Session Date: 5/13/2019

Session Location: Douglas Reservoir - CO

Meet Sam Burns. Originally hailing from Austin, TX, Sam moved to Colorado in early 2016 to get a fresh start on life and pursue a degree in classical guitar from the University of Northern Colorado.

“I’ve been writing since I was about ten years old. I have always felt a longing to write stories and was largely inspired by early Beatles recordings. My grandma was very encouraging at a young age and I remember sharing the piano bench with her as I learned the rudiments and the natural heartbeat of music.”

Sam draws influence from the likes of The Beatles, Harry Nilsson, Bob Dylan, and Paul Simon. He can remember dressing up as John Lennon for career day back in 5th grade.

Sam moved to Nashville in the summer of 2019 to continue his education in music at Belmont University and to continue honing his craft s a songwriter/performer. In June 2019, he recorded an EP in Austin and hopes to release it by the end of the year, which will then be his 4th solo release since 2016.

“A memorable experience for me was having the opportunity to tour as a supporting act for Los Lonely Boys. I got to play some of the most elegant stages on the East Coast. This gave me a glimpse of what kind of opportunities may lay ahead as I continue to develop my sound and character as a passionate artist.”

Session Date: 4/1/2019

Session Location: Northwest Fort Collins, CO

Meet Elizabeth Moen. Elizabeth is from Iowa City, IA. She is a self taught guitarist and has been playing since middle school. In high school, she spent time performing in musicals, and would play covers of songs that she liked for herself in her college dorm room.

Elizabeth has been writing original music since around the fall of 2015, but had been regularly performing covers before that. “I’ve been performing with my originals since winter 2015. The Iowa City writing community really inspired me to let myself feel comfortable expressing myself with lyrics which helped everything take off the way it did. I was always noodling around on my guitar and humming melodies but the lyrical aspect was what made it all happen.”

There have been many artists that have influenced Elizabeth’s sound. She grew up singing along to the likes of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. Since then, the list is long and varied! “I love Angel Olsen, Joni Mitchell, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile, Hozier, Bob Dylan, Alabama Shakes, Big Thief, Esmé Patterson, Kurt Vile. Been really inspired by Sam Evian and Twain lately too”.

I always like to ask for a memorable story from the road/stage. “The first time I went to Ireland I ended up staying an extra week because I loved it so much. Stayed on couches of people I met at open mics. I had three hours before an early morning flight to France and a couple new friends from that week surprised me at the Dublin airport and joined me in Paris for a few days. We went to open mics and museums together then they flew back. Was a beautiful, spontaneous time.”

Elizabeth will be touring Ireland this summer. Followed by a run in the States and in Italy this fall. She’s hoping to release a new album with a label soon!

“I really didn't think music was something I could do this much, let alone a job I could do. Letting go of self-doubt (though it's still in me and shows itself often) a few years ago is something I'm very happy to have done. Thankful people are willing to give our music a listen and thankful my bandmates are willing to give all of this a chance. I know I sound cheesy, but it's very true.”

Session Date: 10/25/2018

Session Location: The Growing Project - Fort Collins, CO

Meet John Adam Smith. John grew up in the mountains of Northwest Montana. Primarily Missoula and the surrounding areas. Having been drawn to Colorado for quite some time, becoming friends and playing music with the band Elephant Revival in 2008/2009 was his first connection to what the lifestyle and music scene is like in CO. “They always made me feel like I had a spot here on the Front Range if I wanted to come down and that my music would be warmly welcomed here. Lots of life happened since then and in February of 2017, my dog and I packed up our life and rolled into Denver in my ‘85 Westy” (pictured in this session).

“My dad bought me a drum when I was 2 years old and it took from there. It all started for me on drums. Playing Gospel music on the drum set in church as a child. Percussion was a huge draw for me. I picked up a guitar and found melody before I was 10 and started learning and writing songs. Played open mics with my dad as a teenager. My dad was the catalyst for my siblings and I loving music. We all have it in our blood but he really was the one who steeped us in music culture as kids. Once I hit my mid-teens I was performing and writing and started a couple bands and that was the beginning.”

John grew up on a lot of different music. It began with the classics like Allman Brothers, Mark Knopfler, The Beatles, CSN & Y, Grateful Dead, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, etc. In his teenage years, John got into heavier music and more rock & roll. “I started studying traditional West African music and it completely opened my mind and songwriting to incredible new musical territories.” As an adult, some other notable influences have been Kelly Joe Phelps, JJ Cale, Xavier Rudd, Steve Kimock, John Butler, Trevor Hall, Railroad Earth, Elephant Revival, Wood Brothers, and Ben Howard. “Musicians from all walks of life inspire me on a daily basis. I’m deeply grateful for every one of them.”

In particular, John loves playing outdoor festivals. “So much happiness and positive vibes all in one space hanging in the trees and celebrating life”. He’s also had the pleasure of opening up for a lot of musicians that he greatly respects. Such artists include Railroad Earth, Galactic, Trampled By Turtles, Brett Dennen, Elephant Revival, and Papa Mali. “So many amazing experiences on stages over the last 15 years”.

When asked for a story from the road, John had this to say… “I ended up buying Elephant Revival‘s tour bus in 2013. Touring around in that bus was a blast. There were some pretty wild times. I remember being on stage at a club and we were rocking a packed dance floor and I looked up and saw Lady Gaga dancing with some friends to my music. That was a pretty awesome moment. So many stories. Excited to get back on the road and make some more.”

Currently, John is looking for a solid rhythm section to dig into a bunch of new material. He has a full album (maybe two) worth of songs ready to record, and he’s excited to get into the studio! “Once I have a new record and a fantastic band, I can’t wait to get on the road and be sharing my music with the world again soon. “

“Eric Smith is the baddest dude I’ve met in Colorado! Stoked to develop a brand with him and create some family operations that can support our families and make some beautiful things happen around the world! No doubt!!”

Session Date: 1/9/2019

Session Location: North Fort Collins, CO

Meet the Gasoline Lollipops. The band is the brainchild of frontman Clay Rose. Beginning as a two-piece psychobilly project, consisting of only Clay and a drummer. Now the band has expanded their sound and line-up to include more members and instruments. The current line-up features Clay Rose on acoustic guitar/lead vocals, Donny Ambory on electric guitar, Brad Morse on bass, and Kevin Matthews on drums.

"Clay's songwriting is the heart and soul of Gasoline Lollipops, certainly the engine and the reason the band exists. His songwriting is very influenced by Leonard Cohen and Townes Van Zandt but also punk rock, and I think our live show reflects that blend of intricate outlaw songwriting and explosive energy", says former GasPops drummer, Adam. 

When asked for a funny or interesting story from the road, or the stage - "we were about to go on stage at Hodi's Half Note during FoCoMX (an annual Fort Collins music festival) and the place was sold out. This incredibly drunk guy kept sneaking into the backstage dressing room and getting kicked out, over and over. We were laughing about it until he got in our bassist's face a little bit and I stepped in. He angrily looked at me and said "Who are YOU with?" I said "We're Gasoline Lollipops and we're about to go on stage." As drunk as he was, something in him changed in a heartbeat and he started crooning "Love Is Free" perfectly. It was a hilarious moment for so many reasons - especially because of course it would be a GasPops fan all wasted sneaking backstage.

Currently, the band is hot off the trails of a sold out New Years at The Boulder Theater, their annual run of shows in Belize, and next they have their first headlining show at Denver’s famous Gothic Theater.

The pure emotion and energy that goes into Gasoline Lollipops music makes for an unforgettable live performance. It is a pleasure to get to work with such talent.

Check out their website for updates on albums, shows, and merch!

Session Date: 10/22/2018

Session Location: Northwest Fort Collins, CO

Meet Siri, AKA Humbird. Siri is from Minnesota and grew up in the Twin Cities. She now lives in Minneapolis, MN. She has been playing music for a long time and has been determined to be a musician and writer since the beginning. “I also had big plans when I grew up to be a pilot during the day and the first female NHL hockey player by evening, and then finish strong as the vice-president of the United States. Those other careers sort of fell to the wayside over time…”

Siri has played in other bands like Undlin & Wolfe, and Her Crooked Heart, but for the most part you can catch her playing as a solo artist. As a musician, she is influenced by a number of artists. “Uffdah, where to start. Bjork and Bill Frisell are big. Arvo Part changed the way I think about chords and harmony. Blaze Foley teaches me something new about honest lyrics every day. Joni Mitchell is a gat damn genius. Princess Nokia blows me away. “

Humbird will release a new album in 2019. Be sure to check out her website to stay clued in for details!

