http://yourstorywelltold.com/tmfwpodcastnet/audio/JeffriesVidoTrim2.mp4




Stream or download Episode #96 featuring Scott Jeffries: Scott Jeffries 2021



Scott Jeffries is a restless sort, and like any good songwriter, he’ll take inspiration where he can find it. Over a goodly stretch of the 2020’s pandemic-induced slowdown, Jeffries took a handful of cues from a local songwriting challenge and compiled a collection of 10 songs that blossomed into his solo debut, Bloom.





Press play to listen to Bloom on your Spotify account.



Inspired by Scott’s efforts, the podcast team reassembled via Zoom to bring you the first new episode of That Much Further West Podcast in more than a year. For Episode #96, show co-hosts Eric Kotila and Phil Favorite are joined by our show engineer Rich West Blatt and the aforementioned Mr. Jeffries, who sheds some light on the songwriting process and subsequent recording of the songs for Bloom, as well as his intention to perform the songs live in the coming weeks. Having been a guest on the podcast previously as a member of the bands Spirit Lake and Stars of Cascadia, Jeffries is all too familiar with our usual podcast hijinks (and how it’s often reflected in a bottle of brown liquor), and having Rich speak to the recording process seemed appropriate considering he played lead guitar on the entire album!Like so many of you, our daily lives shifted severely at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and though we’ve tried to bring you occasional fresh postings in the form of playlists and archived interviews during the global shutdown, our team still hasn’t quite settled on a way to progress with bonafide podcast episodes recorded in a way other than our regular, shoulder-to-shoulder style.Call us Neanderthals if you’d like, because you’ll see from the video above, it ain’t always pretty. But after a year of no shows, canceled festivals and no reasonable place to gather to meet with and interview an artist in person, taking a break just seemed to make sense. Throw in each of team’s personal protocols limiting contact, and some of our work schedules flung out of whack — you get an idea how real life suddenly impacted this podcast.But for the time being, in whatever way, shape or form, damn, it feels great to be back. So dial up the show and listen to our interview with Scott along with songs from Bloom. Here’s a list of the tunes in the order in which they appear on the show. Enjoy!Your Last Fourth of JulyBloomThoughts and PrayersBirthrightNew NormalHomewardSomeday







On Friday, April 2, Bandcamp will be waiving its hosting fees on all downloads and purchases, meaning 100 percent of money spent goes to the artist! You can download “Bloom” at Bandcamp here.In Portland, you can catch Scott Jeffries and his band performing songs from Bloom on the outdoor patio stage at Alberta Street Pub on April 29. They’ll be joined on the bill by the Colin Trio. Tickets go on sale soon. Watch the calendar here for updates.

http://yourstorywelltold.com/tmfwpodcastnet/audio/RadioReceiverINTfix.mp4
Nate Wallace of Radio Receiver joins our guy Phil Favorite for a video chat about his new project and its self-titled album.



Stream or download our interview with Nate Wallace and songs from Radio Receiver: Radio Receiver Feb ’21



Songs included on the podcast:Soldier’s BoyOne Way To Slice A PieLonesome As No Other PartDreamers Need Believers



Radio Receiver, Self-titled(2020, Deer Lodge Records)By Phil FavoriteThat Much Further West Podcast



Some of the best storytellers are those third-wheel types. That quiet guy at the end of the bar with the rabbit ears and a knack for being invited into conversation. That super-sharp gal with a keen eye for detail and razor tongue riding shotgun with her friends, keeping them laughing with non-stop colorful commentary.



Songwriter Nate Wallace tells his stories like a guy standing at a gas station who just overheard two men plotting a crime. When his story starts, you immediately know you’re in for it, and you can bet you’re gonna get some juicy details along the way.On the new self-titled record by Radio Receiver, Wallace steps away from his role as leader of the Portland-based country psych rock band Hearts of Oak to deliver a fresh batch of song cut from the same mold but left a little more open and spare.There’s a sweetness to Wallace’s voice that adds a vulnerability and authenticity to these storyteller songs, and it shines especially bright when complemented by the backing and harmony vocals on Radio Receiver.With Mark Folkrod on drums, Jason Willmon on bass and Anna Verlet on violin, the band plays it close to the vest, allowing Wallace’s acoustic guitar and voice to remain at the fore and leaving space for ace producer Ezra Meredith to sprinkle bits of sonic color all over the record.Radio Receiver has a cinematic feel to it with swells of action and dramatic pauses that allow you to catch your breath during an overall thrilling ride. It’s a fine collection of tunes by a terrific songwriter who clearly works at his craft and who always has a great story to tell.



