Wheels Off with Rhett Miller

Tim Burgess, frontman for The Charlatans joins Rhett from Manchester to talk about his new solo album Typical Music, how he unexpectedly created an online music community with his now-beloved Twitter Listening Party, and why he still considers himself lucky, even after 33 years of success in the music industry. Tim Burgess is a proper polymath, a hyperactive multi-talent whose long remarkable care...

Kathleen Edwards joins Rhett from Florida to talk about taking time away from music to get “big perspective time”, what she learned about her approach to songwriting from Bryan Adams, and shares the advice she often gives emerging artists.  Edwards released Total Freedom, her fifth studio album, on  August 14th via Dualtone Records. Written and recorded in Canada and Nashville with longtime collab...

This week we have a special episode for you: Rhett on the podcast Too Much Effing Perspective.  Every performer who's ever been on the road has at least one bizarro story that could have been pulled straight from the iconic music mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap. Co-hosts Allen Keller and Alex Hofmann delve deep into their guests’ harrowing, humbling, and hilarious Spinal Tap Moments uncovering un...

Sam Cohen is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer whose credits include albums with Kevin Morby, Curtis Harding, Alexandria Savior, and many others. He’s also the producer of Rhett’s new solo album, The Misfit. Sam joins Rhett to talk about the making of the record and how he approaches his work, helping artists when things get difficult in the studio, and why the secret to success is...

New York-based visual artist Ryan Cronin joins Rhett from Tambacounda, Senegal, where he is developing a collaboration with Tambacounda-based artist Saliou Diop. Ryan discusses how he got started as an artist, the creative process behind his work, and why a combination of patience and persistence leads to success. Later in the episode, Rhett is joined by Saliou Diop and his translator, who discuss...

This week, we’re revisiting an episode with one of our favorite guests from 2021: New Orleans-based artist Ashley Longshore. Ashley recently created the album artwork for Rhett’s forthcoming solo record, The Misfit (used here in the episode graphic). The album drops on September 16, which makes it a perfect time to revisit Ashley's brilliant creative spirit. Pre-order Rhett's new album, The Misfit...

Superstar producer, singer-songwriter, and guitarist Butch Walker joins Rhett from his studio in Nashville to talk about Glenn,  his new album centered around an alter ego who is a rock n roll balladeer. Butch tells Rhett about the moment when he decided to pursue a life in music, what it was like to perform in Atlanta clubs as a high schooler and the ups and downs of pursuing band life in L.A. Bu...

Dave Simonett joins Rhett from Minneapolis to talk about the latest Trampled By Turtles record, which was produced by Jeff Tweedy. Dave explains his writing process, which is dictated by the seasons, the creative exercises he employs to get out of his comfort zone, and the magic that happens when someone is learning a song for the first time. Dave and Rhett discuss the importance of humanity in ar...

Legendary photographer Danny Clinch joins Rhett from his home on the Jersey Shore to share some stories from the early days of his career and the little moments that led to his status as one of the top rock photographers in the world. Danny talks about the growth of his gallery, Transparent Clinch, explains how he developed his distinctive style, and shares the story of shooting Bruce Springsteen...

American Aquarium’s BJ Barham joins Rhett from Philadelphia while on tour to talk about their new record Chicamacomico, and what it feels like to finally be back out on the road. BJ discusses his songwriting process, music as a way to help people through trauma, and how he turns negativity into a creative superpower.  North Carolina alt-country outfit American Aquarium rose to prominence in the la...

Pulitzer-prize winning author Jennifer Egan joins Rhett for an enlightening conversation about writing and making art. Jennifer shares useful insight on how she works, explains why reading aloud helps her understand a story better, and discusses the role that genre plays in her writing. She and Rhett talk about the importance of persistence and why trial and error is a great tool for creativity. J...

Craig Finn is a Minnesota-bred singer/songwriter based in New York City, best known as the singer of The Hold Steady. He joins Rhett to talk about his podcast, That’s How I Remember It, which is about the connection between memory and creativity. Craig and Rhett discuss the inspiration behind the podcast as well as Craig’s songwriting process, the importance of a band’s first record, and why he fe...

Taylor Goldsmith joins Rhett from his home in Pasadena, CA to discuss the making of Dawes’ new album and the challenges of pushing himself and the band artistically to create something new. Taylor explains why he doesn’t adhere to the ‘rules’ of the music business when it comes to songwriting, how he pushes through negativity, and shares the insight he would give to his 21-year old self.   Taylor...

Richard Edwards is a producer, mixologist, and musician who has been making music professionally for over 15 years. In this episode, Richard discusses the many projects he’s working on, including a new album and a book. Richard and Rhett talk about the challenges of being an independent artist, how the marketing and consumption of music has changed and Richard recalls his early ambition to be a di...

Six-time Grammy award winning producer, engineer and mixer Vance Powell joins Rhett to talk about the world of making records, his approach to producing, and how he’s chosen his projects over a 40-year career. Vance shares a few war stories, explains what he means when he says “get your 10,000 hours in”, and why he would tell his 21-year old self to be more musical.   Vance studied electrical engi...

Singer-songwriter, actor, and poet John Doe joins Rhett from Austin, TX to talk about the concept record he just released about the pre-industrial U.S., why he enjoys writing high-stakes tales, and the importance of getting bad songs out of the way early in one’s songwriting career. John also discusses the importance of not sweating the “small stuff,” how gratitude helps him find balance, and the...

Singer-songwriter Jenny O joins Rhett from Los Angeles to talk about her upcoming record, her songwriting process, and the moment she realized her musical power. Jenny and Rhett talk about the importance of taking time when finalizing lyrics, the very real demand for more female musicians, and the complicated variables of social interaction.   Jenny O is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter f...

The godfather of Americana music, Delbert McClinton, joins Rhett from Nashville, TN to discuss his 27th studio album, why writing music still feels great after 60 years, and well-kept secrets about artistic longevity. Delbert shares some advice on songwriting and gives us an insightful look back on his fruitful career in music, while optimistically looking forward to all of the music he’s yet to p...

Singer-songwriter Lauren Calve joins Rhett this week to talk about the making of her debut album, the importance of finding “quiet” in music, and . Lauren tells Rhett about how religion affected her musical development, and shares a story about the moment Nina Simone changed her perception of singing. Lauren Calve is a singer and songwriter from Virginia. While she has found her ground in the soun...

Raymond Pettibon is recognized for his early work created in the midst of the Southern California punk rock scene in the late 1970s-early 80s, most notably his hand drawn concert flyers and logo design for his brother’s band, Black Flag. On this week’s episode of Wheels Off, he joins Rhett to talk about his creating his own place in the art world and the DIY approach that he continues to maintain....

Writer Jillian Medoff joins Rhett to discuss her upcoming book release, balancing her career with the creative obstacles of being a writer, and persevering through adversity. Jillian shares the story behind becoming a writer, and explains why her work is a ‘life-sustaining force’.   Jillian Medoff is the author of four (soon to be 5) acclaimed novels including Hunger Point, which was made into an...

Keyboard wizard Marco Benevento joins Rhett from his newly-renovated studio in Woodstock, NY to talk about his upcoming record. Marco tells Rhett about learning to unlock the artist within, the importance of practicing without taking any shortcuts, and the musical relationship that deepened his understanding of simplicity.   Marco Benevento is a pianist, songwriter, and producer, best known for hi...

Singer-songwriter Michaela Anne joins Rhett from her home in Nashville, TN to talk about her new record, converting lyrics into children’s books, and why being a new mother doesn’t give her the time or energy to feed into negativity. Michaela explains how she found her lane,, and why you don’t need to fit into the country music mold to be a country musician.   Michaela Anne is a singer-songwriter...

Eric Pulido, front man for indie rock pioneers Midlake, joins Rhett on this episode to talk about celebrating failure, finding balance while grappling with ambition, and recognizing the moment when you have to take a leap of faith. Eric tells Rhett about the inspiration behind their song Bethel Woods, and shares the advice he would give to his younger self. Indie Folk Rock pioneers Midlake formed...

Walter Martin is a multi-award-winning songwriter first known for his work with New York rock 'n' roll bands The Walkmen and Jonathan Fire*Eater. In this episode, Walt joins Rhett to talk about his prolific and varied songwriting career, the importance of separating art and commerce, and the creative freedom he enjoys as an independent artist.   In 2014 Martin launched a solo career and has subseq...