Welcome back to Pursuing the Muse! Jon Nolan is back for his second appearance on the podcast. We are diving deep into his fantastic new album, Slow Cooker.

Jon hails from Newmarket, New Hampshire, aka "Shoe Town". He is a seasoned musician, having co-fronted Say ZuZu with Cliff Murphy as well as taking the reigns with his own band, Good Company. 

Stay tuned as Jon reveals the raw, emotional story behind the track "Someone's in the driveway," inspired by an end-of-life request from an old acquaintance. You'll also learn how his wintertime music series sparked the album's title, Slow Cooker, which encourages slowing down and taking time. And learn about what the Omnichord actually is.

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https://jonnolan.net

https://jonnolan.bandcamp.com

https://www.instagram.com/jonnolannh

https://jonnolannh.substack.com

https://www.sayzuzu.com

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• 00:01:48 - Intro: Tom welcomes Jon Nolan back

• 00:03:22 - Slow Cooker Origin

• 00:06:03 - Recording Location

• 00:07:11 - Slow Cooker Sessions

• 00:09:28 - Creative Process jealously guarding the joy of playing

• 00:14:05 - The Story Behind "Someone's in the driveway"

• 00:18:18 - Newmarket History

• 00:21:43 - The Cinematic Album

• 00:28:55 - "Sea Glass" and the Omnichord

• 00:34:08 - Slow Cooker Themes

• 00:40:02 - Emotional Core

• 00:44:06 - Shifting Moods

• 00:50:54 - Bass in the Pocket

• 00:52:19 - "Sweat and Blood"

• 00:56:30 - Gear Details

• 00:59:10 - The closing track

• 01:07:11 - Support and Touring

• 01:12:20 - The Importance of Community

• 01:17:53 - Slow Cooker Sessions (Detailed)

Welcome back to Pursuing the Muse. I’m Tom Compton, and today we’re talking the recent vinyl release of the Yayhoos two albums with half the members of the band: Terry Anderson and Eric Ambel. The Yayhoos are a roots-rock supergroup, featuring former Georgia Satellites frontman Dan Baird, Eric Ambel of The Del-Lords, Terry Anderson of the Olympic Ass Kickin Team and bassist extradoinaire Keith Christopher. They are known for their loud, unapologetically ragged rock sound. 

Coming up you'll hear the chaotic story of recording their debut album, Fear Not the Obvious, live to eight-track in a North Carolina barn; learn how Eric coaxed Keith's stream of consciousness lyrics into a finished song and find out why attending a Yayhoos show was arguably one of the most fun things you could ever do.

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https://www.facebook.com/theyayhoos/

https://bloodshotrecords.shop.musictoday.com/dept/yayhoos?cp=113358_113370_116176

https://www.ericambel.com/

https://olympicasskickinteam.com/

https://www.instagram.com/the_ericambel/

Champagne stopper:

https://a.co/d/8FNkRhk

Roscoe's studio tour:

https://youtu.be/2b1OAFWi4Dw

Wes Lachot:

https://weslachot.com/

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• 00:00:00 - Show intro

• 00:02:18 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Terry Anderson and Eric Ambel of the Yayhoos

• 00:03:09 - The impetus for releasing the two great albums on vinyl.

• 00:04:14 - Explanation of acquiring the Bloodshot assets and what led to the vinyl release.

• 00:05:39 - Eric Ambel discusses finding the analog tapes for both records and the remastering

• 00:07:01 - Discussion of the mastering challenges of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska

• 00:09:20 - Differences in mastering for vinyl versus CD

• 00:10:59 - Terry Anderson shares his enthusiasm for the new vinyl sound

• 00:12:11 - The origin story of the Yayhoos begins: early songwriting sessions

• 00:14:04 - Discussion of the band forming after Keith Christopher was brought in and early recordings on a cassette four-track

• 00:15:15 - The band formed as a co-op after tour support was pulled, leading them to play songs off all members' solo records.

• 00:17:13 - How the band used a "development deal" to record the first album at Terry's dad's barn

• 00:19:30 - Recording and songwriting process for the first album

• 00:22:12 - The creation of Keith Christopher’s song "For Crying Out Loud" using mumbled vocal takes.

