DittyTV's Insights | Music Interviews

DittyTV's Insights is our music interview show for DittyTV, a 24/7 television network that produces and broadcasts music-focused entertainment including interviews, concerts, music videos, music news, artist profiles, album reviews, tour and festival coverage, and much more. Just tune in and enjoy world-class, handcrafted music entertainment from your favorite artists and artists you will love to discover. Part of Pantheon Podcasts.

Music Interviews
Music Commentary
76
Mike Harmeier (Mike and the Moonpies)
Today our guest is Mike Harmeier. Mike leads the acclaimed country-rock outfit from down in Austin, TX known as Mike and the Moonpies, a band with extra-tasty guitar licks, great grooves, lyrics that conjure up nostalgia, and a sound that’s old school, but without coming across as imitation. In other words, they’re the real deal. We always enjoy talking with Mike and we learn something new in each conversation. He’s intuitive on stage, he’s dedicated to his craft, and he’s got a clear vision for what he wants. We connected to talk about the band’s brand-new, eighth studio album, One To Grow On, and much more. So let’s get to it! Part of Pantheon Podcasts
22 min
77
Travis Linville
Our guest today is Travis Linville, an Oklahoma native and friend of DittyTV’s who’s been hailed as "one of the most sought-after songwriters and collaborators in the Sooner State and beyond.” Linville recently released a new album titled I’m Still Here, which was produced by JD McPherson, another Oklahoma native, and which features help on the songs from artists like Natalie Hemby, Hayes Carll and more. We first encountered Travis when he stopped by our studios in Memphis to record as part of the DittyTV Concert Series, and we've enjoyed following his work ever since. It’s great to catch up with him, and a joy to share our talk with you right now. Take a listen. Part of Pantheon Podcasts
27 min
78
Jamestown Revival & Beau L’Amour
We're delighted to share a conversation that we recently had with the band Jamestown Revival and Beau L’Amour, the son of the immensely influential and prolific author, Louis L’Amour. They all stopped by to chat with Amy Wright about the new EP, Fireside with Louis L'Amour: A Collection of Songs Inspired by Tales from the American West, which Jamestown Revival released on May 28th. L’Amour’s stories have been a major influence on Jonathan and Zach’s writing, and their lives, for that matter, and to see this project come to fruition has been a real treat for everyone. Part of Pantheon Podcasts
42 min
79
Rachel Baiman
We're very excited to share a conversation we recently had with acclaimed Americana artist Rachel Baiman. Baiman’s known as a fearless voice, a gritty and defiant songwriter, and a heartbreaking observer of humanity. She moved to Nashville at eighteen and has spent the last decade working as a musician in a wide variety of roles, from session musician with the likes of Molly Tuttle and Caroline Spence, to live sidewoman with Kacey Musgraves and Amy Ray. She’s also released several of her own albums, the latest of which is titled Cycles. Inspired by the burgeoning grunge rock scene in Melbourne, Australia, she recorded her new album down under and the songs make up a truly purposeful record. Here to talk about the new record and to share about her own story, please welcome, Rachel Baiman. Part of Pantheon Podcasts
42 min
80
Ida Mae
Today, you’re going to hear an in-depth interview between Amy and Nashville-via-London emerging blues and roots music duo Ida Mae. Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean comprise this soulful husband-and-wife act which just released its sophomore LP Click Click Domino via Thirty Tigers. Whether they’re performing an intimate set in the English countryside or an amped up big stage show opening for Greta Van Fleet, which they have indeed done, this duo’s obvious energy connects with people of all ages and simply digs in until you’re hooked.  Part of Pantheon Podcasts
27 min
81
Brent Cobb
Today our guest is Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and musician Brent Cobb. You probably already know Brent for his wonderfully twangy and often laid-back music. He’s released some incredible Americana albums including Shine On Rainy Day, Providence Canyon, No Place Left to Leave, and Keep ‘Em On They Toes. But what you might not know is that he just published his first ever children’s book this past Father’s Day. It’s titled Little Stuff and it was inspired by his song of the same name. Brent says it was written as a reflection on what’s truly important in life. We wanted to hear all about the process of completing such a project, so we caught up with Brent to chat for a while! Part of Pantheon Podcasts
