From the Country Fried Rock archives in 2012:

Drew Carman from Corduroy Road drops by to chat about the band’s evolution and the power of personal connections in music. He kicks things off by musing on how social media, while a handy tool for spreading the word, can’t hold a candle to those face-to-face encounters that build real relationships and loyal fans. They dig into the nitty-gritty of hitting the road full-time, the ups and downs of touring, and how fresh lineup changes have brought new energy and creativity to their sound. From busking in Knoxville to jamming with pals at festivals, every story is tinged with a sense of community and the joy of making music. Buckle up, because this episode is packed with insight and good vibes, all served up with a side of witty banter!

Takeaways

• Creating music is all about the connections you make with people, not just social media.
• Drew Carman emphasizes the importance of personal interactions over digital connections to build a loyal fanbase.
• They share how busking in places like Knoxville can be a lucrative way to earn money while touring.
• The evolution of Corduroy Road's lineup brought fresh influences and new musical styles to their sound.
• Drew reflects on how touring keeps them grounded and connected to their roots as musicians.
• The band’s decision to keep their name after lineup changes underscores their commitment to growth and continuity.

Chapters

• 00:14 - Introducing Drew Carman of Corduroy Road
• 04:17 - The Evolution of a Musician
• 11:15 - The Evolution of Corduroy Road
• 17:30 - Reflections on Touring and Festivals
• 23:12 - Connecting Through Music

Mentioned in this Episode

• Corduroy Road
• Mark Cunningham
• Athens
• Easter Island
• John Keane
• Nuci's Space
• Pale Face
• Ian Thomas
• Packway Handle Band
• Holy Ghost Tent Revival
• Reverend Peyton's Big Band
• Steep Canyon Rangers
• FullTones
• Steve Soto
• Twisted Hearts

Recommended If You Like

country fried rock, Corduroy Road, Drew Carman interview, indie music podcast, Athens music scene, social media for musicians, touring musicians, busking experiences, music creativity, songwriting inspiration, regional music festivals, live music connections, band evolution, music publicity strategies, music industry insights, building a fanbase, acoustic music influences, old time music, musician mental health, grassroots music promotion

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't Click Those Old Links!

These podcast episodes are from 2009-2020. Links are probably dead. Half these places do not exist any more.

From our archives in 2012:

Anders Beck of Green Sky Bluegrass joins this episode of Country Fried Rock for an engaging and insightful conversation about life on the road and the artistry behind his music. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the demands and rewards of touring, sharing how the band consistently performs 150 to 200 shows each year while connecting with diverse audiences through the festival circuit.

Beck also reflects on his musical beginnings, crediting his parents for inspiring his passion and recalling the pivotal moment he discovered the dobro at a bluegrass festival, an experience that set him on his current path. The discussion delves into the band’s creative approach, highlighting the role of improvisation in their live performances and how it naturally shapes their songwriting process.

This episode delivers a thoughtful and relaxed exploration of musicianship, creativity, and the unique energy that comes from making music together on stage.

Chapters

• 00:09 - Introduction to Green Sky Bluegrass
• 02:56 - The Journey into Bluegrass Music
• 06:05 - The Evolution of Bluegrass: Embracing New Influences
• 13:12 - Joining the Band: A Journey into Green Sky
• 15:47 - The Evolution of Green Sky
• 20:16 - The Creative Process Behind the Album

Mentioned in this Episode

• Greensky Bluegrass
• Grateful Dead
• Metallica
• Benny Galloway
• Yonder Mountain String Band
• Infamous Stringdusters
• David Grisman
• Flatt and Scruggs
• Bill Monroe
• Todd Snider
• Radiohead
• Bon Iver
• Wilco
• Railroad Earth
• XM Radio
• Nuci's Spave
• Muscle Shoals

Recommended If You Like

Country Fried Rock, Green Sky Bluegrass, Greensky Bluegrass, Anders Beck interview, bluegrass music, jam bands, music festivals, songwriting process, improvisation in music, acoustic instruments, music creativity, Grateful Dead influence, country music inspiration, live music performances, bluegrass festivals, music collaboration, recording process, vinyl records, analog recording, music industry insights, country music podcasts

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't Click Those Old Links!