RIYL: Songs: Ohia, Silver Jews, Hiss Golden Messenger

Stream or download Election Season Podcast Picks: Election Season Picks







“Summer in Portland, everything’s fine.” Well, we made it through what we hope is the worst of Protest Season. Now it’s Election Season, and we’ve put together this collection of songs to celebrate any and all commentary on the sorry state of our nation. MAGA? Um, no.But before we let some of our favorite alt-country authorities put in their two cents, we share a song from the great new album by our pals Wanderlodge. “River Don’t Care” from the record Cypress Mountain Drive is an example of how deftly Kris Stuart and Matt Cadenelli can take someone else’s song, make it their own, and take it to a whole new audience.Make no mistake, though — there are plenty of terrific originals on the new record. Learn all about it in the short film posted above.We also share a song from Lydia Loveless’ fantastic new album as well as cool new cuts from Otis Gibbs, Brent Cobb, Karen Jonas, Orville Peck, Matt Woods and a scorcher called “Born To Lose” by Chicago’s David Quinn, featuring the smoldering slide guitar of Laur Joamets (Drivin’ N Cryin’, Sturgill Simpson).New to our podcast ears, we present music from Victoria Bailey, Waxahatchee, Tennessee Jet and Juliet McConkey. And don’t miss the beautiful and sad video below for the song “American Tears” by Silver Lake 66.We end things on a bit of a somber note, recognizing the passing (way, way too soon) of the great Justin Townes Earle, who in recent years moved to Portland and became part of the fabric of our community. His sudden and shocking death left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled. RIP, JTE.So give it all a listen, then get out there and VOTE! Here’s the songlist for our Election Season Podcast Picks:River Don’t Care, WanderlodgeThe New OK, Drive-By TruckersAmerican Tears, Silver Lake 66Down To The Well, The Long RydersAll American Singer, Zephaniah OHoraSay My Name, Lydia LovelessBorn To Lose, David QuinnNine Foot Problem, Otis GibbsSkid Row, Victoria BaileyKeep ‘Em On They Toes, Brent CobbSweet Mess, Jaime WyattLegends Never Die (with Shania Twain), Orville PeckStray Dogs, Tennessee JetCan’t Do Much, WaxahatcheeHeat, TK & The Holy Know-NothingsDisappearing Girl, Juliet McConkeyPink Leather Boots, Karen JonasSunshine, Matt WoodsI’m So Good At Absolutely Nothing, Possessed By Paul JamesLearning To Cry, Justin Townes Earle

Konrad Wert, aka, Possessed By Paul James unleashing his energetic musical maelstrom on the crowd at the Wildwood MusicFest and Campout. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.



Stream or download Midsummer Podcast Picks: Midsummer ’20 Podcast Picks



Folks who follow this show know how connected our podcast team is to the Wildwood MusicFest & Campout in Sheridan, OR, USA. Our co-hosts Mike Lee and Eric Kotila serve as masters of cermonies at the annual event, and the team records interviews with the festival’s various musical acts throughout the weekend.Sadly, this year’s festival — like so many across the country — had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We deeply missed spending time with all our friends and so many of the scheduled acts who have become great friends over the years.One friend we especially missed at Wildwood this year was Konrad Wert, the guitar-strumming, fiddle-playing, foot-stompin’ singer who labels his act Possessed By Paul James. Ready to celebrate the release of his terrific 2020 album As We Go Wandering, the congenial and inspirational Mr. Wert was forced to cancel his early summer tour plans, including a trip to our neck of the woods in the Pacific Northwest.We were bummed to miss seeing PPJ in action, and that’s why we feature a song from the new record to kick off this collection of Midsummer Podcast Picks. The track “In the Dark of Morning” is part of a large batch of new music featured here, along with new songs from Courtney Marie Andrews, Great Peacock, Charley Crockett, Lydia Loveless and the indomitable Matt Woods.We also draw a few picks from some of the our favorite records from 2020 so far, including cuts from Jaime Wyatt, Hill Country, Lilly Hiatt, Margo Price and Joshua Ray Walker. The crew also did some excellent mining to find great songs from S.G. Goodman, Vincent Neil Emerson, Sarah Gayle Meech and Kaitlin Butts, who will be part of this weekend’s virtual Braun Brothers Reunion (click here to see the incredible talent lined up for that event).And speaking of virtual festivals, scroll down to watch the virtual Wildwood festival — hosted by our own lovable podcast co-host Mike Lee. It’s a fun celebration of the festival that helped salve some of the deepest wounds caused by this pandemic.But before we leave you, we had to share a couple of songs to let you know that, yes, Portland, OR, USA is still standing. The overblown descriptions of fire and destruction as portrayed by the national media and swallowed whole and parroted by conservatives across the country were nothing but another massive lie perpetrated by the current President of the United States and his “homeland security” henchmen.Donald Trump’s a true instigator, as described by the great Portland-based singer Fernando, who panders to the grievance merchants at the center of the latest incendiary classic by Mike Cooley and his band Drive-By Truckers.So, lots to digest here, folks. Better get started. Here’s the playlist for our Midsummer Podcast Picks:In the Dark of Morning, Possessed By Paul JamesIt Must Be Someone Else’s Fault, Courtney Marie AndrewsPalomino Gold, Hill CountryLove Is Not Enough, Lydia LovelessWhat Else Would You Have Me Be? LuceroI’m Looking For Blue Eyes, Jessi ColterGoodbye Queen, Jaime WyattFool Somebody Else, Charley CrockettTomorrow’s All We Have, Matt WoodsSpace And Time, S.G. GoodmanWillie Nelson’s Wall, Vincent Neil EmersonWhite River, Kaitlin ButtsAll I Ever Do, Great PeacockBrightest Star, Lilly HiattTrue Instigator, FernandoWhat Happened To Our Love? Margo PriceBoat Show Girl, Joshua Ray WalkerSomebody’s Gonna Cry, Sarah Gayle MeechShotgun Betty, Sarah ShookGrievance Merchants, Drive-By Truckers

Margo Price’s third album, “That’s How Rumors Get Started,” is due July 10. Photo by Bobbi Rich.



