Shows
Generous Business OwnerJudah Mooney: Changing Lives and Fulfilling Dreams as God’s StewardHave you ever met those whose lives you’ve impacted through generosity? In this episode, Jeff and Judah discuss: Judah’s unique childhood being raised as 1 of 50 children (at an orphanage his parents directed) in Mexico. Keeping families together and giving them hope to move forward. Using God-given talents for His purposes, not just your business. Living intentionally with God in mind. Investing in others as others had invested in you. Key Takeaways: Serving others is great, but finding a way to help them help themselves can make a greater, lasting change in the lives of tho...2023-10-2441 min
New Slang209: Thomas CsorbaOn Episode 209, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Thomas Csorba. During this conversation, we talk about growing up in Houston, discovering Texas songwriters, recording with Beau Bedford & The Texas Gentlemen, writing during the Pandemic, how songwriting has evolved and changed over the past few years, Randy Newman songs, and what he has planned going forward in 2022. This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol, The Blue Light Live, and Charlie Stout Photography.New Slang PatreonNew Slang TwitterNew...2022-03-0859 min
New Slang205: Caleb Lee HutchinsonOn Episode 205, I'm joined by rising country singer-songwriter Caleb Lee Hutchinson. Back in September, Hutchinson released the wonderful EP Slot Machine Syndrome. During this episode, we talk about writing and recording the songs of Slot Machine, working with the likes of Brent Cobb (who produced the effort), navigating Nashville songwriting rooms, falling in love with narrative country music, and how he's found himself carving a spot in Texas playing shows with folks like Vincent Neil Emerson. This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol and The Blue Light Live2021-11-301h 00
New Slang204: David Beck's Tejano WeekendOn Episode 204, I'm joined by David Beck, bassist and chief songwriter of David Beck's Tejano Weekend. During this conversation, we talk about their latest album, the aptly titled Volume 2, writing Tejano songs in English, diving into a Mexican music culture that's loved in Texas, but often overlooked, collaborating with legends, and trading Billy Joe Shaver stories. This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol and The Blue Light Live.New Slang PatreonNew Slang TwitterNew Slang...2021-11-231h 02
New Slang203: Evan BartelsOn Episode 203, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Evan Bartels, who released his latest full-length album, Lonesome this past September 17. Dark and rich, Lonesome dives deep into the raw emotional intensity of the human condition. During this conversation, we talk about writing Lonesome, recording with producer Ryan Hewitt, the redemptive streak within Lonesome's darkness, growing up in Nebraska, and why we return to our favorite albums time and again. This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol, The Blue Light Live, and Charlie Stout Photography....2021-10-011h 21
New Slang202: Sean DevineOn Episode 202, I'm joined by Montana singer-songwriter Sean Devine. Devine released the excellent Here For It All in early September after recording the album with Josh Thompson and Cody Jinks's backing back down at Sonic Ranch. During this conversation, we talk about recording the album, exchanging Dropbox folders with Thompson, writing storytellers like "Clay Bluffs," coming down to Texas, his Montana home, and what continues to drive him to tell stories worth telling. This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol, The Blue Light Live, and Charlie...2021-09-281h 23
New Slang201: Suzanne SantoOn Episode 201, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Suzanne Santo, who last month (August 27) released the dark and mesmerizing album Yard Sale. During this episode, we talk about the emotional depth and weight within Yard Sale, touring with Hozier, writing on the road, mental health, and our favorite TV series of recent memory. This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol, The Blue Light Live, and Charlie Stout Photography.New Slang PatreonNew Slang TwitterNew Slang Instagram2021-09-2459 min
New Slang200: Quaker City Night HawksOn Episode 200, I'm joined by Sam Anderson and David Matsler of Fort Worth rock band Quaker City Night Hawks. During this one, we talk about early roots, discovering music in the late '90s, collaborating with Mike and The Moonpies, and how the pandemic has had them reaccess their approach to songwriting, releasing albums, and tour schedules. This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol, The Blue Light Live, and Charlie Stout Photography.New Slang PatreonNew Slang Twitter2021-09-211h 01
