"Basic humility is a big lesson to learn and it's never ending, it's a practice. You have to believe in yourself and what you're doing. At the same time, it's important to be able to listen to advice and know what's good for you. Also, practicing your skills on your instrument, singing, songwriting, etc. is critical and there is no substitute for hard work."

Glen Foster: Unnatural…

"I want my music to hit people in the heart and soul, and make them think. I’m not interested in making background music. I want to make the world a better place."

Steve Conn: Southern Rootsy Grooves

Steve Conn has played piano, organ or accordion with Bonnie Raitt, Shemekia Copeland, Kris Kristofferson, Dion, Kenny Loggins and a multitude of…

"Because music brings people together from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds, it holds the power of understanding and also compassion for one another.  I think compassion is important today, it erases the divisiveness that's permeating our world."

Lynn Drury: Greetings from New Orleans

Celebrated New Orleans-based singer…

“To me, playing with soul, feeling it, is more important than technique. Naturally, you've got to have some chops in order to pull this off, but a technical performance without feeling would sound bland.”

Al Lerman: Country-Fried Blues

Veteran Canadian Bluesman Al Lerman is cooking up country-fried blues with his new album “Country-Fried…

"I think as musicians we have the benefit of being outside observers of what's going on out there and can offer our commentary through our art. We can say things to get our point across more elegantly if we so choose. It can also be good therapy for us."

Tyler Wilson: Old Friends, Authentic Music

Rock, funk, R&B, and…

"The primary lesson is not to expect anything. Music may go on, but music doesn’t care about me. It doesn’t need me. Music has to be loved and pursued without expectation of reward."

S.E.Willis: American Roots Music Journey

S.E.Willis (Steve Willis), originally from West Virginia, has been playing the piano and harmonica since the age of six, and…

"I think there have been times in the past where music has made a real difference to society, and that will forever be inspiring. For me however, I hope that playing this style of music keeps the incredible history of the genre alive today. I also hope that my music brings joy to some people. Playing shows where you can see people smiling, tapping their feet, maybe even dancing? That’s what I do this for! If my songs can provoke something in even a handful…

"Music is life-affirming, the breath moving through the body has the ability to remind the body that it lives, and that breath intoned can remind a voice that it matters."

Lilli Lewis: The Black Rose of Americana

Beloved New Orleans Folk Rock Diva Lilli Lewis is releasing Righteous Babe Records label debut, "All is Forgiven" on December 1,…

"Things usually take a little longer than ya think, a little more work, and the path never looks quite like you thought it would. Pick as many brains as you can. Don’t work with jerks no matter what they have to offer. Try to be authentic and don’t take yourself too seriously. And remember, you can fail at your back up plan too, so you may as well do what you love."

Christine Campbell & Blake…

"Don’t give up. If you make a few bucks, record an album! If you get the slightest of ideas, stop and get it down. iPhones are awesome in this regard. If I had one of these my whole life I’d have about 5,000 more songs in my catalogue! Music is work. It’s just like everything else: you get out of it what you put into it. Not to give up on the dream. And try to enjoy the…

"Music is a universal language and much like it’s sister Mathematics, it is implicitly truthful. It has the ability to cross all barriers and reach all hearts. My hopes are that we use it to communicate more. It’s a powerful way to speak and be heard."

Chad Rupp: Standing At Oregon Crossroads

Based out of Portland, Oregon, a town with a lot…

"Roots music is everywhere, even if it's not defined as such. The rise of Americana music tells me that it's only gaining in popularity. American country music has gone so pop that people have decided to gravitate toward the more authentic Americana genre."

Joyann Parker: Back To The Roots

A powerful singer of blues, soul, Americana and more,…

"Soul is everything in music, but it is not as attainable without the practice of technique."

Jim Casson: Funky, Fun, and Uplifting

2022 Maple Blues Award Drummer of the Year, Jim Casson (Downchild, The Maple Blues Band, The Hogtown Allstars, Dark Orchard) releases the second album from his musical adventure Davis Hall & The Green…

"My hope is that more artists will be able to make a living from music, and not just from live touring… I fear that the problem will never be solved."

Jonah Tolchin: The Dockside of the Blues

Jonah Tolchin grew up listening to blues and American roots music. His father ran a record store in the Mississippi Delta before he was born, and Tolchin…

"Roots music reminds listeners of the pleasure of hearing traditional instruments played by real musicians. Roots music gives the listener a sense of place."

Al Staehely: Somewhere in West Texas

Al Staehely's roots in the Austin music scene combined with his experience writing and collaborating with artists in Los Angeles (most notably as front…

"I think that music creates community, and allows the listener to feel connection on a spiritual level, you can’t see it, but you can feel it, and that’s an element of healing that is a timeless gem. In addition to this, I also hope that music positively inspires all who experience it."

Arwen Lewis: Music Under the Stars

Technically, Arwen Lewis…

"There are so many varieties of music today that I think there is something for everyone. I hope that people who listen to my records understand the importance of living the human experience. Life is short so embrace it all, the good and the bad. Without hard times, we can’t appreciate the good times, so I try to approach music with that same self-reflection and a little humor mixed in. Hopefully that concept is something the listener can connect with. I’ve…

"I believe music, at certain times in our lives, in society, is one of the ONLY ways to reach and connect with people! We know that from the '60s."

The Refugees: Back To The Roots

Folk/Americana trio The Refugees to release CALIFORNIA, an homage to harmony-focused California bands of the 60s & 70s on May 19th,…

"You need to play freely from your heart, and I believe you play the most free when you are making music you love. Let your emotions shape the sound, the phrasing, the melodies, and the riffs and grooves. I think if you have enough chops to express what you feel, and you can put your soul into every lick you play, then that's a music life well lived."

Pete Anderson: Making A Great…

"Within the reality of our society everything is consumed by the commodification machine. I’m not sure that art or music can stop that by itself. I think that art carries truth, and that truth is sometimes not the same as the existing realities served by systems. It can make people contact the Real, and this is all it can do."

George Gaudy: Human Experience…