Roots Rednecks and Radicals

Garrison Starr is a songwriter and performer who has been putting out albums since the 90s. She has a distinct style that gets to the heart of issues. Her recent album “Girl I Used To Be” reflects on her religious upbringing and her rejection from that world. Evangelical Christianity is anything but accepting of the LGBTQ community, and when Garrison was open about her sexuality it became an issue. 

 

The album is intimate, and poignant. The songs reflect on, and try to make peace with the trauma of rejection. I appreciate it when artists have the guts to be vulnerable, and share a piece of themselves. Garrison and I  had a great conversation, I hope ya dig it.

Cristina Vane recently released her debut full length album called "Nowhere Sounds Lovely." It's an eclectic blend of blues and roots music. She's a phenomenal instrumentalist, playing slide guitar among other instruments on the album. Her influences are broad including blues musicians like Blind Willie Johnson. We had a great talk about her musicals career, this new album, and her songwriting. I hope ya dig it!

Israel Nash is a singer songwriter from Dripping Springs TX. His new album was produced by Adrain Quesada of the Black Pumas, and recorded at Israel’s home in Texas. The album has an ethereal and mystical sound that draws you in. His lyrics are thoughtful, and arranged in a way that draws out the somber tones of the music. I had a chance to chat with him about this album, his songs, and what he’s been up to during the pandemic.

Israel Nash is a singer songwriter from Dripping Springs TX. His new album was produced by Adrain Quesada of the Black Pumas, and recorded at Israel’s home in Texas. The album has an ethereal and mystical sound that draws you in. His lyrics are thoughtful, and arranged in a way that draws out the somber tones of the music. I had a chance to chat with him about this album, his songs, and what he’s been up to during the pandemic. I hope you dig it.

David Huckfelt is a singer songwriter with a strong connection to Native American history and culture. His recent record, in his words, is about restoring balance: space and attention, peace and equality, redeeming the marginalized, and remembering the forgotten.  It's a new expression of the ancient ritual and power of songs to weave a web of resilience and protection over our land, our loves, and our resistance. I spoke with him recently about these songs, and his connection to this land and its people. I hope ya dig it.

Jade Brodie is a singer-songwriter living in the rural town of Winnemucca Nevada. Originally from the Sonoma CA area, she moved to Nevada with the railroad company she works for. Last month she released a couple of songs that have a great honky tonk sound, “Making History” and “Split my Tooth” that reflect on working class life, and blue collar issues. I had a chance to chat with her about her music. I hope you dig it!

Dave Alvin is an iconic American musician. Growing up in Los Angeles he was exposed to legendary blues musicians as a teenager. He went on to form the band “The Blasters” and also played with the seminal LA punk band “X.” His career has spanned decades and he’s been involved in many projects. But his love for American roots music has been evident throughout his career. Last year he put out an album called “From An Old Guitar” as well as a psychedelic jam project with a group called “The Third Mind.” I had a chance to chat with Dave about his music, and these albums. I hope ya dig it!

Pony Bradshaw is an artist from North Georgia. He has a distinct songwriting style that is reminiscent of the Drive By Truckers and Jason Isbell. He reflects on rural American culture. The beauty of the landscape, as well as the pitfalls to which it’s people too often fall prey. I got to talk with him about his new album “Calico Jim.” It’s a beautiful and poignant album that illuminates his part of the world. Enjoy.

Kelsey Waldon is a singer/songwriter living in Nashville TN. A native of Kentucky, her singing and writing style are reminiscent of the long musical history of that state. Over the last few years she has been releasing recordings on the late John Prine’s record label called “Oh Boy” Records. I had a chance to talk with her about her most recent release that features a number of covers by artists like Nina Simone, John Prine, Neil Young, and Bob Dylan. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Katie Pruitt is a Nashville based singer songwriter from Atlanta Georgia. She released a full length album last year called “Expectations” to critical acclaim. Later in the year she followed that up with two covers of Neil Young songs. The classic “Ohio” and “After the Gold Rush.” Her songs are heartfelt and personal, they also reflect on justice values. Her blending of country, folk, and rock creates a backdrop for her to expound on her life experience and share her thoughts with us. We talked about her songwriting, Neil Young, and her incredible guitar tone. I hope ya dig it!