Season 5, Episode 2: Recently, Tom sat down with local 17-year old singer-songwriter Josie Hasnik, aka FINICK, who has emerged in the Twin Cities in a variety of circles and venues, earning recognition for her debut album. FINICK has found an audience with her whimsical indie folk sounds that are infused with real-life emotions.

Season 5, Episode 1: For our inaugural Season 5 episode, Tom Smouse met up with Pine & Fire, aka Jobi Adams and Brandi Foster. A folk duo from the north woods of Minnesota, they discussed their unique blend of traditional roots music with modern punk.

Season 4 Amerigrass, Episode 6: Tom met with Zak Norton and Bronson Bergeson, who together make up Poppa Bear Norton, are a country duo from northern Minnesota and one of seven acts appearing at Amerigrass, a one-day festival taking place October 7 at the Hook and Ladder in Minneapolis.

Season 4 Amerigrass, Episode 5: Tom met with Jarah Sullivan and Julian Edoff of Dellwood inside The Hook and Ladder Theater, the site of the inaugural Amerigrass Festival here on October 7th, and one of the 7 bands performing at the festival.

Season 4 Amerigrass, Episode 4: Tom met up with three members of Wild Horses at the Hook and Ladder Theater in Minneapolis to talk songwriting, musical influences, their origin story and more.

Season 4 Amerigrass, Episode 3: For the third episode I met up with Tyler Pautsch of Americana soul supergroup Ty Pow & The Holy North in the Hook and Ladder Theater.

Season 4 Amerigrass, Episode 2: For the second episode I met up with jam-grass band Buffalo Galaxy in the Nokomis neighborhood of South Minneapolis.

Season 4 Amerigrass, Episode 1: Our first guests are an award-winning Americana act and organizers of the festival. Maygen Lacey and Noah Neumann talk about how their unique sound inspired the creation and lineup of this one-day festival.

Season 3, Episode 10

The beauty of local music is the ability to witness new artists grow, and I feel so honored to have an opportunity to follow the rapid and organic development of Molly Brandt, a truly authentic artist finding her voice and place in our community. Nestled in Lowry Hill on one of the coldest evenings of the year, we discuss her burgeoning songwriting skills, experiencing a dream come to fruition by recently opening for the Cactus Blossoms, and how she navigates the Twin Cities music scene through valuable support from other artists. Molly Brandt is a fresh country voice in a city that is ready for the charm, rhinestone sparkle, and genuine love of music.

Season 3, Episode 9

Ellen Stanley, aka Mother Banjo, and Ben Cook-Feltz are such pillars in our music community, both supporting artists through promotion, live shows, and making music accessible to as many people as possible. Seated downstairs in their home, you can feel the passion they carry in songwriting. It’s a tangible experience where they can pull from places in their past, expressing their experiences in visual ways. Ellen and Ben are also both transplants to Minnesota, so memories of their past environments have proven to be an interesting angle from within their “sandboxes.” Their passion for music and musicians is contagious and inspiring.

Season 3, Episode 8

Possibly my favorite beginning to any of our podcast episodes, I walked right into a magical off-the-cuff song about pancakes performed by Geoffrey Lamar Wilson and his young child playing a cardboard guitar. Surrounded by books and photos of his kids, we chatted about that first spark of joy playing music as a child in the family basement with his dad’s band, how his move to New York influenced his songwriting, and how the move back to his childhood neighborhood in Minneapolis was mindfully intentional. A true triple-threat, Lamar is a gifted saxophonist, guitarist, and even writes podcast theme songs. Join us as we discuss Lamar’s intention to stay grounded in his family and neighborhood while infusing mood, vulnerability, and historically weighted conversations within his music.

Season 3, Episode 7

If you close your eyes and listen to Sister Species, you’ll be able to imagine the home of Emily Kastrul – sprawling plants, DIY home improvements, the gentle give of a wood floor, and a trove of local art surrounding the home. Each song connects to the environment, such as how the Mississippi River and Emily’s backyard garden find their way into the lyrics. An emotionally intelligent songwriter, Emily discusses her process and the prominence place holds in her work. Local band Sister Species continues to avoid being placed in a genre box, and they put in the effort to support others willing to create unique, authentic music.

