Roots Rednecks and Radicals

Singer Songwriter Max Gomez On His New Album Memory Mountain

I met Max Gomez at a show he played in my hometown. It was a solo acoustic show, and I was really blown away by his songs. They have a casual, and intimate feel. I knew I wanted to have him on my show and we finally worked out a time in his busy touring schedule. His songwriting incorporates some of the best elements of folk and country music. He weaves tales, explores heartbreak, and leaves you with a keen sense of the subjects in his songs. We had a great chat about his news album which is out now. You should go listen to it. After you enjoy this podcast. I hope you dig it! 

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art's New Record Label Features The Kasawambwe Brother of Malawi Africa.

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass Moca) is starting a record label aimed at developing artists, focusing on creativity, and giving exposure to musicians who are creating under-appreciated art. The first record on this new label came out last Friday. The Kasawambwe Brothers of Malawi recorded this album with help from Mass Moca. I spoke to Harlan Steinberger who runs a studio in Los Angeles called Hen House Studio. He's worked with artists like Willie Nelson and Sunny War, and has been recording music for decades. I had the chance to speak with him about this exciting new project, and what's in store for the future of Mass Moca Records. I hope you dig it! 

I Am A Fall-Ass Hoe. And Do I Got A Playlist For You! Let's Celebrate Spooky Season With Some Great Music.

Man, I just love the Fall. The weather is changing. It's getting chilly outside. And best of all Halloween is on the way! I put together a playlist of music I think you'll dig if you're into this time of year as much as I am. Join me as we listen to some of the best music for the best time of year! 

Roots Rewind: Amanda Shires On Her Song The Problem, And Writing About Women's Reproductive Rights

In 2020 Amanda Shires released a song about the topic of abortion and women's reproductive rights. I had the chance to interview her about this song and it was such a great conversation. She really is an insightful and empathetic writer. She just put out a new album at the end of September and I wanted to bring this conversation to you again. A number of songs on the album deal with her divorce to Jason Isbell, and it just reminded me of the courage she has to take on difficult topics. 

The West Texas Exiles Talk About Their New Album, The West, And How The Desert Impacts Their Songwriting.

The West Texas Exiles are a Texas based band that are making incredible music. They have a new album out, and on today's episode we talked about all kinds of things. The influence of Texas musicians like Buddy Holly and Willie Nelson. How the stark landscape of the western desert impacts them as artists, and how the band has been playing festivals like Hardly Strictly Bluegrass and the Luck Reunion. Colin Gilmore is the son of legendary Texas musician Jimmie Dale Gilmore and I feel like you can really hear that in the band. We had a fun conversation while the band was working in their studio, I hope you dig it! 

Roots Rewind: A Conversation With Amy Ray of Indigo Girls

There is a new documentary out now on the history of Lilith Fair. It is really good! It touched on so many topics that are relevant to the music industry today. The artists in the documentary are so good; Sarah McLachlan, Bonnie Raitt, Erykah Badu, Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, and Indigo Girls just to name a few. I wanted to bring my interview with Amy Ray of Indigo Girls to you again. It was such a treat to chat with her, and this just felt like good timing! I hope you dig it! 

5 Song I'm Digging for September 2025! Featuring Jeff Tweedy, Neko Case, Lucy Dacus, Will Hoge, and Hayes Carll.

Lots of great music out there and I'm here to bring you the best of it. This week we take a look at five songs that have come out recently that you should be checking out! Jeff Tweedy, Neko Case, Lucy Dacus, Will Hoge, and Hayes Carll. All good jams that should be on repeat for you! 

Rancid's break out album ...And Out Come The Wolves turns 30 this year. And it's still a banger!

Rancid released their album ...And Out Come The Wolves 30 years ago this year. It's the record that introduced me to the band and inspired the name of this podcast! This week I do a breakdown of this classic, and take a look at what makes it such a classic! I hope you dig it! 

Willie Nelson's Red Headed Stranger Turns 50 This Year! Let's Take A Look At This Classic Album.

Willie Nelson's Red Headed Stranger came out in 1975. It was a watershed album for him. He also made a movie by the same name and the set for that movie hosts his yearly music festival. The album is incredible and gave him a couple of hits including Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain. This week I do a deep dive into this album. I hope you dig it! 

AI Generated Music Sucks! Let's Take A Look At Some Awful Songs I "Wrote" Whatever That Means.

AI seems to be the thing of the moment. Generative models are creating everything from pictures and movies to full songs. But is it any good? Turns out, not really. I tried my hand at making some different "AI Music" to see just how awful it is. And let me tell, it's really bad. Join me as I take a look at the future of music and why AI generated songs are total garbage.