Blues Matters speaks with Jason Ricci and Caitlin Dibble about the new album 13 Hours.

They discuss the emotional aftermath of losing drummer John Perkins, rebuilding the band, and recording live at Dockside Studios in Louisiana. Jason reflects on the influence of New Orleans, addiction and recovery, the realities of modern touring, and why music still matters during difficult times.

The conversation also explores Approved By Snakes, songwriting, blues history, North Mississippi Hill Country music, and the lasting influence of artists including Johnny Winter, Pat Ramsey, Sean Costello, Charlie Musselwhite, RL Burnside and Junior Kimbrough.

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Blues Matters catches up with Deborah Bonham after her headline performance at the Orkney Blues Festival.

Deborah speaks openly about the warmth of Orkney, the relationship between artist and audience, and the emotional power of live music. She explains what keeps her motivated, why songwriting has always come first, and how certain songs have deeply connected with listeners.

She also discusses the story behind Breathe, the influence of blues, soul, country and rock on her sound, and why the blues remains important as both music and history.

The conversation also covers carrying the Bonham name, trusting her own instincts, plans for a new album, and staying optimistic in difficult times.

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Blues Matters speaks with Henry Gottelier of The Karma Effect about the band’s new album Cruel Intentions.

Henry discusses the writing process behind the record, how the band kept momentum after Promised Land, and why the new songs feel like the next natural chapter. He talks about recording in stages, dealing with the stop-start nature of an album campaign, and how new tracks have been received live.

The conversation also explores the chemistry between Henry and guitarist Robbie Blake, the band’s blues-rooted classic rock sound, and influences ranging from Free, Humble Pie and Aerosmith to AC/DC, Rod Stewart and The Faces.

Henry also reflects on the current line-up, the importance of live performance, plans for touring, the possibility of a live album, and the songs he wishes he had written, including Boys of Summer and With or Without You.

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Laurence reflects on stripping his sound back to acoustic guitar, vocal and foot stomp, and explains why this record became his most personal work to date. He talks openly about living with Crohn’s disease, using music to process a difficult period, and setting up his own label to take better control of his career and health.

The conversation also covers Robert Johnson, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, songwriting, touring, acoustic blues, and the freedom of reconnecting directly with fans.

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Blues Matters speaks with Carmen Ratti and Jill Devine from the Carmen Ratti Band.

They discuss their musical journeys, how the band formed, and the making of the new album Come To Me at Greaseland Studios. The conversation covers songwriting, recording live, working with Kid Andersen, and the stories behind No Delusion, Blessing In The Blues, Get In Line and the title track.

Carmen and Jill also reflect on blues as a language of emotion, the value of being yourself as an artist, and their hopes for touring and future projects.

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Blues Matters catches up with JP Soars and Anne Harris while they are on the road in the USA heading to their next show.

They discuss how Gypsy Blue Revue came together, life on tour, recording live in the studio, the chemistry between bandmates, and why intimate gigs can be just as powerful as major festivals.

The pair also reflect on blues roots, musical freedom beyond genre labels, and the connection between artist and audience that keeps live music special.

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Steve Louw joins Blues Matters from Cape Town to talk about his next album and why this set of songs feels more personal. He shares what it was like recording in Dave Cobb’s RCA studio in Nashville, and why the room’s history and gear matter when you’re chasing performances with real feel.

We also get into the band chemistry, including the interplay between Doug Lancio and Bob Britt, and how working with players who listen hard can elevate both songwriting and delivery. Steve talks about going into sessions with a stack of songs, trusting the producer’s ear, and why some tracks only reveal themselves years after they’re written. Along the way, we touch on storytelling songs like “Across the River”, the punchier “CBGB Christmas”, and the discipline of writing often enough to catch the handful that really land.

Selwyn Birchwood speaks with Blues Matters about his new album and the musical direction he calls electric swamp funk and blues.

He reflects on discovering the blues through Buddy Guy, developing his own songwriting voice, and producing this album himself to capture the sound exactly as he hears it. Birchwood also breaks down several of the record’s tracks, including “Church of Electric Swamp Funk Blues,” “All Hail the Algorithm,” and “Damaged Goods,” explaining how they mix blues tradition with modern themes and technology.

The conversation also explores touring life, stagecraft, influences from artists such as Kenny Neal and Tab Benoit, and Birchwood’s view that blues should reflect the world musicians live in today.

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