Tag: Yarn

Mixtape: Yarn’s Songs Of and About Pop Culture

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

I make a lot of references in Yarn’s music about other bands, artists, movies, actors, etc… I didn’t realize how much until I started working on this Mixtape.  Just a few of the things I mention are Jim Croce, Dolly Parton, The Allman Brothers, George Burns, Bob Wills, Waylon Jennings, Velvet Underground, Rex Moroux – and the list goes on. This Mixtape will include references to other artists, food, and places famous in the world of pop culture during its given time of release. – Blake Christiana, Yarn

“Play Freebird” – Yarn

I figured I’d start and end with two of our songs from our new album, Born, Blessed, Grateful & Alive. My wife started writing this one about her father and I took it over and finished it. The entire song is based around another super famous song that Mandy’s dad used to play around the house when she was a kid. And now, if anyone yells out ‘Free Bird’ at one of our concerts, we’ve got something to give ’em.

“You Never Even Called Me By Name” – David Allen Coe

Such a perfect song for this Mixtape. Coe even impersonates the singers he references in this song as well as poking fun at the entire country music genre. Pretty brilliant. Waylon Jennings, Charley Pride, Merle Haggard, and he even references his own name.

“Calling Elvis” – Dire Straits

We could do a giant Mixtape with songs that just reference Elvis alone. I love this one, because just about every lyric is a reference to Elvis and the songs he recorded. Also, Mark Knopfler is THE MAN. More Elvis to come on this list.

“Bette Davis Eyes” – Kim Carnes

I had to include a quintessential ’80s tune on here and this is it. Great voice on Kim Carnes, the perfect sultry rasp. Of course she references the actress, Bette Davis, as well as Greta Garbo.

“Mrs. Robinson” – Simon & Garfunkel

Here’s one with a sports icon reference. Paul Simon has done a lot of these kinds of references in his songs, too, and I’ll include one of those later in the tape. Joe DiMaggio, the famous New York Yankee who married Marilyn Monroe, is mentioned here as ‘Joltin’ Joe.’

“Candle In The Wind” – Elton John

Nice little transition here from The Yankee Clipper to Marilyn Monroe. This entire song is written about Monroe.

“Man on The Moon” – R.E.M.

Lots of references here, but the main star of the song is Andy Kaufman, the brilliant comedian who starred in Taxi in the ’70s. Love Andy Kaufman and R.E.M. Great song. Other honorable pop-culture mentions in this song are 21, Checkers, Chess, and of course Elvis. Also a great Elvis impression from Michael Stipe.

“Nobody Home” – Pink Floyd

The Wall might have been my favorite album as a kid. And in this particular song off that album, Roger Waters sings ‘the obligatory Hendrix perm,’ a direct reference to Jimi Hendrix and his hair style. Glad I got to include Pink Floyd on here. Beautiful song.

“Walkin’ In Memphis” – Marc Cohn

This song just had to be on here. More Elvis for ya, along with WC Handy, Beale Street, Al Green, and more. Another fantastic song.

“Graceland” – Paul Simon

What do you know, more Elvis. I think I need to write a song about Elvis now. This song is too good, it paints a picture as good as any song ever written. Enough said.

“Dairy Queen” – Indigo Girls

I thought we needed some pop-culture food references, so I included these next two songs. Not to mention, Indigo Girls and Amy Ray are my wife’s favorites. Amy Ray’s recent solo records have all been really great and everyone should have a listen.

“Factory” – Band of Horses

I love this tune and its reference to the candy of my youth, Now and Laters. To me, Band of Horses is like a modern day Beach Boys. Great band, great songs, and great harmonies. This song reminds me how half my life is spent in a hotel room.

“I Want You” – Yarn

I reference the 1980 movie, Honeysuckle Rose, with Willie Nelson & Diane Cannon. Not sure anyone saw it, but it’s about an affair on the road between musicians Nelson and Cannon, and the song itself follows a similar plot line. I wrote this song with my longtime writing partner, Shane Spaulding.

Photo Credit: Bob Adamek

BGS Preview: MerleFest 2019

Posted on by Editor

When it comes to roots music, the MerleFest 2019 lineup is tough to beat. From bluegrass heroes to country legends, along with a number of perennial favorites like the Avett Brothers, this year’s four-day event promises to be one for the record books. Where to begin? Check out the BGS daily preview below.

Editor’s Note: MerleFest 2019 will take place April 25-28 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The Bluegrass Situation is proud to present the Late Night Jam on Saturday, April 27. Get tickets.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

Headliner: Wynonna

No one else on earth has a voice like Wynonna. Of course she got her start in the Judds, which brought an acoustic flavor back to mainstream country music in the 1980s. She’s also frequently cited Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard as among her earliest musical influences. You’ll surely hear the hits, yet a new record deal with Anti- means that more music is on the way.

