Though Q Division Studios has moved through several locations over the years, it’s remained one of Boston’s most storied rooms—an independent hub where big ideas and bigger sounds have been captured for decades. In this interview, we talk with co-founder Jon Lupfer about the studio’s evolution, the people who shaped its identity, and what it […]
Avery Ballotta of Damn Tall Buildings on Outdoor Rehearsals and Why Time Is Your Friend
Avery Ballotta, violinist and vocalist in trio Damn Tall Buildings, talks about working as a Cultural Ambassador with the U.S. State Dept. and the “Create, Craft, Release, Repeat” approach.
Monday Morning Video – Raul Malo
Another tremendous voice in American music has gone silent with the passing of Raul Malo, co-founder and lead singer of The Mavericks. The band rooted itself in country but seamlessly mixed in elements of Cuban son and Tex-Mex, creating a sound entirely their own. From life-of-the-party anthems like “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me […]
Readers’ Pick: Tommy Womack – Live A Little
You picked Tommy Womack – Live A Little as your favorite new release for the week of December 5, 2025.
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall/Winter 2025, Part 1
Speechwriter, Joelton Mayfield (from the Bloodshot Records release Crowd Pleaser) Joelton Mayfield’s Crowd Pleaser announces itself with purpose: vivid storytelling wrapped in guitars that know when to whisper and when to scream. The dynamics shift constantly—bobbing, weaving, building tension that reverberates from somewhere in the distance before crashing into the present moment. “Pretty Linda” offers […]
Willie Heath Neal of The Waymores on Swinging a Hammer and Focusing on the Mission
Willie Heath Neal of husband and wife duo The Waymores shares the story about the first song that he wrote with wife and bandmate Kira Annalise and talks about keeping faith in the journey.
Monday Morning Video – Steve Cropper
Even if you don’t know his name, you know the songs. “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay.” “Knock on Wood.” “In the Midnight Hour.” “Green Onions.” Those classics are just a slice of what Steve Cropper gave to rock & roll and R&B. The legendary guitarist and songwriter passed away last week, leaving a […]
Readers’ Pick: Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter – Forever, I’ve Been Being Born
You picked Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter – Forever, I’ve Been Being Born as your favorite new release for the week of November 28, 2025.
Afton Wolfe – Ophiuchus
I’ve noted before that I’m a fan of concept albums. I have not seen anyone embrace it quite the way Nashville-by-way-of-Mississippi resident Afton Wolfe did on his newest record, Ophiuchus. Each of the 13 songs is associated with one of the 12 well-known signs of the zodiac, plus one for the lesser known Ophiuchus. Then, […]
Kiss Off – a Special Twangville Playlist, Part 8
A few times over the years I put together a series of special playlists featuring my favorite kiss off songs. Despite what some may think, I’m really not that cynical. Rather, I just appreciate how some songwriters can tackle the topic with humor and bite. It’s kind of like a genre unto itself. There have […]