• 00:24:40 - The release of Fear Not the Obvious in 2001, coinciding with September 11th.

• 00:27:55 - The surreal experience of playing a gig just days after 9/11

• 00:31:19 - The story behind the song "Frozen Head," which appears on all members' solo records

• 00:33:05 - The infectious energy and fun of The Yayhoos' live shows, including "crick dancing"

• 00:35:45 - Recalling a memorable gig in Spain

• 00:39:51 - How the band self-released their second album, Put the Hammer Down

• 00:40:40 - The band's highly collaborative songwriting process and how they pitched in to help each other

• 00:46:41 - Eric describes the dulcimer/dulcitar instrument used on "Right as Rain"

• 00:50:24 - Terry’s favorite aspects of playing with Eric

• 00:51:43 - Eric’s favorite aspects of playing with Terry

• 00:53:02 - Terry shares the recent loss of three years of his songwriting notes

• 00:55:36 - Eric discusses his collaboration with renowned studio designer Wes Lachot

• 01:00:32 - Eric mentions a popular video walkthrough of his studio on YouTube

• 01:07:11 - Terry's favorite gig memory: playing the Roskilde Festival in Denmark

• 01:09:37 - Discussion of the Outlaw Country Cruise

• 01:11:55 - Final encouragement to purchase the vinyl reissues before they sell out.

• 01:13:00 - Eric promotes his website and Instagram (which includes cat pictures).

Welcome back to Pursuing the Muse! I’m Tom Compton, and we are kicking off season four strong with a special guest, welcoming Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter, and producer Buick Audra. 

She's a Nashville resident, her fourth solo record, ADULT CHILD, is a strikingly personal concept album released in June 2025. She is also the guitarist and primary songwriter in the melodic heavy duo, Friendship Commanders, who just released their album BEAR this fall.

Buick dives deep into the strikingly personal Adult Child album, telling us the profound meaning behind the refrain, "Can I slow it down". You’ll hear reflections on working with legendary Steve Albini. And she shares how performing the cappella song "Losing My Courage" completely silences even the loudest rock venue.

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https://www.buickaudra.com/

https://www.friendshipcommandersband.com/

https://buickaudra.bandcamp.com/

https://friendshipcommanders.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buickaudra/

https://www.instagram.com/friendshipcommanders/

https://www.facebook.com/buickaudramusic

https://www.facebook.com/friendshipcommanders/

https://bsky.app/profile/buickaudra.bsky.social

https://www.tiktok.com/@buickaudra

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• 00:02:06 - Intro and Adult Child

• 00:03:33 - Album Themes and Production

• 00:06:02 - "The Worst People Win"'s timely nature

• 00:07:08 - Inherited Patterns

• 00:09:43 - Solo Electric Performance

• 00:10:52 - The Honesty of "Yellow"

• 00:13:51 - Resilience in "One Step Close Up"

• 00:16:52 - Grief and Expectation in "Birthdays and Bullshit"

• 00:19:05 - The Power of A Cappella

• 00:22:30 - Estrangement and Poetry

• 00:29:33 - Thesis of the Record

• 00:37:01 - Grammy Recognition

• 00:46:18 - Songwriting Process

• 00:49:32 - Friendship CommandersOverview

• 01:01:06 - Working with Steve Albini

• 01:05:35 - Future Projects

We're shutting down season three with a return of two of the season's great guests, Mike Delevante and Tim Fitzgerald. We're inventing a new genre of Chicago Nash Jazz Rock. Listen in for talk of singing harmonies, playing overseas, Hammond organs and all that AI can't replicate.

The show notes have fact checked that Sha Na Na did perform at the Woodstock festival as claimed by Mike Delevante.

Get Mike's new record, "September Days" at his website: https://mikedelevante.com

Get Tim's Wes Montgomery steeped release "Full House" at his website: https://timfitzgeraldmusic.com

And Subscribe to Tom's substack at: https://rehydraters.substack.com

This week, Pursuing the Muse declares "The thrill is not gone" because we're thrilled to feature blues phenom D.K. Harrell.

At just 27, this Award-winning guitarist and vocalist is recognized as a leading light of the younger generation of blues artists. His new Alligator Records debut album, Talkin' Heavy, showcases his powerful original songs and unique sound, cementing his place among leading voices in blues.

