Songs & Stories

This interview on Backstage Sonoma features host Steve Roby in conversation with renowned Country guitarist and singer Junior Brown.

The discussion highlights Brown's illustrious career, marked by the release of 12 studio albums and multiple hits on the Billboard Country Singles Charts. It begins with an overview of Brown's musical journey, including influences from television and radio icons of the 50s and 60s, such as Ernest Tubb, and shows like "Hullabaloo" and "Shindig."

Brown delves into the creation of his iconic instrument, the Git Steel double-neck guitar, explaining its practical utility in allowing him to switch between electric and steel guitar seamlessly during performances. The talk transitions into Brown's songwriting process, where he emphasizes the importance of titles and hooks in crafting his lyrics, typically before melodies.

“When I’m asked about songwriting, a title will practically write the song if it's a good title, and every line of the song must support it. And if it doesn't, then you're getting away from it. You're drifting.”

Host Roby draws attention to Brown's famous live rendition of "Highway Patrol," a song by Red Simpson. This performance showcases Brown's ability to personalize and revitalize classic tunes. Memorable performances, such as playing with rock and roll legend Bo Diddley, are recounted enthusiastically, underscoring significant milestones in Brown's career.

The interview also touches on collaborative experiences with country music legends like Ray Price, George Jones, and Hank Thompson, hinting at these encounters' profound impact on Brown. Looking ahead, Brown shares his vision for an innovative album blending surf music with his trademark "twangy" sound, inspired by a painting he created called "Git Steel Surfer."

The interview wraps up with mutual appreciation and well-wishes for Brown's future endeavors.

Overall, the interview is a compelling blend of nostalgia, technical insights, and forward-looking creativity, offering fans a deeper appreciation of Junior Brown's multifaceted artistry.

Junior Brown’s California tour will make three stops in the North Bay, starting August 14 at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley. On Friday, August 16, he plays at the Uptown Theatre in Napa and the Raven Theatre in Healdsburg for a show on Saturday, August 17. Ticket info here.

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby interviews renowned guitarist Mark Karan. Known for his extensive involvement with the extended Grateful Dead family, Mark Karan provides a deep dive into his illustrious career, his musical influences, and his current projects.

Roby starts the interview by introducing Mark's impressive resume, highlighting his 12-year tenure with Bob Weir and RatDog and collaborations with notable artists, including Delaney Bramlett and Jesse Colin Young. Mark shares anecdotes from his early days, discussing how he first encountered the Grateful Dead as a young fan and later transitioned into playing with the band after Jerry Garcia's death.

The conversation shifts to Mark’s experiences and favorite memories from collaborating with musicians like Delaney Bramlett. One particularly cherished memory involves Delaney complimenting Mark as his favorite guitarist during an interview for a documentary.

Mark discusses his musical inspirations, the influence of the song 'Good Day for the Blues' on his career, and his admiration for songwriter David Grissom. They play the track for listeners, showcasing Mark's interpretive approach to music.

Roby and Karan then introduce another track, 'Annie Don't Lie,' originally written by Alex Call. Mark explains how he encountered the song during his time with Huey Lewis and the News and shares its significance.

In the latter part of the interview, Mark gives an update on his upcoming album 'Welcome to Your Life.' He elaborates on the challenges faced during its production, including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and his mixed feelings about releasing albums in the modern music era.

They briefly mention Mark's touring schedule with various projects, such as the Gilmore Project, Live Dead and Brothers, and Dave Alvin and the Third Mind. Mark shares his enthusiasm for these collaborations and the creative fulfillment they bring him.

The interview wraps up with information on Mark Karan’s August 16 performance at the California Theatre, and where listeners can find more about his music and tour dates. 

In this engaging interview, musician Jesse Brewster shares his journey as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Over the past twenty years, Brewster has captivated audiences with his unique blend of rock, Americana, and folk music. His music, a reflection of his life experiences and battles, resonates deeply with his audience, beginning with his heartfelt first solo record benefitting PKD research.

Brewster discusses his musical influences, which include legends like Neil Young, Bob Marley, and The Beatles. Brewster reminisces about growing up surrounded by music and starting his band at a young age. He describes his evolution as a musician, from playing in bands to launching his solo career in the early 2000s.

Brewster's ambitious project to release 100 singles highlights the conversation. This goal reflects the modern trend of consuming music track by track, exercising his creativity and commitment to completing and sharing his music with the world.

Jesse also talks about the inspiration behind specific songs and his writing process for TV and film. He shares how collaborating with other talented artists broadens his artistic horizon. 

As the interview wraps up, Brewster offers powerful advice to aspiring musicians about staying authentic and true to themselves, empowering them to find their unique voice in the music industry.

Listeners are reminded of Jesse's upcoming performance at the Lost Church in Santa Rosa, where he will be joined by fellow musicians Darren Nelson and Allison Page. 

The interview provides a rich insight into Jesse Brewster's creative world and his heartfelt dedication to music.

In this engaging interview with Backstage Sonoma host Steve Roby, Truett Heintzelman and Philip Lupton of the Austin-based folk-rock duo Briscoe discuss their musical journey and debut album, "West of It All." 

Written in the Lone Star State and recorded in North Carolina, “West of It All” charts its own musical geography. Its production is by Grammy nominee Brad Cook.

The duo shares how they met at a summer camp in Texas, how they are inspired by classic folk and rock music and their unique songwriting process. 

They provide insights into some of their tracks, including "Coyote," "Sparrows," and "The Well," revealing the stories and inspirations behind them. The conversation also touches on their musical influences, first records, and what fans can expect from their August 18 Mill Valley show at the Sweetwater Music Hall.

The interview closes with a fun lightning round of questions, giving fans a deeper look into their personal music tastes and routines.

In this interview on KOWS-FM's Backstage Sonoma program, host Steve Roby converses with Fletcher Nielsen, the band leader and songwriter of the eclectic musical group Tracorum.

The discussion opens with an introduction to Tracorum’s unique blend of genres, including southern rock, soul, honky tonk, roots Americana, and more, emphasizing their rhythmic diversity. Nielsen shares the band's origins and his musical influences, rooted in a rich tapestry of sounds from the West Coast of Florida.

Nielsen elaborates on the band's evolving lineup, currently featuring members on drums, fiddle, guitar, and bass, with Nielsen handling piano, guitar, harmonica, and vocals. He describes the band's mission to take audiences on a transformative journey during live performances, aiming for a profoundly connective and uplifting experience.

The interview discusses Tricorum's upcoming fourth studio album, "Thin Wire," which explores reggae and Latin influences. Nielsen details the album's creative direction and expected release timeframe. The conversation also touches on the meaning behind the album's title and the thematic elements within its tracks.

Listeners are given the backstory of one of the band's tracks, "The Lesson," and an insight into Nielsen's connection to New Orleans through the song "Back to New Orleans." The band's name origin, drawn from a magic spell concept, aligns with their mission to infuse spirit into their music.

Nielsen shares upcoming performance details, including a notable show at the Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley on August 15, and provides information on where fans can find Tricorum's music and stay updated on their schedule.

The interview concludes with Nielsen expressing anticipation for the August performance and a final thanks to Steve Roby for the engaging conversation.

In an engaging edition of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby sits down with Tori Roze, the lead vocalist, and Mike Mulqueen, the guitarist of the Bay Area's renowned funk and soul band, The Humidors. The conversation starts with the host's warm welcome, quickly transitioning into discussing the band's formation and evolution over the years.

The Humidors, originally named the San Pablo Project, have been creating their unique brand of party music since 2013. Tori Rose and Mike Mulqueen share insights about the band's journey, dynamic musical influences, and the strong camaraderie among their eight members. The duo delves into the band's rich history, emphasizing their continued commitment to producing vibrant, groove-infused music despite changes in membership.

Highlighting their 10th-anniversary celebration, Tori and Mike recount an all-star lineup featuring former lead singers, making it a memorable event for the band and their fans. The interview also touches upon the band's recent EP, "Show Me," completed during the pandemic through home studio recordings.

Looking forward, they discuss upcoming singles and the potential for a new EP or full-length album in 2024. Tori and Mike are excited about their first post-pandemic performance at the Sweetwater Music Hall on August 2nd. They speak fondly of the venue's excellent hospitality and the joy of returning to live stages.

The interview concludes with details on where to find more music, concert information about The Humidors, and a reminder of their highly anticipated live performance at the Sweetwater Music Hall on August 2. Tori and Mike's enthusiasm throughout the conversation showcases their passion for music and dedication to their fans.

In this enlightening interview, host Steve Roby speaks with Adam Theis, the trombonist, bassist, composer, and co-founder of Jazz Mafia. Throughout their conversation, Adam shares the origin story of Jazz Mafia, which began in the late 1990s in San Francisco’s North Beach at a venue called Black Cat. Adam describes how the venue's manager encouraged musicians to break boundaries and experiment with new sounds, leading to the creation of the Jazz Mafia collective, which now incorporates a variety of musical genres, including electro, hip-hop, world, classical, and jazz.