Stream or download June Podcast Picks: June ’20 Podcast Picks



The COVID-19 pandemic has rocked the music world in a way we may never see again in our lifetimes. Nearly every band, venue, festival and fan — not to mention the millions whose livelihoods are connected the business — has been forced to take a time out of some sort. Cancelations. Rescheduling. And for some, the bad fortune of having their record releases and related tours put on hold.Not too many can say they’ve had it with both barrels like Margo Price, the Tennessee-based alt-country singer who had planned to release her much anticipated third album, That’s How Rumors Get Started, in May. She also had a scheduled opening slot on the first leg of Chris Stapleton’s planned tour, which would have reached our corner of the world, the Pacific Northwest, this coming weekend.Not only was all put on hold, but Price suffered a scare when her husband was stricken with the virus, which took a heavy toll on his health. Now he’s recovering, and Price has been leaking songs from the new record ahead of a rescheduled release date of July 10.We kick off this month’s podcast picks with “Letting Me Down,” the most recently release track from Rumors. The new songs find Ms. Price and her rock solid band in excellent form (see the video below) and should have fans revved up and ready when she returns to touring in America later this year.We also have great new songs for summer from Hellbound Glory, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Brent Cobb, Blackberry Smoke, Ashley McBryde and more.New to our podcast ears is the talented Mickey Guyton, who shares her latest release, “Black Like Me,” among a bit of controversy. In a recent interview, the talented L.A.-based country singer said she was snubbed from participating in last year’s video for “Redesigning Women” by the Highwoman — the video featured not only members of the all-female fronted supergroup but also a number of other Nashville female singers still trying to get the recognition they deserve. Kudos to Highwoman Maren Morris for owning the mistake and expressing her regret, but maybe the talented Ms. Guyton will pick up some new fans as a result. Consider us in that mix.We also feature a few more newcomers, including veteran country rocker Carla Olson from her new album of duets, and delightful songs from Tessy Lou Williams and Zach Aaron, two rising star of country.Lots to chew on here, folks, so dig right in. Here’s the playlist for our June Podcast Picks:Letting Me Down, Margo PriceSweet Saint Me, Two Cow GarageMexicali Run, Left Arm TanBlack Like Me, Mickey GuytonDreamsicle, Jason Isbell and the 400 UnitRiver Town, The Harmed BrothersSouthern Child, Blackberry SmokeRattlesnake Girl, Jaime WyattHank Williams Lifestyle, Hellbound GloryThe World Is Ending, Brent CobbSmooth Shot of Whiskey, Mike and the MoonpiesMockingbird, Quaker City Night HawksWhy Do I Still Want You, Tessy Lou WilliamsVoodoo Doll, Ashley McBrydeProud Mary, Solomon BurkeFill Dirt Wanted, Zach AaronTimber, I’m Falling In Love, Carla Olson with Stephen McCarthyBabies In Cages, Drive-By TruckersBefore That Final Bell, Western Centuries




https://youtu.be/Yr-6_pKLwqM

Portland’s Golden Promise (l to r): Erik Clampitt, Scott Pettitt, Lucas Jones, Jason Fleming and Sean Burke. Photo by Joel Gaddis



Stream or download May Podcast Picks: May ’20 Podcast PicksNew albums from several of our favorite national artists (Caleb Caudle, Jason Isbell, Western Centuries, etc.) have helped sustain us through the past few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, but nothing can replace the joy of watching our favorite local bands tear it up in our favorite local bars.The podcast’s first pandemic casualty happened nearly two months ago, when a scheduled podcast episode featuring local honky tonk band Golden Promise had to be cancelled. Talk about bad timing — Golden Promise’s debut album, Long Days, Sleepless Nights, hit the streets just as local Portland bars and businesses were closing and social distancing measures firmly put in place.







So for our May Podcast Picks, we kick it off with a handful of our favorite local bands. Batting leadoff is “I Ain’t Drunk” from Golden’s Promise’s debut. It’s designed to launch you with style into a weekend of isolation drinking.We also have great new songs from former Podcast guests Chuck Westmoreland and the Harmed Brothers, tunes from local faves Jenny Don’t & The Spurs, Roselit Bone and Richmond Fontaine as well as great new songs from Lucinda Williams, American Aquarium, Jaime Wyatt, John Baumann, Whitney Rose and John Anderson.We also share another stunner from Tanya Tucker’s award-winning record from last year, While I’m Living; we pay tribute to the late John Prine; and eventually wrap things up with a classic from the one-off album from 15 years ago by The Drams.So if you can, take The Drams advice — get “Unhinged” this weekend and crank up our May Podcast Picks! Here’s the playlist:I Ain’t Drunk, Golden PromiseThe Serpent and The Swan, Chuck WestmorelandAll The Same, The Harmed BrothersNobody’s Crying Over You, Jenny Don’t & The SpursLaughlin, NV, Roselit BoneYou Can’t Rule Me, Lucinda Williams$87 and a Guilty Conscience That Gets Worse The Longer I Go, Richmond Fontaine1000 Cities Failing (Part 1), The SadiesA Better South, American AquariumBy Your Side, Jaime WyattLightning On The Mountain, Kyle NixThis Country Doesn’t Sound The Same, John BaumannIn A Rut, Whitney RoseGhost Town, Sarah Shook & The DevilI’m Still Hanging On, John AndersonIllegal Smile, John PrineThe Wheels of Laredo, Tanya TuckerHere’s To You, The SilosUnhinged, The Drams

Sammy Brue . . . bringing it in the RV at the 2019 Wildwood MusicFest & Campout. Video by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.



Stream or download Wildwood ’19 Sessions with Sammy Brue: Wildwood ’19 Sammy Brue



Sammy Brue was just 13 years old when he first graced the stage at the Wildwood MusicFest & Campout, the annual summertime music gathering in Sheridan, OR, USA.That was five years ago.Returning to the festival last summer with a few more road miles and most of his teenage years behind him, Sammy showed up at Wildwood ’19 with a full band a handful of great new songs that he had just recorded in Britain.Our podcast team seized an opportunity to hole up with Sammy in the festival RV to record this solo session. He debuts a few songs from his upcoming record Crash Test Kid, due out June 12 on New West Records, and also talks about recording the new record, making connections in Europe and the scene of young listeners and concert goers he’s reaching out to in his songs.Like a lot of our favorite artists, Sammy’s been sidelined by the restrictions revolving around the current global health pandemic. But stay on the look out for Sammy as the record is released and he makes his way around the world as one of the hottest young songwriters in folk and rock.Here’s a playlist of the songs included in the podcast. Enjoy!“The Catch,” from the Down With Desperation EP (2018)“Teenage Mayhem,” Live in the Podcast RV“Crash Test Kid,” Live in the Podcast RV“True Believer,” from Crash Test Kid (2020)



Sammy Brue on stage at the 2019 Wildwood MusicFest & Campout.

