Interviews and Featured on Americana Artists
Ellie Rollins, a talented singer-songwriter from California, blends country, rock, blues, gospel, and bluegrass in her music. After 20 years in Hawaii, she now lives in Los Angeles. With her upcoming album, Wind in the Trees, and its first single, she aims to share her heartfelt storytelling and resonate deeply with listeners.
Jennifer Marie, a singer/songwriter, returns with her sophomore EP, “Do It All Again,” after a hiatus to raise her family. Her music is a blend of personal storytelling and diverse influences, highlighting themes of resilience and self-discovery. Each track, from “Take Me Back” to “How Do I Get There,” reflects her authentic journey.
Ron Houston, a singer/songwriter from the outlaw country band The Sickstring Outlaws, shares his journey of sobriety and self-reflection through a heartfelt 10-song album. Despite facing challenges, including a near-fatal illness, he collaborated with top musicians to produce impactful songs about a range of emotions, earning worldwide acclaim.
Tristan Israel’s latest album, “Snake Hollow,” recorded in Martha’s Vineyard, showcases a diverse range of musical styles and poetic lyrics. The album explores various themes, from nature to personal reflections, featuring collaborations with skilled musicians. Notable tracks include “Massachusetts,” “House Always Wins,” and “Gotta Believe,” highlighting his creative evolution.
Billy Coulter, an acclaimed singer/songwriter, merges American Roots with British Power Pop, drawing inspiration from icons like Dylan and Bowie. His unique sound and songwriting have earned him multiple WAMMIE Awards and the Grand Prize in the Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest, showcasing his talent through energetic performances at top East Coast venues.
Daniel Boling, a celebrated folk songwriter, has won multiple awards and performs over 100 shows annually, sharing relatable story songs. With a rich musical background and influences from classic folk artists, his latest album, LOVE, DAN, features fresh compositions. He also engages senior communities with nostalgic performances.
David Harland is a talented singer/songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist inspired by greats like Michael Hedges and Nick Drake. His musical journey began at age 5, evolving into a passion for acoustic guitar and songwriting. David aims to connect deeply through music, blending emotion and melody in his prolific compositions.
Davy Watson, a Belfast musician, blends Rhythm & Blues, Celtic Folk, Americana, and Rock n Roll in his heartfelt songs. His career includes touring with Philip Lynott and Madonna, as well as performing at festivals across Europe. Recently, he showcased his music with the Ulster Orchestra in Belfast and continues to collaborate with various artists.
Don Merckle is a singer/songwriter from Charleston, South Carolina, known for his blend of roots music and rock and roll. His work features emotional lyrics and a range of vocal styles. Merckle has previously led bands like Loch Ness Johnny and American Gun, and has performed with notable acts.
*Splash!* captivates with heartfelt lyrics and melodies infused with philosophical and mystical themes. His upcoming album, “Breaking the Dam,” explores vulnerability and emotional release, symbolized by the rose. Join the album release celebration on Oct. 11th as the music encourages healing and embracing life’s beauty amidst challenges.
Making a Scene features an interview with Joel Leviton of December Friend, a band formed during the pandemic. Collaborating remotely with friends Jeff Victor and John Wlaysewski, Leviton emphasizes the importance of meaningful songwriting, aiming for songs that resonate deeply with listeners without any filler.
Emily Duff, a NYC-born artist, blends Sweet & Sour Rock & Roll with Country Soul in her music, reflecting themes of heaven, hell, romance, and regret. Since 2015, she has released six albums and a four-song EP, touring in the US and UK and hosting a monthly residency at NYC’s COWGIRL.
Sarah Pierce, born in Rockford, Illinois, to a family of cattlemen, began singing in her stepfather’s band at 12. Despite her medical science degree, she pursued music, touring globally and appearing on MTV. With multiple acclaimed albums, including “Barbed Wire” and “Blessed By The West,” she remains a prominent figure in country music, gaining CMA awards and IWMA nominations.
Jared McCloud transitioned from hard rock to a solo career, adopting a more substantive musical style. He found success with his indie debut “Romance Of The Atlantic” and continued to rise with “Painful Words Of Loving Grace”. After a difficult divorce, he crowdfunded his album “To Live And Die In Your Arms”, which achieved significant acclaim.
Randall Bramblett, a seasoned musician revered for his contributions to American roots music, showcases a blend of past experiences and present reflections in his thirteenth album, Paradise Breakdown. Celebrated for his lyrical prowess, Bramblett collaborates with renowned artists, offering a mix of soulful tracks and a testament to his enduring creative spirit.
Michael Reynolds, former lead vocalist/songwriter for Pinmonkey, stepped away from music a decade ago but continued to write songs. His surprise return with the album “Tarnished Nickel Sky” under Blue Élan Records showcases a poetic and evocative style. This album features 11 self-penned tracks, reflecting his journey, emotions, and growth.
