New Slang (Thomas Mooney)
Explorez tous les épisodes de New Slang
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03 Feb 2022 | 206: Kolton Moore | 00:37:41 | |
On Episode 206, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Kolton Moore. During this one, we talk about his hiatus, coming back to songwriting, being a reenergized artist with a cult-like following, working with the likes of Ace Crayton of Thieving Birds, and what he has on the horizon in 2022. | |||
| 16 Feb 2022 | 207: William Beckmann | 01:03:45 | |
On Episode 207, I'm joined by singer-songwriter William Beckmann. During this conversation, we talk about his Del Rio roots, border radio influences, splitting time between Texas and Tennessee, finding his voice as a writer, navigating co-writes with songwriting heroes, sage advice from Radney Foster, and what new music he has on the horizon. | |||
| 24 Feb 2022 | 208: Grady Spencer | 01:01:10 | |
On Episode 208, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Grady Spencer, who in January released Wait, his fourth full-length with his band Grady Spencer & The Work and sixth overall. During this interview, we talk about writing Wait, the sonic palette that was influenced by the mood and feel of the past few years, the significance of songs like "Therapy's Good," touring the country, growing up in West Texas, why Matchbox Twenty still holds up, and putting his own spin on '90s Country. | |||
| 08 Mar 2022 | 209: Thomas Csorba | 00:59:35 | |
On Episode 209, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Thomas Csorba. During this conversation, we talk about growing up in Houston, discovering Texas songwriters, recording with Beau Bedford & The Texas Gentlemen, writing during the Pandemic, how songwriting has evolved and changed over the past few years, Randy Newman songs, and what he has planned going forward in 2022. | |||
| 10 Nov 2022 | 210: Cleto Cordero of Flatland Cavalry | 01:18:50 | |
New Slang returns with Episode 210, where I'm joined by singer-songwriter Cleto Cordero of Flatland Cavalry. During this conversation, we talk about Flatland's latest EP, Songs To Keep You Warm, working with the great Bruce Robison on projects, finding your true self in songwriting, Far West Texas inspirations, the new Panhandlers EP, West Texas Is The Best Texas, and Flatland's sonic journey over the past few short years. | |||
| 24 Oct 2023 | 211: Dallas Burrow | 00:53:20 | |
On Episode 211, I'm joined by Texas singer-songwriter Dallas Burrow. This past summer, Burrow released his latest full-length, the country and folk rambler Blood Brothers. With fellow Texan songwriter/producer Jonathan Tyler at the producing helm, Burrow continues establishing himself as a vivid storyteller with a knack for delivering a compelling, hearty punch. "Motel 6" is a road-weary charmer that'll fill your coffee cup for the drive back home. Songs like the wistful "Starry Eyes," haunting honky tonking "Out My Window," and the sad country waltzer "A Lot of It Was" showcase Burrow's (and Tyler's) dynamics as storyteller and bandleader. Still, the crisp title track "Blood Brothers," a certified Texas epic built on lore, adventure, heritage, and everlasting oaths, is perhaps Burrow's greatest moment. | |||
| 02 Nov 2023 | 212: Caleb Lee Hutchinson | 01:02:05 | |
On Episode 212, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Caleb Lee Hutchinson. This past Friday, Hutchinson released the cosmic-swept space country album Southern Galactic. With anthemic barnburners like the tone-setting "Silverado" and honky-tonk juke joints like "At Least I'm Drunk" and "Good at Being Bad," Hutchinson captures adventurous sonic punches while delivering familiar country themes. Still, heartbreak, lonesomeness, and existential dread do the heaviest lifting on Southern Galactic. As a songwriter, Hutchinson continues to take giant strides as a storyteller and embraces those deep, dark, and often difficult moments on songs like "I Miss You," "Quarter Life Crisis," "Used Too," and "She Didn't Drink with Me." It's in those moments where everything comes together--Hutchinson's brooding baritone matches the heartbreak and unsureness of his lyrics while the vast chasm of deep space rumbles through with Western tinges and '80s synth. | |||
| 23 Apr 2020 | 081: Jeff Crosby | 01:21:08 | |
On Episode 81, I'm joined by songwriter Jeff Crosby. I caught up with Jeff back in mid-January when he was coming through town and playing The Blue Light. We sat down and talked a lot about his forthcoming album, North Star. As his fifth full-length album, it finds Jeff really rediscovering his home state of Idaho, small-town characters, and the strained relationships of a touring musician. Standout songs like "Laramie" and "North Star" use the Pacific Northwest as an elegant backdrop for Crosby's heart on his sleeve style of storytelling. North Star is officially out April, 24. | |||
| 28 Apr 2020 | 082: Hailey Whitters | 01:08:59 | |
On Episode 82, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Hailey Whitters. She called me last week to discuss her second full-length album, the sonically charming The Dream. While sitting in her Nashville backyard, we spoke about how growing up in rural Iowa has had an impact on her songwriting style, working with the likes of Lori McKenna and Brandy Clark, her first official co-writing session with Kacey Musgraves, the honest hardships of her song "Ten Year Town," The Dixie Chicks, and where many of the songs of The Dream came. | |||
| 30 Apr 2020 | 083: Jesse Daniel | 01:02:47 | |
On episode 83, I'm joined by songwriter Jesse Daniel. Daniel just released his second album, the rollicking honky-tonk homage album Rollin' On. A California son, the influence is all over Daniel's songwriting and sound. There's a definite Bakersfield Sound influence on these highway songs, honky-tonk bar vignettes, and lonesome country breakup ballads. Here, Daniel and I discuss releasing an album in the midst of a pandemic, recording Rollin' On, the writing of the album and where many of those songs originated, songwriting on and about the life on the open road, growing up in rural California, and the revival of old school country sounds. | |||
| 05 May 2020 | 084: Rod Melancon | 01:20:43 | |
Episode 84 is another "old & unreleased" interview episode. This time around, it's one I did with Rod Melancon this past summer (2019). I'd stopped by his Austin apartment to talk about Pinkville, his excellent 2019 album, Southern Gothic literature, and really dived into our film and TV series obsessions. Melancon is as well-versed as they come in both modern pop culture and classic southern Americana. Being the son of Louisiana and a teacher, Melancon is a student of storytelling and mood. Melancon is great at combining a narrative and the art of language. They're mood and backdrop setters. Pinkville (and his previous works) is full of classic American stories about high school dropouts, country & rock superstars, military veterans suffering from PTSD, and brazen bank robbers. | |||
| 07 May 2020 | 085: Jarrod Morris | 00:43:19 | |
On Episode 085, I'm joined by rising Texas songwriter Jarrod Morris. I caught up with Jarrod in early March at The Blue Light before Quarantine 2020 came our way. Jarrod released his promising debut album West of East a year ago this past March. Produced by Texas legend Lloyd Maines, West of East sprawls with bluegrass-tinged numbers like the infectious "Red Bandana," the soaring picturesque soundscapes of "Panoramic View," and the bustling dive-bar hustler "Coyote." | |||
| 12 May 2020 | 086: Zach Nytomt | 01:06:33 | |
On Episode 086, I'm joined by Texas songwriter Zach Nytomt. This too was an interview conversation held pre-quarantine. Matter of fact, as I was heading to Nytomt and company's soundcheck at Blue Light, it was announced that SXSW was being canceled. It felt surreal and an extremely foreign idea to all of us--and still does. | |||
| 14 May 2020 | 087: Charlie Marie | 01:00:24 | |
On Episode 87, I am joined by rising country singer-songwriter Charlie Marie. Charlie really began turning heads last Spring when she released Charlie Marie, an incredibly strong and sharp five-song EP that displayed her knack for writing clever hooks and a highly emotive classic country croon. Songs such as "Rodeo" and "Shot in the Dark" had a vintage neon glow while EP standout "Countryside" felt like a breath of necessary fresh air way out on the outskirts of town. She bookended the EP with "Rhinestones" and "Playboy," two efforts that displayed a sharp wit. She weaves in and out of highly emotional moments where she's highly confident or incredibly vulnerable and exposed. Charlie Marie is as strong a collection of songs released in recent memory. | |||
| 18 May 2020 | 088: Willy Braun of Reckless Kelly | 01:29:40 | |
On Episode 88, I'm joined by Reckless Kelly lead vocalist and chief lyricist Willy Braun. This year, the pioneering Americana Country outfit is doing a first with the release of American Jackpot / American Girls, two 10-song full-length albums released the same day. Much as the titles allude, the 20 songs of American Jackpot and American Girls give Braun and company ample of space to explore a multitude of American themes without ever settling in on a "Rah Rah Rah" tired trope. Rather, songs seek out the true essence of the American Spirit with songs about Jackie Robinson, Tom Petty, grandfathers, Grand Canyon mule rules, Western exploration, rural living, a necessary reminder that we're a country of immigrants, the search for a sense of belonging, and that longing for home. | |||
| 21 May 2020 | 089: Gabe Lee | 01:22:56 | |
On Episode 89, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Gabe Lee. In 2019, Lee made quite the statement with the ever-impressive debut of farmland, a 10-song collection of sparsely arranged and primarily acoustic introspective storytellers and wallflower commentary. Lee didn't waste any time between his debut and follow-up, Honky Tonk Hell. Released in early March, Honky Tonk Hell is a natural progressive step in Lee's career as an artist. It finds his songs fully fleshed out as full-band anthems, rocking ramblers, and barroom hustlers. Still, Lee and company preserve the proper space and attention around Lee's strength as a lyricist and storyteller. Lee naturally weaves intimate experiences and thoughts with timeless expressions and newly-minted phrases. | |||
| 25 May 2020 | 090: Christian Wallace | 01:38:38 | |
