Jano Rix is on Roadcase this week, and I couldn’t be more psyched to share this amazing interview. Jano has been behind the drum kit in The Wood Brothers now for almost 15 years, and his magical drumming, percussion, keys, and vocals add that critical third dimension to the trio’s wonderful musical exploration that is at the heart of The Wood Brothers unique sound. The band’s sonic journey continues with their latest album Puff of Smoke, which came out August 1.  

Jano comes by his musical talent quite honestly — his Dad, noted drummer Luther Rix, had Jano playing drums by the time he was only 3 or 4 years old. And now, Jano and his Dad have together released an album, Legacy Vol. 1, with their new collab project, RIX. It’s a delightful album with the heartwarming story of a father, a son, and their lifelong shared musical connection. For Jano, this album was a long time coming.

Jano also talks to me about how the hand of fate brought him to The Wood Brothers and we discuss what it means to join the band that he once adored as a fan — how  discovering their music was a true revelation for him. And he describes to me that when he got the call from Oliver, he had truly found his musical home. It’s a serendipitous and fateful path that led Jano to this current place, and it’s an amazing story. 

Jano is kind, funny, and full of wonderful surprises, and you won’t want to miss this epic and unique story!!   

================================

Episode Chapters:

Episode Intro with Josh Rosenberg

Introduction to Jano Rix

Musical Influences and Early Life

Joining The Wood Brothers

The Creation of the Shittar

Touring Experiences

Collaborations and New Projects

The Creative Process

Live Performances and Their Impact

The Evolution of The Wood Brothers

Conclusion and Reflections

================================

For The Wood Brothers tour dates, click here

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I caught up once again with Mo Lowda & The Humble on their Tailing the Ghost Tour for their recent shows in Birmingham and Nashville. On this episode, I continue my Roadcase on the Road Series, as I feature interviews with the two “newest” members of Mo Lowda, bassist Jeff Lucci and guitarist Kirby Sybert.  At the tail-end of this seven-week tour, the band is totally in the pocket, vibes are high and the entire operation was a well-oiled machine.  And their playing followed suit: these guys were super “tour tight,” and the shows (and crowds) were simply outstanding!

I was delighted to interview Jeff and Kirby for separate, one-on-one interviews before they hit the stage at Nashville's Basement East.  Both dudes are totally chill, fun guests, and of course, conversation flows as it does between friends, and it’s a super intimate look at tour dynamics, their individual backgrounds and creative styles, and how they have both become important and integral parts of this tight-knit unit of extraordinary musicians.

==============================

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg 

01:50  Introducing Jeff Lucci

03:40  Interview with Jeff Lucci

46:40  Jeff Lucci wrap up

50:50  Introducing Kirby Sybert

51:50  Interview with Kirby Sybert

1:36:30  Kirby Sybert interview wrap-up and Episode conclusion with Host Josh Rosenberg

================================

For Mo Lowda Tour info and tour dates, click here

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

This week’s episode features Ben Carrey of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share this with one with you!!  Pigeons is one of my favorite bands — I absolutely love their brand of rollicking, funky rock. Their jams are simply exquisite, and Ben drives this forward motion with his unique style on bass guitar.  Pigeons’ eighth album, Feed The Fire is out now, and they’re headed out on their Fall tour — catch them while you can!

Ben is super thoughtful and a gentle and kind soul, and he talks to me about growing up a shy kid in Baltimore — and we discuss how Ben’s unique (some may say unorthodox) style of playing has shaped the Pigeons signature sound. Ben is quite literary and very well read and we go down that rabbit hole a bit… with his love of Physics mixed in just for fun.

Ben also talks to me about mental health and some of the challenges he faces. He’s super open with a striking and honest self-awareness that is utterly refreshing.  This is an epic conversation with this talented artist, and I can’t wait to share this one with you.

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Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg
04:38  Introducing Ben Carrey
07:17 Celebrating the New Album and Touring Experiences
10:21 Collaboration with The Infamous Stringdusters
13:15 Exploring Musical Influences and Techniques
 16:08 Fretless Bass and Its Unique Qualities
 19:10 Cultural Connections and Personal Reflections
 22:11 Musical Relationships and Band Dynamics
 25:03 The Science of Music and Connection
 28:10 Growing Up and Family Ties
 33:35 Nostalgia and Family Connections
 35:39 The Power of Solitude and Self-Discovery
 36:42 Literary Influences and Early Interests
 39:38 The Fascination with Physics and Quantum Mechanics
 43:49 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality
 45:29 The Magic of Music and Sound
 48:11 Musical Beginnings and the Journey to Bass
 54:04 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Performance
 55:46 Mental Health Challenges and the Music Industry
 59:40 Finding Balance and Support in Music
 01:04:03 Connecting with the Audience and Personal Growth
 01:06:18 The Power of Connection and Community
 01:08:36 Psychedelics and Mental Health
 01:13:52 The Journey of Self-Discovery
 01:17:31 The Significance of 'Hit the Ground Running'
 01:20:27 Collaborative Evolution in Music
 01:24:45 The Impact of Live Performances
 01:27:51 Dome Fest and New Beginnings
 01:31:32 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Festivals

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Please join me in celebrating Bluegrass on Roadcase this week with Sara Watkins of I'm With Her!! 

Sara is a native of San Diego, where she began her musical journey along with her brother Sean, playing wherever and whenever they could. When they met Chris Thile and formed Nickel Creek in 1989, they formed a musical bond that has lasted decades. In the wake of the Nickel Creek hiatus of 2006, Sara went on to pursue a solo career, with her debut 2009 self-titled album produced by John Paul Jones. With her current project, I’m With Her, Sara marks over three decades of music with their latest release, Wild and Clear and Blue.

Sara talks to me about those early days in San Diego and we discuss the significant DIY scene there and the impact it had on her and her brother’s musical development. We also go deep into I’m With Her, the latest album, and the challenges of touring as a parent. Sara has played with just about everyone imaginable, and the Watkins Family Hour is a landmark collaborative performance project which continues to leave an impact on the Bluegrass, Folk and Americana communities.

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Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

04:27 Intro and Background

07:30 Parenting and Touring Life

10:22 The New Album: Wild and Clear and Blue

13:15 Festival Experiences and Performances

16:22 Collaboration in Bluegrass and Folk Music

19:21 Songwriting Process and Themes

22:11 The Evolution of I'm With Her

25:08 Reflections on Musical Community

32:12 Songwriting Process and Collaboration

34:18 The Impact of Personal Relationships on Creativity

35:51 Themes of Life and Relationships in Music

37:51 The Joy of Performing Live

39:38 Evolving Perspectives on Live Performance

43:26 Musical Influences and Growth

46:58 Connecting with John Paul Jones

53:24 The Importance of Community in Music

54:23 Episode Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

==========================================

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Documentary Director and Producer Justin Kreutzmann is on the show this week!!  Born into rock and roll — his Dad is Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kruetzmann — Justin grew up with a unique perspective and set of experiences all of which fed his love of music, especially that of The Who, The Doors, and of course, the Grateful Dead.     

Justin has directed a variety of music documentaries including Let There Be Drums; Break on Through: A Celebration of Ray Manzarek and The Doors; and, Move Me Brightly: Celebrating Jerry Garcia’s 70th Birthday. He is also a Producer on the epic Grateful Dead documentary, Long Strange Trip and is an Executive Producer on The Other One: The Long Strange Trip of Bob Weir.  He is currently working on the official feature documentary of Jerry Garcia.

Justin talks to me about the impact of his life growing up in and amongst the Dead at shows, at home, at family get-togethers and on the road. We discuss the documentary art form and Justin’s initial forays into film making and video documentation, and how instrumental were his years on the road with The Who.

Justin is kind and just as cool and fun as can be, and I’m honored to have him on the show. This episode is filled with epic stories and remarkable anecdotes, direct from the source!!  

=========================================

Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

04:47 Justin Kreutzman and His Background

07:43 The Art of Documentary Filmmaking

10:25 Growing Up in the Music Scene

13:06 The Evolution of Touring and Travel

15:48 Family Dynamics and Personal Stories

18:57 The Impact of Fame and Recognition

21:31 Let There Be Drums: A Deeper Exploration

24:30 The Journey of Filmmaking and Storytelling

28:54 The Legacy of Drummers' Kids

31:26 Reflections on Family and Music

34:50 The Impact of Famous Parents

38:32 The Art of Documentary Filmmaking

41:49 Insights into the Jerry Garcia Documentary

50:16 The Evolution of the Grateful Dead's Sound

52:48 Reflections on Jerry Garcia's Final Years

55:31 The Impact of Awards and Recognition

58:22 Behind the Scenes of Music Videos

01:01:54 Bill Graham: The Man Behind the Music

01:05:28 Experiences with The Who

01:09:03 Editing Reality: The Bachelor Experience

01:11:28 Justin's Current Projects and Future Directions

01:18:36 Episode Wrap-up and Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

