Interviews
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Five Questions: Kevin Gordon
Singer/songwriter Kevin Gordon grew up in the northeast corner of Louisiana, in a town called Monroe. He played in the school band, probably fished in Black Bayou, and went to football games at what was, back then, Northeast Louisiana University. Although Gordon has left Louisiana, Louisiana has never left him … or his music. The…
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The Gay Ole Opry: An Interview with Marlene Twitty-Fargo
Although Music City has more than a few country music princesses, it has only one true queen: Marlene Twitty-Fargo. Backed by her band of top-notch players — known collectively as the Twat Biscuits — Marlene puts on what she likes to call “an X-rated show for a Jesus-loving crowd.” It\’s an experience unlike any other…
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Soul Man: An Interview with Nathaniel Rateliff
Folks who are familiar with only Nathaniel Rateliff\’s earlier albums might need to forget everything they know in order to embrace his new release, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats. Gone are the somber, acoustic ruminations about love and loss. And, in their stead come rollicking soul romps intent on getting the party started. It\’s…
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Taking It to the Streets: An Interview with Sean Watkins
Sean and Sara Watkins first gained a whole bunch of attention when Nickel Creek — their trio with Chris Thile — took to the bluegrass circuit in the 1990s and, eventually, caught Alison Krauss\’s ear. Their highly successful run lasted until 2007 and made them a lot of friends and fans along the way. Somewhere…
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Squared Roots: JD McPherson x Charlie Rich
Charlie Rich — the ol\’ Silver Fox. Folks who only know him by “Behind Closed Doors” and “The Most Beautiful Girl” are missing a big piece of the puzzle. Rich grew up in Arkansas, the son of cotton farmers who both played music in their Baptist church. An injury forced him to abandon his football…
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Five Questions: Samantha Crain
Oklahoma\’s Samantha Crain is a musical force to be reckoned with. As a singer, her phrasing and rhythms fail to follow traditional folk patterns. And, as a songwriter, her compositions prick and pry at our hearts and minds in the best possible ways. Her latest endeavor, Under Branch & Thorn & Tree, puts those talents…
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Five Questions: Iris DeMent
Some 23 years ago, Iris DeMent appeared on the singer/songwriter scene with her Infamous Angel debut. With that set, she set her own artistic bar remarkably high, particularly with the folk perfection that is “Our Town.” Since then, DeMent has built an impressive catalog of albums and collaborations, all filled with her personal blend of…
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Keeping Calm and Carrying On: An Interview with Ashley Monroe
When legends like Guy Clark and Vince Gill sign on to work with a young artist, you know there\’s something there. Such is the case with country singer/songwriter Ashley Monroe. While Clark has co-written with the wonderfully talented songstress, Gill — along with Nashville A-lister Justin Niebank — has produced two of her three records,…
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Everything's Better: An Interview with Jason Isbell
Although Jason Isbell has been around a few roots music blocks over the past 15 or so years — as both a member of the Drive-By Truckers and a solo artist — it was his 2013 album, Southeastern, that brought him truly widespread acclaim. The song cycle emerged after Isbell went to rehab for his…
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Five Questions: The Earnest Lovers
When Pete Krebs and Leslie Beia came together as Earnest Lovers, it was a meeting of both minds and hearts. Musically, they shared a passion for classic country. Romantically, they shared a passion for each other. You don\’t have to look very far back in the lineage to find myriad tellings of the very same…