Steve and Adam delve into specific projects within Jazz Mafia, focusing on the Grateful Brass. This unique ensemble reimagines the music of the Grateful Dead using brass, drums, and vocals. Adam explains how his experiences with Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart and Bob Weir influenced this concept and how the project evolved from an initial challenge to a celebrated musical venture. The interview also highlights the upcoming release of a Grateful Brass album and an exclusive Jerry Garcia birthday Celebration show at Blue Note in Napa.

Throughout, Adam provides anecdotes about his musical journey, the creative process behind Jazz Mafia’s various projects, and the positive reception from both Jazz Mafia fans and Grateful Dead enthusiasts. The discussion is peppered with a preview of tracks like "China Cat Sunflower" and "Birdsong," showcasing the innovative spirit of Jazz Mafia.

In this interview on Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby chats with the Atlanta-born blues guitarist Eddie 9V. At just 26, Eddie has already achieved significant acclaim, including a #1 Billboard Blues album with Capricorn. Eddie shares insights about his musical journey, which began at 15, and his roots in classic blues and soul. He discusses his influences, including Freddie King, Mike Bloomfield, and Sean Costello. 

As the conversation progresses, Eddie talks about his band's dynamics and upcoming performances, including a highly anticipated show at Mill Valley's Sweetwater Music Hall. He also gives listeners a glimpse into his creative process, explaining the inspiration behind songs like "Chamber of Reflections" and "Saratoga." With a sense of humor, he recounts past tour mishaps and expresses excitement about retrieving some equipment left in Santa Rosa.

The interview ends with Eddie promoting his new album and promising an electrifying live performance. He also gives a shout-out to Katie Skeen, who will be opening for his band at the Sweetwater Music Hall and encourages listeners to check out her music. The engaging dialogue between Steve Roby and Eddie 9V provides a fascinating look at the life and career of a rising blues star.

Get tickets for Eddie 9v’s August 13 Sweetwater Music Hall show here.

In this captivating interview on Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby sits down with Grammy Award-winning artist Colbie Caillat to discuss her illustrious career and latest musical endeavors. They delve into Colbie’s early influences and upbringing in Southern California, crediting her parents and family friends for nurturing her musical talents. Colbie shares personal anecdotes about her first vocal coach and reflects on the music industry's evolution, from MySpace discoveries to the impact of modern social media platforms like TikTok.

The conversation highlights some of Colbie's significant collaborations with artists such as Gavin DeGraw, Jason Mraz, Taylor Swift, and Sheryl Crow, reflecting on the joy and inspiration of working alongside them. As they explore the creation of her latest album, "Along the Way," Colbie reveals the therapeutic nature of the songwriting process during the pandemic, her growing love for country music, and the unique contributions of her co-writers.

To give listeners a taste of her music, the host plays two tracks; "Worth It" and "I'll Be Here." They discuss the meaning and backstory behind these songs, touching on love, transformation, and artistic growth themes. The interview concludes with a fun lightning round of questions, where Colbie shares her eclectic music tastes, including her affection for Post Malone, Fleetwood Mac, and Bob Marley.

Colbie's warmth and authenticity shine throughout the session, making it an engaging listen for fans and newcomers alike. Finally, the host reminds listeners about her upcoming performance with Gavin DeGraw at the Green Music Center, inviting them to catch this musical duo live.

This interview with show host Steve Roby and Matt Lowell, the Los Angeles-based alternative rock band Lo Moon's frontman, offers an insightful look into the band's journey, creative processes, and latest album, I Wish You Way More Than Luck.

Matt discusses the band's origins, detailing how his move to Los Angeles led to the formation of Lo Moon with members Samuel Stewart and Crisanta Baker. The conversation delves into the album's inspiration, drawn from Matt's formative years in rural Connecticut, highlighting key influences such as David Foster Wallace's literature and the emotional nostalgia of creating music during that period.

Matt shares anecdotes about creating the album's artwork, emphasizing its significance and the creative process behind it. The host and guest explore individual tracks from the album. Matt provides backstories to songs like "Connecticut" and "Water," explaining their unique compositions and the emotional moments captured during recording sessions.

The discussion also touches on what fans can expect from Lo Moon's forthcoming projects and the diversity in the album's physical releases, including colored vinyl and cassette tapes. Lastly, Matt talks about the excitement for their upcoming performance at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco, promising an engaging setlist with new material. Throughout the interview, Matt conveys his deep connection to the music and eagerness to share it with the audience.