==========================================

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Brad Barr is on the show this week, and I can’t wait to share this interview with you!!  Brad and his brother Andrew make up the amazing combo, The Barr Brothers, and they’re psyched to be back with a new album coming out this Friday, October 17, entitled Let It Hiss. This amazing album features a variety of collaborations with friends including Elizabeth Powell (Land of Talk), Josie Adams (Arc Iris) and none other than Jim James of My Morning Jacket.  

Brad is a special human with incredible musical talents and a calm, confident and humble demeanor, and he talks to me about the long journey back after the pandemic. We discuss all the elements — personal and musical — that makes their expression just so unique. Brad is thoughtful and warm and I’m honored to call him a friend. 

The Barr Brothers is currently out on the road, playing in support of Mumford & Sons through mid-November, and then will hit the road in February to play headlining shows throughout the US.  

=========================================

Chapters: 

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

05:20 Introduction and Technical Setup  

08:08 The Journey of Self-Discovery

09:59 The Impact of the Pandemic on Music  

17:07 Growing Up in Providence  

25:46 Musical Education and Influences  

27:29 The Heart of Rock and Personal Connections  

34:07 Transitioning to Montreal: A New Chapter  

40:27 From Improvisation to Structured Songwriting  

43:31 Personal Growth Through Music  

46:13 Collaborations and Guest Artists in New Music  

54:10 The Journey of Songwriting and Healing

58:20 Facing Life's Challenges Through Music  

01:03:37 Relatability in Songwriting  

01:05:48 The Future of Collaboration  

01:07:24 Exploring Duo Dynamics in Performance  

01:11:48 Innovative Guitar Techniques  

01:18:31 The Unique Sound of The Barr Brothers  

01:19:50 Episode Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

=============================================

For The Barr Brothers tour info and tour dates, click here

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I was out on the road last week where I joined Mo Lowda & The Humble for the start of their tour in support of their amazing new album, Tailing the Ghost!!  I hopped on for the tour kick-off in the Midwest including dates in Columbus, Indy, Chicago and Phelps, Wisconsin, and got an intimate, first-hand view of this close group of friends and bandmates as they brought their special vibes and anthemic sounds to their awesome fans, both old and new! 

This Part 1 of my “Roadcase on the Road” Series with Mo Lowda features special Green Room interviews with frontman Jordan Caiola as well as with drummer Shane Woods. Shane and Jordan are childhood friends who started this band over 15 years and with grit and determination, continue to spread the love through their music. It's an extraordinary story that I'm excited to share with you.

Part 2 of this Series will be coming up in November, so stay tuned for that one too!!  

==============================

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg 

05:10   Introducing Jordan Caiola

08:25  Interview with Jordan Caiola

53:05  Jordan Caiola wrap-up

58:20  Introducing Shane Woods

1:00:20  Interview with Shane Woods

1:36:30  Shane Woods interview wrap-up and Episode conclusion with Host Josh Rosenberg

================================

For Mo Lowda Tour info and tour dates, click here

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Renowned keyboard player and all-around great human Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident is here!!  Kyle has been behind the keys and on the road with Cheese for almost three decades, and has been at it as a solo artist for two decades. His latest album, All We Are, is a timely and lively collection of wonderful songs and great jams, all the while celebrating life and reflecting on the challenges many of us face.  

Kyle has a fun-loving charm; he’s quirky and kind, and he talks to me about his life with String Cheese, the impact on his family life, and we compare and contrast our similar musical influences. Kyle brings his easy-going energy and warm enthusiasm to Roadcase for this episode, and I’m super psyched to share this one with you!!    

