Episode 264 – Steve Cropper
This legendary musician and songwriter was integral to the Staxx Records sound, and has writing credits on “Green Onions” and “Sittin’ On The Dock of the Bay”.
Episode 263 – Mat Kearney
This Oregon native has toured with John Mayer, Sheryl Crowe and Train. He’s also recorded for Columbia and Universal Republic records over the course of his remarkable career over two decades.
Episode 262 – Guster
This legendary band from New England has toured with everyone from Phish to John Mayer to Dave Matthews Band. They’ve experience underground success and Gold singles. Their creative leader Ryan Miller stops by the show to discuss their long journey in music.
Episode 261 – Steep Canyon Rangers
This Grammy award winning bluegrass band from North Carolina has been active for nearly a quarter century. They stop by the show to discuss their years as a group, including their auspicious collaboration with the legendary comedian Steve Martin.
Episode 260 – Save Ferris
Monique Powell is the lead singer of this legendary ska punk band from Orange County CA, who have been blazing their on trail in music for three decades now.
Episode 259 – Patrick Davis
This American songwriter and producer has written for and with Darius Rucker, Lady Antebellum, Jewel, Pat Green and Guy Clark. He joins the show to discuss his career of writing for himself and for other artists.
Episode 258 – Collective Soul
Ed Roland is the creative force behind this legendary American rock band. He stops by the show to discuss the band’s unlikely path to stardom and their three decade career thereafter.
Episode 257 – K Flay
This songwriter has recorded for RCA and Interscope Records, and toured with AWOLNATION, Third Eye Blind, and Dashboard Confessional. Recently, she has had to navigate the unexpected medical condition of sudden hearing loss. An inspirational story from an inspirational artist.
Episode 256 – Lawrence Gowan of Styx
This native of Ontario has written and recorded platinum singles of his own, while also remaining a contributing member of the legendary rock band Styx.
Episode 255 – Bridget Kearney
This founding member of the wildly popular group Lake Street Dive joins the show to discuss her new solo project, her early years learning the upright bass, and composing with a group.
Episode 254 – Josh Radnor
This celebrated film and television actor who spent nine seasons on How I Met Your Mother on CBS, is well on his way to establishing his career as a recording artist.
Episode 253 – Kitchen Dwellers
This celebrated young bluegrass outfit from Montana has shared the stage with Goose, Infamous Stringdusters, and Greensky Bluegrass.
Episode 252 – Maia Friedman
This California native pulled a stint in Dirty Projectors, and then formed the band Coco before striking out on her own.
Episode 251 – Josh Abbott Band
This bandleader recounts their humble origins in Lubbock, having their song “Taste” take off on local radio, and their wild musical journey ever since
Episode 250 – King Canyon
This newly formed super group features Grammy award winning guitarist Eric Krasno of Soul Live, Otis McDonald and bass player Mike Chiavaro. The conversation was taped live at the 2023 Park City Song Summit.
Episode 249 – Devon Allman
The accomplished songwriter, guitarist, and record producer reflects on cutting his teeth with his father’s band, The Allman Brothers, and blazing his own path.
Episode 248 – Mackenzie Porter
This songwriter has had five Number Ones on the Canadian Country charts and also performs as an actress on television shows on AMC and Netflix.
Episode 247 – Shane Smith and The Saints
This hard-touring group got their break when the T.V. show Yellowstone featured their music. They’re out now with a new album entitled, “Norther”.
Episode 246 – Alejandro Escovedo
The roots music icon joins our show to discuss his early punk years with The Nuns, touring with John Prine, and his latest album “Echo Dancing”.
Episode 245 – Amelia White
This East Nashville troubadour has shared the stage with John Prine and Justin Townes Earle stops by the show to discuss her new album out now on Thirty Tigers.
Episode 244 – San Fermin
Ellis Ludwig-Leone is the composer behind this indie rock collective with a string of critically acclaimed albums.
Episode 243 – Matt Pryor of The Get Up Kids
The creative force behind this legendary rock band discusses his years on the road, getting sober, and writing his memoir, “Red Letter Days”.
Episode 242 – Foghat
Bryan Bassett has been a contributing member to Foghat, Wild Cherry, and southern rock luminaries Molly Hatchet. He joins the show to discuss his five decades in music.
Episode 241 – Tyler Ramsey
This native of North Carolina was once an integral member of Band of Horses and is now back to releasing his own critically acclaimed solo albums.
Episode 240 – Lizzie Weber
This artist hails from St. Louis and has toured with the Swell Season, Ben Folds, and many others.
Episode 239 – Songwriting with Soldiers
Jay Clementi is a chart-topping songwriting who has written for Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Martina McBride and many others. He joins us to discuss the foundation he works with creatively to help veterans tell their stories through song.
Episode 238 – St. Paul & The Broken Bones
We were joined by Paul Janeway at the Park City Song Summit to discuss his group’s meteoric rise to prominence and his creative process.
Episode 237 – The Last Revel
This string band from Minnesota excels with their empasis on songcraft and lyricism.
Episode 236 – Liz Longley
This native of Downingtown PA studied Berklee College of Music, moved to Nashville and promptly won the prestigious BMI John Lennon songwriting competition.
Episode 235 – HEALTH
Jake Duzsik is the founder and creative force behind this industrial rock band from Los Angeles that has toured with Nine Inch Nails and contributed scoring to video games such as Grand Theft Auto.
Episode 234 – Bob Schneider
This legendary Austin TX songwriter stops by the show to talk about three decades of prolific writing, touring, and recording.
Episode 233 – Classified
This Canadian hip hop star has found success for over three decades including appearances with Snoop Dogg and platinum records of his own.
Episode 232 – Dylan LeBlanc
This soulful singer from the American south has painstakingly built a worldwide audience over the last decade.
Episode 231 – Michigander
Jason Singer is the creative force behind this indie rock band that has built a national following by collaborating with Manchester Orchestra and playing legendary festivals such as Lollapalooza.
Episode 230 – Animal Liberation Orchestra (ALO)
Zach and Lebo are the creative forces behind this rock and jam institution. They discuss their original formation, and recording for Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records.
Episode 229 – Andy Frasco
The legendarily spirited rock and roll front man joins the show to discuss his early years working for record labels, DIY touring and learning the craft of songwriting from mentors in Nashville.
Episode 228 – Mireya Ramos
This Grammy winner stops by the show to discuss her acclaimed band Flor de Toloache, and her time touring with notable acts such as Dan Auerbach’s The Arcs.
Episode 227- Chris Farren
This artist, formerly of Fake Problems, has toured with the Gaslight Anthem, Anti-Flag, Frank Turner and many others.
Episode 226- Darrell Scott
This legendary songsmith who has written for Brad Paisley, the Chicks, Guy Clark, Montgomery Gentry and many others joins the show.
Episode 225 – Deer Tick
Providence Rhode Island’s greatest gift to rock and roll joins the show to discuss their years on the road and their knack for collaborating with one another over the course of years.
Episode 224 – Otis McDonald
This musical project is the brainchild of musician Joe Bagale, who has built a sizeable following for his music via the pathway of the royalty free library on Youtube.
Episode 223 – Anna Tivel
This native of the PNW has won the Telluride Troubadour award for songwriting and the prestigious Kerrville Folk Fest “New Folk” award. She’s been composing and recording critically acclaimed folk records for the last decade.
Episode 222 – Tim Easton
This Akron OH native got his start busking the streets of Europe before moving to Los Angeles and scoring his first record deal. He’s carved out a career as one of Americana’s most beloved journeyman songwriters.
Episode 221 – John Gallagher Jr.
After starring in hit musicals like “Spring Awakening” and “American Idiot”, this multi-faceted performer has struck out on a career as a singer-songwriter.
Episode 220 – Courtney Jaye
This peripatetic songwriter has collaborated with Rhett Miller, Gary Louris, Matthew sweet and many others, all while keeping her own artistic career rolling.
Episode 219 – Steel Woods
Wes Bayliss, one of the co-founders of this Nashville southern rock juggernaut, stops by the show to talk about the band’s genesis and the loss of their co-founder Jason “Rowdy” Cope.
Episode 218 – Tall Heights
This duo from New England has been releasing anthemic and rousing folk music for over a decade.
Episode 217 – Ratboys
Julia Steiner, the creative force behind this exciting young indie rock band, stops by the show to discuss the band’s origins and their latest album.
Episode 216 – Bill Nershi (String Cheese Incident
One of the founding members of this indelible American jam band stops by the show to discuss his early years, recording with Steve Berlin, and writing with a group.
Episode 215 – Peter Case
The legendary troubadour who fronted bands like the Nerves and the Plimsouls, talks about his five decade career as a Grammy nominated singer-songwriter.
Episode 214 – The Revivalists
Zack Feinberg, one of the creative forces behind this platinum selling rock band, stops by the show to talk creative process.
Episode 213 – Samantha Fish
This blues guitarist from Kansas City is also an ace songwriter and performer.
Episode 212 – Trevor Hall
This talented songwriter signed to Geffen Records as a senior in high school, and has headlined Red Rocks.
Episode 211 – Abraham Alexander
This native of Greece has been blazing his own path in American music after an auspicious meeting the soul music star Leon Bridges.
Episode 210 – Ernest
This homegrown Nashville artists has written for Morgan Wallen and Thomas Rhett, and now has a Gold Record of his own.
Episode 209 – Mary Lee Kortes
This artist has written songs for Amy Grant and the Pointer Sisters and has also worked as a session singer for Jewel and Freedy Johnston.
Episode 208 – Hunter Hayes
This Grammy nominated and chart-topping artist from Breaux Bridge, LA stops by the show to recall his ascent in music and entertainment.
Episode 207 – Glen Burtnik
The former member of Styx and writer of hits for Patty Smyth, Don Henley and Randy Travis stops by the show.
Episode 206 – Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest
The lead guitarist and one of the contributing songwriters to this iconic heavy metal band stops by the show to discuss his time in the studio and on the road with the group.
Episode 205- Lindsay Ell
This Canadian born troubadour has seen platinum success, toured with Shania Twain, and has hosted “Canada’s Got Talent”.
Episode 204 – Robert Ellis Strikes Again!
The Texas troubadour returns to our show to opine on owning a nightclub, running a studio, and producing his latest album “Yesterday’s News” in Fort Worth.
Episode 203 – Layng Martine Jr
This standard bearer of Nashville’s music row stops by the show to discuss his many decades in songwriting, including writing hits for Elvis, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, and many others.
Episode 202 – City and Colour
Dallas Green, the creative mastermind behind this platinum selling Canadian band, stops by the show to discuss his musical upbringing and his creative process.
Episode 201 – Dave Hause returns
Formerly of The Curse and The Loved Ones, this prolific songwriter who now helms his own eponymous project returns to the show to discuss his new album.
Episode 200 – Devon Gilfillian
This young songwriter from Pennsylvania has toured with the likes of Mavis Staples, Gladys Knight, the Brothers Osborne and many others. He stops by the show to talk about his musical journey so far.
Episode 199 – Iris Dement
This living legend of American music stops by the show to discuss three decades of inspired singing and songwriting.
Episode 198 – Tim Hause
Stepping out into the spotlight after years on the road with his brother’s band, Tim Hause stops by the show to discuss his new eponymous project
Episode 197 – Shinedown
These modern rock stalwarts have sold over ten million records and find themselves regularly at the top of Billboard’s rock charts.
Episode 196 – Steve Moakler
This Pennsylvania native has written for Dierks Bentley and played in concert with Willie Nelson. He stops by the show to discuss his unlikely path into the center of the modern music business.
Episode 195 – Rising Appalachia
This folk group led by two sisters has consistently blazed a trail for independent musicians over the last two decades.
Episode 194 – Cory Branan
The Memphis-based troubadour stops by the show to talk about his early inspiration and his years on the road.
Episode 193 – Robyn Hitchcock
The psychedelic songsmith, whose music has inspired the likes of REM and the Replacements, stops by the show to discuss his five decades in music.
Episode 192 – HARDY
This songsmith has 12 one hits to his name, along with 2 billion Spotify streams and counting.
Episode 191 – Bonny Light Horseman
This folk supergroup is composed of Anais Mitchell (Hadestown), Eric D. Johnson (Fruit Bats), and Josh Kaufman (The National, Bob Weir, Josh Ritter).
Episode 190 – William Clark Green
The troubadour from Flint, Texas stops by the show to talk about his years on the road and in the writing room.
Episode 189 – Trampled By Turtles returns
Dave Simonett, the principal singer and songwriter with this hard-charging and lyrically precise bluegrass band, discusses their latest album which was produced by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco.
Episode 188 – Holly Knight
This legendary songwriter has been penned hits for Pat Benatar, Tina Turner, Aerosmith, Rod Stewart, Heart, Bon Jovi and many others.
Episode 187 – Goodbye Road
This American folk supergroup is composed of Drew Holcomb and the married duo behind Johnnyswim.
Episode 186 – Brandon Hardesty
The lead singer and songwriter for Bumpin’ Uglies, a lyrically focused reggae band from Maryland, stops by the show to discuss how he built his band into nationally touring success.
Episode 185 – Flatland Cavalry
Cleto Cordero, the principal songwriter and frontman for this burgeoning Texas country outfit, stops by the show to talk their early days, being away from family on the road, and writing songs.
Episode 184 – Madison Cunningham
This 26 year old phenom, who has already garnered 4 Grammy nominations, stops by the show to discuss learning the ropes with Chris Thile and Andrew Bird.
Episode 183 – John Oates
As one half of the iconic duo Darryl Hall & John Oates, our guest this week discusses his journey in music which has included induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as well as 80 million records sold.
Episode 181 – The Ballroom Thieves
This indie folk duo from New England reflects on their hardworking path to a national audience.
Episode 180 – The Midnight
Tyler Lyle is one half of this synthwave outfit who has garnered tens of millions of Spotify streams and a robust international following.
Episode 179 – Adam Hood
The veteran songwriter who has threaded the needle with a career as an artist as well as a writer for Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town, stops by the show to talk about his his years on the road and in the writer’s room
Episode 178 – Mark Charles
The former Vandaveer frontman stops by the show to talk about writing, touring, and keeping a band together.
Episode 176 – Ash Bowers
The head of Nashville’s Wide Open Music shares lessons he’s learned from two decades working as an artist, songwriter, producer, and music manager.
Episode 175 – Jenny Owen Youngs
This indie singer-songwriter has successfully dipped her toe into the world of big league pop and rock music. She stops by the show to talk about the idiosyncratic path that led her to penning songs with Panic! At The Disco, Ingrid Michaelson, and Pitbull.
Episode 174 – Matt Stell
The rising Nashville star discusses his early start in independent bands, penning a double platinum hit, and learning from your creative rivals.
Episode 173 – Matt Nathanson
The journeyman songwriter talks about his long road to a platinum hit and finding peace in the creative pursuit.
Episode 172 – Lissie
The celebrated indie pop and folk singer who hails from Iowa stops by the show to talk about her winding musical path.
Episode 171 – Hailey Whitters
This native Iowan describes her journey to Nashville and how it took her twelve years in a “Ten Year Town” to maker her musical dreams come true.
Episode 170 – Jonathan Terrell
This rocker turned country crooner talks about his childhood growing up “behind the pine curtain” in East Texas, getting his start in the Austin music scene, and developing a compelling sound that was his own.
Episode 169 – Arkells
Max Kerman, the creative force behind the inventive and beloved Canadian rock band that Paste Magazine once called “Canada’s Best Kept Secret”, stops by the show to talk about their juggernaut debut album, keeping a business running over the long haul, and staying creative through collaboration.
Episode 168 – Eli Young Band
The wildly successful group from Texas stops by the show to discuss their years on the road, handling the success of 4 Number One hits, and staying together as a group over time.
Episode 167 – Maggie Rose
The country-soul artist stops by the show to discuss receiving initial encouragement from Tommy Mottola, learning the ropes in Nashville, and thriving as an independent artist.
Episode 166 – Dawes returns
Taylor Goldsmith, the singer and songwriter behind this beloved Los Angeles rock band, stops by the show to discuss their ambitious new album, “Misadventures of Doomscroller”.
