Wheels Off with Rhett Miller

Walter Martin is a multi-award-winning songwriter first known for his work with New York rock 'n' roll bands The Walkmen and Jonathan Fire*Eater. In this episode, Walt joins Rhett to talk about his prolific and varied songwriting career, the importance of separating art and commerce, and the creative freedom he enjoys as an independent artist.

In 2014 Martin launched a solo career and has subsequently released five studio albums: two Parents’ Choice award winning family albums (2014's We're All Young Together and 2017's My Kinda Music) and three critically acclaimed albums for adults (2016's Arts & Leisure, 2018's Reminisce Bar & Grill and 2020’s The World at Night. In March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world, Martin released two collections of unreleased songs (Common Prayers; Green Beans & Tangerines). 

A much anticipated new album, The Bear, was released on March 25, 2022.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. 

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

Visit SunsetlakeCBD.com and use the promo code WHEELSOFF for 20% off premium CBD products.

Visit GradysColdBrew.com and use the promo code WHEELSOFF for 20% off your first purchase of New Orleans-style coffee & cold brew.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Songwriter, guitarist and singer, Kristin Hersh joins Rhett from her home in Rhode Island to talk about recording with 50FOOTWAVE, a musical collective she founded in 2004 under the theory that ‘music doesn’t belong in the music industry’. Kristin shares stories from her days as a young artist in the Boston music scene, grappling with the pressures of the industry, and what it means to lose yourself in the work. The two discuss the difference between creating art for art’s sake versus selling your art as a product, and being humbled by the complexity of humanity.

Kristin Hersh’s prolific career has seen her heralded queen of the alternative release. Songwriter, guitarist and singer, Kristin Hersh has released over 20 records solo, with Throwing Muses and 50FOOTWAVE. She released her tenth studio album, 'Possible Dust Clouds' in 2018.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. 

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more. 

Visit SunsetlakeCBD.com and use the promo code WHEELSOFF for 20% off premium CBD products.

Visit GradysColdBrew.com and use the promo code WHEELSOFF for 20% off your first purchase of New Orleans-style coffee & cold brew.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Hillary Fretland joins Rhett to talk about her band, Fretland, and the making of their latest album, Could Have Loved You. You’ll hear Hillary and Rhett discuss being gentle with the lessons you learn along the way, breaking the rules in music, and Hillary does a deep dive on her fan-favorite song “Do You Think of Me” from Fretland’s last album.

Hillary Fretland is the leader of the sensational Americana band, Fretland, whose sound mixes fragile alt-country with passionate gushes of indie rock. From Snohomish, WA, Hillary was inspired by her mother to play music when she was young, and 10+ years of playing and writing songs has led to two exceptional albums for Fretland in just two years. Fretland has racked up more than a million streams with their aching ballads, leaf-strewn sound, and gently spun secrets, and in this episode you’ll hear all about the creative process of their front woman.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. 

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more. 

Visit SunsetlakeCBD.com and use the promo code WHEELSOFF for 20% off premium CBD products.

Visit GradysColdBrew.com and use the promo code WHEELSOFF for 20% off your first purchase of New Orleans-style coffee & cold brew.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frontman and fiddler for Old Crow Medicine Show, Ketch Secor, joins Rhett from his longtime home of Nashville to talk about the upcoming Old Crow Medicine Show album, the difficulty of writing songs about social and political issues, and why there are so many things to sing about today that make the heart heavy. Ketch explains why moving around a lot as a kid helped to shape him as an artist, and discusses his incredible career in one of the top Americana acts of the last 20 years.

Ketch Secor is a founding member of Old Crow Medicine Show, a Grammy Award—winning group that has been inducted as members of the Grand Ole Opry. In 2017 and 2018, Old Crow Medicine Show released three critically acclaimed albums: Best of Old Crow Medicine Show (Nettwerk), 50 Years of Blonde On Blonde (Columbia Nashville), a reimagined version of Bob Dylan's classic Blonde on Blonde album, and Volunteer (Sony Music Nashville). 

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. 

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more. 

Visit SunsetlakeCBD.com and use the promo code WHEELSOFF for 20% off premium CBD products.

Visit GradysColdBrew.com and use the promo code WHEELSOFF for 20% off your first purchase of New Orleans-style coffee & cold brew.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jack Torrey, one half of the indie band The Cactus Blossoms, joins Rhett from his home in Minneapolis to talk about getting back on the road, writing and recording a new record during the pandemic, and why he was content to not have a plan other than playing music. Jack tells Rhett about the impact that Bob Dylan had on his writing, and explains what he means when he says he’s the “eye of the storm”.

“Hey baby, do you wanna take a trip with me? / I’ve got a feeling there might be a silver lining all around.” So begins One Day, the captivating new album from critically acclaimed Minneapolis duo The Cactus Blossoms. Written and recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, the record explores the tension between optimism and despair that’s defined much of the past few years of American life, examining the power (or naïveté, depending on your perspective) of positive thinking in the face of chaos and uncertainty. The songs here are tender and timeless, with straightforward arrangements centered around brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum’s air tight harmonies, and the performances are warm and intimate to match, delivered with a soulful, ’70s-inspired palette of playful Wurlitzer, breezy guitars, and muscular percussion.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. 

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more. 

Visit SunsetlakeCBD.com and use the promo code WHEELSOFF for 20% off premium CBD products.