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Chapters

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg; Introducing Kyle Hollingsworth

04:25 Introduction and First Impressions  

07:17 The Evolution of Kyle's Music Career  

10:14 The Origins of String Cheese Incident  

13:22 The Band's DIY Ethos and Early Days  

16:16 Creative Processes and Outdoor Inspirations  

19:11 Communication and Growth in the Band  

22:12 Reflections on the Grateful Dead and Musical Influences  

26:13 The Tubes and Their Influence  

27:50 Electric Forest: A Festival's Heartbeat  

29:08 Tragedy and Resilience: The Texas Floods  

30:44 Boldness in Music: A New Album's Journey  

33:23 Creativity Through Technology: Evolving Soundscapes  

40:09 The Analog vs. Digital Debate  

45:01 Family Life and Music: Balancing Act  

48:32 Balancing Family and Music Career  

51:19 The Emotional Journey of Fatherhood  

52:10 Musical Influences and Inspirations  

55:15 Collaborations and Live Performances  

58:09 Navigating the Challenges of Touring  

01:01:06 The Evolution of Musical Style  

01:04:09 The Beauty of Genre Diversity  

01:07:12 Reflections on Musical Legacy 

01:10:55 Episode Wrap Up and Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

===================================

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I’m super excited to have @scottymetz on the show for this week’s episode. Scott’s stellar guitar work has been the hallmark of his 25-year career, and he's now grown permanent roots with his project (and lifelong dream) @lamp_trio along with bandmates @russlawton and @raypaczkowski (both of Trey Anastasio Band).  LaMP’s latest album, “One Of Us” is out there now for your listening pleasure; it’s a spectacular work of musical art!!  

Scott brings his excitement, enthusiasm, curiosity and his special brand of enduring authenticity to the show, and I couldn’t be happier to share this special interview with all of you. Scott talks to me about his life of “happy accidents;” a series of life-defining moments that he expresses with genuine gratitude and surprise. From a punk rock kid to exploring gypsy jazz, to diving into the depths of improvisation, to his early roots and connection with WEEN, Scott has seen and experienced tons of twists and turns, and he’s here to share it all.

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Chapters

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

03:45 Introducing Scott Metzger

05:56 The New LAMP Album and Festival Experiences

09:57 Travel Challenges and Touring Life

13:16 Managing Expectations in Music and Life

16:10 Creating Accessible Instrumental Music

21:02 Musical Values and Artistic Integrity

24:39 The Heart of LAMP: Drumming and Melodies

25:37 Early Musical Influences and Experiences

31:08 The Spirit of Rock and Roll

31:35 AI and Live Music: A Candid Discussion

33:16 From Punk Rock to Jam Bands: A Musical Journey

35:46 Meeting Phish: A Turning Point

37:12 The Birth of a Band: Joining Phish's Legacy

40:31 Growth Through Improvisation: The JRad Experience

42:27 The Importance of Space in Music

44:34 Finding Your Voice: A Journey of Self-Discovery

46:15 Preparation Meets Opportunity: The Music Career Path

52:47 Artistic Focus: Following the Musical Thread

55:22 The Essence of Authenticity

56:48 Finding Balance in Creativity

59:57 Exploring Musical Dynamics

1:02:20 The Role of Instruments in Expression

1:05:05 Transitioning Through Personal Change

1:08:39 The Journey to Sobriety

1:15:01 Embracing Growth and Change

1:21:50 Episode Wrap Up with Host Josh Rosenberg

===================================

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

After a short and much-needed break, I’m back with new episodes and excited to have The Lemon Twigs on the show this week!  

Brian and Michael D’Addario have perfected a vintage pop sound to make it their own, and their shimmery, fun vibes combine with vocal harmonies seemingly only brothers can achieve. Despite their relatively young age, they are industry veterans, and have been performing for the majority of their lives. With a musical family as a support network, they started out over a decade ago, and caught the attention of Jonathan Rado of Foxygen, who encouraged them to start playing gigs in their native NYC.  With their recently released fifth album, A Dream Is All We Know, The Lemon Twigs are truly hitting their stride.

The brotherly love is real with these two, and they’ve got an amazing story to tell. Click on that link in the bio now to check this one out!!   

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Roadcase and the Lemon Twigs  

07:57 Musical Background and Influences  

11:03 Living in New York vs. California  

14:00 The Impact of Broadway on Their Music  

17:01 Transitioning from Acting to Music  

20:04 Musical Development and Family Influence  

22:57 Brotherly Dynamics and Collaboration  

26:03 Recent Projects and Musical Freedom  

29:03 The Essence of Their Music and Artistic Direction  

31:26 Exploring Sonic Influences and Trends  

34:58 Navigating Comparisons and Musical Identity  

39:03 The Art of Analog Recording  

46:02 The Energy of Live Performances  

51:03 Songwriting Dynamics and Emotional Range  

57:01 International Touring and Audience Reception  

===================================

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer