Inside the Musician's Brain

This is episode 50, and today Chris is joined by Taylor Goldsmith - standout singer, songwriter and guitarist for the amazing band Dawes. Their new album 'Oh Brother' just dropped, and Taylor breaks down the vision and songwriting process behind the project. He gets into the evolution of his process over the years, and how he's found his voice as a writer, leading to more personal, impactful songs. Taylor also talks about his approach to productivity, balancing the desire to have a wide knowledge base on writing and production with the ability to decide on a direction and go with it, ultimately allowing you to not get stuck, finish your work and get it out there. This is great experiential advice for any creator! Just like that, another season of the podcast is complete - thx so much for tuning in, and I'll see you bacon here in a few months, when we go back inside the musician's brain! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the podcast, Chris is joined by Grammy winning sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, the dynamic duo behind roots rock powerhouse Larkin Poe. Early in their career, Rebecca and Megan were 2/3 of the Lovell Sisters, a progressive acoustic band that was making waves in the bluegrass world before changing their sound, rebranding and starting their journey as Larkin Poe. Now well established in the blues/rock world, they are building a loyal fanbase drawn to their incredible musicianship, vocal harmonies and songwriting. In this conversation, Megan and Rebeccs break down the vision behind their career shift to start Larkin Poe and their amazing forthcoming record, 'Bloom.' They also offer some excellent advice for performers and players of all levels, in addition to some great stories from their many years on the road, including collaborations with some of the biggest names in popular music.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris' guest on episode 48 is Israel Nebeker, lead singer and songwriter of Oregon indie folk gem Blind Pilot. After an 8 year break between albums, Blind Pilot is back with an excellent new record, 'In the Shadow of the Holy Mountain.' Israel talks about that long break, his challenges writing new songs, how he got through the writing dry spell and ultimately how the new album came together. In the intro, Chris talks about the power of the mind and our ability to overcome obstacles and achieve new heights when we start believing in what we are doing. Just like almost everything else, it's a practice! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode of Inside the Musician's Brain, Chris is joined by musical icon Ani DiFranco. Ani discusses her experience performing on Broadway as Persephone in the hit Anais Mitchell musical Hadestown. She also breaks down her new album, Unprecedented Sh!t, from the songwriting to the shift in production and sound. Ani shares some great thoughts on the power of stories, which can entrap us or set us free depending on how we understand them, and she also talks about her upcoming book, Show Up and Vote, which aims to inspire young voters. This is an eye opening talk with a musical legend, packed with great insight and experience! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 46 of Inside the Musician’s Brain features standout soul singer-songwriter JJ Grey. JJ just released his first album in almost 10 years, ‘Olustee.’ The long hiatus happened naturally, as did the flood of songwriting that followed, and JJ takes us inside that process. He also talks in depth about his spiritual journey, the realizations he’s made along the way, and the role they play in his life and his art. This is a fascinating talk loaded with honesty and insight from a truly unique artist!  Inside the Musician's Brain is hosted and produced by Chris Pandolfi. Produced by Matt Dwyer and RJ Bee for Osiris Media. Production support by Matthew Fritz at Americana Vibes. Music by Chris Pandolfi. Art by Mark Dowd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris' guest on episode 45 is legendary singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter. After connecting on their shared love of dogs, this conversation explores many different aspects of Mary Chapin's long, successful career in music as a gifted writer, singer and performer. She breaks down her craft and reflects on the evolution of her career, including some great perspectives on how to keep inspiration flowing over many years, and the connective power of music. Mary Chapin has much wisdom to share! Inside the Musician's Brain is hosted and produced by Chris Pandolfi. Produced by Matt Dwyer and RJ Bee for Osiris Media. Production support by Matthew Fritz at Americana Vibes. Music by Chris Pandolfi. Art by Mark Dowd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 44 of Inside the Musician's Brain features an interview with the amazing Cris Jacobs. Cris is an outstanding singer/songwriter from Baltimore, MD, whose new album, 'One of These Days,' is already making waves. This talk goes deep into the creation of the album, including Cris' personal journey of reframing his relationship with music to rediscover the joy, overcome writer's block and put out something authentic and powerful. He also takes us inside his writing process and the meaning behind some of the lyrics on the new album. This is a story of self-discovery and perseverance and Cris Jacobs will leave you with plenty of inspiration! Inside the Musician's Brain is hosted and produced by Chris Pandolfi. Produced by Matt Dwyer and RJ Bee for Osiris Media. Production support by Matthew Fritz at Americana Vibes. Music by Chris Pandolfi. Art by Mark Dowd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Chris is joined by Grammy winner and two-time IBMA fiddle player of the year, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes. Known mainly for her work as a member of Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Bronwyn is one of the best fiddle players on the acoustic scene. She does an amazing job of taking us inside her learning process, and her strategies for improving. This is really good stuff! Bronwyn also gives an in depth look at her excellent new solo album, 'I Built a World,' which features her as a singer for the first time, as well as her experience playing with Molly Tuttle and developing as a performer.  Inside the Musician's Brain is hosted and produced by Chris Pandolfi. Produced by Matt Dwyer and RJ Bee for Osiris Media. Production support by Matthew Fritz at Americana Vibes. Music by Chris Pandolfi. Art by Mark Dowd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside the Musician's Brain is back for Season 5, and joining Chris to kick things off is one of the titans of acoustic/roots music, Mr. Jerry Douglas. Now well established as the greatest dobro player ever, Jerry fought prejudices against the instrument in the early part of his career, ultimately establishing its place in bluegrass forever more. He takes us through his early collaborations with JD Crowe, Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, and other bluegrass legends - a seminal time for the growth and evolution of the music. Jerry would go on to become a member of Strength in Numbers, and later Alison Krauss and Union Station feat. Jerry Douglas, cementing his place as one of the most influential acoustic musicians ever. His insights on performance and recording, not to mention his stories about the history of the music, are endless! This is a must listen for anyone interested in the history of bluegrass, as well as musicians looking to up their game with sage advice from one of the best to ever do it.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, Chris chats with Nashville based guitar master Daniel Donato. After cutting his teeth at the honkytonks on lower Broadway, Donato is now out on his own and taking the world by storm with his new sound, 'Cosmic Country.' He takes us inside his world with an in depth look at his songwriting, his life and his vision for what's to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Chris is joined by The Milk Carton Kids - a successful duo with a sound and energy that's all their own. Much of the conversation revolves around the making of their brilliant new album, I Only See the Moon. After completing an initial version of the album, the band made the decision to scrap much of what they had and dig deeper to create something more powerful. Kenneth and Joey describe how that journey unfolded - an inspiring story about what makes any form of expression truly meaningful.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Chris is joined by the one and only Mike Gordon - bassist, singer & songwriter for the legendary rock band Phish. Mike goes deep into his musical journey, his peak experiences on and off stage and the making of his excellent new solo album, Flying Games. He also gives us an inside look at how Phish stays synchronous and continues to evolve after 40 years as one of the most influential bands in music history. This is an expansive interview that’s packed with inspiring experiences and advice for musicians and non musicians alike! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alison Brown is a world-class banjoist, record label owner, and all around trailblazer in the music industry. Her performing/recording career has produced numerous amazing albums, collaborations, appearances and accolades. She's also created a successful record label (Compass Records) and become a leader in the music industry. Alison's excellent new solo album 'On Banjo' features an all star cast of musicians including the legendary Steve Martin, and covers a wide range of musical styles with ease and conviction. She covers it all in this great talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Bush is one of the all-time legends of acoustic music. From his work with New Grass Revival, to Strength in Numbers and his prolific solo career, Sam has set the standard for mandolin in modern day roots music. He's also a gifted singer and writer as well, with a long and storied career that intersects with so many titans of music. Chris talks to Sam about the different phases of his career, his impressions of where acoustic music is headed, the key to an authentic performance and so much more in this episode of Inside the Musician's Brain.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lindsay Lou is one of the hottest up-and-comers on the roots music scene. She's a powerhouse singer who covers a wide range of styles and has performed with countless artists as a special guest in recent years. Her new album, Queen of Time, puts her in the spotlight as a singer and as a songwriter as well. The record has a beautiful concept, incorporating recordings of conversations with her grandmother, all of which Lindsay unpacks in detail during this conversation. She also discusses her development as an artist and producer, and the reality that stepping up in big moments is simply a decision you make, rather than some elusive magic that you don't control. Lots to learn here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In their more than 20 years as a band, The Decemberists have established themselves as an influential indie-rock band with an expansive and eclectic catalog of excellent music. Chris Funk's multi-instrumental talents are at the center of their sound. Chris also works as a producer and has been a fixture on the Portland, OR music scene for years. He takes us through the seismic shifts in the music industry during their time as a band, as well as his philosophies on producing, songwriting and much more.  AX77vtjt9z1QLjGlQDD0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Wood is a musical hero. In this talk he gets deep into his experience with music and all he's learned over his long, successful career playing everything from cutting edge jazz with MMW to some of today's best roots rock with The Wood Brothers. He unpacks the challenge of staying present, in music and life in general, and speaks very articulately about what he focuses on to stay in the moment, and stay connected to the truest version of himself. This interview contains some real gold! These are common topics here on ITMB, but Chris gives us more than just his thoughts, he gives us some real tools to find that presence in our own lives, which is really what it is all about.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 32 features an interview with the amazing Rachael Price, who is already making her mark as one of the best singers of her generation. Known mainly for her work with Lake Street Dive, she takes us inside her retro side project, Rachael and Vilray, as well as discussing LSD's rise to success and their evolving process of writing and recording, and the myriad challenges and inspiration along the way. Chris also discusses the myth of 'overnight success,' and looks at the kind of perspective and perseverance needed to find your voice and stay committed to whatever you are chasing.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside the Musician’s Brain is back for season 4! In this episode, Chris talks with MC Taylor, the man behind Hiss Golden Messenger. MC is a transcendent singer/songwriter, and Hiss has been gaining major notoriety in recent years for their blend of beautiful, timeless songs with vintage rock sounds. The conversation ranges from the process behind their records, to the challenges of staying inspired and the goal/meaning of a great song. MC is a prolific artist, and is incredibly thoughtful when it comes to his own progression, as a musician and as a human. Lots of great stuff here! Chris also breaks down the new Stringdusters release, ‘A tribute to Flatt & Scruggs.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Inside the Musician's Brain, Chris is joined by guitar master Bryan Sutton. For years, Bryan has been one of the most sought after session musicians in Nashville, appearing on albums by Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Béla Fleck and many more. Eventually he stepped out as a solo artist, putting out a number of exceptional albums under his own name. In addition to being a guitar virtuoso, Bryan is also an incredibly deep thinker when it comes to music, learning, performance mindset overcoming obstacles and realizing your full potential as an artist/human. During this conversation, he shares much of that knowledge, proving that the most talented artists are often the hardest working as well. This episode is packed with unbelievable advice for aspiring musicians! Distributed by Osiris Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices