Summary

From 2012: Jimbo Mathus hops onto the Country Fried Rock stage, bringing a whirlwind of musical tales and soulful reflections that are as rich as a Mississippi mud pie. Right off the bat, he dives into the heart of creativity, revealing how his upbringing in the vibrant musical landscape of northeast Mississippi shaped his artistic journey. With a background steeped in family harmonies and raucous jam sessions fueled by cheap beer, Jimbo paints a picture of a life where music wasn’t just a hobby; it was the family business. He chats about his evolution from strumming mandolins as a kid to fronting one of Mississippi's first punk bands, showcasing a colorful tapestry of influences that range from blues legends to punk rock pioneers. As they meander through stories of juke joints, the beauty of original songwriting, and the importance of staying true to one’s roots, it becomes clear that Jimbo’s journey is not just a personal odyssey but a celebration of the Southern spirit and the transformative power of music.

Show Notes

Growing Up Mississippi Style

• Jimbo Mathus paints a vivid picture of his childhood in Northeast Mississippi

• Remembers chaotic and joyful family gatherings filled with music, cheap beer, and loud harmonies

• Shares how early exposure to banjos, mandolins, and gospel traditions lit the spark for a lifetime of music

Mandolins to Punk Rock

• Talks about learning the mandolin as a kid and the musical encouragement he got at home

• Reflects on forming one of Mississippi’s first punk bands, Johnny Vomit in the Dry Heat

• Discusses the challenges of building a punk scene in small-town Mississippi in the 1980s

Musical Identity and Evolution

• Shares his journey from punk to embracing blues, Southern rock, and traditional roots music

• Talks about the influence of Robert Johnson, Bill Monroe, and how those legends shaped his sound

• Emphasizes the importance of originality and blending genres in his songwriting

The Songwriting Craft

• Describes songwriting as a lifelong craft shaped by personal history and family tradition

• Highlights the role of Southern storytelling and creative persistence in his process

• Reflects on how returning home to Mississippi has deepened his artistic connection to place and people

Collaborations and Current Projects

• Talks about working with blues legend Buddy Guy and what that experience meant to him

• Gives a sneak peek into his upcoming album, White Buffalo, focused on cultural symbolism and storytelling

• Explains how he approaches new projects with intention and a desire to stay authentic

A Conversation That Feels Like Home

• The episode flows like a casual hangout on the porch with a good friend

• Filled with humor, insight, and heartfelt storytelling

• Jimbo’s passion for music, roots, and community shines throughout

Why You’ll Want to Listen

• Get to know the man behind the music, from punk pioneer to roots revivalist

• Discover how Jimbo blends rebellion with tradition to create something uniquely Southern

• Hear stories that reflect the deeper meaning behind the songs and the culture that inspires them

Tune in to hear Jimbo Mathus open up about the roads he’s traveled, the music he’s made, and the heart behind White Buffalo. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Links

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Summary

From 2012: Drew Beskin of the District Attorneys kicks it off with a deep dive into the creative process behind their latest album, Slowburner, revealing the raw inspiration that fuels his songwriting. He shares how the music scene in Athens has shaped their sound, blending personal anecdotes with the energetic vibes of the band’s journey. From reminiscing about jam sessions in high school to the thrill of crafting melodies that stick like gum to your shoe, Drew's passion for music is palpable. He offers a glimpse into the studio dynamics, where experimentation and camaraderie spark unexpected twists in their tracks, showcasing their evolution as artists. Listeners are in for a treat as they explore not just the tunes, but the heart and hustle behind the art that keeps them rolling.

Links

• REMINDER: IGNORE ALL LINKS OR EVENTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE FROM 2012
• Toss a few in our Tip Jar!

