Red Line Roots

 Palmyra: A Matter of TimeIf it's possible to fall head over heels for a band (and I believe that is possible), then Palmyra is a band that people fall for. Like so many things in life, it appears to come down to authenticity, to that sense that what you're hearing and seeing and experiencing is genuine. On their new record, Restless, which will be out everywhere on March 28, the band wrestles with questions of time, of speeding up or slowing down, and the accompanying control, or lack thereof. It's a beautiful record, full of gorgeous harmony. It is also a masterclass in tension and release: songs build to a breaking point, and I caught myself holding my breath, then exhaling along with the songs. It was such a pleasure to talk with Sasha, Teddy, and Mānoa for the Red Line Roots podcast. Be sure to listen to the end for their contributions to our “Best Song Ever” playlist, and check back soon for my review of their show at Cat's Cradle on March 29! If you have never seen Palmyra live, make it a priority–tour dates are here. 

Jeffrey Foucault joins the Red Line Roots podcast to dig into his brilliant new record, The Universal Fire. The album has been described as a “working wake” for his late friend and bandmate, Bill Conway. It explores friendship, loss, both the depth and ephemeral nature of music, and the vitality of making something true. Credit to Joe Navas

William Prince: Stand in the JoyIf there is anyone I am excited to see at Newport Folk Festival this year, it is William Prince. From the first song on his amazing 2023 record, Stand in the Joy, I felt like I was listening to a songwriter who has figured it out: how to cut out all the things that get in the way of a great song and just get to the heart. In our conversation, I found myself wondering if that is connected to what we talked about: how to cut out or move past the things in life that don't end up making a difference in the end. As William discusses, it's all about family, love, and spending time doing what fills you up. I hope you enjoy this conversation with William–make sure to check out his music and, if you are going to Newport, don't miss his set! Interview by Ken Templeton

The Simple Joy: The Power of Community When I moved to North Carolina, I asked some folks about who is active in the local music scene and the name Tuck Satterfield kept coming up. One person said, “He knows everybody.” And while I have found that to be true, it's also that Tuck is a real champion for songwriters and musicians in the NC Triangle. He goes to gigs, celebrates accomplishments, talks shop, lends support, and genuinely appreciates their art. On top of all that, Tuck is the primary songwriter for the Durham-based group The Simple Joy. Tuck is a thoughtful lyricist and together with his bandmates Stephen Muñoz (guitar, vocals), Pam McCarthy (percussion) and Michael Lowry (guitar, bass, vocals), creates songs that are deeply focused on our most intimate relationships and life's unresolvable questions. But even though the subject matter can be serious, Tuck does not shy away from wry humor, and the groove and feel of the songs is often upbeat. I feel so fortunate to have been introduced to Tuck and to count him as a friend. I hope you enjoy our conversation! Photo Credit: Ken Templeton

A chance encounter in a used book store has brought us a stunning new record from Dawn Landes. Years ago, she came upon The Liberated Woman's Songbook, a 77-song collection curated by Jerry Silverman, who authored more than 200 music instruction books and was music editor for Sing Out! Magazine. Recently, Dawn teamed up with Josh Kaufman to produce an album by the same name, and has curated some truly spectacular live shows to celebrate both these songs from our history and some of the most amazing women in music today. The album came out on March 29, and Dawn has tour dates coming up, including one May 4 at Playmakers Theater in Chapel Hill. This was a fantastic conversation and we are so thankful to Dawn for coming on the podcast. Enjoy!  Photo Credit: Heather Evans Smith

Ryan Flaherty and Erika Stahl are the powerhouse duo out of Maine, Muddy Ruckus. Last year, they released Vacationland, which demonstrates just how expansively two people can make music. We got to chat with Ryan and Erika and really enjoyed their reflections on process and following where the music is leading, as well as their thoughts on how an album has to ebb and flow to be engaging to listeners and satisfying to musicians. Thanks for listening to the podcast–share it with friends who like good music!  You can also revisit Muddy Ruckus on the Old Spruce Sessions–check out their performances of “Sweet Unknown” and “Restless Ryder!”Podcast interview by Ken Templeton

For this episode of the podcast, we got to talk with Dr. Newman about his work. We discuss the state of mental health in the music industry, the different stressors on not only artists, but the myriad people who support art, the challenges in accessing mental health support, and possible paths forward to make sure people get the care they need. As Dr. Newman puts it, where there was no “net” before, Amber Health is beginning to build one. This is inspiring work for anyone who cares about music. Thank you for listening, and sharing the episode as widely as you can. If you, or someone you know, is considering suicide:The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a trained listener, call 988. Visit 988lifeline.org for crisis chat services or for more information.The Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To text with a trained helper, text SAVE to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.Interview by Ken Templeton

Larry & Joe: Honest MusicOn March 24, the virtuosic duo Larry & Joe released their album Nuevo South Train in Durham, NC at The Fruit. Joe Troop, the guitar, fiddle, and banjo player from the Grammy-nominated band Che Apalache, did a residency series at The Fruit and Larry Bellorín, a harp player from Venezuela had been encouraged to connect with Joe. Their connection was immediate and what results is a vibrant, joyful sound. In our podcast interview, we talk about that show at The Fruit. I was there, and loved every minute. Joe told the audience that we are “the Nuevo South.” Like the South (but unlike many roots music concert audiences) this audience was diverse! The title track of Nuevo South Train encourages everyone to get on board. It's a unique song, with modulating tempos, lyrics in Spanish and English, and a lot of humor. In this sense, it's a song with a message, but a light touch. As Joe talks about in our podcast conversation, it's not that everyone has to see everything in the same way; but we do have to stay in the room together and figure things out. One way to get people in the room is to play as well as Larry and Joe. From the first notes of the concert, their skill and respect for traditions was on display. Both Larry and Joe are multi-instrumentalists, so the sound never gets predictable or tired. And they can both sing so beautifully, investing everything in the emotion of the words. One of the highlights of the night was the gorgeous and sorrowful hymn-like song, “Border Wall.” It features verses from Joe, Larry, and DaShawn Hickman, who joined them on piano. The refrain goes: “Border wall, border wall / There will come one bright morning when it stands there no more.” I had so many questions about this record and the songs. But our conversation was mostly about making music together, and it was so heartfelt and beautiful that I am glad we didn't just dive into a track-by-track analysis. We talk about community, tradition, and mostly about love. I hope you enjoy the podcast. Find out more about Larry and Joe, including tour dates, at their website. 

Our first ever repeat guest, mandolinist and songwriter Ethan Setiawan, returns to talk about his new record, Gambit. We talk writing and naming tunes, moving to a new community, playing together with friends and contemporaries and recording releasing a record through a pandemic.Ethan is one of the most exciting, versatile and virtuosic musicians in today's acoustic music landscape. Be sure to check out his new record (and dig into his previous releases while you are at it!).https://www.ethansetiawan.com/ Interview and editing by Brian Carrollphoto by Louise Bichan 

Max García Conover: I Saw The DevilMax García Conover's new record, “Deer,” (Son Canciones) came out on June 3. It feels like a collection of poems in the best possible way. As Max talks about in our most recent podcast, not poems like the ones you read in school–“intelligence tests,” meant to be obtuse. No, these are songs that keep you awake to yourself and the world. They are mostly quiet, and there is a tendency for uncertainty, or, at least, a questioning of what makes us so certain. The songs, to borrow a line from Frank Burroughs, “won't keep still,” and that's what I like about them. Sometimes when I listen, they're sorrowful, sometimes joyful, and that's life, isn't it? As MC Taylor sings, “It's a beautiful world, but painful, child.” That, to me, is what Deer captures–the beauty of our interconnectedness and its fragility; the importance of attention and the costs of inattention. I hope you enjoy this latest edition of the Red Line Roots podcast and check out Deer. If you buy the CD from Son Canciones, they send you this beautiful book of stories behind the songs, and don't you miss having something to hold and consider when you listen to new music? Anyway, enjoy. Photo: Shaw PhotographyInterview by Ken TempletonEdited by Brian Carroll

