^{Interview conducted on September 14, 2022}

^{by Dan Locke}

No stranger to the Irish music scene having released two no. 1 albums as one third of indie band Wyvern Lingo, and collaborated with household Irish names such as Denise Chaila and Hozier on his debut album duet, ‘In AWeek’, Karen Cowley now presents her first solo project under the moniker, Krea (pronounced ‘Kree-ah’).

Her first offering, September Sun, is a warm, piano and harp lead track. With heavy nods to the Carole King’s Tapestry, September Sun places the songwriting and intimate vocals at the forefront.

What was your up bring like? 

I grew up in a seaside town called Bray, right at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, a really beautiful part of Ireland. I’m the youngest of 4, so I talk fast and eat even faster. 

How did you discover music?

My Mum’s side are very musical and would play a lot of Irish traditional music and folk music that I’d have been exposed to as a young child. My parents both love music and encouraged us all from a young age to sing and play. They also had a big CD collection, essential for long drives. 

How did you start to write music?

I remember starting to write songs at about 10 at the piano. Both instrumental bits and poems I’d write melodies for. When I was 11, I met my two best friends who became my bandmates in Wyvern Lingo. We wrote songs together all the time and played as much as we could. 

How was it to go to Berklee College?

An incredible experience. Looking back, I was so young – it was quite the culture shock for me landing in Boston at 17. I met so many wonderful musicians from all over the world, some of whom I’m still good friends with. The tuition I got in those weeks really stuck with me, and gave me so much confidence in my career. 

How did you start Wyvern Lingo? 

See above! We went from writing songs together to performing, then we got a publishing and record deal in 2015 and made 2 records that we’re very proud of, and toured a lot!

What was your first performance like?

I don’t think I remember my first performance…I was always getting up and singing for people: for family, in school, at Mass, in performing arts groups etc. I do remember the absolute thrill of singing in front of people as a child though, I was totally addicted to it. 

Why did you decide to go solo?

the last few years. Wyvern Lingo has always been heavily collaborative which is a wonderful thing itself, but, naturally, there was a side to me that wanted to write from the heart without too much limitation. Writing and recording solo has been really liberating for me so far, if a little lonely at times.I’ve always written songs that the band and I agreed weren’t for Wyvern Lingo, but this started to happen more and more over

Why did you pick Krea as  your moniker?

There is one romantic reason and two practical reasons. Romantic: It’s a slight tip of the hat to the Irish word for heart, which is croí (cree). Practical: No one ever spells my surname, Cowley, correctly, and it’s a terrible time to be called Karen on the internet!

What makes a good songwriter?

Hmm for me it’s all about storytelling and creating something that resonates with people, be it a sentiment or a melody. 

What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?

I vividly remember writing a song about waves which I called “Energy of the Sea”, a title I stole from a bottle of perfume called ‘Inis’. I was about 10. No recording exists, thank God. 

What is the process of writing your music?

In general, a melody or lyric idea will spark something, and I’ll have to get to an instrument asap to try and tease it out. The lyrics always take time so I just write a shape of them first and let the melody inform them where possible. Then, when I sit at a piano or harp, the chords I go for can sometimes change the melody or song structure. As soon as possible I try to record a rough demo that I push and pull at for a while, adding bits to the arrangement and production ideas. 

How has it been working with Hozier?

Lovely and always fun. He’s a very old friend, and I really admire his work ethic and dedication to the process. 

Tell me about “September Sun”?

September Sun is about overcoming grief. Going through it yourself and watching those you love go through it. I started writing it last September on an impromptu sailing trip off the west coast of France, near Nantes. It was a day where the fog of grief lifted for a moment and things felt good again. It’s about holding onto the good days in anticipation of the bad. We recorded piano, vocals, drums and bass live together in one take to try to get a really relaxed, warm and sunny feel.

In 2020, the band (Wyvern Lingo) were part of an Irish collective of female singers and musicians called “Irish Women in Harmony”, that recorded a version of the song “Dreams” in aid of the charity Safe Ireland, which deals with domestic abuse which had reportedly risen significantly during the COVID-19 lockdown.  How did you became part of this?