On Episode 90, I'm joined by journalist Christian Wallace, an associate editor at Texas Monthly, where he has delivered some of the best in-depth reporting and robust storytelling of recent memory. Namely, his nuanced storytelling of the Permian Basin oilfield in both the written word and most recently, the breakout podcast series, Boomtown. | |||
| 28 May 2020 | 091: Kathryn Legendre | 01:30:46 | |
On Episode 091, I'm joined by country songwriter Kathryn Legendre. Last year, Kathryn released the excellent EP, Making It Up. It was a blend of old-school honky-tonk ethos and the modern neo-traditional songs of the '90s. Throughout the five songs, she blended a familiar warmth found on old country albums that embraced pedal steel and smokey dive bar banter with clever storytelling and memorable choruses. Now, she's following up Making It Up with a two-song single, "One Long Sad Song" and "Waiting in Line." Again, Kathryn's natural country roots fill out the two-song punch and capture a restlessness and down and out sadness. | |||
| 09 Jun 2020 | 092: Caleb Caudle | 01:09:35 | |
On Episode 92, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Caleb Caudle. Caudle released the sultry Southern country groover album, Better Hurry Up, earlier this year. At 11 songs long, Caudle balances introspective storytelling that feels comfortable and well lived in with a back porch familiarity and a roots rocking edge that welcomes toe-tapping rhythms. Caudle offers a look at rose-colored nostalgia with the likes of the thrilling "Monte Carlo," the sweltering bounce of "Let's Get," and the gorgeously elegant sendoff on the closing "Bigger Oceans." Recorded at The Cash Cabin, Johnny Cash's Cabin-turned-studio, Caudle's songs find a Southern Gothic warmth with earthy tones, textured harmonies, and Caudle's own velvety vocals. | |||
| 12 Jun 2020 | 093: Emily Scott Robinson | 02:07:30 | |
On Episode 93, I am joined by singer-songwriter Emily Scott Robinson. I spoke with Robinson back in mid-April and we hit a number of conversations ranging from how she's handling the Quarantine in the Arizona Desert, hipster cowboys, how she's morphed as a songwriter and storyteller, capturing the essence of small towns across America (including a small Friday Night Lights cameo), Spotify's Indigo Playlist, women songwriters in country music and the glass ceiling, and of course, the rich and vivid vignettes found on her 2019 album, the delicate, warm, comfortable, and sobering Traveling Mercies. | |||
| 15 Jun 2020 | 094: Kyle Nix | 01:28:14 | |
On Episode 094, I'm joined by Oklahoma fiddler and songwriter Kyle Nix. Nix releases his debut album, the mesmerizing and sonically sprawling Lightning On The Mountain & Other Short Stories on Friday, June 26. Throughout, Nix displays his knack for raw, gritty, and visceral storytelling with a diverse, yet cohesive sonic palette. During this interview, Nix and I talk about the creative process, his friendship & mentorship with Oklahoma legends such as Byron Berline, the initial stages of Lightning, and Bob Dylan records & eras. | |||
| 17 Jun 2020 | 095: Ruthie Collins | 01:08:42 | |
On Episode 095, I am joined by singer-songwriter Ruthie Collins. Collins recently released the calm, serene, and desert swept Cold Comfort. On the 11-track record, Collins captures the stark juxtaposition of the desert. At times, she's full of sunny and bright chorus lines and sun-kissed pedal steel swells. At others, Collins leaves us with the lonesome chill of an isolated desert night. All the while, Collins writes with a sense of vulnerability about heartbreak, tiring relationships, and moments of unsureness. At its' best, Cold Comfort glows with cosmic country ambiance and Collins finding strength during her most trying of times. | |||
| 19 Jun 2020 | 096: Mike Harmeier & Adam Odor | 01:32:42 | |
On Episode 096, I'm joined by Mike Harmeier, the lead vocalist of blazing country outfit Mike and The Moonpies, and music producer Adam Odor. Mike and The Moonpies just released Touch of You: The Lost Songs of Gary Stewart, a 10 song collection of previously unreleased songs by the late iconic honky-tonking country legend. Here, I catch up with Harmeier and Odor to talk about how the instant classic collection came to be, recording the album during a Quarantine, and how essential Stewart is to the Moonpies sound. We dip into conversation about their previous works like Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold, writing songs with winking meta self-references, and of course, our favorite classic video games such as Goldeneye & Red Dead Redemption. | |||
| 22 Jun 2020 | 097: Will Hoge | 01:16:12 | |
On Episode 097, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Will Hoge. At the end of this week (Friday, June 26), Hoge is releasing his latest album, Tiny Little Movies. At 11 tracks long, Hoge delivers vivid imagery and detail as he breathes life into a cast of common and everyday characters. Throughout, he captures their anxieties, struggles, dreams, successes, and relationships with a delicate understanding and empathetic touch. In addition, Hoge's brand of Heartland Rock meets country sees the blue-collar Nashville troubadour often embraces a grittier and rollicking sonic punch that's as driving as anything in Hoge's diverse song catalog. | |||
| 25 Jun 2020 | 098: Aubrie Sellers | 01:13:53 | |
On Episode 098, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Aubrie Sellers where we discuss the ins and outs of her latest album, the atmospheric Far From Home. Sellers and company recorded the sharp, bold, and stark Far From Home at the secluded studio Sonic Ranch right outside the desert town of Tornillo, Texas. The results are a mix of fierce rock and roll anthems such as the gritty "Drag You Down," and sugary and swaying "Lucky Charm" to the vulnerable ease of "Worried Mind" and the intimate smoky postcard of "Haven't Even Kissed Me Yet." Throughout, Sellers shines as a vocalist and moment capturer--especially on the aforementioned "Haven't Even Kissed Me Yet." Sellers and I talk about growing up on a tour bus, songwriting--in Nashville, in the modern era, and when collaborations click--Led Zeppelin, and recording an album out in the desert. | |||
| 29 Jun 2020 | 099: Daniel Fluitt of Thrift Store Cowboys | 01:21:42 | |
On Episode 099, I'm joined by Lubbock singer-songwriter Daniel Fluitt. As lead vocalist of Thrift Store Cowboys, Fluitt and company played a vital role in shaping the way music from Lubbock and West Texas sounded and felt like. Here, Fluitt and I discuss that role in The New Lubbock Sound, meeting contemporaries like Rodney Parker, "lost" studio sessions with the Legendary Tommy Allsup, how recording in Tuscon, Arizona played a key role in finding their sound, playing three-hour gigs in Lubbock, and surprise Christmas shows with Jason Isbell. | |||
| 02 Jul 2020 | 100 Clint Black | 01:29:29 | |
On Episode 100, I am joined by Country music legend Clint Black. During this hour-plus conversation, Black gives incredible insight, detail, and perspective on his storied career. We go back and talk about his breakthrough debut album Killin' Time (which last year was its' 30th year anniversary), how being in the public eye changed his songwriting, how he and guitarist Hayden Nicholas formed an as unbeatable songwriting & creative team, writing & collaborating with the likes of Merle Haggard, how "going electric" helped shape and expand his artistic process, and his latest album, Out of Sane. | |||
| 07 Jul 2020 | 101: Taylor Alexander | 01:34:41 | |
On Episode 101, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Taylor Alexander, who released his full-length debut album, the excellent Good Old Fashioned Pain, just over a year ago. The collection of songs in several ways reflect Alexander's early to mid-twenties and the growing and maturation that followed. During this interview, we talk about the moments that shaped those songs, growing up in Florida & Georgia, his ultimate move to Nashville, the intimacy of songwriting, the likes of Bright Eyes & Elliott Smith, and how he's stayed inspired during the 2020 Pandemic. | |||
| 10 Jul 2020 | 102: Lou Lewis of Rattlesnake Milk | 01:27:30 | |
On Episode 102, I am joined by Lou Lewis, the lead vocalist and lyricist of rollicking country-punk outfit Rattlesnake Milk. Lewis and company are largely informed by the flatlands of West Texas on their second album, a 10-tracked self-titled full-length that they released earlier this Spring. Through this string of character-driven narratives and truck driver country highway rollers, Lewis captures a gritty, dust-blown bunch of Flatlanders who are working the land--and being worked by the harsh land themselves. During this episode, we talk about those who influence & inspired Lewis's writing, farming in the South Plains, cultivating their sound, Mid-2000s era Lubbock music, contemporaries like Daniel Fluitt of Thrift Store Cowboys & Red Shahan, and discovering songwriters like Joe Ely, Butch Hancock, and Townes Van Zandt and their impact. | |||
| 13 Jul 2020 | 103: Samantha Crain | 01:08:42 | |
On Episode 103, I'm joined by Oklahoma singer-songwriter Samantha Crain. Crain is releasing A Small Death, her forthcoming album, Friday, July 17. Over the course of 11 tracks, Crain leads us on through a deeply personal collection of songs where she cries, mourns, confronts, perseveres, and presses on. For Crain, the last handful of years have been filled with setbacks and anguish as she battled depression, anxiety, and trauma as a result of a series of car wrecks. Tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome made playing guitar virtually impossible and left Crain questioning herself as an artist. Slowly but surely though, Crain has been able to adapt and begin anew--hence, A Small Death and rebirth for Crain. She captures flashes of previous misery and dread throughout with dark textures, droning effects, and a fever-dream haze. Still, Crain doesn't just float around in the darkest experiences without reason. Much of A Small Death sees her processing the doom and darkness and searching for the light. Speaking with Crain, it's that much more apparent. She's excited and optimistic as she's shedding the cocoon of the last few years. | |||
| 17 Jul 2020 | 104: Kalsey Kulyk | 01:09:06 | |
On Episode 104, I'm joined by Canadian singer-songwriter Kalsey Kulyk. Kulyk released her impressive seven-song Kalsey Kulyk last August. Kulyk pulls from '90s Country icons like Shania Twain as well as Americana staples such as Patty Griffin to form an informative and highly emotional blend of pop smart country songs. Kulyk's crystalline vocals are versatile and strong. Throughout her S/T, Kulyk delivers stark, slow-burning ballads ("Roll With It"), sunny, chorus-laden charmers ("Bad Liar"), and swaying daydreamers ("Low Times in High Heels"). | |||
