Roots Rednecks and Radicals

John Doe of X and The Knitters discusses complex relationships on his new album ”Fables in a Foreign Land.”

John Doe is a founding member of the seminal LA punk band “X.” The band defined the West Coast sound of punk in the early days and broke ground in the new style of music. Since his days in that band John has done a plethora of projects including movies, TV, and his own folk band as well. He’s one of those artists that, to me at least, is a prototype of what it means to be a creative person. His music, and art is hard to define. He takes risks and asks difficult questions. All the while making creative pieces that resonate with people and asks them to be self reflective and honest. He released a solo album this year and I got a chance to chat with him about the record as well as other projects he’s currently working on. I hope you dig it!

Sunny Sweeney

Sunny Sweeney is a singer songwriter who has a knack for tackling life’s difficult situations. Her most recent album was produced by Paul Cauthen and she collaborated with some heavy hitters like Vince Gill and Lori McKenna. Sunny takes a look at her own personal life in this album and explores difficult emotional territory. It’s raw, and it’s real. I had a chance to chat with her about the album. I hope you dig it!

Andrew Combs

Andrew Combs is a Nashville based singer songwriter. His music is emotive and contemplative. It sets a mood and a tone reminiscent of Radiohead, minimalistic and introspective. His new album “Sundays” was written and recorded in the midst of the pandemic with some close friends. The music draws inspiration for various sources from film to meditation and allows the listener to ponder the themes masterfully laid out in the sparse arrangements. We talked about his songwriting, and the recording process of the album. I hope you dig it!

Michelle Malone

Michelle Malone has been a stalwart singer songwriter for over 30 years now. Recording, touring, writing.. She’s done it all. Her music pulls on influences from blues, gospel, country, and folk. Her new album “1977” is a great collections of songs that are reminiscent of the “Laurel Canyon” folk scene of the 70s. We talked about he songs, the making of this latest album. I hope ya dig it! 

Michael Cleveland

Michael Cleveland is a fiddle player who’s been making a name for himself in the bluegrass community. Along with his band “Flamekeeper” he made an album called “Tall Fiddler” in 2019 that won a Grammy for bluegrass album of the year. The album featured greats like Bela Fleck, Del McCoury, Jerry Douglas, and Tommy Emmanuel. He was also featured in a documentary called “Flamekeeper” the explored his life and music. I had a chance to catch up with Michael recently on tour. We talked about his music, his band, and his fiddle playing. I hope you dig it!

Della Mae

I had a chance to catch up with the bluegrass band Della Mae. Their brand of socially conscious bluegrass is inspiring and amazing. They've been making a space for women in this community for some time with their songs and their message and I'm just a big fan. Their lead singer Celia Woodsmith took time out of her busy schedule to chat with me about their most recent release. I hope you dig it! 

Aaron Skiles

Aaron Skiles is a singer/songwriter from the Bay Area. He is in the band Bourbon Therapy and he recently released a solo album called Wreckage From The Fire. It was recorded at Dial Back Sound in Water Valley Mississippi. That studio and label are owned by Drive By Truckers bassist Matt Patton. The album was engineered by Matt’s partner in crime Bronson Tew. And it sounds incredible. I had a chance to chat with Aaron about this album and what it was like to record in that space. I hope ya dig it! 

The American Songster Dom Flemons

Dom Flemons, also known as the American Songster, is a truly unique musician. A founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, he makes American string music. His most recent release is Prospect Hill: The American Songster Omnibus. It’s an exploration of historic sounds, instruments, and musical styles. Dom is a true student of the history of American music and he’s a walking encyclopedia of not just songs but the stories behind the songs as well. I had a chance to chat with him about his music at a music festival recently. I got to see him perform as well which is always a pleasure. We had a great conversation about his music. I hope ya dig it! 

Elizabeth Cook

Elizabeth cook is a stalwart Nashville country artist. She released a pivotal album 15 years ago called “Balls.” She is re-releasing the album on vinyl with new artwork and putting it back into print. In the time since she’s released the album she has become a regular at the Ryman, hosts her own show on Sirius/XM radio, and has been releasing albums and touring the world. She’s also become a voice representing women in the country music and Americana scene. I had a chance to chat with her about her album and everything she’s been up to. I hope ya dig it!Side note. The audio got a little weird at one point due to a bad phone connection. I left it in because I thought the story was cool. 

Kanekoa

I recently had the Hawaiian band Kanekoa on my show. They were in the area playing a show in Lake Tahoe. The band called in live to my radio show and we talked about their most recent album. It was produced by Steve Berlin of the seminal band Los Lobos. The album features artists like G. Love and has an incredible laid back feel. Lots of great chill summer vibes. It was a fun time talking to the guys about their music, and their tour on the mainland. I hope you dig it!