Erica Cody (an excellent Irish singer) reached out to me online and I jumped at the opportunity. All of the women in the collective are brilliant musicians, writers and producers, it was a pleasure to be part of and Safe Ireland are a charity I will always support. 

What is your feeling about TikTok? With Sony Music and Warner Music strucking an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group.  Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, They say create content content content.  How does pre-save help with content

I honestly don’t know- I guess it comes up immediately on peoples’ Spotify when the song is released and creates a bit of hype or something..? The content game can be really mind numbing, I try only to do things on socials that I think are fun and creative. 

Anything you would like to say in closing.

Thanks for having me! Hopefully I’ll get to the US before too long. 

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The film has a direct and thoughtful energy to it when Bee is conversing with us. When she is interviewed you feel her emotion and desire to share her talent. The scenes effortlessly move between the short narratives and the music. During the concert portions of the film, the camera scans the room. Catching each of the band members, their instruments, Bee and her piano. The visuals of Bee’s hands on the keys, the burning tiparillo, her curlers, fishnets, and each individual completely wrapped up in the music they are creating is clever.  It makes you feel as if you are in the room with them.

Bee Taylor’s original music is ever evolving. Bee has a strong, concise, soulful voice. Her piano playing is her newest endeavor, and it is reminiscent of Dr. John, Professor Longhair, and Marcia Ball. Strong notes and rhythm pounded out on the piano.  Her new songs are steeped in those New Orleans piano influences. The tracks: 10 Foot Pole, Company, Warmer Weather, The Way I Am, Seersucker Suit, and Phoebe Jones also have that southern woman punch to them. Don’t Call Me Darlin’ is a smokey nightclub make-you-sway kind of song. Closing out the film, Undercover, is pure southern funk. Bee’s band is well-oiled and tight. They transition nicely from track to track.

So as Bee would say “don’t dilly dally around” watch the film. Then go check out the rest of Bee Taylor’s music at beetaylormusic.com.   In conclusion, when the world comes back around to live music make sure Bee Taylor and band is on your list of live shows.  

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Review of past show by Melodie Cody

by Melodie Cody Cheryl Gregory

Every band that has flirted with fame has that bright lights story, fast-tracked by the major label music business of 1995, but the soft landing happens when the lights dim and the A&R guy gets reassigned. Fast forward to 2021. Let’s get the band back together! The guys find an old cassette of great songs they never recorded and long forgotten when the soft landing turned into a fall from grace.

Wanderlust is that band who took its name from a McCartney tune and catamaran christened Wanderlust that Paul McCartney and Wings stayed on while recording in the Virgin Islands. Early reviews called Wanderlust “the new fab four”, power-pop songs with a hook. They even recorded the first album, “Prize” (1995) on original analog gear at Abbey Road Studios.

Wanna Feel New

Prize

I Walked

Troubled Man

Sundial

Coffee in the Kitchen

Before We Fade

Deepest Blue

Brand New Plan

Stage Name

Flash and Shadow

The foursome, originally from Philadelphia but now scattered from East Nashville to California, include the same guys who started the band twenty-six years ago: Scot Sax (vocals/guitar), Rob Bonfiglio (vocals/guitar), Mark Getten (Levin) (bass), and Jim Cavanaugh (drums).

This group of young Philly musicians came together in 1993. Within 16 months they signed with RCA and released their first album, Prize. They toured. They opened for Collective Soul. They opened for The Who at the US Air Arena. Then they struggled to get their second album released. Fourteen years later, they came back together for “Record Time” (2012).

Lou Reed

Pornographic Version of You

Blow Away

Friend Tonight

Fork in the Road

Easy Street

We Need a Drummer

Illuminate

You Make Me

Like Stars

Photographic Mind

I Walked (2012) bonus track

Official music video for “Lou Reed” by Wanderlust

Directed by Scot Sax

From the album “Record Time” available on Amazon and iTunes.

Wanderlust 2021

These talented musicians have been busy between albums.

Scot Sax has continued to write music, co-writing a Grammy-winning smash for Faith Hilll and Tim McGraw, “Like We Never Loved At All”. His song “I Am the Summertime” was featured in the blockbuster “American Pie”. He toured with Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, opening every show for three months. He produces documentaries for his company, Scot Sax Films. (scotsaxfilms.com)

Rob Bonfiglio is an accomplished solo artist and touring guitarist.

Mark Getten plays bass, writes and produces.

Jim Cavanaugh plays drums and produces.

Wanderlust is a hard driving guitars and drums band that grabs your attention and make you want to dance. Listen to the lyrics too as they are as relevant today as they were in the past.

And now the good news! The band has come together for a new album!  Well…. as together as you can be in 2021.

There is, of course, a backstory. It starts with that lost and forgotten tape of songs, found again. There’s that desire to make a new album with the lost songs without the bright lights this time, there’s a new song, and another song pulled from a live show circa 1990’s. Phone calls back and forth between the band members, and the creation of a Kickstarter project.

Moving forward, the band members recorded their parts of the songs individually from California to East Nashville. They mixed the recordings, and they designed the layout of a booklet of lyrics-photos-stories-drawings, too.

To date, the Kickstarter funding goal has been successfully reached with a nice cushion. The project will include the new songs on vinyl, a 3-CD set of ‘Prize’ and ‘Record Time’ included, and a live show never released on CD. Depending on the donation level there will be a will zoom performance. Rumor has it there is a possibility of a future CD release of the new album and maybe even a live show or two post pandemic.

The current planned release is scheduled for late Spring. Hang on to your hats, Wanderlust lovers, this is going to be larger-than-life!

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by Melodie Cody

If you have ever had the good fortune to attend a Living Room performance you know it is the best of both worlds. You enjoy music in all its forms among a room full of people who are delighted to have been invited. Even if the weather is inclement, you are going to get there because you know how special the evening is going to be.

A Living Room Show can be for bands out touring that want to stop along the way to perform for fans in a small private setting. A Living Room Show can also be put on by local musicians that love getting together with one another and friends. When it is local musicians, some that may perform together on a regular basis, others that play together occasionally it is a lovely thing to be a part of. It doesn’t seem to matter who played with whom recently or if at all, everyone is talented. As the evening begins a musician will select a song, others join in. When the song is over you have a beautiful moment in time, a memory of how the artists chose to connect with each other and make it happen. It ebbs and flows. It goes from serious to fun and back again. No genre is off limits. The musicians entertain us and themselves with original compositions as well as ballads and anthems we have all grown up with and love.

When there is a break, everyone mingles but when the sound of warm up chords begin again it quiets and becomes all about the musicians and the next tune. The night flies by. You find yourself not wanting the show or the way it makes you feel to end. You are already looking forward to a future invite. You know the next time will be the same but different. The one thing that never fails, when the evening is over, they have put you back together a little more whole than when you arrived.  

Virtually every writer I know would rather be a musician.

Kurt Vonnegut 11.11.1922 – 04.11.2007

by Melodie Cody

I saw Ryan Bingham for the first time at a small venue in Indianapolis in 2013. Honey Honey opened for him. It was a great show, but seeing him at the Ryman this November was beyond expectations. 

Jamestown Revival opened for Ryan Bingham with a seated acoustic set, the band sitting closely together in the middle of the stage. Their first song, Crazy World (Judgement Day) quieted the crowd. Each song was done with incredible harmony that filled the Ryman Auditorium.

Ryan Bingham came out on the Ryman stage in a red jacket, a Kurt Vonnegut t-shirt (I am from Indiana, this impresses me), pants and a nice pair of boots. He launched into Nothin’ Holds Me Down and then Jingle and Go. The night was full-on Americana Rock n Roll/Folk music. His band was top notch and included Jesse Dayton on lead guitar and Richard Bowden on fiddle. Back up choir Candace Coles and Tara Stinson. Not one song was a disappointment to the packed auditorium.

Ryan Bingham was born in Hobbs, New Mexico and that is where it all begins. His show incorporates his life experiences and how he evolved into a musician with each song played. We got to hear a story about his early life, finding his dad, which lead to his learning traditional Mariachi cords. How he wrote the song, Wolves, after the Parkland shootings and the creation of March for Our Lives. Some of his stories are delivered with a dry wit and other of his stories delivered with the seriousness they deserve.  