New Slang199: Rod GatorOn Episode 199, I'm joined by Louisiana singer-songwriter Rod Gator, who is releasing his latest album, the radiant For Louisiana, this Friday, September 17. During this conversation, we talk about his Louisiana roots, writing about natural disasters & conflict, hear stories about near-death experiences, recording and collaborating with Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas and Will Walden, and dive into more film and TV talk about Michael Mann, True Detective, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol, The Blue Light Live, and Charlie Stout Photography2021-09-161h 21
New Slang198: Luke DickOn Episode 198, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Luke Dick. During this conversation, we talk about the intersection of art & commerce, releasing music in 2021, writing & collaborating with the likes of Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, & Natalie Hemby, navigating the Nashville songwriting world, and his latest single, the excellent "Some Things Change." This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol, The Blue Light Live, and Charlie Stout Photography.New Slang PatreonNew Slang TwitterNew Slang Instagram2021-09-141h 09
New Slang197: Marathon Songwriters Festival: Josh Grider & Kelley MickweeEpisode 197 is Part 2 of a two-parter recorded down in Marathon, Texas at the Marathon Songwriters Festival. This Part is conversations about West Texas and songs with Josh Grider and Kelley Mickwee. Part 1 was with Courtney Patton, Walt Wilkins, and Drew Kennedy.This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol, The Blue Light Live, and Charlie Stout Photography.New Slang PatreonNew Slang TwitterNew Slang InstagramNew Slang Facebook...2021-09-0948 min
New Slang196: Marathon Songwriters Festival: Courtney Patton, Walt Wilkins, & Drew KennedyEpisode 196 is Part 1 of a two-parter recorded down in Marathon, Texas at the Marathon Songwriters Festival. This Part is conversations about West Texas and songs with Courtney Patton, Walt Wilkins, and Drew Kennedy. Part 2 with Josh Grider, Kelley Mickwee, and Bobby Hamrick comes out later this week. This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol, The Blue Light Live, and Charlie Stout Photography.New Slang PatreonNew Slang TwitterNew Slang Instagram...2021-08-311h 10
New Slang195: The Red Clay StraysOn Episode 195, I'm joined by Drew Nix and Andrew Bishop of The Red Clay Strays. During this one, we talk about the collaborative writing process, how they navigated a difficult year of staying afloat during 2020, what their record plans are going forward, and hear a few stories about the road, breaking down, and the interesting characters they meet along the way.This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol, The Blue Light Live, and Charlie Stout Photography.New Slang Patreon...2021-08-271h 13
New Slang194: Mercy BellOn Episode 194, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Mercy Bell, who released Golden Child, her latest EP, this past August 6. During this conversation, we talk about some of the characters, themes, & late night qualities within Golden Child, how short story fiction has influenced her writing, growing up in California and Massachusetts, her love for '90s country music, and how she wrote the anthemic "All Good Cowboys." This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol, The Blue Light Live, and Charlie Stout Photography.New Slang...2021-08-231h 07
New Slang193: Hannah DasherOn Episode 193, I'm joined by country artist Hannah Dasher. In early July, Dasher released her infectious and charming debut The Half Record. We talk about her debut, navigating the songwriting world of Nashville, finding her voice as an artist, hear some stories behind the songs, and her hit TikTok cooking show Stand By Your Pan. This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol, The Blue Light Live, and Charlie Stout Photography.New Slang PatreonNew Slang TwitterN...2021-08-201h 01
New Slang192: Garrett T. CappsOn Episode 192, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Garrett T. Capps, who at the week's end (Friday, August 20), is releasing the honky-tonk homage album, I Love San Antone via Vinyl Ranch. During this one, we talk about recording the album during the pandemic at his San Antonio venue The Lonesome Rose, recording another album out at Sonic Ranch, writing about San Antonio, Corpus Christi tacos, and why recording Jethro Tull was on his to-do list.This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol, The Blue Light Live, and Charlie S...2021-08-171h 16
New Slang191: Elijah OceanOn Episode 191, I'm joined by country songwriter Elijah Ocean. Today--Friday, August 13--Ocean released his latest album, Born Blue, a collection of neo-traditional-inspired country songs that highlight the dim lights of late nights and early mornings. During this one, Ocean and I talk about writing the likes of "Thirty-Five" and "The Ice Machine," recording during the quarantine, Las Vegas shows, and our favorite '90s country artists.This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol, The Blue Light Live, and Charlie Stout Photography.New...2021-08-131h 19
