Author: joekirkpug

The Nashville via New Jersey vocalist and songwriter discusses the turn of the century anti-folk scene in NYC, her major label debut being derailed by legendary producer Rick Rubin, and sobriety. Read more

The harmony duo from California, Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale, discuss writing songs for commercials to stay afloat in their early years, touring economically, and the secret that has allowed their intimate creative partnership to flourish for so long. Read more

Tim Showalter of Strand of Oaks flips the tables on Joe Pug and interviews him about his new album “The Flood In Color”. Interspersed are songs from that album. Read more

The beloved troubadour from PA speaks his mind on managing personal expectations, embracing the fact that people might love older albums, and the profound sense of gratitude he has for music in his life. Read more

The DC native talks about his early musical influences, struggles with major labels, and his intuitive creative process. Read more

The former Dresden Dolls front-woman turned solo artist talks about her early years street performing, listening to her audience rather than third party critics, and her role as a pioneer in artistic crowdfunding. Read more

The lead guitarist of MMJ is also a singer-songwriter in his own right, with three solo records to his name. He talks about signing to a major with his first band, auditioning for MMJ and then touring just as the band was breaking, and reconciling fatherhood with playing music on the road. Read more

The former staff writer for Warner Chappell has stepped centerstage with a solo career, discusses what the feeling of charting a #1 hit, home recording, and the pros/cons of co-writing. Read more

The Hold Steady frontman talks about making a life-changing move in his late 20s, the legendary Minneapolis music scene, and his daily writing process. Read more

The Beaumont native discusses playing studio sessions for Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, the balance of having his own band and playing for other people, and the simplicity that he’s always chasing as a songwriter. Read more