Live from Banjo (Marcus Gillis)

In episode 28, Marcus talks with Singer, Songwriter and Guitarist Lauren Morrow. They discuss her upcoming solo debut LP, her and her husband Jason’s transition from Atlanta and The Whiskey Gentry, songwriting in Nashville, growing up as the child of an addict, writing with Sadler Vaden, alcohol vs. marijuana, micro-dosing,  and aliens.  In the wrap-up, Crystal and Marcus discuss being too PC, Gonzo Journalism, The Streets, the major scale and the psychedelics.

• Lauren Morrow Webpage
• Lauren Morrow Instagram
• Lauren Morrow Facebook
• Lauren Morrow YouTube
• Live from Banjo Podcast Instagram
• Live from Banjo Patreon Page

This week I talk to Josh Turknett MD. Josh is a board certified neurologist that has pivoted multiple times in his career, but has consistently utilized his in-depth knowledge of neurology and neuroscience in whatever venture he tackles.  Josh received his BS in neuroscience from Wesleyan University and his MD from the prestigious Emory University School of Medicine located in Atlanta, Georgia.  Josh has multiple best-selling books including The Migraine Miracle.  His most recent book is The Laws of Brainjo: The Art and Science of Molding a Musical Mind. If you would like more info on Josh, or the Brainjo Academy please follow the link brainjo.academy. Now please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Josh Turknett... He prefers Josh... 

In this weeks episode rock climber and photographer Mary Eden, a.k.a. @tradprincess on IG, sits down and discuss her early life training horses and helping to raise her nieces, what took her from Kentucky to Utah, and how climbing helped her narrow her focus in life.  Mary tells an epic tale of watching her family home burn down whilst wrestling a goat, some of the unpleasantries of being a well known online personality, and her current project "Necronomicon."  Mary is an inspirational person, and really embodies true grit and resilience.  I hope you enjoy as she discusses life, climbing, and how she navigates life in an attempt of following "the stoke." Please enjoy Mary Catherine Eden - Trad Princess

In Episode 29, Joe Troop and I sit down to discuss Joe's new album, Borrowed Time, co-produced with Jason Richmond (Avett Brothers, Branford Marsalis) We discuss working with legends Bela Fleck, Abigail Washburn, Tim O'Brien, and Charlie Hunter, and ow his life working with along side activists changed his viewpoint and inspired his songwriting.  We deep dive on "Rise of Dream Caldwell" and the Alamance Justice Choir.  We talk about his work at the border, the border wall's symbolism to the world, and the tragic story of those trying to flee to America for a better life. Joe and I also discuss his changed life as result of the pandemic, moving forward after COVID-19 and Che Apalache, his multiple documentaries in the works, Pickin' for Progress, the state of the country, and cussin'. In this Episodes "Wrap-up," Crystal and I discuss the Delta Variant, Dreama Caldwell, rage painting pixies, Woody Guthrie, the history of US school shootings, and our own histories with "cussin." Please enjoy my conversation with the inspirational and always unpredictable Mr. Joe Troop.  

In this week's interview, I sit down with Taylor Meier. Taylor is the singer, songwriter, and co-founder of CAAMP. In today's episode, we look back at Taylor's start in music and the multiple influences driving CAAMP's sound.  We cover their meteoric rise on Spotify and the subsequent tour with Rainbow Kitten Surprise. CAAMP recently celebrated their 5-year anniversary as a band and recently got in the studio to record their fourth full-length album.  Taylor also has a side project Sumbuck, which released an album in 2020.  As the world and concert venues open back up, CAAMP will surely be back on the road in full force, and at five years in, this band seems to be at the beginning of its journey.  Please enjoy my interview with Mr. Taylor Meier 

In this episode of the Live from Banjo Podcast we discuss the comfort and anonymity of mask life, The Infamous Stringduster's new Christmas album, Dust the Halls,  Travis' life before and after his entrance into the Dusters, winning IBMAs and Grammy's, staying open to new ideas, detaching from labels, and the Travis Book Happy Hour. Travis' positive attitude and accepting nature are contagious, and it only seems appropriate to entitle this episode "Happy Hour."  Please enjoy my conversation with Mr. Travis Book.  

In the post show discussion we mention the Ram Dass podcasts, which can be found here. 