20 min
82
Oliver Wood
Today our guest is Oliver Wood, a Grammy-nominated artist and founding member of the Wood Brothers, who has also just released his debut solo album, Always Smilin', on Honey Jar & Thirty Tigers. Oliver’s spent the better part of the 21st century earning an international audience with his sharp songwriting and savvy guitar chops, and one-of-a-kind voice that’s somehow raw and smooth at the same time. Oliver says that his new album is first and foremost an album of celebration, with themes of kindness and hopefulness, while also acting as a bridge between his past and present through a wide-range of musical collaborations, including Susan Tedeschi, Phil Cook, John Medeski, Carsie Blanton and others. It's an album of communal recordings. It’s an album about right now. And right now, Oliver Wood is smiling.  Part of Pantheon Podcasts
36 min
83
Amythyst Kiah
Our guest today is Amythyst Kiah, an amazing singer-songwriter whose new album Wary + Strange just released on Rounder Records. It’s a truly haunting and remarkable album. From embracing Black identity as an artist to overcoming the social anxiety, grief and alienation that defined her formative years, Wary + Strange recounts the pivotal moments in a life ultimately defined by reclamation and self acceptance. Kiah is currently nominated for three Americana Music Awards, tying Jason Isbell for the most nominations earned by any artist this year: Emerging Act of the Year, Song of the Year, for the solo rendition of her Grammy-nominated song “Black Myself,” and Duo/Group of the Year as part of the all-women-of-color supergroup, Our Native Daughters.  Part of Pantheon Podcasts
50 min
84
Rodney Crowell
Rodney Crowell stopped by to chat about his upcoming album, Triage, which is set to release just over a month from now. About two years ago, Crowell began scribbling the first few lines that would become the songs for Triage, with monotheism, climate change, and cultural divide foremost on his mind. His primary goal with the songs was to adequately frame the healing power of Universal Love. He says that he’s learned from experience that writing and recording songs with the desire to make a difference is a tricky business. Steering clear of self-importance while, at the same time, believing deeply in what you have to say, calls for striking a near perfect balance. We wanted to learn more about that balance, about his life and his new album, and this is what we turned up. So, take a listen and we hope you enjoy it. Part of Pantheon Podcasts
41 min
85
Patrick Droney
Singer, songwriter, and celebrated guitarist Patrick Droney stopped by to talk about his debut full-length studio album State of The Heart, which was released last month via Warner Records. It’s an album that explores the meaning of loss, reconciling what’s behind you, and the pursuit of self with 15 tracks entirely co-produced and co-written by Droney. At its core, State of The Heart offers an in-depth look into the long journey its creator undertook in order to get to this exact moment in time – a tale of three cities – New York, L.A., and Nashville, where he’s lived and worked over the last decade. Part of Pantheon Podcasts
23 min
86
Parker Millsap
Today on the show we have Parker Millsap, one of the most soulful and perceptive songwriters that Oklahoma has ever produced, and that’s saying something! We hadn’t seen Parker since he recorded in the studio in support of his 2018 LP release, Other Arrangements, so it was really great to reconnect to discuss his brand-new album, Be Here Instead. He said that this was the most fun that he’s ever had while making a record, chasing unpredictable sounds and that special magic that’s always a challenge to find. It’s a strong record with honest messages to convey – you might even call it inspirational. We had a great time talking with Parker, learning about his creative process, and we're happy to share that talk with you right now. Part of Pantheon Podcasts
38 min
87
Tommy Emmanuel, Rob Ickes, & Trey Hensley
