The Working Songwriter

Ian Felice, the songwriting force behind this mainstay of American roots music, joins the show to talk about his writing process and his years on the road with Bright Eyes, Justin Townes Earle, and many others.

The Grammy-nominated journeyman talks about cutting his teeth in Atlanta blues clubs and his method of songwriting that follows the song wherever it goes.

This legendary folk songwriter stops by the show to discuss her techniques for sculpting melody, structuring the bridge of a song, and navigating the ever-shifting sands of the music business.

The folk music legend stops by the program to reflect on his 50 year career in music.

This chart-topping songwriter returns to the show to discuss his new Silent Desert Studio, producing albums for other artists, and trying to capture a creative moment the first time that it happens.

This Grammy winning songwriter reflects on his years of collaboration with Elvis Costello, Ralph Stanley, and Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter.

This Grammy winning songwriter, singer, and producer reflects on her years making music with her father Levon Helm and carrying on with her own solo career.

This Grammy-nominated songwriter talks about mid-career shift to music, writing songs with wounded veterans, and teaching younger songwriters to find their voice.

Chris Carrabba, the auteur behind this legendary emo band, discusses the twists and turns of a career that has included Gold records, MTV music awards, and truly devoted fanbase.

After many years in celebrated roots music groups such as Po' Girl, Birds of Chicago, and Our Native Daughters, this songwriter has released a critically acclaimed debut album under her own name.

This native of Tupelo MS talks his early years as a boxer, signing to A&M records in the late 1990s, and touring with legendary artists such as Sting and John Prine.

This pillar of American indie rock for the last three decades stops by the show to talk about founding his iconic bands, one of his single's unexpectedly going to the top of the Billboard charts, and his lo-fi recording techniques.

This Texas native has spent much of his career in the liner notes of other artists' albums as a songwriter, having penned songs for Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert, Midland and many more.  Now he's back with a renewed focus on his own career as an artist.

This writer of idiosyncratic American folk has toured with Levon Helm, Bon Iver, and My Morning Jacket.  He stops by the show to talk about his years on the road and his creative process in the studio.

This auteur of what has been called "murderfolk" music, discusses the origins of his dark musical tone and building an audience through relentless touring.

The namesake of this Mexo-Americana inspired outfit joins the show to talk about traveling to Mexico to learn about their folk music culture and building a touring and recording business over the last decade.

Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent make up this Charleston SC duo who are perennially at the vanguard of roots music.

The Ozarks raised troubadour discusses his early success in Europe, moving to the Texas Hill Country, and the advantages of working in your own studio.

This troubadour who originally hails from Wisconsin has played with Roseanne Cash, John Hiatt, Guy Clark and many others.  He's built a following the old-fashioned way, great records and hard touring.

Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount are the married couple that make up this critically acclaimed band, they've shared the stage with Elvis Costello, John Prine, and Al Green among many others.

Musician and author Matthew Chaim joins us to discuss the opportunities that Web 3.0 will offer songwriters and artists in the digital realm.

This phenom from Oklahoma talks about his early years playing music the Pentecostal church and recording his latest album with indie-rock stalwart John Agnello.

This founding member of the critically celebrated group Big Thief steps into the spotlight with his latest solo effort and stops by the show to talk about his musical journey.

The Semisonic frontman and writer of Adele's hit "Someone Like You" stops by the show to tell the stories behind composing his hits on our 100th episode special.

This troubadour from Louisiana found his commercial success in music later in life; he reflects on the journey that brought him to that peak.