Thomas Rhyant: Further OnThomas Rhyant recorded his debut solo album, Love Lifted Me,  in about forty-five minutes of first-takes. I guess when you're this good, you just walk in the studio and make a record. I had the good fortune to hear Thomas perform at Newport Folk Festival last summer, as part of the Spiritual Helpline Gospel Revue. Thomas played guitar and sang in the group that also featured Sister Lena Mae Perry, The Union, Phil Cook and the Guitarheels. And when he sang–well, I'm not sure I've seen people that surprised and awed in a long while. He can hit falsetto notes that are simply out of reach for the vast majority of singers. Love Lifted Me is a spare, gorgeous record. Most songs are just Thomas and an acoustic guitar. Interview by Ken Templeton

Autumn Nicholas: (Dis)comfortI had the good fortune to hear Autumn Nicholas at Newport Folk Festival this summer. I was taking photos as she began her song to start the Black Opry Revue set. And, after just a few notes, I had to stop snapping pictures because I had to listen. Her voice and performance were so captivating. After the Festival, I listened to everything she's released on repeat. Autumn's EP Shades of Beige features beautiful songs like “Light” and “Back When.” She's released several singles since that 2020 EP, including the powerful anthems, “On a Sunday,” and “Not Gonna Do This Anymore.” Autumn is an incredible songwriter and artist and I am so thankful that she joined us for the latest episode of the Red Line Roots podcast! Give it a listen, share with a friend, and make sure you catch Autumn on tour!Interview by Ken TempletonEdited by Brian Carroll

Its been a few years since we started this thing and we don't get to catch up too much about life, what we are listening to on our personal time and what is exciting us, so we hopped on the phone and did just that.We talk releases from 2022 we have been constantly spinning, what we are excited for down the line, A LOT about Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots and, well, just two guys who love music catching up.Enjoy.

Rachel Sumner: Come AlongRachel Sumner & Traveling Light released their debut, self-titled album last week and it is fantastic. The first song, “Hunting Doves,” introduces this group well, showcasing their virtuosity and creativity. As we discuss in this episode of the Red Line Roots podcast, the song came together from finding pieces of songs in Rachel's notebooks and Jame Joyce's novel Ulysses. Intrigued? The entire record is beautiful, and we were so lucky to catch up with Rachel this summer about it.Listen to the episode for Rachel's reflections on songwriting, on forming a new band, and find out which Bill Callahan song she added to our BEST SONG EVER playlist!Photo by Lindsay Straw

The Dead Tongues: It Doesn't Have to BeI first heard one of Ryan Gustafson's songs at the Phil Cook & Spirit Family Reunion Newport Aftershow in 2016, one of the most joyful musical experiences of my life. Ryan was playing in The Guitarheels, and played “Graveyard Fields,” one of the songs he'd written under the moniker The Dead Tongues. While playing with Hiss Golden Messenger on the Heart Like a Levee tour, Ryan released Unsung Passage, a truly beautiful record. This year, he released Dust, and I cannot recommend the album enough. The songs have so much space in them. They are both rich and spare, lyrically, and the band that Ryan assembled is loose and creative. We got to chat with Ryan ahead of his set at Newport Folk Festival on Friday, July 22. If you're there, be at The Dead Tongues! And if you're not, make sure you give Dust spin. interview by Ken Templetonphoto by Charlie Boss

The Kentucky Gentlemen: Love LanguageIt was such a pleasure to talk with Brandon and Derek Campbell, also known as The Kentucky Gentlemen. The twin brothers moved to Nashville in 2013 and started writing songs. Years of hard work are paying off, as they release their EP The Kentucky Gentlemen, Vol. 1. They've had videos featured on CMT and have been featured in showcases sponsored by The Black Opry, an organization dedicated to changing the fact that Black people have been overlooked in country music, as artists and as fans. The Black Opry Revue set at Newport Folk Festival on Saturday, July 23 is sure to be a highlight of the weekend. We spoke with the Campbell brothers ahead of their appearance at Newport and we can't wait to see them live!Photo Credit: Laura Moll