Episode 165 – Joe Gittelman of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
One of the founding members and creative forces behind this classic American band stops by the show to talk about their iconic run in underground and mainstream music for the last 30 years.
Episode 164 – Dan Bern
The legendary folk troubadour who has written for projects as diverse as “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” and The Tony Kornheiser show, stops by to talk about his early years getting started, signing to a major label in the ’90s, and the creative process that allows him to be so prolific.
Episode 163 – Judah & the Lion
This folk outfit that formed in Nashville has toured with Twenty Pilots and Incubus, played Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, and appeared on a slew of Late Night shows with their buoyant songs. They stop by the show to talk their origins, touring, and their latest record.
Episode 162 – Jimmie Allen
The troubadour from Nashville who’s collaborated with Brad Paisley and Jennifer Lopez, and who’s had three songs go to the top of the Country Music Billboard charts, stops by the show to talk about the work ethic that’s helped him achieve so much.
Episode 161 – Chastity Brown returns
The Red House Records recording artist returns to the podcast to talk about her new record “Sing to the Walls”.
Episode 160 – Donovan Woods
The Juno award winning songsmith from Ontario talks owning his own masters, writing a song that Tim McGraw picked up, and learning to write in “found” moments as a father of young children.
Episode 159 – G. Love
The Philadelphia raised troubadour, who has been mixing blues, folk, and hip hop for three decades, stops by the show to talk about early success, 1990s major label deals, and his prolific collaborations with the likes of Jack Johnson, the Avett Brothers, and many others.
Episode 158 – Jonathan Edwards
The Billboard-topping songwriter talks about his early years in the Boston folk scene, accidentally recording a hit, and his relationship to a song that has become a part of the American cultural fabric.
Episode 156 – Wade Bowen
The Red Dirt icon stops by the show to talk about his formative years playing clubs, signing with a major label in Nashville, and the way that fan support has fueled his entire career.
Episode 155 – Dar Williams
The iconic singer songwriter reflects on her last few decades at the vanguard of American folk music.
Episode 154 – Rob Baird
The Memphis born troubadour talks about his time as a staff writer in Nashville and carving out an artist career of his own with new release “Anthems”.
Episode 153 – Nicki Bluhm
This California transplant living in Nashville TN describes her early days in music touring relentlessly, learning to collaborate with other writers, and growing as a person along with her art.
Episode 152 – Foy Vance
The renowned Irish songwriter joins the show to talk about the creative process that earned him a spot on stage with Ed Sheeran, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John and many others.
Episode 151 – John Doe
This legendary songwriter who co-founded the seminal LA punk band X, stops by the show to talk about artistic collaboration, an outsider mentality, and continuing to release vital work many years into his career.
Episode 150 – Wheatus
Brendan B. Brown, the creative force behind this long-running New York band, stops by the show to discuss the writing and producing of their platinum hit, dealing with the politics of a major label record deal, and his songwriting philosophy.
Episode 149 – Chuck Ragan
This songwriter has spent the last few decades building a devoted following with Hot Water Music and also with his own solo project. He discusses getting his start in the 1990s Florida Hardcore scene, getting his legendary Revival Tour off the ground, and some of his creative practices.
Episode 148 – Frank Turner
Fresh on the heels of his latest album hitting #1 on the UK Charts, this journeyman songwriter and performer stops by the show to discuss his beginnings in Hardcore music, many years of touring, and writing methods.
Episode 147 – Laura Jane Grace
The creative force behind Against Me!, describes founding the band, working with producer Butch Vig, and navigating the waters of the major label system in the late 2000s.
Episode 146 – Steve Forbert
This legendary troubadour from Mississippi has seen the heights of the Billboard charts and been nominated for a Grammy, he stops by our show to discuss his many decades of vital, creative work.
Episode 145 – Paul Cauthen
This artist from West Texas discusses his writing style, his process in the studio, and his time on the road.
Episode 144 – Old Crow Medicine Show
Ketch Secor is the founder of this iconic American band that has won several Grammy’s, gone platinum, and become an important of our nation’s musical firmament.
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Episode 143 – Allison Moorer returns
This Grammy and Oscar nominated songwriter stops by our show again to discuss her new memoir, “I Dream He Talks to Me”, and her creative process in general.
Episode 142 – Sarah Shook and the Disarmers
This group from North Carolina has drawn comparisons to Hank Williams, Elliot Smith, and the Sex Pistols.
Episode 141 – Ryan Culwell
This critically acclaimed songwriter from West Texas has toured with Billy Joe Shaver, Patty Griffin and Hayes Carll, he stops by the show to discuss his years on the road and his writing techniques.
Episode 140 – Asleep at the Wheel
Ray Benson, the leader of this iconic Western Swing band, discusses moving to Texas upon Willie Nelson’s advice, being a bandleader for over five decades, and his creative spirit that has led to 9 Grammy awards.
Episode 139 – Buffalo Nichols
This folk blues artist who originally hails from Milwaukee has been acclaimed by Rolling Stone and NPR and now records for Fat Possum records. He stops by the show to talk about his musical journey and his creative process.
Episode 138 – Steve Poltz
This “bonafide underground folk hero” talks about breaking into music, the different skill sets it takes to be a working artist, and co-writing a Billboard smash hit with Jewel.
Episode 137 – Del McCoury
One of the standard bearers of American bluegrass music stops by the show to talk about getting his start in Baltimore, playing in Bill Monroe’s band, and his six decades in music.