Don’t miss: Junior Brown can wow a crowd with his “guit-steel” double neck guitar, not to mention wry tunes like “My Wife Thinks You’re Dead.” Dailey & Vincent know a thing or two about quick wit, with their fast-talking banter tying together a repertoire of bluegrass, country, and gospel. Accomplished songwriter Radney Foster issued a new album and a book – both titled For You to See the Stars – in 2017. North Carolina’s own bluegrass combo Chatham County Line kicks off the day, likely with a few familiar tunes from their new album, Sharing the Covers.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

Headliner: Tyler Childers

With the album Purgatory, Tyler Childers captivated fans who demand authenticity from their favorite artists. The acclaimed project falls in that sweet spot where Americana, bluegrass and country music all merge gracefully. Yet the sonic textures of “Universal Sound” show that he’s not stuck in the past. In a crowded field of newcomers, Childers’ distinctive singing voice and incisive writing set him apart.

Don’t miss: If you’re into guys who write quality songs, then you’re in luck. Leading up to Childers’ set, fans can dig into the likes of Amos Lee, The Milk Carton Kids, The Black Lillies, American Aquarium, and Steve Poltz. If bluegrass is more your style, check out Mile Twelve and Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice in the early afternoon. Before that, make the most of your lunch break with country music from Michaela Anne and Elizabeth Cook. The Chris Austin Songwriting Competition is worth a stop, too.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Headliner: Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile catapulted into a new phase of her career by singing “The Joke” on the Grammys this year, not to mention winning three awards before the show. However, dedicated fans have followed her ascent since her auspicious 2005 debut album and its exceptional follow-up, The Story. She’s a master at engaging a crowd and a Saturday night headlining slot at MerleFest is yet another feather in her cap.

Don’t miss: Doc Watson himself would have approved of all the bluegrass artists on Saturday, such as Sam Bush Band, The Earls of Leicester, the Gibson Brothers, and Molly Tuttle. Keb’ Mo, Donna the Buffalo, and Webb Wilder converge upon Americana from different originas, yet they are united in their ability to electrify a crowd – even at a mostly acoustic festival. Folk fans should swing by The Brother Brothers, Carolina Blue, Driftwood, Ana Egge, Elephant Sessions, and The Waybacks. The Kruger Brothers always offer a pleasurable listening experience, too. Still not ready for the tent? Drop by the Late Night Jam, hosted by Chatham County Line and presented by yours truly, BGS. You won’t want to miss the set of special collaborations and true, on the spot, one of a kind jams with artists from all across the festival lineup.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

Headliner: The Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers elevate the MerleFest experience by bringing together a multitude of influences, from string bands to stadium rock. The charming track “Neopolitan Sky” dropped in February, employing a Tom Petty vibe and a surprisingly scaled-back production, as well as the sibling harmony that’s central to their sound. The North Carolina natives are proud fans of Doc Watson, so here’s hoping for “Shady Grove” to go along with fan faves like “Live and Die,” “Murder in the City,” and “I and Love and You.”

Don’t miss: The Del McCoury Band always brightens a Sunday afternoon with traditional bluegrass and any number of hollered requests. Steep Canyon Rangers will deliver a set inspired by the North Carolina songbook. After that, the ever-prolific Jim Lauderdale will take the stage with a set drawing from his country and bluegrass career. Early risers will be treated to morning music from Lindi Ortega, who hit a career high of creativity with her newest album, Liberty. Also of note: Jeff Little Trio, Andy May, Mark and Maggie O’Connor, Peter Rowan, Scythian, Larry Stephenson Band, Yarn, and all the good vibes that MerleFest has to offer.

Photo credit: Willa Stein
 

Gig Bag: Yarn

Posted on by Editor

Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, Yarn's Blake Christiana gives us a look at what he has to have handy when he's out on the road. Check out Yarn's tour dates here.

New song ideas: Gotta have some with me. Sometimes the road is your only rehearsal. 

Gibson B25: My dad bought it new in the '60s. It's the only guitar I use. Eventually, I'll get another B25 as back up, but for now this is it.

A great pair jeans: The kind you wear every day and don't take off until they're a shredded mess. And that's what I do. I think these have another four months left of everyday wear. We'll see. I'm a bit of a minimalist, I guess. 

A good pair of stage boots: They have to be comfortable enough to wear all day, in case you have to. These have been good to me.

Socks: I can never have enough socks. It's a strange phenomenon: No matter how many pairs I bring, I'm always running out. I prefer Farm to Feet. They're good people.

