Tag: Music Podcast

Basic Folk: Sam Moss

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Although the ever-enigmatic Sam Moss is not a great swimmer, he named his latest album Swimming. The folk singer with a gentle demeanor is back with thoughtful songs and captivating melodies. Hailing from New England, Sam has carved out a unique niche in the folk world, blending naturalistic themes with an introspective approach to songwriting. We explore how his New England roots continue to influence his music – despite his current residence being Virginia – and how his upbringing in a family of visual artists has shaped his artistic sensibilities.

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Sam also talks about how movement and the natural world inspire his songwriting, if not with more oblique lyrics. We dig into his latest album Swimming, where he boldly embraces more direct lyrical expressions; we discuss the balance between mood and narrative in his work, too. Our Basic Folk conversation touches on his journey from a shy young musician to a confident performer, as well, thanks in part to the encouragement of close friends like Jackson Emmer. He counts Emmer, who he played with in old-time duo The Howling Kettles, as one of his greatest inspirations for following his own creative arrow in music.

Elsewhere in the episode, we explore Sam’s passion for woodworking, a skill he honed as a respite from musical burnout. He describes the satisfaction of crafting tangible objects and how this practice complements his musical endeavors. We also really dive into his feelings around the word “gentle,” which is often used to describe his music and persona. He doesn’t actually mind being known as a gentle person– in fact, he hopes people do find his music soft and tender and, in that gentleness, that they still leave feeling his songs’ striking impact.

Photo Credit: Lead image by Jake Xerxes Fussell; alternate image by Alaina Shefelton.

Max & Heather Stalling on Only Vans with Bri Bagwell

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Welcome to the first of four live episodes of Only Vans from the MusicFest at Steamboat 2025. Two of my inspirations and great friends, Max & Heather Stalling, helped us kick things off. We get into many topics such as ex-husbands, cassette collections, mortal vs. immortal musicians, skinny dipping – and they even perform a few live songs.

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Max and Heather Stalling are a staple of our music scene and these lovebirds are my favorite, you can tell. Heather is an accomplished singer-songwriter, incredible fiddle player, and I love that we had the opportunity for them to play three songs together live at our very first hour-long Musicfest podcast taping up in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in front of a live (and rather large) audience!

Max is a Texas A&M Aggie graduate, but we don’t hold that against him, because he has multiple amazing records out. Heather’s project, Blacktop Gypsy, is awesome and also available wherever you get your music. On this Only Vans episode, Heather makes me cry with a lovely impromptu monologue that I will cherish forever and, after joking that I never go to the late night jams in Steamboat at MusicFest, I did in fact attend an epic jam this year with Max, Heather, the Braun Brothers, and many more.

We joke about drinking a lot of wine and I outed Paul on a hangover after our hilarious “marriage” story, sorry! I also talk about the Sequestered Songwriters, which is something that Courtney Patton and Jason Eady started over COVID and that really helped a lot of us get out to a really large audience. If you have not checked out the Sequestered Songwriters videos on Facebook, I think they’re all still up there. A lot of people have told me [those videos] really got them through COVID and that was a way for us all to keep in touch with one another and learn some new tunes.

Thanks again to Dirt Trail Entertainment for sponsoring our MusicFest episodes. And thanks to our show sponsors, Hand Drawn Pressing & CH Lonestar Promo!

Photo Credit: Allison V Smith

Find our Only Vans episode archive here.

Basic Folk: Anna B Savage

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Anna B Savage is down-to-earth and witchy as hell at the same time. Over her three albums, she’s cultivated a mesmerizing sound and epic image – like David Bowie, Björk, Kate Bush, etc. – that’s gained her a godlike reputation. A reputation which preceded the actual human being behind the art, leaving some to wonder what it would be like to speak to her. Turns out, she’s a grounded, kind of goofy, and perfectly normal person. In our Basic Folk conversation, we explore the duality of her persona – Anna Savage versus her stage name of Anna B Savage – and how her new album, You & i are Earth, reflects a blending of these identities with a focus on nature and love.