In our conversation, D.K. reveals how B.B. King literally taught him to talk when he was two years old, his commitment to writing modern, original blues lyrics that move beyond stereotypes, and his passion for delivering high-energy, authentic live shows that connect personally with audiences. Listen in!

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https://dkblues.com/

https://dkharrell.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DHarrell98/

https://www.instagram.com/dkblues_

https://www.tiktok.com/@dk_blues

https://www.youtube.com/@d.k.harrellblues/videos

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• 02:11 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes DK Harrell to Pursuing the Muse.

• 02:26 - "Talkin' Heavy" Album Debut

• 03:15 - Song Inspiration "Into the Room"

• 04:15 - Collaborating with Kid Anderson

• 06:48 - Original Songwriting Approach

• 08:56 - Guitar Tones and Influences

• 13:56 - Early Musical Beginnings

• 16:41 - Vocal Development and Priorities

• 24:30 - First Instruments & Guitar Journey

• 31:49 - B.B. King's Influence on Guitar Playing

• 33:46 - Live Performance Philosophy

• 37:57 - Signature Moves & Authenticity

• 46:46 - Audience Appreciation

• 50:36 - Uniqueness of DK Harrell's Sound

• 52:34 - The Future of Blues

• 58:29 - Hardship and Blues as Life

• 01:01:18 - Honesty and Audience Connection

• 01:04:02 - Outro & Contact Information

This week, Pursuing the Muse is excited to feature Scottish-born, Texas-raised, and Nashville-based country singer-songwriter Callum Kerr. Beyond his music, Callum is an accomplished actor, having starred in 13 films and TV series, including hit Netflix shows like Virgin River and One Piece. He's just released his debut EP, 'Roots Under Me'.

In our chat, Callum shares about his Grand Ole Opry debut, the unique experience of recording his album's vocals in South Africa, and how his acting career sparked his serious pursuit of country music. Listen in for an insightful conversation!

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https://linktr.ee/callum_kerr_1

https://instagram.com/callum_kerr_1

https://www.youtube.com/@Callum_Kerr_1

https://tiktok.com/@callum_kerr_1

https://onerpm.link/RootsUnderMe

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• 00:02:13: Debut EP Release and Grand Ole Opry Experience

• 00:04:01: Songs Performed and "Used to Love This Town"

• 00:06:29: Musical Journey and Influences

• 00:12:52: Geographic Influences on Songwriting & Remote Recording

• 00:17:55: Perspectives on AI in Music

• 00:22:02: Impact of Fatherhood

• 00:23:59: Early Music Start and Songwriting Development

• 00:26:08: Solo vs. Co-writing and EP Theme

• 00:32:53: Origins of "Silver Lining"

• 00:34:06: Working with Producers David and Dann Huff

• 00:39:12: Future of the Music Industry & Social Media Strategy

• 00:41:33: Touring Plans and Upcoming Acting Project

• 00:44:56: Finding Callum Kerr's Music

Welcome to Pursuing the Muse!

Today, we're joined by Lucy Kaplansky, a New York folk singer-songwriter who took a detour as a psychologist, before returning to music with acclaimed solo albums and supergroups such as Cry Cry Cry.

Lucy and I discuss her new career retrospective album, "The Lucy Story," her unique songwriting process, co-writing with her husband, and the emotional impact of songs like "Last Days of Summer" and "Ten Year Night".

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https://lucykaplansky.com/

https://www.facebook.com/lucykaplansky

https://instagram.com/lucykaplansky

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• 00:02:30 - Intro

• 00:02:50 - Songwriting Beginnings & Detour:

• 00:05:03 - New Album: "The Lucy Story"

• 00:06:19 - "Last Days of Summer" & "I Know Why the River Runs"

• 00:07:06 - Psychology's Influence on Songwriting

• 00:08:09 - Working in Supergroups (Cry Cry Cry & Red Horse)

• 00:10:50 - Geographic Challenges in Group Projects

• 00:12:15 - Perspective on AI in Music

• 00:14:50 - New York as a Folk Mecca

• 00:17:22 - Shift to Self-Releasing Music

• 00:22:19 - Business Acumen & Tools

• 00:24:32 - Co-writing with Husband Rick Litvin

• 00:26:26 - Vocal Development and Maintenance

• 00:30:19 - Father's Influence

• 00:34:48 - Songwriter Influences & Process

• 00:39:07 - "Last Days of Summer" & Its Impact

• 00:41:25 - Audience Reactions to Specific Songs

• 00:43:19 - "Every Single Day"

• 00:44:48 - Finding Lucy

This week on Pursuing the Muse we're joined by the talented Jessica Willis Fisher.

Jessica is a Nashville based singer-songwriter and fiddle player. She has an acclaimed new album out now called "Blooming" which is the follow up to her debut "Brand New Day". She is also the author of the powerful memoir, "Unspeakable", which chronicles the domestic abuse of her childhood.

In our conversation, we discuss her unique artistic journey, the profound inspirations behind her music, and how she uses her voice to speak truth and help others.  

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https://www.jessicawillisfisher.com/

https://www.youtube.com/jessicawillisfisher

https://www.facebook.com/JessicaWillisFisher/

https://www.threads.net/@jessicawillisfisher

https://www.tiktok.com/@jessicawillisfisher

https://www.pinterest.com/jessicawillisfisher/

https://www.instagram.com/jessicawillisfisher

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• 00:02:03 - Intro & Chicago Roots

• 00:04:19 - New Album "Blooming" Release

• 00:06:00 - Backstory & Memoir "Unspeakable"

• 00:08:50 - "Brand New Day" (Survival) vs. "Blooming" (Thriving)

• 00:09:49 - Optimism Tempered by Realism

• 00:12:51 - Societal Triggers & "Flower in a Sidewalk Crack"

• 00:14:29 - Embracing Vulnerability & Openness

• 00:18:52 - "Healing" & "Dogwood" Songwriting Insights

• 00:23:51 - Recording Process & Studio Musicians

• 00:30:13 - Creative Freedom vs. Family Band Control

• 00:36:52 - Trauma and "Sadie"

• 00:40:24 - Music as a Life Saver & Reclaiming Her Voice

• 00:42:42 - 60th Grand Ole Opry Performance

• 00:43:38 - Memoir "Unspeakable" & Opry Significance

• 00:48:57 - Advocacy and Ongoing Healing

• 00:54:16 - Self-Discovery Through Songwriting

• 00:56:38 - Evolving Relationship with Music

• 01:03:02 - Live Performances & Industry Navigation

• 01:06:32 - Current Collaborations & Touring

• 01:08:39 - Artistic Philosophy & Irish Heritage

• 01:14:37 - "The Fox" & Fiddle Influences

• 01:19:52 - Finding Jessica Willis Fisher Online

Welcome to Pursuing the Muse! Today, we're excited to bring you an in-depth conversation with a true master of the blues, the legendary Larry McCray. Get ready to dive deep into his musical journey and the creative process behind his compelling new album.

Larry McCray is an acclaimed American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, originally from Magnolia, Arkansas. He learned guitar from his older sister, Clara, and was heavily influenced by the "three Kings" (B.B., Freddie, and Albert), developing a unique style that brings a fresh perspective to the blues. His latest album, "Heartbreak City" showcases his commitment to keeping the blues current while staying true to its roots.

In this episode, Larry shares how he crafts new rhythms and chord changes to make the blues accessible to a wider audience, revealing the diverse faces of the genre. He recounts fascinating stories from his extensive career, including his experiences knowing and touring with blues giants like Albert King and B.B. King. Larry also offers his candid perspective on the importance of emotional truth in blues vocals for younger musicians, emphasizing the need to "get ugly" when singing the blues. Don't miss this chance to hear directly from an artist who continues to pour his heart into every note, proving that the blues is very much alive and evolving

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Learn more about Larry here:

https://larrymccrayofficial.com/

https://www.instagram.com/officiallarrymccray/

https://www.facebook.com/@OfficialLarryMcCray/

https://www.youtube.com/@officiallarrymccray

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• 00:01:41 - Intro and initial reaction to "Heartbreak City"

• 00:02:53 - The diverse nature of "Heartbreak City" and the varied faces of the blues

• 00:03:34 - Larry recounts his early inspiration and start playing guitar in Arkansas

