Strung Out

Send us Fan Mail Leslie Beukelman grew up in Sandwich, Illinois.  Her parents were musicians and perhaps her drummer mother (who was performing while 8 months pregnant with Lelsie) that instilled the desire to write and make music.   After a degree in jazz performance/jazz studies from Roosevelt University, Beukelman had a choice of a myriad places to bring her many talents.  She chose to stay in...

Send us Fan Mail Kelli Owens Hutton has had it all--and has had it as well.  A musician, once signed to Atlantic Records, Owens Hutton found herself: midlife, middle class, midwestern and in crisis.  Raising a family and wondering what to do with her rock n' roll, she founded MomCore--an exploration of the famous saying "all men lead lives of quiet desperation" but from the perspect...

Send us Fan Mail Kelli Owens Hutton walks the walk.  A Berklee College of Music graduate, she was signed with Atlantic Records for a while, pursuing the rock and roll dream.  Then life stepped in, (as life has a way of doing) and Kelli found herself married, middle-aged, middle class and a mother.   What's a rocker to do?   Find a genre, that's what.  From her experience as both an artis...

Send us Fan Mail Five-time grammy nominee Liam Davis has not only spent his life with some pretty amazing bands, but he has also produced some pretty amazing bands and artists. Furthermore, he has also started teaching on unique techniques for song crafting.  This podcast is a must view/listen for anyone who wants to either learn how to write a song or pick up a few tips on how to make a good song...

Send us Fan Mail Liam Davis is a multi-faceted musician, songwriter, and producer.  The Grammy-nominated musician not only is part of the Chicago band Frisbee, he has his own solo career. songwriting workshops and has been part of such projects as Justin Davis, The Diff, Part-time lovers and Soft Opening. His website is www.liamdavis.com. Support the show We are always grateful to have you listeni...

Send us Fan Mail There are singer-songwriters out there who are so good at making other singer-songwriters look so good that we forget how good they are.  Nora O'Connor is one such singer-songwriter. The folks she has toured and recorded with are a who's-who of Americana music: The Decemberists, Neko Case, and The New Pornographers.  But make no mistake, O'Connor is a singer-songwri...

Send us Fan Mail Nora O'Connor has been a mainstay of the Americana music scene in Chicago, having toured and recorded with The Decemberists, Neko Case, and The New Pornographers, to mention a few.  She is also a prolific songwriter and musician.  Her latest album, "My Heart" goes for the heart with an amazing array of finely crafted tunes.  Nora's voice is honest and moving, h...

Send us Fan Mail Ted Russell Kamp is a sing-songwriter, based in Los Angeles.  He also produces many acts and is a one-man powerhouse in the Americana music scene. In this second interview, Martin talks to Ted about his song crafting, advice for those new to the independent music business and some sage advice about how to keep afloat and your wits about you in one of the most challenging, but rewa...

Send us Fan Mail You can tell a lot about Ted Russell Kamp from his grin.  When he is playing a song or talking about touring, he lights up with a deep joy.  Being an independent artist is not easy calling.  You wear many hats, slog many miles, and suffer setbacks from missing strings to club cancellations.  But those who can show they can take licks and deliver some guitar licks all the same with...

Send us Fan Mail When Nikki O'Neill and Rich Lackowski moved to Chicago, it was so they could live a life as independent musicians in an environment that could literally afford them the creativity.  The creative process is something that depends not only on finances, but having a dedicated work ethic.  It also means having a good band.  Their Chicago band has helped with "Stories I Only...

Send us Fan Mail Nikki O'Neill is calling Chicago her sweet home.  Her bandmate and husband, Rich Lackowski grew up in Chicago but moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music.  There he met O'Neill, who despite her Irish last name, spent a good part of her life in Sweden.  Nikki ended up in Los Angeles, pursuing a goal of being a full-time musician.  Together, O'Neill (lead sin...

Send us Fan Mail Martin continues his interview with Steve Dawson, a singer-songwriter who formed several bands, most notably the alternative country band, Dolly Varden.  Having written scores of songs, Dawson is a wonderful source to ask about songwriting skills he has developed, his work with record labels, on being a success in the working musician world and advice for aspiring musicians on set...