All photos by Blake Christiana, except lede photo, courtesy of the artist.

WATCH: Yarn, ‘This Is the Year’

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Yarn
Hometown: New York City, NY
Song: "This Is the Year"
Album: This Is the Year
Release Date: May 27
Label: Ardsley Music/Red Bush Records

In Their Words: "'This Is The Year' is the title track off our new record. It sums up where the band has gotten to in the past year, the future that lies ahead, and at the same time, leaves the past in the past. The video captures how we're all feeling and relays that message even more clearly. This IS the year, and so is next year, and the year after that. We shot this at the Visulite Theatre in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was a damn good time." — Blake Christiana

Credit: Robert Pettus

TEN QUESTIONS FOR… Yarn

Posted on by Editor
 

Brooklyn-based roots/country outfit YARN has been a stalwart on not only the New York scene, but throughout the country, with their incessentant touring schedule and impressive album turnout.  Their latest effort, Leftovers Vol. 2, features a host of old songs that didn’t fit on earlier records.  The Sitch chatted with band leader Blake Christiana for our latest TEN QUESTIONS…

1) What are the origins of Yarn (and where does the name come from)?

Our mandolin player originally had a dream, and saw the name Yarn on The Beacon Theater Marquis in New York City.  We thought it would make a great name, at the time we were just an acoustic string band and I was writing story based songs, or spinning yarns as some people might say, so it stuck.

2) What are your biggest influences (personally and for the band in general)?

It’s hard to pin point our biggest influence — at the moment Paul Simon is my man — but that is constantly changing.  When I started writing songs for this band, I was in the midst of a serious Gram Parsons listening binge.  He only had 2 records so that didn’t last all that long but it definitely gave birth to some of the Yarn staples.  I think the basis for starting the band came initially from that purple Garcia/Grisman acoustic disc.  There is no way of wearing that record out for me, it was a big part of my youth, I loved that record and still do.  Obviously our sound quickly grew out of any sort of traditional bluegrass — I don’t think you could have ever called us that honestly.

3) How would you describe the Yarn’s sound?

This is always hard.  It’s country, it’s rock, people like to call it Americana these days.  I don’t care what you call it as long as it moves you.  We do it because we love it, and we get to keep doing it because other people love it, and that is pretty damn cool, so call it whatever you want.

4) If you weren’t based in Brooklyn, where would you live?

I actually moved out of Brooklyn last year, I wasn’t in town enough to justify paying those bills.  I live part time on a dairy farm in New Tripoli, PA and part time just outside of Raleigh, NC.  But the rest of the band still lives in or near the city.  There’s a lot of places I could see myself living, I love Charlottesville, VA, Charleston, SC, and the mountains of North Carolina.  I also love the part of PA I am in as well as Raleigh.  Great people in all these towns and great people go a long way.

5) What is your favorite venue to play?

That’s tough.  There are completely different types of love for different types of venues.  Some of the best listening rooms we’ve played in are Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem, PA and McGonigel’s Mucky Duck in Houston, TX; these are great rooms for pouring our hearts out and knowing people are going to listen.  Then there’s the theaters, my current favorite is The Historic Blairstown Theater in Blairstown, NJ, we are doing our New Years Eve show this year.  You can really put both feet forward in these types of rooms.  Then there’s the bars and rock clubs, we love The Lincoln in Raleigh and The Pour House in Charleston, SC.  Those are the down and dirty shows, we just rock it out, not a whole lot room for ballads.  But it doesn’t get much more fun then the festival season, especially the real music loving ones like Floydfest and Bristol Rhythm & Roots.  Another festival highlight of last season was The Catskill Chill in Hancock, NY, the crowd really came through and we had some real fun.

6) What is your favorite music store (either for recordings or instruments)?

I love hitting the used vinyl stores on the road, it’s all i’m listening to these days.  Grimey’s in Nashville is great.

7) What artist or album can you not stop listening to lately?

Paul Simon

8) What is your favorite drink?

That changes, last year it was bourbon, the year before that tequila, right now I’m drinking lots of Firefly Vodka, we love that stuff. Although Ricky B. and I just made up a shot a few weeks ago called the ‘Artie Johnson’, it’s 2 parts cheap rail tequila, one part pepperoncini juice.  It’s amazing.

9) If you could live in any decade, when would it be?

60’s Greenwich Village.  Hanging with Simon, Garfunkel, Lou Reed, Dylan, that would be freaking cool.

10) What would be your last meal in New York?

I used to love eating at a place in my neighborhood called 9D, great Thai food.

You can learn more about the band and buy their new album, Leftovers Vol. 2, via their website, www.yarnmusic.net