We have some of the most talented pickers and players around on the call today: Certified Guitar Player, Tommy Emmanuel, as well as two uniquely gifted collaborators, multi-award-winning Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley. These three fellas teamed up to release an EP as part of Tommy’s Accomplice Series, one of the most talked-about projects of the year. This is just volume one, and it’s completely and utterly impressive. All you have to do is give it a listen and you’ll hear why. We're honored to have these guys on the show, to get to know them, and to discuss their new EP.  Part of Pantheon Podcasts
34 min
88
The Reverend Peyton
Today we'll be sharing a fascinating conversation that we recently had with Rev. Peyton of Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, possibly one of the best live bands we've seen in the last decade. Their shows are absolutely action-packed. The last time we saw them, Breezy, the consummate washboard player, actually set her washboard on fire while playing it, so that should give you an idea of where they’re coming from! They just released a new album called Dance Songs for Hard Times, an album they say was written by candlelight and then recorded using the best technology available in the 1950s. You’re gonna learn a lot by eavesdropping on this one, so let’s dig in. Part of Pantheon Podcasts
46 min
89
Jimbo Mathus
Today we're sharing a delightful conversation that we recently had with Jimbo Mathus, a one-of-a-kind musician from North Mississippi. Back in March, Jimbo teamed up with his old bandmate Andrew Bird to release a new record called These 13, a record about the special type of human connection that can survive any distance of time or geography. As former collaborators in Squirrel Nut Zippers, Mathus and Bird's friendship dates back 25 years, and they decided to reunite to record thirteen songs live to analog tape, singing and playing opposite of each other right into an RCA 44 microphone. Jimbo shared great details about the making of that album, and a lot more, and we can’t wait for you to hear.  Part of Pantheon Podcasts
33 min
90
Shannon McNally
Our guest this hour is Shannon McNally, who dropped by to chat about her upcoming record, The Waylon Sessions, a covers album of Waylon Jennings songs which she recorded with an all-star band and special guests like Jessi Colter, Buddy Miller, Rodney Crowell, and Lukas Nelson. McNally’s put together an album of classics that challenges our perceptions and assumptions about just what made them classics in the first place, providing a feminine perspective that only a restless, and truly creative spirit like hers could conjure. Part of Pantheon Podcasts
46 min
91
Charlie Starr
Today, we talk one-on-one with Charlie Starr, lead singer of acclaimed American rock band Blackberry Smoke, whose highly anticipated new album, You Hear Georgia, will be released just about a month from now; an album which marks their 20th anniversary as a group. For the record, the band enlisted producer Dave Cobb, a fellow Georgian, to pay homage to the band’s deep respect for their roots – thus, the name of the album. Whether he’s performing to a crowd of thousands or conversing with one person on a video call, Charlie is a truly delightful, thoughtful, and wise individual. Part of Pantheon Podcasts
32 min
92
Bob Mehr
Our guest on the show today is Bob Mehr, recent recipient of the Grammy Award for Best Album Notes, which Mehr earned for his work on Dead Man's Pop, a box set by the notorious and iconic midwestern rock band, The Replacements. Bob Mehr is also a New York Times Best Selling Author for his book Trouble Boys: The True Story of the Replacements. While Mehr’s career is most certainly tied to The Replacements, he’s done a lot of other outstanding work, some of which we’ll dig into this hour. So kick back and listen in as we welcome the great, Bob Mehr. Part of Pantheon Podcasts
39 min
93
Great Peacock
Today we welcome members of the Nashville-based band, Great Peacock. Great Peacock’s latest album 'Forever Worse Better' stayed on the Americana Albums Chart for over four months. As their 3rd full-length release, it’s hailed as their defining album, a record about the three-way intersection between drive, desperation, and determination. It’s a wonderful record and we're happy to have caught up with the guys to discuss it. So thanks for listening, and now, please enjoy the conversation with Great Peacock. Part of Pantheon Podcasts
31 min
94
Jon Foreman