Before the evening ended, Jamestown Revival came on stage to sing with Ryan Bingham on Willin’ (Little Feat 1971) and the closing song of the evening, Southside of Heaven also accompanied by everyone in the audience. All of it making it an evening to remember.

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Other songs performed; 

Got Damn Blues

Sunrise

Sunshine

Beautiful and Kind

La Malaguena (acoustic)

Boracho Station (acoustic)

Nobody Knows My Trouble (acoustic)

From Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses days;

All Choked Up Again

Tell My Mother I Miss Her So

Hallelujah

by Melodie Cody

Somewhere in Indiana last Saturday, October 19th, was a show to remember. At a house party out in the country, we were graced with the presence of Bee Taylor and her band.

Bee is originally from Texarkana, Texas. She now lives in Nashville and has been writing and performing her songs for those of us fortunate enough to have already discovered her music.

The event opened with two local musicians from Indiana, Dave Vogt, and Megan Hopkins. Dave is an incredible guitar player. Megan has that gravelly voice reminiscent of Janis Joplin.

Bee Taylor and her band took over the evening with Bee’s original music, my personal favorite “Who’s He Going Home With”. Later the band treated us to a rendition of James “Sugar Boy” Crawford’s Iko, Iko written in the ’50s performed by The Dixie Cups in the ’60s and then by Dr. John on his 1972 album Dr. John’s Gumbo.

Bee belted out lyrics, played guitar and harmonica, Jason Threm played saxophones and keyboard, Chase Graham on bass and Scot Sax on drums. Scot Sax is not only a drummer but an accomplished filmmaker and a Grammy-winning songwriter. Each band member brings their individual talents making this a kick-ass band.

It is exciting to see musicians that have such passion for the music they make for us. Bee and band are truly troubadours, driving from one town to the next, unloading equipment, setting up, sound checking, playing, interacting with the fans, selling merch, then taking equipment down and loading back up and moving on to the next show.

One other thing I’ve noticed, house parties tend to bring out people who want to hear and simply experience the music with other music lovers. The audience listened to the lyrics, reacted to the energy of the band, and enjoyed being part of the night.

If you are EVER anywhere near a Bee Taylor and band performance, don’t hesitate, buy a ticket and GO! Then just like those of us who had the pleasure of seeing them last Saturday, you will be waiting for the next show to be announced. If you aren’t lucky enough to catch a show, you can always follow the band at Beetaylormusic.com.

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Garfield Park, Indianapolis, IN, USA, September 21 and 22, 2019

by Melodie Cody 

Music Festival – Wikipedia 

A music festival is a community event oriented towards live performances of singing and instrument playing that is often presented with a theme such as musical genre (e.g. blues, folk, jazz classical music) nationality, or locality of musicians or holiday. 

When I was a little girl, my Great Aunt Pearl lived a couple of blocks from Garfield Park. As a child, I saw the park as this big unknown, magical place that I wasn’t allowed to go unless my parents were with me.

This past weekend was the second year for Holler on the Hill Festival at Garfield Park. It was magical. Two days full of music, families, friends, food, drink, and vendors. We got to see and hear established musicians such as;

Lilly Hiatt (checkout our interview with Lilly Hiatt), Justin Townes Earle, Nikki Lane, John Moreland, Citizen Cope. We got to discover musicians that were new to us. Joshua Powell, Neighbor Lady, Motherfolk, Susto, Katie Pruitt, Mt Joy, and more. Some local and others from Nashville, TN, Cincinnati OH, Atlanta GA, Tulsa OK, Austin TX, Los Angeles CA. This festival allows us to see bands we love and bands that we are going to love and remember from all across the US. This is where musicians play on one stage and then wander over to watch musicians play on another stage. This is where musician meet and greets are common. IT IS ALL IN ONE LOCATION. That is the point of a festival. That is why I love festivals. All that music in one place.

