It’s been 30 years since three music business renegades created a radio chart for an emerging alt-country, roots music wave they called Americana. Now that it’s a mature format and movement, we’re seeing books emerge on the history of this idea. Poets And Dreamers: My Life In Americana Music is Tamara Saviano’s contribution, a warm and affectionate, people-driven story about a community and a big bold commitment to art over commerce. As publicist/tour manager for Kris Kristofferson and biographer of Guy Clark, she’s had an insider’s view, and it comes out in this fun romp of a read. She’s also my old friend, so this is a cozy and fascinating talk.
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Hayes Carll is such an admired veteran of the Texas songwriting tradition that his visage is painted on a sign along with Townes Van Zandt at the Old Quarter Cafe in Galveston. Over ten albums, he’s matched cleverness with insight and tenderness with roadhouse rock and roll. In this self-effacing interview, Carll talks about his apprentice years at that storied bar, his adjustments after being signed to a Music Row label, and his vulnerable new album We’re Only Human. -
After a three-year tutelage with Old Crow Medicine Show, multi-faceted Appalachian artist Mason Via has set out on his own road. He was raised in bluegrass festival campgrounds and at picking parties hosted by his dad, songwriter and musician David Via. Bluegrass royalty hung out at his home near the North Carolina/Virginia border, and it’s rubbed off. After trying a few musical directions, Via’s self-titled album of this year shows range, depth, and a command of bluegrass and country moods. Meet a 28-year-old you’ll be hearing a lot more about if you follow acoustic roots. -
The Carolina Chocolate Drops changed roots music history between forming in 2005 and disbanding about a decade later. In Don’t Get Trouble in Your Mind: The Carolina Chocolate Drops’ Story, independent filmmaker John Whitehead bears witness to every stage of their journey, including their first meeting, their tutelage with fiddler Joe Thompson, their rise to Grammy-winning fame, and their dissolution amid different priorities and personal strife. It is newly available to stream free on several platforms.
WMOT VIDEO: LIVE SESSIONS ON NPR MUSIC
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Earlier this month, Maia Sharp performed a stripped-down set of songs from her upcoming record, Tomboy, at WMOT's backstage studio at Riverside Revival. Watch the full performance here. -
Ruston Kelly performed stripped-down versions of "Half Past Three", "Wayside", and "Twisted Root" from his upcoming record 'Pale, Through the Window' live at the WMOT Studio. Watch the full performance here. -
Molly Tuttle performed stripped-down versions of "The Highway Knows", "Old Me (New Wig)", and "That's Gonna Leave a Mark" from her latest release, 'So Long Little Miss Sunshine'. In an interview with Jessie Scott, Molly talks about the inspiration behind the album artwork and the record's sonic and lyrical departure. -
Ahead of their main stage performances at last week's Wired In at Riverside Revival, Anderson East and Hayes Carll dropped by WMOT's backstage studio to play a stripped-down set of songs from their latest records. Watch the full sessions here.
LINER NOTES
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Jessie ScottMaygen (Megan) & The Birdwatcher sat down with Jessie Scott for Words & Music. -
Jessie Scott sat down with Carlene Carter for a WMOT Words & Music session at Riverside Revival.
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