Jaime Wyatt leads off our Springtime Podcast Picks with her new song “Neon Cross.”



Stream or download Springtime Podcast Picks: Springtime ’20 Podcast Picks



The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the springtime plans of nearly every active or traveling musician to mush. Countless festivals and tours have been canceled, and especially hard hit are those who had big-time plans built around the release of new albums in the spring months.Our Springtime Podcast Picks shine the spotlight on many of the artists from the Americana and alt-country realm who had the rug pulled out from under the tour and release plans they had for March, April, May and even June.The best way to support these artists currently is to purchase the music and merchandise they make available online and/or through their record labels. Now is a great time to pre-order some of the records with songs featured on this podcast, so if you hear something you like, be bold — take some time to learn more about what they have going on and available for purchase online.We’ll continue to share more music and news as we hunker down from our base in Portland, OR, USA, and try to stay connected with the fans of so many of the great artists we’ve come to love here at That Much Further West Podcast.In the meantime, here’s a blast of the freshest cuts from some of our favorites. These songs are here to keep you company and help you get through these strange days were living through together. Enjoy!



Neon Cross, Jaime WyattBe Afraid, Jason IsbellMonte Carlo, Caleb CaudleIf I’m Lucky, Jeff CrosbyTwinkle Twinkle, Margo PricePatrick’s Crossing, Brian Wright & The SneakupsHeart Broke Syndrome, Western CenturiesThe First Fool, Golden PromiseThe Luckier You Get, American AquariumCandy Lunch, Lilly HiattYears, John AndersonBlue-Eyed Wanderer, Matt WoodsIf You Ain’t Happy Now (You Never Will Be), Jesse DanielDamned Angel, Hellbound GloryKina Lyn, I’m So TiredI Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere, Rick MoranisToo Long In The Wasteland, James McMurtryI’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), The VandoliersTime Honored Tradition, Natalie HembyWest Texas Girl, The Panhandlers

Matt Woods — a man on a mission, bringing it to the poeple.



Stream or download Wildwood ’19 Sessions with Matt Woods: Wildwood ’19 Matt Woods



Anybody who has seen Tennessee singer-songwriter Matt Woods perform solo knows that all he needs is an acoustic guitar and his big, powerful voice to rock any house he’s in.But last year, while out promoting his latest album, he toured the U.S. and Europe with a kickass four-piece band that cranked up the awesomeness to another level. Such was the case at last summer’s Wildwood MusicFest & Campout in Sheridan, OR, USA, where our podcast crew enjoyed a “full band” set of Matt Woods music for the first time, then retreated to the podcast RV for an interview and intimate performance by the man himself. A longtime favorite and friend of the podcast and multiple time performer at Wildwood, Mr. Woods shares some tales from the road as well as a few of his greatest hits. The whiskey and laughs flow freely during this interview, so kick back and enjoy as podcast hosts Eric Kotila and Mike Lee get caught up with Matt while debriefing after the stunning Wildwood set with his band, The Natural Disasters.Here’s the playlist:Blue-Eyed WandererJailbird Song (Live In The Podcast RV)With Love From Brushy Mountain (Live In The Podcast RV)Cold Civil War

Caitlin Sherman has a new record, Death to the Damsel, coming out soon.



Stream or download February Podcast Picks: February ’20 Podcast Picks



Seattle’s Caitlin Sherman’s been on our radar for some time. We first picked up the signal when she sang backups on The Swearengens album Waiting On The Sunrise, and later found her at the center of things in the killer alt-country band Evening Bell. Gifted with a beautiful voice and a talent for songwriting and performing, she never fails to deliver the goods.That’s why it’s no surprise her breakout new solo album, Death of a Damsel, has industry folks buzzing ahead of its release. We kick off this month’s Podcast Picks with “War For You,” a rollicking romp from the new record. Sherman is just one of a bevy of our favorites who are delivering new records in the coming months, and we preview a bunch of them in this month’s picks.You’ll hear new stuff from a few of our longtime faves such as John Moreland, Caleb Caudle, Possessed By Paul James, Lucinda Williams and Reckless Kelly, and terrific songs from rising stars such as Whitney Rose, Sammy Brue, Aubrie Sellers, Kelsey Waldon and Marcus King.There’s a bit of playfulness when Lilly Hiatt name drops our hometown of Portland, OR, USA, and the usual wit and wisdom from our favorite Canadian Cowboy, Corb Lund — both have highly anticipated records coming soon. And the serious business is well handled on cuts from three of the best records of last year offered by Sturgill Simpson, Tanya Tucker and Ian Noe.So dig right in. It’s our Podcast Picks for February — here’s the playlist:



War For You, Caitlin ShermanRollin’ On, Jesse DanielP-Town, Lilly HiattRemember To Breathe, Sturgill SimpsonBelieve Me, Angela, Whitney RoseSelf-Hatred featuring Derek Trucks, Marcus KingThoughts and Prayers, Drive-By TruckersHard Luck, Tanya TuckerI Only See You With My Eyes Closes, Reckless KellyCrash Test Kid, Sammy BrueLucky Charm, Aubrie SellersBarbara’s Song, Ian NoeYou Can Have It, Kelsey WaldonWithout You, The Steel WoodsPearl Snaps, Jason Boland and the StragglersIn Times Between, John MorelandYour White Stained Dress, Possessed By Paul JamesMan Without A Soul, Lucinda Williams90 Seconds of Your Time, Corb LundBetter Hurry Up, Caleb Caudle

Tylor Ketchum joined the podcast crew at Landmark Saloon in Portland to talk about his band’s awesome 2019 and their plans for the year ahead. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.