These podcast episodes are from 2009-2020. Links are probably dead. Half these places do not exist any more.

From the Country Fried Rock archives in 2012:

Ben Morrison of Brothers Comatose dives into the vibrant world of creativity and music in this laid-back chat on Country Fried Rock. The conversation kicks off with a breezy exploration of his roots in music, growing up in a household filled with jamming parents and a brother who keeps the rhythm alive with his banjo skills. They reminisce about those early days of acoustic living room concerts, where classic rock legends like Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones were their guiding stars, before shifting gears to discuss how they’ve evolved as a band into a unique blend of genres that keeps audiences on their toes. Ben shares the nitty-gritty of their recording process, emphasizing the importance of capturing the raw energy of live performances and the joy of collaborating with fellow artists, including a heartwarming story about discovering Nikki Bloom and the Gramblers at a festival. With some witty banter sprinkled throughout, they keep the vibe fun and relatable, making it clear that while the road to success can be rocky, it's all about enjoying the ride and creating music that resonates.

Takeaways

1. Ben Morrison of Brothers Comatose reminisces about growing up surrounded by music, thanks to his musician parents and lively music parties at home, which sparked his passion for playing.
2. The band evolved from jamming in their living room to performing live, booking gigs, and developing their unique sound through collaborative songwriting.
3. Morrison highlights the importance of live performance preparation, especially for a string band, to capture energy and engagement during shows without a drummer.
4. Festival performances present unique challenges for string bands, requiring them to impress new audiences who are often sitting in lawn chairs, making energy and effort crucial to winning over crowds.
5. Brothers Comatose embraces a variety of musical influences, blending traditional string band sounds with modern genres to create a more diverse and exciting live experience.
6. The band's recording process has shifted to a more collaborative approach, allowing members to contribute to the songwriting and arrangement of new tunes before hitting the studio.

Mentioned in this Episode

1. Brothers Comatose
2. Weezer
3. Led Zeppelin
4. The Rolling Stones
5. The Kinks
6. California Honey Drops
7. Nikki Bloom and the Gramblers
8. iTunes
9. Nucci's Space
10. Lily Pad productions
11. Full Tones
12. Steve Soto in the Twisted Hearts

Recommended If You Like

Country Fried Rock, Ben Morrison interview, Brothers Comatose, country rock music, musician creativity, acoustic arrangements, live music performance, music inspiration, songwriting process, festival performances, San Francisco music scene, string band music, music collaboration, influences in music, coffee and music, music industry insights, recording process, band dynamics, music festivals, Americana music

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't Click Those Old Links!

These podcast episodes are from 2009-2020. Links are probably dead. Half these places do not exist any more.

From the Country Fried Rock archives of 2012:

Kevin Gordon graces the airwaves of Country Fried Rock, diving deep into his latest album, Gloryland. He chats about how his early exposure to the sounds of legends like Jerry Lee Lewis and Ray Charles sparked his lifelong passion for roots music and Americana. Kevin shares some solid gold anecdotes from his time in Iowa, where he discovered a vibrant music scene that shaped his artistic voice and led him to Nashville. As he reflects on his evolution from punk rock to crafting poignant lyrics, it’s clear that authenticity and storytelling are at the forefront of his creative process. With a mix of nostalgia and humor, he highlights the serendipity of songwriting, revealing how life's twists and turns have influenced his work while giving a nod to the importance of collaboration in the ever-changing landscape of music.

