Adventures in Americana presents Smouse in the House

There was a moment right away in recording this podcast that gave me goosebumps. Sitting in an empty church outside of Mahtowa, Josie Langhorst pointed to a space up front and shared that her first public performance was right there. Being in a place where an artist first found their voice is extra special, especially when we get to hear two new songs recorded live in that same exact spot. You can hear the love of music in Josie's voice and the way her mind thinks to connect lyrics and emotion. It was an absolute joy to discover this young artist and I can't wait to watch her find a much deserved larger audience.

In a short time, Clare Doyle has garnered a lot of buzz and praise for her music. Clare's creative journey from childhood to when the pandemic reawakened her interest in songwriting is movie material. Her ability to share without boundaries, feel without holding back, and authentically reveal herself in her songs is a talent every musician aims to achieve. Our discussion on how songs come together, and how one long road ended up becoming a theme in her debut EP Stranger, is fascinating. If you haven't already discovered Clare Doyle, this is the perfect time to get aboard!

Listening to Kevin Kniebel and Justin Bruhn bring up names and bands from the Twin Cities Americana scene (past and present) shows just how much Pert Near Sandstone respects and understands heritage. They've collaborated with and influenced so many artists over their two-decade run as a band, I had to ask just how they keep it rolling. Their answer is based in the spirit of family and leaving egos at the door. That's rare in almost any profession, let alone music. Pert Near Sandstone continues to cement their legacy with creative ways to write music, collaborate, and uplift all the bands that have come before and after them. 

Magnetic. That's the way I felt the first time when playing McKain Lakey's album Somewhere. Half way through the podcast I had to figure out where that magnetic lure came from, which turns out, is baked into the Seattle production of the album. Getting to know more about McKain, where they've lived and their own appreciation to the various genres that make up their own music is fascinating.

It's been an absolute joy to to witness the evolution of local indie-folk duo The Twins of Franklin. From their debut release Low in 2020, to their new gorgeous release This Life, best friends Laura Lou and Becky Shaheen share their lives through their songs. These chapters of their life, good and bad, are bravely presented and easily resonate with so many fans. My sides hurt from laughing every time we chat, and my eyes water up almost every time I see them perform. In this episode, The Twins of Franklin premiere their new  song, “The Space Between A Dream.” 

In some ways, talking with Matthew French felt like I was reconnecting with a long-lost brother. Matthew has a gentle warmth, kindness, and comforting presence. His music has always given me a sense of security in life, knowing I'm not alone in difficult times, and finding solace and advice deep in his lyrics. This podcast gives us a look into Matthew's family by discussing “Sweet Ohio Soil”, as well as his prior life as a pastor. We also chat about his newest (freshly released) album Circles and hear two of his songs--one older and one brand new. Matthew French is a voice worth following to find some guidance in all your good and bad days. 

If you're like many of us, the harp has always been a mystic mystery. We rarely see it or hear it, and struggle to even understand the complexity of playing it. But when you see Nikki Lemire perform, she makes it look effortless and easy. The same is true when talking to Nikki about her music and life; there's an ease and comfort as she shares her musical journey. I felt profoundly connected to her story and family heritage of music that has trickled down to her own children, which is the most beautiful form of love — being able to share in the joy of music with her family and her community.

Brainerd, MN-based singer-songwriter Kelley Smith's debut album Moon Child found an immediate audience and plenty of exposure. Reconnecting in the lull after hearing about that experience, and how she's processing and planning the next chapters of her life and music career, gave our host Tom Smouse a special inside look into what many artists go through. Experiences like sitting in Kelley's kitchen and hearing how her surrounding environment has influenced her songwriting are the exact reason this podcast was created. 

Just blocks away from the 3rd Police Precinct that burned down during the 2020 protests, Minneapolis country-folk band The Gated Community saw many of their recordings lost due to a power outage. But being in the center of burning buildings, gunshots, and neighborly concern, Sumanth Gopinath was compelled to write about it in new songs, which fit perfectly with their existing songs and socially conscious perspective as a band. Sitting around one table, Tom got to hear about the evolution of a band without egos, part of what makes The Gated Community so special. 

