For Songs

If there’s one lesson songwriters learn over and over again, it’s that sometimes you just gotta let go. Sometimes you just gotta let the song work its way out on its own schedule. Just let it go. That’s the trick my next guest leaned on for his band’s latest single. Peter Argyropolous, lead singer and songwriter for LA-based rockers Sons of Silver, joins me to discuss Tell Me This, a classic, 70s-esque punk rocker released in early 2024. In addition to being a great friend of the show, Peter is also a fantastic interview. Coming off the heels of Sons of Silver's blistering 2022 EP Ordinary Sex Appeal, Peter opens up about the difficulties he had in finishing the song, especially its off-kilter lyrics. Peter also goes into detail about the band’s struggles in dealing with new personnel and refurbishing their sound. We cover a bit of everything here—songwriting, guitar tech, and gearing up (hopefully) for a year of touring. So dig in and welcome one of my favorite recurring guests Peter Argyropolous back to For Songs.

If there’s been one constant chronicled on this podcast, it’s that no one knows the future of the music industry. Hell, no one even knows what the next few days are going to be like in the industry. Certainly my next guest, Seattle-based singer/songwriter Ian Jones, is doing all he can to crack the code. Ian is making his third appearance on this show, this time to discuss his latest single, I Can’t Seem to Drink Her Off My Mind (https://open.spotify.com/album/3zkzAlf7arCVfra5MqU5h3?si=_-rhySY6ROm3fdLB9KeIsg). The song is a throwback to Merle Haggard, David Allen Coe, Buck Owens—a true drown-in-your-beer country tune that sounds like it was recorded in Bakersfield 50 or 60 years ago. Interesting, Ian is taking a kitchen-sink approach to marketing the song, as the album it will eventually be on is still being record. Not only that, he released a live version of the song before anyone’s heard the studio version. Will it work? Who knows! And that’s the point—there’s no blueprint, so why the hell not? It’s a fantastic, booze soaked lament that will keep your toes tapping and eyes watering. So sit back and listen in as Ian gives a frank assessment of the industry and how the song came together.

Lest anyone doubt the power of music, I give you the life of Barry Lynch. I met Barry while on vacation in May 2012 at a small pub in the small town of Moy, Northern Ireland, after he led a brilliant Irish session in which he sang and played just about every stringed instrument known to man. I finally brought him onto this show in July 2022 (https://forsongs.fireside.fm/49)to discuss an album he’d just produced by a band called the Armagh Rhymers. Sadly, Barry passed away suddenly in Spring 2023. In this episode, Barry’s daughter Hannah Lynch joins me to discuss her Dad’s life and musical journey. Barry’s belief that music can connect people and change the world took him all over the globe. As a teacher in a divided area of Northern Ireland, Barry used music to bring opposing sides together, an effort that took him to the White House and the United Nations as the Belfast Peace Accords were being negotiated. We discuss a 2013 album he recorded with family (including Hannah and her sister Jane) and lifelong friends John Devlin and others under the nom de plume of The Monday Men (https://www.facebook.com/TheMondayMen/). Join me in learning from Hannah about Barry’s commitment to music, family, peace, and how music can literally change the world.

When we last caught up with Yasmin Williams (https://www.yasminwilliamsmusic.com/), her life was just about to change. It was February 2021, the pandemic was slowly but surely starting to ease, and the DC-based acoustic guitar maestro released her groundbreaking album Urban Driftwood. Full of spellbinding, mesmerizing, uplifting acoustic-guitar driven instrumentals, Urban Driftwood took Yasmin from her parent’s house to all around the globe, playing festivals, selling out clubs, and doing gigs with some of her heroes. It’s been a whirlwind—and two-plus years later, Yasmin is back. In this episode of For Songs Singles, we talk about Yasmin’s latest breathtaking tune Dawning. As hypnotic as anything she’s written, Dawning is a revelation. It signals a re-awakening of life after a catastrophic pandemic, new love, hope, and, well, pretty much whatever you want. Yasmin had help for this one, including Grammy winning singer/songwriter Aoife O’Donovan. Yasmin gushes over Aoife’s magical, soaring vocals and reveals just how much her life is different from just two years ago. So sit back, listen and let the amazing Yasmin Williams take you away.

Thirty years ago, I popped in If I Should Fall From Grace with God by the London-Irish punk band the Pogues, and my life changed forever. I was 17, socially awkward, and a bit of a loner, but discovering the Pogues opened a whole world for me. Finding their brand of traditional Irish music blended with punk rock was like discovering a new home—comfortable yet dangerous, familiar yet mysterious. So it is such a tremendous honor to welcome Pogues founding member and accordion player James Fearnley to For Songs. James, hailing from outside Manchester, England, joined the band at the beginning, enlisted because if he could play the piano, surely he could play the accordion. I spoke with James via Zoom from his L.A. home. We tackle a few obligatory Pogues questions but spend most of our time discussing James’ latest venture, The Walker Roaders (https://walkerroaders.com/). The Walker Roaders, which released their first record in August 2019, are a Celtic punk supergroup, featuring not only James from the Pogues, but Ted Hutt from Flogging Molly and Marc Orrell from the Dropkick Murphys. We talk about the band’s songwriting prowess, lessons James has picked up from being around amazing artists like Shane MacGowan, Jem Finer, Joe Strummer, among others. Yeah, you’re gonna wanna listen to this one. So sit back, grab a pint (or two) and welcome James Fearnley to For Songs.

If you’ve ever felt like there’s just not enough time in the day, that the world is crashing down and you’re feeling more pressure than you can handle, have I got the song for you. In this episode of For Songs Singles, I welcome back Lisset Diaz of the Havana-by-way-of-Nashville-based Sweet Lizzy Project (www.sweetlizzyproject.com). Lisset discusses the band’s dynamite new single, Somebody Wake Me When It’s Over. The song is a musical tour-de-force, a blistering rock opera that jumps out of your speakers right into your heart. Lyrically, the song addresses anxiety and the fear that there’s just not enough time to accomplish your dreams. This is a true rock masterpiece and if there’s any justice in the world, the band’s guitarist and producer Miguel Comas will be the most sought after producer in the country after this single. So sit band and enjoy as Lisset Diaz returns to For Songs.

Sometimes life comes full circle. In this episode of For Songs, I welcome back Louisiana-based singer/songwriter Louis Michot of the traditional Cajun band the Lost Bayou Ramblers. Louis first appeared on the show in Fall 2020, at the height of the pandemic. He didn’t know it at the time but he was in the midst of writing and recording his first solo album. Three years later, Louis has just released Reve du Troubadour, which is Cajun French for Troubadour’s Dream (https://www.louismichot.com/). In this episode, Louis discusses how those eerie first few months of the pandemic resulted in creative output that even surprised him. Although the album is entirely sung in Cajun French, the songs span a much wider range. You’ll hear Lee “Scratch” Perry. You’ll hear the Pogues, you’ll hear classical music. You’ll hear…well, you get the point. In addition the music, you’re also going to learn something. Louis is as much of a historian as he is a musician, and some of his songs will make you uncomfortable. Learning about the past can be difficult, but that’s the point. So sit back and listen as Louis takes us through Reve du Troubadour (https://louismichot.bandcamp.com/album/r-ve-du-troubadour).

The sun is out, life is returning to normal and our favorite bands are back on tour. Not even two years ago this seemed like an impossible dream, as I’ve chronicled on this show. But here we are, in Summer 2023, and things seem, well, pretty good. A new day is dawning. Just ask acclaimed multi-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter Dom Flemons (www.theamericansongster.com), who released his brilliant solo record Traveling Wildfire this past March. Dom joins me for a third time to discuss his new record, and how it signals a new beginning for him and the rest of us. Dom talks about how writing and recording this album was a cathartic experience, to be in the studio again with musicians and producers, and to get back on the road. Traveling Wildfire tracks dozens of emotions from the last few years, from the pain of loss to the joy of normalcy. We also talk about how his interactions with folks like Bob Dylan and James Fearnley of the Pogues influenced a few tracks on the album in particular. As it always is when talking to Dom, you will learn something along the way. So sit back and let Dr. Dom Flemons take you away…

