Shows
Song DiversAdam RandallIf you sat next to Adam Randall at a coffee shop, you might observe a quiet but not standoffish guy, with the look of a friendly, unpretentious, nirvana fan with post graduate degrees. If you struck up a conversation, he probably wouldn’t self promote, or tell you he’s an artist, a prolific one, with 8 studio albums and EP’s. You might however, suspect it, and quickly recognize something special about him; Someone who stays with you long after the interaction, like a great indie-film. Someone who’s choices and experiences have distilled a calming presence, and settled him into...
2022-12-211h 42Song Divers"Prining" for the Good Old DaysStef, Ed, and previous Song Divers guests perform covers by the late John Prine on the 1-year anniversary of his passing from Covid-19 during the height of the 2020 pandemic. We welcome back songwriters Andrew Duhon, Rebekah Pulley, Kirk Adams, Liam Bauman, Dean Johanesen, and Joshua Reilly doing some of their favorite Prine tunes. Stef and Ed also perform in this episode. They put together a cut of "Picture Show" with their band Mercy McCoy, feat. Emma Robinson, and Ed gives us a solo performance of "Far From Me."
We miss you, John.
Thank you for all...
2021-04-0736 minSong DiversThe Dream StreamIf you are listening to this episode years after it was recorded, the COVID-19 Corona Virus global pandemic is hopefully a thing of the past. Unfortunately, at the time of recording March 21, 2020, we are currently in the beginning of what will likely be a couple months of mandatory self isolation across the United States, and varying degrees of the same already in effect around the world. Businesses are closing, schools are shutting down, hospitals are filling up, and our government isn't helping. It's an unprecedented time that, despite years of warnings from the CDC and visionaries like Bill Gates...
2020-03-2458 minSong DiversLiam BaumanOur last episode was with songwriter Brian Sutherland, a Nashville based musician and standout at the 2019 Downtown St. Petersburg Songwriter's festival. The first night of the fest Brian, a veteran of these events and in his early 30's, shared the stage with Liam Bauman, a young songwriter in his early 20's who by contrast appeared ever the rookie. Any reticence that may have been visible was extinguished when Liam hit his first notes with the steady strum of a guy whose been doing this for years–– And he has, a few tours under his belt and his EP still warm...
2020-03-011h 42Song DiversBrian SutherlandEvery year, Songwriters festivals are happening all over the world, with a critical mass happening in around many of US's quote-unquote music cities. These are the dripping springs of Austin and the 30A Songwriter's fest which taked place every January in Florida's panhandle. These are meant to be different from a traditional music fest in that they focus on the story telling and attempt to create an environment for the focus to be on the song. The fall of 2019, in our market, we attended the first official Downtown St. Petersburg's songwriter's fest. Some of the venues need some coaching...
2020-01-121h 42Song DiversVintage TroubleBorn countries apart, and made in LA, the guys that make up the band Vintage Trouble are rock and roll incarnate. We were first introduced to Ty, Nalle, Richard, and Rick when they toured through a really cool and diverse Jazz Festival we have here in the Tampa/Clearwater area, which I realize is confusing considering they're an act with monster soul and blues swagger, and there aren't any jazz players in the group. Vocalist Ty Taylor is the poster child for the art of being a frontman. He's got a killer voice, he can jump about 7 feet in...
2019-12-1743 minSong DiversEllis Paul - Part 2You are diving into part 2 of our episodes with Contemporary Folk Music legend Ellis Paul. If you are just picking up here, that's great––but, we do encourage you to pause and go back and listen to part 1 with Ellis. There are some references to topics we cover in part 1 that you might appreciate hearing in order. That said, you'll be fine and love it in any order you choose.
We just couldn't find enough of Ellis' golden nuggets to leave on the cutting room floor, so you're getting a second helping of one of our favorite gues...
2019-11-241h 15Song DiversEllis Paul - Part 1Throw heaping amounts of talent, determination and hard work into a pot; add a few tablespoons of timely mentorship, healthy competition and the kindness of strangers — and don’t forget a dash of good old-fashioned luck —and that’s your recipe for Contemporary Folk Music legend Ellis Paul.
Over a 30 year arc, Ellis has logged more than 5,000 shows and earned scores of accolades and awards (let’s save time and just say all the prestigious folk music awards). He's released 20 albums, landed songs in major motion pictures, and been a featured performer at countless major folk and songwriter...
