Maygen & The Birdwatcher join Bar Conversations to talk about their latest album The Americana Dream, songwriting, and building a band rooted in collaboration. We chat with Maygen Lacey and Noah Neumann to discuss growing up in Minnesota, early musical influences, and how their partnership began. From overcoming a fear of performing live to breaking the rules in piano lessons, they share how writing together helped shape their sound and confidence, as well as the origin of the band’s name and their evolution from a duo into a full six-piece band.

Maygen and Noah also dive into The Americana Dream, described as a “sonic travelogue,” and what it was like working with producer John Fields, who pushed them to trust their instincts in the studio. They talk about balancing music with family and full-time careers, the early success of Moonshine and Bootleggin’ At The Flower Shoppe, and why collaboration remains central to everything they do. Plus, they share favorite songs to perform live and what fans can expect in 2026.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde

Singer-songwriter Alexandra King shares the story behind her debut EP Across the Pond, blending her New York upbringing with her deep Irish roots. Alexandra talks about growing up surrounded by music, from parents who met through music to having a piano before she was even born, and how summers spent on her aunt’s sheep farm in Ireland shaped her identity and songwriting. She reflects on studying abroad in Galway, nearly becoming a lawyer, and ultimately following her calling to Nashville. Alexandra discusses surviving a life-altering spinal cord injury in 2020, how doctors initially questioned whether she’d ever regain movement, and how music became a vital part of her recovery. We dive into the making of Across the Pond, including original tracks like Freckles (In An Old Pub) and Lose Me to Dublin, as well as her decision to include traditional covers Galway Girl and Willie McBride. Plus, she shares stories about her deaf dog Pillsbury, favorite songs to perform live, and what fans can expect from her in 2026.Jonathan’s Drinking: Wheel Horse x Narragansett Baltic Porter Beer Barrel Finish Whiskey

Bluegrass-folk trio Damn Tall Buildings released their latest album The Universe Is Hungry this fall. We sit down with Avery Ballotta to talk about growing up in Montana, early musical influences, and how a love for music—and the fiddle—started at a young age. We dive deep into the inspiration behind the album, recording process, and the band’s commitment to staying truly independent—self-producing, self-managing, and even running their own music school in Brooklyn.

Avery shares stories from studying at Berklee College of Music, meeting bandmates Max Capistran and Sasha Dubyk, and how the group’s journey began with busking on the streets of Boston before evolving into a decade-long partnership rooted in friendship, craftsmanship, and creative freedom. He also talks about touring with the U.S. State Department, performing bluegrass during cultural exchanges in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, and reimagining Roy Orbison’s “Blue Bayou” through a bluegrass lens.

Plus, we discuss the band’s one-microphone live setup, how they decide vocal leads without a frontman, favorite songs to perform on stage, unforgettable moments from 2025, and what fans can expect from Damn Tall Buildings in 2026.

Jonathan’s Drinking: McKenzie Straight Bourbon Whiskey