In Episode 31, I talk with roots musician Noah Engh known for his distinct singing and ragtime and blues guitar and ukulele.  We discuss both Noah’s and Uke’s journies in music; we reminisce about our time in Hollywood and discuss a portion of blues and roots music history.  We also walk back through the pandemic and how Uke In A Suit came to exist, record a full-length album, and the pains of social media. Banjo, CO, also gets blessed with a live performance from “Uke In A Suit,” performing Blind Blake’s Too Time Blues.  In this week’s wrap-up, Crystal and I discuss Hollywood decapitations, hot dogs, the Iowa State Fair, the difference between a square and gerrymandering.  Now please enjoy as Noah and I “come correct” in our entertaining conversation. 

Noah Engh's Bandcamp 

Uke in A Suit's Bandcamp

Uke in A Suit's Instagram

Noah Engh's Instagram

Kansas City Bankroll webpage

Live from Banjo Podcast Patreon

Live from Banjo Podcast Instagram

Live from Banjo Podcast Webpage

In this week's episode, I sit down with Brian Elmquist.  One of the three key vocalists and lead guitarist for The Lone Bellow. Elmquist discusses his introduction to the stage while playing guitar in his childhood sanctuary, brightly illuminated with a neon pink cross. Brian's journey as a musician took Brian from his small town in Georgia to Nashville, to New York City, and back to Nashville, where he currently resides with his wife and children. Brian discusses Lone Bellow's rise, his current collaboration with LA-based producer and friend Justin Glasco, Joyclub, and finding a home in producing and music creation.  Brian is an incredible songwriter, musician, and human being.  Please enjoy my conversation with the one and only Mr. Brian Elmquist. 

In this week's interview, I get to chat with my favorite vocalists of all time Kanene Pipkin.  Kanene is one of the three lead vocalists for one of the greatest bands in history, "The Lone Bellow."  Kanene and I discuss her life prior to "The Bellow," including meeting her husband at a spelling bee, studying linguistics in college, study abroad, traveling to China to date her bass teacher, and moving to New York, where she trained to be a professional pastry chef.    We also discuss the dedication of training that Kanene has endured to craft her incredible vocal range, her inspiration for "Just Enough To Get By," and the damage that "shame" can cause to multiple generations, and a million ways to write a song.  In this week's wrap-up, Crystal and I discuss Steven Spielberg's, "Hook," the last 15 minutes of Dead Poet's society, and some envy that I may or may not have for Jason and Kanene's lives.  Please enjoy my conversation with an incredibly kind, intelligent, and talented singer Mrs. Kanene Pipkin.  

In episode 22, I sit down at the kitchen table of Daniel Rodriguez. He is a singer and songwriter who has spent the last few years recording and performing as a solo act. He has released one EP and one full-length album as Daniel Rodriguez. He was a founding member of the transcendental indie folk-rock group Elephant Revival and toured with the band for 14 years prior to the Elephant’s hiatus in 2018.  He recently released an album with his hip-hop folk side-project, 21st Ancient. We discuss bourbon, Daniel’s childhood, his introduction to Bonnie Paine and the other members of Elephant Revival, a harrowing bus fire, and Daniel’s upcoming projects and plans.  In the wrap-up, we discuss the incredible life-long success of Fugee’s album “The Score,” The Pharcyde’s, Spike Jonze directed, music video for “Drop,” 19th Century Whaling in New London, Connecticut, and enjoying every sandwich.  Walter makes a couple of guest appearances too.  Now please enjoy my honest conversation with Mr. Daniel Rodriguez.  

In Episode 34, I speak with singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jeffrey Martin. We discuss his most recent single, “I Know What I Know,” Life as a PK in Eugene, Oregon.  Jeffrey’s songwriting, the beat writer’s place in history, “Billy Burroughs,” I fanboy out a little too much on the majesty of Jeffrey’s song Coal Fire, and we discuss the value of a bit of self-reflection. In this week’s wrap-up, Crystal and I talk a tiny about John Prine, a whole hell of a lot about William Burroughs, and a little history of the Beat Generation.  Please enjoy my conversation with the incredibly talented singer and songwriter Jeffrey Martin. 