The Neon EonThe Neon Eon - TeaserWelcome to The Neon Eon! The Neon Eon is a '90s-centric country music podcast. Interviews, commentary, and stories about and with the superstars, songwriters, one-hit wonders, pickers, and players of country music from The Neon Eon (86ish-2001ish). Hosted by music journalist Thomas Mooney.Weekly episodes every Wednesday. Episode 1 out January 6 with Clay Walker. Subscribe today. FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreon2021-01-0307 min
New Slang138: Bo ArmstrongWe're kicking off the week being joined by singer-songwriter Bo Armstrong, who next week, Tuesday, November 24, will be releasing his full-length debut album, Chasing Ballads. The Nashville via Dallas songwriter collaborated with producer Brian Douglas Phillips (David Ramirez, Thomas Csorba, Rob Baird) on the effort and created a hearty soundscape that pulls from the Heartland rock meets Americana well. Combined with Armstrong's gift for narrative, the pair often create driving storytellers that embrace their anthemic choruses and melodies. Songs like "Wildfire" and "Here's Looking at You Kid" feel as though they're cut from early '80s Springsteen as they...2020-11-161h 15
New Slang120: Brennen LeighIn this episode of New Slang, I’m joined by singer-songwriter Brennen Leigh. At the end of this week (Friday, September 18), Leigh released Prairie Love Letter, a worthy ode to her roots and childhood home, the rural open plains of Western Minnesota and Eastern North Dakota. Part Will Cather and part Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska, Prairie Love Letter has an earnest pioneering spirit--a balanced blend of tough and tender. Songs like "I Love the Lonesome Prairie," "The John Deere H," and "There's a Yellow Cedar Waxwing on the Juneberry Bush" are soaked with family tradition and lore. They're for dinner ta...2020-09-141h 10
New Slang119: Jaime WyattOn Episode 119, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Jaime Wyatt, who released her excellent full-length album, Neon Cross, this past May. So much of Neon Cross is shaped by Wyatt's time living out in Los Angeles and coming to terms with addiction, relapse, & eventually, her current sobriety. There most certainly is heartache, grief, and self-loathing throughout Neon Cross, but Wyatt's strength, beauty, grit, and humanity are often shining beacons within the midst of that hazy fog as well. Throughout, Wyatt is as genuine a storyteller as they come, often mixing in that grief and heartache with tongue-in-cheek winks, gems of wisdom...2020-09-101h 19
New Slang118: Waylon PayneOn Episode 118, I am joined by singer-songwriter Waylon Payne. At the end of this week (Friday, September 11), Payne will be releasing Blue Eyes, The Harlot, The Queer, The Pusher and Me, the long-awaited follow-up to his 2004 debut album, The Drifter. This new album is quite the opus for Payne as he details the struggles, pain, heartache, relapse, growth, beauty, and strength of the past decade (and really, his entire life). Like the greats before him, Payne is a sharp-witted poet and gifted storyteller who can turn a phrase with the absolute best of them one minute and deliver genuine...2020-09-081h 11
New Slang117: Tennessee JetOn Episode 117, I catch up with country singer-songwriter Tennessee Jet to talk about his excellent new album, The Country, due out Friday, September 04. As the title suggests, it's a sprawling ode to American music with road-weary ramblers, lonesome highway ballads, and rewarding pit stops on the superhighway we call American Country music. The Oklahoma songwriter is no stranger to life on the road and those memories, recollections, and thoughts are the genesis and genius behind The Country's raw beauty and harsh realities. During this interview, we talk about the writing of this album, the inspiration behind songs...2020-09-031h 30
New Slang116: Karen JonasI'm joined by singer-songwriter Karen Jonas for Episode 116. Jonas just recently released The Southwest Sky and Other Dreams this past Friday (August 28). As the title alludes, 10 songs of The Southwest Sky are character-driven vignettes largely inspired by the vast landscapes, small Interstate towns, and hardened individuals who claim the land as their home. Songs such as "Farmer John," "Pink Leather Boots," and the opening "The Last Cowboy (at the Bowling Alley)" feel like snapshot stories. Jonas lets her imagination run wild as she's counting up the mile marker signs, letting these robust characters come to life with engaging storytelling...2020-08-311h 03