2019-11-161h 28Song DiversTravers BrothershipTravers Brothership is a band formed around twin brothers Kyle and Eric Travers–– and built by the bond among their bandmates. Kyle and keyboardist Ian McIsaac joined us for the interview. Kyle is frontman –– tall, lean, and laid back. Ian is shorter, bearded, and equally as friendly. While Eric and Kyle share a bloodline, the whole band plays like family. A long history of learning and honing their craft has led them to their second full-length release and through experiences sharing bills and stages with the likes of Taj Mahal, Govt. Mule, Blues Traveler, and many more. These guys can writ...
2019-10-301h 35Song DiversKasondra RoseThe first thing that hooks you about Kasondra Rose is that hauntingly beautiful siren voice…although it’s virtually impossible to separate that from the ethereal poetry and mysterious pull of her songs. Then again, she’s just as likely to disarm you with a childlike ditty about an aimlessly floating cartoon cloud. A dancer turned actor turned singer—who also dabbles in aerial gymnastics and animation—Kasondra knows what she wants when she finds it, but she’s always restlessly searching for it. In the meantime, she’s made her mark as a solo performer around the eastern U.S., and earn...
2019-10-191h 43Song DiversJeremy DouglassJeremy Douglass is a gifted instrumentalist, producer and composer that follows his own musical bliss into some fascinating projects.
Whether writing a piano concerto for American Stage Theatre company, writing songs on the spot with his musical improv group, or wowing audiences with his musical all-star group, the Florida Bjorkestra, Jeremy is pushing the norms in search of the bliss he gets from performing with truly great musicians.
Jeremy even had fun re-writing our theme song, re-writing it in various stylings after hearing just a single line of it. Running any tune through the musical...
2019-10-041h 43Song DiversKirk AdamsKirk Adams has made a name for himself with audiences and critics across the country. A longtime staple of the Tampa Bay music scene, Kirk's songs are packed with doom & gloom, chiming guitars, and catchy hooks. His writing writing can be touching, funny, thought provoking, spooky, and sometimes all of that in the same song. Kirk has developed a writing style and commentary that present almost like stories and contemplations from a noir-style Sci-Fi private investigator novel, observing and moving among his fellow night owls, performers, and artists. Wielding his trusty strat, shades, and pork-pie hat, Kirk's writing shows...
2019-09-141h 26Song DiversKristopher JamesKristopher James is one of those artists whose songwriting is sometimes overshadowed by his own show-stopping vocals. And that is most definitely a compliment. The dude can write, and man can he sing.
Through well received EP's and a brand new full length album, Kindness Never Quits, Kris's songs have morphed from folky, sometimes ethereal, americana-pop tunes into a sultry soul style Americana that gives us visions of an Amos Lee and Barry White collaboration–– which if you know Kris, is par for the course. He's a pleasant mix of styles and inspirations. His black framed glasses give...
2019-08-311h 43Song DiversTrevor Boone & James Anaya at Emerald City GuitarsSong Divers is, and will hopefully continue to be many things–– for us, and for you.
But it started with a feeling. Maybe you've had it: You encounter a work of art. A painting or a poem.. A song–– Or maybe it's a whole person–– And you are captivated. You are moved, and consumed by this feeling of thinking "people need to know about this!" Below the surface Song Divers started as my curated attempt at sharing, celebrating, and appreciating the special people and places that have moved us on our journeys as a musicians, as a listeners, and as peopl...
2019-08-131h 42Song DiversNate CurrinNate would be pretty comfortable with us describing him in two words: Road Warrior.
But that wouldn't be enough to encompass the description a guy like him deserves.
The much decorated songwriter is a big dude, but not intimidating. He should be––He's Tall and tattooed, regularly dawning a western fedora and boots–– but his eyes are a give away. Our first look at Nate showed us the poise of a seasoned story teller with an expression that radiated an empathetic kindness.
Nate's friendliness was outmatched only by his humility, which is especially refreshing when you...
2019-07-311h 27Song DiversSteve ConnellySteve Connelly was a spark that lit the fuse for a whole generation of musicians that would go on to be produced by Steve at Zen Recording studios, and all fantasize about being able to play even a single line of a Steve Connelly guitar lead. Zen became a safe haven for songwriters of any caliber looking to lay down a record. From his psychedelic high school years and time on tour with Roger McGuinn, to the countless hours he’s spent bringing to life the musical works of so many others, Steve inspires. He instructs. He provides a plat...
2019-07-061h 32Song DiversRebekah PulleyIt's a natural tendency for us to compare musicians to others. To say Rebekah Pulley sounds like any of the songwriters that might come to mind would be well intended, but none quite a fit. She's a sound and a songwriter all her own, and after 6 albums her voice is as bright as ever. There's a youthfulness about her even as she delivers retrospective songs that come from a place that can only be reached after a certain amount of life experience. Her recent 2019 release "The Sea of Everything", houses some of her best work yet.
After...