SHOW LINKS:

• Jeffrey's Shows (Tour Dates)
• Jeffrey's Web Page
• Jeffrey's Instagram
• Live from Banjo Patreon Page
• Live from Banjo Spotify Playlist
• Live from Banjo Instagram
• Live from Banjo Website 

In episode 25, I gained the ear of Mike Marsh.  Mike is a drummer and a producer the currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Mike has been the drummer for The Avett Brothers since 2012.  Mike grew up in Florida, raised by his brother, and started playing the drums in middle school.  Through the support of Mike's brother and mother, he was able to follow his passion and become a touring musician.  In his late teens, he was in a Boca Raton punk band, The Agency. However, one of his bandmates, Chris Carrabba, started a new band and asked Mike to join.  Mike remained the drummer for Dashboard Confessional for over a decade and discussed some of the ups and downs of the band.  Mike also discusses his entry into The Avett Brothers and producing his most recent album in Papermill Studios. Crystal and I discuss Sunny Day Real Estate, MTV late-night programs, a little Avett Brothers, and going down in a blaze of glory in this week's wrap-up. Please enjoy my fast-paced and meandering conversation with Mr. Mike Marsh.

This week I chat with Bronwyn Keith-Hynes.  She is a founding member and the violinist of the bluegrass rising stars, "Mile Twelve." In 2017 Mile Twelve received the IBMA band momentum award for emerging artists, and in 2020 Mile Twelve won the best new artist of the year, proving that they are continuing to evolve and showing longevity in the industry. In follow-up to the band's success in 2017, Bronwyn won the IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year in 2018. The Massachusetts native spent her formative years in Charlottesville, VA picking up the fiddle at the age of three. Original starting on Suzuki Strings, the fiddle quickly took center stage, and Bronwyn shifted her learning to Cape Breton Fiddle and eventually to Irish Fiddle.  Her fiddle playing and desire to continually improve her improvisational ability landed her in the Berklee College of Music in Boston at only 17. There she developed a deep love for the sound of bluegrass. She continued to hone her skills while collaborating with other rising stars in town, such as Sarah Jarosz and Sierra Hull. All three young women are only 29 at the time of this episode's release, and all with resumes that show their age means little in relation to accomplishment.  Please enjoy my delightful and inside look at the incredible musical mind of Bronwyn Keith-Hynes. 

In this week's episode, I chat with Kyle Tuttle, International Banjo Player and bandleader for The Kyle Tuttle Band.  Kyle started playing guitar as soon as he was big enough to get one in his hands, but transitioned to banjo at 17 years old and is now one of the premier banjo players in the U.S. and around the world. In 2017, Kyle Released his first solo album, "Bobcat." In the three years prior to his current solo project, Kyle could be seen performing next to the late and great Jeff Austin, where Kyle was well known for his ability to bring the energy and skill required to hold his own next to "the great showman." Kyle and I discuss our  similar music tastes during our youth, Kyle's musical and life journey, his upcoming release, "Live in 2020," and transition to becoming a bandleader.I hope you enjoy my conversation with the enigmatic, charismatic, and empathetic Kyle Tuttle. 

In episode 24, I sit down with Erin Rae.  Erin is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist based in Nashville, Tennessee. Erin and I discuss her life, growing up in Jackson, TN, and Bellevue, a neighboring community of Nashville.  Erin discusses her journey in music, which started at home, with both her mother and father performing as local musicians and bringing her up in a house steeped in music.  However, Erin didn’t really begin to focus on music until later than most musicians.Though she had always sung as a hobby, she didn’t learn to play the guitar until after high school and didn’t begin to focus on music until she was nearly 20 years old. We discuss her inspirations, musical career, and detachment from persona and labels as she moves into a new phase of life and recent progression in her musical career.  We also discuss sobriety, recovery, and the fear and excitement that result from living life in the present and releasing the reigns of our own experience to something new. In this week’s wrap-up, Crystal and I discuss the history of Red Rock’s Amphitheatre, Jonathan Wilson of Topanga Canyon, Laurel Canyon heroes, Scott Walker, Slim Pickens, origins of heavy metal, Jerry Seinfeld and transcendental meditation, Marcus Gillis, and mindful meditation, and The Coal Miner’s Daughters Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gale, my wife, and wrap-up co-host’s namesakes. Please enjoy my honest and vulnerable conversation with Ms. Erin Rae.