Our guest on the show today is Jon Foreman, an artist that’s always searching for something - searching for a lyric or a melody, searching for a connection or acceptance. For Jon Foreman, most importantly, he’s searching for beauty and truth. And it’s out of this search that his latest release, Departures, was born. Though he’s most known as the leader of the multi-platinum selling, Grammy Award winning band SWITCHFOOT, his solo album Departures serves as the latest chapter in a lifelong search for light in the dark moments. Please welcome, Jon Foreman. Part of Pantheon Podcasts
31 min
95
Walter Parks
Our guest on the show today is Walter Parks, a wonderful musician, originally from Jacksonville, Florida. In the ‘90s, Parks led the well-loved folk group The Nudes before serving 10 years as sideman to legendary folk-blues artist Richie Havens. Walter also leads the blues outfit Swamp Cabbage, as well as recording and performing his own solo material. We really enjoyed getting to know him a bit, and we're so glad to able to share our talk with you now Part of Pantheon Podcasts
66 min
96
Langhorne Slim
Our guest on the show today is Langhorne Slim, whose stream-of-consciousness songwriting makes up his new album Strawberry Mansion, available via Dualtone Records. His decision to get sober helped inspire the new record, which he wrote in his adopted hometown of Nashville after it was hit by a tornado and the world at large was hit by a global pandemic. Amy caught up with Slim to discuss the new album, the struggles surrounding, and much more.  Part of Pantheon Podcasts
38 min
97
Garrison Starr
Our guest on Insights today is Garrison Starr, who, for a while, thought she was done playing music. A lifetime of trauma, from her upbringing in a fundamentalist Christian household in Mississippi to more than two decades navigating the music industry, left her spirit broken. Fortunately, she’s reconciled the pain of her past, wrestled shame and self-doubt into submission, and stands in her powerfully bared truth with her new album, Girl I Used To Be, which is available now via Soundly Music. Amy Wright caught up with Garrison to discuss the new album, her background, and much more. Part of Pantheon Podcasts
36 min
98
Seth Walker
On the show today, Amy Wright chats with Seth Walker, an artist that we've been inspired by time and time again. He always has something positive to share and his music is a real melting pot of sounds. Seth is an artist who realizes that, in these doubtful times, we all need a little push to get us through. He writes songs of hope, songs that give us comfort, and songs that make us move. His style is very vibey and draws heavily on the sounds of the Big Easy, New Orleans. If you know him, you love him, and if you don’t know him yet, we're honored to introduce you. So please join us in welcoming, Seth Walker. Part of Pantheon Podcasts
38 min
99
Tami Neilson
On the show today, Amy Wright talks with Tami Neilson, a truly inspiring and vibrant artist who has been an active musician virtually her entire life. And speaking of virtually, this conversation takes place over Zoom because Tami’s actually in New Zealand, where she’s been living for nearly two decades. In that timeframe, she’s released several albums, including Dynamite, Don’t Be Afraid, Sassafrass!, and most recently, CHICKABOOM!, and CHICKBOOM! Deluxe. Tami told us for CHICKABOOM! she really wanted to strip things back, in the tradition of that Sun Records sound—a really driving rhythmic trio that features the voice and the songs. She wanted an album of punchy little firecrackers, and that’s exactly what she’s got. Part of Pantheon Podcasts
40 min
100
A.J. Croce
Our guest today on Insights is A.J. Croce, who, over the past three decades, has established his reputation as a passionate piano player and serious vocal stylist, pulling from a host of musical traditions — part New Orleans, part juke joint, part soul. While his last album, Just Like Medicine, paired him with songwriting legend Dan Penn and an all-star cast of players, his new album, By Request, was born of memories — of favorite artists and shows, but mostly, of late-night gatherings with groups of friends, many of them fellow musicians, with Croce at the piano taking requests. To quote Willie Nelson, “A.J. has wisdom beyond his years. With his music, he represents his generation with a profound sense of honesty in his lyrics and quality in his delivery. The future of entertainment is safe in his hands.” Let's take a listen.  Part of Pantheon Podcasts
39 min