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In this episode, Anna reflects on the realization of her parents’ unusual musical paths (they are both opera singers) and how it influenced her own creative pursuits. We delve into her songwriting journey, her love for birds, and the evolution of her unique singing voice, which blends classical influences with a jazz singer’s sensibility. Anna also opens up about her stage fright and the progression of her confidence as a performer. She touches on the complexities of being an English person living in Ireland and the importance of understanding the historical context of her new home.

As we navigate the themes of You & i are Earth, Anna reveals the inspiration behind the track “Agnes” and the mysterious allure of the 17th-century plate that inspired the album’s title. With a lighthearted lightning round, we learn about her favorite birthday tea, her ideal stage outfit, and her witchiest recent activity, too.

Photo Credit: Katie Silvester

Basic Folk: Carolyn Kendrick

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Carolyn Kendrick’s latest project explores complex themes of moral panic, tradition, and the figure of the devil (AKA Satan, AKA Lucifer). The LA-based songwriter opens up about the inspiration behind her album, Each Machine, which is accompanied by a thought-provoking zine. In our Basic Folk conversation, she discusses the significance of the color red in her work, symbolizing themes of anger, danger, and familial ties, and how it contrasts with the black and white imagery used throughout the project.

Carolyn also shares her unexpected journey into researching the devil, sparked by a podcast project that ended up overtaking her life, leading her to interview the leader of the Satanic Temple, among many others. This deep dive into the topic became a way for her to process the overwhelming political and cultural landscape. She candidly discusses the challenges of maintaining balance while being consumed by such a heavy subject matter (spoiler alert: she did not maintain balance at all).

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We also touch on Carolyn’s work in podcasting (You’re Wrong About, You Are Good) and how it has influenced her approach to music. She reflects on the importance of integrating culture and music, creating a world-building experience that connects various aspects of her life. Carolyn’s creation of the Gender Equity Audio Workshop, along with co-producer and Each Machine collaborator Isa Burke, highlights the power of women supporting each other in the music industry, fostering an environment where questions can be asked without fear of judgment.

She expands on her exploration of traditional songs through a devilish lens, which allowed her to examine how their meanings shift when viewed in this context. She also discusses her dual versions of the hymn “Are You Washed in the Blood,” inspired by Naomi Klein’s book ‘Doppelganger,’ and how they represent different facets of her musical identity.

Throughout this episode of Basic Folk, Carolyn Kendrick offers insights into forgiveness and harm, emphasizing the need for solution-focused actions in today’s society. Our chat concludes with a fun and quirky Satan-themed lightning round, where Carolyn shares her favorite pop culture depictions of Satan and imagines a music festival in hell. The devil is fun again!

Want more Carolyn Kendrick? Read our recent exclusive feature interview here.

Photo Credit: Alex Steed

Chris Brundrett on Only Vans with Bri Bagwell

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Today on Only Vans we’re joined by Chris Brundrett from the award-winning William Chris Vineyards in Hye, Texas. We dig into wine-making, Texas wines, the creation of his label, and being your best self.

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I’m so excited to share this episode, even though I was a tad nervous – and you can tell by the way I talk too fast. Or was it the wine that we were drinking before noon…?

Anyway, in this episode of Only Vans I talk to one of the owners of one of my absolute favorite wineries, William Chris Vineyards, Chris Brundrett. I’ve never spoken to or met this man and usually I talk on this podcast about music, so this was really branching out for me. I love their wine and I’m also a huge fan of what they stand for. It’ll be so fun in 100 or 500 years to look back (well, for other people to look back) at this episode where I’m talking to someone who has been a true pioneer in the Texas wine industry. Chris has worked really hard to authentically label Texas wines and make the laws in our state require transparency, which I do a pretty bad job at explaining, but Chris does a great job clarifying.

I think it’s fascinating that Chris wanted to learn about wine-making before he was even 21. In our chat, he details his journey into finding his true passion in life; he’s an intelligent and approachable dude. Sorry I thought horticulture was the study of horses and didn’t know what entomology was, either.

