Roots Rednecks and Radicals

Andy Hedges

I recently had a chance to talk on the phone with Cowboy Songster Andy Hedges. I first became aware of Andy at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko Nevada in 2019. I was impressed with his guitar playing, singing, and general knowledge of Cowboy and Western Culture. He was born in Lubbock Texas in 1980. The son of a school teacher, and a former rodeo Cowboy turned preacher, Andy grew up engrossed in the stories of the West. He currently records music, produces a podcast, gathers and performs Cowboy Poetry, and performs with legendary songwriters like Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Ian Tyson, and Dom Flemmons. We had a great conversation about his work.

Vandoliers

Brent Cobb

Justin Peter Kinkel-Schuster

Willy Vlautin

Willy Vlautin is an incredible singer/songwriter/author who hails from Reno, Nevada. He headed up the band Richmond Fontaine, writes for his new band The Delines, and has written five books. While he currently calls Portland, Oregon home, his music and books focus on the geography and themes of the vast wild Nevada landscape. Whether he's writing about the stark urban Reno landscape or the vast open wilderness of Nevada, he approaches the people he writes about with a sense of honestly and earnestness that is rivaled by none. He'll be playing a short tour through Northern Nevada the second week of September in support of his most recent book "Don't Skip Out On Me." I was honored to have a conversation with him about his works and his upcoming show. I hope you enjoy this interview, and I encourage you to check out his books and albums. 

Dead Winter Carpenters

The Dead Winter Carpenter are a band from Lake Tahoe. They have been making music in Northern California/Nevada for ten years now, and have become an incredible live act. Their music draws from many influences including bluegrass, rock, and classic country. The last few years have seen them release incredible music, as well as grace the stage with well known Americana acts around the country. They are making a name for themselves as a stalwart live act and making fans wherever they go. They played a concert in downtown Carson City NV this last week and I got to chat with their lead singer Jesse before the show. We talked about their music and their history as a band, and where they are headed in the future. 

The Minks

I got a chance to chat with Nikki Barber of The Minks recently and we chatted about their newest release coming out on Cafe Rooster Records. It's a great album with a really unique sound. Nikki has all kinds of cool influences that you can hear in her songwriting ranging from Led Zeppelin to Patty Smith. The music has a 70s Rock Psychedelic feel that blends well with a modern alt-country sound. They're a really cool band, check em out!

Pure Prairie League

I got to chat with Mike from the band Pure Prairie League recently about his band and the music they make. The band recently celebrated its 50 year anniversary and over the years they have become know for the songs "Aime" "Two Lane Highway" and "Let Me Love You Tonight." They are playing with the band Poco at a fundraiser for the Greenhouse Project in Carson City. It was a great conversation, he's a super nice guy and a talented musician. If you're in the area make sure to check out the show. It's a great cause and the music will be enjoyable.  

Poco Interview

I had the opportunity to chat with Rusty from the band Poco. They have been a touring and recording act for over 50 years now and are known for hits such as "Crazy Love" "The Rose of Cimmaron" and "Call It Love." They are playing a show with the band Pure Prairie League in Carson City at a fundraiser for the Greenhouse Project. They are a talented group of guys, and the show promises to be a night filled with great tunes. Enjoy this interview! 

Cory Branan

Cory Branan is an incredibly prolific singer/songwriter from Memphis Tennessee. He's been recording albums since the early 2000s and has made a name for himself as a performer and recording artist ever since. His last few records have been released by Bloodshot Records, and he has spent the last number of years touring in support of his releases. From a personal perspective, he's one of my favorite songwriters of all time. I put him up there with the greats, like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. His thought provoking lyrics infuse humor and wit into some of the most difficult topics in American life, and explore the complexities of our modern life. We chatted about his song "Another Nightmare in America" which explores the issue of police brutality. I appreciate his honesty, and courage to address such issues in his music. I hope you enjoy this interview, check out his catalog. I'm sure you'll find something you enjoy.