This festival is in its infancy. Putting this together must be like putting together one giant jigsaw puzzle. Location, bands, sponsors, security, vendors, volunteers, ticket sales, advertising and probably a thousand other things I’m not even thinking about. Rumors were floating around that maybe attendance wasn’t good enough to have a third year? Hoping that it is just that, a rumor, and we all get to enjoy many more years of this festival. The neighborhood had a sign up “The Neighbors Thank MOKB” and so do the rest of us that got to enjoy this festival again this year.

Main Stage Saturday                                                                     Hilltop Stage Saturday

Neighbor Lady Joshua Powell

Katie Pruitt Lilly Hiatt

Kristin Hersh Briston Maroney

Murder by Death Mipso

Justin Townes Earle Susto    

Citizen Cope Will Hoge

Main Stage Sunday                                                                        Hilltop Stage Sunday

Patrick Sweany Motherfolk

Red Wanting Blue Brent Cowles

John Moreland Erin Rae

Black Joe Lewis The Wild Reeds

Nikki Lane Left Lane Cruiser

Mt. Joy American

Aquarium

Check out the photos from the event.

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Band Members
Adrienne Nixon Basco – Lead Vocalist

Rich Basco – Bass

Keith ” Wizard” Inman – Guitar John “JJ”

Ledford – Guitar

Kennon Knight – (guest) Drummer

Dan Locke: How did you start to work for unrated?

Adrienne Nixon: In 2009, I was chosen to be an Unrated Vixen cover model. After I answered the questions that were sent to me for the interview that was to accompany the pictorial, Adam Bielawski wrote to me and asked if I might be interested in writing a few pieces for the magazine. Of course, I jumped at the chance!

What were your musical influences growing up?

I was fortunate to grow up in a home filled with all sorts of music! My mother has always enjoyed singing gospel and jazz. My sister was a fan of pop and disco, and my father, who taught music at NC A&T University, sent classical albums to us. Everything from Mozart to Donna Summer and Dolly Parton could be heard in our house! As a pre-teen, I fell in love with glam rock. I still think certain 80s rock ballads are some of the most beautiful melodies ever written. However, my love affair with metal music began in high school with Sepultura, after I heard them cover a Beethoven piece, and it’s still the genre that really makes my heart race!

Tell me about the movie Goforth?

I feel so fortunate to have worked on the inspirational short film, GoForth. Produced by Prince Media, it was based on the true story of a young woman, TJ Goforth, who survived an extremely abusive relationship, and became a police officer. My character, Detective Bristow, is the one who convinces TJ to testify against her ex in a case involving another young woman. I love shows like Criminal Minds and CSI, and I’d always wanted to play a detective, so it was really a fun experience for me.

How did you get into Swamp da Wamp?

I was contacted over Facebook by a man I’d met in passing about 5 years before about the chance to audition to be one of two backing vocalists in the band for which he played bass. That man was my now husband, Rich Basco. Curious and ready to try something new, I thought, “I’ve never been a backing vocalist before. Might be fun. I’ll give it a shot!”, and before I knew it, I’d agreed to meet up with Gig and Rich at a local music venue. Gig handed me a few CDs, told me to learn the backing vocals for all of the songs, and said he’d see me at rehearsal in 2 weeks. The rest is history!

What was Swamp da Wamp music like?

Because the music industry seems to enjoy labels, SDW was placed in the country rock genre. Truthfully, you can find a bit of everything in Swamp’s music. Blues, rock, bluegrass, country, soul. All of it was in there all wrapped up in box with a country rock/southern rock bow. In writing music for Tombstone Betty’s first EP, I really tried to stick to that true southern music vibe by including influences from every southern-born musical genre. That being said, our music is ever-evolving, and each of our metalhead sides is starting to show a bit, so our sound is definitely beginning to have a harder edge to it.

How was it to play the Rock Legends Cruise?

Playing the Rock Legends Cruise was and is nothing short of AMAZING!!! It’s one thing to be able to watch your idols or to meet them as a fan, but actually be able to share a stage with some of them is a completely different experience altogether. It’s crazy to meet these incredible artists you’ve listened to for so long as colleagues instead of as a fan meeting untouchable rock gods. It still makes me giggle to think that I’ve shared stages with bands like WAR and Marshall Tucker, as well as with members of Molly Hatchet and Foghat. That’s wild!

