Last Saturday we had the distinct pleasure of attending our first live music performance of 2020. We drove out to Chickasha, Oklahoma for the Third Annual Oklahoma Food Truck Championship to support the first full band show of 2020 by the amazing husband and wife Americana band The Imaginaries. Not only was the music inspirational and incredible, but the food was pretty good too.
photo courtesy of Chelle S Imaging
The band is composed of Shane Henry on guitar, lead and backing vocals and his lovely wife, Maggie McClure on keyboard, tambourine, lead and backing vocals. They were joined by Ryan Miller on bass, Jordan Olivet on drums, Jim Robinson on keyboard and Isaac Stalling on guitar.
photo courtesy of Chelle S Imaging
They kicked off their first set with “Enough of You,” which showed the rocking side of their sound. Although individually they have released several solo albums, the band’s debut album will not be released until the spring of 2021. That didn’t stop them from showcasing their talents and giving the enthralled audience a sneak peak of what to expect when that album is dropped.
They are also gathering a huge following with their music videos, directed by Reagan Elkins. The above video has been accepted by five film festivals, while their latest, “Walking on a Wire,” was featured in our recent Monday Mashup article.
Their second song, “Gone,” was a rockabilly masterpiece, which was followed by the country pop sound of “Things are Gonna be Alright,” which should be the theme song for 2020. They followed those up with “Thinking About You” and “You Remind Me,” the latter showcasing McClure’s vocal style, which is a combination of Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton.
photo courtesy of Chelle S Imaging
“Blue Sky” was a treasure of vocal harmonies, which was followed by the aforementioned “Walking on a Wire,” which is even better live than in the video. McClure then performed one of her solo songs, “Coming Home,” before performing “There Will Come a Day.” They wrapped up the set with a brilliant interpretation of the classic Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty duet, “Stop Dragging my Heart Around.”
You may not have heard her name, but we guarantee you will in the not too distant future. Casey Ahern is a 20-year old singer-songwriter who is a multi-talented professional that is a potential game-changer on the country/Americana scene.
The southern California based Ahern, who has been performing consistently with her band since she was 16, defines herself as a contemporary country artist. Truthfully, her music has a strong resemblance to what came out of Laurel Canyon in the 70s – with obvious influences of artists like Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne and the Eagles.
Photo by Haley Ahern.
Ahern recently released a four-song EP called He was Summer (which we will be reviewing shortly), produced by David Brown, who has worked with Fleetwood Mac (including solo works by Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks), Alice Cooper, Willie Nelson and Frank Zappa.
“David brought out elements of that classic Fleetwood Mac sound that I love so much,” explained Ahern. “Thanks to my parents, I grew up listening to country, all decades of country music, from Glen Campbell to Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, and so it’s got a unique mix of influences. As my first EP, the songs represent the different aspects of who I am as a person and artist, and the people, places and values that are important to me.”
Considering the fact that Ahern was just getting over pneumonia, her vocal quality was pretty good, but nothing compared to the smooth sound of her EP. What truly sets Ahern apart from her peers is her amazing songwriting, which tells elaborate stories that her listeners can truly connect with and relate to.
Photo by Haley Ahern
She performed two of the songs on the EP – the title track “He Was Summer” and “Indio,” as well as four more great songs that included “Bradley” (a song about a town in northern California, “Never Finish Anything,” “Just a Dance,” and “Seeing Eye Dog” (our personal favorite, with our favorite line “Love is blind, but I’ve got a seeing eye dog”). She was joined onstage by Alex Kawasaki on upright bass and Aaron Rudin on cajon (who had an amazing solo on the closing track, “Indio.”
Photo by Haley Ahern
Ahern is heading to Nashville next month to work on her follow-up EP. We can hardly wait to hear the result.
Last night we attended the solo show for Suzanne Santo of honeyhoney, who performed to a packed house at the Top Hat Lounge in Missoula, Montana. Mapache opened the night for her. They are a duo of acoustic musicians on guitar and dobro who possess some of the best harmonies we have ever heard. They just released their debut album in October, and we will be reviewing it next week. These guys were so good that Santo brought them up during her set to do a trio with them that was breathtaking as they did a cover of “Helplessly Hoping” by Crosby, Stills & Nash. We highly recommend you check them out.