We get into the William Chris Wine Club, which is a subscription where you receive six special releases per year and will also have the first option to purchase any new wines as soon as they’re bottled. You can look into that (especially because he said they have open spots!) at williamchriswines.com. But definitely go see the gorgeous tasting room when you’re in the Texas Hill Country area.

Thanks to Chris and the team gave us two really fancy wine glasses, and two incredible bottles of wine and a tour. What a great day! And thanks to our sponsors, Hand Drawn Pressing & CH Lonestar Promo!

Find our Only Vans episode archive here.

Basic Folk: Josh Kaufman

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Multi-talented musician and producer Josh Kaufman is known for his work with Josh Ritter, The National, and his band Bonny Light Horseman. I’ve known Josh for many years, after meeting him in Pittsburgh while he was on tour with Dawn Landes. I felt instant friendship with him (and, honestly, with the entire Dawn Landes band that day). We haven’t seen each other very much over the last 15 years, but since he left that impression on me I’ve always rooted for him in his career.

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In our Basic Folk conversation, Josh shares anecdotes from his childhood, including memories of his journalist mother interviewing legendary musicians and the backstage snacks that left a lasting impression. He reflects on his early musical influences, the role of music in his family, and how his parents supported his passion for music from a young age. Then we dive into Josh’s experiences playing in bands in New York City during his high school years and how those formative experiences shaped his relationship with music and the city itself.

As a producer, Josh discusses his approach to working with artists by emphasizing the importance of capturing the raw, live energy of a performance. He talks about his instrumental album, What Do the People in Your Head Say to Each Other, and how embracing imperfection has become a central theme in his work. He also touches on his collaborations with notable musicians, including Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, and the impact of those experiences on his career. Josh Kaufman is the most sought out producer in roots music these days. Look out for him producing some great records in 2025 and beyond.

Photo Credit: James Goodwin

Basic Folk: Lutalo

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

In 2024, Vermont’s Lutalo released their debut album, The Academy. In this episode of Basic Folk, they share the profound influence of their father, whose deep love for artistry and creativity laid the foundation for Lutalo’s musical path. We dive into the broad variety of their influences, from underground hip-hop to African drumming classes, each shaping their unique sound and approach to music. Lutalo’s candid reflections on their experiences in a private prep school reveal the complexities of navigating expectations and identity as a scholarship student, offering insights into the pressures and opportunities that come with such an environment. We also get a glimpse into their life in Vermont, where they find peace and grounding in a tiny house on a mountain, learning carpentry, and building a future studio.

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Lutalo’s music speaks for itself. It feels like there’s a new generation of folk artists coming out, with creators like Lutalo who are dedicated to crafting new a type of folk – even if their music is genre-agnostic. Lutalo is making really cool songs, they’re making waves, and could be compared to so many legendary artists and bands. You can’t quite put your finger on what their sound is, but they are a heavy-hitting songwriter and we think they’re going to be huge.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the artist.

Basic Folk Joins BGS Podcast Network as Official BGS Production

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

BGS is pleased to announce a new partnership with its signature podcast, Basic Folk, which is now an official BGS production! Hosted by Cindy Howes & lizzie no, Basic Folk had been previously distributed on the BGS Podcast Network since 2021, but now officially becomes part of our brand’s stable of first-rate, original shows. We’re excited to continue to invest in this superlative folk podcast with creative visuals, more live appearances, and our commitment to fresh and envelope-pushing editorial content front-and-center. This announcement follows the recent debut of Basic Folk’s brand new logo (designed by Belhum) and theme song (composed and performed by Dietrich Strause), which both festively mark this new era of collaboration.

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“BGS is one of the coolest media platforms in any musical space,” the hosts share via press release. “As the landscape of podcasting, social media, and roots music evolves at hyperspeed, we are stoked to be docked on ‘The International Space Station’ known as BGS. Our evolution is tied in with theirs. Cheers to another year of telling folk stories and making queer mischief on Basic Folk.”