| 20 Jul 2020 | 105: Jenny Tolman | 01:16:14 | |
On Episode 105, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Jenny Tolman. Tolman released her debut full-length album, the excellent and charming There Goes The Neighborhood just about a year ago. During this interview, we discuss the creation of Jennyville--the fictional picturesque town that's the focal point of Neighborhood--how and why she drifted towards this concept, growing up in Nashville, the Nashville songwriting machine and industry as a whole, and how she's stayed focused, grounded, and sane during the 2020 pandemic. | |||
| 23 Jul 2020 | 106: Garrett T. Capps | 01:11:11 | |
On Episode 106, I am joined by singer-songwriter Garrett T. Capps. Capps, who released the (inter)stellar Space Country record All Right, All Night, embraces the sonic tones and textures of yesterday and tomorrow throughout his rich and diverse catalog. At times, he turns back the pages of Tex-Mex, honky-tonk, and the sweltering heat of South Texas. Other times, he ventures off into the vast unknown and lays down a dreamy foundation with the cosmic chill and awe of deep space adventures. During this conversation, we talk about those various directions in his songwriting and sound, growing up in San Antonio, touring Europe, recording albums with the likes of Adam Odor and Jerry David DeCicca, and hanging out with Texas legend Augie Meyers. | |||
| 27 Jul 2020 | 107: Brit Taylor | 00:58:42 | |
On Episode 107, I am joined by Kentucky singer-songwriter Brit Taylor. Taylor released the wistful, melancholy single "Waking Up Ain't Easy" in the early summer. With its traditional country roots with weeping pedal steel and Taylor's own restless vocals and lyrics, she captures a desolate and endless lonesomeness of post-breakup life. During this interview, we talk about being an early morning person, how impacts her songwriting, country music for adults, growing up in Kentucky (and the wealth of talented songwriters from the state), Zoom songwriting, and what she has planned for the rest of 2020. | |||
| 30 Jul 2020 | 108: The Co-Write | 02:06:04 | |
On Episode 108, I am joined by Bobby Duncan and Donovan Dodd, co-hosts (and co-writers) of the music podcast, The Co-Write, for a two-part episode series. During this "home and away," Duncan, Dodd, and I talk about the general Texas music scene, the progress, growth, and shifts within the scene, being an artist and journalist in 2020, stories about Pat Green, Randy Rogers, The 806, etc and do a six-round Music Festival Fantasy draft. This is Part Two of the two-parter. Listen to Part One over on The Co-Write (and subscribe) by clicking here. | |||
| 03 Aug 2020 | 109: Ian Munsick | 00:56:26 | |
Singer-songwriter Ian Munsick joins me for Episode 109. I talk with the Wyoming native Munsick about his rich blend of Western & Frontier grit and clever & charming pop sense, splitting time between Wyoming & Nashville, navigating the co-writing world of country music, how he collects his songwriting ideas, coming from a family of musicians & songwriters, and what he has on the horizon and his forthcoming full-length album, Coyote Cry. Desert Door is a craft distiller of a premium and unique Texas spirit known as Texas sotol. The Blue Light Live The Blue Light Live is the premier live music venue of Lubbock, Texas. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| 06 Aug 2020 | 110: Jonathan Terrell | 01:12:43 | |
On Episode 110, I am joined by Texas singer-songwriter Jonathan Terrell. Terrell's upcoming album, the American West-influenced Westward (out August 21) dominates the conversation as Terrell and I discuss at length the writing, inspiration, recording, etc of the excellent album. Terrell blends a richness of soft hues and delicate, vibrant pastels of the desert floor and setting sun with the intensity, chill, and darkness of the open night sky. His vignettes are cinematic and come in like fever dreams as they warm themselves up by the campfire or stove. Terrell's rasp draws you in during these intimate stories where he explores rebirth, lonesomeness, heartache, and moving on. Still, he let's loose for open road freedom and bottles up that rush and rhythm of rubber meeting asphalt. Undoubtedly, Westward is one of the cherished gems of 2020. Desert Door is a craft distiller of a premium and unique Texas spirit known as Texas sotol. The Blue Light Live The Blue Light Live is the premier live music venue of Lubbock, Texas. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| 10 Aug 2020 | 111: Ashley Ray | 01:23:57 | |
We kick off the week with Episode 111 where I'm joined by singer-songwriter Ashley Ray. Ray is releasing Pauline, a tightknit 10-song collection of vignette-styled memories, warm introspection, and dynamic charmers about small-town life, nostalgia, memories, and family roots, on Friday, August 14. Much of Pauline's strengths stem from Ray's ability to draw from childhood memories and those deep family roots. Songs feel as though she's flipping through old photo albums. Ray points to family portraits and candids and begins painting the glowing world in which they lived in. At times, there's a haze that permeates the recollection, but it adds to the genuineness and emotional ties of the current day. During this interview, Ray and I discuss growing up in Kansas, moving to Nashville, the memory-filled songwriting of Pauline, and recording the album with friend and often collaborator, Sean McConnell. Desert Door is a craft distiller of a premium and unique Texas spirit known as Texas sotol. The Blue Light Live The Blue Light Live is the premier live music venue of Lubbock, Texas. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| 10 Aug 2020 | 112: Jesse Dayton | 01:09:12 | |
New Slang kicks off the week with Episode 112 where I'm by singer-songwriter Jesse Dayton. Dayton right off the heels of releasing Gulf Coast Sessions, an East Texas Rust meets Louisiana Bayou porch-picking party. Dayton presses pause during The Pandemic for some good, honest fun and gives us a second away from the doldrums of 2020. It's the perfect blend of Gulf Coast Blues and rock & roll for a summer swim, evening grill, or afternoon county road stroll. During this episode, Dayton and I talk growing up on Interstate 10 in Beaumont, Texas, recording music & hanging out with the likes of Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, finishing up a book of memoirs, vinyl album collecting, and finding the proper running shoes. Desert Door is a craft distiller of a premium and unique Texas spirit known as Texas sotol. The Blue Light Live The Blue Light Live is the premier live music venue of Lubbock, Texas. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| 20 Aug 2020 | 113: Colter Wall | 01:05:20 | |
Episode 113 is with Canadian singer-songwriter Colter Wall. Wall will release his third full-length album, Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs, this coming August 28. The 10-track self-produced effort finds Wall delivering a strong and sturdy ode to Western culture & rural ranch life of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Wall's Western Swing & Waltzes is a rich blend of iconic traditionals, prairie & trail songs from fellow Western songwriters, and a batch of new, fun-loving Wall originals. There's a definite loose and natural tone throughout that feels organic and genuine. Wall and company capture these perfectly imperfect moments and let them breathe and occupy the entire room. At times, Wall is raw and coarse as the feral grazing pastures, mountain overlooks, and the rolling prairies that are often the backdrops of Western Swing & Waltzes. At others, like the gorgeous sway found on the Stan Jones prairie classic "Cowpoke," Wall and company are delicate and precise on the harmonica laden and pedal swept ballad. Desert Door is a craft distiller of a premium and unique Texas spirit known as Texas sotol. The Blue Light Live The Blue Light Live is the premier live music venue of Lubbock, Texas. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| 24 Aug 2020 | 114: Zephaniah OHora | 02:06:45 | |
On Episode 114 of New Slang, I'm joined by country singer-songwriter Zephaniah OHora. The country crooning OHora is releasing Listening To The Music, his stellar follow-up to 2017 standout This Highway, this coming Friday, August 28. With the late great Neal Casal (The Cardinals, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Hard Working Americans) at the producing helm, OHora, Casal, and company create a distinct, elegant, and lush sonic palette. Taking cues from some of the greats of the '60s and '70s, OHora blends the gentle, light airiness of Countrypolitan with the hard rolling rhythms of trucker country. Ever the crooner, OHora's gleaming vocals are as beaming with power as they are delicate and nurturing. Throughout Listening To The Music, OHora pairs that iconic voice with nuanced and thoughtful lyrics about everyday life, tragic heartbreak, and late nights. Songs like lead single "All American Singer" is a modern-day common man anthem while the likes of "It's Not So Easy Today" and "We Planned To Have It All" are dejected tearjerker ballads. The rollicking "Living Too Long" fills in as a highway humming pedal stomper. Desert Door is a craft distiller of a premium and unique Texas spirit known as Texas sotol. The Blue Light Live The Blue Light Live is the premier live music venue of Lubbock, Texas. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| 27 Aug 2020 | 115: Justin Wells | 01:11:19 | |
On Episode 115, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Justin Wells, who is releasing The United State this Friday, August 28. Wells leads us through various watershed snapshot moments during life that we all experience and share. During these innate moments, Wells explores the multitude of emotions that often come hand in hand with them. He balances the carefully orchestrated details with broad themes about joy, sorrow, pain, fear, hope, love, and lonesomeness. Songs walk a delicate line as they balance both a sense of the raw, fresh present and the calm wisdom and hindsight of memory and reflection. Wells acknowledges the rushes of vibrant emotions we all know and taps into the unexplainable strangeness of things we rarely talk about. There is an intense beauty and layers of fear, loneliness, confusion, and reassurance in songs like the lead single "The Screaming Song," which kicks off The United State and comes once more during the closing moments of "The Bridge." Desert Door is a craft distiller of a premium and unique Texas spirit known as Texas sotol. The Blue Light Live The Blue Light Live is the premier live music venue of Lubbock, Texas. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| 31 Aug 2020 | 116: Karen Jonas | 01:03:30 | |
