Classic Episode - Allison Russell
Friday · 1 hr 1 min
TW
Music
The Working Songwriter
Joe Pug
Joe Pug hosts a weekly conversation with one of today's best songwriters.
The Working Songwriter is a part of the Bluegrass Situation Podcast Network. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods
Over 300 catalog episodes available to stream in the Nation of Heat Vault. Visit joepugmusic.com/vault
- 20 episodes
- Updated Friday
- Explicit
Episodes20
- TW
Chicago Farmer
Our guest this week is Cody Diekhoff, better known as Chicago Farmer. He grew up in the small farming community of Delavan, Illinois, before moving to Chicago in 2003. Over the past two decades, he has built a devoted following through relentless touring, first as a solo performer and more recently with his band, the Fieldnotes. Along the way, he has shared stages with Robert Earl Keen, Todd Snider, Greg Brown, the Wood Brothers, Elizabeth Cook, Wayne Hancock, Greensky Bluegrass, Del McCoury and Gene Ween. His album Flyover Country was recorded with members of the Band of Heathens. and 2026’s Homeaid, his first full-length release in six years. Flyover Country Elmore Magazine says he has “the novelist’s gift of building a suspenseful story to a surprising conclusion.” No Depression declared: “If the Midwest is looking for a voice, the search is over.” And the Chicago Tribune praised him for “some of the better roots songwriting in Chicago today.” Cody is a very very old friend of mine. We were both coming up in the Chicago folk music scene 20 years ago. He’s one of my favorite modern artists. And he should have been on this podcast many years ago by now. I got a chance to catch up with him on the phone a few weeks ago to hear about his journey so far.
July 24 · 47 min - TW
Classic Episode - They Might Be Giants
This episode originally aired on November 5th, 2021. John Flansburgh, one of the founding members of this groundbreaking indie-rock institution, stops by the show to talk about his creative process and how his band has navigated the music business for the last four decades.
July 17 · 54 min - TW
Gabe Dixon and Mike Mattison of the Tedeschi Trucks Band
Our guests this week are Gabe Dixon and Mike Mattison of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, the Grammy-winning roots ensemble led by Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks. Formed in 2010, their debut album, Revelator, won the Grammy Award for Best Blues Album, and the group has since become one of the country’s premier live bands, selling out Madison Square Garden and playing more than twenty shows at Red Rocks. Mike Mattison has been working with Derek Trucks for more than two decades. He joined the Derek Trucks Band as lead vocalist in the early 2000s and became a founding member of the Tedeschi Trucks Band. He is also one of the group’s principal lyricists and co-wrote one of its best-known songs, “Midnight in Harlem.” Keyboardist, singer and songwriter Gabe Dixon joined the Tedeschi Trucks Band in 2019. Before that, he led the Gabe Dixon Band and built a solo career of his own. Within Tedeschi Trucks Band, Dixon has become a key songwriter, vocalist and instrumentalist. The band has appeared on Austin City Limits, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel Live NPR called the band “a deeply skilled and spirited ensemble,” while Rolling Stone has praised its “freewheeling, soulful sound.” I got a chance to catch up with Gabe and Mike to hear about their musical journeys so far.
July 10 · 41 min - TW
Classic Episode - Robert Finley
This episode was originally published on March 5th, 2021. The renowned troubadour from Louisiana found his commercial success in music later in life; he reflects on the journey that brought him to that peak. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods
July 3 · 1 hr 7 min - TW
Novelist, Stephen Markley
This week on The Working Songwriter, we're thrilled to step out of our normal comfort zone by welcoming one of the country's most acclaimed young novelists. Originally from Mount Vernon, Ohio, author Stephen Markley now makes his home in Los Angeles. He attended Miami University (of Ohio) for his undergraduate degree before being accepted into the prestigious Iowa Writers Workshop. Simon & Schuster published his debut novel, 'Ohio,' in 2018. The book was widely praised for its unflinching portrait of post-9/11 rust-belt America. Then, in 2023, he returned with the massively popular novel, 'The Deluge,' a work of ficiton about climate change that 'The New York Times' named as one of its notable books. 'The NYT Book Review' also said that, "'The Deluge 'shows the range of its author's gifts: polyphonic narration, silken sentences and elaborate world-building." Of the same book none other than Stephen King said, "[It is] simply put a modern classic. If you read it you'll never forget it." He also named it as the favorite book he had read the year that he read it. Markley also works as a screenwriter in LA as a member of the writers room for the Hulu comedy series 'Only Murders in the Building,' which stars Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez. What a thrill it is to welcome onto the show such a profoundly talented artist who falls outside our normal realm of expertise... I think there's a lot for songwriters to learn on this cross-discipline episode of the podcast. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods
June 26 · 51 min - TW
Classic Episode - Dashboard Confessional
This episode originally aired on June 25th, 2021. Chris Carrabba, the auteur behind this legendary emo band, discusses the twists and turns of a career that has included Gold records, MTV music awards, and truly devoted fanbase.