What were some of the bands you were with on the cruise in 2015?

The 2015 Rock Legends Cruise lineup included:

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
ALICE COOPER
PAUL RODGERS
38 SPECIAL
THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND
DON FELDER
WAR
DAVE MASON’S TRAFFIC JAM
BLUE ÖYSTER CULT
URIAH HEEP
THE OUTLAWS
MOLLY HATCHET
RIK EMMETT
THE EDGAR WINTER BAND
TEN YEARS AFTER
KIM SIMMONDS & SAVOY BROWN
PAT TRAVERS BAND
ROYAL SOUTHERN BROTHERHOOD
MELVIN SEALS & JGB
THE ARTIMUS PYLE BAND
SWAMPDAWAMP
STEVE RODGERS
THE BLUE LORDS
CITIZENS BAND RADIO

Sorry to hear about the Gig Michaels death.

Thank you. It was very difficult for all of us. We didn’t just lose our Frontman. We lost a really close friend, and that is never easy. As a band comprised mostly of SDW alumni, I believe we all hope Gig would be proud of what we’re doing with Tombstone Betty.

How did you form the band Tombstone Betty?

Soon after Gig passed away, people began questioning the remaining members of Swamp da Wamp about the future of the band. We were all still in the grieving process, and none of us had any answers. Besides, we all knew Gig, could never be replaced. We played twice with former bassist, Cody Bennett and I as co-leading vocalists, but in the end, it was all just too much.

All I knew is that I didn’t want to stop making music, so I did the only thing I knew to do. I started writing songs. From there, I recruited my husband and one of SDW’s guitarists, John Ledford, along with drummer Kennon Knight, and we recorded “Rev It Up”. Rich suggested the band name, which came from a song Gig wrote and performed with a band he had long before SDW. Although I had never heard the song, I loved the name, so we became Tombstone Betty! I wrote the self-titled song a month or two later, then paired it with a bass line Rich had written as a teenager. It’s still one of my favorite tunes.

What does the band name mean?

To me, the name Tombstone Betty resonates on a theme of female empowerment. Women can be beautiful, intelligent, capable, strong, and so many other truly wonderful things! However, even the most kind, peace-loving of us, if threatened, injured or crossed in a myriad of other ways, can also be quite dangerous…

What is true rock and roll?

True rock and roll encompass the spirit of personal freedom and rebellion against repression and oppression. It is rooted in the reclamation of personal power.

True southern rock expresses that spirit through rock’s co-mingling with genres like blues, country, gospel, bluegrass, and soul.

Tell me about your video premiere on March 18, 2019?

Our next video, shot by Eric Croas, for a hard-rocking cover of Alice Cooper’s “Is It My Body”, is going to be much simpler in nature, focusing mainly on the band itself. Both the release of the single and the video debut, are scheduled for October of 2019.

What is the American Veterans Celebration?

The American Veterans Celebration was a semi-private party thrown by a U.S. military veteran in honor of all who’ve served the United States in that manner. Besides Tombstone Betty, it featured performances by Skinny Molly, The Curt Towne Band, Ben and Bolt, and The Dirty Soul Revival.

How did you get involved with Josie Music Awards?

As of yet, we haven’t been involved with the Josie Awards, but, as we have friends who have won many Josies, they have definitely been on my radar. I do love the fact that there is an award show that celebrates the creative endeavors of independent artists. Perhaps we will throw our hat in the ring this year…

Since you are from Charlotte, I am going to name a few bands from North Carolina. I would like you to say something about each…

Firehouse – As a woman who was a high school girl in the early 90s, Firehouse was definitely a part of the soundtrack of my younger life. Back then, who didn’t daydream about their latest crush to the sound of Firehouse’s ballad, “Love of a Lifetime”?!?

Jodeci – Jodeci is legendary in the R&B genre. Their smooth harmonies helped to define that whole 90s R&B sound. Love them!

J. Cole – Let me start by saying that I could never be considered any kind of an expert on rap music. I respect it as a genre, but I just don’t spend much time listening to it. However, I know what I like, and, in my opinion, J. Cole is impressive. His lyrics read like modern poetry, his hooks are great, and I love that he has made it a priority to try and improve the lives of people stuck within a system that hasn’t been working for them. I love a rapper with a philanthropic mission!

The Avett Brothers – The Avett Brothers’ music is the perfect synthesis of roots music and pop. The lyrics are thoughtful and moving, and the voices are fantastic. I call it “thinkin’ & drivin’ music”.

Nina Simone – Nina Simone’s talent as an artist was undeniable, her courage as an activist was admirable, and her voice was like warm honey. She was marvelous.

Charlie Daniels – Socio-politically, Charlie Daniels and I couldn’t be farther apart, but I’d be lying if I told you “Devil Went Down to Georgia” isn’t one of my absolute favorite songs!

Luke Combs – Luke Combs’ music is good, honest country music. He has a really nice voice, and the songs are well written. I also love the fact that he doesn’t look like he just left a boy band. He reminds me of a friend you’d run into at the local farm store and ask about his mamanym!

Thelonious Monk – I’m not sure anyone can be a true lover of jazz without loving Thelonious Monk! What a beautiful, creative pianist and composer he was. The genre would not have been the same without his contributions.

Andy Griffith – The Andy Griffith Show was such a huge part of my childhood! As an actor and as a musician, Andy Griffith will always have my undying love and respect. He was wonderful!

Randy Travis – I’ve always been more a fan of bluesy, Patsy Kline, Lyle Lovett, Bonnie Raitt style country, but somehow, Randy Travis’ gentle twang slid its way into my heart. I really like him, and every time I drive past Marshville, NC on my way to the beach, you’ll usually catch me singing, “Forever and Ever, Amen”.

Daughtry – I’ve loved Chris Daughtry since I first heard him on American Idol back in the day! He has a great rock voice, and has always seemed conscious of projecting a positive image within the music industry. The success of Daughtry has been anything but surprising to me.

Carolina Chocolate Drops – What an incredibly talented group of musicians! I love a band that breaks through stereotypes and refocuses listeners’ attention on musical quality. The first all-black string band to play the Grand Ole Opry, they’ve done amazing work, and the praise they’ve garnered has been well-deserved. I was fortunate to meet one of their former members, Dom Flemens, earlier this year. A brilliant musician in his own right, he was touting his newest album, Black Cowboys, a sort of celebration of the black contribution to western music. It’s definitely something to check out!

Tift Merritt – I’m a sucker for talented female artists that can ditch the glam persona, and let their voices, songwriting, and musicianship shine. Tift Merritt does that, and I love her for it!

Do you know anything about the Chapel Hill music scene?

Although one of our guitarists, Keith “Wizard” Inman, graduated from UNC, I’m afraid I know very little about the Chapel Hill scene.

Charlotte had its only Christian pop-punk band, “Philmont”. Have you seen them?

No, I haven’t, but you’ve just given me something new to listen to. Thanks!

Any plans to tour?

Does one ever actually have plans to tour? Lol! Right now, we’re focusing on writing, recording, and perfecting our sound. We’re taking things as they come.

How do you see your band in five years?

I see us five years better, five years stronger, and five years wiser, pushing musical boundaries with our creativity, playing to crowds of thousands, and still enjoying every moment of it!

Thinking about a solo career?

A solo career was never my aim. However, I sometimes write songs that, even though I love them, simply aren’t the right style for Tombstone Betty. For that reason, a solo effort is not out of the question. In fact, it may happen sooner than later…

Anything you would like to say to your fans in closing?

Tombstone Betty is preparing for great things in this upcoming year! Many thanks to those of you who’ve followed and supported us thus far. The October release of our new single and video is definitely something you won’t want to miss, so, if you haven’t already, subscribe to our YouTube page, like our Facebook page, follow our Instagram, and stay tuned for all that is to come from Tombstone Betty!

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Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, Indianapolis, IN, USA, August 12, 2019

by Melodie Cody

Band Members; Jack White, Brendon Benson, Patrick Keeler and Jack Lawrence.

On a Monday night in August, the Raconteurs entertained us in Indy at the Old National Centre. It was a high energy show. The playlist was exactly what everyone wanted to hear and there was a pretty good light show. The band played without stopping, jumping into one song after another. Jack White never stopped moving. He played guitar and keyboards, sharing lead vocals with Brendon Benson. The band was loud and wonderful.

