The Cle Elum’s Ian Lee and Sarah Sargent lead a double life – the couple are the owners and operators of a full-service tour bus company that drives and sells merch for artists like Andrew Bird and Nada Surf while also writing, recording and performing music that would fit on CMJ Magazine compilation CDs circa 1998. The duo discusses all aspects of their lives and shares musical memories in this conversation.
Fastball vocalist/bassist Tony Scalzo discusses their latest album and tour, and the band’s career overall
Anastasiya Bazhenova is a classical pianist originally from Russia, now based in Norway. She trained in one of the top Russian music schools and later graduated with a Master’s degree from the Norwegian Academy of Music. Her artistic focus is one of creating concept-based concert programs — each performance is built as a narrative, not just a set of works. She has a very personal visual and emotional style on stage — minimalist, serious, and elegant.
With a sound anchored in ’90s alt-rock, Smut’s newest album, Tomorrow Never Comes, aims to be your favorite album of 2025. Working with producer Aron Koybayashi Ritch, the Chicago-by-way-of-Cincinnati band was able to polish their sound while recalling their early punk rock roots. Both figuratively and literally, Smut has discovered their voice and should wind up on many end-of-year lists.
With a new album out and just back from a successful trip spreading bluegrass music to the most interesting and far-flung destinations, I caught up with Henhouse Prowler’s founding member/banjo player/co-vocalist Ben Wright to find out more.
To date, the Hensouse Prowlers have toured 29 countries on 5 continents working with the U.S. State Department and their own nonprofit, Bluegrass Ambassadors. The group’s experiences with people and musicians across the globe have shaped their worldview and bolstered the bridges they establish between cultures. For this troupe, the work doesn’t end at their musical craftsmanship – they are actively striving toward a kinder, interconnected world.
The Awakening frontman Ashton Nyte discusses the band’s latest album, upcoming tour dates, and his fascinating career overall
Cindytalk leader Cinder discusses the recent reissue of the band’s seminal debut album, Camouflage Heart
Daisy the Great sharpen their sound and expand their vision on their third full-length, The Rubber Teeth Talk. With soaring harmonies and sharp songwriting, Kelley Dugan and Mina Walker reflect on the band’s evolution and the sparks that ignite their lyrics.
The world needed a new Fishbone album, and the influential ska/punk/funk band has delivered with Stockholm Syndrome, the first full length since 2006. As always, Angelo Moore’s lyrics are as honest and – at times – brutal as one might expect, Moore’s never been known to hold back or sugarcoat the world he lives in. Taking aim at the Joker-in-Chief and the current state of the country, Stockholm Syndrome is both a welcome return and a reflection of matters that hit close to home.
Carriers’ Curt Kiser reflects on a decades-long music career shaped by chance encounters, creative persistence, and the realities of service-industry day jobs. He talks about landing a deal with Brassland Records, how his lo-fi demos became a debut album, and the balancing act of chasing artistic fulfillment while paying the bills.
Elijah Johnston’s journey from DIY Bandcamp releases to a debut with Strolling Bones culminates in Stupid Soul, an album he describes as “record store music,” a blend of Americana and power pop designed for your turntable. Johnston shares how he got a record deal, the art of album sequencing, and the importance of allowing for experimentation and improvisation in the studio.
“California native Jeff Shelton is not your average musician. At any time, he is involved in multiple projects that explore different facets of his best loved musical genres.”
With a new album, Cover Yo Ass! on its way and another blinding performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, it seemed the perfect time to catch up with Fred LeBlanc, the band’s lead singer and drummer and find out more about the illustrious and fun Cowboy Mouth.
On their third album in five years, Activity’s blend of experimental and electronic textures explores the depths of alienation and despair, yet manages to uncover unexpected flashes of hope. Travis Johnson discusses the tragedy that hangs over the album, balancing the band amongst other interests, and his interest in political conversations.
The Ting Tings (Katie White and Jules De Martino) discuss their latest album, Home
“I feel like I’m trying to protect something about my myself, about my heritage here. I know there is enough goodness in my ancestors to produce me, and I don’t hate myself. I have at points in my life, and it’s taken a whole lot for me to control that and that’s what some of my music is about.” – Joseph Allred
Andy Platts and Shawn Lee of Young Gun Silver Fox discuss their decade-long journey as torchbearers of timeless soul, R&B, and yacht rock. The duo opens up about their creative process, the art of authentic songwriting in a world of manufactured hits, and why they’re committed to making full albums when everyone else chases 30-second clips.
Canadian rock trio BRKN LOVE, fronted by Justin Benlolo, delivers powerful arena rock akin to Muse and Royal Blood on their third album, The Program, inspired by a vacation to Charleston, South Carolina. Benlolo discusses where the band finds itself on its third album, translating their energetic sound to a live setting, the necessity of social media, and meeting heroes.
Retro-modern singer-songwriter Pearl Charles discusses her new album, Desert Queen
With a new single out, a new album forthcoming and a new member in the band, it seemed like the perfect time to sit down with the guys from It’s Karma It’s Cool to find out all about these new and exciting developments.