New Slang115: Justin WellsOn Episode 115, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Justin Wells, who is releasing The United State this Friday, August 28. Wells leads us through various watershed snapshot moments during life that we all experience and share. During these innate moments, Wells explores the multitude of emotions that often come hand in hand with them. He balances the carefully orchestrated details with broad themes about joy, sorrow, pain, fear, hope, love, and lonesomeness. Songs walk a delicate line as they balance both a sense of the raw, fresh present and the calm wisdom and hindsight of memory and reflection. Wells acknowledges the rushes...2020-08-271h 11
New Slang114: Zephaniah OHoraOn Episode 114 of New Slang, I'm joined by country singer-songwriter Zephaniah OHora. The country crooning OHora is releasing Listening To The Music, his stellar follow-up to 2017 standout This Highway, this coming Friday, August 28. With the late great Neal Casal (The Cardinals, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Hard Working Americans) at the producing helm, OHora, Casal, and company create a distinct, elegant, and lush sonic palette. Taking cues from some of the greats of the '60s and '70s, OHora blends the gentle, light airiness of Countrypolitan with the hard rolling rhythms of trucker country. Ever the crooner, OHora's gleaming vocals...2020-08-242h 06
New Slang113: Colter WallEpisode 113 is with Canadian singer-songwriter Colter Wall. Wall will release his third full-length album, Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs, this coming August 28. The 10-track self-produced effort finds Wall delivering a strong and sturdy ode to Western culture & rural ranch life of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Wall's Western Swing & Waltzes is a rich blend of iconic traditionals, prairie & trail songs from fellow Western songwriters, and a batch of new, fun-loving Wall originals. There's a definite loose and natural tone throughout that feels organic and genuine. Wall and company capture these perfectly imperfect moments and let them breathe and...2020-08-201h 05
New Slang111: Ashley RayWe kick off the week with Episode 111 where I'm joined by singer-songwriter Ashley Ray. Ray is releasing Pauline, a tightknit 10-song collection of vignette-styled memories, warm introspection, and dynamic charmers about small-town life, nostalgia, memories, and family roots, on Friday, August 14. Much of Pauline's strengths stem from Ray's ability to draw from childhood memories and those deep family roots. Songs feel as though she's flipping through old photo albums. Ray points to family portraits and candids and begins painting the glowing world in which they lived in. At times, there's a haze that permeates the recollection, but it adds...2020-08-101h 23
New Slang112: Jesse DaytonNew Slang kicks off the week with Episode 112 where I'm by singer-songwriter Jesse Dayton. Dayton right off the heels of releasing Gulf Coast Sessions, an East Texas Rust meets Louisiana Bayou porch-picking party. Dayton presses pause during The Pandemic for some good, honest fun and gives us a second away from the doldrums of 2020. It's the perfect blend of Gulf Coast Blues and rock & roll for a summer swim, evening grill, or afternoon county road stroll. During this episode, Dayton and I talk growing up on Interstate 10 in Beaumont, Texas, recording music & hanging out with the likes of Waylon...2020-08-101h 09
New Slang110: Jonathan TerrellOn Episode 110, I am joined by Texas singer-songwriter Jonathan Terrell. Terrell's upcoming album, the American West-influenced Westward (out August 21) dominates the conversation as Terrell and I discuss at length the writing, inspiration, recording, etc of the excellent album. Terrell blends a richness of soft hues and delicate, vibrant pastels of the desert floor and setting sun with the intensity, chill, and darkness of the open night sky. His vignettes are cinematic and come in like fever dreams as they warm themselves up by the campfire or stove. Terrell's rasp draws you in during these intimate stories where he explores...2020-08-061h 12
New Slang109: Ian MunsickSinger-songwriter Ian Munsick joins me for Episode 109. I talk with the Wyoming native Munsick about his rich blend of Western & Frontier grit and clever & charming pop sense, splitting time between Wyoming & Nashville, navigating the co-writing world of country music, how he collects his songwriting ideas, coming from a family of musicians & songwriters, and what he has on the horizon and his forthcoming full-length album, Coyote Cry. This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol and The Blue Light Live.New Slang PatreonNew Slang...2020-08-0356 min
New Slang108: The Co-WriteOn Episode 108, I am joined by Bobby Duncan and Donovan Dodd, co-hosts (and co-writers) of the music podcast, The Co-Write, for a two-part episode series. During this "home and away," Duncan, Dodd, and I talk about the general Texas music scene, the progress, growth, and shifts within the scene, being an artist and journalist in 2020, stories about Pat Green, Randy Rogers, The 806, etc and do a six-round Music Festival Fantasy draft. This is Part Two of the two-parter. Listen to Part One over on The Co-Write (and subscribe) by clicking here.This episode's presenting partner...2020-07-302h 06