Carolyn Shulman, a Denver-based folk singer-songwriter, started her musical journey in childhood and performed extensively throughout her education and adulthood. Balancing music with a legal career and parenthood, she returned to music full-time in 2014. Her acclaimed debut album “Grenadine & Kerosene” led to significant recognition. Carolyn is set to release her new album, “Heart on a Wire,” in September 2024, exploring deeper themes with rich production.
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with March to August! March to August (M2A) is a Folk-Americana, original music duo whose songs offer audiences snapshots into the human condition, while encompassing the myriad of emotions that coincide with it. Hailing from diverse musical backgrounds, Derrick and Jodi Mears bring a unique blend of […]
Veteran LA violinist and songwriter Chris Murphy’s diverse musical journey blends genres and centuries, inspired by his Irish-Italian heritage and iconic musicians. Educated in Turkish and Indian music, he’s performed across the US and Europe, releasing over 15 albums and 500 works. Murphy views music as a fluid, transformative art form.
Amanda Ann Platt & The Honeycutters, an Asheville-based band, blend nuanced, lyrically driven country roots music. Platt’s empathetic and witty songwriting delves into life’s emotions, from heartache to hope, drawing from her experiences and others’. The Honeycutters include Matt Smith, Rick Cooper, Evan Martin, and Kevin Williams.
“PROTEST – A Revolutionary Rock Opus” honors women activists who made significant impacts across various causes such as civil rights, climate change, and more. Originating after George Floyd’s murder, it features new and classic protest songs by numerous artists and aims to inspire societal change through music during COVID-19.
Heather Kathryn, a 22-year-old singer-songwriter from Phoenix, began her music career early and moved to Los Angeles at 17. Initially a pop artist, she transitioned to pop punk. She has performed at iconic Sunset Boulevard venues like The Viper Room, Whisky A Go-Go, and The Troubadour.
Stephen Jacques, renowned for his heartfelt alt-rock love songs, has released ten albums with an eleventh on the way, produced by Steve Albini. Influenced by his diverse life experiences and musical heritage, Jacques’s work is popular, with “Send Them Love” playing on over 300 radio stations. “Groove Atlantic-O” debuts summer 2023.
Georgina White, a British/Austrian RADA-trained actor and singer-songwriter, has a prolific career both on stage and screen. She’s performed in major roles including in the West End and theaters across the UK. Known for portraying darker characters, she created the musical play ‘Villainess.’ Recently, she toured with “Operation Julie” and “Dido’s Bar.” Georgina also works as a vocal coach and performs with the trio “The Sass Sisters.”
Hans Halstead discovered his songwriting talent after a breakup, creating music by combining guitar riffs and phone-recorded vocals. Encouraged by a friend, he added lyrics, focusing on personal themes. At college, he met Jason Orris at The Terrarium Music Studios and began collaborating. His style blends modern Country with timeless storytelling influenced by his Northern Minnesota roots.
Chris Robeson, a Texas songwriter from Austin, will release his debut album “Euphoriphobia” in July 2024. Drawing from personal struggles and influences like Tom Waits and Townes Van Zandt, Robeson’s eclectic style mixes humor and poignancy. Collaborating with Gabriel Rhodes, the album offers introspective songs exploring happiness and loss.
Emily Hicks, a Utah-based folk-pop singer/songwriter, captivates audiences with her powerful vocals and nature-inspired lyrics. Originally a classical pianist and educator, she transitioned into music with the release of singles produced by Grammy-nominated Monty Powell. Her debut album “Weird Wild Wonderful” releases in fall 2024, marking her national tour.