• Erin Rae - GemsONVHS 
• Erin Rae - Instagram
• Erin Rae - Tour 

In this week’s episode, we speak with Lindsay Lou, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.  She has spent most of the last decade performing with the Flatbellys. In 2020, her all female trio, The Sweet Water Warblers released their first full length album, and Lindsay is releasing some solo works in the near future.  We discuss non-attachment and head-shaving. She gives some backstory to how her upcoming telethon for Backline, Lindsay Lou’s Sweet Treat, came to exist.  She shares her personal connection to mental health and her path and passion for advocacy.  Lindsay discusses her childhood, making music with her family and Uncle Stuckey, and her grandmother’s influence then and now. She also gives us an intimate look at her life, songwriting, and views on love and connection.  Please join me for a heartfelt conversation with Ms. Lindsay Lou. 

In episode 21, I sit down with Joshua Rilko, founding member of Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys and current touring mandolinist for Sierra Ferrell.  Joshua grew up in Saginaw, Michigan.  While a teenager and going to folk circles with his father, he discovered bluegrass and the mandolin.  While in college, he fell in love with bluegrass jams, eventually formed The Flatbellys, and met Lindsay Lou.  Quickly a personal and musical partnership burgeoned, and Joshua and Lindsay spent over a decade touring and recording with a small group of other members. Joshua and Lindsay recorded four full-length Eps together in this time.  Joshua is a talented multi-instrumentalist, hacky sacker, and footbagger and spent a portion of his touring years as a “veggie-bus mechanic.Joshua has spent the pandemic transcribing many of his favorite mandolin tunes and passing this info on to other mandolinists.  Joshua recently recorded his first solo full-length EP and, currently, has a Kickstarter in place to help get the album finalized and out into the world.  Joshua has played and recorded with many of the stars of the bluegrass and Americana scene. He is currently on tour with fellow Nashville artist Sierra Ferrell.  In this week’s wrap-up, Crystal and I discuss the origins of ska music, the inner workings of a veggie-bus symptom, and a moment of weakness.Please enjoy episode 21 and Joshua Rilko’s solo podcast interview debut.

In this week's episode, I have a very open and honest discussion with Langhorne Slim. Langhorne and I discuss his new album, Strawberry Mansion, his and I's battles with addiction and continuing struggle with anxiety.  We discuss our thoughts on spirituality, and Langhorne discusses his younger years, including the gift of the relationship he shared with his grandpa's, Jack and Sid. We also discuss simpler times when Social Media wasn't all-consuming, and Slim and Regina Spektor were the Avett Brothers' top two friends on MySpace.  From my perspective, the world is a kinder place because of Slim's words, so I hope you enjoy my conversation with the oracular Langhorne Slim.  

In this week's interview, I sit down with Paul Defiglia. Paul is currently the owner and operator of the Daylight Recording Studio located in Nashville. Tennessee. Previously, Paul was the bass player for Langhorne Slim and The War Eagles. Next, he temporarily stood in as the Avett Brothers' bass player before landing a full-time position on the keys, touring for several years. In 2020-2021, Paul played bass on and co-produced Langhorne Slim's, "Strawberry Mansion" and produced his first full-length solo album, "In Daylight." In part two of this two-part episode, we discuss Paul's journey from his time as a junior high trumpet player, his transition to bass, attending UNC's high school college conservatory, and eventually traveling to NYU to study bass in the Tisch School of the Arts.  After college, Paul toured with Langhorne Slim for over four years before taking a break from music. Sometime after, Paul received a call to sub for Bob Crawford as the touring bass player for The Avett Brothers.  This part-time job eventually leads to Paul's somewhat serendipitous metamorphosis into the Avett Brothers' full-time touring keys player, amazingly "learning" how to play the keys in front of sold-out shows across the country as he toured with The Avett Brothers.  Please enjoy part two of my discussion with Paul DeFiglia. 

In this week’s episode I speak with Clay Rose, singer, songwriter and frontman for the Colorado based Gasoline Lollipops.  We discuss Clay's hesitation of jumping into sold out post-COVID performances.  We delve into Clay’s tumultuous life and childhood; including his stay at a psychiatric facility as a teenager, his time on the road with his father, and his lifelong battle with drugs and alcohol.  We also discuss our sobriety, his friendship with Gregory Alan Isakov and the Gasoline Lollipops 5th studio record “All the Problems Money Can Buy.” Clay and I trade similar stories of our youth, navigating trauma and the punk rock pits of our hometowns. Clay’s story is both epic and tragic, but for now he has come out on the other side.  Please enjoy my honest and heartfelt conversation with Mr. Clay Rose. 

Andy Thorn has been the banjo player for the Polyethnic Cajun Slamgrass Jam Band, Leftover Salmon, for over 10 years.  However, he has been preparing nearly his entire life, as he has both loved and dedicated himself to music since he was very young.  His positive attitude, eclectic musical background, and vast banjo knowledge has allowed Andy to play in bands with current members of Greensky Bluegrass, Mandolin Orange, The Infamous Stringdusters, Che Apalache and the Jon Stickley Trio, to name a few.  Recently Andy put out an EP with his former LOS pianist/keyboardist Erik Deutsch.  Deutsch & Thorn's "Tangled Sea," successfully marries the banjo and the piano, and highlights Andy Thorns ability to play banjo in ever changing settings and styles.  The album is available at andythornmusic.com, along with other merch, and updates on his music and live performances, so please check it out.  Also, please join me as we take a deep dive into Andy's early years, and his serendipitous path to ending up in a band, which he was also a huge fan of growing up.  Please stop by livefrombanjo.com, and become a "LFB Band Member" and/or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.  Thanks! 

In Episode 26, I sit down with Lauren and Daniel Goans of Lowland Hum. Both members of the husband and wife duo split singing and songwriting duty for the band. During the pandemic, they brought a child into the world and have already had to learn how to navigate writing, recording, and producing with a newborn in tow.  Their little guy also makes a few vocal appearances in the show. We review their process covering Peter Gabriel's SO from top to bottom and what it took to release by the album's 35th birthday. Daniel and Lauren walk us through their early roots in music and examine their "kind of" serious campaign to #supportquietmusic.  While Daniel and I traverse our very coincidentally similar youth experiences as tall and lanky fellows in the South.  Crystal and I cover Say Anything, James Taylor, Max Headroom vs. Rosey as A.I. frontiers-"people" and more.Please enjoy my honest, open, and quiet… not always quiet… conversation with Lauren and Daniel Goan's, a.k.a Lowland Hum

• Lowland Hum home
• Golden Hour 
• Lowland Hum Patreon
• Lowland Hum Instagram

In Episode 33, I speak with the singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Jason Pipkin, known as The Lone Bellow's keys and bass player, but has also produced one of the bands EPs and spent some time as the band's banjo player.  Jason is also married to and has a child with Kanene Pipkin, the lead female vocalist in the Lone Bellow.  We discuss Jason's journey into the life of a professional musician, his time in the church, and where he sees himself in music after the world's shift.Crystal and I discuss glossolalia, laughter pandemics, School of Rock, and douchebags in this week's wrap-up.  Please enjoy Jason's conversation about life, love, and music. 

In this week's episode, I talk with Cristina Vane, a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist solo artist that recently released her first full length solo album, "Nowhere Sounds Lovely."  Cristina is of Italian-American and Guatemalan descent. I ask her about food from home. We discuss coming to America to go to Princeton, and how her music brought her to LA and more recently Nashville We also talk about her inspiration for the bottle neck slide, and how a summer tour that involved camping in and around some of America's most beautiful national parks and places inspired  the songs on her new album.  We discuss the inspiration for one of my favorite songs off the album, "Prayer for the Blind," and then she delights me with an impromptu live performance of the song.  Crystal and I deep dive into Italian cuisine history, Michael Keaton movies, national parks, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.  Please enjoy my conversation with the inspirational cross-genre queen, Sister Cristina Vane. 

In this week’s episode, I speak with Taylor Shuck and Aaron McCloskey, two pieces of the quintet Wood Belly.  Wood Belly began playing together in 2015. They recorded their first full-length album, “Solid Ground,” in 2018. They won the Telluride Bluegrass Bland Competition in the same year, and also were nominated for the 2018 IBMA Momentum Band of the Year. In 2019, they released the EP November, and in 2020 they released, “Man on the Radio.” They have made a change at guitar during the pandemic and have plans to move forward with some new material as they make their way back into a post pandemic scene. We learn about the chaos theory behind Taylor’s “Shuckwagon,” and Aaron gives us a little insight on his hand crafter McClostone Amps. Please join me for my enjoyable conversation with Mr. Taylor Shuck and Mr. Aaron McCloskey. 