“I adhere strongly to the belief that you already learned everything you need to know from fairytales.”

Session Date: 9/17/2018

Session Location: Tatum Farms - Fort Collins, CO

Meet Zoe Berman. Originally from Simsbury, CT, Zoe visited Colorado periodically while growing up and fell in love with its beautiful scenery. After graduating from college, a job in psychology research at CSU brought her to Fort Collins. She resigned from this position in August, 2018 and has been pursuing music more seriously ever since. “Ironically, before taking on that job, I almost moved to Crested Butte for an internship with the Crested Butte Musical Festival. In retrospect, that probably would have been more in line with my passions and current life directions, but that’s how the cookie crumbled and I’ve come to really love the music community in Fort Collins.”

“Music has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I used to make up songs as a little kid, running around singing them while pretending to be a famous pop-star and boasting, "I'm Jessica Carter, just in from Ohio!" Not sure why I went with Ohio, but I believe Jessica Carter was an ingenious combination of Jessica Simpson and Aaron Carter (oy vey). I started taking piano lessons as a kid (maybe age 6 or 7) and I was always involved in various music organizations - in grade school I sang in a couple of choruses, played percussion in the band and jazz band, and dabbled in the viola, while continuing to take piano lessons on the side. As a freshman in high school, I went to a magnet arts school for classical piano, but the culture at that school was not for me, nor was classical piano study - too stringent and restrictive. Subsequently, I started taking jazz piano lessons with an incredible teacher from that school (so there's the silver lining!) and he suggested that I start gigging. He let me sit in on a few tunes here and there at some of his own gigs, and soon after I started booking occasional solo gigs. Around that time, I also started teaching myself guitar - as much as I loved piano, it was exciting to have a different modality for musical expression. To this day, the songs I write/play on piano vs. guitar are so vastly different in style, emotional feel and structure. When I start writing a new tune, it's often immediately clear to me which instrument will be better suited. Having that option gives me a lot more wiggle room and versatility with my songwriting. And as of this year, incorporating a suitcase drum in conjunction with the guitar has been another fun, new element to explore. “

Zoe cites some of her main influences to be Billy Joel (she grew up on his music), as well as James Taylor and Earth Wind & Fire. Later on, Zoe began connecting with the music of Sara Bareilles, Amy Winehouse, and Norah Jones. Her taste in music has broadened over the years, and stitching together bits and pieces of all the music she is influenced by is really what drives her songwriting, whether intentionally or subconsciously. “That being said, funk music is my favorite genre to listen to, but I really struggle to write remotely good funk music. A few months ago, I began playing with a funk/soul band called Futon Down. Hopefully that collaboration will spark some progress in my attempts at funky songwriting - my bandmates are a new, major source of inspiration.”

As always, I love to ask musicians for a story from the road/stage. Here is Zoe’s addition… “Last summer I performed at a wine/cheese festival at Winter Park Resort. Mid-set, it started torrentially down-pouring. I was playing in a gazebo. When the rain picked up, it seemed almost fortuitous because the majority of the crowd that had been walking around, perusing other festival booths suddenly took shelter in the gazebo and started listening attentively. But moments later, the gazebo started flooding and I needed to rescue all of my equipment from getting soaked. After frantically carrying all of my gear to a dry zone, I looked at my watch and realized there was still a substantial amount of time left in my set (I was playing over a span of ~5 hours that day) and everyone was still snuggled up in the gazebo, so I grabbed my guitar and sparked up an unplugged singalong. I had to resort to the drunken bar set, which is certainly not my forte, but it was a lot of fun nonetheless.”

“I'll be performing at Red Rocks on January 4th in their Local Set series (ticket link https://www.axs.com/events/362709/red-rocks-local-set-dinner-tickets?skin=redrocks&elqTrackId=06BC0366282B23FF81A60A2A3B91E0A2). I also have a bunch of Winter Park shows coming up this winter, for the ski-ple (ski people)! Aside from those, I've got several other Colorado shows in the books for the coming months (dates can be found at https://zoebermanmusic.wixsite.com/zoebermanmusic/s-h-o-w-s) and in June, I'll be at Red Lodge Songwriter Festival in Montana. I have yet to book a full-on tour, but it's something I'm planning to attempt in the coming year. I'm also hoping to record a full-length album this spring/summer. I've got a lot of plans and projects in the works!”

“I'm just tickled with gratitude to be a part of this music-loving community. Music is something I've written off as a hobby for a long time despite the fact that I love it more than anything else in the world. I don't think I would have been willing or able to give it the time and focus I am currently if it weren't for my present circumstances, being surrounded by individuals who seem to care deeply about music and the people who create it. I hope to reach more ears in the years to come and use my music as a catalyst for connection with people, following my fervor for music wherever it takes me.”

Session Date: 9/10/2018

Session Location: Raisin' Roots Farm - Fort Collins, CO

Meet the Clay Rose. Clay is the frontman of beloved Boulder, CO band Gasoline Lollipops. Clay was born in Lafayette, CO. His folks split before he was two. His mother moved outside of Nashville, where she’d had some success writing songs. Willie Nelson recorded her song, “Last thing I needed, First Thing in the Morning”. His father moved into the mountains above Boulder where he would study Buddhism and practice meditation during the school year. He drove big rigs coast to coast during the summer. Clay grew up more or less between the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the backwoods of Tennessee, and the front seat of a tractor trailer.

“Pop had a stellar collection of tapes we’d listen to on the road. We had Neil Young, Dire Straits, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Van Morrison. Back in Tennessee, Mom would have picks with her friends in the local clubs and living rooms. I got turned on to Lacy J Dalton, Willis Alan Ramsey,  Leonard Cohen, and Steve Young. I guess I was raised with music in my blood. So it was no real surprise to anyone when I played my first gig a couple weeks after Pop taught me a few chords on the guitar. I was 15 years old, and that first gig was an open mic in a Nova Scotia barn. I’ve been hooked ever since.”

“I’ve played everything from acoustic punk for a single passed-out bum at an anarchist rally in the Boston Commons, to a damn-near sold out show at Red Rocks with my band, Gasoline Lollipops. But my favorite shows are still the ones that don’t feel like shows at all. Tiny joints like Gold Hill Inn, or the Swing Station, where everyone is packed in so tight that they all feel related, at least for one night. Music is pure joy, or it’s pure sorrow. But it’s a pure mode of communication and connection. That’s why I do it; to feel connected.”

Clay’s band, The Gasoline Lollipops are currently working on a new EP that will be released at the Gothic Theater in Denver on February 22nd, 2019. Until then, they have an upcoming New Years Eve show at the Fox Theater, where they will be covering Tom Petty’s album, Wildflowers in its entirety.

“I hope I have a chance to meet every one who picks up what we’re laying down. Stay true”.

Session date: 8/13/2018

Session location: Douglas Reservoir - Wellington, CO

Meet Ryan Hutchens. Ryan was born a raised in South Carolina and went to school at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, where he lived for most of the last ten years. He started playing music full time shortly after graduating and he had family in the Denver area so Colorado was always a frequent stop on national tours. After discovering his love for the mountains and for skiing/snowboarding, in 2014 Ryan relocated to Silverthorne, CO to work as an instructor at Arapahoe Basin. He worked there for two seasons while touring full time around the US the rest of the year. After almost five years of constant travel, he decided to stop in Denver and join it’s thriving music community. “The front range cities offer a big music market where I can make a living through consistent work, while also growing my business through connections with fans, bands, venues, and all manner of people involved in the music industry. Also, I can go skiing!”

Ryan learned how to play the piano in middle school and started playing guitar and writing “(bad)” songs as a young teenager in high school. Both his father and and older brother play guitar and there were always guitars hanging around the house when he was growing up. “I messed around with writing songs and playing guitar throughout high school, and was highly motivated, as many are, by my assumption that this would get me noticed by a lady. By the time I got to college, I knew that I would like to chart my own path in life and business no matter what form that took. I love reading, writing, performing, singing, learning about music, and being my own boss. The music business offers me some independence from outside authority and a never ending upward trajectory of goals to accomplish while doing day to day things that I love to do.”