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Brings you an Interview with Lou Black Lou Black is a Peruvian born, Washington DC based singer/songwriter/producer/video artist/statistician. His 2004 debut album (“City of No Winters”) has been described by the press as “sophisticated global pop” and “one of the best in the singer songwriter genre,” but Lou Black describes […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Jill Burkes of Morning Bird MorningBird is an acoustic trio featuring Rob Wheeler (guitar, mandolin, harmonica, stomp box), Jill Burkes (violin, guitar), and Josh Palmi (upright bass, guitar). The trio offer haunting harmonies and eclectic mix of traditional tunes and original music along with powerful string […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Brings you an Interview with Nolen Sellwood Nolen is young artist with an old soul. His Beautifully crafted singing and songwriting skills are captured on his sophomore album, Cadence to the Flame. Considering that it’s my first time ever recording any kind of music or going to any kind of […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Brings you an interview with Joey Verskotzi VERSKOTZI is the award winning, LA based artist, producer/multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Joey Verskotzi. Known for his diverse sound, VERSKOTZI has received praise from The Fader, Ear Milk, The Source, Notion, We Found New Music, All Things Go, Celeb Mix, Kings of A&R, and […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with The Twins of Franklin The Twins of Franklin are not in fact twins, but best friends who fell in love belting show tunes and classical arias together in a dorm room. In the fifteen years since, they still have a lot in common. They’ve both become […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey’s Interview with Trapper Schoepp “What’s most important to me is to be a link in the chain of folks singers before and after my time,” Trapper Schoepp says in light of his forthcoming album, Siren Songs. Recorded at Johnny Cash’s Cash Cabin in Hendersonville, TN, Trapper continues down the trail trod […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Brings you an Interview with Ryan David Green A graduate of Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, Ryan David Green has performed on four continents, been profiled in Acoustic Guitar Magazine, and twice been named “Best Guitarist” in the Tucson Music Awards (where he currently resides). His original compositions have received numerous film and TV […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Teresa Storch Band In 2020 Teresa Storch Band began recording a full length album with drummer Travis Moberg (Sylva, Dang’o) and producer Tony Dickinson, who tours with the rock-arena show Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Initial recordings were done at Chimaera Sound Studios, with overdubs done with current drummer Chris Wright at Cinder Sound Studio. The result is the […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an interview with Katie Oates Katie Oates knows how to sing. She’s been singing for as long as she can remember. The daughter of a preacher, she belted hymns from her crib as a toddler to wake up her parents. Over the years she has trained with vocal coaches […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Brings you an Interview with John Shipe Spring of 2024 marks my 33rd year in the Biz with the release of my 13 project – Water This Dark. It has been a surprisingly fruitful stretch since my last release, The Beast Is Back (considering the COVID Pandemic and a dormant […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Tina Schlieske Tina Schlieske is Midwestern rock mainstay, commanding a dedicated and passionate following, especially in her hometown of Minneapolis. She’s best known for fronting the band Tina and the B-Sides (AKA Tina & the B-Side Movement). Schlieske grew up inspired by the diverse Minneapolis music […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Brings you an Interview with Jubal Lee Young! There are generally certain expectations that accompany the careers of any offspring born to famous parents. After all, it’s naturally assumed that the bloodline will assure the gene pool remains intact. Consider then the anticipation that might greet the son of not […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Brings you Gerry Casey’s Interview with John Fairhurst John Fairhurst has spent the majority of his life travelling the world and playing music, meeting innumerable characters, collecting stories and drawing influence and inspiration from the varied musical styles and first hand experiences of a life on the road. Hailed by […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with The HawtThorns! Envision and believe in your own universe, and it will eventually form around you. The HawtThorns are reimagining their universe in their latest recording adventures. The sun-kissed songwriting, deft guitar work, and lush vocal harmonies that have been at the core of their sound […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Pi Jacobs Pi Jacobs is a lifer. Born in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district, she’s spent two decades onstage and on the road, creating a rhythmic, rootsy sound that’s every bit as diverse as her own upbringing. “My dad’s Filipino, my mom’s white, and my step-grandmother and cousins are […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Amanda Grace! Amanda is a Minnesota native and has released music drifting between folk, alt- pop/rock and Americana. With roots as a pianist her writing is thematically varied with an emphasis on melody; with ballads wrapped in warm vocals. In 2016 she received a Front Of […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Matt Blake Matt Blake is a decidedly self-effacing sort of guy. He paid his dues, working his way up the proverbial ladder, gaining practical music business experience while cultivating what it takes to write songs that resonate with others, just like his musical heroes continue to […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Caitlin Cannon Caitlin Cannon’s upcoming release, Beggar (a four-song EP set to debut on April 5, 2024 as a standalone precursor to her forthcoming full-length album Love Addict) is all songwriting chops and vibe. With cinematic soundscapes, nostalgic atmospheres, and words that are a testament to […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Domenic Cicala Hailing from the D.C. area, Domenic Cicala – A singer/songwriter with a love for the 3 minute song. Largely influenced by the holy musical trinity of Hank, Elvis and Bruce and owing all his musical acumen to the sagely philosophy of Woody Guthrie “If […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents interview with Jennifer Porter Jennifer Porter is an award-winning singer, actor and screenwriter. A musician’s musician blessed with a beautiful voice, Jennifer has performed a repertoire that spans from Jazz and Blues to Country and Opera. She has sung with Classical and Jazz Orchestras, including the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. […]
Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Lars Nagel When Atlanta alt-country / Americana veteran, singer-songwriter, and guitarist Lars Nagel was kicking around titles for his new solo album, he kept coming back to a familiar three-word phrase and well-known Ringo Starr-ism: Tomorrow Never Knows. “I was of course hesitant about using the name of […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Claudia Gibson Claudia Gibson’s musical path to her second full-length album The Fields of Chazy has been anything but straight. From her teenage club-playing days to formal college music study to fronting bands in her 20s, Claudia never envisioned doing much else besides playing music. But life – […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Naomi Ashley With her cream and Kahlua voice, Chicago singer-songwriter Naomi Ashley captivates audiences, breathing vibrant life into her diverse range of songs. Navigating seamlessly through Americana, classic country, folk, blues, and rock, Ashley’s lyrically layered compositions charm with humor and a poignant understanding of the […]
