Americana Curious – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Humor and Heart

John Craigie is “A Modern-Day Troubadour” in the vein of Woody Guthrie, and blends comedic storytelling reminiscent of Mitch Hedberg with the spirit of musical legends like John Prine, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and Bob Dylan.

Born in Los Angeles and a UC Santa Cruz grad with a math degree, Craigie started playing local shows in Santa Cruz, leading to his 2009 breakthrough album Montana Tale. Known for captivating live performances, he's shared stages with Jack Johnson, Gregory Alan Isakov, and the Avett Brothers.

With nine studio albums, multiple live and cover records under his belt, Craigie just released another live album, Greatest Hits… Just Kidding… Live – No Hits out right now!

You'll also discover:

His Epic Newport Beatles Jam.

Finding Your Roadside Inspiration.

Craigie's Music, Unfiltered.

How He Creates the Crowd Connection.

His Pre-Show Ritual.

A Secret for Crafting a Comedic Song.

The Roadside Recording with Langhorne Slim.

A John Craigie Essential.

Learn more about Craigie here: https://johncraigie.com/

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

Pure Power Americana

Griffin William Sherry, former frontman of The Ghost of Paul Revere, returns with an electrifying solo debut that’s as raw and passionate as it is inspiring.

Rooted in the rugged landscapes of New England, Griffin’s new album blends modern catharsis with the timeless soul of American myth. His signature style fuses Folk, Americana, and Rock & Roll, creating music that is visceral, heartfelt, and unapologetically loud.

Griffin first captured our hearts as co-founder of The Ghost of Paul Revere, an independent band that soared to success with acclaimed releases, sold-out tours, and millions of streams. He built a music festival, graced national television, and spent 17 years writing songs that resonated with fans across the country.

Now, with Hundred Mile Wilderness set to release on September 20th, Griffin embarks on a bold new chapter. His solo debut is a testament to his growth as an artist, and the album promises to deliver the same fire and authenticity that have defined his career. Get ready for a powerhouse tour in support of this transformative record!

What You’ll Discover…

The Story Behind Writing the Maine State Ballad

Two Years to Write One Song

Defining “Holler Folk” Music

The Album that Inspired Him at an Early Age

The Secret Pop Up Show

How He Maintains HIGH ENERGY On Stage

The Power of Creating in Nashville

A Colorful Song from the Road

Best Dive Restaurants on Tour

What It’s Like Opening for Trampled by Turtles

“Rye or Die” Whiskey

Surprising Maine Trivia

The Band Inspiring Him Now

Learn more about Griffin and his music here: https://www.griffinwilliamsherry.com/

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

Burners and Heart Breakers

American Aquarium's BJ Barham, prolific songwriter, legendary live performer, and fierce band leader, shares a powerful and inspirational message in his interview on Americana Curious.

The band formed in 2006 in Raleigh, North Carolina, and BJ derived the band's name from the Wilco song, “I am trying to break your heart”. 

They’ve released 9 studio albums including their critically acclaimed  Burn. Flicker. Die produced by Jason Isbell and Lamentations produced by Shooter Jennings. 

Their 10th studio album, again teaming up with Shooter Jennings, The Fear of Standing Still comes out July 26th.

You'll also discover:

Why he declined his first invitation to the Opry.

What It's like playing The Ryman…TWICE.

The key to writing a powerful set list.

A song twist that will break your heart.

What he learned from staying hours after shows to meet fans.

How he inspired THIS podcast.

The magic of working with Shooter Jennings. 

The secret benefit from launching multiple albums during the Pandemic.

How to raise the next generation of Americana fans.

Find American Aquarium and BJ Barham here: http://www.americanaquarium.com/

Gulf Coast Guitar, Flyrods, and Heartfelt Lyrics

While Leon Majcen grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida, he’s the son of Bosnian war refugees who fled their homeland in search of a better life for their children.

From a young age, Leon was drawn to the power of storytelling through music, particularly the work of artists like Townes Van Zandt, John Prine, Bob Dylan, and Guy Clark.

He played local bars in high school, then went to school at NYU where he also played shows.

Then he made his way back to Florida to the commercial fishing docks and then made the jump to Nashville. 

Since arriving in Nashville, Leon has continued to develop his unique blend of Americana, folk, and country music, drawing on his experiences and his love of the outdoors to craft songs that are both poignant and powerful. 

With his heartfelt lyrics, soulful voice, and deft guitar work, Leon has built a strong following in Music City and beyond. 

He released his self-titled album is now out.. Loaded up with a guitar and a couple fly rods, Leon travels around the country sharing his songs and stories, looking for the next great fishing spot along the way.

