Roots Rednecks and Radicals

Fruition

Fruition is an Indie Folk Rock band from Portland Oregon. Their most recent studio releases were a pair of albums the band released in conjunction with one another, Broken at The Break of Day, and Wild as The Night. The band has been together for some time now forming a sound that harkens back to 60s Folk music, while keeping their sound fresh and current. I had a chance to catch up with them at the Winter Wondergrass Festival in Tahoe California. Kellen talked to me about the band, their writing style, and what to look for in the future with the band. I hope you dig it!

Shovels and Rope

Shovels and Rope is a folk rock duo made up of Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent. Over the last decade they’ve put out 6 full length records, along with many live recordings and other projects. Their sound is unique, and catchy. It’s pop-oriented without sound derivative. Their harmonies and beautiful and sometimes dissonant, but always seem to get stuck in your head. Their most recent album is called “Manticore” and it’s fantastic. I had a chance to talk with the duo recently about their album. I hope ya dig it! 

Sarah Shook and the Disarmers

What can I say about Sarah Shook. She’s really one of a kind. A singer, songwriter, guitar player, activist, she really does it all. She has a knack for blending things that seem disparate and making it seem like a natural fit. Honky tonk and skateboarding. She’s on it. Raised in a religious fundamentalist home, but an advocate for the LGBTQ community? She’s on it. It’s really cool. I was super excited to see that she has a new album out and I jumped at the chance to have her on my show. We had a great conversation. I hope you dig it.

Wild Rivers

Wild Rivers is a Canadian three-piece band. Their thoughtful and introspective songs have insightful looks into the human condition. Their most recent record touches on coming of age themes and blend them with beautiful melodies and harmonies. The album was recorded during the pandemic and the band had to adapt to a new way of doing things. And the results are fantastic. I had a chance to chat with guitar player Khalid about the songs. I hope you dig it! 

5 Songs I’m Digging Vol. 2

This is the second volume of my series "5 Songs I'm Digging" where I explore recent releases from artists I think you should know about. This volume features music by Adia Victoria, Jackson+Sellers, TK and the Holy Know-Nothings, Jeremy Pinnell, and Darrin Bradbury. All good stuff. Check it out! 

Eddie Berman

Eddie Berman is a folk artist based in Portland Oregon. He’s collaborated with musicians like Laura Marlin, Tyler Childers, Passenger, and Lee Ann Womack. His unique style of cosmic-folk music leans heavily on philosophical themes. The music is introspective and somber, and the lyrics engage in fascinating themes like technology, family, and spirituality. We talked about his new album “Broken English” and what it was like to record in the middle of a pandemic. I hope ya dig it!

Joe Rogan, Neil Young, and How to Support Artists

I had some thoughts on the situation that's happening. I wanted to share them with everyone. Hope it helps! 

Lost Dog Street Band

Lost Dog Street band is a Dark Folk Trio. The group has been recording and touring for years now and have a number of releases under their belt. They have a stripped back acoustic vibe that was honed in by years of  busking and street performance. Benjamin Tod, the main songwriter and singer draws inspiration from old time Murder Ballads, a genre that is often looked over in American Roots music tradition. Their new album is an introspective, sparse, and sometimes dark album that is both haunting and beautiful. I had a chance to chat with Ben about the album. I hope ya dig it!

The Whitmore Sisters

The Whitmore sisters are a duo made of Eleanor and Bonnie Whitmore, two sisters who have both made incredible careers for themselves in the music industry. Older sister Eleanor is half of the duo “The Mastersons” with her husband Chris. She’s also toured with Steve Earle for years, and worked with Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jennings on the recent album by Tanya Tucker “While I’m Living.” Bonnie is an accomplished musician herself living in Austin Texas, and has worked with artists like Hayes Carll, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Aaron Lee Tasjan to name a few. They recently teamed up to record an album together, and it sounds phenomenal. I had a chance to chat with them about the album, I hope ya dig it! 

Dial Back Sound

Dial Back Sound is a recording studio and record label started by Drive By Truckers bass player Matt Patton. The studio is run by his partner Bronson Tew. The studio/label first showed up on my radar when Matt reached out about having one of his artists, Krista Shows, on my show for her new record. The studio was built in 2009 by Bruce Watson in Water Valley MS, and was originally a part of Fat Possum Records. But over the last few years Matt and Bronson have been running it and recording some amazing artists. Jerry Joseph, Riddy Arman, Water Liars, Drive By Truckers, and Jason Isbell have all worked on projects in the studio. 
 
I had a chance to chat with Matt and Bronson about the label and studio. I hope you dig it!