2025 is already destined to be big for Basic Folk. The show and its hosts will be back onboard Cayamo’s signature roots music cruise, Journey Through Song – and with even more live events to come throughout the year. Already we have brand new interviews with the legendary Dobro player Jerry Douglas and visceral folk-artist Lutalo on the docket for January. Later this winter, Basic Folk will reach the momentous mile marker of their 300th episode.

“The spirit and mission of BGS are completely in line with Basic Folk,” Howes says. “It’s an honor to create this platform alongside BGS to dig deep into artists’ perspectives of the human condition. It only makes sense for Basic Folk to do the work of dignifying folk musicians in collaboration with one of the most rad music orgs operating today.”

Since 2018, Basic Folk has uplifted under-the-radar roots musicians by providing a platform that they might not otherwise have, alongside interviews from GRAMMY-winning guitar gods like Molly Tuttle, or Haitian American folk legends like Leyla McCalla, or deep feelers like legendary songwriter John Hiatt. The show is dedicated to showcasing the best in folk, bluegrass, acoustic, and Americana while including Black, Brown, and queer folx who have been excluded from the folk world or felt like they did not belong.

Cindy & lizzie each bring unique perspectives to their honest conversations with folk professionals. Basic Folk is equally dedicated to repainting the broad landscape of folk music as we are to tearing down the ivory towers of the music industry. BGS is proud to welcome the show into our family of programs.

Find out more and subscribe to Basic Folk here.

Kyle Park on Only Vans with Bri Bagwell

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

We decided to kick off 2025 on Only Vans with a conversation with one of my oldest friends in the music biz, Kyle Park. He is a brilliant and hilarious mind with lots of great insight into being a professional musician. We talk about gator hunting, Texas wine country, his new band The Texas Trio, and even sleep schedules. Hope you enjoy!

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On today’s episode of Only Vans, I talk to my longtime friend Kyle Park, who is a staple of the Texas music scene and beyond. He keeps impressing us with his records and, of course, his newest project, The Texas Trio, which I love. The members of the trio are GRAMMY-award winning fiddle player Jason Roberts and George Strait’s Ace in the Hole band keyboardist John Michael Whitby. (John Michael made me play piano with them one time at Steamboat Musicfest after I had drank a bunch of beers and I meant to call him out on that on the podcast! What the heck?)

I also think it’s crazy that 70 shows a year is cutting WAY back for people like Kyle and I. That’s still a lot.

Quick note: I talk about my favorite recording engineer in Nashville and I totally blank on his name because, hello no sleep. Sorry Chad Carlson, I totally know your name and you’re the dang best!

Check out Kyle’s new ventures and for sure the beautiful Cross Mountain Vineyards wedding and event venue online or on Instagram! It is in wine country in Fredericksburg, Texas, and it’s gorgeous (we filmed the podcast there and producer Kyle and I got a private tour). I am so thankful to my great friend Kyle Park for joining me.

Thanks to our sponsors, Hand Drawn Pressing & CH Lonestar Promo!

Find our Only Vans episode archive here.

Photo Credit: Scott Slusher

Basic Folk: Jerry Douglas

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Jerry Douglas is widely regarded as the best Dobro player in the world. Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, and James Taylor are counted among his many collaborators and his four-decade career has earned him 16 GRAMMY Awards and numerous other accolades. In our Basic Folk conversation, he shares stories about his upbringing in Warren, Ohio, where his father’s steel mill job and love for music instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for playing. He also talks about getting scouted as a teenager by The Country Gentlemen, one of the greatest bluegrass bands ever, who eventually took young Jerry on tour.

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In addition, we discuss Douglas’ latest album, The Set, which showcases his mastery of the resophonic guitar and features a unique blend of bluegrass, country, and Americana sounds. He also opens up about his experiences working with Molly Tuttle, John Hiatt, and other notable musicians, highlighting the importance of collaboration and creative freedom. Our chat offers a glimpse into Jerry Douglas’ life, influences, and artistic approach through his humility, humor, and dedication to his craft.

Photo Credit: Scott Simontacchi