Visit GradysColdBrew.com and use the promo code WHEELSOFF for 20% off your first purchase of New Orleans-style coffee & cold brew.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paz Lenchantin is an Argentinian-American musician who has played bass for The Pixies since 2014. She joins Rhett to talk about recording the latest Pixies album, writing music for film, and why she feels that there are more opportunities for female artists now that ever before. Paz explains why she likes to switch things up musically when she’s home by returning to the violin; and, why she thinks that social media is detrimental to the artistic process.

Paz Lenchantin has been the bass guitarist, vocalist and violinist of the alternative rock band Pixies since 2014. She has also played bass and strings with various bands, including Entrance, A Perfect Circle, Silver Jews, and Zwan.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. 

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more. 

Visit SunsetlakeCBD.com and use the promo code WHEELSOFF for 20% off premium CBD products.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duquette Johnston, a founding member of the breakout 90s indie band Verbena and now an acclaimed solo artist, joins Rhett from Birmingham, AL. to talk about his new album, Social Animals, and the road to his creative life. Duq explains the evolution of his creative process, why he’s never had a Plan B, and how he eventually worked through the fear of success that was holding him back.

By his own admission Duquette Johnston has lived a "wild, incredible life," but even that might be underselling the three-act 25-year journey that's led to the Alabama musician's new album The Social Animals. In bringing the new album to life, Johnston drew from his indie rock past to unite a remarkable group of collaborators. This team included producer John Agnello - known for his work with Dinosaur Jr as well as recent albums from Hop Along, Waxahatchee, Twin Peaks and Kurt Vile - and a band anchored by longtime Sonic Youth drummer Steve Shelley. Through their spiraling guitars and cavernous beats, Johnston shares deeply-learned messages on the common theme that "we can lift each other up. We can change things, if we keep our hearts in the right place.” 

Be sure to listen to Rhett’s interview with David Wax, the other half of David Wax Museum.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. 

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more. 

Visit SunsetlakeCBD.com and use the promo code WHEELSOFF for 20% off premium CBD products.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guitarist Scott Metzger joins Rhett from his home in Brooklyn to talk about his forthcoming album Too Close To Reason, which is his first solo effort. Scott tells Rhett about his early days as a sideman and shares the story of meeting James Brown, which was a pivotal moment in his career. The two discuss The Alexander Technique and why being aware of your body can help you navigate through stress, and Scott tells Rhett why it’s cool to be uncool. 

Scott Metzger has performed, recorded, and toured with artists including: John Mayer, John Scofield, Warren Haynes, Nels Cline, Anders Osborne, Phil Lesh & many others from a variety of genres. He is a full time member of the critically acclaimed, increasingly popular Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. His various part time projects include the Gypsy Jazz influenced The Showdown Kids, and WOLF! (Royal Potato Family Records), an instrumental guitar trio whose music has been featured on the hit television series Z-Nation. In addition, Scott has made various appearances on national television, including appearances on Good Day New York and a featured duet with Nicole Atkins on the season 1 finale of Cameron Crowe’s Showtime series ‘Roadies.’

Pre-order Scott’s new album Too Close To Reason here.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. 

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more. 

Visit SunsetlakeCBD.com and use the promo code WHEELSOFF for 20% off premium CBD products.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Musician Suz Slezak joins Rhett from her home in Charlottesville, VA to talk about her new solo album, the moment when she realized that she could make a living as a musician, and talks about her struggle with bipolar disorder. The two discuss managing one’s self critic and why it’s important to remember that your fantasies might come true.

Suz Slezak is a fiddle player and one half of the pioneering folk duo David Wax Museum. Our Wings May Be Featherless is the debut solo album from Suz Slezak, co-founder of the pioneering indie folk band David Wax Museum. The nine-track album was produced by Anthony da Costa (Joy Williams, Yola, Sarah Jarosz) and recorded throughout 2020 in Nashville and in Slezak’s homebase of Charlottesville, VA. It is a stunning and poignant collection of songs, an emotional tour de force, displaying the artist’s breathtaking lyricism, multi-instrumental breadth, and her ability to weave some of life's most difficult moments – traumatic childbirth, a best friend's suicide, and her own public struggle with bipolar disorder – into an Americana masterpiece. Available on March 4.

Be sure to listen to Rhett’s interview with David Wax, the other half of David Wax Museum.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. 

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more. 

Visit SunsetlakeCBD.com and use the promo code WHEELSOFF for 20% off premium CBD products.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedian John Poveromo joins Rhett from the Jersey Shore to talk about the road that led to his stand-up career and why his podcast, Dystopia Tonight, was a saving grace during the pandemic. Poveromo discusses opening for Jimmy Fallon, why comedy can help in the midst of disaster, and the innate curiosity that helped him navigate through depression.

John Poveromo is a nationally touring comedian, cartoonist, writer, actor, and the host of Dystopia Tonight with John Poveromo on TwitchTV, ApplePodcasts, Spotify and YouTube. John has been seen on FXX’s Gotham Live, FoxTv’s The Q, VH1, MTV, and has a short film on Amazon Prime that he both co-wrote and starred in titled, Duppet. He has been critically acclaimed by numerous major publications.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. 

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more. 

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Visit SunsetlakeCBD.com and use the promo code WHEELSOFF for 20% off premium CBD products.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices