Bands To Fans

Steve Gorman spent nearly three decades providing the backbeat for one of rock’s most turbulent bands — and he’s got the memoir to prove it. In his book, “Hard to Handle,” the Black Crowes’ drummer laid bare the dysfunction, drama, and grind of life inside a band that was as volatile offstage as it was electric on it. Now, with the Crowes nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Gorman deep into a new project — the supergroup Howl Owl Howl, alongside Hootie & the Blowfish’s Darius Rucker and R.E.M.’s Mike Mills — he’s got plenty of perspective on what it takes to survive a legendary band, trust the groove, and enjoy the ride.

In this intimate and wide‑ranging conversation, musicians Dwight Ritcher and Nicole Nelson open up about the creative forces, personal histories, and emotional truths behind their new album. They reflect on apocalyptic imagery, artistic integrity, and the healing power of making music. Nicole shares how she finds beauty even in turbulent times, while Dwight reveals the quiet, meticulous process behind shaping songs from scraps of riffs and iPhone recordings. Together, they explore vulnerability, ferocity, grief, and joy, offering a look into the inner world of two artists determined to create on their own terms.Their new album is Day or Night.

Guitarist and composer Nili Brosh returns with Eventide, an album that blends retro‑modern synth textures, genre‑bending arrangements, and an unexpectedly emotional undercurrent. In this conversation, she opens up about writing away from the guitar, the color‑driven instincts that shape her music and visuals, and the internal intensity that fuels her playing. From the retro‑futurist artwork to the nuanced percussion choices, Brosh reveals how every element of Eventide was crafted with intention—and how her work with Cirque du Soleil, Danny Elfman, and Dethklok subtly seeped into the final sound. 

In this illuminating conversation, Joel Ekelöf, vocalist of progressive metal band Soen, discusses the philosophy behind their album Reliance. From exploring the tension between darkness and hope to examining how technology shapes modern society, Ekelöf offers insight into the band's creative process, their willingness to embrace vulnerability, and why sometimes less is more. He also reveals how writing lyrics in a non-native language has shaped their distinctive voice.

Folk music veterans John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton discuss their collaborative album "Together Again" with interviewer Cris Cohen. The conversation explores their songwriting philosophy of addressing macro issues through intimate personal stories, their creative partnership that has flourished through Zoom co-writing sessions, and their optimistic view of folk music's current health. They reflect on mentorship from Pete Seeger, the importance of surrendering to the creative process, finding success outside mainstream formulas, and maintaining artistic vitality throughout their careers. The interview touches on specific songs from the album while offering insights into collaboration, the role of technology in creativity, and the enduring power of storytelling in music. (Note: At one point Tom drops from the call and is unable to reconnect.)

Singer-songwriter Afton Wolfe discusses his album "Ophiuchus," named after the 13th zodiac constellation. He explores themes of astronomy versus astrology, the balance between high concepts and intimate moments, vulnerability in songwriting, and navigating the attention economy as an artist. Wolfe also shares the deeply personal story behind "Crooked Roads," written the night before his wife's brain surgery, and reflects on the collaborative process with illustrator Cora Lee.

Singer-songwriter Bernie Barlow opens up about her latest album "Walking Around This Town," sharing decades of wisdom from both lead and backing vocal work. In this in-depth conversation, Bernie discusses the craft of songwriting, the value of life experience in music, and what it means to be an independent artist later in career. 

Cory Marks doesn’t fit into boxes, and he’s not interested in starting now. The Canadian singer-songwriter has built a career on bridging the gap between country and rock, two genres that don’t always play well together in the industry’s carefully segmented landscape. But Marks isn’t concerned with what should or shouldn’t work. From touring with hard rock heavyweights like Theory of a Dead Man and Sevendust to ending his high-energy shows with just an acoustic guitar and raw vulnerability, he’s carved out a unique space that honors his influences from Merle Haggard to Ozzy Osbourne.With the release of Sorry for Nothing, Volume Two, Marks continues to push sonic boundaries while staying true to his roots as a drummer-turned-songwriter. When he’s not on stage or in Nashville’s writing rooms, you might find him 10,000 feet in the air. Marks is also a licensed pilot who finds creative inspiration among the clouds. In this conversation, he opens up about the emotional power of acoustic performances, the challenge

In this interview, The Rasmus frontman Lauri Ylönen discusses the creative process behind the band’s album “Weirdo,” revealing how personal experiences fuel his songwriting… from the revenge-driven “Rest in Pieces” written at 3 a.m. after a friend’s betrayal, to the deeply personal “I’m Coming For You,” a confessional song for his 17-year-old son about balancing career and fatherhood. Ylönen shares his approach to songwriting, often composing melodies in his head before touching an instrument, and reflects on the band’s “Stay Weird” philosophy as a message against social media pressure and perfectionism. Ylönen also describes performing a charity concert in Ukraine, sleeping in bomb shelters during missile strikes, and meeting exhausted soldiers. Throughout, he discusses writing lyrics in English as a second language, how his naturally shy Finnish personality contrasts with his stage persona, and the importance of maintaining band unity with members he’s known for three decades.

In this interview, legendary KROQ DJ Richard Blade reflects on the golden age of alternative radio, crediting program director Rick Carroll's music-first philosophy for creating the environment that made the station's DJ lineup so exceptional. That lineup included our mutual friend, the late, great Dusty Street. Blade offers frank insights into today's radio landscape, which he describes as "a swamp" programmed by salespeople rather than music lovers, while sharing career advice about setting bold goals and the importance of knowing your audience. From breaking new wave bands in the '80s to his current role preserving that era's legacy, Blade discusses stories from his autobiography "World In My Eyes," including a Hollywood movie project in development based on his relationship with Berlin's Terri Nunn. Through industry changes and celebrity encounters, the interview reveals Blade's core motivation remains unchanged: he's simply a guy who loves sharing great music with people. We (Richard, myself, and my wife

When three seasoned Austin guitarists who grew up watching the same blues legends at legendary venues like Antone's and the Continental Club decide to collaborate, something special is bound to happen. That's exactly what occurred when Johnny Moeller—known for his work with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and backing artists like Marcia Ball—joined forces with Jesse Dayton and Ian Moore to form the Texas Headhunters.What started as a casual studio session between old friends has evolved into a powerhouse trio that captures the authentic spirit of Austin blues while pushing beyond traditional boundaries. Their debut album, recorded in just five days at Willie Nelson's studio, showcases not just their individual talents but their remarkable ability to weave three distinct guitar voices into a cohesive, electrifying sound.In this candid interview, Moeller opens up about the challenges and revelations of transitioning from a career spent primarily as a supporting musician to sharing frontman duties with two other guita

I interviewed Lawrence Gowan of Styx. We discussed:Their new album, Circling From Above.When the listener is nervous to hear the new album because they loved the last album.The challenge of giving yourself only three days to write and record a song.The melody idea that would not leave him alone.Their continuing embrace of song vignettes.When the final version of a song is even better than the initial idea.Creating conflict and resolution within the span of one song.

“When I gravitated back to music, it was for the right reasons.” I interviewed Kenneth Nixon of Framing Hanley. We discussed:Their new song, "Mean It".The influence of Walt Whitman's "The Poet's Purpose".The advantage of growing up across the street from the library.Developing song ideas through humming.Why he stepped away from music for a few years.Persevering despite how the social media / streaming companies work to prevent musicians from connecting with their fans

I interviewed the band Secret Monkey Weekend -- Ella (bass), Lila (drums), Jefferson (guitar). From their bio - "Ella and Lila’s father Matt, a prominent area drummer who’d toured with Hüsker Dü’s Grant Hart, passed suddenly in 2012, when his daughters were aged just 4 and 9. Matt had played in bands with Jefferson and, after his friend’s passing, Jefferson started teaching Ella guitar. A relationship with their mom, Laura, slowly blossomed." What began as a hobby / therapy evolved into a family band.We discussed:- Their new album, "Lemon Drop Hammer"- Starting so young, how Ella and Lila have adapted their playing as they have physically grown- The song "So Much Joy" and its gritty happiness- The quirky, fun title track - The great lyric "walking between raindrops" - How the music community embraced them after their dad died - The job title I have never seen in album liner notes before

I spoke with AJ Dean of The Wandering Hearts. We discussed:Deja Vu (We've All Been Here Before), their reimagining of the album by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.The rare thunderstorms that bookended their recording sessions in the California desert.Veering away from the obvious choice of who should sing lead on a song.And more.

I spoke with the band Sister Hazel, specifically Ken Block, Drew Copeland, Jett Beres, and Ryan Newell. (Drummer Mark Trojanowski was warming up because they were about to go on stage.) We discussed:- Their new album... Sand, Sea & Crash Debris- Co-writing a song with Emerson Hart of Tonic- Ken co-writing a song with his daughter - Which member of the band is "the unwriter"- The songs "Hole In Your Life," "All Goes By So Fast," and "Lay Your Worry Down"- And more 

Vulnerability with volume. Talking about the song "Wild" with Kelsy Karter.

Talking with Matt Scannell of Vertical Horizon about the song "Everything You Want" 

I interviewed Peter Holsapple, best known for his bands The dB's and the Continental Drifters, as well as his work with groups like REM and Hootie and The Blowfish. Topics and pull quotes:His new album, The Face of 68."You want to kind of go for feral performances if you can. You want it to jump out of the grooves of the record.""There's the human jukebox that's running from the second I get up to the instant I fall asleep that I can't turn off.""It's got conversation that I'm having with him beyond the pale. I need that. I need to grieve somehow."And he proves he is an even a bigger music geek than I am.

“Sometimes the moment that you think is the worst moment, the worst thing to happen, turns out to be, in hindsight, something that was necessary, maybe even profoundly a gift.”I spoke with Jim “Soni” Sonefeld of Hootie and The Blowfish. We discussed:His autobiography, “Swimming With the Blowfish: Hootie, Healing, And One Hell Of A Ride”.Overcoming his addictions.Writing about his tumultuous times in a way that did not let himself off the hook, but also did not harm his bandmates, friends, or family.The thrill and the pressure that comes with releasing one of the best selling debut albums of all time.Hearing the crowd at one of Darius Rucker’s solo concerts sing along to “Hold My Hand,” which Soni wrote.