Sarah McCombie describes herself and her husband, Austin, as “old souls.” They like old things, old people, and old songs. It's no surprise then, that many of the songs on their new album, If You See Me Riding By, feel timeless. This record has kept me good company this spring, and it's exciting that as of June 3, it's out in the world for everyone to hear. We had a wonderful chat a couple of months back as Sarah and Austin braved the New Jersey Turnpike on a spring tour. Take a listen and check out the new record!Interview by Ken TempletonEdited by Brian Carroll

For episode 5 we catch up with Maya de Vitry. Maya recently released a brand new record titled "Violet Light". Its a beautifully collaborative collection of songs recorded during the pandemic. Two things that usually wouldn't be in the same sentence but Maya was able to find a way to craft a wonderful record around that sentiment.Check it out and get "Violet Light" today.https://www.mayadevitry.com/Interview by Brian CarrollEdited by Brian Carrollphoto by Laura Partain

Aoife O'Donovan: Show Me The Heart on Your SleeveAoife O'Donovan's new record Age Of Apathy came out on January 21, and it is sure to be one of the great records of 2022. I have already spun these songs so many times that they've become good neighbors in this new year. One of the things I love about this record is the songs shift as they need to–Aoife isn't afraid to follow the emotional quality of her songs into territories that break some patterns and find new ground. It's the type of experience that, when the last song, “Passengers,” ends, you can't wait to hear the first song, “Sister Starling,” again. This record bears repeated listening extremely well, no skips. It was such a pleasure to talk with Aoife for the podcast. We had a small schedule mix-up that she was incredibly gracious about, and she dug right into all the songs in a deep and thoughtful way. Give it a listen and go get Age of Apathy! Interview by Ken TempletonEdited by Brian CarrollPhoto Credit: Omar Cruz

I first met Prateek as so many folkish roots songwriters will tend to meet, at the Lizard Lounge Open Mic. I was judging and Prateek was performing/learning the ropes helping with running sound. His excitement and desire to be a part of something bigger than himself, a community, was palpable and he wore that genuine eagerness on his sleeve.Flash forward 6 or so years and he has become one of the mainstays in the Boston and Cambridge/Somerville songwriter community. Get nods from the BMAs and New England Music Awards and playing all over town and beyond.It was great to catch up with Prateek to talk about music, community and his path from open mic all star to releasing a host of projects under his name and his hopes for the future.https://www.prateeksongs.com/Interview by Brian CarrollEdited by Brian Carroll

You could go an entire lifetime and never come across another artist like John Mailander. His musical voice resting on the precipice where beauty meets power. His even temperament balancing the sheer virtuosity that lays beneath his finger tips, riddled with character, grace and soul. The robust palette that he paints his sonic landscapes with is vast. Deep and pulling shades of blues and greys mingling with brilliant gold and saffron, covering the full breadth of emotion and vibe in even a single given tune or arrangement. What I've found most intriguing and enviable about John and his music over the nearly decade I have known him and his songs in some capacity is his seamless ability to allow other artists around him to shine. His ability to slide gracefully between supporting role and band leader is inspired. Even more so, his genuine desire for those moments to happen is a beautiful testament to his being and light as both a performer and human. His music is less about the destination and the experience of getting there. Both in the creation and unity between the musicians creating the music and allowing the listener to take away their own nugget from the experience. Its a beautiful and special experience to be able to participate in.It was an absolute pleasure to catch up with John to talk about his latest project which is named “John Mailander's Forecast” and the new record under that moniker called “Look Closer”. https://www.johnmailander.com/Photo by Michelle Stone