Music, not unlike life, is about the journey rather than the destination. And perhaps no artist I’ve interviewed knows that better than Seattle-based singer/songwriter Ian Jones (https://www.ianjonesmusic.com/). A true song craftsman, Ian knows that getting your big break in the music industry is about luck and being in the right place at the right time. But more than anything, you need killer songs. And while Ian hasn’t quite struck his lucky break, it’s not for a shortage of great tunes. Ian is influenced by the best—Dylan, the Beatles, Jim Messina, you name it. His music would fit at home on Outlaw Country, though he has a soulful voice that recalls John Denver as much as it does Chris Stapleton, or whomever is leading the so-called “Americana” charts. Ian and I chatted about his latest release Results Not Typical. We talk about four songs—Rollin’, Someday, Without You I’m Lost, and Goodbyes are the Hardest Words. We discuss the path he’s chosen, his commitment to break into the business, and the inspirations for these brilliant songs. This is an emotional interview, as we get into some pretty raw memories at times. So sit back, grab a beer, and welcome Ian Jones back to For Songs.

The best thing about music is no matter how old you are, no matter how long you’ve been listening and loving music, you can still hear something that will stop you in your tracks. Which is what happened to me a few months ago when London-based singer/songwriter Emma Noble’s latest single Break Down the Walls jumped out of my Spotify feed. It was an old-school sound with a fresh twist. Or maybe it was a fresh, new vibe with an old-school feel. Whatever it was, I was hooked. Break Down the Walls sounds like it could’ve been recorded yesterday, or 40 years ago on Motown. Emma is a key player in London’s thriving soul scene. Her music draws influences from ‘50s-‘60s soul, ‘70s disco, and ‘80s new wave. But she brings a fresh, crisp modern vocal and melodic perspective. In this episode of For Songs Singles, Emma discusses her musical journey, how her DJ-ing business led to developing relationships with producers and songwriters, and how this genre-bending gem of a pop tune came together. Dig in! And I take no responsibility if you are humming this song for days…

Join me as former Soul Asylum guitarist Dan Murphy makes his long-awaited return not only to this show but to the music industry as a whole! In this episode, Dan talks about his new band the Scarlet Goodbye (https://thescarletgoodbye.com/) and its brand-spanking new debut album Hope’s Eternal. The band is a duo, with Dan being joined by fellow Minneapolis singer/songwriter Jeff Arundel. Dan left Soul Asylum and the music biz about 10 years ago, reappearing every now and again for a one-off Golden Smog show. Dan recounts what led him back to music, how much the industry has changed over the last decade, and how he and Jeff became fast friends during the pandemic to write and record this album. We discuss four songs—Angel Dust, Panic & Blame, Julieann, and Celebrated Summer. Dan talks about how Husker Du—and Bob Mould in particular—influenced and mentored him during Soul Asylum’s early years. We cover a ton of ground in this episode, so sit back, grab a beer, and listen in!

Remember last fall? When indie-rock legend Paleface and his partner/drummer Monica “Mo” Samalot came onto the show to discuss their crowdfunding campaign for their new album? Well you should! And guess what? The campaign was a success and the new album is out! Beyond the Bells was released in mid-February, and man is it fantastic. Drawing inspiration from his entire career, which began in the late 80s and early 90s in New York, Beyond the Bells is a masterclass in production and songwriting. Paleface cut his teeth at open mic nights up and down New York, bonding with folks like Daniel Johnston, Beck, and others. We discuss four songs from the new record—Most of My Worries Never Happen, Fight Song, Selfish Wayz, and The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same. Dig in as we talk about the new album, his influences, and so much more. And then go buy the album here: https://www.palefaceonline.com/!