Santo took the stage about 10:35 p.m., along with Blaine on rhythm guitar and foot bass and Paul on drums. Santo used three different guitars and her fiddle during her nearly 90 min set, which included a two-song encore.
Santo previously released her debut solo album Ruby Red back in August, and we reviewed it here on our blog on August 23. She released a music video for the lead single, “Ghost in my Bed,” which garnered a nomination for the LA Music Critic Awards for Best Video Official (Female), while Santo was nominated for Best Roots/Americana Artist (Female).
Santo and her band played nearly all of the songs on her album, as well as an amazing cover of Johnny Cash’s “Give my Love to Rose,” and a medley of honeyhoney songs, including “I Don’t Want to Fight,” “All on You,” and “Burned me Out,” which she performed solo.
She apologized for her late start, and explained that they had played the Tractor Tavern in Seattle on Thursday night and had a hard commute over, arriving after their scheduled sound check.
Among the highlights were performances of “Ghost in my Bed” (featuring some outstanding fiddle), “Blood on Your Knees,” “Bullets,” and “Yours or Mine.” Blaine was also amazing on guitar and playing bass with his footboard.
Santo talked about her performances last year with honeyhoney, including stops at the Top Hat Lounge and a performance at the Bob Marshall Festival in Seeley Lake. In fact, there was a large group from Seeley Lake at the show that had gotten hooked on her sound when she performed there.
Santo also informed the crowd that Ben Jaffe, her partner in honeyhoney, would be releasing his solo project soon, and encouraged everyone to check it out.
It was an amazing evening of music. We strongly encourage you to check out both Santo and Mapache the next time they stop in Missoula.
We were hoping to post this earlier but life has a way of manifesting itself in strange ways. We had the opportunity to interview one of the greatest indie songwriters of the past 30 years, just before he was scheduled to play the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles and introduce his new music. He is currently in the studio working on making these songs available to his massive fan base. We only wish we could have been there for the show.
Robert Earl Keen has been a staple on the indie music scene for the past 30 years. Here is our interview
IVB: Who would you say was your biggest influence?
REK: My most famous influence was Willie Nelson. I liked Willie before Willie was cool. If ya want to get a hint of that, pull up the Ernest Tubb show. Willie was the special guest every week. The person I tried to emulate was Norman Blake. I spent hundreds of hours trying to play like Norman. I know many of his songs and a few of his covers. I recorded “Billy Gray” on Walking Distance and I first heard “Poor Ellen Smith” on Norman’s record. I recorded that song on my 2015 Bluegrass album Happy Prisoner. IVB: Do you think that you have now moved into the role of influencer?
REK: What is the difference between truth telling and bragging? There are so many people tooting their horns, I have a hard time with that question. As human beings, we all influence things constantly. We all share in this experience. I’ve never been one for staking a claim on credit. Here’s a short story that might enlighten you pertaining to that question: TWENTY YEARS AGO there was a guy who owned a club in central Texas. It was a quasi-dance club that catered to country music fans. When an artist would call to pitch for a chance to play the club, this club owner would ask, “Are you a Robert Earl Keen or are you a Hat Act?” I always got a kick out of that. IVB: Have your influences changed since you first began making music? If so, what has changed?
REK:I used to be frightened to death of the studio. Mostly it was about the cost of making a record, but I also played with incredible musicians and far be it from me to waste their time. I have more money now and I’m comfortable with the fact that recording takes time and diligence. My playing is still mediocre at best, but I love the studio. I try things now I never imagined. It’s an incredible place to create music. In the past, I had to keep all the music in my head. Now I can work one song at a time and get the exact treatment I’m looking for in every song. As to influences, I love classical music. I’ve come to understand that classical music is all about placement and nuance. Classical music provides us with a map to understand recording like no other music can do. Volume changes, tone, or how many instruments one uses to support the musical phrase. Classical music has had the biggest influence on my musical thinking for the past ten years. IVB: Do you think the Americana industry itself has changed, or is the change more personal?