Scott Hirsch: Love is LongAs we head into a very tenuous 2022, maybe it will help you to know about a great album that was released in 2021! Scott Hirsch's Windless Day is a fantastic record for stepping outside yourself a little bit. As Scott talks about in this episode of the Red Line Roots podcast, he thinks deeply about the songs on his records in relationship to each other, to create a coherent experience. In an era of singles and streaming, Scott prefers to think about how the album will be on vinyl–not as a vinyl snob, but as a creative expression of how to invite listeners in, how to take them someplace over the course of sides A and B. I loved getting to chat with Scott about Windless Day and his creative process. I hope you enjoy the conversation and get a chance to spin this album as we kiss 2021 goodbye!Interview by Ken TempletonEdited by Brian Carroll

Joe Troop: Making MistakesWhen Joe Troop talks about cancel culture, he isn't talking about the right wing folks who don't want any books in school about gay people or racism. He's talking about the people more committed to saying the right words about issues than they are about taking the right actions. It's complicated--I know he'd be the first to say that what you say matters, and we should be accountable for what we say and do. And, at the same time, there can be this version of equity work that is much more about posturing than it is about changing things. I have seen other white people do this in spaces for racial equity--trying to prove that they're the best white ally through their mastery of language. But, as we discuss in this episode of the podcast, real work for justice is about your proximity to the people most impacted. Joe Troop does not claim to be an activist himself--his work is to support the folks doing the day-in-day-out work that requires you to be in one place for a long time (kinda hard to do as a musician). On his amazing new record, Borrowed Time, Joe spins stories of our country and world that critique injustice and point to new visions of community. At the heart of it all, there is immense joy. We hope you enjoy this conversation on the Red Line Roots podcast!Interview by Ken TempletonEdited by Brian Carroll

This has to be one of my favorite conversations that I have been lucky enough to have as part of this podcast. Alisa Amador is an amazing musician and shares so much insight into her work on this episode. Red Line Roots was founded as part of the Boston music community, and Alisa has quickly become one of the most important voices in the Boston roots/folk scene. She's been in music her whole life, playing in her parents' band, Sol y Canto, since she was a kid. Alisa released her latest EP, Narratives, in September, and it is one of my favorite records of this year. It has such a range, and I can listen to it all day long. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Alisa and make sure you get all the information about her work and where she's playing at her website. Interview by Ken TempletonEdited by Brian Carroll

Listening to Adia Victoria's latest record, A Southern Gothic, is mesmerizing. It is my favorite album of the year. It is poetic and gritty, ethereal and earthy all at once. Of course, if one thinks deeply about the blues, as Adia does, you know that paradox is all around. Joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, life and death, are all cousins. It is the tension in these spaces where art, beauty, and freedom thrive. The first couple of times I got to chat with Adia (for her albums Baby Blues and Silences), I still lived in the north. But now I live in Durham, NC, and I hear the songs differently. I'm still sorting that out and one of the things helping me sort it out is Adia's amazing podcast, Call and Response. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Adia, and then you immediately spin A Southern Gothic and go listen to all the episodes of Call and Response (and especially the one with Kiese Laymon).Interview by Ken Templeton

Oliver Wood: Always Smilin'My first concert of 2021 was in June, seeing The Wood Brothers and Ryan Montbleau at an outdoor show at Shakori Hills. Right after that, I got to chat with Oliver Wood about his wonderful solo record, Always Smilin'. I love this record because it captures what I love most about Oliver's musicianship: his generous, collaborative spirit. When you see Oliver in concert, he often comments on the role of the audience in creating a space for music to happen: the energy, the attentiveness, the response to musicians all contribute to the music itself. It was fun to talk with Oliver about how he opened up to more collaboration and connection during the pandemic, when many of us experienced isolation. One of the things that sticks with me from this chat is the idea of playfulness and how important it is for creativity. I hope you enjoy this latest episode of the podcast with Oliver Wood!Interview by Ken Templetonphoto credit Joshua Black Wilkins

It is truly amazing when an artist can use the same tools for decades and continue to create vibrant, urgent, singular work. If there's any musician that I know who fits this description, it's Charlie Parr. He gets miles out of a few different guitars and his voice. On his new album, Last of the The Better Days Ahead, he took a new approach to songwriting, focusing on the lyrics before he picked up a guitar. The result is a record that really slows you down, helps you listen, and brings the worlds and stories that Charlie creates into focus. It was such a pleasure to talk with Charlie for the podcast. Please forgive some of the background noise on my end. I was traveling this summer when we talked, and I could only get phone service outside. So you might hear a leaf blower and some birds in the background. Enjoy the conversation and check out Charlie's new record and tour dates at his website. Podcast interview by Ken TempletonEdited by Brian Carroll

Hearing Yasmin Williams's compositions is immediately transfixing--and then you see her play, and it's like you're seeing someone invent how to play guitar. Yasmin's most recent record, Urban Driftwood, is a masterpiece. It evokes a wide range of emotions and mirrors experiences that are somber, joyful, angry, and hopeful. We had the great pleasure of chatting with Yasmin for the RLR podcast. In this reflective conversation, Yasmin takes stock of where she is now, after a year in which she put out Urban Driftwood and is now bringing it out in the world. She talks about processing protests for racial justice through her music and how she moves from unconscious playing to conscious crafting. We hope you enjoy this podcast episode and thanks to Yasmin for taking time!By Ken Templeton

You ever hear that David Foster Wallace graduation speech, “This is Water?” It follows from that joke where two fish are swimming along and one says something like, “The water's great today,” and the other swims a little further and then halts and says, “Wait. What the hell is water?” And then Foster Wallace implores the graduates to be attentive to the metaphorical water they swim in. This is water, he repeats to himself, reminding himself that standing in line at the grocery store is, in fact, life. We can all take for granted the things around us, but if there is anyone I have ever met who embodies this idea of attentiveness and curiosity, it is Ben Cosgrove. On his new record, The Trouble with Wilderness, Ben engages with the spaces that people have designed in and around our wild world. Gardens, highways, sidewalks--these spaces all seem so defined and established, but they are really quite precarious. Ben creates really compelling and engaging compositions to process his reflections on these spaces, and my favorite tracks on this album feature a felted piano--a sound that is transfixing and new.  I had the great pleasure of chatting with Ben for our podcast and hope you will listen, share, and check out Ben's incredible new record!Photo credit: Max García Conover

Allison Russell has written a beautiful album. “Outside Child,” was largely written while on tour with Native Daughters--Allison’s collaboration with Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, and Amythyst Kiah--and it is a record at once about the abuse that Russell experienced at the hands of her adopted father and about the resilience and fortitude to name trauma, to face truth, and to reclaim oneself. In this podcast episode, Allison explores her role in stopping intergenerational trauma, both personally and as a musician. She reflects on the power of community and the importance of both accountability and empathy. We feel so lucky to have had this conversation and hope you will share it and listen to Allison’s record. It is out everywhere May 21. Interview by Ken Templetonediting by Brian Carroll

Episode 17 sees Brian in conversation with Christian Sedelmyer. This episode was recorded nearly a year ago, but is just seeing the light of day now. We talk Christian's 2020 release "Ravine Palace", community and more.2019’s listing, for me personally, was heavy on the instrumental albums and 2020 was no different in providing some heavy hitters in the “records without words” realm (or very few words). Sedelmyer could be described in much the same way, a heavy hitter performing with everyone from Jerry Douglas to Molly Tuttle. Christian only further displays his stunning ability to emote place and feeling within his gorgeous arrangements here on RP. A testament to one of the best players of our current generation of roots musicians.https://www.christiansedelmyermusic.com/