I'm joined by singer-songwriter Karen Jonas for Episode 116. Jonas just recently released The Southwest Sky and Other Dreams this past Friday (August 28). As the title alludes, 10 songs of The Southwest Sky are character-driven vignettes largely inspired by the vast landscapes, small Interstate towns, and hardened individuals who claim the land as their home. Songs such as "Farmer John," "Pink Leather Boots," and the opening "The Last Cowboy (at the Bowling Alley)" feel like snapshot stories. Jonas lets her imagination run wild as she's counting up the mile marker signs, letting these robust characters come to life with engaging storytelling and encounters. Anyone who has been bored on a long trek of highway knows, a strange billboard, abandoned building, or roadside stops can set your mind to wander as you try and fill in background settings. Jonas very much does the same as she leads you through this traveling album. Desert Door is a craft distiller of a premium and unique Texas spirit known as Texas sotol. The Blue Light Live The Blue Light Live is the premier live music venue of Lubbock, Texas. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| 03 Sep 2020 | 117: Tennessee Jet | 01:30:51 | |
On Episode 117, I catch up with country singer-songwriter Tennessee Jet to talk about his excellent new album, The Country, due out Friday, September 04. As the title suggests, it's a sprawling ode to American music with road-weary ramblers, lonesome highway ballads, and rewarding pit stops on the superhighway we call American Country music. The Oklahoma songwriter is no stranger to life on the road and those memories, recollections, and thoughts are the genesis and genius behind The Country's raw beauty and harsh realities. Desert Door is a craft distiller of a premium and unique Texas spirit known as Texas sotol. The Blue Light Live The Blue Light Live is the premier live music venue of Lubbock, Texas. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| 08 Sep 2020 | 118: Waylon Payne | 01:11:05 | |
On Episode 118, I am joined by singer-songwriter Waylon Payne. At the end of this week (Friday, September 11), Payne will be releasing Blue Eyes, The Harlot, The Queer, The Pusher and Me, the long-awaited follow-up to his 2004 debut album, The Drifter. This new album is quite the opus for Payne as he details the struggles, pain, heartache, relapse, growth, beauty, and strength of the past decade (and really, his entire life). Like the greats before him, Payne is a sharp-witted poet and gifted storyteller who can turn a phrase with the absolute best of them one minute and deliver genuine gut-punches and teary-eyed ballads the very next. Desert Door is a craft distiller of a premium and unique Texas spirit known as Texas sotol. The Blue Light Live The Blue Light Live is the premier live music venue of Lubbock, Texas. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| 10 Sep 2020 | 119: Jaime Wyatt | 01:19:12 | |
On Episode 119, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Jaime Wyatt, who released her excellent full-length album, Neon Cross, this past May. So much of Neon Cross is shaped by Wyatt's time living out in Los Angeles and coming to terms with addiction, relapse, & eventually, her current sobriety. There most certainly is heartache, grief, and self-loathing throughout Neon Cross, but Wyatt's strength, beauty, grit, and humanity are often shining beacons within the midst of that hazy fog as well. Throughout, Wyatt is as genuine a storyteller as they come, often mixing in that grief and heartache with tongue-in-cheek winks, gems of wisdom, and moments of clarity, hope, and resolve. The daring "Neon Cross" is a charging thunderhead that acts as Wyatt's anthem while "Mercy" is a wind and desert swept prayer. The hard-living "L I V I N" is an instant Wyatt classic that sees her at her most Roger Miller while the likes of "Hurt So Bad" is pure country gold. Desert Door is a craft distiller of a premium and unique Texas spirit known as Texas sotol. The Blue Light Live The Blue Light Live is the premier live music venue of Lubbock, Texas. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| 14 Sep 2020 | 120: Brennen Leigh | 01:10:56 | |
In this episode of New Slang, I’m joined by singer-songwriter Brennen Leigh. At the end of this week (Friday, September 18), Leigh released Prairie Love Letter, a worthy ode to her roots and childhood home, the rural open plains of Western Minnesota and Eastern North Dakota. Part Will Cather and part Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska, Prairie Love Letter has an earnest pioneering spirit--a balanced blend of tough and tender. Songs like "I Love the Lonesome Prairie," "The John Deere H," and "There's a Yellow Cedar Waxwing on the Juneberry Bush" are soaked with family tradition and lore. They're for dinner tables in your grandmother's kitchen or while huddling around wood-burning stoves. You get a sense of time and place in songs like these. Other songs like "Prairie Funeral" and "Billy and Beau," while most certainly given the same warm touch from Leigh and most certainly are a valuable piece of Prairie Love Letter, they transcend time and place. They're beautiful, and somewhat bittersweet, love stories that feel no boundaries. Still, Leigh doesn't just capture the nostalgic glow of home on Prairie Love Letter. "You Ain't Laying No Pipeline" and "You've Never Been To North Dakota" are necessary examinations and filled with hard truths. There's struggle and strife--and again, that enduring pioneer spirit. Desert Door is a craft distiller of a premium and unique Texas spirit known as Texas sotol. The Blue Light Live The Blue Light Live is the premier live music venue of Lubbock, Texas. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| 17 Sep 2020 | 121: Tony Kamel of Wood & Wire | 01:27:30 | |
On Episode 121, I'm joined by Tony Kamel of Austin band Wood & Wire. The bluegrass Americana outfit just released their fourth studio full-length, the excellent No Matter Where It Goes from Here, a few weeks back. Working out of The Zone out in Dripping Springs, Texas with co-producer/engineer Pat Manske, the quartet has been able to stretch their legs. Mainly by having ample time to experiment with fresh and new recording setups and utilize the studio's vast array of vintage analog gear. With that in mind, Wood & Wire's latest sees the band pushing their boundaries creating a dynamic, robust, and vibrant sonic punch. Songs like "Pigs" and "Home and the Banjo" offer clever, introspective commentary on society while the epic closing rambler "Clamp's Chute" scratches that bluegrass instrumental jam itch. | |||
| 21 Sep 2020 | 122: Mike McClure | 01:08:40 | |
On Episode 122, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Mike McClure. The Oklahoma legend is releasing Looking Up, his first album in five years, this Friday, September 25. It finds the storied storyteller in a really great mindset and place. Over the course of the 10-tracks, McClure is instrospective and reflective. In many respects, these past few years, McClure has been a been of a reset and has recalibrated back to center and the first-person narratives are a testament to that. The opening number, "I Am Not Broken" is a necessary reminder that you're allowed forgiveness--especially from yourself. The past can be a tool and not a burden. The late night spacy hymnal "Orion" is prime McClure while "Holiday Blown" is a heartaching character sketch about addiction, family strife & dynamics, military PTSD, and depression. | |||
| 24 Sep 2020 | 123: Kären McCormick | 01:13:27 | |
On Episode 123 of New Slang, I'm joined by up-and-coming pop country singer-songwriter Kären McCormick. McCormick is releasing her debut EP, a five-song collection of tunes called Retro. McCormick very much is one of these new, bright voices in pop country who are directly influenced and inspired by the rise of Taylor Swift in the mid-2000s and the '90s country her mother played while McCormick was growing up. McCormick's blend of clever hooks, intimate and first-person narrative storytelling about young love and loss feels warm and natural while her smooth vocals are brimming with loads of potential. | |||
| 28 Sep 2020 | 124: Desert Noises | 00:56:29 | |
On Episode 124, I'm joined by Kyle Henderson, the lead vocalist and chief lyricist for Desert Noises. The Nashville by way of Provo, Utah trio released the excellent album Everything Always a little more than a month ago. The album, the band's first since 2014's 27 Ways, sees them working with Bill Reynolds (formally of Band of Horses) at the producing helm. Reynolds, who became a quick co-writing partner with Henderson, was paramount in helping the indie-rock and Americana band expand and really embrace a sonic soundscape that was both vibrantly rich, yet filled with space and a stark mood. They create a bold depth throughout that feels right at home amongst post-rock bands such as Explosions in the Sky--the album ender "Windows Down" would have most certainly been a scene-stealer in Friday Night Lights. The warm accents and steely drums of "Coffee" and Henderson's hauntingly eerie vocals lead the charge on "American Skin." | |||
| 01 Oct 2020 | 125: Caitlin Canty | 01:19:42 | |
On Episode 125, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Caitlin Canty. Canty just released the Woody Guthrie-influenced song "Where is the Heart of My Country" earlier this week (Listen here). She was largely inspired on a flight from California back to her Nashville home and seeing the US from high above. Much like her excellent 2018 album, Motel Bouquet, Canty's stark, but bold sound takes lead ushering in a heightened sense of uncertainty in Canty's vocals and words. And while she most certainly captures that tension and fracture we're all feeling in 2020, there's undoubtedly unwavering determination and a sense of community that still finds its way in there too. As one would say, it's always darkest before the dawn. | |||
| 06 Oct 2020 | 126: Ashley Campbell | 01:02:50 | |
On Episode 126, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Ashley Campbell. This Friday (Oct 09), she's releasing Something Lovely, the gorgeous and dreamy follow-up to her 2018 full-length debut, The Lonely One. Campbell's charming brand of lyricism and storytelling really takes the lead on the 11-track Something Lovely. The intimate ballads "Good to Let Go" and "Forever's Not That Long" find her navigating recent breakups and eventual breakthroughs while the hole in the wall bar vignettes "Something Lovely" and "Walk On By" are witty, clever, and fun. Still, it's "Remembering," the beautiful ode that chronicles her relationship with her late father, country legend Glen Campbell, that's the hearthstone and north star of the album. | |||
| 08 Oct 2020 | 127: Thieving Birds | 01:04:16 | |
Episode 127 is with Ace Crayton, the lead vocalist and chief lyricist of the Ft. Worth country-rock outfit Thieving Birds.TB has long been one of my favorite bands within the Texas circuit. They've really embraced these strong core elements of rocking rhythms, sharp electric guitar, and soaring choruses. Very much the perfect kind of rock band you'd love to see in your favorite bar and venue every weekend. They have this new album out this week called American Savage, which I feel is their best work to date. They very much expand on those core elements on this album with a lot of rich palette expanders. I think they allowed themselves to try new mood and tone setters for songs. We do talk a lot about bands like Fleet Foxes during this interview and while they're not trying to be Fleet Foxes or The War on Drugs, etc it's very obvious that album world-building artists like them have deeply had an impact and influence on Ace and company's idea of what they wanted American Savage to sound and feel like. | |||
| 12 Oct 2020 | 128: Malin Pettersen | 01:06:40 | |
On Episode 128, I'm joined by Norwegian singer-songwriter Malin Pettersen for this episode. She has this new album called Wildhorse that's officially out Friday, October 16. I really enjoyed this conversation with Malin about the writing and recording process of Wildhorse, which takes a pretty big leap sonically from her previous release, the 2019 EP Alonesome. As the title alludes, that EP was a bare-bones acoustic effort. With Wildhorse, she really returns to a warm, rich full-band sound. It's really one of the album's strengths. Recorded in Nashville, Malin and company--an all-star cast of notable Nashville players--capture a gorgeously warm and vibrant album that draws from '70s Countrypolitan, sunny California & Laurel Canyon country-folk, and the rich moods and tones of the South in a Bobbie Gentry Delta Sweete kind of way. | |||
| 15 Oct 2020 | 129: Reyna Roberts | 00:39:54 | |
On Episode 129, I catch up with rising singer-songwriter Reyna Roberts. I really feel like Roberts has transcendent star potential as an artist. As mentioned, she's really gained a following this past year with the release of "Stompin' Grounds," an anthemic ode to small towns and The South. She of course has stellar pop sensibilities and is armed with powerhouse vocals, but I think what makes "Stompin' Grounds" is really her embracing those country roots and beginnings. She showcases and highlights her own sense of what country is and who country is. I think that's really the key to "Stompin' Grounds." She captures Country as a lifestyle, those Alabama roots, and her unabashed love and appreciation for Country. During this interview, we talk some about what she has planned for her full-length debut album, songwriting, song inspiration, piano lessons growing up, and the dialogue that is taking place about diversity and women in country music and the meaningless barriers and gatekeeping in country music. | |||
| 19 Oct 2020 | 130: Cordovas | 01:00:32 | |
We're kicking off the week being joined by Joe Firstman of the country roots rock band Cordovas. I caught up with Joe about a month back (it honestly feels like both yesterday and last year at the same time) about their new album, the fresh, loose, and earthy Destiny Hotel, which was officially released this past Friday, October 16. The raw beauty of this album really is the rich natural and organic tones and textures Joe and company unearthed for this album. It's a real instinctive album without much if any, second-guessing or complexity for the sake of complexity. There's a very raw, yet composed "live" feel to Destiny Hotel. Songs and arrangements feel lived-in but not to the extent to where they're worn out and stale. There's an easiness to the warm harmonies and a velvet texture that comes with the B-3 organ and piano. So much of this album is the exchange and blending of Appalachian roots music and storytelling through a sunnier, more vibrant, and looser West Coast country lens. During this interview, we discuss that exchange, the likes of Joesph Campbell, the Hero's Journey, the poets and artists who have influenced the writing and creative forces behind Destiny Hotel (and for Joe at large), the importance of artists in all societies, and of course, the writing, recording, and songs of Destiny Hotel. | |||
| 22 Oct 2020 | 131: Lera Lynn | 01:08:21 | |
On Episode 131, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Lera Lynn, who at the end of the week (Friday, Oct 23), is releasing her excellent new full-length, On My Own. As the title alludes, On My Own is just that. It's a singular vision with Lynn doing all of the writing, playing, singing, arranging, engineering, production, and more all on her own. That solo process is very much the guiding light and force for the 10-track album. There's a magic and tone set by Lynn not only experimenting with new instruments and song structures but by also learning the various aspects of recording an album that often is taken for granted by the average listener. Still, Lynn is as steady as ever blending bold statements, intimate whispers, and the innate anxieties that come with the human condition. At every turn, Lynn's sonically adventurous with drum machine rhythms, sprinkles of dark-toned electric guitar, smoky harmony textures, and Lynn's own rich and velvety crystalline vocals. Songs like the opening "Are You Listening," the smoldering "Dark Horse," and the album highlight "Let Me Tell You Something" find Lynn at her best and confidently progressive. | |||
| 26 Oct 2020 | 132: Rachel Brooke | 01:03:52 | |
On Episode 132, I'm joined by Michigan singer-songwriter Rachel Brooke. Brooke just released the excellent country standout The Loneliness in Me this past Friday. Full of high and lonesome, Brooke delivers on the 12-song collection with velvety vocals that gently sway to and fro as pedal steel warbles in response. Much of The Loneliness in Me harkens back to the golden era of country music as it takes cues from the likes of Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and George Jones. By all means, Brooke is a prolific country crooner as she sings hurt so good heartbreaker ballads and charming numbers that capture her wit and humor. | |||
| 29 Oct 2020 | 133: Sam Morrow | 01:29:11 | |
We're closing out the week with Episode 133 with songwriter Sam Morrow. Morrow is releasing the country-funk rock album Gettin' By On Gettin' Down this Friday, October 30. The greasy groovers of the nine-track Gettin' By finds Morrow embracing more and more character-driven vignettes while maintaining that steady grit'n'groove and tone'n'taste mantra of ZZ Top, Little Feat, and so on. Morrow's gravelly howl is as strong as ever on the likes of the brisk "Money Ain't a Thing" and the sweltering heater "Golden Venus." As strong as Morrow's swampy vocals (seriously, there's an early Sturgill tone to them) and enthralling narratives, Gettin' By's best moments come by Morrow and company's sharp, biting electric guitars. They're inherently bold as they work in over thick and punching bassline grooves--namely on the opening "Rosarita" and the meandering "Sit Crooked, Talk Straight." During this one, we talk about anxiety and restlessness during the Quarantine, reality television, Los Lobos, Los Angeles culture, expanding songwriting narratives and character-driven vignettes, co-writing, and the writing and recording of Gettin' By On Gettin' By. | |||
| 02 Nov 2020 | 134: Cam | 01:07:11 | |
On Episode 134, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Cam, who released the exceptional, genre-transcending The Otherside this past Friday (Oct 30). Cam has long been one of my favorite artists due to her refreshing pop sensibilities, lyrical (and vocal) nuance, and the emotional weight that much of her songwriting catalog carries. The Otherside sees Cam further blossom as a storyteller, performer, and country pop star. Strong anthemic singles like the love-drunk synth swaying "Till There's Nothing Left," the bubbly feelgood "Classic," and soaring instant classic "Diane" reel even the most cavalier of listeners. They're dynamic earworms that highlight different strengths within the Cam toolbox. Still, the backbone of The Otherside is the collection of keen ballads ("Happier For You," "Forgetting You"), heartwarmers such as "Like A Movie", and the reassurances and redemption found in the likes of "Changes" and "Girl Like Me." | |||
| 05 Nov 2020 | 135: Stephanie Lambring | 01:24:23 | |
On Episode 135, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Stephanie Lambring. She released the excellent and intimate album Autonomy a few weeks back (October 23) to critical acclaim. Revolving around bold and direct storytelling, Lambring has crafted some of the most personable personal songs of the year. Much of the Autonomy's beauty comes in how comfortable (comfortable is such a strange way to describe this, but strangely apt) Lambring is with addressing insecurities and vulnerable flashpoints of the past and present. Throughout, she tackles a host of old ghosts and weighty subjects--everything from hypocritical Christians and double standards to suicide and domestic violence--with an attentive grace and nuanced empathy. Songs aren't brass, rushed, or carelessness--both in how Lambring cradles the subject and in her sharp, keen delivery. Her velvety vocals and the indie-rock fuzz meets country pop-punk flair create the perfect dreamy soundscape for the vivid snapshot memories and the introspective aftermath. | |||
| 09 Nov 2020 | 136: Josh Abbott | 01:11:09 | |
This week, we kick things off with Texas singer-songwriter Josh Abbott, who at week's end will be releasing his sixth full-length album, The Highway Kind (Friday, Nov. 13). I feel that The Highway Kind not only has some of Abbott's best songwriting to date, it's also Abbott's strongest full-length both thematically and sonically. Abbott has long been an ambitious album maker with loose conceptual themes throughout his career. It's something I'm not sure he's been given his proper due, but it something that's set him apart from much of his Texas Country leaning peers. It isn't always perfect or came across as well as he's intended, but those grander brush strokes of album themes have always been there. And that's in part what makes The Highway Kind so interesting. Abbott feels loose and comfortable without being fully satisfied. The even balanced nature is a driving force for the album, which is largely inspired by the ease, health, and well-being found in Abbott's home life as a father, husband, son, and so on. The concepts and themes aren't forced or buried due to outside influence or pressure. Rather, lead singles such as "The Highway Kind," "The Luckiest," and "Settle Me Down" fit hand in glove with deep cuts such as "Old Men & Rain," "One More Two-Step," and "Women & Wishes" (which very well should be a single). Abbott leans in and embraces those core familial values that connect one generation to the next. "The Highway Kind" and "Settle Me Down" intertwine with one another as they play off sides of the very same coin. It's specifically there where Abbott sings about the highways that lead you away and return you back to home. It's both the adventurous journey and the hearthstone fire that leads the way back. During this interview, we talk about those themes and concepts of The Highway Kind, recording at Sonic Ranch, songwriting, storytelling, The Panhandlers, Terry Allen, and much more. | |||
| 12 Nov 2020 | 137: Strung Like A Horse | 01:20:03 | |
On Episode 137, I'm joined by Clay Maselle, the lead vocalist of Strung Like A Horse. The Chattanooga, Tennessee outfit released the excellent new album Whoa! a couple of weeks back (Friday, Oct 30). With producer/engineer Matt Ross-Spang at the helm, SLAH delivers a rich and vibrant full-length that captures them at their best. Whoa! embraces the band's raw and dynamic live energy while also highlighting their broad spectrum of country funk roots and garage rock spirit. The infectious album-opener "Fuck What You Think" really says it all in one large swoop and serves as an iconoclastic anthem of sorts. Other highlights include odes to Maselle's Mississippi roots with "Gold in Their Souls" and "Pelahatchie Nights" or the album's swirling sendoff "Dreamin'." | |||
| 16 Nov 2020 | 138: Bo Armstrong | 01:15:47 | |
We're kicking off the week being joined by singer-songwriter Bo Armstrong, who next week, Tuesday, November 24, will be releasing his full-length debut album, Chasing Ballads. The Nashville via Dallas songwriter collaborated with producer Brian Douglas Phillips (David Ramirez, Thomas Csorba, Rob Baird) on the effort and created a hearty soundscape that pulls from the Heartland rock meets Americana well. Combined with Armstrong's gift for narrative, the pair often create driving storytellers that embrace their anthemic choruses and melodies. Songs like "Wildfire" and "Here's Looking at You Kid" feel as though they're cut from early '80s Springsteen as they lean in on their open road rhythms. Often, Armstrong taps into the rambling worries and thoughts that keep you from falling asleep on hot summer nights. There's a comfort in talking about restlessness or, in the case of "Used to You" or the closing "You Know What I Look Like in the Dark," raw and intimate vulnerability. During this interview, we talk about moving to Nashville after living in New York, songwriters such as Jamie Lin Wilson, pursing songwriting, deep storytelling narratives, the creative process, and the ins and outs of Chasing Ballads. | |||
| 19 Nov 2020 | 139: Ward Davis | 01:07:08 | |
We're closing the week being joined by Ward Davis. The country singer-songwriter is releasing Black Cats and Crows tomorrow, Friday, November 20. These haunting undertones are a real driving force for the album. They mainly come in the brooding baritone in Davis' powerful, whiskey-soaked vocals and the midnight black vibrato of warbling guitars, but perhaps most of all, they come in Davis' raw and highly emotional piano playing. Often, that happens in the form of stark ballads like "Black Cats and Crows" and the closing drunken hymnal "Good and Drunk." Other times, it's used to help add texture and tone like in the Ray Scott cut "Papa and Mama." At his best, Davis offers hardened honky-tonk anthems like "Ain't Gonna Be Today" and "Get To Work Whiskey" in one hand and heartache storytellers like "Colorado," "Good to Say Goodbye," and the aforementioned "Good and Drunk." During this interview, we talk about the "residual darkness" of Black Cats and Crows, writing with the likes of Cody Jinks and Tennessee Jet, adult conversations in country songs, working in and eventually leaving Nashville, how he's continued to progress and adapt as a songwriter and storyteller, why he likes The Weeknd, and the surreal nature of having a song cut by legends like Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. | |||
| 23 Nov 2020 | 140: Sadler Vaden & Andrew Nelson | 01:51:52 | |
On Episode 140, I'm joined by Andrew Nelson, vocalist/guitarist of Great Peacock, and Sadler Vaden, singer-songwriter and guitarist of Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit. This episode is more of a roundtable conversation where Nelson, Vaden, and I discuss Heartland Rock, Americana, genre labels as a whole, Spotify playlists, pushing artist narratives more than albums, and what all that has to do with being heard in 2020. | |||
| 27 Nov 2020 | 141: The Panhandlers | 00:42:21 | |
Episode 141 is with The Panhandlers--the West Texas collaboration between songwriters Josh Abbott, William Clark Green, John Baumann, and Cleto Cordero of Flatland Cavalry--who released their debut self-titled last Spring. As their namesake alludes, these songs are about the Panhandle of Texas and the greater West Texas area in general. As sons of The Panhandle and Far West Texas, their solo catalogs have often echoed the howling winds that drive Heaven and earth across the South Plains, the unrelenting sun that dries out cattle pastures and iron orchards of the rugged oil fields, and most importantly, the resilient folks who claim the Land of Big Sky home. The quartet understands them more than most due to their time working and living in the Hub City of Lubbock for long stretches of time. With The Panhandlers, they've written and recorded an album's worth of richly detailed vignettes and organic dust-blown ballads that celebrate their West Texas roots and heritage. During this interview, we talk about those West Texas roots, talk about the Blue Light songwriting culture, the works of Jerry Jeff Walker and Billy Joe Shaver, and hear a handful of stories about life in Lubbock. | |||
| 30 Nov 2020 | 142: Shelby Lee Lowe | 01:10:11 | |
On Episode 142, I'm joined by country singer-songwriter Shelby Lee Lowe. About a month back, Lowe released Something in Me, a strong three-song EP that embraces Lowe's country croon, warbling pedal steel, and the gentle lean of neo-traditional sonic sways. Lowe's brand of heartache storytelling falls right in line as well. Much of 2020 has seen the Tennessee songwriter continually lean in and explore those down-home roots. | |||
| 03 Dec 2020 | 143: Kelsey Waldon | 01:30:48 | |
We're kicking off the month of December being joined by singer-songwriter Kelsey Waldon. The Kentucky songwriter released They'll Never Keep Us Down, a seven-song collection of covers just two weeks ago. With songs such as Kris Kristofferson's "The Law is for Protection of the People," Bob Dylan's "With God on Our Side," and the Hazel Dickens title track, Waldon offers songs that are just as emotionally charged as they are statements about humanity, equality, and freedom. She shines brightest on the likes of the anti-war and pro-veteran storyteller "Sam Stone," written by mentor and friend, the late John Prine, and delivers one of the year's most poignant moments. Another stellar standout is the Nina Simone standard "Mississippi Goddam" where she's joined by fellow country artists Adia Victoria and Kyshona Armstrong. During this interview, we talk about They'll Never Keep Us Down, the last year--both on a macro and micro level--Waldon's Kentucky home and roots, songwriting and storytelling, country music dialogues and conversations, and much more. | |||
| 07 Dec 2020 | 144: Randall King | 01:22:56 | |
On Episode 144, I'm joined by country singer-songwriter Randall King, who at the end of the week (Friday, Dec 11), will be releasing Leanna. The four-song EP is named after King's late sister who unexpectedly passed away earlier this year. It's as heartfelt and endearing a tribute you'd expect from King. On songs like "Takin' It As It Comes" and "Around Forever," King offers nuggets of wisdom, valuable perspective, and some life lessons he's learned over the past few years from friends and family--namely, his sister. "Takin' It As It Comes" sees King draw back the curtain on depression and OCD. He's honest and real about those personal struggles while offering determination, patience, and perseverance. On the standout "Hey Moon," King delivers perhaps his greatest song to date with a storyteller ballad about single parenting, distance, and splitting time. During this one, we talk about the writing and stories behind the songs from Leanna, the guidance and encouragement Randall received from his older sister, writing over in Nashville, late nights in Lubbock, those Panhandle roots, and some 806 Songwriter Retreat stories. | |||
| 10 Dec 2020 | 145: The Wilder Blue | 01:21:17 | |
On Episode 145, I'm joined by Texas outfit The Wilder Blue--Zane Williams, Paul Eason, Lyndon Hughes, Andy Rogers, and Sean Rodriguez. On this one, I'm joined by the entire band for a conversation about their debut album and the origins of the band. Originally dubbed Hill Country, they released their self-titled debut back in the Spring. They've gone through a name change, now going with The Wilder Blue--a phrase plucked from the standout song "Dixie Darlin'." At any rate, they still implement those initial elements that drew them to the Hill Country name in the first place. It's all framed around rich storytelling, bluegrass and campfire folk instrumentation, and robust and blossoming harmonies. Those harmonies take hold from the jump due to their organic, natural demeanor. Songs like the aforementioned "Dixie Darlin'," "Palomino Gold," and "The Eagle" are pure toe-tapping ear candy that you can't shake loose. But make no mistake, Hill Country isn't top-heavy. They spread their wings and venture off in different directions on the likes of standouts "Adios," "Hey Susanna," and the chantworthy singalong "Company Man." During this interview, we talk about the deep and rich harmony elements, the storytelling nature of their character vignettes, utilizing audibly pleasing phrases, the formation of the band, getting praise from the likes of Luke Combs, and dive into some conversation about the role of the songwriter and storyteller. | |||
| 14 Dec 2020 | 146: Adam Chaffins | 01:17:19 | |
Today's episode with Kentucky's Adam Chaffins. Chaffins released an excellent album called Some Things Won't Last last February. Chaffins' soulful vocals and bass-playing style (he's an accomplished bass player as well with plenty of work on some of your favorites in recent memory) are really the heart and soul of the album. There's a boldness to both--it's often a loose, simple sway that's organic and warm. Songs like "Further Away" and his take on the country classic "I'm Over You," are vibrant, yet gentle while "Doorway" and "I Might Be Wrong" lean further into infectious, crisp indie rock moods. All the while, there's an innate haunting nature to Chaffins' Some Things Won't Last. On this one, we talk about recording Some Things Won't Last over a handful of years, creating those specific moods and bridging them over various sessions, his Kentucky homeland, recording on various albums with some of Nashville's finest, his latest single, the excellent "Now I Don't Know," and staying busy and creative during 2020. | |||
| 16 Dec 2020 | 147: 2020 Album Draft (featuring Grady Smith and Garrett McKie & Mike Hart of Hippies & Cowboys Podcast) | 01:33:27 | |
Welcome to the first ever 2020 Album Draft. On this episode, I am joined by Grady Smith and Garrett McKie & Mike Hart of The Hippies & Cowboys Podcast to discuss some of our favorite albums, EPs, and artists of the year. This Album Draft is 10 Rounds long and each draft must fill out 10 specific categories for their roster. | |||
| 29 Dec 2020 | 148: Nick Dittmeier | 01:25:18 | |
On Episode 148, I'm joined by Southern Indiana singer-songwriter Nick Dittmeier. I was joined by Dittmeier a little before Christmas for a conversation about his Indiana meets Western Kentucky roots and how those blue-collar characters have long been a touchstone in his storytelling and songs. In the past few years, Dittmeier has released the alt-country rocking All Damn Day of 2018, the strong, introspective four-song EP Companion, and the intimate live EP Alive from a Barbershop in Southern Indiana. | |||
| 30 Dec 2020 | 149: Kree Harrison | 01:06:52 | |
On Episode 149, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Kree Harrison. Harrison released the wonderful Chosen Family Tree, her latest full-length album, this past August. Harrison seamlessly blends classic country, smart pop hooks, and a hearty southern soulfulness on Family Tree. Right from the opening notes of the first song, the crystalline "Nothing in This World," it's a remindful nod to those iconic country sounds of the past--straight from the George Jones or Tammy Wynette playbook. Standouts like the gorgeous warm sway of "That's How Hearts Get Broken," the toe-tapping pop punch of "I Love the Lie," or the dark swagger of "Get Away with Anything" show Harrison's stellar ability to morph into various states, moods, and tones as effortlessly as anyone. | |||
| 31 Dec 2020 | 150: Bella White | 01:12:14 | |
On the final episode of the year, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Bella White. White released her debut album, the excellent and endearing Just Like Leaving this past September and is not only one of the best debuts of recent memory, Just Like Leaving is one of 2020's best moments overall. Even though she's a newcomer, White delivers like a seasoned artist on the bluegrass and Appalachian-tinged collection. There's a crisp warmth to the album that pairs nicely with White's crystalline vocals and songs about longing and leaving. Songs like "Just Like Leaving" feel as though she's on the cusp of teardrops as she attempts to rationalize the situation. She leaves you just as gutted on songs like the aching "The Hand of Your Raising," the warbling redemption of "Now She Knows What it Feels Like," or on the double-fiddled and yearning "Just Unwanted." | |||
| 04 Jan 2021 | 151: Molly Parden | 01:11:24 | |
We kick off 2021 and Episode 151 with singer-songwriter Molly Parden. Parden released her latest EP, the stunningly sublime Rosemary, this past Fall. Throughout the six-songs, she pairs her velvety vocals with a dreamy soundscape that's just right for her intimate and richly detailed folk songs. Standouts like the introspective "Kitchen Table" find Parden chronicling her day as she begins to fully recognize, rationalize, and break down a recent breakup. She pulls you in near to those ordinary routines and addresses the void that's now a part of her present and how she'll eventually be fine. Through that routine, there's fine detail, complexity, and a rush of varying emotions. | |||
| 07 Jan 2021 | 152: John Calvin Abney | 01:17:37 | |
On Episode 152, I am joined by Oklahoma songwriter and musician John Calvin Abney. Abney's long been one of Oklahoma's best for his contributions as a solo artist and a side musician working with the likes of John Moreland, Samantha Crain, and several others. His latest album, November's Familiar Ground, finds the Oklahoman delivering some of his finest work to date. It was recorded remotely with friend and fellow songwriter, the aforementioned Moreland this past Spring and early Summer. Much like recent efforts, Coyote and Safe Passage, Familiar Ground has a wonderfully rich and dreamy soundscape that's as calm and soothing as it is robust with country field folk fragrances. | |||
| 11 Jan 2021 | 153: Ross Cooper | 01:36:23 | |
On Episode 153, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Ross Cooper. The Nashville by way of Lubbock songwriter is readying his latest batch of songs, the introspective Chasing Old Highs. Much like his breakout album, 2018's I Rode the Wild Horses, Cooper's tunes come with a worn-in and a weathered grit and seasoned moxie. And as a veteran songwriter and an ex-rodeo cowboy, he blends authenticity and genuineness with the best of them. This go-around, Cooper further ventures into uncharted pastures with a more daring sonic palette that goes further into garage-rock flare, way out Western openness, and just the right amount of pop-sense that swirls amongst the West Texas dust, dirt, and dry land. | |||
| 14 Jan 2021 | 154: Andrew Leahey | 01:09:21 | |
On Episode 154, I am joined by Andrew Leahey. Leahey is a singer-songwriter--frontman of the open road highway rock band Andrew Leahey & The Homestead--lead guitarist for country artist Elizabeth Cook (among others), and a writer and music journalist. That's all helped Leahey become one of the most well-balanced and nuanced thinkers and writers in the "Americana" world. In many respects, having a variety of roles has made Leahey more informed when approaching the others. In other words, his songwriting has made him a better, more understanding journalist, and how being a journalist has made him a better writer in general. During this conversation, we discuss these various roles and them all in order, how he's blended his love for power-pop and the anthemic nature of Heartland Rock, how he's embraced the virtual show in 2020, and why playing upwards of 300 covers this past year has made him a better guitarist and solo artist, playing with Elizabeth Cook and recording her latest album, the excellent 2020 effort Aftermath, and how he approaches music journalism. | |||
| 19 Jan 2021 | 155: Mason & The Gin Line | 01:27:02 | |
On Episode 155, I'm joined by Mason Server, the lead vocalist and chief lyricist of Mason & The Gin Line. Server and company released Caprock Composition, a five-song collection with West Texas & Panhandle touchpoints and is a throwback to the energy and feel of Texas country and songwriting of the late '90s and early '00s. At times, Caprock can feel like it was unearthed from a recently opened time capsule buried deep in the red dirt canyons or rolling plains of the Panhandle. There's an unpretentious nature to Server's storytelling that's earthy and earnest. The hardened grit of "Pipeliner" feels like a lost Charlie Robison storyteller while the haunting desert trekking "Ghosts" and "House of Gold & Diamonds" find Server offering something that's both familiar (there's a definite mid-'90s Pat Green tone to Server's delivery) and yet, is still left of center that feels new and different. | |||
| 26 Jan 2021 | 156: Pony Bradshaw | 01:02:26 | |
On Episode 156, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Pony Bradshaw to discuss the writing, storytelling, and mythos of his new album, Calico Jim, which is due out Friday, January 29. Bradshaw's Calico Jim taps into the Northwest corner of Georgia--Bradshaw's rural Dade County--for intricate and detailed storytelling that feels familiar, yet just left of center enough that keep you off balance and engaged. The Southern Gothic-tinged narratives of down-trodden poor folks, drug smugglers, charismatic hillbillies, cops on the take, and the like all lay a claim to rural southern Appalachia. That's in part due to their storied histories feeling as old as the mountains themselves. During this conversation, Bradshaw and I discuss the rich storytelling of Calico Jim, recording the album in Little Rock, Ark. back in August, some of his favorite novelists, and regionalism in song and culture. | |||
| 28 Jan 2021 | 157: Ben Nichols of Lucero | 01:07:08 | |
On Episode 157, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Ben Nichols of the Memphis alt-country outfit Lucero. Lucero is releasing their latest efforts, the atmospheric adventure When You Found Me, this Friday, January 29. It marks as the band's 10th studio album and finds Nichols and company further expanding their sonic and storytelling legs. Songs like "Coffin Nails" is one of Nichols' finest moments as he details the complex relationships between fathers & sons and the things we pass on from one generation to the next. The radiating "Have You Lost Your Way" and the piano-laden "When You Found Me" are perfect bookends that play off one another while the piercing "Outrun the Moon," rollicking "Back in Ohio," and "A City on Fire" are rich vignettes drenched in Southern Gothic tones and mood. | |||
| 01 Feb 2021 | 158: Aaron Lee Tasjan | 01:15:28 | |
We kicked off the month of February being joined by singer-songwriter Aaron Lee Tasjan. Tasjan is releasing his excellent new album Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan! this coming Friday (February 5). The East Nashville songwriter continues to explore the cosmic folk and space rock realms on the self-titled collection with songs like the infectious glam-pop anthem "Up All Night," the Elliott Smith channeling "Another Lonely Day," the swaggering shimmer of "Don't Overthink It," and the Beatlesque closer "Got What I Wanted." | |||
| 04 Feb 2021 | 159 Turkey (on Everything): Brandon Adams, Daniel Markham, Dave Martinez, & Charlie Stout | 01:06:28 | |
On Episode 159, I drive up to Turkey, Texas, and record a super-casual and relaxed conversation with Lubbock songwriters Brandon Adams, Daniel Markham, Dave Martinez, and Charlie Stout. | |||
| 08 Feb 2021 | 160: Jillette Johnson | 01:04:10 | |
On Episode 160, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Jillette Johnson. At week's end (Friday, Feb. 12), Johnson will be releasing her forthcoming album, the gleaming It's a Beautiful Day & I Love You. On this new album, Johnson works in a bright and sunny sonic palette into the mix. While she never ventures too far from her piano-laden work, punches of sharp guitar, light '70s pop-inspired harmonies, and upbeat melodies find the now Nashville-based Johnson delivering some of her best, most comfortable work. While she still delves into serious subjects about anxiety, self-destructiveness, pain, and struggle throughout, Johnson's gratitude and acceptance shine brighter offering a resonating message. On this one, we talk about the writing and recording of It's a Beautiful Day & I Love You, the songwriting process in general, mood boards, Air Force Ones, moving to Nashville, and more. | |||
| 11 Feb 2021 | 161: Tiera | 00:53:59 | |
On Episode 161, I'm joined by Soul Country singer-songwriter Tiera. The young country riser is releasing her debut EP in mid-March and stops by to talk about readying the project, finding her voice as a storyteller, vocalist, and artist, collaborating in Nashville, songwriting on Zoom, Taylor Swift, the current times in country music, and how country legends like Shania Twain and contemporaries like Carly Pearce and Kelsea Ballerini. | |||
| 15 Feb 2021 | 162: Lainey Wilson | 01:00:02 | |
On Episode 162, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson. Wilson is releasing Sayin' What I'm Thinkin' this Friday, February 19. During this episode, we talk about recording this album with Jay Joyce, writing with the likes of Luke Dick and Lori McKenna, finding her voice as an artist and songwriter while continually growing as a storyteller and co-writer, the stories behind songs like "Sunday Best" and "Things A Man Oughta Know," and the process of shaping the feel and mood as well as the overarching themes of Sayin' What I'm Thinkin'. | |||
| 22 Feb 2021 | 163: Simon Flory | 01:30:21 | |
On Episode 163, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Simon Flory. The Fort Worth-based Flory is releasing his latest album, Haul These Blues Away. Built around Flory's gift for country narrative, short story character sketches, and Flory's rural vernacular, Haul These Blues Away is an unassuming charmer--unassuming only because Flory's more interested in harkening back to those old school country stories and ramblers and less so in the idea of that brand as a form of nostalgia. Songs like "If My Mule Had Wings," "Have Your Adventure," and "Learning How to Talk" are unpretentious, earnest, and welcoming in nature while "The More You Talk (The Less I Hear)" is a standout favorite for the early year. During this one, we talk about traveling the US as a touring musician, being "stuck" at home this past year, how the music industry has changed and shifted these past 12 months, and writing and recording Haul These Blues Away. | |||
| 25 Feb 2021 | 164: The Local Honeys | 01:13:56 | |
On Episode 164, I'm joined by Linda Jean Stokley and Montana Hobbs of The Local Honeys. Earlier this month, the Kentucky old-time duo released a pair of new songs--"Dying to Make a Living" and "Octavia Triangle"--that are drenched in history and lore while maintaining a level of relevancy for these modern times. There's a timelessness that resonates throughout the tragic, heartbreaking stories. During this interview, we talk about the stories behind the songs, why they're drawn to those songs, the cultural exchange of traditional songs, and what's to come for the two songwriters going forward album-wise. | |||
| 01 Mar 2021 | 165: Ottoman Turks (Nathan Mongol Wells & Joshua Ray Walker) | 02:17:35 | |
On Episode 165, I'm joined by Nathan Mongol Wells and Joshua Ray Walker of country garage rock outfit Ottoman Turks. The Dallas-based country punkers are releasing their sophomore album, the aptly titled Ottoman Turks II, this Friday, March 05. On their latest, they continue exploring the intersection at which honky-tonk country and dive bar punk collide. Songs like "35 to Life" are uniquely Texan as they explore the vengeful JFK plot with darkened overtones and piercing guitar riffs. Other songs like "Travelin' Blues" and "Rootless Tree" see them offer twangy lonesome train beats while standout "Conspiracy Freak" finds the four-piece capture the panic and anxiety of a certain slice of American life. On this one, we talk about truck stops, gas stations, some behind the scenes details of their stellar music videos "35 to Life" and "Wound Up," creating during this past year, the highs and lows of Kings of Leon, our favorite conspiracy theories, our favorite cheap beers, and their latest full-length Ottoman Turks II. | |||
| 05 Mar 2021 | 166: Charley Crockett | 01:26:17 | |
On Episode 166, I'm joined by Texas Gulf & Western singer-songwriter Charley Crockett. On this one, we talk about his latest album, the honky-tonk classic, 10 For Slim: Charley Crockett Sings James Hand, which was released this past Friday (February 26). During this interview, Crockett talks about the late great Texas honky tonker James Hand, and why it was paramount that he cut an album of Hand-written tunes. We also touch on his previous album Welcome to Hard Times, embracing the Western landscape and western balladry on the loose conceptual 2020 release. This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol. In addition, this episode is sponsored by WYLD Gallery, The Blue Light Live, and Hot Damn Coffee. | |||
| 09 Mar 2021 | 167: Ricky Young of The Wild Feathers | 00:59:37 | |
On Episode 167, I'm joined by Ricky Young of Americana rock band The Wild Feathers, who in late November, released Medium Rarities, a collection of covers, b-sides, and new songs from the band's first decade. During this one, Young and I talk about the makeup of Medium Rarities and how it's a nice reflection of what the band's first decade sounds like, how they've embraced newer territory with each studio album, co-writing and creating this past year, working on new material, and how cabin retreats have often been the catalyst for the outfit's creativity each album go-around. | |||
| 15 Mar 2021 | 168: Mason Lively | 01:14:55 | |
On Episode 168, I'm joined by rising Texas singer-songwriter Mason Lively. At the end of the week (March 19), he's releasing his sophomore album, the rich and robust Mason Lively. During this one, we talk about working with Wade Bowen and Justin Pollard (who co-produced the effort), writing songs in Nashville, maturing and taking notes from established writers, recording Mason Lively, his first concert experiences, and some of our favorite country bands from the '90s and early '00s. | |||
| 23 Mar 2021 | 169: Joe Pug | 01:01:44 | |
On Episode 169, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Joe Pug, who released The Diving Sun, his latest full-length, this past Friday. Pug is also the host of The Working Songwriter, a podcast where he speaks with other songwriters and musicians about their craft and songwriting in general. During this episode, we talk about the evolution and writing of The Diving Sun, creating during the past year, NFTs, Clubhouse, songwriters like Joe Ely, and developing The Working Songwriter over the past few years. | |||
| 25 Mar 2021 | 170: Jon Randall | 01:12:53 | |
On Episode 170, I'm joined by singer-songwriter, album producer, and artist Jon Randall. During this episode, we talk about Randall's upcoming solo album--his first in 15 years, The Marfa Tapes--the collaborative album with Jack Ingram and Miranda Lambert, what drew him to the Far West Texas town, songwriting, working with the likes of Dierks Bentley, Parker McCollum, and the aforementioned Ingram and Lambert, and writing songs with Guy Clark. | |||
| 04 May 2021 | 171: Rob Leines | 00:58:55 | |
On Episode 171, I'm joined by rock and roller Rob Leines. Back in March, Leines released the southern rock stomper and blue-collar roots album Blood Sweat and Beers. During this episode, we talk about the writing, recording, and experiences of Blood Sweat and Beers, growing up in the South, living in LA, working as a welder, the stress of quarantine life on art, and the parallels between blue-collar work and being a seasoned, touring musician. | |||
| 06 May 2021 | 172: Miko Marks | 01:05:36 | |
On Episode 172, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Miko Marks. Marks released Our Country, her first full-length album in over a decade, in late March of this year. During this conversation, we talk about her "return" to country music, how Our Country was recorded and came to be during the midst of 2020's quarantine, the difficult and necessary conversations found within the album, and the shifting landscape within country and Americana music. | |||
| 12 May 2021 | 173: John R. Miller | 01:05:20 | |
On Episode 173, we're joined by West Virginia singer-songwriter John R. Miller. This week, Miller announced that his forthcoming album, Depreciated, will be out July 16 via Rounder Records. In conjunction with the announcement, he released the stirring and rich Appalachia epic "Shenandoah Shakedown." During this one, we talk about recording Depreciated in Nashville, writing about his native West Virginian roots, and how the past year provided him with the time to find more discipline in his craft. | |||