Episode 136 – Eliza Gilkyson
This two time Grammy nominee and Austin Songwriter Hall of Fame member reminisces on the high and low points of her iconic career in American folk music.
Episode 135 – Brad Cook
This Grammy nominated songwriter talks about the musical journey that led him to the producer’s chair for artists such as Bon Iver, The War On Drugs, Ani DiFranco, and many more.
Episode 134 – Butch Walker
This legendary songwriter and producer who originally hails from Georgia, talks about some of the artistic lessons he’s learned from working with artists such as Pink, Taylor Swift, The Wallflowers, Green Day and many others.
Episode 133 – Keb’ Mo’
The five time Grammy winning standard bearer of American blues music stops by the show to discuss his legendary career.
Episode 132 – Caitlin Rose
This Nashville native joins the show to talk about her years touring and her wry, left-of-center take on American country music.
Episode 131 – They Might Be Giants
John Flansburgh, one of the founding members of this groundbreaking indie-rock institution, stops by the show to talk about his creative process and how his band has navigated the music business for the last four decades.
Episode 130 – Luke & Beth Laird of Creative Nation
Luke Laird is one of America’s most recorded songwriters with 24 No. 1 hits and his wife Beth runs the publishing company, Creative Nation, that they own together. They stop by the show to talk the art and the business of songwriting.
Episode 129 – Dave Hause
This veteran of Philadelphia’s hardcore scene talks about his years touring with bands like the Gaslight Anthem and the Avett Brothers, and how he’s carved out a solo career in music.
Episode 128 – Jamie Lin Wilson
This respected Texas songwriter stops by the show to talk getting her start on the road, artistic process, and balancing music with a growing family.
Episode 127 – Matt the Electrician
This Austin Texas music legend and stalwart of the American folk music scene stops by the show to talk about his rigorous, daily writing practice and his new album produced by Tucker Martine.
Episode 126 – Rhett Miller
The acclaimed songwriter, essayist, podcast host, and frontman of the Old 97’s stops by our show to interview Joe for his own program, “Wheels Off”, as well as to be interviewed for our program.
Episode 125 – Courtney Hartman
This Grammy-nominated artist and instrumentalist, who has been described as “easily one of the greatest flatpicking guitarists playing today”, stops by our show to discuss her years on the road and her upcoming album, Glade.
Episode 124 – John Hiatt
One of America’s most iconic songwriters stops by our show to speak about his legendary life in music.
Episode 123 – Josh Ritter writes a novel
One of America’s finest songwriters makes his third appearance on our show to discuss his new novel, “The Great Glorious Goddamn of It All”, and his writing style in general.
Episode 122 – The Felice Brothers
Ian Felice, the songwriting force behind this mainstay of American roots music, joins the show to talk about his writing process and his years on the road with Bright Eyes, Justin Townes Earle, and many others.
Episode 121 – Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers
The Grammy-nominated journeyman talks about cutting his teeth in Atlanta blues clubs and his method of songwriting that follows the song wherever it goes.
Episode 120 – Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls
This legendary folk songwriter stops by the show to discuss her techniques for sculpting melody, structuring the bridge of a song, and navigating the ever-shifting sands of the music business.
Episode 119 – Sean McConnell returns
This chart-topping songwriter returns to the show to discuss his new Silent Desert Studio, producing albums for other artists, and trying to capture a creative moment the first time that it happens.
Episode 118 – Jim Lauderdale
This Grammy winning songwriter reflects on his years of collaboration with Elvis Costello, Ralph Stanley, and Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter.
Episode 117 – Amy Helm
This Grammy winning songwriter, singer, and producer reflects on her years making music with her father Levon Helm and carrying on with her own solo career.
Episode 116 – Mary Gauthier
This Grammy-nominated songwriter talks about mid-career shift to music, writing songs with wounded veterans, and teaching younger songwriters to find their voice.
Episode 115 – Dashboard Confessional
Chris Carrabba, the auteur behind this legendary emo band, discusses the twists and turns of a career that has included Gold records, MTV music awards, and truly devoted fanbase.
Episode 114 – Allison Russell
After many years in celebrated roots music groups such as Po’ Girl, Birds of Chicago, and Our Native Daughters, this songwriter has released a critically acclaimed debut album under her own name.
Episode 113 – Paul Thorn
This native of Tupelo MS talks his early years as a boxer, signing to A&M records in the late 1990s, and touring with legendary artists such as Sting and John Prine.
Episode 112 – Lou Barlow of Dinosaur Jr. & Sebadoh
This pillar of American indie rock for the last three decades stops by the show to talk about founding his iconic bands, one of his single’s unexpectedly going to the top of the Billboard charts, and his lo-fi recording techniques.
Episode 111 – Mando Saenz
This Texas native has spent much of his career in the liner notes of other artists’ albums as a songwriter, having penned songs for Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert, Midland and many more. Now he’s back with a renewed focus on his own career as an artist.
Episode 110 – Elvis Perkins
This writer of idiosyncratic American folk has toured with Levon Helm, Bon Iver, and My Morning Jacket. He stops by the show to talk about his years on the road and his creative process in the studio.
Episode 109 – Amigo the Devil
This auteur of what has been called “murderfolk” music, discusses the origins of his dark musical tone and building an audience through relentless touring.
Episode 108 – David Wax Museum
The namesake of this Mexo-Americana inspired outfit joins the show to talk about traveling to Mexico to learn about their folk music culture and building a touring and recording business over the last decade.
Episode 107 – Shovels and Rope
Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent make up this Charleston SC duo who are perennially at the vanguard of roots music.
Episode 106 – Israel Nash
The Ozarks raised troubadour discusses his early success in Europe, moving to the Texas Hill Country, and the advantages of working in your own studio.
Episode 105 – Jeffrey Foucault
This troubadour who originally hails from Wisconsin has played with Roseanne Cash, John Hiatt, Guy Clark and many others. He’s built a following the old-fashioned way, great records and hard touring.
Episode 104 – The War and Treaty
Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount are the married couple that make up this critically acclaimed band, they’ve shared the stage with Elvis Costello, John Prine, and Al Green among many others.
Episode 103 – NFTs, Blockchain, and the Future of Digital Music
Musician and author Matthew Chaim joins us to discuss the opportunities that Web 3.0 will offer songwriters and artists in the digital realm.
Episode 102 – Parker Millsap
This phenom from Oklahoma talks about his early years playing music the Pentecostal church and recording his latest album with indie-rock stalwart John Agnello.
Episode 101 – Buck Meek of Big Thief
This founding member of the critically celebrated group Big Thief steps into the spotlight with his latest solo effort and stops by the show to talk about his musical journey.
Episode 100 – Dan Wilson
The Semisonic frontman and writer of Adele’s hit “Someone Like You” stops by the show to tell the stories behind composing his hits on our 100th episode special.
Episode 99 – Robert Finley
This troubadour from Louisiana found his commercial success in music later in life; he reflects on the journey that brought him to that peak.
Episode 098 – Katie Pruitt
This critically acclaimed songwriter and Rounder Records recording artist stops by to talk about her musical underpinnings.
Episode 097 – Langhorne Slim returns
The songwriter at the vanguard of modern folk music returns to the show to talk about his journey through addiction and back into sobriety.
Episode 096 – Lucero
Ben Nichols, the leader of this seminal Memphis rock outfit, stops by the show to talk about his journey so far.
Episode 095 – Hayes Carll returns
The Texas troubadour now makes his home in Nashville and he returns to our show to tell us how he’s making his way in art and business these days.
Episode 094 – Dawes
Taylor Goldsmith, the songwriter and singer for this L.A. rock quartet, stops by the show to discuss how they almost didn’t record their first hit, the reason they committed to touring so heavily, and the gratitude he feels for his musical journey so far.
Episode 093 – John P. Strohm, President of Rounder Records
This Indiana-born musician co-founded indie rock stalwarts Blake Babies with Juliana Hatfield, was a member of The Lemonheads during the peak of their success, and now runs the iconic roots music label Rounder Records.
Episode 092 – Beth Bombara
The St. Louis by way of Michigan troubadour talks about her time touring as a side-woman in other people’s bands and how she stepped into the spotlight to front her own project.
Episode 091 – Watkins Family Hour
Sean and Sara Watkins are a sibling musical duo who got their start on the national stage in the bluegrass group Nickel Creek, they stop by the show to talk about their writing with archetypes and their new album.
Episode 090 – Corb Lund
The Alberta native discusses his unique style of country balladry, growing up in the tradition of Cowboy music, and staying fiercely independent.
Episode 089 – Marcus King
This Greenville SC native is a Grammy-nominated troubadour known for his tireless touring schedule.
Episode 088 – Allison Moorer
This native of the deep south is a Grammy, Oscar, and ACM nominee whose career has navigated the hallways of both commercial country and taste-making Americana.
Episode 087 – Dave Alvin
The roots rock legend and creative force behind The Blasters discusses the punk rock scene in 1980s LA, touring with Queen, and the sublime moment of playing the right song with the right band.
Episode 086 – Will Johnson
The Texas native and creative force behind Centro-Matic talks about his early years in Denton, his collaboration with Jason Molina, and his decision to put his band on hiatus instead of letting it “become a hobby”.
Episode 085 – Aoife O’Donovan
This Grammy winning singer-songwriter has had a long, varied, and acclaimed career with Crooked Still, I’m With Her, and her own solo work.
Episode 084 – Aaron Lee Tasjan
The Ohio native describes his journey from guitarist in Drivin’ and Cryin’ and the New York Dolls to finding success writing songs under his own name.
Episode 83 – Kendell Marvell
After a legendary career as a professional songwriter in Nashville, notably alongside Chris Stapleton, this Illinois native is now stepping center stage as an artist with a new album produced by Dan Auerbach.
Episode 082 – Bahamas
Afie Jurvanen, the creative force behind this beloved indie-folk outfit, discusses creative partnerships, the magic of finding the right take in the studio, and lessons from touring.
Episode 81 – Lera Lynn
The Georgia native talks about getting her start in the Athens music scene, collaborating with Roseanne Cash, and running her business independently.
Episode 080 – Kevin Morby
The Kansas City bred songwriter tells the story of his journey toward his distinctive brand of indie rock.
Episode 079 – Strand of Oaks returns
The Austin by way of Philadelphia rocker returns to the show to talk touring, writing, and recording.
Episode 078 – Jerry David Decicca
The former creative force behind The Black Swans talks about making his own critically acclaimed records, producing albums for songwriters who deserve more appreciation, and the musical effects of his move to Texas.
Episode 077 – Joan Osborne
The celebrated singer and songwriter describes her initial ascent to the top of the charts with her debut album and how she has been able to string together many interesting chapters of her career.