“Bit of a recluse, a naturalist, and about to release something, or so I hear." That's how another artist described Whit Page to our host Tom Smouse. Having heard her perform before, he was immediately piqued to understand her more non-traditional approach as an artist. We had the special opportunity to record her performing two unreleased songs inside her home. You're about to discover a new artist that you'll surely want to see live. 

There's a tender kindness behind John Louis's songs that, in person, shine bright. Tom Smouse visited John at his home to learn more about his songwriting. While tossing a dog toy for the new puppy and chatting, you can hear the importance he places on the stories that explore the depth of emotions and pain. It's this skill that seems to bring a healing factor over those that connect with his music.

There is no greater example of how music transcends our physical worlds than what Twin Cities artist Gabriel Rodreick, aka Freaque, creates. His songs often use visceral physical and visual imagery to traverse our range of emotions. Tom visited Gabriel at his home to discuss his process for creating such powerful stories.

In this episode, Tom Smouse visited the home shared by Siri Undlin (aka Humbird) and Luke Callen, two Twin Cities-based artists who each deliver their own unique take on folk music. The pair demonstrated the level of respect and love they have for their community and one another. Both fresh off the release of their newest albums, Humbird and Luke give us an inside peek into two new songs and upcoming tour plans.

In this episode, Tom Smouse visited the home of Luke LeBlanc, a Twin Cities musician active since he was in his early teens. Now in his twenties and wise beyond his years, Luke's observant yet introspective outlook brings authentic insight to everything he writes. Sitting in his dining room and digging into his past that includes bubble baths, Zimmy Awards, and a new album that is literally about Places, it was inspiring to unpack his process for songwriting and how his environments play a role.

In this episode, Tom met up with Josie Hasnik, aka FINICK. This high schooler has emerged in the Twin Cities in a variety of circles and venues, winning recognition for her fanciful indie-folk songs imbued with real-life emotions.

For our inaugural Season 5 episode, Tom Smouse met up with Pine & Fire, aka Jobi Adams and Brandi Foster. A folk duo from the north woods of Minnesota, they discussed their unique blend of traditional roots music with modern punk. 

Zak Norton and Bronson Bergeson, who together make up Poppa Bear Norton, are a country duo from northern Minnesota and one of 7 acts appearing at Amerigrass, a one-day festival taking place October 7 at the Hook and Ladder in Minneapolis. The duo met me in downtown Minneapolis to talk about their musical approach, which combines comedy with classic country themes and sounds, and their larger-than-life stage personas.

I went to the Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge in Minneapolis to connect with this up-and-coming Minnesota duo about the origins of their act, their ties to the region's music community, and what they're looking forward to at the upcoming Amerigrass festival. You can hear Dellwood's intriguing modern indie take on old-time music  on October 7: They're one of 7 acts performing at Amerigrass, a one-day festival taking place at the Hook.

I met up with three members of Wild Horses at the Hook and Ladder Theater in Minneapolis to talk songwriting, musical influences, their origin story and more. The high-octane alt-country/rock/Americana group from northern Minnesota is one of 7 acts performing at Amerigrass, a one-day festival taking place at the Hook October 7. 

I met up with Tyler Pautsch, guitarist and singer-songwriter for Ty Pow and The Holy North, at the Hook and Ladder Theater and Lounge in Minneapolis. The group is one of the 7 bands performing at Amerigrass, the one-day festival taking place at the Hook October 7. We chatted about how this blues-rock, alt-country, Americana soul super group formed and how Tyler's Midwest home informs his songs.

In this special season of Smouse in the House, we interview many of the artists who'll perform at the inaugural Amerigrass festival at the Hook and Ladder Theater in Minneapolis. For the second episode I met up with jam-grass band Buffalo Galaxy in the Nokomis neighborhood of South Minneapolis.

