Mark is the founder of South Main Sounds which essentially a record store but one that is also a “songwriter venue in Downtown Memphis and advocates for original music.”

Andria Brown is the founder of Folk All Y’all which is an organization that endeavors to create “intimate, attentive listening rooms presenting world-class singer-songwriters all over Memphis.” Andria began providing these spaces in her own home and soon this labor of love grew into a network of contributors.

Carl and I had the pleasure of working with Joshua during the Wednesday Night Titans show where McLane and Brennan performed with their band, HEELS. Joshua is a comic in Memphis. An art form for which, I dare say, Memphis is not necessarily known. We have a candid conversation about McLane’s life within each his performing arts.

Rod Norwood is a font of knowledge when it comes to vintage guitars. A dealer for decades, we get into the world of the vintage guitar market and all the related shenanigans. Steve Selvidge and Rod have known each other for quite some time and their relationship on social media is all but legendary. We have attempted to get these two on the show for 2 seasons now and we finally did it. Enjoy the ride.

We wrap up season 4 with the loveliest of chats with none other than Amy LaVere. Amy is a bassist, singer/songwriter and Archer Records recording artist. Amy talks very plainly about the realities of the music business. On the road sometimes 200+ nights per year we discuss the challenges of travel, touring and performing with her husband Will Sexton, and even a few tips for caring for your voice. Then naturally we talk about sewing and cooking and how it is obviously time for her to make a Christmas album. A wide ranging conversation to say the least.

Hailing from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Stuart came to Memphis on an orchestra scholarship as a double bassist. Soon he became a session bassist around town. While he still works as a bassist you are just as likely to him playing guitar and singing his originals. His songwriting is story driven and often autobiographical in the best way. We talk about the a life of gigging, the creative process, and a positive take on music in the nineties for Memphis and north MS music. Go hear Mark!

Susan is synonymous with Memphis music. Marshall’s first pro session was with producer Tom Dowd and Lynyrd Skynyrd…not to shabby. As with many of our guests this season we discuss transitions. In Susan’s case, transition from musical theatre, to session vocalist, to artist, to producer. We get into when to simply shut up and listen and other nuggets of wisdom in this interview that need heeding.

Steve Selvidge was born into Memphis music. His earliest musical influence was his father, Sid Selvidge, a folk blues musician and gifted singer who was known for his solo performances, for playing with Furry Lewis, and for his longtime association with Jim Dickinson, Lee Baker, and Jimmy Crosthwait in the supergroup Mudboy and the Neutrons. To this day, Steve continues the tradition, keeping their repertoire alive with the group Sons of Mudboy, alongside Jimmy Crosthwait, Luther and Cody Dickinson, Ben Baker, and extended Mudboy family members.Co-founder of 1990’s era psychedelic funk group Big Ass Truck, Steve is known for his virtuosity on the guitar, his voice, and his ability to fully engage an audience, whether he’s playing blistering rock guitar solos at sold out concerts on big stages or singing folk blues favorites in a tiny, packed bar in Memphis. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and on late night shows with David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, and Jools Holland. As a touring musician for the past 25 years, he’s played across the United States, Europe, and Australia. As a session musician, he’s played guitar on more than 60 albums. He is currently a member of the Brooklyn based group The Hold Steady

After pulling a twelve hour night shift as a trauma nurse Hope Clayburn sat down for an interview about the music she makes with the multiple bands she gigs with. In other words Hope Clayburn is a badass. Our conversation with Hope was a journey from Connecticut to Memphis, to Africa, to Brazil. She is a saxophonist and songwriter, leader and sidewoman, charismatic and kind. We had a lot of fun hanging out. Enjoy!

Drummer, guitarist, singer, songwriter, Stephen Chopek was a delight to speak with. We discuss everything from work ethic, touring, the hang, and transitioning from sideman to leader. Stephen is a world class drummer who has performed with Charlie Hunter and John Mayer, tours with his original music, and is in constant demand in Memphis. We hope you get as much from our conversation with Mr. Chopek as we did.

Final part of our conversation with Joe Restivo

Part 2 of our conversation with Joe Restivo

In our longest interview to date we sit down with Joe Restivo. Joe is a first rate musician and first call session guitarist here in Memphis. Restivo is an extremely busy man working with multiple bands like the Lovelight Orchestra, The MD’s, various jazz combos, and more. Recently Joe has been touring with the legendary Don Bryant and has just released his album “Where’s Joe.” We get into touring, gear, Memphis history, and old TV shows. Be sure to find Joe around Memphis and check out his new album.

Adam is bassist and founder of the Obruni Dance Band, which “is more than a band. It is a community, a vision, a call to love. [Their] goal is to make neighbors out of strangers through music, dance performances, and art. The word "Obruni" comes from the Twi language that is spoken through much of Ghana, in West Africa. Obruni means "foreigner" or non-Ghanaian.” When not playing Highlife music in Obruni you can catch Adam with his classic country and western band, Big Barton and as a sideman in various groups around town. Enjoy our conversation with Adam Holton.

Season 6 comes to a close at Archer Records. We were lucky enough to sit down with Ward Archer (owner) and Daniel Lynn (studio manager, recording engineer) in the cozy confines of Music + Arts Studio. It is always thrilling to be in a recording studio and to be in one as well appointed as this facility was exceptional. Archer Records is a cornerstone of the Memphis Indie and Americana sound in addition to a very diverse roster. The beginning of the episode is with Ward. We discuss the business, his story, and the many capacities of the Archer. Later, in our conversation with Daniel we geek out pretty hard so be warned. So much gear so little time.

Tad Pierson is the owner of American Dream Safari tours. He is an artist, story teller and font of information. We are graciously invited into Pierson’s home for this episode which is also his studio. A playground for the senses, we are surrounded by his art, tools, and Airstream travel trailors that also double as rooms in this residence. Hopefully this episode will inspire you to take a trip or hear some live music in a new place. Enjoy.

Marcus Cox, in addition to being a talented thespian is also the Director of Community Relations at Playhouse on the Square here in Memphis. This conversation was a lot of fun and took some interesting turns. Marcus breaks down the history of POTS, his own life in theatre, and the delicacies of a Shoney’s buffet. Enjoy!

This conversation takes us to the comfortable confines of the new Ballet Memphis facilities. Steven McMahon is the artistic director of the company. We discuss the history of Ballet Memphis as well as his own journey through the art. We also get into what it takes to be a dancer and choreographer and to keep ballet relevant. If you enjoy this episode I suggest you go back and listen to our conversation with Ned Canty and Michael Sakir (Opera Memphis) in season 1.

Hardin is an incredibly talented musician and producer. Currently he is head of A&R at Made in Memphis Entertainment, the brainchild of Memphis’s own David Porter. We talk about his early life in music, his role at Made in Memphis, and his current creative endeavors. You will walk away from this conversation ready to get to work.