Author: joekirkpug

The acclaimed songwriter from Phoenix talks about touring as a backup musician, producing her own breakout album, and her love of the road. Read more

The husband and wife folk/soul duo now residing in Nashville talk vocal maintenance, plumbing subconscious depths for material, and learning to tour smart. Read more

The founding member of Minor Threat, Fugazi, and Dischord records sits down to talk about the mild “writer’s block” that parenthood can usher in, the reality of not being able to control people’s interpretation of songs once they’re released, and the practicality of his storied business ethos. Read more

The Tulsa troubadour describes his transition from hardcore music to folk, how to put on a compelling live show solo, and staying inspired even when the creative process is painful. Read more

The “Music Modernization Act”, which has enormous consequences for how songwriters and copyright holders will be compensated for streaming music, passed the US House of Reps unanimously but is now hamstrung in the Senate due to an eleventh hour change by SESAC. Both sides of the argument are presented on this episode, and then our… Read more

MC Taylor is the songwriter behind this Durham-based outfit. He talks about finding his writing voice over the course of several different projects, working with a long-time collaborator, and developing less encumbered music listening habits. Read more

One of Nashville’s favorite daughters, by way of Jacksonville Texas, discusses arriving for writing appointments with children in tow, finding song inspiration in everyday conversation, and dealing with the success of an international crossover hit. Read more

Dave Simonett, songwriter and founding member of the Minnesota bluegrass powerhouse TBT, talks about the mania of touring in your 20s, keeping a band together through the power of respect, and techniques he uses to keep himself inspired. Read more

The screenwriter, essayist, and former A&R man speaks about changing careers with a young family, the need to protect a fledgling project from outside influence, and the discipline of creating. Read more

The Colorado wordsmith remembers stuffing the cardboard sleeves of his first demo himself, putting off school on a lark to tour with Kelly Joe Phelps, and the joy of sharing the journey with his longtime band. Read more