From New Orleans to “Fakersfield,” Mark Bingham has seen it all. The sought-after producer, songwriter, guitarist, arranger, etc., has literally rubbed elbows with music royalty. Bands like REM, artists like Dr. John, Marianne Faithfull have all called on Mark to produce, arrange, you name it. All the while, Mark wrote his own music and now, he is at the beginning of an ambitious career retrospective project to release the 22 albums he’s written over the last 50-plus years. When we spoke in late November from his New Orleans home, Mark had just released the first two records from this project—Goo Seneck and Mushroom Crowd. Each album couldn’t be more different; Goo Seneck draws inspiration from country rock legends like Buck Owens and Gram Parsons, while Mushroom Crowd is something else entirely. He’s released a few more records since our interview, and you find out more about the project here: https://markbingham.bandcamp.com/. We talk about his approach to songwriting, musical history, and so much more. Dig in here!

If you love music, if music changed your life, if music made you feel things you’ve never felt before, then this is the interview for you. Joining me once again is Lisset Diaz of the Cuban-by-way-of-Nashville-based Sweet Lizzy Project. We discuss the band’s newest and long-awaited album Pirate Radio/Radio Pirata. Simply stated, this is album for the ages. Pirate Radio is a concept album that traces the life and consequences of a fictional character in Cuba who goes to great lengths to listen to rock and roll music. In doing so, this character becomes almost an accidental prophet of sorts and at the end faces a life-or-death decision. While loosely based on their own story, Pirate Radio is, sadly, the story of all too many Cubans. We talk about four songs from the record—Pirate Radio, Black Water, Slip Away, and Shake the Walls. Like the album itself, this is an as emotional, powerful interview. Lisset opens up about the pressures and stresses she felt in writing and recording Pirate Radio, along with the consequences she and her band may face for simply sharing their beliefs. My only hope is that this interview does justice to their cause, so please sit back, buckle up, and welcome Lisset Diaz back to For Songs.

There’s a moment in singer/songwriter Nora O’Connor’s new album My Heart when you realize just how special her talent is. By admission, the Chicago-based musician is more comfortable in the background, singing backup and playing various instruments with such Americana luminaries like Neko Case, the Decembrists, Robbie Fulks, among others. But for the first time in 18(!) years, Nora is back with a solo album—her third—called My Heart, released in early October. And it’s about midway through the fourth song on the album “Cambridge Cold” when you understand why My Heart is such an impeccable listen, and is exactly the kind of music the world needs. Indeed, Nora’s songs make you feel at home, no matter where you are. With a soothing voice reminiscent of Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and Stevie Nicks, Nora has been an in-demand harmony vocalist for two decades, and when she sings you feel like everything is going to be okay. In this episode of For Songs, Nora provides a refreshing take on her music, her career, and how a decade-plus of supporting Neko Case and others made her want to dip back into her own musical well. We discuss about four songs from the album—Sore, Cambridge Cold, the album’s one cover It’s Alright Now, and Fare Thee Well. Nora walks us through how these songs came to be and how performing outdoor shows during the COVID lockdowns unlocked her creative juices. So sit back and listen in as Nora O’Connor joins me for this episode of For Songs!

You think you’ve been productive during COVID? Maybe so, but did you write, record, and release three (that’s right, THREE!!!) albums in two-plus years? No? Well, my next guest did. In fact, folk singer John McCutcheon’s latest album Leap, released in September 2022, is not only his third album since 2020, but his 43rd of his career! John’s love of folk music began as a young teenager watching the 1963 March on Washington; after seeing Bob Dylan, Odetta, Joan Baez, and Peter, Paul, and Mary, he was hooked. He’s been writing and recording folk music since the mid-1970s, and hasn’t looked back. In this episode, we talk about four songs from Leap—The Ride, The Troubles, Sorryland, and Work. We take a deep-dive into his prolific songwriting process, how the material keeps flowing, and how he hopes to stay “useful” as long as possible. Listen in!

As you’ve no doubt heard in listening to this podcast, the music industry is not for the faint of heart. You need nerves of steel, patience, determination, and, at times, a devil-may-care attitude. You also need support, and lots of it, if you hope to make just enough to get by. In this special episode of For Songs, we are joined again by indie-rock legend Paleface and his drummer/partner Monica “Mo” Samalot. Paleface has seen it all, a veteran of the industry since the early 90s. His songwriting chops sharpened by folks like Daniel Johnston and others, PF has rubbed elbows with some of the biggest names in the business, people like Beck and the Avett Brothers. In this episode, PF and Mo discuss the crowdfunding campaign currently underway to support their next release, which is expected to come out in early 2023. We talk about what goes into writing, recording, producing, and releasing an entirely independent record. We discuss how you can play a key role in getting their new album out on the streets by supporting their efforts. And talk about the joy of playing live again after more than a year of being off the road. To make a contribution to their crowdfunding campaign, check out their website here: www.palefaceonline.com.

For me, this episode is 11 years in the making. For my guest Barry Lynch and his group the Armagh Rhymers? We’re talking 30 years. The Armagh Rhymers (https://armaghrhymers.com/), a traditional Irish mummers band from Northern Ireland, released their first album in 1992. So now 30 years later, “Vol. 2” is on the streets and, well, you need to take a seat, grab a pint or two, and listen in. Mumming, for those who don’t know, is an ancient tradition, dating back in Ireland to the pagan, pre-Catholic days. It consists of musicians wearing straw masks, becoming characters, and performing a play based on fables and other rituals dating back thousands of years. They go door-to-door, singing and playing for whomever let them in. So yeah, this one goes back a bit. Barry helped produce and mix the album, as well as playing all kinds of stringed instruments and adding his distinctive vocals. I met Barry more than 11 years ago on a trip to Northern Ireland and we stayed in touch over the years. This is the first time we’ve talked since we met at a pub in the small town called Moy, maybe 45 minutes west of Belfast. Barry is an accomplished musician, having played all over the world and even at the White House in the late 90s, promoting the peace process that ended decades of sectarian strife in Northern Ireland. While this is an ancient artform, the Armagh Rhymers Vol. 2 is at its core about peace; it’s about coming together through music. So go grab that pint (or two) and welcome Barry Lynch to For Songs.

Peter Argyropoulos has a way with words. The lead singer/songwriter of the LA-based hard-rock band Sons of Silver has his finger on the pulse on what’s happening across the country and, indeed, the world. On his band’s debut EP Doomsday Noises, he presaged the pandemic, the social unrest, and the decaying fabric of society that has been our existence the last two years. Now, a year and half later, the band is back with a blistering follow-up EP called Ordinary Sex Appeal. In this five-song set, Peter and the band capture the angst, divisions, and frustrations that seem to be a part of our everyday lives. But there’s also a little hope included, if you listen closely. Peter joins me for the third time to discuss the new EP, when/how it was recorded, the magic of drummer Dave Kruzen’s playing, and much much more. As much as this is a commentary on society, this interview is also a clear love letter to the power of music. So sit back, get on your thinking caps, and welcome Peter Argyropoulos back to For Songs.

There’s something about simplicity and subtlety that sets the best songwriters apart. The simplicity in using the exact, perfect word—and only that word—to describe a feeling in a way that everyone can relate. And the subtlety of taking the listener on an emotional journey with a song that only lasts three minutes. Few artists have attained a mastery of both quite like my next guest, singer/songwriter Ben Vaughn. An exceptionally talented musician, Ben is a persistent writer; indeed, he writes almost every day. The tough part is getting it all down before it goes away. His music may remind you a bit of They Might Be Giants, a little Tom Waits mixed in with some Lou Reed. Ben’s been at it since the early 80s and even scored music for television shows and movies. He’s funny, witty, subtle, and unfailingly polite. We spoke from his California home about his newest album The World of Ben Vaughn, released in May 2022. Listen in as he discusses how he approaches his craft, his inspirations, and four songs from new album—Wayne Fontana Was Wrong, Blind Alley, Asking for a Friend, and New Jersey Rock and Roll. Dig in and welcome Ben Vaughn to For Songs.