One of the pleasant surprises I had at this year’s Folk Alliance conference was lucking into a performance from LA transplant Arielle Silver. After several sets of protest and grievance-laden anthems, her mix of sophisticated, reflective songs were a welcome respite. Talking with her afterwards, it was nice to hear a musician just enjoying her […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2023
Alameda, Anna Rose (from the White Pony/Electric Child Music release Last Girl of the Rodeo) Anna Rose doesn’t pull any punches – lyrically or musically – on Last Girl of the Rodeo. The LP cycles through the collapse of a relationship, bleeding raw emotion as it does. The deeply brooding “Whatever Gets You Through the […]
Steep Canyon Rangers – Morning Shift
The sun was in my eyes. Or maybe more appropriately, the banjo was in my ear. Like many people I’m sure, my first exposure to North Carolina’s Steep Canyon Rangers was the first record they did with Steve Martin. It established them in my mind as a bluegrass band, and then they proceeded to build […]
Ariel Posen On Finding Moderation and Balance on Tour and Why He Rehearses at Venues
Canadian singer-songwriter Ariel Posen talks about playing in a pit band when he was 14 and driving seven hours in a van with a shoddy transmission.
Dana Cooper on Duct Tape Car Repairs and Time Spent Driving a Cab in LA
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Dana Cooper talks about the view from his rehearsal space and becoming the lead singer of his high school band (and what happened after he did).
Monday Morning Video – Whitney Rose and Brennen Leigh
Both Brennen Leigh and Whitney Rose are celebrating newly released albums – Rose’s Rosie was released back in May while Leigh’s Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet arrived in June. But let’s take it back two years to 2021 when the two teamed up to cover Concrete Blonde’s classic “Joey”.
Readers’ Pick: The Paper Kites – At the Roadhouse
You picked The Paper Kites – At the Roadhouse as your favorite new release for the week of September 1, 2023.
Crowes Pasture – Don’t Blink
I love a good origin story. In the case of Massachusetts’ duo Crowes Pasture, they met in their careers as corporate attorneys. Guitarist Andy Rogovin and banjoist Monique Byrne, by now married, didn’t really discover their vocal harmony talent until they started singing to their young kids. They describe their music as a “banjo-guitar romance”, […]
Ole Kirkeng on Catering Gigs and His Definition of a Successful Tour
Norwegian singer-songwriter Ole Kirkeng talks about his nickname, playing open mics, and the benefit of putting one’s self out there.
Monday Morning Video – Jimmy Buffett
We lost another legend this weekend with the passing of Jimmy Buffett. Buffett’s legacy stretches beyond music that is revered by countless fans. He also helped shape the business of music, creating an empire that made him a cultural icon. It’s hard to pick just one classic from a catalog that is filled with them. […]