Stream or download Episode 95: Episode 94 featuring Tylor Ketchum



Finding the right balance of work life and family life is a challenge most folks face every day, and for working/touring musicians, the struggle is very real.For Tylor Ketchum, music and family have been intertwined since he was a young boy in Eastern Oregon picking up a guitar first owned by his uncle and then his mother. As he’s grown into a career as a country music songwriter and a band leader, family has remained at the heart of the band’s mission and at the root of his artistic vision.Joining our team for Episode #95 of That Much Further West Podcast ahead of Tylor & The Train Robbers’ show last week at Landmark Saloon in Portland, OR, USA, Tylor shared stories about the evolution of the Boise, Idaho-based band and how the focus on family has allowed it to become one of the hottest hard-touring acts in alt-country.The Train Robbers feature a rhythm section made up of Tylor’s brothers Jason and Tommy Bushman (bass and drums, respectively). The band’s terrific lead guitar player, Johnny “Shoes” Pisano, is Tylor’s father-in-law. And much of the subject matter in Tylor’s songwriting comes from his family history and the joys and struggles of trying to make it in the music business with the full-fledged backing of the people closest to him — his family.



Tylor Ketchum and his trusty Gibson J45, performing live at Landmark Saloon for Episode #95 of That Much Further West Podcast. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.



For this episode, Tylor talks about the impact of heavy touring, the splash made by the band’s stunning 2019 album “Best of the Worst Kind” and how networking across the country ironically has made it easier to keep things close to home and hold on to the things that matter most.He also shares a couple of solo acoustic performances that delighted our team and the folks who gathered at Landmark ahead of the band’s killer show that night.So give it a listen. Here’s a list of the songs on Episode #95 of That Much Further West Podcast:Fumblin’ For Rhymes, Tylor & The Train RobbersStoryteller (Live At Landmark), Tylor KetchumGood At Bad News (Live At Landmark), Tylor KetchumThese Eyes (Live At Landmark), Tylor KetchumBest Of The Worst Kind, Tylor & The Train Robbers

Morgan Geer of Drunken Prayer debuts a new song, “Nachos For One,” in the podcast RV at last summer’s Wildwood MusicFest & Campout. Video courtesy of Local Hero Media



Stream or download Wildwood ’19 Sessions — Drunken Prayer: Wildwood ’19 Drunken Prayer



There are a lot of great memories to unpack from last summer’s Wildwood MusicFest & Campout, but certainly one of the best was Drunken Prayer’s Friday night headlining set.Flanked by a cast of talented Portland-based musicians, frontman Morgan Geer whipped the crowd into a frenzy while delivering tunes from the band’s spectacular breakout album of 2019, Cordelia Elsewhere.The next day, the crew from That Much Further West Podcast welcomed Geer into the festival podcast RV to talk about the performance and get up to date on all things Drunken Prayer. Geer was in the midst of a cross-country road trip, traveling from his home in Asheville, N.C., along with his wife Krista and 6-year-old son Leon, covering thousands of miles and performing dozens of shows over a 75-day stretch.He also shared a couple of performances on acoustic guitar, including a brand new song called “Nachos For One” (see video above) that he wrote while on the road in Europe opening for The Handsome Family.Whenever Morgan and co-hosts Eric Kotila and Mike Lee get together, a lot of laughs ensue. So give it a listen and stayed tuned for more sessions from the RV at Wildwood in coming weeks as we try to shake off the winter doldrums and look ahead to warm, sunny days ahead.



Morgan Geer salutes the crowd after delivering the festival-opening blessing alongside Malachi Graham of Small Million at last summer’s Wildwood MusicFest & Campout in Sheridan, OR, USA. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.

Have we seen the last of the Turnpike Troubadours? Here’s hoping for a revival and return to form in 2020 for the Oklahoma Red Dirt legends.



Stream or download 50 Podcast Picks from 2019: 50 Podcast Picks from 2019



After a maddening period that saw at least half a dozen stop and starts (cancelled shows, shaky performances, etc.), the Turnpike Troubadours — the rising Oklahoma-based band which seemed destined for big things — finally suspended all group activity in 2019. Some members turned their focus to other projects, while mercurial frontman and main songwriter Evan Felker retreated underground, leaving many to speculate that his personal problems threw the group’s future into jeopardy.But late in the year, a new single by Felker emerged from Austin, TX, USA, where veteran singer-songwriter and producer Bruce Robison pinned down Felker to perform a few tunes in the studio for his burgeoning Next Waltz multimedia project. The song and video (see below) for “Whiskey In Your Water,” with Carrie Rodriguez singing a dual vocal, shows Felker in fine form and hints at exactly why he is so beloved by fans of the Troubadours and why concern for his well-being remains at the forefront of their thoughts.



We decided to kickoff our 50 year-end podcast picks with the tune in hopes that we haven’t seen the last of Felker and possibly the Turnpike Troubadours as a unit. It’s one of the songs from artists who made a big impact on the ears of our podcast producers in 2019.