The Centre was close to capacity and the audience was completely into the music. Singing along, dancing and enjoying being with friends. Why is this different from any other show? Because this show was a phone free show. At first, I was somewhat skeptical and a little “what the heck?”, but you know what? It was a great idea. Either you left your phone at home, in your car, or you got a Yondr phone pouch that locked as you came through security. You carried the pouch with you. You could go to stations placed inside the Old National Centre lobby to unlock your phone for use if needed, but there was no access to phones in the actual venue. The difference was amazing. No cell phones held in the air recording songs. No cell phone flashes, yes people still don’t turn off their cell phone flash…. everyone paid attention to what was happening on stage. I would venture to say, most people had a very good time and will have the pictures in their head with memories of how they interacted with friends and a like-minded audience instead of seeing the show through a phone screen.

I love taking pictures at shows mostly with my camera and sometimes my phone, I hope that never goes away, but I have got to admit I didn’t mind just being there and enjoying the Raconteurs’ music. 
 

Setlist

Consoler of the Lonely

Level

Old Enough

You Don't Understand Me

Don't Bother Me

Somedays (I Don't Feel Like Trying)
Play Video
Top Yourself
(With parts of "Hey Gyp" and "Intimate Secretary")

Help Me Stranger

Only Child

Broken Boy Soldier

Encore:
Salute Your Solution

Now That You're Gone

Sunday Driver

What's Yours Is Mine

Devils Haircut
(Beck cover)

Live a Lie

Many Shades of Black

Shine the Light on Me

Blue Veins          

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September 21nd & 22 featuring: Citizen Cope, Mt. Joy, Nikki Lane, Justin Townes Earle, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, John Moreland, Kristin Hersh

by Melodie Cody

There are few things better than attending an inaugural year of a music festival. Last year’s Holler on the Hill music festival at Garfield Park in Indianapolis, Indiana was one of those festivals. Garfield Park was established late 19th century, making it the oldest city park in Indianapolis and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park is situated on the Southside of Indianapolis bordered by residential areas and small businesses. 

The 2018 inaugural two-day event was a great mixture of well-known and lesser-known musicians. The festival had three stages, one being the amphitheater built in the 1920s, renovated in the 1990s, with reserved seating and plenty of grassy space surrounding it for lawn chairs and blankets.

So many things to like about the first year. Placement of the stages as there was no music bleed between performing artists. Food and beverages were provided by various vendors. My personal favorite was the Hippie Tots! If you have never had Hippie Tots, then it is just one more reason to attend this festival. Tickets to the event were reasonably priced. Getting in and out of the venue was convenient, security checks were competent and fast.
The 2018 Line up included; St Paul and the Broken Bones, Moon Taxi, Hayes Carll, Colter Wall, Amanda Shires, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Jamestown Revival, John Paul White, Katie Pruitt, and many, many more.

Looking forward to the second year of Holler on the Hill, scheduled for September 21st and 22nd. Two days of music, food, beverage, merch, and people-watching in a beautiful setting. Whoever thought we would have a music festival in Indy? So glad we do! Great big THANK YOU to Garfield Park, MOKB and all the Sponsors.

The 2019 Lineup;
Citizen Cope
Mt Joy
Nikki Lane
Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears
Justin Townes Earle
Murder by Death
John Moreland
Kristin Hersh
American Aquarium
Red Wanting Blue
Lilly Hiatt
Will Hoge
Mipso
Susto
Katie Pruitt
Briston Maroney
Erin Rae
The Wild Reeds
Brent Cowles
Motherfolk
Patrick Sweany
Left Lane Cruiser
Neighbor Lady
Joshua Powell
Psst… There are late night shows, located at several venues around Indy, for those that just can’t get enough music during the actual festival. Enjoy!
After Hours Lineup
Whiskey Wolves of the West
Vincent Neil Emerson
Isaac Rudd & The Revolvers
Jesse Malin
Cody Ikerd & The Sidewinders
Heaven Honey
And more to be announced