Songs & Stories

In this episode of the "Backstage Sonoma" podcast, host Steve Roby interviews Marty Brown, a renowned singer in the roots music and rockabilly scenes. Marty shares her musical journey, starting from her upbringing in St. Louis, influenced by icons like Chuck Berry and Ike Turner. She discusses her decision to pursue a singing career in England, her songwriting process, and overcoming stage fright. Marty also talks about her eclectic musical style, her latest album "Midnight Bus," and her excitement for an upcoming performance at the Sebastiani Theater in Sonoma. The episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring musicians.

In wrapping up, Steve reminds the listeners about Marti’s upcoming show at the Sebastiana Theatre in Sonoma, ensuring fans know where to get tickets for an unforgettable performance.

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In this insightful interview, host Steve Roby dives into the electrifying world of guitarist Oz Noy, discussing his unique blend of funk, jazz, and blues. Oz shares the story behind his latest project, "Triple Play," an album recorded at Stages Music Arts in Maryland after a series of tours with his band. "I called the guys like, hey, let's do this record really quick before, you know, it goes away," Oz recalls. They delve into his songwriting process, where he seamlessly combines genres by writing over grooves he loves, turning intricate concepts into cohesive masterpieces.

Steve and Oz also explore the impact of Oz's collaborations with iconic musicians like Eric Johnson and Keith Carlock. Oz emphasizes how working with different artists influences his sound and drives his creativity. "The way Keith Carlock plays, for example, influenced me to write a certain way," he says. Oz highlights the importance of distinct guitar choices based on his collaborators, ensuring a varied and rich sound. Discussing the track "Chocolate Soufflé," Oz reveals its long creative journey, dating back to his early days in New York, and how reworking old ideas leads to fresh, compelling music.

Looking forward, Oz teases exciting new projects, including a collaboration with sitar virtuoso Purbayan Chatterjee and an upcoming jazz album for the Dutch record company Criss Cross. He reflects on the importance of live performances in his career, describing them as vital for keeping music alive. Oz shares his excitement for upcoming shows in the Bay Area, promising fans a mix of his greatest hits and new material. "I'm just trying to make sure that it's interesting to me," underscoring his constant pursuit of musical growth and innovation.

Kris Allen, the humble singer-songwriter from Arkansas, skyrocketed to fame after winning the eighth season of American Idol in 2009. Since then, he has crafted a career defined by authenticity, musical exploration, and personal growth. 

Now, with a new album, Pole Vaulter, on the horizon and a show at Mill Valley’s Sweetwater Music Hall just around the corner, Kris sat down with Backstage Sonoma’s Steve Roby to discuss his journey, influences, and the creative process behind his latest project.

Discovering His Sound: A Melting Pot of Influences

Kris Allen’s musical influences are as diverse as they are deep-rooted. “My parents were listening to a lot of The Eagles and Journey records,” Kris reminisces. “And then also nineties country was a deal... My first show was Reba McEntire, and my dad was obsessed with Garth Brooks.” Growing up in a household that cherished various genres meant that Kris had a broad musical palette from an early age.

As he ventured into his musical discoveries, Kris found himself drawn to the grooves of R&B and the power of early hip-hop. “When I first started finding my own music, it was artists like Michael Jackson, or  Boyz II Men, that sort of thing,” he shares. 

This eclectic mix of influences—from country and classic rock to R&B and even early hip-hop—has been a defining factor in the evolution of Kris’s sound.

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The story of SUSU’s inception is one of fate, mutual admiration, and a bit of New York City magic. Liza Colby’s psychedelic sensibilities met Kia Warren’s bluesy indie rock aesthetic, and the result was nothing short of electrifying. Both women have traversed a wide range of musical genres, including classic and heavy rock, and when they crossed paths, it was clear that something special was on the horizon.

“Our backgrounds span various genres, including rock and roll in all its forms,” Kia begins. “New York City has a very small community of Black women in rock and roll, so it felt inevitable that we would meet. Our connection was expedited through a mutual friend, Flannery, who raved about how much we’d love each other. And she was right.”

Liza adds, “When we started making music and performing together, we knew we were onto something. It was like the universe aligned, putting us in each other’s paths. We quickly developed a deep affection and admiration for each other as contemporaries in the NYC scene.”

The magic moment that sealed their collaboration happened at a club called Berlin, where Liza had a residency. After a chance encounter where Kia’s band filled in for a last-minute cancellation, they realized they had undeniable chemistry. They wrote their first song together in just 40 minutes—a song that ended up on their debut album.

“We were like, ‘Okay, we’re onto something,’” Liza recalls. “That was the beginning of what would become SUSU.”

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In this interview, host Steve Roby chats with renowned cellist Natalie Haas about her musical journey, her new album ‘Haas,’ and her upcoming Sweetwater Music Hall performance with her sister Brittany and musician Lena Johnson. Natalie discussed her unique musical experiences, collaborations, and upcoming projects, offering listeners an intimate look into Haas' influences and aspirations.

Natalie shared insights about her early introduction to music through the Suzuki Method and her transformative experiences at the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddle School, where her passion for traditional music was nurtured. She fondly recounted the camp's significant influence on her and her sister Brittany, helping them develop musical careers and form lifelong friendships within the folk music community.

As the conversation progressed, Natalie elaborated on her professional relationship with her sister Brittany, detailing how their musical paths, though initially divergent, eventually converged. This reunion led to their album 'Haas,' which features original compositions and cherished tunes from their youth. Natalie discussed the process of writing and arranging music for the album, highlighting how they have grown as musicians and collaborators. She also shared the backstory of "The Volunteer," a track dedicated to their father inspired by his volunteer work in their local community.

Natalie's excitement about her upcoming projects was palpable as the interview neared its end. She discussed her new recording endeavors with Alistair Fraser and her sister Brittany and her enthusiasm for live performances. She emphasized the unique joys and challenges of collaborating with different musicians. The interview concluded with a reminder about Natalie and Brittany's upcoming performance with Lena Johnson at the Sweetwater Music Hall, a testament to their ongoing commitment to sharing their music with the world.

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In this candid interview on Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby engages with folk-inspired indie artist Marty O'Reilly, delving into his unique musical journey and creative processes. 

O’Reilly discusses how he began his musical career after receiving a guitar as a Christmas gift during his teenage years and how early encounters with blues and folk music, particularly a serendipitous download of Blind Willie Johnson's recording, profoundly influenced his artistic direction. He reflects on the mix of influences shaping his sound, including artists like Van Morrison, Ray LaMontagne, and Nick Drake, emphasizing his dedication to exploring diverse musical genres rather than being confined to one style.

The discussion also touches upon O’Reilly's songwriting and performance ethos. He shares his perspective on songwriting as a therapeutic process before it becomes something to share with an audience. Marty employs creative strategies to combat writer's block, such as drawing inspiration from various Wikipedia articles. His live performances are described as transformative, driven by his effort to make each show an authentic and engaging experience for himself and the audience. This approach aims to break down the barriers between the performer and the listeners, fostering a shared, immersive environment.

Marty provides insights into his forthcoming projects and personal life, including balancing his music career with fatherhood. He talks about the challenges and joys of working on his first solo album during the pandemic and the decision to split it into two EPs to better align with the diverse styles of music contained within.

He also mentions the upcoming shows, including a notable free performance in Healdsburg at Little Saint and a special New Year's Eve event at the Sebastiani Theatre. Marty expresses excitement about these opportunities to connect with his audience and the detailed planning that goes into making these events memorable.

On this episode of the Backstage Sonoma podcast, host Steve Roby interviews Erika Tietjen from the T Sisters, a folk trio rooted in the San Francisco Bay Area. Erika shares the sisters' musical background, highlighting their harmonious upbringing in a musically rich family. She offers insights into the group’s dynamic, revealing that she and her twin sisters, Rachel and Chloe, each contribute uniquely to their distinctive sound. Erika reminisces about their childhood, filled with music, dance, and theater, painting a vivid picture of a life where creativity was embedded in daily existence.

Erika discusses the evolution of their music-writing process, explaining how they have successfully brought individually crafted songs together to shape the T Sisters' sound. She mentions their recent release of singles from an upcoming Sheroes EP, which features reimagined covers of iconic female artists. Erika also touches on the challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood with their musical careers. Despite the complexity of their current lives, the sisters continue to draw strength from their deep connection and years of performing together.

In anticipation of their upcoming shows in Inverness, Erika describes the intimate and interactive nature of house concerts where the audience can connect more personally with the band.

The conversation concludes with host Steve Roby encouraging listeners to explore the T Sisters’ music through various online platforms and reminding them of the forthcoming performances in Inverness as part of the Blue Moon Concert Series. This episode provides a heartfelt glimpse into the life and music of the T Sisters, emphasizing their dedication to family and artistry.

In this interview, musician John Chi joins host Steve Roby on the Backstage Sonoma Show to discuss his musical journey and current projects. 

John, formerly the band leader for Rainmaker, is embarking on a solo career with his latest work, ‘River of Marigolds.’ The album blends his introspective songwriting with various styles, reflecting influences from artists like U2, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and the Grateful Dead. The conversation delves into John's early musical influences, their impact on his artistic development, and how significant events, such as the pandemic and California wildfires, shaped the themes and songs on ‘River of Marigolds.’

Steve and John discuss specific tracks from the album, like "Got to Give the Devil His Due" and the title track "River of Marigolds." John shares the backstories behind these songs, explaining how his experiences during the pandemic and his reflections on family and the environment influenced their lyrics and composition. The discussion highlights how "Got to Give the Devil His Due" captures the joy of returning to live performances post-pandemic and how "River of Marigolds" explores deeper themes of family history and hope amidst challenging times. John's thoughtful approach to songwriting and varied influences are evident as he explains his creative process.

Towards the end of the interview, John talks about his current and upcoming engagements, including a performance at Terrapin Sunday Daydream and a show at Sweetwater Music Hall with his band, The Pacific Syndicate. He expresses enthusiasm for sharing the stage with a rotating cast of talented musicians, emphasizing the joy and connection he finds in live performances. John believes his music has evolved to blend songwriter-focused elements with jam band styles, and he looks forward to continuing this fusion in his future work.

This interview with Brian Vander Ark, the lead singer of The Verve Pipe, covers the band’s history, creative process, and upcoming music and tour. The conversation kicks off with a discussion of the band's early success, particularly the delayed rise to fame of their song "Photograph," and the challenges they faced in their early years. Brian shares intriguing anecdotes about the songwriting process, including how "The Freshman" was inspired by a random glance at a VHS tape cover, and how he uses modern tools like iPhones to capture melodic ideas, which he used to leave on his answering machine.

The interview highlights the evolution of The Verve Pipe's music, with Brian explaining how the band has experimented within the pop genre and pushed the boundaries of their sound. He also delves into the lyrical aspects of their music, detailing a shift from ambiguous, relatable lyrics in songs like "The Freshman" to more straightforward, linear storytelling in their newer work. Brian teases their upcoming album "Reconciled," describing it as a mix of storytelling and catchy tunes that hark back to the 90s grunge era, featuring a song called "Dust," which is already a hit with live audiences.

Further, the interview captures the essence of the band's live performances and camaraderie. Brian emphasizes the joy and entertainment value they bring to the stage, likening the band members to the Muppets due to their distinctive on-stage personas. He also touches on the practical aspects of touring, including their pre-show meditation routine and the importance of rituals that keep them grounded. Brian’s additional role as a corporate radio host at WLAV Classic Rock 97 also makes an appearance, illustrating his multifaceted career and dedication to both his music and his family. The interview closes with details about the band's upcoming show at Sweetwater Music Hall, promising an engaging and dynamic performance for fans.

The interview between host Steve Roby and jazz guitarist Adam Hawley on Backstage Sonoma covers various topics, offering an insightful glimpse into Adam's career and musical journey. The conversation begins with casual exchanges and then delves into Adam's early years, highlighting his origins in Oregon, his early passion for guitar, and his first forays into bluegrass and blues rock bands.

Adam shares the turning point that steered him towards contemporary jazz, sparked by a mixtape featuring George Benson. His relocation to Los Angeles and academic pursuits at the University of Southern California are major career milestones. 

The conversation then shifts to Adam's recent achievements, notably his sixth album, "Unstoppable," making waves on the charts and featuring significant collaborations. Adam details the creative process behind the album, highlighting the lively title track and the fresh Latin-influenced single, "Fly By." 

Throughout the interview, Adam discusses the joy and challenges of touring, his approach to songwriting and producing, and his preparations for live performances. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories, like collaborating spontaneously with Dave Koz for an upcoming Christmas tour. 

Concluding the interview, Adam talks about his upcoming performances at Blue Note Napa with fellow artist Julian Vaughn, promising an energetic and unique musical experience. Adam's passion and dedication to his craft are evident throughout the conversation, making for an engaging and informative interview.