Episode 076 – Spotify 101 for Artists
Michael Sloane, CEO of Streaming Promotions based in Nashville, comes on to talk about best practices for artists using streaming services to distribute their music.
Episode 075 – Joe Henry
The acclaimed songwriter and Grammy winning producer joins us to talk about his journey and his creative process.
Episode 074 – Jonny Fritz
After a remembrance of the late Justin Townes Earle, we hear from this multi-talented songwriter from Los Angeles by way of Virginia.
Episode 073 – Robert Ellis returns
The Texas Piano Man returns to our show to share his unique insight, humor, and good cheer.
Episode 072 – John Craigie
This troubadour based in Portland OR has carved out a national audience for his heartfelt, wry folk songs. He speaks about crafting his shows, keeping them fresh night to night, and recording albums in an unconventional way.
Episode 071 – Lucinda Williams
One of America’s greatest songwriters graces the airwaves of our show to talk about her prolific catalog and her legendary career.
Episode 070 – Save Our Stages Act – Emergency Episode
Dayna Frank, the head of the National Independent Venue Association and CEO of First Avenue in Minneapolis, discusses the impact that Coronavirus has had on the live music industry and about a bill co-sponsored by senators Amy Klobuchar (D- MN) and John Cornyn (R-TX) that would provide independently owned venues with a financial lifeline from the federal government.
Episode 069 – Samantha Crain
This native troubadour of Oklahoma discusses her DIY beginnings, tour burnout, and drawing inspiration from working in different mediums.
Episode 068 – Will Hoge
The troubadour from Tennessee discusses his career, from his early years with Atlantic Records to his later career renaissance as an in demand songwriter in Nashville.
Episode 067 – David Ramirez
This Austin Texas based troubadour stops by to reminisce about a tour that we did together in a blizzard, booking his in tours in the early days, and rediscovering a freer mindset for writing.
Episode 066 – Ray Wylie Hubbard
The Texas music icon talks his early days in the outlaw Austin folk scene and his latest star-studded release on Big Machine Records.
Episode 065 – Kathleen Edwards
The Ottawa native makes a triumphant return to music after a 6 year hiatus and stops by our show to talk about her journey so far.
Episode 064 – The Lone Bellow
Zach Williams of this critically acclaimed indie-folk outfit talks getting started in NYC in the early aughts, what it felt like to break out onto the national stage, and writing on the road.
Episode 063 – The Devil Makes Three
Pete Bernhard of The Devil Makes Three, a folk and bluegrass powerhouse going on two decades, stops by to talk touring, keeping a creative group together, and the making of his new solo album “Harmony Ascension Division”.
Episode 062 – Sarah Jarosz
The multiple-time Grammy winner and bluegrass virtuoso from Wimberely TX stops by to talk songwriting and musicianship.
Episode 061 – The Band of Heathens
Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist, the creative forces behind this Austin TX Rock and Roll institution, talk about learning how to record albums with a feeling, co-writing with Kid Rock and Bob Seger, and keeping a creative partnership going for over a decade.
Episode 060 – Daniel Donato
One of Nashville’s most promising young guitarists steps centerstage with songs and a band of his own, Daniel stops by our program to talk about the decision to strike out on his own, touring, managing a band, and learning his craft on lower Broadway.
Episode 059 – The Mastersons
After having both spent years as sought-after musicians playing for Steve Earle, Regina Spektor, and Son Volt, Chris Masterson and Eleanor Whitmore have stepped into the spotlight as a duo that is at the vanguard of Americana music.
Episode 058 – Field Report
Chris Porterfield discusses the process behind his modern folk songwriting, releasing a record with a major label, and the nuances of being a band leader
Episode 057 – Shane McAnally
The writer of 40 Number One hits, three time Grammy winner, and star of NBC’s “Songland” joins us to talk about his circuitous route to the top of Nashville.
Episode 056 – American Aquarium returns
BJ Barham, the creative force behind American Aquarium, stops by to talk about putting an entirely new band together, learning to balance the demands of music and fatherhood, and making his new album with Shooter Jennings in Los Angeles.
Episode 055 – Josh Ritter returns
Josh talks about his time opening for the late, great John Prine. And Jay Sweet, the executive producer of the Newport Folk Festival, talks about how the festival is helping its alumni in the unprecedented time of coronavirus.
Episode 054 – Michaela Anne
The critically acclaimed country songwriter stops by to talk about growing up in a military family, studying jazz performance at the New School, and learning the business at Nonesuch Records before striking out on her own.
Episode 053 – Hiss Golden Messenger returns
We begin with a remembrance of John Prine and then continue with our second interview with HGM’s creative force, MC Taylor.
Episode 052 – John Paul White returns
The insightful Alabamian returns to discuss leaving the road for the COVID crisis, starting another project in the age of white-noise, and making music for different reasons as he’s gotten older.
Episode 051 – Todd Snider
The quintessential 21st century working songwriter joins our show. Todd has made his home in East Nashville for the last 25 years, he tours the nation relentlessly, and has become a folk music institution.
Episode 050 – Erin Rae
This Nashville by way of Jackson, TN songwriter discusses honing her craft, finding inspiration, and meshing with creative partners.
Episode 049 – Fruit Bats
Eric D. Johnson discusses early days touring with the Shins and Modest Mouse, keeping the faith with a project through high times and low, and learning to write outside of the studio.
Episode 048 – Chastity Brown
The renowned folk singer from Minneapolis, by way of Tennessee, discusses finding her voice, becoming a part of the cultural zeitgeist, and taking care of herself in order to create.