REK: Americana has changed drastically. Here’s a credit grabber for you. I was the original poster boy for Americana when it was created by Gavin Magazine in 1996 or 97. I don’t remember the year. I’m on the cover. There was a gold rush like campaign to control and define Americana music. In the beginning, it was wide open. Americana included everyone from the folk scene – Greg Brown, Bill Morrissey, Patty Larkin, John Gorka, Dar Williams and so many others. Americana included west coasters – Dave Alvin, Norton Buffalo, Rosie Flores, all kinds of jam bands. But it was Nashville who won out in the end. Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Drive By Truckers, Patti Griffin, Lucinda Moore, Buddy Miller, and Jim Lauderdale were among the Nashville group. I was lucky to be included in that group. The field is much smaller now, but the amount of music that is out there in the world of Americana, and specifically the Nashville brand, is seemingly infinite. I feel like I’m always changing. In that way I’m the same as I always was.
Wow, that was fun – it was such a honor to interview Keen and to hear his thoughts on the genre that inspired him and supported him all these years. We look forward to hearing his new songs.
Happy Cinco de Mayo! Just finishing my fourth week of unemployment, and decided it was the perfect time for sharing new music. It is our pleasure to present an old favorite as well as introduce you to a couple of new artists. We think they will provide the perfect soundtrack for your weekend. Enjoy and let us know what you think.
Track Listing: 1. Delicate Parade; 2. Butterflies; 3. Grey Halls; 4. Not Afraid; 5. Who Have I Become; 6. Last Hours; 7. Shelter; 8. Oh December; 9. Darker Side; 10. Roadman; 11. Morning Sonnet; 12. The Path
Publicist: None
Review: They have been compared to the Lumineers and Mumford and Sons, but Abby and the Myth are so much more. With the unmistakable vocals of Abby Posner, the band sounds more like a country version of Raining Jane than those other bands, but still manages to create their own unique identity in the ever-growing Americana landscape. We have been fans of Posner for many years, and we believe this manifestation is the best yet. We believe that Abby and the Myth will soon become a household name for lovers of folk and Americana music. This album flows so naturally from song to song that you can put the whole album on repeat and enjoy every song over and over again. It is impossible to pick the best songs because they are all incredible. Give it a listen and we think you’ll agree.
Recommendation: You owe it to your self to Get It now. This album would be Number 1 on our list of desert isle music. Don’t wait another minute – grab your copy today.
Track Listing: 1. Back to Me; 2. Don’t Know Better; 3. Emergency; 4. Free; 5. Love Gone Wrong; 6. Manners
Publicist: Doug Deutsch Publicity Services
Review: Blue-eyed soul has a new voice in Ray Goren. His vocals are crystal clear, soaring above the music to take the listener to new heights, reminiscent of Shawn Stockman. His lyrical content belies his chronological age, and makes his songs insightful and delicious, a definite fresh voice in today’s indie music market. They are radio ready, and deserve air time on commercial stations. This six-song EP whets our appetite and makes us want much more. We love the entire package, and plan to keep this one on repeat, especially the upbeat “Emergency” and the rocking title cut. We also love the duet between Goren and Hewan on “Love Gone Wrong.” You cannot lose listening to this music, and if you’re lucky enough to be in Los Angeles on May 12, we strongly recommend you get down to Genghis Cohen to hear Goren live.
Recommendation: No thought required on this one – Get it and enjoy the sweet sounds of indie music greatness. Ray Goren is destined for greatness.