Along with a bunch of great new discoveries this year, our podcast picks are highlighted by several career-best moments by some of our favorites, including many from friends and folks who have been guests on our show in the past.So give it a listen with an ear toward finding your next favorite Americana or Roots act. We bet herein lies the fix you’re looking for in 2020. Here’s the playlist:Whiskey In Your Water, Evan Felker with Carrie Rodriguez and The Next WaltzersWhat You Don’t Know, Caroline SpenceCordelia, Drunken PrayerGood at Bad News, Tylor & The Train RobbersCheap Silver, Mike and the MoonpiesThe House That Built Me, Tanya TuckerHey, Heartbreaker, Matt WoodsThings Like This, I See Hawks In L.A.Big Black Chain, The Jackson County Kills56 Fury, Rodney CrowellWalk Through Fire, YolaJesus & Elvis, Hayes CarllAll Your’n, Tyler ChildersIan McLagan, Drivin’ N Cryin’Downtown, The Cactus BlossomsDoubt, Clara BakerCocaine Country Dancing, Paul CauthenGiving Up, Tim BarryCalifornia State Line, The Long RydersEmmanuel, TK & The Holy Know-NothingsMississippi Nuthin’, Shovels & RopeSo Long To The Traveling Kind, Tom Vanden AvondStrange Shadows, Aaron Lee TasjanColorado, The Quaker City Night HawksSam’s House, An American ForrestThat’s How I Feel, Dori FreemanKind Days, John Calvin AbneyRolling Stone, Whiskey MyersLetter To Madeline, Ian NoeDivision Lines, FernandoBack Into This Church, Ron Rogers & The Wailing WindRuby, Strand of OaksRight At Home, DaystarOld Black Magic, Josh RitterThe Imperial, The DelinesHard Time With The Truth, Kendell MarvelWake Up Call, Rich Layton and Tough TownWildflowers & Wine, Marcus KingThe Dream Is Dead, M. Lockwood PorterFenceline, Anna TivelExcuse Me, Charley CrockettBlue Earth County, Silver Lake 66Sad Songs, Kassi ValazzaEast October, John MorelandJust Trying To Love, The Lonesome BilliesOld Soul, The HighwomenWhere The Buffalo Roam, David QuinnBeautiful and Kind, Ryan BinghamTurn Off The News (Build A Garden) (Acoustic), Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real

Tennessee Stiffs from Austin, TX (l to r): Ethan Lee Sadler, Adrian Voorhies, Cara Jane Sadler and Casey Kuznieski.







Stream or download Wildwood ’19 Sessions — Tennessee Stiffs: Wildwood ’19 Tennessee Stiffs



If you took every type of authentic American music — blues, jazz, rock, gospel, etc. — and tossed them in a blender, the noise you would make would sound something like Tennessee Stiffs.Following in the footsteps of Americana favorites like Scott H. Biram and Shovels and Rope, the Austin-based four-piece lean on each other’s vast array of influence to create music that’s as specific to their personalities as it is limitless in potential.We at That Much Further West Podcast were introduced to the music of Tennessee Stiffs in the run-up to their appearance at last summer’s Wildwood MusicFest & Campout in Sheridan, OR, and after their killer performance on the festival stage we were thrilled when they accepted our invitation to join us in the podcast RV for an interview.Turns out this fabulous foursome is as fun to hang out with as they are musically gifted. Led by the husband-and-wife team of Ethan Lee Sadler and Cara Jane Sadler, the group crowded in along with a great group of our friends and followers for a fantastic visit led by podcast co-hosts Eric Kotila and Mike Lee.During the interview, we learn about the formation of the band and also some of the struggles they’ve faced in the subsequent years of album-making and touring, and also the many and varied influences the group calls upon to generate their authentic sound. They also share a few sweet performances that will clue you in on why we’ve come to love this crew.Enjoy this interview and be sure to take a look at the video (below) our teammate Anne Marie from Local Hero Media made from her cramped, restricted seat in the RV. A great memory for the podcast team we won’t soon forget!

Chicago’s David Quinn released his debut album Wanderin’ Fool earlier this year, and his song “Long Time Gone” is featured on Bloodshot Records’ 25th Anniversary compilation album Too Late To Pray: Defiant Chicago Roots.



Stream or download November Podcast Picks: November ’19 Podcast Picks



We’ve reached the home stretch of the 2019 year in music, and a number of our favorite artists new and old are finishing with a strong kick. We feature a bunch of them here in our November Podcast Picks, including Nashville powerhouse Ashley McBryde, who recently was named New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards.One of our favorite new discoveries of 2019 is Chicago’s David Quinn, who we saw for the first time back in March opening for Mike and the Moonpies. Quinn delivers a traditional honky tonk sound on his debut record Wanderin’ Fool, and live his band takes it up a notch for a rowdy, rockin’ good time.We kick off our podcast picks with Quinn’s song “Long Time Gone,” featured on the recently released 25th anniversary compilation from insurgent country leaders Bloodshot Records. It’s a traditional honky tonk shuffle with prominent pedal steel and dirty lead guitar that blends perfectly with Quinn’s easy-going lead vocal.Quinn has enjoyed a terrific year with a steady stream of gigs opening for some of strongest country artists out there. We expect to hear a lot more from this talented performer in the coming years.We also share tunes from some of best country and roots records of this year, including songs from Paul Cauthen, Cat Clyde, JP Harris, Orville Peck, Cody Johnson. There also is a number from the new Vetiver record, out now on Mama Bird Recording Co., and a new song from Bart Budwig from a record due soon on Fluff & Gravy Records.And be sure to scroll down to check out a video for the song “Cold Civil War” from our longtime pal Matt Woods. It’s designed to get you in the mood for Thanksgiving dinner with the relatives, whatever be their personal and political beliefs. Nice work, Matt!It’s all right here folks, so grab a fork and knife and dig in. It’s our November Podcast picks — here’s the playlist:



Long Time Gone, David QuinnA Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega, Ashley McBrydeMessin’ With The Kid, The SaintsBig Velvet, Paul CauthenMonroe County Nights, Austin LucasWhatever Gets You Through The Night, Erin EnderlinElijah Ramsey, The Quaker City Night HawksI Only Drink Alone, JP HarrisTurn To Hate, Orville PeckBird Bone, Cat ClydeMonday Morning Merle, Cody JohnsonHungry Heart, The MavericksCold Civil War, Matt WoodsFar From Home, Aubrie SellersThe Meaning Of The Word, Ags ConnollyA Beauty In The Horizon, Garrett T. CappsAll We Could Want, VetiverHuman Again, Bart BudwigYou’ve Got Other Girls For That, Lillie Mae

