Hey Dirtbags! This week’s episode of A Dirtbag’s Guide to Life On The Road is a really special one. I got to sit down with Craig Finn of The Hold Steady a while back and talk about his life in music. From his first guitar lessons and being turned on to independent record stores, to what it takes to make a band like The Hold Steady be able to exist for 20+ years. I even got to deep dive into his process of writing the song that first pulled me into his songwriting and stories, Magic Marker.
It was a weird time in my life when I first heard that song, and I was really drawn to the hyper detailed story he was able to create within such a short format of a song.
I remember listening to Magic Marker over and over and thinking “man, I’d really like to talk to Craig about that song.” Life being the unpredictably poetic thing that it is, a few years later I was asked to guitar tech for them on some shows, and I eventually worked up the nerve to ask Craig to come on the podcast. He was enthusiastic at the idea and I’m super grateful for that. I’m also really grateful for the times I’ve been able to work with The Hold Steady and see how much fun they all have every single time they are on stage. It’s inspiring, and I suggest you see The Hold Steady, or Craig Finn live as soon as you have the chance.
Get tickets to see The Hold Steady Live!
See Craig play solo in Europe the UK and US later this year!
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