Takeaways

1. Kevin Gordon's journey into music began as a kid dancing to classic tunes like Jerry Lee Lewis and Ray Charles at his parents' parties.
2. He found his footing in music through a punk band in high school, where he learned the value of self-expression and the joy of covers.
3. Moving to Iowa for grad school opened his eyes to the rich musical traditions of the Midwest and the Chicago blues scene.
4. In Nashville, Kevin embraced the songwriting process, blending poetry and music to create lyrics that resonate on multiple levels.
5. His latest record, Gloryland, reflects a more layered musical approach, taking time to develop each song in the studio.
6. Collaboration is key for Kevin; his partnership with Gwil Owen allowed them to write songs that truly capture their artistic vision.

Mentioned in this Episode

1. Jerry Lee Lewis
2. Ray Charles
3. X
4. Bo Ramsey
5. Chess
6. Little Ed and the Imperials
7. Sun Seals
8. Leroy Parnell
9. Marty Brown
10. Pam Tillis
11. Cadillac Jack's

Recommended If You Like

country fried rock, Kevin Gordon, Americana music, roots music, Gloryland album, songwriting inspiration, Nashville music scene, blues influences, indie music, live music performances, music production, songwriting collaboration, music creativity, poetry and music, touring as a musician, music industry insights, Lake Charles music, East Nashville artists, Midwest music scene, independent music artists

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't Click Those Old Links!

These podcast episodes are from 2009-2020. Links are probably dead. Half these places do not exist any more.

From our archives in 2012:

Jesse Langlais from Town Mountain joins Country Fried Rock to dive deep into the roots of his bluegrass journey and the creative spark that fuels his music. He kicks things off by sharing how a chance encounter with a bluegrass CD transformed his musical path, leading him from a casual listener to a passionate banjo player. As the conversation flows, they explore the vibrant bluegrass scene in Asheville, where Jesse honed his craft alongside fellow musicians, fostering a community where creativity thrives. The duo also chats about the delicate balance between respecting traditional bluegrass and pushing the genre into fresh, uncharted territories. Tune in for a laid-back yet insightful chat that reveals how Jesse and Town Mountain are shaking up the bluegrass world while keeping it real.

Show Notes

1. Jesse Langlais of Town Mountain joins the podcast to share his journey into bluegrass music.
2. Grew up surrounded by diverse musical influences, including Ray Charles and James Taylor, but didn’t pursue music seriously until his late teens.
3. A chance encounter with a bluegrass CD featuring Jerry Garcia sparked his passion for the genre.
4. Describes falling in love with the sound of the banjo and the journey to find the right instrument and musical identity.
5. Reflects on moving to Asheville and becoming immersed in a thriving bluegrass community.
6. Shares experiences from local jams and gatherings, including Shindig on the Green, highlighting the importance of community in bluegrass culture.
7. Emphasizes how collaboration and shared musical experiences help preserve and evolve the genre.
8. Discusses his early drive to write original music, even as a relatively new player.
9. Explores the balance between honoring traditional bluegrass roots and pushing creative boundaries.
10. Explains how Town Mountain blends authenticity with fresh sounds to reach both longtime fans and new listeners.

Mentioned in this Episode

1. Ray Charles
2. Little Feat
3. James Taylor
4. Jerry Garcia
5. Bill Monroe
6. Flatt and Scruggs
7. Stanley Brothers
8. Jimmy Martin
9. Asheville Country Music Review
10. Mike Bub
11. Del McCoury Band
12. Scott Vestal
13. Pine Castle Records
14. Putumayo
15. Allison Krauss and Union Station
16. Sam Bush
17. David Grisman

Recommended If You Like

country fried rock, bluegrass music, Jesse Longley, Town Mountain, music inspiration, Asheville music scene, bluegrass community, songwriting process, traditional bluegrass, progressive bluegrass, music creativity, banjo playing, live music performance, music collaboration, music recording process, original music, bluegrass jams, Appalachian music, Folk music, musician interviews

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't Click Those Old Links!

These podcast episodes are from 2009-2020. Links are probably dead. Half these places do not exist any more.