Roots Rednecks and Radicals

National Cowboy Poetry (Virtual) Gathering 2021

The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is an incredible event that has been happening since 1985. This year marks the 37th annual Gathering, albeit virtual. Every year, up until now, Cowboys and lover’s of Western Culture gather in Elko Nevada to celebrate, and learn about the rich and diverse history of the West. I was super bummed to hear that the event wasn’t going to happen this year, however I totally understand. We’ve all missed out on so much live music in the course of this pandemic, and the Elko Gathering was no exception. I wanted to put together a piece for my radio show that reminds people of what a unique and valuable event this is. So I reached out to some of the performers and they recorded some stories and memories they have of Elko. Special thanks to Andy Hedges, Brenn Hill, and Mike Beck for sending in some audio. If you have the chance to attend the Gathering in the future I encourage you to do so. The sense of community is palpable, and it’s a generous and encouraging place to be. You’ll learn a lot, and most likely make some new friends.

Jeremy Ivey

Nashville-based singer songwriter Jeremy Ivey has been recording and touring for the last 10 years. He and his wife, Margo Price, have been collaborating in various projects in that time. Jeremy signed with Anti Records and recently released his second album with that label. It’s an aptly named album called “Waiting Out The Storm” a reference to the tumultuous year we all just endured. 
 
His music reminds me of various artists including Bob Dylan, Elliot Smith, and Tom Petty. His songwriting has a unique style reminiscent of Beat poets like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsburg. We talked about his new album, musical influences, and future projects coming up. I hope ya dig it!

Amanda Shires

Amanda Shires is a singer songwriter/poet and activist. Her songwriting is unique and beautiful. She has an interesting perspective on social issues that she brings into her music that illuminates topics that are often overlooked. In the last few years she has not only put out a number of her own records, she also formed an all-female country group called the Highwomen. Not only did they write an incredible album, they brought to the forefront the issue of the lack of diversity in country music. Her most recent single is a song called “The Problem,” which takes on the issue of reproductive rights in our contemporary climate. The song is thought provoking and insightful, not shying away from a difficult topic but rather taking it head on in a very brave fashion. I have been a fan of Amanda’s music for some time now, and I’m glad I got the opportunity to chat with her about this song. Proceeds from the song go to help the non-profit “Yellowhammer Fund” which is a reproductive justice organization that seeks to ensure all people have equitable access to information and health services to make their own reproductive decisions. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Frank Turner

Frank Turner is one of my favorite live performers of all time. He has an energy that is contagious, and when he performs you can’t help but sing along even if you don’t know the words. He’s also an acclaimed songwriter and has made a name for himself over the last two decades releasing albums and touring the world. He’s buddies with Jon Snodgrass, and the two of them recently released a follow up to their 2010 album “Buddies” called “Buddies II.”
In a world of craziness, this album is an oasis. It’s funny, it sounds amazing, and it has a casual vibe that pulls you in, makes you laugh, and leaves you feeling better about the world. At least that was my experience with it.
I had a chance to chat with Frank about the recording of this album, and releasing it in the middle of a pandemic. We also talked about his long friendship with Jon, and some collaborations that may be coming up in the future. I hope ya dig it!

Jon Snodgrass

Jon Snodgrass is a charismatic and fascinating artist. He’s been making music for well over 20 years, releasing albums as a solo artist as well as with his band Drag the River. In 2020 he released three albums. One of them was with his old friend Frank Turner, and it was a follow up to an album they made 10 years ago called Buddies. He also released Tace which features many artists including Stephen Egerton from the Descendants, Joey Cape from Lagwagon, and Mickey Erg from the Ergs. 
 
I had a fun conversation with Jon about his music, baseball, and all the craziness of 2020. I hope ya dig it!

Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams

Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams have been making music together for over 30 years. In that time they have toured with musical legends like Bob Dylan, Levon Helms, Phil Lesh, the Black Crowes, along with a host of other musicians. They put together a documentary series called “It Was The Music” that will be premiering on fans.live this December and January. It’s a reflection on the music they’ve made over the years. The series features 10 episodes that air weekly. They set out across America connecting with musicians and exploring the influences on the music they’ve made over the years. I had a chance to connect with Larry and Teresa and talk about all of this. It was a super fun conversation, and their love for each other and the music they make was palpable. I hope you enjoy this conversation, as well as the documentary. Make sure to check it out, along with the soundtrack that will be released soon. 

John McEuen

John McEuen was founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt band in the mid 1960s. Since then he has a led a musical career that is nothing short of amazing. He recorded with legendary musicians like Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, and Maybelle Carter. He became lifelong friends with legendary comedian Steve Martin, and toured the world with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Most recently he has released a number of books. Early next year he has a book coming out that details his bands trip to the Soviet Union in the late 1970s. He also has an audiobook coming out that offers more details and insight into his work "Life I've Picked." He's led an incredible career and it was super fun to chat with him about it. Enjoy! 

Todd Snider

Todd Snider was set to play in Northern Nevada this last March before the shutdown. I talked with him on the phone about his gig, and his music and then a week or so later the show was cancelled. This last weekend was his birthday so I thought that would be a good occasion to air my interview with him. He's a fascinating guy, enjoy!

Patterson Hood

Patterson Hood has been the lead man for Drive By Truckers for over 20 years now. I can't say enough how much their music has meant to me. Having grown up in a rural setting, their music speaks to me in a unique way. However Patterson isn't just an amazing songwriter and performer, he also produces records. He produced the album "The Beautiful Madness" by Jerry Joseph and released it this year. I had to opportunity to talk with Patterson about the process of recording this new album. It was a real treat to talk with him, and get his perspective on this amazing piece of art. Hope ya dig it!

Jerry Joseph

Jerry Joseph is an American singer/songwriter who has been making records for over 20 years now. He is known and loved by many working musicians for his craft of songwriting, his eccentric lyrics, and his incredible live performances. He recently made an album with Patterson Hood and his band the Drive By Truckers, and it is a standout piece of work. The album also features Jason Isbell recording with the band for the first time since he left Drive By Truckers. I can't say enough how much I love this album and the brave songwriting showcased on it. I got to speak with Jerry recently about this record, his music, and how the album shaped up to be a political statement even though it didn't start that way. Jerry Joseph is a true artist, a brave poet, and an incredible asset to the American music canon. Please enjoy this interview.