Adventures in Americana presents Smouse in the House

Pit Stop is a gift shop of musical variations on traditional Americana bands. Stuffed into Jake Balistrieri’s small apartment, the band (including James Patrick Horigan, Gage Webster, and Zack Warpinski) shared their songwriting process, including the tools Jake and Sarah use to collaborate as songwriting partners and the inspiration of blues, country, rock, and even doo-wop inspire their music. In this episode, we discuss pruno, track records, and side passions that found their way into their lives during the pandemic, including a special Pit Stop Hot Slop sauce. A new force in the Twin Cities, Pit Stop is the new sound you didn’t know you were waiting for.

In the 7th and final episode of season 1, Tom visits the amazing St. Paul home of Adam Levy of the retro folk-pop band Turn Turn Turn. Here, Tom chats with Adam and fellow band members Savannah Smith and Barb Brynstad–all mainstays of the Minnesota music scene–about how they work together and influences underpinning their irresistible sound. And even better–we get a first listen to two fresh-from-the-studio new songs!

In the sixth episode of season one, Tom Smouse visits the home of singer-songwriter/yoga + music teacher Mary Bue to discuss how love, loss, and dreams inspire and infuse her work and life. 

In the fifth episode of season one, Tom Smouse visits the home of Quillan and Kim Roe. These founding members of Roe Family Singers embody "family," from stories of their past to the art on their walls to their music and relationships within the local music community–particularly at 331, having served as the longest running residency in Minnesota. Join Tom as he enters the inner sanctum of the Roe Family Singers to learn more about their songwriting process and the ups and downs of life as musicians and as partners in music and life.

 In the fourth episode of Smouse in the House, Tom visits the home of two of the funniest and most insightful artists he's ever met—Isaak and Tori Elker of Good Morning Bedlam—to discuss their newly released album, Lulu, and what’s shaping up to be an exciting year ahead, packed with shows and growing national recognition.

In the third episode, Tom visits the home and creative space of Aaron Cabbage, aka Surge And The Swell. A musician who is passionate about supporting and celebrating the local music scene, Cabbage draws inspiration from his environment and experiences to create songs, honoring the individual experience, as being enough. Join Tom as he dives into Cabbage’s personal creative well.

In the second episode of Smouse in the House, our host, Tom Smouse, is graciously invited into the home/creative nest/safe space of local singer-songwriter Becky Kapell. Becky has a humbleness and deep appreciation for her place in the Twin Cities music scene. She respects her peers, gets excited for others' successes, and the joy she has as an artist shines brightly through each song. Listen now to episode 2 of season 1!

It's always interesting meeting a band after you've listened to all of their music. Perceptions shift and so many dots get connected in learning about the style and process of songwriting. For me, The Sapsuckers exemplify the longstanding traditions of Americana music. They understand the dynamics in the genre, are able to classify the type of song on first listen, and constantly honor old-timey elements in their production techniques. In this first episode of season one, Tom Smouse's first discussion revealed all of this in the thoughtful answers and throwbacks to their influences.