In this special season of Smouse in the House, we interview many of the artists who'll perform at the inaugural Amerigrass festival at the Hook and Ladder Theater in Minneapolis. Our first guests are an award-winning Americana act and organizers of the festival. Maygen Lacey and Noah Neumann talk about how their unique sound inspired the creation and lineup of this one-day festival.

The beauty of local music is the ability to witness new artists grow, and I feel so honored to have an opportunity to follow the rapid and organic development of Molly Brandt, a truly authentic artist finding her voice and place in our community. Nestled in Lowry Hill on one of the coldest evenings of the year, we discuss her burgeoning songwriting skills, experiencing a dream come to fruition by recently opening for the Cactus Blossoms, and how she navigates the Twin Cities music scene through valuable support from other artists. Molly Brandt is a fresh country voice in a city that is ready for the charm, rhinestone sparkle, and genuine love of music.

Ellen Stanley, aka Mother Banjo, and Ben Cook-Feltz are such pillars in our music community, both supporting artists through promotion, live shows, and making music accessible to as many people as possible. Seated downstairs in their home, you can feel the passion they carry in songwriting. It's a tangible experience where they can pull from places in their past, expressing their experiences in visual ways. Ellen and Ben are also both transplants to Minnesota, so memories of their past environments have proven to be an interesting angle from within their “sandboxes.” Their passion for music and musicians is contagious and inspiring.

Possibly my favorite beginning to any of our podcast episodes, I walked right into a magical off-the-cuff song about pancakes performed by Lamar, aka Geoffrey Lamar Wilson, and his young child playing a cardboard guitar. Surrounded by books and photos of his kids, we chatted about that first spark of joy playing music as a child in the family basement with his dad's band, how his move to New York influenced his songwriting, and how the move back to his childhood neighborhood in Minneapolis was mindfully intentional. A true triple-threat, Lamar is a gifted saxophonist, guitarist, and even writes podcast theme songs. Join us as we discuss Lamar's intention to stay grounded in his family and neighborhood while infusing mood, vulnerability, and historically weighted conversations within his music. 

If you close your eyes and listen to Sister Species, you'll be able to imagine the home of Emily Kastrul – sprawling plants, DIY home improvements, the gentle give of a wood floor, and a trove of local art surrounding the home. Each song connects to the environment, such as how the Mississippi River and Emily's backyard garden find their way into the lyrics. An emotionally intelligent songwriter, Emily discusses her process and the prominence place holds in her work. Local band Sister Species continues to avoid being placed in a genre box, and they put in the effort to support others willing to create unique, authentic music.

Iowan native Tracey Blake is an enigma to country music. His R&B swagger, admiration for Prince, and student of the Minneapolis sound is a combination that doesn't immediately make you imagine country music. But in that multifaceted skill set comes an authentic voice that feels all his own. We discuss the ironic importance of the Mississippi by his home, along with how he decides where a song can succeed the most. Oftentimes that means sharing a song with another artist to perform. Beneath the performer is a producer's mindset that cares deeply about the creation and sound of the song. Grab a whiskey and enjoy the chat!

Walking into Sarah Morris' bathroom was a surreal experience. The minty green bathroom has been home to so many artists and friends that we had to record the podcast there. Sarah is an avid supporter and angel to our music community with hosting videos all over her home. We discussed her experience living in Nashville and how the move back to Minnesota opened up her songwriting skills. Sarah doesn't waste the page with unnecessary words in her songs. There is a dedicated purpose, feeling, and message that gets tucked into the measures like a love letter in a mailbox.

Tucked into the green room underneath the bustle of Turf Club in St. Paul, it's easy to see why so many people connect to Charlie Parr. Humble, smart, and keen on life, Charlie exudes an aura of approachability and camaraderie. His love for songwriting and the creative process feels simple, but what comes out in the end is a complex wave of emotions and past memories. In this episode, we chat about two of his new songs and how grief for the loss of his father continues to influence his music. And he also shares the legacy of the Spider John Koerner guitar he received and the bond he has formed with his own historic instruments.