Send us Fan Mail Well-known for the alternative country band Dolly Varden, as well as Stump the Host, Steve Dawson is a lifer when it comes to music.  His family roots in Saskatchewan, Dawson has lived for a time in California and Idaho before heading to Chicago in the late 1980's dragging all that western with him.  There, he found a music scene that embraced his style of writing and perform...

Send us Fan Mail Ernie Hendrickson is a true hard worker, plying his craft with great intensity and attention to detail in both lyrics and guitar playing.  The results are spectacular songs that relate to people on a hopeful, positive level without any indication of insincerity.  Living in the Chicago area, this Rockford native represents some of the amazing songwriting wealth that abounds in the...

Send us Fan Mail For every big name in the business of music, there are thousands of names in the calling of music.  These names are not as well known, but they are the ones that pursue their craft with no illusions about fame or fortune.  They are drawn to it because they know they need to do it.  Their reward is touching souls, channeling the energy in a room and bringing light into a sometimes-...

Send us Fan Mail Part of an ongoing series about the cultural need for respect.  Marcus Gentry, an expert in the field and known as "Dr. Respect" unfolds why these difficult times are due to the erosion of respect.  Join us as we delve into this complex and very urgent topic. Support the show We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links: SU...

Send us Fan Mail We are living in tough times, made worse by a world that has made a lack of respect a virtue.  Caring about others and protecting your boundaries are now paramount when it comes to living free of negativity.  Speaker Marcus Gentry has devoted his life to researching and teaching about the necessity to practice the art of Respect.  Visit www.marcusgentry.com to find out about his s...

Send us Fan Mail Last week on Strung Out, we had part one of the interview of singer-songwriters Naomi Ashley and Jon Williams.  On this episode, we discuss the process of writing songs, influences and stage crafting needed to have a successful performance.  Plus, we feature three songs, one a cover of another Chicago songwriter, Peter Joly. Support the show We are always grateful to have you list...

Send us Fan Mail Naomi Ashley and Jon Williams met over 20 years ago when both were new to the Chicago music scene.  They dated, broke up and went their separate ways for a couple of decades, only to reunite and reignite their romance.  Along with this amazing reunion has been the benefit of working together, now as seasoned, well-respected musicians in the community.   Their latest album, Love Bu...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for another episode of Strung Out with artist, writer, and musician Martin Laurence McCormack. In Episode 235, we dive into part two of our winter camping series with expert Kate Vogel. In this episode, Marty and Kate discuss the nuances of winter camping, including dealing with bathrooms in the wild, essential first aid tips, and how to keep warm during emergencies. Learn...

Send us Fan Mail Join artist, writer, and musician Martin Laurence McCormack in this exciting episode of Strung Out as he teams up with winter camping expert, Kate Vogel. Filmed on a winter location, Marty and Kate delve into the unique and often misunderstood world of winter camping. They discuss the ins and outs of preparing for the cold, from choosing the right gear and understanding how to sta...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Strung Out, host Martin Laurence McCormack sits down with the endearing and compassionate "Ma" Gilmore. Known to fans of the Mr. Marty Show as a nurturing figure and dispenser of wisdom, Ma shares her remarkable life story. From her early days in Tulsa, her adventures teaching in Taiwan, to her journey through acting and singing, Ma's candid refle...

Send us Fan Mail In this compelling episode of Strung Out, host Martin Laurence McCormack is joined by longstanding speaker and educator Marcus Gentry, also known as Dr. Respect. They dive deep into critical conversations about the moral crisis facing society today, focusing on the intricate topic of self-respect and the consequences of living in an increasingly desensitized world. Marcus draws on...

Send us Fan Mail In this insightful episode of Strung Out, host Martin Laurence McCormack engages in a compelling conversation with Marcus Gentry, a renowned performer, actor, and professional speaker known as Dr. Respect. Marcus shares his journey from growing up on the East Coast and in the South to becoming a sought-after motivational speaker. The discussion delves into his family's missio...

Send us Fan Mail In this special holiday edition of Strung Out, host Martin LaOrence McCormack shares a collection of Christmas songs he composed over the years. From the evocative 'Gift of Peace' to the whimsical 'Marvin the Moose Saves Christmas', Marty presents a mix of live performances and heartfelt stories, perfect for getting into the festive spirit. Tune in and enjoy th...