Interviews and Featured on Americana Artists
Taylor Robert, originally destined for preaching, found his passion for music in the Minnesota Boy Choir. Influenced by blues and rock legends, he evolved into a solo artist with a distinct Roll N Soul sound. His latest album, Brighter Day, reflects on heartbreak and healing, featuring collaborations from notable Minneapolis musicians.
Jim Stanard’s new album, Magical, showcases his distinctive lyrical style, blending humor and philosophy. Collaborating with notable producers and musicians, the project follows his acclaimed works, including Bucket List and Color Outside The Lines. Stanard, a late bloomer in music, reflects a rich blend of personal experience and creative exploration.
Massy Ferguson, a Seattle-based band, has released their seventh album, You Can’t Tell Me I’m Not What I Used To Be, marking a departure from their traditional country-rock sound. Produced by Damien Jurado, the album features vintage tones and rich instrumentation, showcasing the band’s evolution after nearly two decades in music.
Miss Georgia Peach, a country artist from Saint Paul, Minnesota, blends traditional country and rock. Signed to Rum Bar Records, she released her album “Class Out the Ass” on February 14, 2025. The album includes original songs and covers. She actively performs and has a release show on April 19, 2025.
Micki Free is a Grammy-winning musician known for his guitar skills and multifaceted artistry, influenced by his Cherokee/Comanche and Irish heritage. His career began with significant collaborations, including Shalamar and Prince. An advocate for the Native American community, he founded “The Musical Beginning Foundation” to empower youth through music, blending diverse musical styles.
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with YEV! SLAVA UKRAINE YEV’s self-titled debut album is a poignant and powerful introduction to the artist’s dynamic voice, blending cinematic folk rock, modern blues, vintage pop, and the soulful resonance of his Ukrainian heritage. Each song offers a captivating narrative that weaves haunting melodies and raw […]
The Twangtown Paramours, a Nashville-based duo of Mike T. Lewis and MaryBeth Zamer, blend Americana, Folk, and Blues in their acclaimed music. Their upcoming album, The Wind Will Change Again, features their best acoustic songs to date, showcasing a range of emotions and impeccable musicianship, all while maintaining a lighthearted approach to life.
OVERHAUL is a Rock, Grunge, Alternative Rock band from Scotland, formed in 1997 by Andy Gallagher. With influences from U.S. coasts and Scotland, they have released five albums and toured extensively across Europe. Known for energetic live performances, they attract fans of bands like Nirvana and Aerosmith with their catchy sound.
Andy Hanson, an Eau Claire, WI-based musician, embarks on a solo journey through folk and Americana with his debut album, “Roots.” This album delves into personal experiences and memories, reflecting how our past shapes us. Inspired by folklore and contemporary influences, it aims to empower listeners to confront their struggles.
Mother Coyote, the new alias of singer-songwriter Andriana Lehr, emerges with her EP “When The War Comes,” created alongside producer Andy Thompson. It reflects personal and collective change, featuring rich soundscapes and profound, personal lyrics that explore themes of birth, death, and healing, offering illumination during challenging times.
Making a Scene features an interview with 18-year-old singer-songwriter FINICK, based in Minneapolis. Known for their whimsical indie folk sound, FINICK merges personal emotions with imaginative storytelling, drawing inspiration from artists like Brandi Carlisle and Phoebe Bridgers. Their music aims to provide an escape for listeners.
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 […]