Track Listing: 1. Love can Seriously Damage Your Heart; 2. Neon Signs; 3. Everybody’s Been a Fool; 4. Easier to Lie; 5. Hole in my Soul; 6. Silver & Gold; 7. Silent City; 8. We Used to be Lovers; 9. Can’t Find my Way; 10. Window to the Sky; 11. Angels
Publicist: Frank Roszak Promotions
Review: Swedish-born Mats & Linda Brandemark burst onto the scene with a musical style that marries indie rock with Americana, creating their own unique offering to indie music today. Like that other Swedish pop band of husbands and wives, Lighthouse Sweden gives us music filled with soaring vocals, music that makes you move, and more goodies than you can list, like the intriguing “Neon Signs.” “Everybody’s Been a Fool” brings on the full Americana experience as Mats provides those down-home vocals, coupled with great harmonica, that immediately give rise to comparisons to Bob Dylan. We especially love how the band takes turns at lead vocals, with each song giving us a different piece of this incredible cake. We are truly impressed with the way they have captured the essence of a true American musical genre, and made it their own. Check out the guitar riffs on “Hole in my Soul.”
Recommendation: Three cheers to Lighthouse Sweden for giving their fans a true taste of American music. Silence in the City is a must-have for every true audiophile and a worthy addition to your Americana collection. You should definitely Get it.
The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, otherwise known as NARAS, gives out the Grammy Awards each year for the best in recorded music and spoken word. While almost all winners are signed to one of the major labels, every now and then The Academy stands up and takes notice of indie artists or shines the spotlight on a legend making a comeback.
The trend began in 2012, when Linda Chorney became the first truly independent artist to secure a Grammy nomination in the Americana category. Although she did not win, she did open the door for others like Omar Akram, an independent new age artist who won the Grammy for best new age album in 2013.
This year The Academy has shined its spotlight near and far, resulting in quite a few nominations of artists who are previously unknown or obscure, and at least one more indie artist. Although she is signed to Blue Élan Records, a major independent label based out of Los Angeles that is also home to such legends as Gerry Beckley of America and Eagles songwriter Jack Tempchin, Janiva Magness is a relatively unknown indie artist whose music demands attention.
Believe it or not, Love Wins Again is the 12th album Magness has released in her career, and the fifth time she has worked with producer Dave Darling, who has personally garnered four Grammy nominations for his work with such artists as Glen Campbell, Brian Setzer, John Waite and the Stray Cats.
From the first notes of the title cut, Magness shatters the barriers between genres and unleashes an album that must be sonically experienced, with a healthy heaping of indie rock, soul, jazz, gospel and funk to sweeten the overall blues feel.
The album progresses with a stop on the Soul Train vibe of “Real Slow,” before kicking it singer-songwriter/ indie rock style on “When you Hold Me,” which just happens to be one of our favorite cuts. The album continues with a gospel, soul feel on “Say You Will” before the almost Americana/indie rock feel of “Doorway.” Magness kicks in with her full blues regiment on “Moth to a Flame” and “Your House is Burnin'” before dialing it back down with “Just Another Lesson,” “Rain Down,” and “Long as I can see the Light.” She closes out with the moving ballad “Who Will Come for Me,” to which we state the obvious – your fans.
Magness is a true artist who has mastered the art of bringing a message that transcends musical genres and ties an album together. She definitely has our vote for Grammy and for providing one of the best albums of 2016, indie or otherwise. We can hardly wait to see what’s next.
Here’s our ninth edition of the Get it or Forget it review series. This has become one of our most popular series, and requests for reviews are coming in from a lot of new publicists. Today we will review two albums submitted by The Press House, as well as a new single submitted by In Music we Trust PR.
Track Listing: 1. I’ll be Your Fool; 2. Wash me in the Well; 3. Before you Leave; 4. Time Ain’t no Friend of Mine; 5. Tijuana Gal; 6. Worryin’ Kind; 7. Who’s Gonna Love you When I’m Gone; 8. Devil Don’t you Fool Me; 9. No Need to say Goodbye; 10. Trouble Walks With Me
Publicist: The Press House
Review: Americana is one of the hottest genres of music, and Josh Farrow should be considered one of its best artists. Based out of Nashville, Farrow has joined forces with some of Nashville’s best, including The McCrary Sisters, Elizabeth Cook, Ruby Amanfu, Chris Donohue and Brian Owings to give us a definite contender for Americana Album of the Year. This album features all of the things we love about Americana – great musicianship, funky beats, great voices and memorable lyrics. It is fun from start to finish. Best tracks include “I’ll be Your Fool,” “Time Ain’t no Friend of Mine,” “Tijuana Gal,” “Who’s Gonna Love you When I’m Gone,” “Devil Don’t you Fool me” and “No Need to say Goodbye.”