You’ll Discover:

How he Found John Prine.

What It was Like Playing Open Mics at Age 11.

Zach’s Tattoo.

The Story behind World Gone Buy and Mangrove Shores.

How Fishing Inspires Music.

The Art of Creating Timeless Music..

Carp Fishing in Texas.

Leon Goes Electric.

Learn more about Leon and his music here: https://leonmajcen.com/home

Music with No Judgement or Preaching.

Jack McKeon's, A Nashville-based singer-songwriter with an honest, plainspoken vocal, an eclectic-roots sound and a knack for bringing crystalline characters to life without the moral judgement.

You''ll hear how he crafts such incredible music grounded in the power of observation, humanity, and connection

First inspired by literary music icons from Hank Williams and Guy Clark to Tom T. Hall and John Hartford.

You can find Jack performing all over Nashville and beyond.

He was chosen to perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame in the Songwriter Round for their Acoustic Guitar Project. 

Recently he was selected as one of the 24 finalists for the prestigious Grassy Hill New Folk contest at the legendary Kerrville Folk Fest.  He joined a long list of great writers that have previously held this honor, including Lyle Lovett, Caroline Spence and Steve Earle. 

Jack’s debut album titled Talking to Strangers was released on June 21st.

10 mesmerizing songs landing in the sweet spot between country, bluegrass and folk rock. With literary lyricism and easy going vocals, Jack embraces the comfort of Appalachian soul.

You’ll Also Discover…

The Mason Via Playlist Where We Discovered Jack’s Song.

They Day He Quit His Job and Moved to Nashville.

The Nashville Diner that Inspires His Song Writing.

What Happened to Him an 18-Day Music Festival.

What It’s Like Playing to 400-Person Silent Audience.

The Biggest Misconception About His Music.

Why He Selected Dee’s in Nashville for His Album Release.

The Legacy He’d Like to Leave.

Find Jack here: https://jackmckeonmusic.com/

A Growl that You'll Never Forget

Jordan Foley is a singer-songwriter in the folk-Americana realm based in Orlando, Fl. Jordan packs a punch with his growling voice and heavy-hand acoustic rhythm and can be found playing all over the Central Florida area and beyond! 

Jordan’s music has been described by Creative Loafing as “a special brand of Americana for admires of bands like American Aquarium, Lucero and Ryan Bingham.

Jordan's debut album, Give to Get a Day, was released in 2018. The album includes originals like See You Letter and Clouds. In 2020 he also released originals ‘Sing me a Love song’ and ‘The thought of me and you’.

In 2022 Jordan, along with Tyler Hood formed Jordan Foley and the Wheelhouse. In 2023 they released a self titled EP  of wonderfully crafted original Americana songs produced by local legend Thomas Wynn. 

As well as touring on his own and with the band, Jordan has recently opened for The Wallflowers, Five for Fighting, JD McPherson, William Eliot Whitmore and Colby Acuff. 

You'll also Discover;

The Life-Changing Standing Ovation.

A Song Born at Beef O'Brady's.

5 Bands that inspired Him.

How an Improvised Moment Sparked an Incredible Song.

The Facebook Group that Became a Powerful Brand.

Colorful Stories Behind See You Letter, The Last Dance, and Arguing in a Restaurant.

Jordan's Website: jordanfoleymusic.com

Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube: @jfoleyandthewheelhouse

Band Profile on Spotify: Jordan Foley & The Wheelhouse

Solo Profile on Spotify: Jordan Foley

Palmyra - Do You Like Lush Harmony & Brilliant Song Writing? Then this is your band!

Get inspired by Palmyra's Sasha Landon, who shares the incredible stories by their songs and what fuels their music mission.

It's high-energy Americana at it's finest1

A trio that also includes Teddy Chipouras and Mānoa Bell, all hailing from Virginia.=

One things for sure...

Palmyra's star is rising!

They've supported Watchhouse, Mipso, and Illiterate Light, and received honors and recognition from the historic Newport Folk Festival, American Songwriter, The Boston Globe, NPR, Under The Radar Magazine, Americanafest, and Merlefest.

Robin Hilton at All Songs Considered says, “This is a band you know would be killer live”...

and we've seen them twice, it's 100% correct!

You'll also discover:

Their Unique Experience Performing Twice at the Newport Folk Festival (And Why They'll be Performing There this Year Again on an Even Bigger Stage)

The Secrets of A Music Stage Completely Powered by Bikes.

The Reaction They Get Singing, "We aren't dead yet, but we're not far from it!"

The Moment Ben (our co-host) met Sasha in a Newport Food Line.

The Colorful Stories Behind "Happy Pills", "Bella Donna", and "Shape I'm In"

Behind the Scenes of the NPR Tiny-Desk Competition

Mental Health and Song Writing

Advice for Under-represented Groups in Music

AND an INCREDIBLE TUNE recorded for the show at the end of this EPISODE!!!

Listen now on the Americana Curious Podcast!

Discover more about Palmyra here:

https://www.palmyratheband.com/

The Picasso of Americana

Jack Browning is a phenomenal musician, songwriter, and painter, whose work captures the essence of Americana legends.

Hailing from the UK, Browning was captivated by Americana music and has never looked back.

In his late teens, he toured and played alongside music icons such as Jeff Beck, Joss Stone, and Gregory Porter.

Now, he's released his debut album, "Red Eye Radio," a masterful exploration of life on the road, the grit of construction work, the struggles of mental health, and the timeless human urge to explore and wander.

Recently, Browning toured with the exceptional Willi Carlisle.

But his talents don't stop at music. As an incredible painter, he created the album cover for The White Buffalo and has painted portraits of numerous revered artists, including Charlie Crockett, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Sierra Ferrell, John Prine, and Zach Bryan.

Jack Browning truly embodies the spirit of Americana, merging music and visual art in a way that few can.

You'll also discover...

How a kid from the UK found his way to Americana inspiration.

Why he was reluctant to record his music.

The drive behind his first song.

What happened when me met Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top.

What he learned touring with Jeff Beck and Gregory Porter.

The stories behind his incredible songs Dog Tired and Kerosene.

A inspired moment when touring with Willi Carlisle.

How he's preparing for his first US Tour.

Painting album covers.

The analytics of who listens to his music.

The legacy he hopes to leave.

BONUS TRACK: Jack shares and incredible RAW Bootleg.

Find Jack Here:

Website: https://jackbrowning.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackbrowningartistmusician/

X: https://x.com/jackbrowningart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackbrowningartistmusician/

Grammy-nominated Mason Via has had an incredible journey that includes touring for years with Old Crow Medicine Show as its youngest member.

He's also released his original album New Horizons that’s taken Americana scene by storm, and he's listed by NPR as one of the top 10 bluegrass artists thriving in modern Nashville.

You can also find his songwriting on Molly Tuttle’s Grammy-winning album, Golden Highway, and on Del McCoury’s grammy nominated album, Almost Proud.

He has toured and performed in 47 of the 50 U.S. states, along with sections of Canada, Ireland, The United Kingdom, and The Netherlands. 

Some other highlights include: Red Rocks, The Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium, the O2 Arena in London, and the Eagles Stadium opening for Luke Combs. 

He’s also shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Sierra Ferrell, Steve Earle, Turnpike Troubadours, Keb' Mo', Margo Price,  Allison Russell, and Shovels & Rope.

You'll also discover...

The wild party in West Virginia he played right before our interview.

His first show with Old Crow Medicine Show.

What It's like strumming Wagon Wheel in Front of Thousands.

The Lesson He Learned on American Idol.

His Legacy.

A Rollicking Boot-Leg Tune for the Americana Curious Nation.

Learn more about Mason now:

http://www.masonvia.com/

A 24 Karat Connection

Dive into the captivating story of Golden Everything, the husband-wife duo of Jackie Berkley and Zach Schmidt, whose genuine connection powerfully shines through in their music.

You'll hear how a happy accident led to the creation of their debut album, "Sweet Old World," and the unique process that allowed them to find their distinct sound.

Then you'll uncover the struggles and growth that defined their musical collaboration, along with the role models who sparked their creativity and shaped their path.

Get a glimpse into the personal stories and emotions that have shaped their songwriting, and learn about their exciting plans for the future, including a new addition to their family.

This interview offers a heartwarming and insightful look into the lives and artistry of Golden Everything.

SWEET OLD WORLD, the debut album from GOLDEN EVERYTHING, will be available in September 13th 

—-

You’ll Also Discover:

The Moment They Discover the Golden Everything Sound.

A Love Story at Santa's Pub.

Creating Magic as a Married Duo.

Lessons Learned from Shovels & Rope.

The Art of Open Book Songwriting.

What They Wish Fans Knew.

Opening for Langhorne Slim: Their Story.

Inside Their Post-Show Ritual.

Playing the Newport: Folk Festival.

Learn more about Golden Everything here: https://www.zachschmidtmusic.com/

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0YVNiG96LiXLu5LRUEtWlC

Listen on Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/golden-everything/1729501230

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious