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.
We begin with a remembrance of John Prine and then continue with our second interview with HGM's creative force, MC Taylor.
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.
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.
This Nashville by way of Jackson, TN songwriter discusses honing her craft, finding inspiration, and meshing with creative partners.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The DC native talks about his early musical influences, struggles with major labels, and his intuitive creative process.
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.
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.
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.
The husband and wife folk/soul duo now residing in Nashville talk vocal maintenance, plumbing subconscious depths for material, and learning to tour smart.
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.
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.
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. Also, watch out for the surprise cameo by Phil Cook.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brandon Flowers 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.
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.
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.
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.