Welcome to lucky Episode No. 13 of the Tasty Brew Music Podcast. I discover new music through word of mouth, radio promoters, podcasts, other artists, friends and family. There are those that seek ME out, finding me through any number of channels…perhaps through my membership in Folk Alliance International, the Americana Music Association, the National Federation of Community Broadcasters or just going down that internet rabbit hole using certain music related hashtags or keywords . The Rough & Tumble, Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler, found ME, sent me their cds with lovely handwritten notes and beautiful self-created art work. And the music was thankfully and delightfully right up my alley. They contacted me six months in advance of knowing they would be in the Kansas City area, asking if they could come on my Tasty Brew Music Radio Show on KKFI…even knowing I’m on at oh dark thirty through drive time on Tuesday mornings. We made a date, they came on the show and we made further plans to meet for a sit down conversation to get to know each other better. I am fascinated by anyone who is brave and courageous to sell everything they own and hit the road to pursue their dreams.
They have a wonderful insight on being true traveling troubadours in America in 2019. I wanted to ask them questions that I felt would be of interest to any aspiring road dogs out there. They describe themselves as a
“dumpster-folk, thrift store-Americana duo, hobbling around the country in their 16-foot camper since 2015”. They picked up a couple of actual strays along the way--Puddle & Magpie Mae-- and have been making themselves at home in living rooms, bars, theaters, and festivals across the country.
"Their music has been described as ‘restorative, their performance highly entertaining, their orchestra of unusual instruments intriguing, and… jokes and stories are worthy of an HBO special." (Linda Bolton, Cozy Cabin House Concerts).
The stray folkies are as industrious as they are scrappy, releasing five EPs and two albums in their 8 years. The Rough & Tumble’s 2018 release We Made Ourselves a Home When We Didn’t Know, brought the listener to the road and the road to their home, an album “as cozy, comfortable and inviting as a well-worn couch.” (Bill Kopp, Mountain Xpress).
They have a weekly live cast, a monthly blog, a Cook & Color Book, a food blog and play upwards of 150 shows a year. Enjoy my conversation with Mallory and Scott – The Rough & Tumble – now THAT’s Americana!