New Slang107: Brit TaylorOn Episode 107, I am joined by Kentucky singer-songwriter Brit Taylor. Taylor released the wistful, melancholy single "Waking Up Ain't Easy" in the early summer. With its traditional country roots with weeping pedal steel and Taylor's own restless vocals and lyrics, she captures a desolate and endless lonesomeness of post-breakup life. During this interview, we talk about being an early morning person, how impacts her songwriting, country music for adults, growing up in Kentucky (and the wealth of talented songwriters from the state), Zoom songwriting, and what she has planned for the rest of 2020. In addition, Taylor is...2020-07-2758 min
New Slang106: Garrett T. CappsOn Episode 106, I am joined by singer-songwriter Garrett T. Capps. Capps, who released the (inter)stellar Space Country record All Right, All Night, embraces the sonic tones and textures of yesterday and tomorrow throughout his rich and diverse catalog. At times, he turns back the pages of Tex-Mex, honky-tonk, and the sweltering heat of South Texas. Other times, he ventures off into the vast unknown and lays down a dreamy foundation with the cosmic chill and awe of deep space adventures. During this conversation, we talk about those various directions in his songwriting and sound, growing up in San...2020-07-231h 11
New Slang105: Jenny TolmanOn Episode 105, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Jenny Tolman. Tolman released her debut full-length album, the excellent and charming There Goes The Neighborhood just about a year ago. During this interview, we discuss the creation of Jennyville--the fictional picturesque town that's the focal point of Neighborhood--how and why she drifted towards this concept, growing up in Nashville, the Nashville songwriting machine and industry as a whole, and how she's stayed focused, grounded, and sane during the 2020 pandemic. This episode's presenting partner is The Blue Light Live.New Slang PatreonNew S...2020-07-201h 16
New Slang104: Kalsey KulykOn Episode 104, I'm joined by Canadian singer-songwriter Kalsey Kulyk. Kulyk released her impressive seven-song Kalsey Kulyk last August. Kulyk pulls from '90s Country icons like Shania Twain as well as Americana staples such as Patty Griffin to form an informative and highly emotional blend of pop smart country songs. Kulyk's crystalline vocals are versatile and strong. Throughout her S/T, Kulyk delivers stark, slow-burning ballads ("Roll With It"), sunny, chorus-laden charmers ("Bad Liar"), and swaying daydreamers ("Low Times in High Heels").This episode's presenting partner is The Blue Light Live and 2020-07-171h 09
New Slang103: Samantha CrainOn Episode 103, I'm joined by Oklahoma singer-songwriter Samantha Crain. Crain is releasing A Small Death, her forthcoming album, Friday, July 17. Over the course of 11 tracks, Crain leads us on through a deeply personal collection of songs where she cries, mourns, confronts, perseveres, and presses on. For Crain, the last handful of years have been filled with setbacks and anguish as she battled depression, anxiety, and trauma as a result of a series of car wrecks. Tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome made playing guitar virtually impossible and left Crain questioning herself as an artist. Slowly but surely though, Crain has...2020-07-131h 08
New Slang102: Lou Lewis of Rattlesnake MilkOn Episode 102, I am joined by Lou Lewis, the lead vocalist and lyricist of rollicking country-punk outfit Rattlesnake Milk. Lewis and company are largely informed by the flatlands of West Texas on their second album, a 10-tracked self-titled full-length that they released earlier this Spring. Through this string of character-driven narratives and truck driver country highway rollers, Lewis captures a gritty, dust-blown bunch of Flatlanders who are working the land--and being worked by the harsh land themselves. During this episode, we talk about those who influence & inspired Lewis's writing, farming in the South Plains, cultivating their sound, Mid-2000s...2020-07-101h 27
New Slang101: Taylor AlexanderOn Episode 101, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Taylor Alexander, who released his full-length debut album, the excellent Good Old Fashioned Pain, just over a year ago. The collection of songs in several ways reflect Alexander's early to mid-twenties and the growing and maturation that followed. During this interview, we talk about the moments that shaped those songs, growing up in Florida & Georgia, his ultimate move to Nashville, the intimacy of songwriting, the likes of Bright Eyes & Elliott Smith, and how he's stayed inspired during the 2020 Pandemic. This episode's presenting partner is The Blue Light Live 2020-07-071h 34