2019-06-181h 21Song DiversJ.T. BrownWhen you meet J.T. Brown his soft spoken southern delivery draws you in and puts you at ease. Put a guitar in his hands and a mic in front of him, and the powerfully soulful vibey wave of “spacefolk” that rolls out of him is likely to bowl you over. From his 2016 release of Phantom Heart, to his more recent work on Down The Coast, J.T. Brown's material is contemplative, descriptive, and -- pretty groovy. Tap your foot and sway your head with us as we dive in with J.T. Brown.
2019-05-301h 12Song DiversDean JohanesenThrough the 90's and early 00's Dean Johanesen was a widely acknowledged staple of the songwriting community, and like many others at the time, producing work and fronting an indie/alternative-rock outfit–– His band, the Human Condition. Then, out of nowhere, and seemingly overnight, Dean transformed into one of the most respected and enduring troubadorian musicians you'll see today. A few of his most heart stringing compositions still make the set list, but Dean's solo record and shows are primarily comprised of a gypsy style folk music that has uniquely and rightfully become his calling card. We hope you enjo...
2019-05-141h 22Song DiversLydia LuceLydia Luce was born into a musical family. Her mother, a gifted organ and piano player, conducted her own symphony orchestra. Making her home now in Nashville, Tenn., the folk singer-songwriter finds inspiration in combining her accomplished formal education and session work as a studio musician with the personal and emotional content of family, love, and life experience.
Her first EP, The Tides, landed in 2015. In 2017, Luce graced the stages of Merlefest and Americana Fest, as well touring as an opening artist for singer-songwriter Peter Bradley Adams. She recently released her latest single, “Helen,” from her forthcoming LP...
2019-05-011h 20Song DiversAndrew DuhonNew Orleans native, Andrew Duhon, is a writer with an undeniable voice, weighted and soulful. His 2014 release, ‘The Moorings’, was nominated for a Grammy, and Duhon's 2018 release, False River, is a Song Divers favorite. Andrew's natural gift for songwriting showed through in our conversation. Any number of lines from this interview could have been, and may still become, lyrics for some really meaningful tunes.
2019-04-171h 25Song DiversDanny and AlexDanny and Alex (Danny Scordato and Alex Merrill) are an American pop duo that write, produce, and engineer their own music. The largely self-taught artists have released one EP and two Singles, and we can tell you first hand that they are refreshing blend of talent, humor, and depth.
2019-04-031h 02Song DiversRonny Elliott - Part TwoAlabama born Ronny Elliott has been writing and playing songs since 1964. Elliott has shared bills with Chuck Berry, the Allman Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, the Flatlanders, Van Morrison and lots of other greats of American music. Many consider Ronny to be a prolific songwriter, a notion bolstered by his 12 albums released over the last 30 years alone.
2019-03-1853 minSong DiversRonny Elliott - Part OneAlabama born Ronny Elliott has been writing and playing songs since 1964. Elliott has shared bills with Chuck Berry, the Allman Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, the Flatlanders, Van Morrison and lots of other greats of American music. Many consider Ronny to be a prolific songwriter, a notion bolstered by his 12 albums released over the last 30 years alone.
2019-03-1855 minSong DiversJoshua ReillyJoshua Reilly is an Illinois born singer-songwriter. His tunes cover topics ranging from the "everyman's" blue-collar struggles
to some more unique corners of life, all through a lens that feels both refreshing and familiar. Reilly's first studio release hit shelves in 2017 to rave reviews, and landed him a spot at the coveted Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival outside of Austin Texas.
2019-03-021h 25Song DiversJesse Terry – Part TwoPart 2 of our interview with Jesse Terry, an American born songwriter that's spent the better part of the last decade touring the world as an original solo songwriter and performer. Jesse has 5 studio releases and was in town for the interview, for a shared performance with Ed in Saint Petersburg, FL and came to us fresh off the 30A Songwriters Festival stage.
2019-02-1852 minSong DiversJesse Terry – Part OneJesse Terry is an American born songwriter that's spent the better part of the last decade touring the world as an original solo songwriter and performer. Jesse has 5 studio releases and was in town for the interview, for a shared performance with Ed in Saint Petersburg, FL and came to us fresh off the 30A Songwriters Festival stage.
2019-02-1854 min
Song DiversAbout UsWhat makes a songwriter? What does it take to compose a meaningful work of audible art? Join us as we connect with a diverse mix of artists to explore the forces, challenges, inspiration and influences that charted their path. We dive deep into the making of a lyricist: the stories, key moments, the highs & the lows. We chat values, idols, obstacles and what it took to find their voice. And through it all, we hear some really incredible music.
2019-02-0804 min