Growing up, Ryan remembers hearing a lot of the popular mid 20th century pass and standard performers like Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. “Those tunes and the performance styles of those entertainers helped shape everything for me.” Like many American kids in the 90s, he was also listening to popular music on the radio and the the bands that his older brother listened to like Nirvana. “I used to be able to air drum, with near perfect accuracy, a handful of my favorite Nirvana songs. I even bought a pair of drumsticks (but never a drum set) to accomplish this.” Ryan then got into Americana music while he was in college and listened to bands like The Avett Brothers, Iron & Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver and “others who were making beautiful, slightly genre bending pop songs using American roots instrumentation. If I had one big musical influence it was probably the Avett Brothers. Like them, my songwriting focus is on lyrics and my big picture music focus is on live performance. I would like to take this moment to recommend to those who enjoy that type of music that you check out my favorite ““Andys”, Andy Hull and Andy Shauf.””

I always enjoy asking for a wild story from the road. As usual, there is always a great answer… “These questions are always tough for me because I’ve been on the road almost non stop for years and played thousands of shows and experienced all these little (and big) weird, funny, interesting, or whatever moments with so many people in so many places that they get blended together and feel more like a dream than a memory.  One thing about traveling alone for a long time is that everyday things begin to feel surreal when no one else is around to check your thought process and feelings. However, the first thing I thought of when I saw this question is this one time in Fresno… I had a show at a brewery in downtown Fresno and I was hanging around outside the front door killing time before the show started.  I was watching with interest the open heroin use and schizophrenic shouting matches taking place in the makeshift tent city on the sidewalk down the block. I watched as an elderly man stopped at the tents and a young lady got in the passenger street. They pulled up right in front of the brewery on the other side of the street and parked. I chuckled to myself at the audacity of the situation and was turning to walk inside to give them their privacy when suddenly the vehicle, with screeching tires, flew straight back in reverse across the street.  The car slammed into the front door of the brewery where I had been standing seconds before, crushing the brick door frame and shattering the glass doors. The lady calmly got out of the car and walked back down the block as if nothing had happened and we made sure the gentleman hung around until the cops showed up. The lesson, of course, is to always put the car in park, and never go to Fresno.”

“One of the more unique shows I’ve ever played was for a “Career Day” event at a high school in Columbia SC.  I joined a handful of other local bands to perform in the auditorium for the students before doing a Q&A session about playing music for a living.  As far as the venue and the number of people in attendance, it is still one of the “biggest” shows I’ve ever played. The real reason it is memorable though is because the fire alarm went off right in the middle of one of our songs.  It took a few seconds for everyone to react before the teachers began filing the students out of the building. We never missed a beat, and instead of stopping, I turned to the band and said we should play them out. We were playing my song “Higher” (available on my first album “Collection”) and we kept right on jamming, ending the last verse and going into a rock instrumental as the last people left the auditorium.  Finally, once the room was empty, we stopped and went outside ourselves. I had assumed some kid pulled the fire alarm to mess with the assembly but it turns out there really was a small fire in the building. We signed a lot of autographs afterwards.”

During Ryan’s years at the University of South Caroline and for a bit of time afterwards, he created music and performed under the name Cancellieri. Cancellieri music, some of which was re-released under the Ryan Hutchens name and some of which was never re-released, is still out there on the internet for anyone willing to look for it. “I also played bass guitar in an instrumental rock band called Pan. Pan accidentally became popular on Facebook after hundreds of thousands of Spanish speaking people liked our page thinking it was about bread. Pan no longer makes music but the albums they did put out with and without me are fantastic and deserve a listen.”

Ryan is always working on new music and he always has a full schedule of live shows. He is currently in the middle of a two month loop through the Southeast and back to Colorado. He will be releasing new music in 2019 in the form of singles rather than an album. “Nothing is set in stone, but I’ll be adopting a single first approach, releasing one song every few months and then putting those songs and other out together as an album later on.”

Session date: 6/26/2018

Session location: The Growing Project - Fort Collins, CO

Meet Jennifer Jane Nicely. Jennifer is from East Tennessee, near Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains. She lived in Nashville on and off over the years. “After being back there for almost a year, in 2017 I decided I needed a real chance of scenery. I wanted to live in the western part of the U.S. and I was drawn to the Denver area for various reasons. I had a good feeling about it. So I came out here about a year ago and I haven’t regretted it for a second.”

Jennifer started writing songs on guitar when she was about 11 years old. “Putting poetry to music. Although songwriting has always been a very personal thing for me, from the beginning it seemed natural to share it.” Jennifer started performing at open mic nights, and had a band in high school. When she was 21 years old she moved to Nashville and started performing there as a singer/songwriter.

Jennifer says that her earliest memories of music are also her deepest influences. Country and western, bluegrass, and old-timey mountain music. “Those first deep loves still guide me musically, even if it’s not readily detectable in my own songs.”

“Writing and performing still have a hold on me for sure; when I have stepped away from music in this way I have suffered. What a mystery and also a journey. I think there is something about singing in particular that feels like I'm expressing something I can’t convey in any other way.”

Right now, Jennifer is focusing on getting a band together in Colorado. She’s ready to welcome the expansion that comes along with that. She’s also making plans for recording a new album as well. “The new collection of songs has been strongly influenced by living in the west and traveling out here”.

Session Date: 5/29/2018

Session Location: Raisin’ Roots Farm - Fort Collins, CO

Meet Brianna Straut. While originally from Houston, TX, Brianna spent a few years in Austin, TX before a friend called her up and asked her to come up and live in Boulder, CO with her. “It was perfect timing because I was ready to go. I packed up three boxes, headed North and haven’t looked back since. I love Colorado.”

“I remember writing my first song when I was 6 years old, sitting outside under the stars in my backyard. It was a song about the stars, I’m still just as literal. I was a hyper kid (still am) and music gave me something that could keep my mind occupied.” After her parents discovered that Brianna enjoyed anything that made noise, they offered private saxophone lessons. She played alto, tenor, and baritone sax for about 13 years. She first picked up the guitar when she was 13. “I didn’t start performing (playing guitar and singing) until about 6 years ago in Denver. Now I’m playing full time.”

Brianna draws influence from a variety of artists. Brandi Carlile is an all time favorite and major influence. The Mountain Goats have always been a big inspiration lyrically, and performance-wise. “I grew up listening to a lot of Bonnie Raitt and Etta James as well. They are queens.”

Brianna recently payed a Sofar show in Denver that, in her words, was “heartfelt and really good for the soul”. These types of shows are important to her. There is no substitute for an attentive room of music lovers, really consuming a performance. The alternative is often noisy bars where nobody is listening. “The show had an attentive audience, a rad space, and a staff that really cared about the musicians.”

I asked Brianna to share a funny story from the road. As usual, we got a good one. “So, last day on of one of my tours I had an outdoor house show planned in a town I had never been to before. I was ready to come home and already I could tell this wasn’t going to be one of the better showings. Many things kept going wrong, just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, halfway through my set I realized that what I thought was mud was actually Poop. It was literally the shittiest show I had experienced. Ha ha, it was a humbling experience and something I can laugh about now. Being a full time musician isn’t always glamorous, work is still work, but I’d take standing in a pile of poop doing what I love over sitting at a desk pushing aside my passions any day.”

This coming November (2018), Brianna will be releasing one of three albums. The concept is HANDS and the focus is community. “I've always worked within a band setting having many people to bounce ideas off of and make decisions. Collaborating is my favorite and it's something I've missed playing as a solo artist. My community is amazing and just because I'm not in a band with these people doesn't mean I can't work with them on this new project. I decided to make community my focus and see where it leads. Who should I work with to record? How about my buddy Ben Waligoske from one of my favorite Denver bands, King Cardinal. Who should I get to record on my album? Friends - Nick Golder, Lief Sjostrom , Ari Rubinstein. We got together and wrote many of the parts in the studio and recorded mostly live takes. Artwork for album and merch, and the printing of the merch all produced by good friends. I'm just so darn excited to show what great work everyone has done on this. I am so grateful for the community I have and all the amazing people I call friends. Mark your calendars for November 2nd at Leon Art Gallery.”

Enjoy!

Session Date: 4/29/2018

Session Location: Raisin' Roots Farm - Fort Collins, CO

Meet Sean Lamborne. After moving to Boulder, CO in 2007, Sean had become intrigued by the support and community surrounding the Fort Collins music scene. Once his wife, Sarah got a job in Fort Collins, Sean became excited to be closer to such a strong and diverse community of musicians.

Sean began writing music in 1993. The songs usually ended up falling somewhere between country music and grunge rock (not too far off from what he writes today). He took his explorations further in the late 90’s when he started playing open mics in college. “In college I played in a freak-folk duo called The Pants. We began our group by singing in bad German accents and moved into creating concept albums that included folk/country tunes along with 80's hair rock epic ballads and just plain insane rock music with outrageous lyrics. My serious attempts at being a performing musician and songwriter began in 2005 when I began playing open mics nearly every night of the week and booking shows upon moving to Boston. My band The Longest Day of the Year started in 2008 in Boulder”.

Sean draws his songwriting and lyrical influence from The Grateful Dead, Tom Waits and Robert Hunter’s folk-tale type lyrics. Additionally, with his friends in the Earthwork Music Community in Michigan. Musicians such as May Erlewine, Seth Bernard, The Crane Wives, and Chris Dorman. The musical content of Sean’s songs is often based in older country country music and folk songs, but with his full band (The Longest Day of the Year), the tunes end up lending more of a 90’s grunge rock feel to the lt-country genre. “I often try to blend the personal experiences similar to early Pearl Jam etc... with the fairy tale feelings of Grateful Dead, and usually a handful of literary references that I write down as I read... the librarian in me keeps me taking notes on what I am reading to have for later use”.

Over the years, Sean and his full band have had the pleasure of supporting acts such as Sturgil Simpson, Lukas Nelson, and The Blind Boys of Alabama. “Our show with Lukas Nelson was amazing. The funniest part was when his band couldn't find Lukas and asked us if we had seen him. He wrote in a blog the following day that he got a bit too high for his own good, kicked everyone off his bus, and called his mom to help bring him down from being too high.”

Currently, Sean is working on a kids album alongside weekly music videos (covers and originals) for TMULE, that he releases on Wednesdays. For the first time ever, Sean will also be playing at New West Fest (!) in Fort Collins this summer on August 12th at the Oak St. Stage.

These days, Sean’s greatest influence for songwriting is his family. “My son and my wife help create an atmosphere of love and creativity that brings lyrical content to my head non-stop! I write songs with my five-year old, Arlo, and teach him how. We create weekly music videos on Mondays and post them on Facebook and a Youtube page called "Let's Sing a Song with Friends" - that project is called Tiny Mule Songs and has us singing songs like "Stinky Old Cowboy" and "Who Put the Pickles There" along with classics from The Beatles and Caspar Babypants and traditional songs from all around the world!”.

Session Date: 11/13/2017

Session Location: Raisin’ Roots Farm - Fort Collins, CO

Meet Elli Perry. Elli grew up in North Georgia, but has been a traveller most of her life. There were a number of temporary homes along the way that were ultimately just as significant to who she is as that origin point was.

Elli first came through Fort Collins on tour in the Spring of 2017 in support of her record “Little Thieves”, and didn’t know a soul in town. “The rather underwhelming show I played ended up being a remarkably serendipitous experience that led to an entire community of friends and creative collaborators. Me husband and I fell in love with the people here, routed my tour schedule to bring us back to town again a couple more times throughout the year and eventually decided to settle here for a time in 2018.”

“I started playing music professionally when I was twelve years old, but i think i’ve been making music all of my life. My folks said that I hummed myself to sleep as an infant before I could speak, and I was always walking around with a handheld tape recorder making up melodies and lyrics when I was a kid. No one in my family is musical, but my mother was a writer and my father was an editor, so words and art were essential components of our household.”

As a young songwriter, Elli’s biggest influences were Elliott Smith, The Beatles, Chris Cornell, and Silverchair. Those artists and the music they made still all hold up as amazing sources of inspiration for me today. “I grew up singing in the small churches where my grandfather was a pastor in Appalachia, so old gospel music was hugely formative to the kind of singer I became." I'm arguably more passionate about literature than I am about music, and think the things I read inform a lot of the music I make. The work of Southern Gothic writers like Flannery O’Connor and Byron Herbert Reece, and French symbolist poets like Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine have a longstanding influence on the kinds of stories I’m prone to telling. My husband is also a beautiful writer, photographer, and my favorite person to collaborate with. Living in immediate proximity to his artwork influences me everyday.”

One of my favorite things to do is to ask artists and musicians to share a few stories from the road. There is never any shortage of storytelling gold when it comes to touring and playing music out every night. As expected, Elli had some great (and not-so-great) ones to share. “The road is filled with hilarious and tragic stories. There was the time when a drunken venue owner (who was later convicted of murder) sort of, kind of, not so accidentally locked me inside of a windowless apartment above the bar after closing, and I had to call my mom crying and ask her to stay on the phone with me until the opening staff arrived the next morning and heard me banding on the door and yelling for help. There was another time when I was really bored on a long drive through west Texas and decided to experiment with cooking a steak on my engine block. My favorite story is when my husband accidentally drove our RV into Mexico. We didn’t have our passports with us, and Border Control had quite the time tearing our rig apart looking for illicit paraphernalia (of which there was none).

“One of my favorite performances in recent memory was actually here in Fort Collins. Last October, my husband and I had a collaborative art show with our friend Mark Austin (aka Pappy Longlegs) at Wolverine Farms Letterpress & Publick House. Mark and I each played sets, and my husband did an installation piece of 200 photographs. It was a truly inspiring audience and event. Apart from that, every record I’ve released has felt like a success in it’s own right. And every night I stand on stage and manage to connect with someone who is listening is as well.”

Elli released a new EP earlier this Spring, and will be pressing it to vinyl shortly. There will be another round of shows after that comes out, and she’s planning to record another full length record later this year.

“I’m just really grateful to make art, across a variety of mediums, with a lot of people who I admire and am inspired by. Creativity ebbs and flows, success comes and goes, but the knowledge that I get to make work I believe in with people who I believe in always keeps me afloat. And I am truly thankful for every person who takes the time to stop and listen to what I do.”

Make sure to check out her Facebook page and listen to the rest of her music!

Session Date: 10/22/2017

Session Location: Kinney Family Farm - Fort Collins, CO

Tracklisting:
1. Creation Story (0:00)
2. Pretty Baby (3:03)
3. Valley of the Chiefs (6:27)
4. Yellow Bird (10:41)
5. Laid Back (14:46)

Meet Cary Morin. Cary grew up in Great Falls, MT and moved to Colorado in 1983. He originally landed in Fort Collins to pursue a degree in visual arts. Cary discovered and has been playing music since he was just 7 years old, when he began taking piano lessons. 

Cary's influences have varied and developed over the years. When he was a kid he enjoyed stride piano and rag. These days influences include Neil Young, Chet Atkins, Bob Marley, Leo Kottke, Andre Segovia, and many more!

When asked for a memorable moment or story from the road, Cary replied "Playing the Harvest Blues Festival in Monaghan Town, Ireland. It was a small town and the folks were just so welcoming and nice. Our favorite band there was an Irish band called Crow Black Chicken (the name comes from a Ry Cooder song). These guys were the epitome of blues rock and soul. Even 83 year old southern bluesman Leo Bud Welch was dancing and drinking whiskey to these guys. I'd love to bring them to the U.S. sometimes."

One of Cary's most memorable performances was the first time he went to Paris to perform at The Paris Jazz Festival. He had just started playing piedmont style blues guitar and was very nervous to play such a big show. Cary met Jean Jacques Milteau, a famous French harp player at the festival. Several years, Jacques made a guest appearance on Cary's album Tiny Town. 

Cary was awarded the 2018 Native Arts & Culture Fellowship, for which he is very grateful. The fellowship will help him fund both a tour and an album this year. He is also up for a 2018 Independent Music Award for best blues album, for his recent release, 'Cradle to the Grave'. The ceremony is at The Lincoln Center in NYC on March 31st, and Cary has been asked to perform for it! 

Cary is an artist who thrives on the road. In his words, he never tires of it. He has a new album coming out in September (2018). The Album will be a mix of solo and trio tunes. The band portion was recorded in eTown studios with James Tuttle and produced by bassist Kim Stone. The solo tunes were recorded with Rich Werdes at Sound Underground. Keep an eye out for the release on Cary's website. 

Session Date: 10/17/2017

Session Location: Cloverlick Banjo Shop - Fort Collins, CO

Tracklisting:
1. Hey Muskrat! (0:10)
2. The Continuing Saga of the Classic Heartbreak (2:41)
3. Breakin' Down (6:57)
4. Spruce Tree Boogie (10:32)

Meet Mark "Rooster" Austin (a.k.a. Pappy Longlegs). Originally from Tallahassee, Florida, Rooster was raised in a family business and was proud of the simple living his parents provided. Inspired by this, he felt he had to live a story of his own, so he picked up his van with his dog Rosemary and the road became home for as long as it could. When he passed through Fort Collins, CO, he became smitten by its charm, so now he calls it home. That was seven years ago!

Rooster grew up listening to punk rock, old blues, and drew a lot of influence from the music featured in skateboard videos. "I had Black Sabbath - 'Paranoid' on tape and Primus - 'Brown Album' bootlegged, and listened almost exclusively to those on repeat for a couple of my early years. I think all those years with 'Ironman" and 'Puddin' Taine' (along with others) are responsible for why I'm so compelled to write characters and stories so often." He played in metal and funk bands all through college, however, american folk music runs deep in the family. His mom learned songs from her aunt as a child and would sing them to Rooster as an adolescent, forever filling his heart with song. 

Rooster began playing music at an early age. His grandmother had a classical guitar at her hair salon that he would play every time he visited as a child. Being a lefty, he had to play it upside down until he got a pawnshop lefty of his own. "I'd write theme songs for characters i'd drawn all through my youth and started playing in bands soon after".  When he left Florida, he got a banjo as a going away present and thus began his life as a banjo player. 

As a "lefty in a right handed world", Rooster took to instrument modification out of necessity. He built an electric guitar of his own and fell in love with the craft. After studying under Edward Dick (Victor Guitars in Denver), Rooster began a formal apprenticeship with Michael Bashkin (Bashkin Guitars in Ft. Collins) for a few years and developed his lutherie chops. He was about to move to Wisconsin, when he met Jeff Kramer, the founder of Cloverlick Banjo Shop. Jeff decided to pass on the legacy to Rooster, so he could move the shop to his home in Fort Collins, CO, where is now lives, cozily in the Butterfly Alley. "I am now in the midst of my life's work as a luthier and songster."

Rooster says "Fort Collins and the Front Range has some phenomenal music that comes through on a regular basis. The people here support music and celebrate in it." He is certain that is you give it everything you've got, and are open to the influences around you, the people will respond. The community will nourish you when you're home, bid you luck when you leave, and provide a warm welcome when you get back. 

I asked Rooster for some fun stories from the stage or from the road. He replied "I was playing banjo and caught a doobie mid solo... that was pretty rad, I suppose. I fed a swamp full of gators a bucket of fried chicken. I've been ransacked by the Mexican border patrol for beard oil. I've laughed, I've cried, I've swam, I've spent so much time on the road with dear friends and have a hand to shake most places I go. Music encompasses everything in my life, and every opportunity I have to share it means the world to me."

Currently, Rooster is close to finishing a new record as Pappy Longlegs called 'AppleButter', which will be released in 2018. He had some amazing musicians that were excited to be involved and he did a two week long multi-exposure polaroid photo project with Cory Marshall Spangler that is going to be the artwork for the album. Additionally, he will have a few more video projects to be released in connection with the record. He's planning some touring for the summer and fall, and will be gearing up for an album release show with everyone on the record! 

"Cloverlick Banjo Shop had an outstanding first year, and will be doing a big fat 2nd annual grand opening party on Earth Day 2018 with all the bells and whistles. We will continue to engage with the lovely music and farming community of Fort Collins so stay tuned for private events and performances. We just spent two weeks with a film crew directed by Lauren Coughlin from Atlanta making a documentary about me and the community around the banjo shop and our first year. The time we spent together was powerful and emotional, so I cannot wait to see what comes of it. Expect it's release late in 2018 or early 2019. This year, we have become international, will be launching a few choice stores, and will continue the fine work that we care so deeply about. 

Be sure to check out the Cloverlick Banjo Shop website for details!

Session Date: 10/15/2017

Session Location: Watson Lake - Bellvue, CO

Tracklisting:
1. Can't Escape Me (0:06)
2. River Cried Me (2:57)
3. Hell I Raise (5:27)
4. Little Red Balloon (9:30)

Meet Andy Steiner! Andy hails from the troll capital of the world, Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin. He relocated to Fort Collins in 2008 where he has been ever since. Andy first began exploring music in middle school band where he played saxophone and trombone, though he says the exploration of music he really wanted to play started in 2004 when his sister Megan bought him an acoustic guitar for Christmas. He disappeared into my bedroom for about 3 years after that. 

When asked what his relationship with songwriting is, Andy replied "I'm drawn to songwriting because it's a way to communicate things that speaking, writing, or emoji'ing can't always accomplish. There's nothing that compares to the sensation of hearing a song that grabs you by the soul and raises goosebumps. I also think that songwriting fits with how my brain is wired. It's easy for me to forget facts and dates and names, but memorizing songs comes naturally, so it's a way of playing to my strengths." 

Andy draws influence from the likes of Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Kris Kristofferson, Rhiannon Giddens, Billie Holiday, Billie Joe Shaver, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix (just to name a few!). Andy recently recorded a solo album at Blanket Fort Studio with the help of Matthew Wilburn Skinner and Mark Austin, AKA Rooster (featured in this session). Look for the release sometime in 2018. In addition to a few local performances on the horizon, Andy will be performing live on the beloved 88.9 KRFC on 1/22/18 for the "Locally Grown" show. Be sure to head over to his Facebook page for details on performances!

When he's not writing songs, Andy works as a carpenter. Woodworking is one of his main passions outside of music. He is the co-owner of. business called BeeHappy Homes. The company sells solitary bee homes made out of up-cycled scrap materials. He also likes cooking, gardening, cross country skiing, backpacking, biking, snowshoeing, and swimming in the river.

(Not so) fun fact: Andy fractured his elbow the day after we shot this session. He says "Even though it was painful, the timing couldn't have been better!"

Enjoy!

Session Date: 10/1/2017

Session Location - Raisin' Roots Farm - Fort Collins, CO

Tracklisting:
1. Mustangs (0:06)
2. Leaving Alone (3:42)
3. Soul Mine (9:10)
4. Burn (14:42)

Meet the Gasoline Lollipops. The band is the brainchild of frontman Clay Rose. Beginning as a two-piece psychobilly project, consisting of only Clay and a drummer. Now the band has expanded their sound and line-up to include more members and instruments. The current line-up has been around for only about a year and a half, but in that time they have recorded the bands first full-length record, Resurrection, and the follow-up, Soul Mine, to be released at the Fox Theater in Boulder, CO this coming Dec. 16th (2017).

"Clay's songwriting is the heart and soul of Gasoline Lollipops, certainly the engine and the reason the band exists. His songwriting is very influenced by Leonard Cohen and Townes Van Zandt but also punk rock, and I think our live show reflects that blend of intricate outlaw songwriting and explosive energy", says GasPops drummer, Adam. 

Recently, the band played a few very notable venues. First of which being Red Rocks Amphitheater, which they described understandably as an "out of body experience". If you have ever had the pleasure of enjoying a show at this idyllic slice of Colorado music history, you know what an incredible honor it must be. Next would be the annual Shining Ball at the ever famous Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO. Having a special connection with Fort Collins, the GasPops are very excited to be headlining the Aggie Theater for the first time this coming Friday, Oct 27th (2017) where they will be supported by good friends (and little house of sound veterans) Whippoorwill. 

When asked for a funny or interesting story from the road, or the stage, drummer Adam said "we were about to go on stage at Hodi's Half Note during FoCoMX (an annual Fort Collins music festival) a few months ago and the place was sold out. This incredibly drunk guy kept sneaking into the backstage dressing room and getting kicked out, over and over. We were laughing about it until he got in our bassist's face a little bit and I stepped in. He angrily looked at me and said "Who are YOU with?" I said "We're Gasoline Lollipops and we're about to go on stage." As drunk as he was, something in him changed in a heartbeat and he started crooning "Love Is Free" perfectly. It was a hilarious moment for so many reasons - especially because of course it would be a GasPops fan all wasted sneaking backstage.

The band has been very busy trying to get Soul Mine pressed to vinyl in time for the album release show at the Fox this December, playing a ton of shows, and getting ready to go on tour in Belgium, The Netherlands and Belize this Fall. The band is grateful to radio stations like The Colorado Sound, OpenAir, KRFC and KBCO for playing the single as a little appetizer.

"Mostly we just hope the Aggie is full of people in costumes having a blast this Friday. There's no music scene anywhere that supports local bands like Fort Collins and we love being a part of it; even though we live in Boulder we feel like a Fort Collins band, if that's OK." We're happy to have you!

Make sure to check out the bands website and look out for the release of 'Soul Mine' this Winter. 

Session Date: 7/16/2017

Session Location: Raisin' Roots Farm - Fort Collins, CO

Tracklisting:
1. Hidden Danger (0:06)
2. Jamestown (3:21)
3. Georgia Wind (7:39)

Meet Wood Belly! This 5 piece bluegrass band got their start about 2 years ago, when Chris (mandolin), met Craig (guitar) and his bass playing girlfriend (now wife) Sheena at the RockyGrass festival in Lyons, CO. Just before this encounter, Chris was introduced to Chris Zink (dobro) who had just happened to pick some tunes with Craig and Sheena just a few weeks before. After a few small line-up changes, they added Aaron McCloskey (banjo) and previous Von Stomper bassist, Taylor Shuck, replaced Sheena (now with the Ginny Mules). 

The members of Wood Belly all arrived to Colorado on different schedules, some as long as 20 years ago, some as recent as 5 years. They have since spread out across the front range, with members living in Fort Collins, Loveland, Denver, Berthoud, and Bellvue. 

For having only been together a short time, Wood Belly has had some great gig opportunities come their way. The most memorable being a show at the beloved Mishawaka opening up for Billy Strings and Trout Steak Revival. 

When asked what it is that attracts them to Bluegrass music they said "I think bluegrass music encompasses all the good qualities of other genres that we yearn for and provides a cohesive framework for performance that can be quite inviting. Each instrument has it's own purpose in the machine and can blend with the others to express a spectrum of emotions. While modern bluegrass may have departed from Bill Monroe's version, these days bluegrass can feature masterful shredding, profound songwriting, stacked harmony singing, and intricate compositions that pulse with life. That and drummers are too difficult to work with. " 

Though they specialize in bluegrass, they draw influence from many genres, including jazz and blues. Some of their "grassier" influences include Tim O'Brien, Hot Rize, Blue Highway, Chattham County Line, and Del McCoury, just to name a few. 

This October (2017), Wood Belly will be heading up to Swingfingers Studio to cut their debut album. They expect the full length to come out in the Spring of 2018, and they will hit the festival circuit to support the album. 

"I think when it boils down to it, we want as many people to hear and be inspired by our music as possible and to grow as musicians and songwriters. We just want to thank the people who have supported us and keep us chugging away. It wouldn't be nearly as fun without you guys!

Check the guys out at www.woodbellymusic.com

Session Date: 7/9/17

Session Location: Raisin' Roots Farm - Fort Collins, CO

Tracklisting:
1. Two Places at Once (0:05)
2. The Long Haul (3:30)
3. The Universe (7:13)
4. That Glorious Day (10:34)
5. Peace to you Brother (14:47)

Meet Danielle Ate the Sandwich! Danielle was born and raised in Eastern Nebraska, and moved to Colorado with her family in 2000. She arrived in Fort Collins in 2004 and even though she has moved to a few different places over the course of her time here, she always seems to find her way home to Fort Collins. 

Danielle got her start playing open mic nights while attending Colorado State University in 2006. She then quit her "day job" to pursue music full time in 2009. She has been a full time, independent, touring, singer/songwriter ever since! Her influences are varied, and include the likes of Paul Simon, Peggy Lee, Blossom Dearie, Bob Dylan, Ben Gibbard, and Taylor Swift. 

When asked what attracts her to the ukulele, Danielle earnestly replied "I'll be honest, I like that it's cute and easy to play, but the intonation and tone really compliment my voice and songwriting style. After learning more and getting involved in the ukulele scene, I've found it's an amazing place for people to come as they are to have fun and enjoy playing music. It isn't surrounded by the same pretension as other instrument and music scenes. I like when people are nice and the ukulele attracts nice people."

Danielle was kind enough to share a funny story from the road - "I'm very used to people commenting on my band name. "What kind of sandwich was it?" is the question I get the most. One time on tour, at a gas station in Iowa after paying for my gas and candy, the cashier asked "What kind of sandwich was it?" I was shocked that she would know my music and be joking around with me. Right before I muttered the name of the best sandwich I could think of, the guy behind me steps up and says "hand and cheese."... She was just asking him what kind of sandwich it was, so he could buy it. Some musicians have crazy stories about sex and drugs, and I have that one."

Danielle has a big East Coast tour coming up at the end of August and a few shows in Colorado in September. Touring has been a great way for Danielle to get out and connect with fans far and wide, but she has been craving community, so she plans to scale down the touring and focus on doing more things locally. It is her dream to someday host a late night talk show, and if you've ever had the pleasure of seeing Danielle play live, you would agree that this is a very attainable goal!

In the end, for those of you wondering, there is no story behind her band name. She just likes sandwiches and needed to come up with something when she made her myspace page!

Be sure to check out www.danielleatethesandwich.com to keep up to date with when she will be in playing in your town! While you're at it, pick up a copy of her latest record, The Terrible Dinner Guest. I promise you will not be disappointed. 

Session Date: 7/2/2017

Session Location: Kinney Family Compound - Fort Collins, CO 

Tracklisting:
1. Windmills (0:06)
2. c7 (3:50)
3. c Jam (6:50)

Meet More Than Physics. Jonathan and Clint started MTP in May 2011, after Jonathan purchased a Tank Drum from Clint and a Tabla from the local drum store. Once Clint acquired a Halo from Pantheon Steel they began to get serious. 

About their sound, More Than Physics states... "We strive for an inviting, original sound. One that is peaceful, yet dynamic, and gives our expressions a perfect venue to explore. Our sound allows us to play really unique gigs, like yoga classes, ceremonies, weddings, and it means a lot to us that our music connects people in a way that they want to incorporate it in meaningful ways."

Currently, MTP is working on new material for an upcoming release later in 2017. In the meantime, if you're in the Fort Collins area, you can catch them at Old Town Yoga for regular classes, or at Open Streets on September 17th. In the future, they hope to someday perform at Yoga on the Rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheater. 

Session Date: 6/18/17

Session Location: Raisin' Roots Farm - Fort Collins, CO

Tracklisting:
1. Washin' (0:05)
2. Bluebird Wine (Rodney Crowell Cover) (3:56)
3. It's Alright (8:10)

Meet Whippoorwill! Comprised of Fort Collins music scene veterans, Alysia, Staci, and Tobias. The wheels started turning in 2013 while Alysia was playing down at SXSW. Alysia just had her guitar stolen when a mutual friend recommended she look up Staci in order to "get out of the city to some Texas river holes with the Texas river queen". It was then that the duo formed. Whippoorwill was taken to another level when they decided to make an album in 2016. The duo then became a trio late in 2016 when they were introduced to their drummer and harmonizing vocalist, Tobias, by some mutual friends in the Fort Collins scene. They have been living in Fort Collins on and off since about 2010 and are extremely happy to call this city their home base. 

     The groups pulls from many varied influences to create their own sound. Musicians like Neil Young, Townes Van Zandt, Gillian Welch, The Wood Brothers, and Rodney Crowell (see their version of Bluebird Wine in the video!)

     Since Tobias joined the band, they have embarked on two tours. "The first was the sunshine, waterhole tour that could do no wrong... and the next was the flash flood, tornado, are-we-gonna-make-it-out-alive-can't-believe-our-van-just-died experience. The best part of touring with people you love is that it's all memorable (good or bad), and it becomes a part of our collective story. I've found myself writing a bunch from both experiences, and I know we were all really impacted by those experiences" - Alysia

     Recently, Whippoorwill has been drawing their inspiration from each other, and has found their groove in writing songs as a unit. In regards to a new album, they have said to "look for something next spring (2018) that's made with our whole hearts. Fortunately, that won't be your only chance to hear their beautiful songs. This summer they will be very busy playing Bohemian Nights in Fort Collins, What Fest, The Uptown Breakdown, and Underground Music Showcase in Denver. This fall, you can also catch them on tour through Wyoming, Montana, and a long stretch down the West Coast with their friends The Lonesome Heroes. 

Be sure to check them out at http://www.whippoorwillya.com/about.html Enjoy!

Session Date: 10/25/2016

Session Location: The Growing Project @ Hope Farms

Tracklisting:
1. Fishers on the Sea (0:07)
2. Postman (3:18)
3. Whippoorwill (5:17)
4. A Little Scared (8:50)
5. Green River (11:59)
6. Soldier's Joy (16:00)

Meet Fall River Road. Lindsay and Mark met at a neighborhood jam in 2012. Three months later they were engaged and a band was born. Together, they write, arrange, and play songs drawn from experiences and stories. Some new, some that go back an age or so. Some festive, some sad. Country, blues. Simple songs that dig deep. 

Mark started out at 13 on electric guitar, finger-tapping, sweep arpeggios, whammy bar dives, mad Van Halen-stylings.  He cut his teeth in bars and backyards in the Tampa area with the band Brave Ulysses (after the Cream song) before moving back to his home state of Colorado to play and sing solo acoustic blues in the vein of Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Reverend Gary Davis and Lightnin Hopkins.

Lindsay began playing violin in elementary school in Lakewood. She learned dozens of songs and started off singing in bluegrass jams in college.  She even packed a violin on her Peace Corps voyage to the Philippines (it followed her back to the States by slow boat). Lindsay plays a tenor ukulele as well.  Her family has a cabin, the former Post Office of the old mining town of Alice, Colorado, way up Fall River Road on the way to St. Mary's Glacier. It's a special neck of the woods they share with their two girls when they're not jamming out. 

Looking forward to some great shows in January - 1/6/17 Colorado Room (opening for Blue Taboo), 1/7/17 The Forge, and 1/20/17 Equinox.

With a touch of wind and some dramatically changing sunset colors, we hope you enjoy this beautiful music the way we did!

Session Date: 6/9/2016

Session Location: Watson Lake - Bellvue, CO

Tracklisting:
1. Your Heart is His (0:05)
2. I Love You (Cuz' You're Mine) (4:09)
3. Christmas Means Goodbye in Spanish (7:09)
4. Live on the Boat (11:49)
5. Dark City Nights (14:41)
6. Track 7 (18:07)

Meet Gavin St. Clair! Gavin grew up in Eden Prairie, MN. After high school, he spent two years in college in Duluth, MN. After those two years, Gavin dropped out, bought a '91 Honda Civic, and lived out of it for a few months while playing shows at coffee shops and bars around the country. All the while drawing inspiration from the likes of Roy Orbison, Hank Williams, and the Everly Brothers. After some time spent hitchhiking and writing, he landed in Chicago where he ran a DIY music venue called Club Soda. He played and wrote in El Greco Explosive during this time. 

Currently, Gavin is moving back to Duluth, MN to begin work on a new solo project! We hope you enjoy the beauty in his music as much as we do. 

Session Date: 5/28/16

Session Location: Raisin' Roots Farm - Laporte, CO

Tracklisting:
1. An Artist Question (0:05)
2. Out Walking (1:55)
3. Come Find Me (4:44)

Meet Chad Golda! Chad recorded this session while in town from Metro Detroit. Chad grew up in the suburbs north of Detroit, MI. He played bass for numerous bands throughout his high school days. After high school, Chad enrolled at Michigan State University where he obtained a degree in Audio Production. It was during these years that Chad really began to shine musically. Drawing inspiration from many sources, sonically and otherwise, Chad found himself playing in, and recording music for many different projects, including General Rhinestone, Cloud Magic, and all sorts of solo music as well. 

In 2010, Chad moved to Fort Collins, CO with his wife, Samantha. It was in Fort Collins that he hit his groove. In 2011, Chad launched "Writing Records", his own label which has been quite prolific. Through his label, Chad has recorded and released 16 albums. Of the 16, 11 have been his own solo records. In 2015, Chad and Samantha moved back to Michigan, where he set up a cozy and inspiring music studio in the basement of their home. In this studio, he is currently mixing his 12th solo album. 

I have personally seen Chad perform live more than a dozen times. His performances bleed his sincere passion and imaginative mind. This is not just the same old formula you've seen time and again. This becomes very evident through this session. Additionally, Chad had a chance encounter with Hulk Hogan at a pool whilst on vacation in Florida. It's possible that this meeting forever impacted Chad's musical interest. 

Please check out all of Chad Golda's albums at www.writingrecords.com 

Session Date: 5/24/16

Session Location: Shady Grove Farms - Wellington, CO

Tracklisting:
1. Peaks & Pits (0:06)
2. Lift Me Up, Leave Me Here (3:09)
3. 9th & Lafayette (6:16)
4. Cold Times (10:22)

Meet Brent Cowles! Brent was born in Colorado Springs, and split his time growing up between Fort Collins and the Springs. He has been playing music since roughly the age of thirteen. Though he actively plays guitar, he considers his voice to be his main instrument. One listen to his songs, and you can really see why. Drawing from vocal influences all across the board, but mainly soul singers like Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke, Brent has cultivated a sound not often heard in this day and age. 

Most of Brent's music career (so far) has been predominantly focused on his time in You, Me, and Apollo, which he started as a solo project when he was only seventeen years old! Ten years later (in 2014) after many successful years together, this project came to an end. I asked Brent what his favorite/most memorable show was. His response, without even having to think about it, was the You, Me, and Apollo album release of 'Sweet Honey' at the Bluebird in Denver. 

Currently, Brent is having fun playing with his new band, which performs under his name. They have enjoyed recent successes such as Playing with Nathaniel Rateliff and signing to Denver based 'Greater Than Collective'. Be on the lookout for these guys, as they perform a show that should certainly not be missed. We hope you enjoy his songs as much as we do! 

Session Date: 5/23/16

Location: Rasin' Roots Farm - Laporte, CO

Tracklisting:
1. Lydelai (0:06)
2. Borderline (4:51)
3. Ain't Nobody Listening (9:27)
4. Drunk Gypsy (12:51)
5. Play for the King (16:03)
6. Back Again (20:52)

Meet Matt Skinner. Matt was born in Virginia, but lived much of his formative years in Iowa. First, Des Moines, then in Iowa City, which is where he got his start really playing music. Matt has been playing since he was about 17. He is a lefty, though he plays instruments right handed (and very well, I might add). While in Iowa City, Matt found himself playing in a few bands over the years, such as Jinsen Connection and The Gglitch. It wasn't until he and brothers Adam, and Austin Morford banded together to form Tallgrass that Matt really found his stride as a musician.

The band formed in Iowa City, but has since relocated to Fort Collins, CO. In addition to being a revered part of Fort Collins music scene, the band also has their own recording studio, in which they have helped a multitude of other artists put records out. This list includes, but is not limited to Von Stomper, Derek Blake, and Whippoorwill. Currently, Tallgrass is mixing their 3rd Album to date, titled 'Laughing'. 

However, Matt's talents are not strictly limited to his time in Tallgrass. His solo performances are a thing of beauty. You are sure to be drawn in by the first soulful moments. Very proficient on both guitar and banjo, Matt enjoys playing and experimenting with open tunings. Drawing from many influences, his songs are honest and soulful, with beautiful depth. Hope you enjoy as much as I did!

Be sure to check out his band at www.tallgrassband.com

Session Date: 5/9/2016

Location: Raisin' Roots Farm - Laporte, CO

Tracklisting:
1. Losing You (0:07)
2. Mountain Way (3:34)
3. Sophisticated Slavery (7:04) 
4. Going to Colorado (11:09)
5. Train Town (15:29)

Meet Mike Yob. Originally from Maryland, Mike moved to Fort Collins in 1987. Relocating to Steamboat Spring, CO in the late 90's, Mike found his stride as a songwriter. His songs are rooted deeply in traditional bluegrass, and they are dangerously catchy. During his years in Steamboat Springs, Mike played in the band Brew Glass Boys (featuring other now local Fort Collins musicians Ian Smith, and Mike Fritz). After five years, they disbanded and in 2004 Mike found himself back in Fort Collins. Upon arriving back in Northern Colorado, he joined with some musicians to form Two Bits 'a Gander, who would enjoy a short stint as the house band at local venue, Avogadro's Number. 

     After this time, Mike focused mainly on writing and performing solo tunes, mostly at another then local hotspot, CrankNStein (R.I.P.). Currently, Mike is enjoying a run of solo shows in the Fort Collins area. Also, he is a Virgo. Hope you enjoy the tunes as much as we do!

Session Date: 4/4/2016

Session Location: Pingree Park, CO

Meet Genevieve Gaskill, also known as Zelcova. Genevieve grew up in metro Detroit, MI where she grew her fondness and passion for music. Genevieve moved to Fort Collins, CO two years ago. In her time here, she has made great strides in songwriting ability. Having a great desire to grow her knowledge of music and playing, she has expanded her arsenal of instruments. In Fort Collins has played the Black Mountain Ramble as well as sharing the bill with local artists such as Wolf Van Elfmand, and Eric Bjella. As a caregiver, Genevieve has implemented the joy and importance of music in many children by playing and teaching!

This past fall (2015) Genevieve embarked on a three month journey to Guatemala to further her studies in herbalism. During this time, she continued to be inspired by the world around her. Whether is was other people to play with, or some time alone with her instruments, music played an integral role in these travels. 

Currently, she has been working on a conceptual music project. In this project, Genevieve uses the book 'Be Here Now' by Ram Dass as both inspiration as well as song lyrics. She flips to a random page in the book, and then starts playing. Twisting and contorting the poetry in the book into infectious melodies and beautiful music. The songs in this session are part of this project, hence the page numbers. If you have a copy of the book, I encourage you to follow along! Between these songs, and an array of originals, Genevieve continues to march forth in her musical journey. 

Session Date: 3/21/16

Location: Watson Lake Rockface

Meet William Knudsen (The Ugly Architect). William is one of few people who live in Fort Collins who can actually say they grew up here! In fact, he grew up right around the corner from where I now reside. Since his youth in Fort Collins, William has been very busy. He relocated to Portland, OR where he spent much of his time writing poetry and even touring around the country on the poetry slam circuit. After his time in Portland he returned to Fort Collins to be close to his family, and to lend a hand in running on of Fort Collins newest venues/art spaces, The Artery. During this time, he began honing his skills as a songwriter and unveiled the moniker, The Ugly Architect. 

Currently, William is putting the finishing touches on a solo album, and has launched an indiegogo campaign to help fund the album. If you like what you hear or just want to help a good cause, consider throwing a couple dollars his way!

Cheers, enjoy!

Session Date: 3/1/2016

Location: Watson Lake, Bellvue, CO

Meet Luke Callen. After growing up in Wisconsin, Luke made his way to sunny Fort Collins, CO. In Fort Collins, Luke hit the ground running. He began playing open mic nights and busking around the area with friends. Luke continued perfecting his songs and in 2012 recorded an album of solo tunes with Chad Golda on Chad's label, Writing Records. 

Luke has since cofounded one of Fort Collins favorite bands, Von Stomper, in which he plays acoustic guitar and sings vocals alongside other LHOS artist, Wolf Van Elfmand. In recent years Von Stomper has spent extensive time playing shows both in town, and touring. Most recently, they have an upcoming run of shows throughout Texas. They have also just released a new record titled 'Americado' that they put a lot of love into. 

Please check them out at www.vonstomper.com

Enjoy!

Session Date: 2/11/2016

Location: Torture Chamber climbing area, Foothills of Fort Collins

Meet Josh Seymour! Josh has been in Colorado for roughly three years, spending most of his time in Fort Collins. Though, in the summer of 2014,  Josh lived in Durango, CO working on trail maintenance, sparking a strong need to work outdoors. From this experience, he moved on the work for the Larimer County Conservation Corps, and then began work with an independent contractor doing fire mitigation and chainsaw work up in the burned areas surrounding Fort Collins. 

     Growing up in Minnesota, Josh began playing music with friends, pulling from different styles and ultimately, cultivating his beautiful sound. Heartfelt songs with percussive strumming patterns and strong, dynamic vocals. Josh then moved to Eugene, Oregon, where he spend more time playing music. After extensive travels through Mexico, and parts of Central America, Josh landed in Fort Collins where he helped run Hope Farms. All the while, continuing his musical journey, pulling inspiration from his travels. 

     With an attitude that always leads to adventure, we thought it only fitting to wake up at 5am and go play music to the sun as it rose over Fort Collins on a (very) brisk winter morning. Enjoy!

Session Date: 1/5/16

Location: South Bay, Horsetooth Mountain Park, CO

Meet Derek Blake. Derek is the fifth generation of the Blake family to grow up in Steamboat Springs, CO. He has been posted up in Fort Collins for about four years where he has made quite a name for himself in the local scene. Derek has been pickin' his guitar in the scene for the better part of ten years. Though his solo career is his main focus, the list of bands he has been part of is impressive. This list includes local favorites such as Free Range Pickins, Mustard Licks, and Streamline Cannonball. Just before we headed into the hills to record this session, Derek returned from an extensive tour with (now) NY based Boneheart Flannigan. The tour included dates up into Montana, all through the Northwest and Southwest, and all the way up the East Coast. The pleasure was all mine when it came to recording these tunes. A great mix of good old fashioned story telling, bluegrass pickin', and gently beautiful melodies. 

In Fort Collins, Derek can be seen playing around town, and occasionally running live sound at two local music hotspots, The Swing Station and Avogadro's Number. Additionally, Derek gets together to play with other Little House of Sound artists, Wolf Van Elfmand, and Mike McGraw. Currently, he is recording a solo album in the studio of local legends, Tallgrass. 

Hope you enjoy his tunes as much as I do.

Session Date: 12/21/15

Location: North Etluck Bay, Fort Collins, CO

Meet Wolf Van Elfmand. If you are familiar with the Fort Collins music scene, then you know the name. Wolf is part of local gem Von Stomper in which he can be seen up front playing guitar and singing. Picking guitar for the last 15 years has brought many an adventure to Wolf. He attended the Berkeley School of Music and obtained a degree in performance. After graduation in 2010, Wolf moved to Brooklyn, NY where he recorded his first EP. A quest for further education brought him to Fort Collins, CO where he obtained a masters degree in Music Therapy. Exercising this knowledge, he traveled to India, where he taught English through music and singing songs with children. 

In Fort Collins, Wolf released two solo records under good friend Chad Golda's label, Writing Records. Wolf, Chad, and other friends in the Fort Collins scene have been putting on a monthly songwriter showcase in town called the Black Mountain Ramble for over four years and running. His band, Von Stomper has toured extensively through much of the American West, and just released a new LP all on their own. 

Though the Colorado winter slowly numbs his fingers, Wolf played a few of his newer songs for us and we hope you enjoy!

Session Date: 12/8/15

Location: Banks of the Poudre River, Bellvue, CO

Meet Megan Rice! If you're hip to the music scene in Fort Collins, it's likely you have heard of or seen Megan Rice perform solo, or with one of her bands. Megan grew up in the Denver area of Colorado. She came to Fort Collins years ago to attend Colorado State University. While she always loved music, she has only been performing for the last couple years. Megan started performing at open mic nights in town at a joint called Avogadro's Number. Side note: If you're in Fort Collins and you are a music lover, Avo's is a staple. Megan has her hands in a lot of pots around town, including being a part of two well known Fort Collins bands, Porcelain City, and Shark Dreams (currently recording), in which she plays alongside Little House of Sound artist, Mike McGraw.

Even though we had a few losing battles with the wind during this session, her songs sounded great. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Session Date: 12/7/15

Location: Abandoned Missile Silo, Greeley, CO

Meet John Major Jenkins. John is a man who wears many hats. Among many other things, he is a very accomplished author/poet, a songwriter, and a scholar on Mayan Cosmology. John has published many books on a multitude of subjects, and has been featured in numerous historical documentaries and TV series. Over the years, his studies and research of the ancient Maya have taken him through much of Mexico and Central America.  I was lucky enough to see one of his incredible vintage printing presses, which he was glad to give me a demonstration. What a machine! Through all of these feats, he is nothing but humble. 

John was generous enough to play a few songs and read a few of his poems in front of majestic Longs Peak (which can be seen in the background of this session. Afterwards we enjoyed an array of tasty beers at High Hops brewery/hop farm in Windsor, CO.

Enjoy!

Session Date: 11/24/15

Location: Lower East Valley, Lory State Park, Colorado

Meet Mike McGraw. Mike has been in Fort Collins for ten years, where he plays in local mainstays Mosey West, and Shark Dreams. Outside of these bands, Mike has an excellent catalogue of his own tunes, including songs like "Dancin' Fools" that are sure to get stuck in your head. 

Hope you enjoy!