It’s not often Rolling Stone compares a singer-songwriter to John Prine. But they did just that when they heard “Steelhead Trout” by Margo Cilker. The Oregon-based artist’s first two albums have turned her into an emerging star in the Americana music scene.
Pohorylle, her debut, was so good, the UK Americana Music Association nominated it for Album of the Year alongside Brandi Carlile, Robert Plant & Allison Kraus and Charley Crockett. She went on tour with Drive-By Truckers and Hayes Carll.
Her sophomore album, Valley of Heart’s Delight, is better. Not just by our estimation, but every music publication that’s reviewed it says so. The songs are deeper, more introspective, and perhaps more universal.
Cilker joined us for a chat from her Snake River Valley ranch recently to talk about songwriting, her success, and what the future holds for her music. She and Francesca connected at a performance over the summer and had a conversation about the song and fish that brought about the Prine comparisons. Needless to say, we had a fun conversation.
Falls also talks about his new favorite TikTok account (@rockabuyrecords) and its protagonist (Dean) who is Falls’s new hero. Falls also shares his first take on Dwight Yoakam’s new album Brighter Days.
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Notes and links:
Rock-a-Buy Records on TikTok
Rolling Stones article on Valley of Heart’s Delight
Margo Cilker online
Margo Cilker on Spotify
Pohorylle (album) on Spotify
Valley of Heart’s Delight on Spotify
Forrest Vantuyl (Margo’s husband) online
Forrest Vantuyl on Spotify
Brighter Days by Dwight Yoakam on Spotify
”Keep on the Sunny Side” cover by Dwight Yoakam
The Roots Music Rambler Store
Roots Music Rambler on Instagram
Roots Music Rambler on TikTok
Roots Music Rambler on Facebook
Jason Falls on Instagram
Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram
Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations
The Cleverlys on Spotify
Corner Boy on Spotify
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Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum
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