The Music Distillery
Exploring Americana Music Through Interviews, Reviews & Essays
Written by Carol Roth, Sarah Morris, Doyle Turner, Christine Davis, and other guest contributors
About That Song: Josh Cleveland
In the 112th edition of our special series, Sarah talks to the soulful Minnesota artist about game-changing songs and moments in his songwriting journey and about songs off his new album.
About That Song: Sarah Something
In the 111th edition of our special interview series, Sarah Morris talks to the Twin Cities-based singer-songwriter about game-changing songs and memorable moments in her artistic journey.
Josie Langhorst: Diary of a Minnesota Musician, Chapter 11
This is the 11th in a yearlong monthly series following the experiences and creative journey of a Minnesota musician new to the Twin Cities.
About That Song: Laura Hugo
In the 110th edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to the Twin Cities artist about important points in her musical journey and about some of the songs on her new EP.
Artist Interview: Q&A With Todd Albright
The Detroit artist talks about recording his new album and all things prewar blues.
Blue Ox 2026 in Pictures
The beloved Wisconsin music festival was a feast for all the senses. Here’s what it looked like through the lens of photojournalist Tom Smouse.
The Ins and Outs of Blue Ox
Get to know the iconic Wisconsin music festival through the eyes of attendees, artists and volunteers.
About That Song: Vanessa Lively
In the 109th edition of our special series, Sarah talks to the Austin-based singer-songwriter about songs and experiences that helped shape her artistic journey.
Josie Langhorst: Diary of a Minnesota Musician, Chapter 10
This is the 10th in a yearlong monthly series following the experiences and creative journey of a Minnesota musician new to the Twin Cities.
About That Song: Dan Rodriguez
In the 108th edition of our special series, Sarah talks to the soulful Americana singer-songwriter about songs and moments that helped shape his artistic journey.
About That Song: Lake Davi
In the 107th edition of our special interview series, Sarah talks to the Minnesota singer-songwriter, bandleader and organizer of a Pride-themed country music event about game-changing songs and memorable moments in her artistic journey.
About That Song: Turn Turn Turn
In the 106th edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to the supergroup of Midwest artists about music and experiences that had a big impact on their artistic journeys.
Josie Langhorst: Diary of a Minnesota Musician, Chapter 9
This is the ninth in a yearlong monthly series following the experiences and creative journey of a Minnesota musician new to the Twin Cities.
About That Song: Mike Munson
In the 105th edition of our special series, Sarah talks to the Minnesota songwriter / guitar phenom about the song that inspired him to become a songwriter and other memorable moments in his songwriting journey.
About That Song: Sadie Gustafson-Zook
In the 104th edition of our special series, Sarah talks to the now-Minnesota-based songwriter about her gorgeous new album and songs that had a big impact on her musical journey.
Josie Langhorst: Diary of a Minnesota Musician, Chapter 8
This is the eighth in a yearlong monthly series following the experiences and creative journey of a Minnesota musician new to the Twin Cities.
About That Song: Nick Hensley
In our 103rd edition of this special blog series, Sarah Morris talks to a mainstay of the Twin Cities live music scene about game-changing songs in his development as an artist and champion of other artists.
Virtual Listening Party: Joe Troop & The Truth Machine’s Self-Titled EP
Go on a song-by-song exploration of the new protest-song-focused record from Troop’s newest band.
About That Song: Michaela Anne
In the 102nd edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to the Nashville-based artist about game-changing songs in her creative journey.
Artist Interview: Q&A With Jake La Botz About His New Book
The St. Paul-based blues-Americana artist tells us about his upcoming debut book, Your Place in This World.