Episode 047 – Elizabeth Cook
This native of Wildwood Florida is known for her critically acclaimed albums, her XM radio show, and her frequent appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. She breaks down the early years of her career and persevering through difficult times to make art.
Episode 046 – Drew Holcomb
The troubadour from Nashville by way of Memphis talks touring regionally to build a following, branching out and starting a vinyl subscription service, and how personal tragedy can inform one’s lifelong creative aim.
Episode 045 – Nicole Atkins
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.
Episode 044 – The Milk Carton Kids
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.
Episode 043 – Joe Pug
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.
Episode 042 – Langhorne Slim
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.
Episode 041 – Citizen Cope
The DC native talks about his early musical influences, struggles with major labels, and his intuitive creative process.
Episode 040 – Amanda Palmer
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.
Episode 039 – Carl Broemel of My Morning Jacket
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.
Episode 038 – Sean McConnell
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.
Episode 037- Craig Finn
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.
Episode 036 – Jesse Dayton
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.
Episode 035 – Courtney Marie Andrews
The acclaimed songwriter from Phoenix talks about touring as a backup musician, producing her own breakout album, and her love of the road.
Episode 034 – Birds of Chicago
The husband and wife folk/soul duo now residing in Nashville talk vocal maintenance, plumbing subconscious depths for material, and learning to tour smart.
Episode 033 – Ian Mackaye
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.
Episode 032 – John Moreland
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.
Episode 031 – Music Modernization Act “Emergency Episode”
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 resident expert Brendan Anthony from the Texas Music Office calls in to help explain the situation as it stands now.
Episode 030 – Hiss Golden Messenger
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.
Episode 029 – Lee Ann Womack
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.
Episode 028 – Trampled By Turtles
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.
Episode 027 – Brian Koppelman
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.
Episode 026 – Gregory Alan Isakov
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.
Episode 025 – John Paul White
As a staff writer for EMI, a member of The Civil Wars, and now the owner of his own independent label, he’s seen a lot. John Paul White stops by to share his wisdom on creativity and performance. Plus, Brendan Anthony- the head of the Texas Music Office- stops by at the start of the show to discuss the finer points of the Music Modernization Act that is before Congress.
Episode 024 – Brandon Flowers
The Killers frontman discusses a meteoric rise to prominence in his early 20s, the feeling of responsibility that he’s developed toward music, and writing songs on the dodgy upright piano in his house instead of the baby grand in his studio.
Episode 023 – Lydia Loveless
The Ohio native discusses her passion for classic country, capturing the vitality of live performance on a record, and her habit of constantly collecting material for writing.
Episode 022 – Mandolin Orange
This lyric-driven Bluegrass outfit discusses the perils of booking their own shows, signing with Yep Roc, and the art of arranging a band around great songs.
Episode 021 – Steve Earle
The hardcore troubadour talks about his early days in Nashville as a staff writer, empathy as the essential goal of the songwriter, and gratitude for the job he loves.
Episode 020 – Josh Ritter
The troubadour from Idaho discusses getting his break in Ireland, early years of van touring in the States, and writing on an empty stomach.
Episode 019 – Pat Sansone of Wilco
The creative force behind The Autumn Defense and a longtime member of Wilco discusses growing up in a musical household, playing punk bars in the American south, and locking himself in the studio to get a song finished.
Episode 018 – Shakey Graves
Born and raised in Austin Texas, Alejandro Rose-Garcia is an internationally celebrated songwriter and performer. He sits down to discuss his upbringing in a theatrical household, learning to record on a shoestring, and walking away from a budding film career to dedicate himself to music.
Episode 017 – Matthew Logan Vasquez
The frontman for Delta Spirit and now a formidable solo artist talks about playing music in the church, pulling a full “Tony Clifton” at the Casbah in San Diego, and how fatherhood has informed his latest album.
Episode 016 – Robert Ellis
The Texas songwriter and bandleader discusses dropping out of high school to play music, his passion for idiosyncrasy when it comes to band members, and his regimented writing process.
Episode 015 – Heartless Bastards
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.
Episode 014 – Noah Gundersen
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.
Episode 013 – Strand of Oaks
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.
Episode 012 – Sara Watkins
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.
Episode 011 – Horse Feathers
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.
Episode 010 – American Aquarium
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.
Episode 009 – Kasey Chambers
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.
Episode 008 – Hayes Carll
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.
Episode 007 – Robbie Fulks
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.
Episode 006 – Tift Merritt
The Grammy-nominated songwriter from Raleigh, North Carolina reflects on her time in the studio and out on the road.
Episode 005 – Slaid Cleaves
Originally from South Berwick Maine, the legendary songwriter has lived in Texas for the last couple decades. He reflects on getting his start engineering sound at The Cactus Cafe and learning from music producer Gurf Morlix.
Episode 004 – Bruce Robison
This native Texan is the writer of #1 country music hits for Tim McGraw, The Dixie Chicks, and George Strait. He sat down to talk about the art of writing without an agenda, the Texas-Nashville connection, and his love for analog recording.
Episode 003 – Anais Mitchell
The Vermont-born songsmith reflects on signing to Righteous Babe, writing her celebrated folk opera “Hadestown”, and parenthood as a working artist.
Episode 002 – James McMurtry
An hourlong conversation with celebrated songwriter, James McMurtry.
An hourlong conversation with celebrated songwriter, James McMurtry.
Episode 001 – Joe Ely
The Texas icon inaugurates our show with a few stories from his many years on the road.