Willy Tea Taylor on stage at the 2019 Wildwood MusicFest & Campout in Sheridan, OR, U.S.A.Photo by Chad Lanning



Stream or download Wildwood ’19 Sessions — Willy Tea Taylor: Wildwood ’19 Willy Tea



Daylight Savings Time has slipped away, and as darkness descends earlier each day, we start to dream of the sunshine and some of our favorite things about the summer.Here at That Much Further West Podcast, summer is our favorite time of year because we gather enforce at our favorite summer festival, the Wildwood MusicFest & Campout in Sheridan, OR. It’s where we discover so much great new music every year, and also where we meet up with old friends, some of which we may see only once a year.And we definitely count Willy Tea Taylor among those friends. He’s been a guest on our show many times over the years and always brings a little bit of magic with him when he shows up at Wildwood. This past summer, he joined our co-hosts Eric Kotila and Mike Lee along with team videographer Anne Marie for an interview and intimate performance in the podcast RV. Tune in to the find out what Willy Tea has cooking in the coming months, and listen to a few special performances, including a new song called “The Nurse” (see video below).This is the first of several sessions we plan to publish over the course of the coming weeks. We hope these sessions will have you pining for summer festival season 2020 — and like us, looking forward to the lineup announcement for Wildwood ’20.Give this first one a spin, and enjoy!

Tim Barry is back with a new collection of great songs.



Stream or download October Podcast Picks: October ’19 Podcast Picks



Tim Barry is no stranger to the music scene, having spent the last 30 years as lead singer of the seminal hard-core/punk band, Avail, out of Richmond, VA.Known for their off the wall live shows and relentless touring schedule, Avail stopped touring a dozen or so years ago, which happened to be right about the time Barry’s solo career started taking off, and he has kept that hard-driving work ethic as a singer songwriter.A month after finishing a string of sold out reunion shows to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the lauded Avail album, Over The James, Barry recently released his sixth full-length album since 2006. The Roads to Richmond contains 12 new songs and all the heartfelt and no-punches-pulled feeling Tim has delivered to us all these years.That’s why we’re kicking off our latest batch of podcast picks with “Fussin’ Over,” a tune that sits right in the heart of The Roads to Richmond. It’s just one of a bunch of new songs that have flown on to our radar over the past month and are included in this month’s picks.The playlist also includes new music from Dori Freeman, Chris Knight, Kelsey Waldon, Cody Jinks, John Moreland, Neil Young, Kacy & Clayton, The Dead South and Michaela Anne. But we’re especially excited to share “Big Black Chain” from local Portland faves The Jackson County Kills, whose frontman, Matty Charles, was our featured guest earlier this year for Episode 92.We’re also honored to share with you a song by Little Sue, who earlier this month was inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame (congrats, Sue!), and a groovy little number by The Lonesome Billies that shows off the funkier side of their take on country music.Lots more good stuff here, so dig right in! Here’s the playlist for our October Podcast Picks . . . Enjoy!Fussin’ Over, Tim BarryThings Like This, I See Hawks In L.A.That’s How I Feel, Dori FreemanBig Black Chain, The Jackson County KillsI‘m William Callahan, Chris KnightI Can’t Stop Drinking, The MenzingersTell ‘Em What It’s Like, Cody JinksAnyhow, Kelsey WaldonEvery Mother’s Son, The Drive-By TruckersGonna Make It Real, The Long RydersEast October, John MorelandBy Our Design, Michaela AnneWe Were Cowboys Then, Tom VandenAvondRevolution Blues, Neil YoungIntervention, Kacy & ClaytonBroken Cowboy, The Dead SouthBuilt For Love, Little SueJust Trying To Live, The Lonesome BilliesRunning On Empty, Kassi ValazzaAll Your’n, Tyler Childers

William Surly in his natural habitat . . . hanging at Landmark Saloon in Portland. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media



Stream or download Episode 94: Episode 94 featuring William Surly



His given name is Michael Scheidt, but when you are a member of the Lonesome Billies, you are destined to be Billied.So he became William Surly — singer, songwriter, bass player and general jack-of-all-musical trades for the Portland-based country quartet. Surly, though, seems to be a bit of a misnomer. As our guest for Episode #94 of That Much Further West Podcast, Surly proved to be fun and friendly if not a little bit feisty.Chalk it up to being the youngest of five competitive brothers who grew up listening to all kinds of music, from new wave and punk to classic rock. It all helped shape the artist who performs as William Surly, a player who found his calling in country music and who has emerged from being a role player in a band to taking center stage as a solo performer.A few weeks ago he sat down with the podcast crew at Landmark Saloon ahead of his twice-monthly solo gig to talk about his role in The Lonesome Billies and the path that led him from punk rock to country. He credits his mother and her collection of folk records for steering him toward the songwriting heroes who inspired his journey. But he said it’s the friendships and chemistry that he’s developed with his fellow bandmates that inspires him to take musical chances and trust the direction he’s headed.



William Surly, sharing some tunes at Landmark Saloon.Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media



He also shares a few sweet acoustic performances during the interview, including two songs from the new Lonesome Billies album “Right On Time” that is drawing critical praise for its outlaw country sound and vibe.So dig into this brand new episode of That Much Further West Podcast and get to know William Surly — the bearded guy in the cowboy hat who’s living the dream, one shot of tequila at a time.Here’s the playlist from Episode #94:Away From My Big City Dreams, The Lonesome BilliesTall Cotton (Live at Landmark), William SurlySad Old Man, The Lonesome BilliesJust Tryin’ To Live (Live at Landmark), William SurlyThe Bottle Knows Me Better (Live at Landmark), William SurlyPine Box, The Lonesome Billies



Mike Lee and Phil Favorite from That Much Further West Podcast come face-to-face with William Surly at Landmark Saloon.