In Episode 32, I speak with the multi-instrumentalist and Columbus, Ohio native Evan Westfall, known for and wide as the banjo player and co-founder of the folk powerhouse CAAMP. Evan and I chat about playing for humans, young and new love, his straightforward path to being a professional musician, and the brotherhood that keeps CAAMP heading in a storied trajectory. In this week's wrap-up, Crystal and I discuss the history of The Newport Folk Festival, Albert Grossman and Coen Brother's movies, T Bone Burnett and Marcus Mumford.  Please enjoy Evan, and I's conversation discussing some of the critical factors that have gotten Ev to now. 

Caamp website

Camp Instagram

Caamp Spotify

El Camino Acid Spotify

Super Sport Records website

Live from Banjo Podcast website

Live from Banjo Podcast Patreon

Live from Banjo Instagram

In Episode 30, I have a very open and vulnerable conversation with the incredibly talented singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Ana Tivel.  We discuss Ana’s new album, “Blue World,” her life-long interest in observation, violin, the sea, touring with The Shook Twins, songwriting, relationships, dealing with the pandemic, and dealing with life back in the real world, mental health, live music and more.   In this week’s wrap-up, Crystal and I discuss Nina Simone, idolize vs. idealize, ReverbNation vs. Bandcamp vs. Soundcloud vs. Myspace. Please enjoy my open and sincere conversation with Ms. Anna Tivel.

• Anna's Website
• Anna's Spotify
• Live from Banjo Patreon
• Live from Banjo Website

In Episode 23, The Live from Banjo Podcast hit the road and headed to Lafayette, GA.  With heavy rains just coming to an end and the crowd in full party mode, ready for a series of incredibly acts to take the stage, Jon Stickley and I sat down for a live recording at Forward Festival in May of 2021.Jon is the guitarist and frontman for Jon Stickley Trio.  Jon and I discuss his life as a punk rock drummer, his introduction to bluegrass and the mandolin by his best friend, Leftover Salmon banjo player Andy Thorn.We discuss the many bands, instruments, and inspirational musicians that help cultivate Jon’s unique songwriting and playing.  We walk through Jon’s childhood, marriage, and newly acquired fatherhood. We also take a look at the serendipitous series of events, including a pandemic, that allowed Jon, a nearly non-stop touring musician, to take a year and a half off to be with his wife. Jon remained home for Julianne’s entire pregnancy, and Jon was also home to welcome his son Callum into the world.  It has now been seven months since his son was born, and Jon is finally hitting the road.

He discusses his plans to navigate getting back on the road, with the extreme changes to his life over the past year.  In this week’s wrap-up, Crystal and I discuss legendary guitarists Doc Watson and Tony Rice. We look at the history of legendary indie-punk record labels Lookout Records and Fat Wreck Chords. Crystal discusses her distaste for Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life), and I give a little background on Durham’s own. Merge Records.  Crystal and I also look forward to our retirement plan as honorary park rangers, utilizing my bear-fighting cyborg appendages. Walter, per usual, likes to make himself known to the listeners.  I hope you enjoy this week’s chat with Mr. Jon Stickley.

In Episode 1 (Season 2) I speak with singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, illustrator, and actress, Nicole Atkins. We discuss her pandemic release Italian Ice, and Sinatra-esque reimagining release Memphis Ice. We discuss Nicole’s youth, her family in Neptune City, New Jersey, and her path to now. We commiserate on the acceptance of obsolete technologies and changing vernacular, and our journeys in relapse and navigating sobriety. In this week’s wrap-up, Crystal and I talk a tiny about listening to Traffic…the band, Pocket Rocker’s, Belinda Carlisle vs. Brandi Carlisle, and we go deep on Nicole’s advice to “relax your butthole.” Please enjoy the kick-off to Season 2 and set your reminders. 

Episode Links:

Nicole's Website

Nicole Patreon - Natkins Funhouse

Nicole's Music - Spotify 

Nicole's Instagram

Live from Banjo Website 

Live from Banjo Instagram

In Episode 27, I sit down with Keith Billik, the podcast host for The Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast.  This week’s episode discusses Keith’s introduction to music through his mom’s homemade La Bamba soundtrack bootleg.  We chat about his time studying audio engineering at Michigan State University, his rise to floor manager at Elderly Instruments, and his eventual transition to becoming a lawyer.  Keith also discusses putting family before music and not moving forward with Lindsay Lou and The Flatbellys. We cover his whole journey from being a banjo-playing lawyer to a banjo-playing podcast host lawyer.  Keith and I also discuss some of the things we have learned about life, music, and our personal speech deficiencies while producing podcasts.In this week’s wrap-up, Crystal and I discuss “The Day The Music Died,” Brazil the movie, Django Reinhardt’s candle injuries, and podcast stuff. Please enjoy my interview with Mr. Keith Billik

• Picky Fingers Website  and Podcast
• Picky Fingers Patreon
• Korean Dog Meat Documentary 

In this week's interview, I sit down with Paul DeFiglia. Paul is currently the owner and operator of the Daylight Recording Studio located in Nashville. Tennessee. Previously, Paul was the bass player for Langhorne Slim and The War Eagles. Next, he temporarily stood in as the Avett Brothers' bass player before landing a full-time position on the keys, touring for several years. In the last 2020-2021, Paul played bass on and co-produced Langhorne Slim's, "Strawberry Mansion" and produced his first full-length solo album, "In Daylight." In part one of this two-part episode. We discuss Nashville's rough year, the improvements and progression of Paul's recording studio, and the inspiration which led Paul to decide on a making cover album. We also discuss the incredible players he chose to include on his record.  Please enjoy part one of my discussion with Paul DeFiglia. 

In this week's interview, I sit down with David Wax. David is the singer, songwriter, and founder of the incredible "David Wax Museum." In today's episode, we discuss life at the smallest college on earth, living with intention, bringing Mexican folk music to Boston, and making music and conversations that are inclusive. We get back into David Wax Museum's new album, "Euphoric Ouroboric." David and Suz also currently have a fundraiser right now for building a music studio in their backyard.  Please enjoy part deux of my interview with David Wax, and please remember to stick around after the interview to hear Me and Crystal's weekly post-interview wrap-up. She had a headache.

Today I talk with Mat Davidson, the singer and songwriting powerhouse behind the incredible band Twain. We discuss Mat's life growing up in multiple areas around the country, his time at Berklee College of Music, and time on the road with a number of incredible musician including, but not limited to, Low Anthem, Spirit Family Reunion, Big Thief, and Langhorne Slim.  I believe Mat is someone that will be talked about for years to come.  His essence seems to come out in his music, but his soul comes out when he sings.  Mat soft spoken and thoughtful approach to conversation and song is apparent immediately.  Please enjoy my conversation with Mat Davidson. 

*EDIT 5/14 Follow link to purchase tickets to livestream benefit Abolition 2021. Twain's performance will be included on the 4/16 show. 

In this week's interview, I chat with David Wax. David is the singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and founder of the incredible, “David Wax Museum.” In today’s episode we discuss their first big TV sync, with the use of "Big Sur" on the Netflix show, “Firefly Lane.” We chat about "Guesthouse," Bike Injuries, ankle injuries, and getting the whole town of Charlottesville in on the making of the music video for Guesthouse. We also discuss David’s growth and new role of a music engineer over the last year during the pandemic, and how David Wax Museum’s 8th full length album, Euphoric Ouroboric, released on April 16th came to be.  David and Suz also currently have a fundraiser right now for building a music studio in their backyard.  I’m excited to share this first half of my interview with David Wax, and please remember to stick around after the interview to hear Crystal and I’s weekly post interview wrap-up. 

This week, I sit down with David Brazil and Sarah Pritchard, co-founders of Abolition Apostles. David is a pastor, poet, and translator, and Sarah is a pastor and dancer. They have a baby boy Sam that is very present in the interview. They both also assisted with creating the 4-day “Abolition 2021” virtual benefit music concert featuring members of Mumford and Sons, Lumineers, Molly Tuttle, and many more.  We discuss the details of the event.  The event is a fundraiser to support the funding of a hospitality house located outside of Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. During the episode, we chat about the history of slavery in America and at Angola Prison. We have a conversation that includes many topics, including mass incarceration in the US, “The War on Drugs,” and the history of White Supremacy in the US judicial and legal systems.Please enjoy my conversations with David, Sarah, and … Sam 

Please follow link to David's recommended New York Times Essay Included in revised pre-show statement *EDIT 5/14