Between being a notable hired gun (Liam Gallagher, Primal Scream, The The) and composing his own music with drummer Malcom Catto, guitarist Barrie Cadogan has been on some crazy adventures throughout his career. Little Barrie and Malcolm Catto’s most recent album, Electric War, sounds like the psychedelic and funky soundtrack to a ’70s movie performed by the band CAN. Cadogan shares stories about his many collaborations and discusses his favorite albums of all time in this engaging conversation.
“To really understand my musical journey, you need to know that I grew up in a tiny village in the Yonne region, Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye — a place very far removed from the world of indie pop. Musically, I listened to whatever was playing on the radio, mostly commercial stuff, so when I arrived in Lyon in 1989 to finish my studies, it was a real shock. That’s truly where I discovered indie music, which would go on to change my life.” – Thierry Haliniak
Blancmange frontman Neil Arthur discusses the band’s upcoming North American tour
Translator frontman Steve Barton discusses the band’s new live album, Beyond Today: Live at the Farm – San Francisco 1986
“We had a break in Boxmeer, Netherlands for a week and I was really bored so I was coming up with new right hand finger patterns on 12-string in this very weird tuning that is not an open tuning. I figured out the tuning while trying to learn a traditional Irish song called ‘Where Are You (Tonight I Wonder)’. I was just messing around with the tuning since it’s odd and came up with a picking pattern I’d never seen before.” – Dylan Golden Aycock
While Colin Miller and Gary King weren’t family by blood, King’s profound influence on Miller’s life is undeniable, echoing in the country-tinged songs on Losin’. In this lengthy conversation, Miller shares his musical origin story, discusses the role geography plays in his songs, recalls some less-than-ideal tour stories, and details how King’s presence is felt throughout the new album.
Beauty in Chaos leader Michael Ciravolo discusses the latest releases by his acclaimed dark post-punk collective
Former Moody Blues frontman Justin Hayward discusses his new single and North American tour
Benmont Tench (former keyboardist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) strikes out on his own with a new solo album, The Melancholy Season
In his work, Paul Cafcae blends Americana music with Slavic lyricism and expressive imagery, revitalising traditional roots music with an injection of eastern-European folk. With a bright, entertaining presence he creates memorable experiences for his audiences. Cafcae’s songs are heard on radio stations all over the world.
Rubbish Party is an indie-rock band known for their indie rock energy, alternative grit, and synth-rock exploration, with members including Alfred Lavender (vocals/guitar), Edward Clutterbuck (bass/vocals), George Hammich (drums), Evan Von Berg (synthesizer/lyrics/producer), The Crimson Creep (mixer/synthesizer/lyrics/producer), and J. Edwin Galloway (guitar/lyrics/vocals).
The Waterboys frontman Mike Scott discusses his band’s latest album, Life, Death and Dennis Hopper
Flamin’ Groovies leader Cyril Jordan discusses his legendary band’s career, including their 1960s beginnings, “Shake Some Action,” and much more
The latest Nanocluster release from Immersion – Colin Newman (Wire) and Malka Spigel (Minimal Compact) – features a collaboration with ambient country trio SUSS. Newman and Spigel share how this project took shape and what fans can expect from a Nanocluster tour.
Offering listeners an exploration of Southern life, encompassing both triumphs and tribulations, Fust’s Big Ugly is a masterclass in songwriting by Aaron Dowdy. Displaying the Southern charm and hospitality you read about, Dowdy discusses his approach to writing lyrics, finding inspiration, and the importance of memories.
After years of playing in bands, collaborating with Kelley Deal (The Breeders) in R. Ring, and recording and engineering bands like Buffalo Killers in the studio he built, Mike Montgomery has finally released a solo album. Pony Coughing, released under the Nervous Verbs moniker, creates an intimate and introspective atmosphere on the melancholic songs that make up the album.
Dan Connolly and Etienne Beausoleil shed light on Horsebath’s origins, the wide range of influences on their debut album, Another Farewell, how living in Canada inspires lyrics, and the passion and perseverance that led to a record deal.
Gino Vannelli discusses his ultra-personal new album, The Life I Got (To My Most Beloved)
For years, Cryogeyser was primarily the solo project of Shawn Marom, but their self-titled new album marks a significant shift. Marom explains how bringing drummer Zach Capitti Fenton on board, not only as a band member but also as producer, gave her the creative freedom to fully explore her influences and elevate Cryogeyser’s sound to a whole new level.
Michigander’s highly anticipated self-titled debut album is finally here, fulfilling Jason Singer’s vision of a full-length record and marking a new chapter for the project. From festival stages to hit singles, Singer’s journey has been impressive, but this album proves he’s far from complacent.
Steady as clockwork, Lilly Hiatt’s fourth album (Forever) in eight years for New West Records is a charming slice of Southern living based on the day-in, day-out experiences of the singer-songwriter. In this conversation, Hiatt discusses lyrical inspiration, making videos, and the road life of a troubadour.
Singer-songwriter Seán Barna, known for his glam-pop and roots rock music, shifts gears with his new EP, Internal Trembling. This collaboration with members of the acclaimed bluegrass band Hawktail pushs Barna’s songwriting and performance beyond his usual boundaries. In this conversation, Barna shares how the partnership with Hawktail came to be and dives into his relationship with Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz.
Datarock frontman Fredrik Saroea discusses his latest solo release, Lucid Dream
Hyde – the alternative/hard rock superstar who’s sold 40 million albums in his native Japan alone – discusses his latest solo album, Hyde [Inside]