Oftentimes I discover a kinship with musicians that align with my own past. Due to his involvement in the music community here in the Twin Cities, I immediately felt that kinship with Max Markin. He ran a music label and actively networks with other local artists as the host of a songwriter showcase series at Palmer's. Creatively, Max writes intriguing stories for different projects and maintains an openness and respect for art and the creative process. Sitting in the large booths in the quiet nest of his Como neighborhood home, Max shared his process for writing, the progression of ideas, and why he chose to move back to the Twin Cities after living in New York City.

You won't meet a more dedicated musician and songwriter than Lonesome Dan Kase. He's a historian of his genre, a pillar in the scene, and the kindest gentleman.  Recently, I sat down with Kase to discuss his craft, learn about old-timey music playing styles, where he caught the bug, and how influential his music research seeps into his own writing. In this episode, we present two exclusive live performances recorded in his home. Dan Kase is a noble bearer of the traditions and importance of our past, honoring old-timey blues pickin' music and introducing new generations to the genre.CREDITSHosted by Tom SmouseProduced & Edited by Carol RothWeb Design by Jaclyn NottPhotography by Tom SmouseIntro/Outro Music by Ellkaye (aka Lila Karash)Intro/Outro Voiceover: Jaclyn Nott & Tom Smouse

Having known Josh Cleveland for over 10 years, recording this podcast at his home felt extremely comfortable. His humor, wit, and detail in songwriting are instantly present in our conversation. Together, we dive into his evolution as a songwriter, along with exploring his magical home with a long history of music creation. There's heartfelt warmth in the emotions and stories Josh tells in his songs, and his south Minneapolis neighborhood nurtures that passion. Please let us introduce you to an artist that is ready to have a very prosperous 2023!CREDITSHosted by Tom SmouseProduced & Edited by Carol RothWeb Design by Jaclyn NottPhotography by Tom SmouseIntro/Outro Music by Ellkaye (aka Lila Karash)Intro/Outro Voiceover: Jaclyn Nott & Tom Smouse

Because environment heavily influences art, there is a clear through-line to his home of Prescott, Wisconsin. Growing up in a small town, feeling connected to the community, and yet wanting to move on and expand your opportunities–there's a part of everyone that can relate to Sam DuBois and his songwriting. Sam's is an authentic voice that struggles in pursuit of his passions, a struggle many of us can all identify with and root for. I can't wait to check in with him a year from now to hear about the progression of his music, learn about the new community of musicians that support him, and witness a young talent grow into his own talented shoes.

My recent visit with Jake La Botz provided yet another strong example of why sitting in someone's home can uncover deeper and more personal conversations and connections. In this episode, we explore how an artist's environment can impact the creative process, something Jake's encountered during his time living in Rochester, Minnesota. You'll get to hear his trademark wit and humor, but he also takes a  contemplative approach in his answers, revealing insights about his minimalism as well as his songwriting. It's these types of unique shared experiences and intangible variables that make the concept of this podcast shine. Come hang out with me and Jake!

New Salty Dog is a group of guys you want to hang out with. They are laid back, entertaining, and care deeply about creating special moments with their music. You can feel the camaraderie that they have for their city, musician friends, and neighborhood in our chat. For someone that has covered more Americana, acoustic-based performers, speaking with a more jam-based band brought a new level of lingo, jive, and energy to the table. The best part is discovering this band at the beginning of their musical evolution, and you can sense there is still growth and emergence in their songs. I can't wait to see where New Salty Dog is heading, and I'm excited to introduce them to new listeners!

Breanne Marie represents so many of the themes this podcast seeks to explore. Her Duluth home sits on the border of city and nature, nestled high above Lake Superior. There's an instant warmth in her voice, charm in her stories, and rich environmental influences. In this fourth episode of season two, Breanne shares two songs that speak directly to our discussion, revealing how deeply Duluth lends its character to her writing.

Storytellers have the gift of poetically communicating beyond words. Emily Haavik is one of those special individuals that can weave a story with a feeling, both simple and deeply weighted. In this third episode of the second season of Smouse in the House, we get an opportunity to learn about her creative process, where she finds inspiration, the importance of literature, and thinking past the basic meaning of a word. Emily beautifully describes the ways we can connect our own personal stories to a wider discussion of common human feelings. With the added bonus of two special acoustic performances on her patio, recorded just for us!

Trevor McSpadden and Mary Cutrufello hold each other with a high level of mutual respect. You can hear it in their stories, jokes, and when sharing their creative process. Individually, they represent songwriting forces and storied histories that converged with their Texas pasts. It came full circle for Tom when he learned that even highly talented and skilled musicians are fans of other artists. That lightbulb-moment offers a great insight to how artists are driven to create, develop and collaborate, and thankfully possible that even the best musicians are not above admiring and appreciating other artists – for the love of not just good but great music.

Pit Stop is a gift shop of musical variations on traditional Americana bands. Stuffed into Jake Balistrieri's small apartment, the band (including James Patrick Horigan, Gage Webster, and Zack Warpinski) shared their songwriting process, including the tools Jake and Sarah use to collaborate as songwriting partners and the inspiration of blues, country, rock, and even doo-wop inspire their music. In this episode, we discuss pruno, track records, and side passions that found their way into their lives during the pandemic, including a special Pit Stop Hot Slop sauce. A new force in the Twin Cities, Pit Stop is the new sound you didn't know you were waiting for.

In the 7th and final episode of season 1, Tom visits the amazing St. Paul home of Adam Levy of the retro folk-pop band Turn Turn Turn. Here, Tom chats with Adam and fellow band members Savannah Smith and Barb Brynstad–all mainstays of the Minnesota music scene–about how they work together and influences underpinning their irresistible sound. And even better–we get a first listen to two fresh-from-the-studio new songs!

In the sixth episode of season one, Tom Smouse visits the home of singer-songwriter/yoga + music teacher Mary Bue to discuss how love, loss, and dreams inspire and infuse her work and life. 

In the fifth episode of season one, Tom Smouse visits the home of Quillan and Kim Roe. These founding members of Roe Family Singers embody "family," from stories of their past to the art on their walls to their music and relationships within the local music community–particularly at 331, having served as the longest running residency in Minnesota. Join Tom as he enters the inner sanctum of the Roe Family Singers to learn more about their songwriting process and the ups and downs of life as musicians and as partners in music and life.

 In the fourth episode of Smouse in the House, Tom visits the home of two of the funniest and most insightful artists he's ever met—Isaak and Tori Elker of Good Morning Bedlam—to discuss their newly released album, Lulu, and what's shaping up to be an exciting year ahead, packed with shows and growing national recognition.

In the third episode, Tom visits the home and creative space of Aaron Cabbage, aka Surge And The Swell. A musician who is passionate about supporting and celebrating the local music scene, Cabbage draws inspiration from his environment and experiences to create songs, honoring the individual experience, as being enough. Join Tom as he dives into Cabbage's personal creative well.

In the second episode of Smouse in the House, our host, Tom Smouse, is graciously invited into the home/creative nest/safe space of local singer-songwriter Becky Kapell. Becky has a humbleness and deep appreciation for her place in the Twin Cities music scene. She respects her peers, gets excited for others' successes, and the joy she has as an artist shines brightly through each song. Listen now to episode 2 of season 1!

It's always interesting meeting a band after you've listened to all of their music. Perceptions shift and so many dots get connected in learning about the style and process of songwriting. For me, The Sapsuckers exemplify the longstanding traditions of Americana music. They understand the dynamics in the genre, are able to classify the type of song on first listen, and constantly honor old-timey elements in their production techniques. In this first episode of season one, Tom Smouse's first discussion revealed all of this in the thoughtful answers and throwbacks to their influences.