WTTS In Conversation

Crystal McKenzie sat down with Doobie Brothers founding member Pat Simmons to talk about, among other things, his best known song; as well as the song he wrote to benefit the recovery effort from last year's fires in Hawaii.

The Doobie Brothers play Ruoff Music Center with special guest Steve Winwood on August 17th.

The founding frontman of Old Crow Medicine Show sits down with Matt Pelsor for a talk about their latest album Jubilee, including the collaborations with Sierra Ferrell, Mavis Staples, and former Old Crow member Willie Watson. He also talks about his songwriting partnership with two-time Bluegrass Grammy winner Molly Tuttle, and what it's like to write a Christmas song in July.

Old Crow Medicine Show play Indianapolis' Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park on Saturday, July 13th.

Crystal McKenzie began the chat with a huge compliment to Bridget from Amos Lee that his band has been listening to her new solo album on the bus!!  It's her 4th solo album and is called Comeback Kid.  We also talked about her being a midwestern Iowa girl and a huge Caitlin Clark fan like us here in Indy, plus her love of strange potato chips.

Lake Street Dive plays Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park on July 12th

Long-time Little Feat percussionist Sam Clayton sings lead vocals on a brand new album of mostly blues covers called “Sam’s Place.” He spoke with Matt Pelsor about the new record, as well as a forthcoming original Little Feat album due out next year, and recalls what it was like playing with Jimmy Buffett back in the 80s.

Little Feat plays with Los Lobos at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park on June 20th

Crystal McKenzie talks to two members of Collective Soul ahead of their June 8th show with Hootie & The Blowfish and Edwin McCain.

Dean Roland talks about recording a new double album in Elvis' Palm Springs home and the inspiration that came from that experience.  He also talks about Christmas at the Rolands' house and how mom doesn't allow shop talk during the holidays.

Bassist Will Turpin joins in on the conversation and talks about how it all began in his Dad's recording studio.  Also what it was like to step upon the stage of the Ryman Auditorium to play. 

Collective Soul plays Ruoff Music Center June 8th with Hootie & The Blowfish and Edwin McCain

Afternoon host Crystal McKenzie chats with George Thorogood about the good ole days of playing the Vogue, and what a legendary room it is for the rockers of his era.  She also tossed him a FAST FIVE in the spirit of Carb Day, which he headlines on Friday, May 24th.

Tickets to Carb Day can be found below:

https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/buy-tickets/Carb-Day/products-carb-day?utm_source=paidsearch&utm_medium=CARBD&utm_campaign=ims2024&utm_term=branded&pc=digital-paidsrch-carb-brand&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6PGxBhCVARIsAIumnWaCnxHMHMPnpLsgbTrg1m8EoG0noD7pU9WLXvPFHDZdpX9C3QM9HKYaAtM6EALw_wcB

Gary Clark Jr. plays Indianapolis on May 18th as part of the I Made Rock & Roll festival at the American Legion Mall in downtown Indianapolis. He spoke with Matt Pelsor about his new album JPEG Raw, and what it was like to work closely with Stevie Wonder on the new song “What About The Children,” as well as the the album’s themes of over-connectedness and self-consciousness through technology. He also shares his thoughts on playing a festival with the theme of the racial heritage of rock & roll. 

Tickets available here: https://imaderocknroll.com/tickets/

Gin Blossoms founding member and rhythm guitarist Jesse Valenzuela talks with Matt Pelsor about how he really feels about the term “Jangle Pop,” and briefly shares some technical aspects of its performance. He’s also come to terms with ‘playing the hits,’ and will do so at Miller Lite Carb Day 2024 (5/24/24) as they open up for George Thorogood and the Destroyers at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

CARB DAY INFO/TICKETS:

https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/buy-tickets/Carb-Day/products-carb-day

Crystal McKenzie talks with the Grammy winner about Farm Aid, working with and befriending Brandi Carlile, and teaming up with Norah Jones. Plus some hard topics about her upbringing that led to her activism.

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sheryl Crow spoke with Matt Pelsor ahead of the release of her twelfth studio album Evolution. They talked about bucking her 2019 intent to not release another album and dug into the themes of the forthcoming release, including the title track, and compared a song on the new record to a deep cut from 1996.