New Slang100 Clint BlackOn Episode 100, I am joined by Country music legend Clint Black. During this hour-plus conversation, Black gives incredible insight, detail, and perspective on his storied career. We go back and talk about his breakthrough debut album Killin' Time (which last year was its' 30th year anniversary), how being in the public eye changed his songwriting, how he and guitarist Hayden Nicholas formed an as unbeatable songwriting & creative team, writing & collaborating with the likes of Merle Haggard, how "going electric" helped shape and expand his artistic process, and his latest album, Out of Sane.This episode's presenting partner...2020-07-021h 29
New Slang099: Daniel Fluitt of Thrift Store CowboysOn Episode 099, I'm joined by Lubbock singer-songwriter Daniel Fluitt. As lead vocalist of Thrift Store Cowboys, Fluitt and company played a vital role in shaping the way music from Lubbock and West Texas sounded and felt like. Here, Fluitt and I discuss that role in The New Lubbock Sound, meeting contemporaries like Rodney Parker, "lost" studio sessions with the Legendary Tommy Allsup, how recording in Tuscon, Arizona played a key role in finding their sound, playing three-hour gigs in Lubbock, and surprise Christmas shows with Jason Isbell. This episode's presenting partner is Smith Iron & Design2020-06-291h 21
New Slang098: Aubrie SellersOn Episode 098, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Aubrie Sellers where we discuss the ins and outs of her latest album, the atmospheric Far From Home. Sellers and company recorded the sharp, bold, and stark Far From Home at the secluded studio Sonic Ranch right outside the desert town of Tornillo, Texas. The results are a mix of fierce rock and roll anthems such as the gritty "Drag You Down," and sugary and swaying "Lucky Charm" to the vulnerable ease of "Worried Mind" and the intimate smoky postcard of "Haven't Even Kissed Me Yet." Throughout, Sellers shines as a vocalist and...2020-06-251h 13
New Slang097: Will HogeOn Episode 097, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Will Hoge. At the end of this week (Friday, June 26), Hoge is releasing his latest album, Tiny Little Movies. At 11 tracks long, Hoge delivers vivid imagery and detail as he breathes life into a cast of common and everyday characters. Throughout, he captures their anxieties, struggles, dreams, successes, and relationships with a delicate understanding and empathetic touch. In addition, Hoge's brand of Heartland Rock meets country sees the blue-collar Nashville troubadour often embraces a grittier and rollicking sonic punch that's as driving as anything in Hoge's diverse song catalog. This episode's...2020-06-221h 16
New Slang096: Mike Harmeier & Adam OdorOn Episode 096, I'm joined by Mike Harmeier, the lead vocalist of blazing country outfit Mike and The Moonpies, and music producer Adam Odor. Mike and The Moonpies just released Touch of You: The Lost Songs of Gary Stewart, a 10 song collection of previously unreleased songs by the late iconic honky-tonking country legend. Here, I catch up with Harmeier and Odor to talk about how the instant classic collection came to be, recording the album during a Quarantine, and how essential Stewart is to the Moonpies sound. We dip into conversation about their previous works like Cheap Silver and Solid...2020-06-191h 32
New Slang095: Ruthie CollinsOn Episode 095, I am joined by singer-songwriter Ruthie Collins. Collins recently released the calm, serene, and desert swept Cold Comfort. On the 11-track record, Collins captures the stark juxtaposition of the desert. At times, she's full of sunny and bright chorus lines and sun-kissed pedal steel swells. At others, Collins leaves us with the lonesome chill of an isolated desert night. All the while, Collins writes with a sense of vulnerability about heartbreak, tiring relationships, and moments of unsureness. At its' best, Cold Comfort glows with cosmic country ambiance and Collins finding strength during her most trying of times. 2020-06-171h 08
New Slang094: Kyle NixOn Episode 094, I'm joined by Oklahoma fiddler and songwriter Kyle Nix. Nix releases his debut album, the mesmerizing and sonically sprawling Lightning On The Mountain & Other Short Stories on Friday, June 26. Throughout, Nix displays his knack for raw, gritty, and visceral storytelling with a diverse, yet cohesive sonic palette. During this interview, Nix and I talk about the creative process, his friendship & mentorship with Oklahoma legends such as Byron Berline, the initial stages of Lightning, and Bob Dylan records & eras.Check out Kyle Nix's site and preorder Lightning On the Mountain & Other Short Stories here.2020-06-151h 28
