Live from Banjo

In Episode 1 (Season 2) I speak with singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, illustrator, and actress, Nicole Atkins. We discuss her pandemic release Italian Ice, and Sinatra-esque reimagining release Memphis Ice. We discuss Nicole’s youth, her family in Neptune City, New Jersey, and her path to now. We commiserate on the acceptance of obsolete technologies and changing vernacular, and our journeys in relapse and navigating sobriety. In this week’s wrap-up, Crystal and I talk a tiny about listening to Traffic…the band, Pocket Rocker’s, Belinda Carlisle vs. Brandi Carlisle, and we go deep on Nicole’s advice to “relax your butthole.” Please enjoy the kick-off to Season 2 and set your reminders. Episode Links:Nicole's WebsiteNicole Patreon - Natkins FunhouseNicole's Music - Spotify Nicole's InstagramLive from Banjo Website Live from Banjo Instagram

In Episode 34, I speak with singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jeffrey Martin. We discuss his most recent single, “I Know What I Know,” Life as a PK in Eugene, Oregon.  Jeffrey’s songwriting, the beat writer’s place in history, “Billy Burroughs,” I fanboy out a little too much on the majesty of Jeffrey’s song Coal Fire, and we discuss the value of a bit of self-reflection. In this week’s wrap-up, Crystal and I talk a tiny about John Prine, a whole hell of a lot about William Burroughs, and a little history of the Beat Generation.  Please enjoy my conversation with the incredibly talented singer and songwriter Jeffrey Martin. SHOW LINKS:Jeffrey's Shows (Tour Dates)Jeffrey's Web PageJeffrey's InstagramLive from Banjo Patreon PageLive from Banjo Spotify PlaylistLive from Banjo InstagramLive from Banjo Website 

In Episode 33, I speak with the singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Jason Pipkin, known as The Lone Bellow's keys and bass player, but has also produced one of the bands EPs and spent some time as the band's banjo player.  Jason is also married to and has a child with Kanene Pipkin, the lead female vocalist in the Lone Bellow.  We discuss Jason's journey into the life of a professional musician, his time in the church, and where he sees himself in music after the world's shift.Crystal and I discuss glossolalia, laughter pandemics, School of Rock, and douchebags in this week's wrap-up.  Please enjoy Jason's conversation about life, love, and music. 

In Episode 32, I speak with the multi-instrumentalist and Columbus, Ohio native Evan Westfall, known for and wide as the banjo player and co-founder of the folk powerhouse CAAMP. Evan and I chat about playing for humans, young and new love, his straightforward path to being a professional musician, and the brotherhood that keeps CAAMP heading in a storied trajectory. In this week's wrap-up, Crystal and I discuss the history of The Newport Folk Festival, Albert Grossman and Coen Brother's movies, T Bone Burnett and Marcus Mumford.  Please enjoy Evan, and I's conversation discussing some of the critical factors that have gotten Ev to now. Caamp websiteCamp InstagramCaamp SpotifyEl Camino Acid SpotifySuper Sport Records websiteLive from Banjo Podcast websiteLive from Banjo Podcast PatreonLive from Banjo Instagram

In Episode 31, I talk with roots musician Noah Engh known for his distinct singing and ragtime and blues guitar and ukulele.  We discuss both Noah’s and Uke’s journies in music; we reminisce about our time in Hollywood and discuss a portion of blues and roots music history.  We also walk back through the pandemic and how Uke In A Suit came to exist, record a full-length album, and the pains of social media. Banjo, CO, also gets blessed with a live performance from “Uke In A Suit,” performing Blind Blake’s Too Time Blues.  In this week’s wrap-up, Crystal and I discuss Hollywood decapitations, hot dogs, the Iowa State Fair, the difference between a square and gerrymandering.  Now please enjoy as Noah and I “come correct” in our entertaining conversation. Noah Engh's Bandcamp Uke in A Suit's BandcampUke in A Suit's InstagramNoah Engh's InstagramKansas City Bankroll webpageLive from Banjo Podcast PatreonLive from Banjo Podcast InstagramLive from Banjo Podcast Webpage 

In Episode 30, I have a very open and vulnerable conversation with the incredibly talented singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Ana Tivel.  We discuss Ana’s new album, “Blue World,” her life-long interest in observation, violin, the sea, touring with The Shook Twins, songwriting, relationships, dealing with the pandemic, and dealing with life back in the real world, mental health, live music and more.   In this week’s wrap-up, Crystal and I discuss Nina Simone, idolize vs. idealize, ReverbNation vs. Bandcamp vs. Soundcloud vs. Myspace. Please enjoy my open and sincere conversation with Ms. Anna Tivel.Anna's WebsiteAnna's SpotifyLive from Banjo PatreonLive from Banjo Website

In Episode 29, Joe Troop and I sit down to discuss Joe's new album, Borrowed Time, co-produced with Jason Richmond (Avett Brothers, Branford Marsalis) We discuss working with legends Bela Fleck, Abigail Washburn, Tim O'Brien, and Charlie Hunter, and ow his life working with along side activists changed his viewpoint and inspired his songwriting.  We deep dive on "Rise of Dream Caldwell" and the Alamance Justice Choir.  We talk about his work at the border, the border wall's symbolism to the world, and the tragic story of those trying to flee to America for a better life. Joe and I also discuss his changed life as result of the pandemic, moving forward after COVID-19 and Che Apalache, his multiple documentaries in the works, Pickin' for Progress, the state of the country, and cussin'. In this Episodes "Wrap-up," Crystal and I discuss the Delta Variant, Dreama Caldwell, rage painting pixies, Woody Guthrie, the history of US school shootings, and our own histories with "cussin." Please enjoy my conversation with the inspirational and always unpredictable Mr. Joe Troop.  

In episode 28, Marcus talks with Singer, Songwriter and Guitarist Lauren Morrow. They discuss her upcoming solo debut LP, her and her husband Jason’s transition from Atlanta and The Whiskey Gentry, songwriting in Nashville, growing up as the child of an addict, writing with Sadler Vaden, alcohol vs. marijuana, micro-dosing,  and aliens.  In the wrap-up, Crystal and Marcus discuss being too PC, Gonzo Journalism, The Streets, the major scale and the psychedelics.Lauren Morrow WebpageLauren Morrow InstagramLauren Morrow FacebookLauren Morrow YouTubeLive from Banjo Podcast InstagramLive from Banjo Patreon Page 

In Episode 27, I sit down with Keith Billik, the podcast host for The Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast.  This week’s episode discusses Keith’s introduction to music through his mom’s homemade La Bamba soundtrack bootleg.  We chat about his time studying audio engineering at Michigan State University, his rise to floor manager at Elderly Instruments, and his eventual transition to becoming a lawyer.  Keith also discusses putting family before music and not moving forward with Lindsay Lou and The Flatbellys. We cover his whole journey from being a banjo-playing lawyer to a banjo-playing podcast host lawyer.  Keith and I also discuss some of the things we have learned about life, music, and our personal speech deficiencies while producing podcasts.In this week’s wrap-up, Crystal and I discuss “The Day The Music Died,” Brazil the movie, Django Reinhardt’s candle injuries, and podcast stuff. Please enjoy my interview with Mr. Keith BillikPicky Fingers Website  and PodcastPicky Fingers PatreonKorean Dog Meat Documentary  

In Episode 26, I sit down with Lauren and Daniel Goans of Lowland Hum. Both members of the husband and wife duo split singing and songwriting duty for the band. During the pandemic, they brought a child into the world and have already had to learn how to navigate writing, recording, and producing with a newborn in tow.  Their little guy also makes a few vocal appearances in the show. We review their process covering Peter Gabriel's SO from top to bottom and what it took to release by the album's 35th birthday. Daniel and Lauren walk us through their early roots in music and examine their "kind of" serious campaign to #supportquietmusic.  While Daniel and I traverse our very coincidentally similar youth experiences as tall and lanky fellows in the South.  Crystal and I cover Say Anything, James Taylor, Max Headroom vs. Rosey as A.I. frontiers-"people" and more.Please enjoy my honest, open, and quiet… not always quiet… conversation with Lauren and Daniel Goan's, a.k.a Lowland HumLowland Hum homeGolden Hour Lowland Hum PatreonLowland Hum Instagram