Importance of Having a Thick Skin and a Big Heart
Southern Avenue guitarist Ori Naftaly talks about the band’s unique zip code, driving a candy truck and the struggle to find good food on the road.
Mitch Woods Shares Stories from More Than 40 years as a Professional Musician
Piano man Mitch Woods recalls hiding from the cops at his first gig, the car that inspired his first song and the time they filmed a movie in the studio where he had just finished a session.
Monday Morning Video – Jackie Wilson
In need of a Monday morning pick me up? Jackie Wilson has one of the most legendary voices in popular music. Heck, even Elvis Presley was known to admire it. His live performances were equally electrifying, as this video demonstrates.
SXSW 2019 – The Sounds, Part 1
BALTO I was sold on Balto as soon as I heard the blistering slide on “Black Snake, Mojave Blues”, the sample track that they shared on their SXSW profile page. Seeing them live provided an exclamation point – I caught two exceptional raucous and greasy outdoor sets in the afternoon sun. The LA-based quartet were […]
Nikki Hill on Touring with “Big Connie” and Believing in Herself
Fiery rocker Nikki Hill talks about the vast array of day jobs that she’s had while building her career and finding rehearsal studios while touring.