New Slang093: Emily Scott RobinsonOn Episode 93, I am joined by singer-songwriter Emily Scott Robinson. I spoke with Robinson back in mid-April and we hit a number of conversations ranging from how she's handling the Quarantine in the Arizona Desert, hipster cowboys, how she's morphed as a songwriter and storyteller, capturing the essence of small towns across America (including a small Friday Night Lights cameo), Spotify's Indigo Playlist, women songwriters in country music and the glass ceiling, and of course, the rich and vivid vignettes found on her 2019 album, the delicate, warm, comfortable, and sobering Traveling Mercies.This episode's presenting partner is 2020-06-122h 07
New Slang092: Caleb CaudleOn Episode 92, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Caleb Caudle. Caudle released the sultry Southern country groover album, Better Hurry Up, earlier this year. At 11 songs long, Caudle balances introspective storytelling that feels comfortable and well lived in with a back porch familiarity and a roots rocking edge that welcomes toe-tapping rhythms. Caudle offers a look at rose-colored nostalgia with the likes of the thrilling "Monte Carlo," the sweltering bounce of "Let's Get," and the gorgeously elegant sendoff on the closing "Bigger Oceans." Recorded at The Cash Cabin, Johnny Cash's Cabin-turned-studio, Caudle's songs find a Southern Gothic warmth with earthy tones...2020-06-091h 09
New Slang091: Kathryn LegendreOn Episode 091, I'm joined by country songwriter Kathryn Legendre. Last year, Kathryn released the excellent EP, Making It Up. It was a blend of old-school honky-tonk ethos and the modern neo-traditional songs of the '90s. Throughout the five songs, she blended a familiar warmth found on old country albums that embraced pedal steel and smokey dive bar banter with clever storytelling and memorable choruses. Now, she's following up Making It Up with a two-song single, "One Long Sad Song" and "Waiting in Line." Again, Kathryn's natural country roots fill out the two-song punch and capture a restlessness and...2020-05-281h 30
New Slang090: Christian WallaceOn Episode 90, I'm joined by journalist Christian Wallace, an associate editor at Texas Monthly, where he has delivered some of the best in-depth reporting and robust storytelling of recent memory. Namely, his nuanced storytelling of the Permian Basin oilfield in both the written word and most recently, the breakout podcast series, Boomtown. As a true West Texas native (a son of Andrews, Texas), Wallace and I discuss Far West Texas adventures, appreciation, and concerns that come with tourism, the oil industry, as well as the cliched stereotypes that are often associated with the various regions of West...2020-05-251h 38
New Slang089: Gabe LeeOn Episode 89, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Gabe Lee. In 2019, Lee made quite the statement with the ever-impressive debut of farmland, a 10-song collection of sparsely arranged and primarily acoustic introspective storytellers and wallflower commentary. Lee didn't waste any time between his debut and follow-up, Honky Tonk Hell. Released in early March, Honky Tonk Hell is a natural progressive step in Lee's career as an artist. It finds his songs fully fleshed out as full-band anthems, rocking ramblers, and barroom hustlers. Still, Lee and company preserve the proper space and attention around Lee's strength as a lyricist and storyteller. Lee...2020-05-211h 22
New Slang088: Willy Braun of Reckless KellyOn Episode 88, I'm joined by Reckless Kelly lead vocalist and chief lyricist Willy Braun. This year, the pioneering Americana Country outfit is doing a first with the release of American Jackpot / American Girls, two 10-song full-length albums released the same day. Much as the titles allude, the 20 songs of American Jackpot and American Girls give Braun and company ample of space to explore a multitude of American themes without ever settling in on a "Rah Rah Rah" tired trope. Rather, songs seek out the true essence of the American Spirit with songs about Jackie Robinson, Tom Petty, grandfathers, Grand...2020-05-181h 29
New Slang087: Charlie MarieOn Episode 87, I am joined by rising country singer-songwriter Charlie Marie. Charlie really began turning heads last Spring when she released Charlie Marie, an incredibly strong and sharp five-song EP that displayed her knack for writing clever hooks and a highly emotive classic country croon. Songs such as "Rodeo" and "Shot in the Dark" had a vintage neon glow while EP standout "Countryside" felt like a breath of necessary fresh air way out on the outskirts of town. She bookended the EP with "Rhinestones" and "Playboy," two efforts that displayed a sharp wit. She weaves in and out of...2020-05-141h 00