June 19 · 58 min - TW
Dale Watson
Our guest this week was born in Birmingham, Alabama, but, just like Davey Crockett, got to Texas as soon as he could. Dale Watson began his musical career playing the clubs of Houston before decamping to Austin and becoming a fixture in the live music capital of the world. The music machine in Nashville never fully embraced Watson’s traditionalist combination of Western swing, rockabilly, and country, but he’s built a devoted cult following the world over on his own. It’s a style of music that he calls “Ameripolitan.” Watson has toured with all the greats: Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson. He’s appeared on The Late Show with David Lettermen, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and of course Austin City Limits. He’s performed at Stagecoach, Bristol Rhythm & Roots, and a host of other festivals. He was a 2005 Austin Music Hall of Fame inductee and he was awarded the title of Texas State Musician in 2007. He founded the Ameripolitan Music Awards in 2014. The Austin Chronicle calls him their “local honky tonk hero” and Saving Country Music says that “Dale Watson is all about keeping the honky tonk traditions alive.” I got a chance to catch up with Watson a few months ago to hear about his musical journey so far. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods
June 12 · 43 min - TW
Classic Episode - Marcus King
This Greenville, South Carolina native is a Grammy-nominated troubadour known for his tireless touring schedule. Originally aired on December 18th, 2020.
June 5 · 42 min - TW
Joe Pernice
Our guest on the Working Songwriter this week hails originally from Boston, Massachusetts and now makes his home in Toronto. Joe Pernice got his musical start, though, in Northampton, MA. At the time, it was a hot bed of indie music creativity. His band the Scud Mountain Boys built a loyal following in the 1990s with a string of critically acclaimed releases. He’s recorded for Sub Pop, One Little Indian, Team Love, and New West Records. Over the years Pernice has collaborated with a variety of blue-chip songwriters such as Aimee Mann, Neko Case, Norman Blake (of Teenage Fanclub), Jimmy Webb, Rodney Crowell, and Jim White. He’s also a man of many talents; his novel It Feels So Good When I Stop was published by Penguin Books in 2009. NPR calls him “a workhorse of a songwriter who delivers hard truths with the softest of whispers.” Brooklyn Vegan declared, “Few songwriters today imbue frustration and anguish into the sweetest of melodies as Joe Pernice.” I got a chance to catch up with him a few months ago to hear about his musical journey so far. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods
May 29 · 55 min - TW
Classic Episode - Joan Osborne
This episode was originally aired on September 18th, 2020. The celebrated singer and songwriter describes her initial ascent to the top of the charts with her debut album and how she has been able to string together many interesting chapters of her career.
May 22 · 55 min - TW
Eddie Schwartz
Our guest this week on the Working Songwriter hails from Canada and has spent over four decades writing hit songs. Eddie Schwartz got his start as a solo artist, but has found great success writing for and with other artists. His song "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" was recorded by Pat Benatar and became a certified platinum crossover hit. He went on to pen songs for Donna Summer, the Doobie Brothers, the Pointer Sisters, and many others. As a former president of the Songwriters Association of Canada and North American and a president of the International Council of Music Creators, Schwartz has been a tireless advocate for songwriters. He's received multiple BMI, SOCAN, and JUNO Awards. In 2012, he was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honors. I got a chance to catch up with Mr. Schwartz a few months ago to hear about his musical journey so far. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods
May 15 · 57 min - TW
Classic Episode - Kevin Morby
The Kansas City bred songwriter tells the story of his journey toward his distinctive brand of indie rock. This episode originally aired on October 9, 2020.
May 8 · 1 hr - TW
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Our guest this week on the Working Songwriter hails from my neck of the woods, Washington, D.C. Mary Chapin Carpenter got her start in the proto-Americana music scene of 1970s and '80s D.C. She broke out of that local circuit with her signing to Columbia Records; her debut album went quadruple platinum. She’s toured with Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, and Rosanne Cash, she’s won five GRAMMY Awards, two CMA Awards, and two Academy of Country Music Awards. Her song, “Shut Up and Kiss Me,” went to the top of the country radio charts. Chapin Carpenter has appeared on the Late Night with David Letterman and Rolling Stone calls her "one of the most grounded, sentient songwriters of her generation." NPR has said that she’s “a singular voice in country and folk” and the New York Times praises her “intelligent, literate songwriting with emotional depth.” Simply put, she’s an all-timer. I got a chance to catch up with her earlier this year and hear about her musical journey so far. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods
May 1 · 39 min - TW
Classic Episode - John Craigie
This episode was originally aired on August 14th, 2020. This troubadour based in Portland OR has carved out a national audience for his heartfelt, wry folk songs. He speaks about crafting his shows, keeping them fresh night to night, and recording albums in an unconventional way.
April 24 · 54 min - TW
Charles Kelley of Lady A
Our guest on the Working Songwriter this week hails from Augusta, Georgia, but has made his professional bones in Music City, USA. Charles Kelley was one of the founding members of Lady Antebellum – now known as Lady A – and is one of the group’s principal songwriters. Their crossover hit, “Need You Now,” became one of the defining songs of the 2010s. Lady A have sold over 18 million albums, won 7 GRAMMY awards, and their songs have been streamed over 5 billion times. Along the way Charles has also released a pair of solo albums, including last year’s Songs for a New Moon. He’s recorded for Capitol Records Nashville and Big Machine and he’s toured with Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and many others. He’s also appeared on The Tonight Show and The Late Show with David Letterman. Rolling Stone has said that Lady A’s “vocal harmonies helped redefine country radio in the 2010s” and Billboard calls them “one of Nashville’s most successful songwriting teams.” I got a chance to catch up with Charles a few months ago to hear about his musical journey so far. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods
April 17 · 37 min - TW
Classic Episode - Courtney Marie Andrews
This episode originally aired on November 30th, 2018. The acclaimed songwriter from Phoenix talks about touring as a backup musician, producing her own breakout album, and her love of the road.
April 10 · 1 hr 1 min - TW
Ricky Montgomery
Our guest this week on the Working Songwriter resides in Los Angeles, but spent many of his formative years in St. Louis, Missouri. Ricky Montgomery first built an audience on Vine in his early twenties before releasing his self-titled debut album in 2016. That bedroom pop album was a cult favorite until 2020, when several of its songs exploded on TikTok, leading to a deal with Warner Records. Montgomery's singles, “Line Without a Hook” and “Mr. Loverman,” are RIAA-certified platinum and, all told, his catalog has collected more than a billion streams worldwide. That grassroots support has led to headlining tours with stops at the Wiltern in Los Angeles, Iriving Plaza in New York City, and the Pageant in St. Louis, to name just a few. This interview was recorded nearly 18 months ago and has been delayed due to a snafu on my end, but I’m so glad we get to hear it now. I think you’ll very much enjoy hearing about Ricky’s musical journey through his own words. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods
April 3 · 46 min - TW
Classic Episode: Lee Ann Womack
This episode was originally aired on June 29th, 2018 One of Nashville's favorite daughters, by way of Jacksonville Texas, discusses arriving for writing appointments with children in tow, finding song inspiration in everyday conversation, and dealing with the success of an international crossover hit.
March 27 · 31 min - TW
Fruition
Our guests this week got their start busking on the streets of Portland, Oregon, but it wasn't long before their popularity pulled them onto the open road. Jay Cobb Anderson and Kellen Asebroek are pivotal and founding members of roots music band Fruition. They have toured with Greensky Bluegrass, the Infamous Stringdusters, Yonder Mountain String Band, and many others and have appeared at iconic festivals such as Telluride Bluegrass Festival, WinterWonderGrass, and the Northwest String Summit. Fruition's 2018 release, 'Watching It All Fall Apart,' debuted at #3 on the 'Billboard' Bluegrass Albums Chart. 'Billboard' said, "Fruition have matured into one of America's most compelling roots acts" while 'Rolling Stone Country' noted that, "The trio's harmonies are as tight as anything coming out of Nashville." 'No Depression' declared that they're "a band whose chemistry feels lived-in and wholly authentic." I got a chance to catch up with them a while back to hear about their musical journey so far. Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods
March 20 · 54 min