Author: joekirkpug

Erika Wennerstrom, the creative force behind Heartless Bastards, discusses growing up in Dayton Ohio, signing to Fat Possum Records, and her techniques for bringing a song to life. Read more

The Seattle-based songwriter talks about holding down dead-end jobs to continue playing music, the myth of the flighty artist, and the process for composing his upcoming album. Read more

Timothy Showalter, the leader of this Philadelphia psych-rock-folk project, sits down to talk about growing up in small-town Indiana, how the radio shaped his sound, and learning how to maintain a private and public persona. Read more

The southern California native reflects on her prolific career in bluegrass and beyond, with groups such as Nickel Creek, I’m With Her, and The Watkins Family Hour. Read more

The leader of this chamber folk group, Justin Ringle, talks about learning to love Spotify, touring for the first time, and how he uses the studio to augment his writing process. Read more

The force behind American Aquarium, BJ Barham, discusses growing up in Lucky Strike’s company town, being accepted by the Texas Red Dirt community, and how to keep a band on the road for a decade. Read more

The Queen of Australian Country Music discusses her childhood in the outback, a Lucinda Williams concert that changed her life, and the tipping point of composing a song. Read more

The laid-back writer of modern country gems such “Beaumont”, “Chances Are” and, of course, “She Left Me For Jesus” joins the show to talk about sitting at the feet of Guy Clark, picking up merch from Beyonce’s dad, and steering the direction of his career with his own hands. Read more

A linchpin in Chicago’s vibrant folk and country for decades, Robbie reflects on the major label blues, recording techniques, and falling in love with music for the first time. Read more

The Grammy-nominated songwriter from Raleigh, North Carolina reflects on her time in the studio and out on the road. Read more