Season 3, Episode 6

Iowan native Tracey Blake is an enigma to country music. His R&B swagger, admiration for Prince, and student of the Minneapolis sound is a combination that doesn’t immediately make you imagine country music. But in that multifaceted skill set comes an authentic voice that feels all his own. We discuss the ironic importance of the Mississippi by his home, along with how he decides where a song can succeed the most. Oftentimes that means sharing a song with another artist to perform. Beneath the performer is a producer's mindset that cares deeply about the creation and sound of the song. Grab a whiskey and enjoy the chat!

Season 3, Episode 5

Walking into Sarah Morris’ bathroom was a surreal experience. The minty green bathroom has been home to so many artists and friends that we had to record the podcast there. Sarah is an avid supporter and angel to our music community with hosting videos all over her home. We discussed her experience living in Nashville and how the move back to Minnesota opened up her songwriting skills. Sarah doesn’t waste the page with unnecessary words in her songs. There is a dedicated purpose, feeling, and message that gets tucked into the measures like a love letter in a mailbox.

Season 3, Episode 4

Tucked underneath the bustle of Turf Club in St. Paul, it’s easy to see why so many people connect to Charlie Parr. Humble, smart, and keen on life, Charlie exudes an aura of approachability and camaraderie. His love for songwriting and the creative process feels simple, but what comes out in the end is a complex wave of emotions and past memories. In this episode, we chat about two of his new songs and how grief for the loss of his father continues to influence his music. And he also shares the legacy of the Spider John guitar he received and the bond he has formed with his own historic guitars

Season 3, Episode 3

Oftentimes I discover a kinship with musicians that align with my own past. Due to his involvement in the music community here in the Twin Cities, I immediately felt that kinship with Max Markin. He runs a music label and actively networks with other local artists as the host of a songwriter showcase series at Palmer’s. Creatively, Max writes intriguing stories for different projects and maintains an openness and respect for art and the creative process. Sitting in the large booths in the quiet nest of Como, Max shared his process for writing, the progression of ideas, and why he chose to move back to the neighborhood after living in New York City.

Season 3, Episode 2

You won’t meet a more dedicated musician and songwriter than Lonesome Dan Kase. He’s a historian of his genre, a pillar in the scene, and the kindest gentleman. Recently, I sat down with Kase to discuss his craft, learn about old-timey music playing styles, where he caught the bug, and how influential his music research seeps into his own writing. In this episode, we present two exclusive live performances recorded in his home. Dan Kase is a noble bearer of the traditions and importance of our past, honoring old-timey blues pickin’ music and introducing new generations to the genre.

Season 3, Episode 1

Having known Josh Cleveland for over 10 years, recording this podcast at his home felt extremely comfortable. His humor, wit, and detail to songwriting is instantly present in our conversation. We dive into his evolution as a songwriter, along with exploring his magic home that carries a history of music creation. There’s heartfelt warmth in the emotions and stories Josh tells in his songs, and his south Minneapolis neighborhood hugs nurtures that passion.

Let us introduce you to an artist that is ready to have a very prosperous 2023.

Season 2, Episode 7

Because environment heavily influences art, there is a clear through-line to his home of Prescott, Wisconsin. Growing up in a small town, feeling connected to the community, and yet wanting to move on and expand your opportunities–there's a part of everyone that can relate to Sam DuBois and his songwriting. Sam’s is an authentic voice that struggles in pursuit of his passions, a struggle many of us can all identify with and root for. I can't wait to check in with him a year from now to hear about the progression of his music, learn about the new community of musicians that support him, and witness a young talent grow into his own talented shoes.

Season 2, Episode 6

My recent visit with Jake La Botz provided yet another strong example of why sitting in an artist's home can uncover deeper and more personal conversations and connections. In this episode, we explore how an artist’s environment can impact the creative process, something he has struggled with during his time living in Rochester. Knowing full well of his trademark wit and humor, he also takes great care in formulating his answers to questions, his insight leaning towards a minimalist, contemplative place. It is in these types of unique shared experiences and intangible variables that make the concept of this podcast shine. Come hang out with me & Jake!