Well, it has certainly been a while since our last episode dropped, but Ken is back with a very special discussion with Cary Morin.The last concert I saw out in the world before this pandemic closed venues was Cary Morin at North Star Church of the Arts. I had a prior commitment, so I was running a bit late and I slid into the back pew. Cary was playing an entrancing instrumental melody, with a wide-brimmed hat pulled down low, shadows over his face. It was what music is supposed to do: after a harried day, I was taken out of my world, and given the gift of sounds and silence, of rhythm and solace, and I could take a good, deep breath. It was so enjoyable to get to talk with Cary about his latest record, Dockside Saints. The record is amazing: some of the best musicians in Louisiana back Cary, and they explore all the heights and subtleties of blues, cajun, folk, and country music, while making a sound all their own. In the conversation, it is amazing to hear Cary talk about some of the origins of these songs, like “Valley of the Chiefs,” which comes from a story Cary’s great-grandmother told him. It is also great to get insight from him on some of the ways he thinks about using streaming services to attract new listeners, and his thoughts on bringing songs to other musicians and making space for their contributions. Hope you enjoy the episode!

I think the only kind of conversations Kamara Thomas has are wide-ranging. She is a musician, artist, activist, and community builder, and she brings all of those roles to our conversation for this edition of the Red Line Roots podcast. Kamara released Folklore: Live at Cassilhaus in September. It’s a really striking collection of songs. The sound is both rich and spare and these are the types of songs that shift and breathe with you the more times you listen. But that’s not all Kamara’s up to. Later this week, she will bring the Country Soul Songbook Summit to the world. Country Soul Songbook was the first event during the pandemic that I watched on a stream. It was switched to a virtual event one or two days before its date and I can honestly say that witnessing the joy and possibility of those folks that day gave me a lot of hope. Kamara has been curating iterations of CSSB for years, as we talk about in the podcast. But the Summit takes this work even further: Kamara, in partnership with Heather Cook and Kym Register, has brought together a diverse group of artists to reimagine what a vibrant, and just, arts community could look like.

It’s hard to think of a band that has come out of New England recently that has shapeshifted and evolved more than Twisted Pine. The group has seen some personnel changes recently but, from its founding, seemed dedicated to pursuing new sonic territory, pulling more and more listeners in with each note.The group releases their latest record, “Right Now” on August 14 and it is a phenomenal piece of art. The instrumentation is nothing short of virtuosic...but not the sort of virtuosity that you have to pretend to enjoy!It was really fun to get to chat with Dan, Ahn, Chris, and Kathleen over zoom about a month ago. And it’s been just as much fun to spin “Right Now.” I’m so excited for you all to hear it. I hope you enjoy this edition of the Red Line Roots podcast! Photo Credit: Joanna Chattman

For episode 13 of the podcast, Ken catches up with Libby Rodenbough. While many may know her from her excellent band Mipso, today she is here to dig into her into her fantastic solo record, “Spectacle of Love.” The album is most certainly not a collection of Libby-penned Mipso songs; this is a different artistic expression. On the first song, “How Come You Call Me,” it feels like Libby is drawing on Aimee Mann more than Guy Clark or Emmylou Harris. And the songs that follow represent a wide range of sensibilities, from synth-driven songs to the entrancing instrumental, “Under the U-Bahn.” The album brings different sonic explorations together through lyrics that explore the distances between ourselves and others and how we reconcile the fact that our relationships are always in flux. Enjoy.https://www.sleepycatrec.com/libby-rodenboughPhoto by Chris Frisina

Ken talks with Dave Wilson and John Teer from the North Carolina mainstay Chatham County Line about digging up old songs and seeking new territory as a creative group. https://www.chathamcountyline.com/

We have a great conversation to distract you from the coronavirus news. Ken recorded this episode with Vance Gilbert back in February, around the release of his fantastic new record, Good Good Man. I have long been a fan of Vance’s work, and if you haven’t checked out his stuff before, the best place to start is with the song “Old White Men.” It is funny, it’ll make you cry, it is right there with the best John Prine songs. And while I readily make that comparison to the late, great John Prine, Vance is also someone very hard to pin down in a musical genre. His work draws on so many different traditions and he is irreverent enough to break all of those traditions’ rules and mores and make up his own way of communicating. And it’s special. The new record has so many gems on it and it was a great pleasure to chat with Vance. https://vancegilbert.com/