Recommendation: This one’s a no brainer – if you love music in any form, you will love this album. We are proud to highly recommend Trouble Walks With Me and to give it one of our highest Get it ratings ever – Get it like your life depends upon it!
Track Listing: 1. The Light That Leads me There (Prelude); 2. Letters from Murdertown; 3. Welcome to the Bonehouse; 4. Eyes of Fire; 5. The Inside Room; 6. No Hands; 7. Sweetheart, my Dream is not Over; 8. Completely Unaware; 9. Walking on Glass; 10. The Nightingale; 11. A Little bit of Red; 12. A Handmade Life; 13. The Light That Leads me There
Publicist: The Press House
Review: Los Angeles local singer-songwriter Jill Freeman has compiled an album based on the dark history behind popular fairytales, including The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. With a sound reminiscent of Danny Elfman’s popular Nightmare before Christmas soundtrack, Freeman has crafted an eerie album that is perfect for this time of year. Her voice is the perfect complement to the backing musicianship, creating songs that will be remembered long after they have been heard. Best tracks include “Letters From Murdertown,” “Welcome to the Bonehouse,” “No Hands,” “Completely Unaware,” “Walking on Glass,” and the title track. Have fun figuring out which fairy tale inspired which song.
Recommendation: This album is a definite keepsake that belongs in every music lovers’ library. We highly recommend you rush out and Get it.
Review: Gayle Skidmore is a singer-songwriter from San Diego who has been nominated six times for the San Diego Music Awards. Her new single is the title track for her new album, which will be released in early 2017. It is a follow-up to her last album and coloring book combination, Sleeping Bear. If this song is any indication of the quality of the forthcoming album, it should be a definite winner. We are pleased to present the music video teaser for this single, and to throw our support behind the rest of the album. We can hardly wait to review it.
Recommendation: Based on the title track which has just been released, the new album by Gayle Skidmore should definitely be on the list of most highly-anticipated releases of 2017. Definitely Get It!
We’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget It. Due to my work schedule, I will not be able to publish any reviews tomorrow, so this will have to do until Sunday. But worry not, we have three amazing artists for you today who will definitely keep you company until our next review.
Track Listing: 1. Delightful; 2. I Am; 3. In my Wildest Dreams; 4. On my Own; 5. Bird in a Cage
Publicist: None
Review: Katie Garibaldi has been making quite a name for herself within the Americana community, where there seems to be little emphasis on whether or not an artist is on a label. Lovers of Americana music seem to place a value on the music and not the source in determining where they give their support. Maybe the rest of the music industry could learn something from this practice. At any rate, Garibaldi has a voice and style of music that throws back to a time when music was purer and simpler, in the vein of Patsy Cline, Barbara Mandrell and Lynn Anderson. Take for example the first track, “Delightful,” which has been nominated for a Hollywood Music in Media award, and has been released as a music video.
The rest of the EP is just as wonderful. Garibaldi has a special ability to wow us with the simplicity of good music and her amazing voice. The best track in our humble opinion is “On my Own.”
Recommendation: If you love soaring vocals and great music that features mandolin, fiddle, and strings, then this is definitely the EP for you. Indie Voice Blog is proud to give Rooted Clarity a rating of Get It.
Track Listing: 1. Hold Me; 2. To her Door; 3. APB; 4. Hate This Town; 5. I may Never Know; 6. Heading South; 7. Millsboro; 8. Solitaire; 9. No Expectations; 10. Nothing Needs to be Said; 11. 1, 2, 3; 12. Long way to Nashville
Publicist: None
Review: Anyone who has spent any time in Southern California has probably been exposed to the music of Bobbo Byrnes, one half of The Fallen Stars, a band praised as one of the next generation of Americana bands. Even though this is a solo album, Byrnes continues to rely on his wife Tracy’s mad bass skills and powerful backing vocals, as well as the skills of bandmate Ben Riddle of Byrnes’ other band, Riddle and the Stars. In fact, many of the songs contained on this album have been performed at some time by one or both of those bands. But it is the shear genius of Byrnes, who by the way contributes vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, bass, mandolin, pedal steel, dobro, tricone, accordion, mandoguitar, tenor guitar, piano, B3 organ, dumpster, harmonica, drums and monotron to the mix, that is demonstrated in 12 amazing songs, nine of which Byrnes either wrote or co-wrote. Strongest tracks include “Hold Me,” “APB,” “Hate This Town,” “I may Never Know,” “No Expectation,” and “1, 2, 3.”
Recommendation: Byrnes is becoming one of the hardest working musicians in the Americana community, and his first solo album is further proof of his abilities. Motel Americana is a definite Get It if you love great music.
Track Listing: 1. It Takes What it Takes; 2. Somewhere Else; 3. Henry (from Saginaw, MI); 4. Heavy, Heavy Heart; 5. Miss You; 6. The Shoe Fits; 7. Oh Marie; 8. Between me and You; 9. We try Harder; 10. Bayview Drive; 11. National Cheer up the Lonely Day; 12. Seminole Wind
Publicist: KG Music Press
Review: Lauren Adams is one of the predominant female voices in Americana music today, as well as a very talented voice over artist. On her latest offering she gives us more amazing tidbits that are worthy of your attention, including an amazing cover and inspiring arrangement of John Anderson’s seminal hit, “Seminole Wind.” Adams also continues to support the Americana music community by incorporating the musical abilities of some of its best musicians on her projects, and the list of those who have contributed to this project is a who’s who of some of the best and brightest. This is one of those albums that you can listen to from start to finish and never be bored, as the gamut of Americana music is revealed in the musical gems contained within this release. The strongest tracks are “It Takes What it Takes,” “Miss You,” “Oh Marie,” “We try Harder,” “Bayview Drive,” and “Seminole Wind.”
Recommendation: It is hard to believe that Adams has been performing for the past 38 years, as her music is always fresh and new. This is by far one of her best offerings to date, and Indie Voice Blog is proud to give it a rating of “You Better Get it Now!”
Los Angeles based singer/songwriter Annette Conlon is hitting the road in support of her critically-acclaimed debut solo album, Life, Death, and the Spaces Between. Conlon is also seeking to raise awareness of animal cruelty, factory farming, and the many vegan options in music, fashion and food. The Compassionette Tour will wind through Alabama and North Carolina, head up to Chicago for an evening show in Chicago, then back to Los Angeles, where she will wrap up this fall tour with a Halloween performance at SoCal VegFest in Costa Mesa on October 30.
“I am so excited to share my love for animals and vegan-ism with folks across the country, to show them how easy it is to live more compassionately, from what you eat, to what you wear, and to help folks make the connection that our animal friends are not food,” states Conlon.
Her husband Doug will accompany Conlon on the tour, playing mandolin and banjo and providing background harmonies. Conlon will be performing on two of her favorite guitars, her Bedell Blackbird Vegan Parlor and her Seagull Artist Studio Concert Hall. Both instruments are made from sustainably-sourced woods and found tone-woods, and the Bedell is 100% vegan, containing no animal products. Conlon is endorsed by both of these companies.
“We are thrilled to have Annette perform at Chicago VeganMania this year,” says CVM co-founder, Marla Rose. “Annette’s approachable, warm and welcoming style along with her passion for vegan-ism help listeners imagine themselves making steps in this direction. There is so much progress and movement in the mainstreaming of vegan-ism happening today and Annette and her music speaks to that so beautifully.”
The tour kicks off in Nashville at the AmericanaFest on September 24 (Antique Archeology Pickin Corner), before hitting Birmingham the next day (Bluff Park Shopping Center) for Moonlight on the Mountain. The tour continues with stops in Asheville, North Carolina on September 28 (The Block off Biltmore), Hendersonville, North Carolina on September 29 (Santuary Brewing Company), Chicago for Chicago Veganmania at the Broadway Armory on October 1 and at the Red Line Tap that evening (Heartland Veg Café).
Check out her website and Facebook pages for more info.
Our next feature on the winners of the 2016 LA Music Critic Awards is on Americana artist Rod Melancon, who won for Best Video (official) Male for “Perry” and Best EP Male for LA 14. Originally from Louisiana, Melancon currently resides in the Silverlake section of Los Angeles, California.
Grab a cold one, sit back and learn things about this future Americana superstar.
IVB: How long have you been performing?
RM: I first picked up the guitar when I was 19. I had moved to Los Angeles when I was 18 and received the guitar for Christmas. I really got into learning the guitar, but waited a year before I starting writing sons. I had grown up in the theater and been around playwriting all my life, and considered myself more of a theater and film guy. I did my first show when I was 20 after being encouraged by my buddy CJ. He had heard some of my material and said I needed to pursue songwriting as a career. I’ve always loved story songs, so I decided to write those kinds of songs and have been doing it for the past nine years. My songs are based on the country music theory that all songs spring from three chords and a truth. Now that I’ve been doing it for awhile, I am learning some fingerpicking techniques as well as learning to play the electric guitar.
IVB: Who are your influences?
RM: The most influential musician for me has to be Bruce Springsteen, and his album The Ghost of Tom Joad, which was the folk sequel to his album Nebraska, in particular. I also loved artists like Tom Van Zant, John Prine, and Kris Kristoferson, especially how they chose to get their stories across. They were not afraid to put humor in the songs. Lately, I’ve been digging on Tom Waitts. I also love to read southern Gothics books from writers like Larry Brown, and plays from Sam Shepherd, like The Motel Chronicles. The material is easily relatable for me as I have a similar story, growing up in the rural area of southern Louisiana. They have an elegant way of saying very poetic things very simply.
IVB: Where does the title of your latest EP come from?
RM: LA 14 is a long stretch of highway that crosses the state of Louisiana.
IVB: What made you decide to DIY?
RM: Basically when I started playing music, I realized that I was in charge of everything. I had management and an agent, but the arrangement wasn’t really doing things for me. I learned that I was responsible for where my career was going and that’s what got me on this path.
IVB: Are you seeking to be a mainstream artist?
RM: Not really. If it happens, that’s fine, but it’s not my goal. I’m getting confirmation from my old stomping grounds that this is the best path for me. I don’t answer to anyone when it comes to my songs. I’m doing things on my own terms and it’s apparent to my fans through my songs. But if it did happen, I could pay all my bills and turn my internet back on.
IVB: What are your future plans?
RM: I want to keep being on the road. I’m shooting two music videos next month in Kansas City with the same director from “Perry,” but with a bigger budget. (Shooting these videos) is a dream come true for me because I get to act in them, and perform the song. We will probably go back on tour in late October and November. Like the famous journalist Jack Kerouac, I love being on the road. It is truly my vision and I love meeting people. Motel rooms are great settings for just about anything.
IVB: Any good stories from touring/recording/performing?
RM: As you can imagine, when you’re touring in the south, we ate at a lot of Cracker Barrel and Waffle House restaurants. One time at a Cracker Barrell in southern GA or MS, I came into the restaurant after my band was already seated. I was wearing a Black Sabbath t-shirt. The hostess told me my friends were in the back – she just knew who were my friends because of the way I was dressed. Another time we stopped into a Waffle House in Birmingham, Alabama about 4 .m. We sat down at the counter and waited for about 10 minutes, but nobody waited on us. I got up to walk around and found the entire crew passed out on a bench in the back. Needless to say, we headed off to another restaurant about a mile away.
I have to give props to my current record label (Blue E’lan), who has given us great tour support and made the whole process so enjoyable.
IVB: What about social media?
RM: Besides my website and Facebook pages, I have Twitter, Instagram and a YouTube channel. For the best info, definitely follow the Instagram account.