New Slang086: Zach NytomtOn Episode 086, I'm joined by Texas songwriter Zach Nytomt. This too was an interview conversation held pre-quarantine. Matter of fact, as I was heading to Nytomt and company's soundcheck at Blue Light, it was announced that SXSW was being canceled. It felt surreal and an extremely foreign idea to all of us--and still does. Regardless, Zach Nytomt is yet another rising singer-songwriter coming out of the state of Texas. Last year, he released New York to Montana, an extremely strong and diverse sophomore full-length. A play off Nytomt's last name, New York to Montana (ahem, NY to...2020-05-121h 06
New Slang085: Jarrod MorrisOn Episode 085, I'm joined by rising Texas songwriter Jarrod Morris. I caught up with Jarrod in early March at The Blue Light before Quarantine 2020 came our way. Jarrod released his promising debut album West of East a year ago this past March. Produced by Texas legend Lloyd Maines, West of East sprawls with bluegrass-tinged numbers like the infectious "Red Bandana," the soaring picturesque soundscapes of "Panoramic View," and the bustling dive-bar hustler "Coyote."This episode's presenting partner is The Blue Light Live.New Slang PatreonNew Slang Twitter2020-05-0743 min
New Slang084: Rod MelanconEpisode 84 is another "old & unreleased" interview episode. This time around, it's one I did with Rod Melancon this past summer (2019). I'd stopped by his Austin apartment to talk about Pinkville, his excellent 2019 album, Southern Gothic literature, and really dived into our film and TV series obsessions. Melancon is as well-versed as they come in both modern pop culture and classic southern Americana. Being the son of Louisiana and a teacher, Melancon is a student of storytelling and mood. Melancon is great at combining a narrative and the art of language. They're mood and backdrop setters. Pinkville (and his previous...2020-05-051h 20
New Slang083: Jesse DanielOn episode 83, I'm joined by songwriter Jesse Daniel. Daniel just released his second album, the rollicking honky-tonk homage album Rollin' On. A California son, the influence is all over Daniel's songwriting and sound. There's a definite Bakersfield Sound influence on these highway songs, honky-tonk bar vignettes, and lonesome country breakup ballads. Here, Daniel and I discuss releasing an album in the midst of a pandemic, recording Rollin' On, the writing of the album and where many of those songs originated, songwriting on and about the life on the open road, growing up in rural California, and the revival of...2020-04-301h 02
New Slang082: Hailey WhittersOn Episode 82, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Hailey Whitters. She called me last week to discuss her second full-length album, the sonically charming The Dream. While sitting in her Nashville backyard, we spoke about how growing up in rural Iowa has had an impact on her songwriting style, working with the likes of Lori McKenna and Brandy Clark, her first official co-writing session with Kacey Musgraves, the honest hardships of her song "Ten Year Town," The Dixie Chicks, and where many of the songs of The Dream came.This episode's presenting partner is The Blue Light Live2020-04-281h 08
New Slang081: Jeff CrosbyOn Episode 81, I'm joined by songwriter Jeff Crosby. I caught up with Jeff back in mid-January when he was coming through town and playing The Blue Light. We sat down and talked a lot about his forthcoming album, North Star. As his fifth full-length album, it finds Jeff really rediscovering his home state of Idaho, small-town characters, and the strained relationships of a touring musician. Standout songs like "Laramie" and "North Star" use the Pacific Northwest as an elegant backdrop for Crosby's heart on his sleeve style of storytelling. North Star is officially out April, 24. This episode's...2020-04-231h 21
New Slang080: Isaac HoskinsEpisode 080 is with singer-songwriter Isaac Hoskins. I sat down with the Kansas native at the beginning of the year to discuss songwriting, country music, and winning the 2019 Blue Light Singer-Songwriter Competition. An added bonus at the end, the three songs Isaac performed the night he won the competition.New Slang PatreonNew Slang TwitterNew Slang InstagramNew Slang FacebookNew Slang Merch StoreThe Neon Eon PodcastThe Neon Eon Merch Store...2020-04-161h 22
New Slang079: Turnpike Troubadours 2018Episode 079 is an old interview from 2018 with the guys from Turnpike Troubadours–it’s with Ryan Engleman, RC Edwards, Kyle Nix, Gabe Pearson, and Hank Early. We sat on the bus for a loose and rambling conversation about music, the band's early days, old bands, and hear a few stories. New Slang PatreonNew Slang TwitterNew Slang InstagramNew Slang FacebookNew Slang Merch StoreThe Neon Eon PodcastThe Neon Eon Merch Store2020-04-141h 12
New Slang078: Nathan Mongol Wells of Ottoman TurksEpisode 078 is with Nathan Mongol Wells of the Dallas country-punk outfit Ottoman Turks. We talk about their debut album, playing with Joshua Ray Walker, Dallas, and dive bars. New Slang PatreonNew Slang TwitterNew Slang InstagramNew Slang FacebookNew Slang Merch StoreThe Neon Eon PodcastThe Neon Eon Merch StoreSupport the show2020-04-0941 min