Today on the podcast, Brian talks with singer-songwriter Avi Jacob. A relentlessly honest songwriter, his songs been lauded as 'beautifully crafted' and 'sublime'.He is currently on the front end of a new EP release titled Preservation. A collection of songs that dig deep into the human condition and candor of relationships. A beautiful, occasionally sparse, EP that puts Jacob's endearing, humble and open book natured voice and words on full display.https://www.avijacobfolk.com/

For episode 9, Ken takes a slightly different scope on the music community and talks with concert photographer, Anthony Mulcahy. You may have seen a variety of Mulcahy's work ranging from some highly shared images from Newport Folk, as a house photographer at Levon's Barn or his beautiful long exposure night photos from all over the world.Check out Anthony's work, buy a print and listen on in to hear more about his story.http://mulography.com/

Singer-songwriter Mark Erelli releases a new album (Blindsided) this Friday, March 27th.In anticipation, Ken caught up with Erelli to talk about the record, about co-writing, about all things songs and music.https://www.markerelli.com/

Many of you may know Sadler as part of Jason Isbell’s band, the 400 Unit or his former stint with Drivin’ and Cryin’. And probably a whole bunch of you also know that Sadler released a great solo record a few years ago and that he’s an accomplished producer. But did you know that he’s got a brand new record coming out on Friday, March 6?Today for Episode 7, Ken catches up with Sadler to talk all things songwriting, music and of course, about tracks and influence on that new record.https://www.sadlervaden.com/Photo courtesy of the artist

Ken catches up with Kyshona Armstrong for episode 6. Soul, R&B and folk all fuse together in a beautiful explosion of power and vibe in her music. Check it out.https://www.kyshona.com/homephoto courtesy of the artist

Episode 5 of the Red Line Roots podcast has Ken talking with Matt "Rev" Rieger, guitarist and vocalist for The Lil' Smokies.They talk road life and the band's new record "Tornillo". Dig in.http://www.thelilsmokies.com/photo by Bill Reynoldshttps://www.williamaubreyreynolds.com/

Episode 4 of the Red Line Roots podcast sees Brian talking with Ethan Setiawan, mandolinist extraordinaire and songwriter.Whether he is playing in his progressive bluegrass band Mudskippers, or genre hopping with his other band Corner House…performing his own original instrumental or backing some of the most talented artists in the genre, spanning generations, his playing is always a stand out.https://www.ethansetiawan.com/photo by Louise Bichan

Episode 3 of the Red Line Roots podcast sees Ken talking with Joseph Terrell, guitarist and singer for the NC band Mipso.This coming weekend Mipso launches off on a Living Room tour. Where the band is used to a variety of differing venues with their music, ranging from theatres to festival stages, this time around they see the comfort of smaller, more intimate shows complete with lamps and living room furniture for the stage. Catch them if you see them rolling through your area!https://www.mipsomusic.com/photo credit Sasha Israelmusic used with permission from the artist

Episode 2 of the Red Line Roots podcast sees Ken talking with Alan Barnosky, a songwriter and musician from Durham, NC.The release comes a couple of days before Alan's new EP release titled "Lonesome Road". Merging in a place where the roads of Appalachian mountain music and modern day folk collide, its a collection of songs that Barnosky has culled from an experience on a two-month solo bicycle tour, which he tells us "quite literally served as the material for the title-track".https://alanbarnosky.com/photo credit - Mick Schultemusic used with permission from the artist

Well, folks...here we are. We exist, the Red Line Roots podcast where we talk to songwriters and musicians about their craft and art.This first conversation is with Izzy Heltai, a 23 year old singer songwriter from Northampton by way of Brookline, Massachusetts. http://www.izzyheltai.com/music used with permission from the artist