Tag: Singer-Songwriter

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Episode 63: So Rebellious a Lover by Gene Clark and Carla Olson

In the fall of 1984, singer-songwriter Carla Olson of the Los Angeles based band The Textones would visit Madame Wong’s West for an evening of live music. It is there, after being pulled on stage to sing with that night’s performer, that she would meet and befriend her future duet partner– the late, great Gene Clark. In Episode 63, Olson tells the story of hers and Clark’s 1987 album So Rebellious a Lover. Considered to be one the first true Americana albums, Olson recounts the events and influences that brought about its creation including her musical journey from Texas to Los Angeles, the living room singalongs that would inspire the album’s specific sound, and the transformative experience of working with the legendary songwriter and founding member of The Byrds.

For more info on Carla Olson, visit carlaolsonmusic.bandcamp.com and sunsetblvdrecords.com

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Episode 62: Sylvie by Sylvie

After spending some years contributing to various projects within the Los Angeles music community, musician Ben Schwab would take advantage of the time afforded to him through the Covid 19 lockdown, as well as a new sense of creative freedom, to focus his energy towards the creation of Sylvie. In Episode 62, the California by way of Ohio songwriter tells the story of how Sylvie’s 2022 self-titled debut came to be, touching on the key events and influences that inspired the album’s conception.

For more info on Sylvie, visit sylvie-music.bandcamp.com or fulltimehobby.co.uk/en-us

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Episode 57: Bucksport Motel by Milan McAlevey

In the Spring of 2022, singer-songwriter Milan McAlevey would begin to develop the material that would make up his 3rd solo release. Working in his home studio in South Portland, Maine, the songs would start to move in a specific direction while still maintaining the same darkness, humor, and sincerity of his past works. In Episode 57, McAlevey tells the story of his 2024 album Bucksport Motel, discussing its lyrical inspirations, the influence country music had over its musical direction, and the people that would help color the finished product.

For more info on Milan McAlevey, visit milanmcalevey.bandcamp.com and fortuntellersmusic.com

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Episode 51: Take a Picture by Margo Guryan

In the fall of 1968, Bell Records would release singer-songwriter Margo Guryan’s debut full-length Take a Picture. Initially, the album would fail to garner much attention due to the Guryan’s reluctance to perform and promote the record. Many years later, Take a Picture would begin to gain a cult following, leading to a reissue in the early 2000s and some long overdue acclaim. In Episode 51, Guryan’s stepson Jon Rosner and Take a Picture’s producer John Hill tell the story of the late songwriter’s lone studio album, touching on her early life in Far Rockaway, Queens, her transition from the world of jazz into pop, and the magical discovery that was made after double tracking her vocals.

For more info on Margo Guryan visit Numerogroup.com

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Episode 46: Good God by Cyrus Gengras

After several years of non-stop touring, Los Angeles based musician Cyrus Gengras would find himself stuck at home in the spring of 2020. Making the most of the situation, Gengras would order a digital 8 track recorder, break out the wah-wah pedal, and make a record. In Episode 46, Gengras tells the story of his 2022 album Good God, detailing the DIY nature of the album’s production and touching on the various characters he has known throughout his life that inspired much of its lyrical content.

For more info on Cyrus Gengras, visit cyrusgenras.bandcamp.com and wastemgmtmusic.com

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Episode 45: The Spur by Joan Shelley

In the spring of 2021, singer-songwriter Joan Shelley would visit Earthwave Studio, a recording facility situated in the pastoral landscapes of Shelbyville, Kentucky. In this ideal environment, Shelley and her collaborators would record the collection of songs that would make up her next record. In Episode 45, the native Kentuckian tells the story of her 2022 album The Spur, discussing the lyrical themes and inspirations within the tracks as well as her experience recording them while 7 months pregnant.

For more info on Joan Shelley, visit joanshelley.net

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Episode 42: Dirt Yard Street by Clay Harper

Having relocated as a teenager from the suburbs of Philadelphia to a small town in Georgia, singer-songwriter Clay Harper would eventually draw inspiration from the experience, and in the end, make a record. In Episode 42, the former Coolies front man and restaurateur tells the story of his 2020 album Dirt Yard Street. Recorded at his home studio in Atlanta with help from the city’s music community, Harper recounts the events that led to the album’s creation and details the methods used during the writing and recording process.

For more info on Clay Harper, visit clayharper.bandcamp.com

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Episode 35: The Bear by Walter Martin

After moving with his family to upstate New York, singer-songwriter Walter Martin would set up in an old, one room schoolhouse and begin working on the material that would make up his next record. In Episode 35, Martin tells the story of his brand new album The Bear. Recorded at his home with some additional sessions in Los Angeles, the former member of The Walkmen and Jonathan Fire*Eater discusses the process of developing the album’s overall sound as well as the inspirations behind much of its lyrical content.

For more info on Walter Martin, visit waltermartinmusic.com

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Episode 34: Due North by Liam Kazar

In Episode 34 of In Loving Recollection, Chicago native Liam Kazar tells the story of his 2021 debut record Due North. Recorded at various locations with help from an encouraging group of collaborators, the Kansas City based musician discusses the experiences that led to the album’s creation, touching on the specific influences that inspired the record’s overall sound and the vital piece of songwriting advice he received from Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy.

For more info on Kazar, visit liam.kazar.bandcamp.com or woodsist.com

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Episode 33: Songs for John Venn by Lou Turner

While researching the life of English mathematician John Venn, Nashville based singer-songwriter Lou Turner became inspired after discovering parallels between her life and his. In Episode 33, Turner tells the story of her 2020 album Songs For John Venn. Recounting the events that led up to the record’s creation, the native Texan touches on how her work at a library influenced much of the album’s lyrical direction as well as her experience recording with her Styrofoam Winos bandmates.

For more info on Lou Turner, visit louturner.com or spinstersounds.com