• The District Attorneys on Bandcamp
• You may also enjoy this conversation with Southeast Engine from earlier in 2012

Show Notes

• From Drumsticks to Frontman:
• Drew Beskin shares how his early musical dreams began behind a drum kit, inspired by Levon Helm of The Band.
• He reflects on how those roots shaped his approach to rhythm and storytelling in songwriting.
• Roadtrip Soundtrack & Musical Memory:
• Drew opens up about the songs that stuck with him during long drives between Indiana and Atlanta.
• Music as both a personal escape and emotional companion during pivotal life transitions.
• Songwriting as Muscle:
• Drew breaks down his belief that creativity is something you have to train and work at consistently.
• He discusses the shift from playing covers to crafting deeply personal original songs.
• Insights into his process: how persistence and reinvention keep the spark alive.
• The Evolution of District Attorneys:
• Behind-the-scenes look at the making of Slow Burner—what the album means to Drew and the band.
• Themes, tone, and the creative decisions that shaped the record.
• Live Energy & Band Chemistry:
• A candid discussion about the dynamics of performing live with District Attorneys.
• How their connection on stage translates into electric performances packed with both fresh material and fan favorites.
• The band’s philosophy on building a setlist that leaves it all on the stage.
• Why You’ll Want to See Them Live:
• Drew emphasizes creating unforgettable moments in every show.
• A glimpse into what fans can expect from upcoming gigs and what’s next for the band.

Listen now to catch the full conversation and experience the heart behind Slowburner. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to District Attorneys, this episode delivers an honest, heartfelt look at music, creativity, and the power of collaboration.

Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Country Fried Rock
• 01:09 - The Journey of a Musician
• 07:09 - The Formation of the Band
• 14:51 - The Journey of Creating Slowburner
• 20:52 - The Live Performance Experience
• 27:03 - Preparing for the Next...

Summary

From 2012: Steve Poltz, the musical maestro with a penchant for storytelling, takes center stage in this delightful episode of Country Fried Rock. He dives into his wild journey that began in Australia back in '99, where a chance encounter during a tour with Jewel ignited his love for the land down under. With a lively spirit, he shares the inspiration behind his latest album, uniquely titled Noineen Noiny Noin, a name that sparked curiosity and a smirk or two. Listeners will relish his tales of musical evolution, from classical guitar roots to the whimsical world of fingerstyle rock, peppered with anecdotes about his family and the whimsical influences that shaped his artistry. Poltz reminds everyone that staying true to oneself and being fearless in creativity is the ultimate way to connect with an audience, while also serving up a hearty dose of humor and insight along the way.

Links

• REMINDER: IGNORE ALL LINKS OR EVENTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE FROM 2012
• Toss a few in our Tip Jar!

• Steve Poltz
• You may also like this conversation from 2012 with Shurman

Show Notes

In this vibrant and freewheeling episode, Steve Poltz takes us on a joyride through the stories, sounds, and serendipity behind his career and latest record, Noineen Noiny Noin. Tune in for a rich mix of heartfelt memories, sharp wit, and musical insight.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Steve’s unexpected love affair with Australia, sparked during a tour with Jewel back in 1999
• The hilarious origin of his album title Noineen Noiny Noin and how a casual promoter interaction turned into creative gold
• Early musical roots, including:
• Uncle Louie’s influence through Beatles and Monkees records
• First encounters with classical guitar and an eccentric fingerstyle teacher who helped shape his sound
• Poltz’s approach to songwriting:
• Why learning from the greats still matters
• How humor and honesty fuel his lyrical voice
• Turning everyday moments into lasting songs
• A thoughtful look at how the music industry has shifted, and how Poltz stays grounded while evolving
• His creative philosophy: embrace the winding path, stay open, and keep telling stories

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Steve Poltz brings a mix of deep reflection and unpredictable humor, making this a must-listen for fans of authentic songwriting, behind-the-scenes stories, and the creative process at large.

Listen now and let Steve’s journey remind you: music is about more than just sound; it’s about connection, curiosity, and never losing your spark.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Country Fried Rock
• 00:22 - The Journey to Australia
• 13:42 - Finding Your Voice as a Songwriter
• 15:32 - Creative Freedom in Music
• 23:25 - The Creative Process of Music Making
• 29:15 - The Challenges of Touring and Personal Growth in Music
• 37:01 - The Influence of Political Identity in Music

Takeaways

• Steve Poltz's journey to Australia began in 1999 while on tour with Jewel, sparking a lifelong connection.
• The unique title of Poltz's album, inspired by a promoter's quirky pronunciation, sets it apart in the music scene.
• Poltz emphasizes the