Tyler Childers performed at Pickathon on the same day as his much-anticipated record Country Squire was released. Photo by Greg Homolka



Stream or download September Podcast Picks: September ’19 Podcast PicksJust a few weeks back, the Pacific Northwest became the center of the alt-country universe when Tyler Childers released his much-anticipated new album, Country Squire, the same day as he performed a set at Pickathon, just outside of our home base of Portland, OR, USA.What nobody saw coming, though, was the big splash made the night before when Mike & The Moonpies, just hours before their late-night Pickathon set, announced the surprise arrival of their stunning new record, Cheap Silver & Solid Country Gold. Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, the new all-women country supergroup, The Highwomen, crashed the Newport Folk Festival like a meteorite, playing tunes from their new self-titled new record (out tomorrow) and drawing guests on stage including Dolly Parton and Sheryl Crow.But nothing seemed to steal the thunder from Childers, whose album sold more units in its first week than any other record in the states, marking another important milepost in the upward trajectory of alternative country music.It’s fun to share tunes from all three of these groundbreaking records and so much more in our Podcast Picks for September. Give it a spin and you’ll also here fantastic new tunes from Tanya Tucker, Jason Hawk Harris, Joy Williams (of The Civil Wars fame), Midland and Sturgill Simpson.Keep listening and things really get interesting when ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons shows up on “56 Fury,” an instant classic from the stunning new record Texas by the great Rodney Crowell. We also share a tune from Mercury Rev’s re-imagining of Bobbie Gentry’s The Delta Sweete featuring the one-and-only Margo Price. And speaking of re-imagining, Aaron Lee Tasjan has released a new record, Karma For Cheap: Reincarnated, where he renders many of the songs from his last album as solo performances. We share a fresh tune here to wrap things up.This batch of picks packs a serious punch with soon-to-be classics throughout. So be sure to listen from start to finish!Here’s the playlist:Country Squire, Tyler ChildersDanger, Mike & The MoonpiesRedesigning Women, The HighwomenHowlin’ At The Moon, Caleb CaudleGiving In (Giving In), Jason Hawk HarrisSpies, Drivin’ N’ Cryin’Bring My Flowers Now, Tanya TuckerSing Along, Sturgill SimpsonFast Hearts And Slow Towns, MidlandSo Long To The Traveling Kind, Tom VandenAvondSomebody’s Daughter, Tenille TownesTimes Like These, Hayes Carll56 Fury, Rodney CrowellSomething Real, Lukas Nelson & The Promise of the RealSermon (featuring Margo Price), Mercury RevThe Devil Drinks Scotch, Matt Woods & The Natural DisastersKnock Knockin’, Wonderly RoadFront Porch, Joy WilliamsDon’t Skip Out On Me, Richmond FontaineMy Whole Life Is Over (All Over Again), Aaron Lee Tasjan

The Eagle Rock Gospel Singers: Don’t try to categorize them. Just listen. Photo by Emilie Elizabeth



J. Moses and The Ragged Sunday are set to make their Wildwood debut.



Heading to next weekend’s Wildwood MusicFest & Campout in Sheridan, OR, U.S.A.? Our podcast team will be there in full force and ready to party.To help you (and us) get ready, we’ve put together this modest playlist of songs by some of the artists who will grace the big stage at Roshambo Art Farm during the event, which kicks off Friday, July 19 and runs through mid-afternoon on Sunday, July 21. (Get your tickets here.)We’re excited that many of our close friends and podcast veterans are on this year’s bill, including Drunken Prayer, Mike Coykendall, Anita Lee Elliott and Silver Lake 66. We’re also super stoked to see J. Moses & The Ragged Sunday make their Wildwood debut — featuring the sweet vocal stylings of Jason Morgan, the Ragged Sunday is one of the hottest new bands on our local roots scene in Portland. Be sure to get up front early Friday and prepare to rock out with Jason and the lads.We’re also looking forward to catching up with a few of our longtime friends, including the great Willy Tea Taylor and our old pal Matt Woods, who will have copies of his fabulous new album and will perform with his full band, the Natural Disasters. Matt is a one-man storm of talent, so seeing him with a full band will truly be a sight (and sound) to behold.And of course, we’re really excited to be turned on to lots of new talent. From the world class music of Jerry Joseph, Sallie Ford and Sammy Brue to some of the exciting acts such as the True Loves and Tennessee Stiffs who are just coming on our radar, the lineup at Wildwood is once again sure to set our musical hearts floating happily into the night.So dig right into this special edition of That Much Further West Podcast — it’s all right here for you. Here’s the playlist:Momma Told Me, The Eagle Rock Gospel SingersDirty Dollar Bill, J. Moses and The Ragged SundayMayflies, The Sam Chase and The UnconditionalCordelia, Drunken PrayerScrew Up, Sallie FordShattering Sun, Mike CoykendallPeacocks and Blackhawks, Jerry JosephThe Catch, Sammy BrueThe Dirty, True LovesMolly Rose, Willy Tea TaylorDeadman’s Blues, Matt WoodsWhere Our Cast Light Doubles, Roselit BoneThe Sound of Bells, Ashleigh Flynn & The RivetersBackwater Lullaby, Tennessee StiffsNo Lonesome Tune, Anita Lee ElliottYoung Fools, Small MillionHobo’s Lament, Malachi Henry and the LightsBright Light Midnight, The HacklesBrown Sugar, The Colin TrioPinball, West Valley ShakersFaded Tattoo, Silver Lake 66