The Memphis Machine is a podcast that delves into the creative force that is Memphis, TN. We have conversations with musicians, producers, writers, actors, conductors, etc. who actively make Memphis the relevant city she is.
Jonathan Bass and Carl Caspersen
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.
Part 2 of our conversation with Rod and Steve.
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.
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.
Welcome to our third season. A delightful way to begin a rainy winter morning is a chat with Marcella Simien. Marcella is a singer, songwriter, musician, and visual artist who is killing it here in Memphis and soon….the world! We talk about her artistic journey from Lafayette, LA to Memphis, TN, Creole culture, the hustle, and fearlessness and “facing the abyss.” Enjoy.
To wrap up season 2, we have Gary Hardy over for lunch. Hardy is a Memphis musician, producer, and story teller who says it like it is. Thanks to Gary we have Sun Studio again, having reopened it in 1987. We get into his story from the beginning, though maybe not in that order. We have been informed that there will likely be a part 2 so stay tuned.
In episode 7 we speak to Brian Craig, station manager at WEVL, Memphis’s own volunteer radio. WEVL is a completely listener supported gem of terrestrial radio station that has been on the air since 1976. We get into history of the station, what it take to run it, and the programming that makes it so special. It is the only radio to which I consistently listen and getting to visit was exciting. Enjoy the conversation and support your local public station.
Yes. We said beer…and spirits. This episode took a while to assemble, but let me assure you there were no complaints. A compilation of conversations, we went to one distillery, two breweries, speaking to five creators of lovely libations. Big thanks to Old Dominick’s, Meddlesome, High Cotton, Memphis Made, and Wiseacre for making this episode happen. Cheers!
In Episode 5 we catch up with Dr. Jack Cooper. A busy man, Cooper is director of jazz studies at the University of Memphis, currently he also serves as the Composer and Arranger in Residence for the Berlin Jazz Orchestra, and performs with various ensembles. We delve into the nitty gritty of working in music both in and out of the world of academia. We do geek out and get into the weeds at times and details are plentiful, but lots of great information to be had.
In this episode we sit down with the creators of Stoned Ninja at the lovely 409 South Main building in Memphis. Gabriel DeRanzo (writer) and Greg Cravens (artist) have come together to bring life to “a new strain of hero.” We get an education in the world of comic creation and what it takes to make an idea into a reality.
Say hello to Holly Whitfield! Holly is the writer, curator, blogger, of www.ilovememphisblog.com, which is the “go to” source of info on what to do in Memphis. If you are planning a trip to Memphis or live here already this is the blog to follow.
Lately, the first place I take visiting friends and family is Crosstown Concourse. It never disappoints. The vendors, the gallery, the (slowly becoming iconic) red staircase, the building’s enormity, etc, eventually lead to them saying “Wow…but…what is this place?” Well in this episode we only get into the question of “What is Crosstown Arts” while scratching the surface of the rest. We chat with Caitlin Hassinger, Eso Tolson, Jenny Davis, and Joy Marseille for a better understanding of the initiative known as Crosstown Arts. Enjoy!
In this episode we sit down with Joyce Cobb. Cobb is Memphis royalty. She is an incredible vocalist and entertainer and an absolute delight to be around. Cobb’s journey in through the world of music is a great example of what it means to hustle, work, and diversify. In addition to her massive repertoire, she is a songwriter, was the last recording artist at Stax Records, and currently teaches voice at Rhodes College here in Memphis. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.
Memphis Machine gets classy and takes a goes to the Opera, Opera Memphis. We speak with Michael Sakir (conductor) and Ned Canty (director). These gentlemen are titans of opera and a joy to talk to. We have a very enlightening discussion about opera and its relevancy in Memphis. Enjoy.
In this episode we speak with Memphis’s own Chris Davis. Chris is a journalist for the Memphis Flyer and writes the blogs Intermission Impossible and Fly on the Wall. He is also a talented actor, song writer, and musician with Papa Tops Westcoast Turn Around. We keep it light even when we don’t, and talk about everything under the Memphis sun.
Paul Taylor is synonymous with Memphis music. He is a drummer, bassist, guitarist, producer, and song writer. We talk about Memphis history, tons of music, and we also nerd out occasionally. This interview happened in the cozy confines of the Crosstown Concourse/Arts studio, an incredible creative space augmenting the arts residency program.
Jennifer is an extremely talented vocalist and song writer. She is the creator of Crown Vox, and in this conversation we get into what is takes to create such a multifaceted project. We get into music, fashion, making videos, and we drop some names. It was a hot Memphis summer day up in Nate’s bar at Ernestine and Hazel’s…with a broken air conditioner. Big thanks to Jennifer for hanging out with us.
In this conversation we speak with James Dukes the founder of Unapologetic. Dukes is a producer/engineer headquartered in Memphis. Unapologetic is a juggernaut of creativity made up of musicians, journalists, and various artists working to spread the ethos of Unapologetic. We have unapologetically published the entire two hour interview for your enjoyment.
In our inaugural episode we speak with Richard Cushing. Richard is the founder of the band FreeWorld, which is possibly the longest running band in Memphis. We get into Memphis history, the Beale Street revival, musicianship, work ethic, and band management. Richard is a wealth of knowledge and a joy to talk to. Enjoy.
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