• 00:05:15 - Discussion of his move to Michigan in 1972

• 00:06:17 - His sister's role in teaching him guitar and his early learning of the Jimmy Reed shuffle and copying B.B. King

• 00:07:30 - Larry reflects on the Albert King influence in his solos

• 00:10:07 - Larry's approach to songwriting and his motivation to put his own signature on the blues

• 00:14:52 - The unique dynamic of playing with his brother Steve on drums

• 00:16:32 - How Larry connected with Joe Bonamassa

• 00:18:24 - Recording locations like Ocean Way and Sunset Studio

• 00:20:44 - His consistent approach to blues music over 30 years

• 00:21:51 - Other contemporary blues musicians he respects

• 00:22:42 - His criticism for younger blues musicians regarding the vocal emotion

• 00:25:24 - Acknowledgment of Bobby Blue Bland

• 00:27:27 - Larry's extensive experience touring and meeting many of his blues heroes

• 00:29:08 - A funny story about B.B. King backstage

• 00:34:05 - Larry reflects on maintaining his vibrancy and passion at 65

• 00:35:01 - His natural singing ability since childhood, without formal vocal exercises

• 00:36:44 - Future touring plans

• 00:38:23 - The evolution of his songwriting

• 00:39:01 - The positive vibe of "Heartbreak City"

• 00:41:38 - The album's "home cooking" feel

• 00:42:21 - His approach to guitar solos

• 00:45:52 - His songwriting process

• 00:47:55 - His focus on originality in songwriting

• 00:48:50 - Capturing musical ideas using his phone and archiving unused songs for future projects

• 00:51:11 - The album's lack of a specific theme

• 00:53:51 - Larry's advice for young musicians

• 00:54:57 - Closing remarks

Get ready for a deep dive into the mind of Dustin Lowman! In the latest episode of Pursuing the Muse, Tom Compton sits down with singer-songwriter Dustin Lowman to discuss his captivating album, "Invulnerable,".

Dustin Lowman is a singer-songwriter residing in the greater New York City area, drawing inspiration from masters like Bob Dylan. He released his album "Invulnerable" in late 2024, following EPs such as "Carnivalesque" and "Folk Songs". Lowman views songwriting as an inner sanctum where he converts the chaos from life into something constructive

In the interview, Dustin shares the fascinating concept behind the album's title and goes deep on several of the tracks. He elaborates on his innate draw to creative writing from a young age and how he began songwriting around age 15. He describes the value of the "insecure voice". There's also chat about Bob Dylan and Dustin's use of comedy.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the creative process of a talented songwriter who truly lives his art.

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Learn more about Dustin here:

https://dustinlowman.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dustinlowmanmusic/

https://www.facebook.com/DustinLowmanMusic/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EXIhje91Ic2bnsbk_skXg

https://onwriting.substack.com/

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• 00:01:52 - Intro to Dustin Lowman

• 00:02:05 - Meaning behind the album title "Invulnerable"

• 00:04:25 - Xppreciation for the album

• 00:06:18 - Inspiration for "Lucky Stars"

• 00:07:42 - Early beginnings as a songwriter

• 00:09:42 - Learning guitar and obsessively writing and studying songs

• 00:10:49 - Desire to perform

• 00:12:03 - Performing felt intuitive

• 00:12:55 - Differences in performing solo acoustic vs. with a band

• 00:14:20 - Challenges and realities of playing with a band

• 00:16:13 - Dustin Lowman's journey from Connecticut to Brooklyn

• 00:18:43 - Songwriting as a "sanctum"

• 00:21:06 - The role of validation

• 00:23:55 - The value of insecurity in creativity

• 00:25:35 - Inspiration for "A Little Green Left"

• 00:28:02 - Deep connection to Bob Dylan

• 00:30:39 - Dylan's tangible influence on Lowman's songwriting

• 00:33:04 - Thoughts on the Bob Dylan biopic

• 00:38:16 - Origin of "Hangover Cure"

• 00:40:49 - "Searching for My Twin"

• 00:42:29 - Comedy and wit

• 00:45:42 - Discusses his wide range of comedic influences

• 00:48:38 - Upcoming projects and ways to follow

• 00:49:55 - Lowman's Substack, "On Writing,"

• 00:50:31 - Closing remarks