COUNTRY/FOLK

"Get Back Train is a song as old as sound itself (at least, recorded filaments): the age of steam power in full effect at the dawn of sound-capturing technology. And so it should come as no surprise that those earliest blues hold that sound in memory. The train is a symbol & as sonics, as a lover’s lament and & pains of distance —the sound of something coming around the bend — or maybe, the sound of someone coming home again. We recorded this song in the dark — the band isolated to emphasize the night around us, just like listening to those distant trains. Listen to Seth Barden's pulsing bass line, Joseph Yount's churning snare, and Eric Burns' rolling guitar, and you'll hear steel wheels & low rumbles, the trackbed for licks of voice & slide guitar."

"Someone To Hold Me is about Barbie, the woman who helped Lucas' grandmother stay at home in her final years. Barbie was a troubled soul with a heart full of love and longing. Though her own worst enemy at times, her songs and poetry and carved canes speak to her depth. With words like "men came to her and through her" it's no wonder Lucas Pasley is enjoying support for his incredibly heartfelt work."

"This is a comedy song topical to New York City in the vein of Weird Al or Flight of the Concords. Stephen Webber is an Emmy-winning composer, Grammy-nominated producer, musician, author, speaker, and a leading innovator in music and the performing arts."

Drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Bob Dylan and The Band, The Rotor Delta infuses their music with a timeless Americana vibe. "The Boys from Waterloo" weaves together influences from the artist's personal experiences and musical journey, creating a melodic tapestry that resonates with listeners. With a production process steeped in memories and reflection, this single stands as a testament to over three decades of musical dedication and the enduring power of friendship in the artist's life.

"Reflection and gratitude knock on our doors once again, this time with the help of Dean Carter's latest album 'Wheel of the Year'."

INTERVIEW WITH THE IMMACULATE CROWS

(•)> Cru cru, what first got you into music?

Probably the Beatles. They were talented musicians and very popular. They also had a great sense of humor.

(•)> What or who is your inspiration to create music?

I respect and love many artists and many genres of music. Some of the first artists that inspired me were The Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Their second album 'East-West' had two incredible instrumentals. The Blues Project was another(their Live at the Cafe Au Go Go)was pretty exciting. The Yardbirds were a huge influence as they had Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page playing guitar for them at different times. The Jefferson Airplane and Bob Dylan were also very inspiring and locally there was a Brisbane band called The Purple Hearts that had a guitarist called Lobby Lyde who was regarded as Australia's first guitar hero. Both my father and older brother helped also. Dad loved Jazz and my brother was always turning me onto new Rock artists.

(•)> What's your most controversial music opinion?

I don't think I have any but I write controversial songs occasionally such as Dingo which I wrote, performed, and recorded in 1982 which was inspired by a baby that a Dingo killed. I also wrote Dolly which was inspired by a youth suicide and For Hannah which was about a particularly brutal domestic violence incident where the mother and children were locked in their car and set alight. Finally, I wrote a song called Anti-Vaxxer about conspiracy theorists which has offended a few Anti-Vaxxers.

(•)> Will you tell us something embarrassing about you?

I am probably one of the few people left in the world that gets breakfast in bed from my lovely wife Carolyn who is also our producer.

(•)> How is your perfect day?

I don't know if I have ever had a perfect day but there have been a lot of nice ones and others I would rather forget.

(•)> What memorable responses have you had to your work so far?

I have had some good reviews and I have had some good feedback from some radio presenters as well.

(•)> Do you see yourself as a music nerd?

I guess so. I have many Spotify playlists and spend a lot of time working on them.

(•)> What album do you replay the most?

I listen to so much different music that I don't fixate on any one artist or album. There is so much good music out there.

(•)> What's your favorite movie?

Babes in Toyland starring Laurel and Hardy. This is pretty old and I don't know if it still exists but it was very absurd and funny.

(•)> Can you remember any jazz records in your dad's collection? If yes, what were your favorites?

Memphis Underground by Herbie Mann. This featured some amazing guitars from Sonny Sharrock and Larry Coryell. Jimmy and Wes: The Dynamic Duo (which featured Wes Montgomery on guitar and Jimmy Smith on organ. Put On A Happy Face by the Oscar Peterson trio. He also had an amazing album by a Surf Rock band called The Crossfires that had some great solos and plenty of Fuzz guitar. I cannot remember what it was called now(possibly Guitars In Motion?).

(•)> What release would you recommend me from the Yardbirds?

The album is just called The Yardbirds although some people refer to it as Roger The Engineer. It featured some great guitar work from Jeff Beck.

(•)> Do you agree with the Pigeon?

I am not sure what you mean exactly but I am sure I would agree with you about some things and maybe not others. Lol

INTERVIEW WITH CALAMITY JAY

"Sea and sky, freedom and loneliness and the personification of the wanderer/pirate are metaphors for the decision not to submit to society's idea of how a person should define their existence. It is a greeting to the universe that seems to have a plan for us, an invitation to dream and a joyful hymn to freedom that makes us reconsider the true values of our lives that inspire or animate us."

(•)> cru cru, what first got you into music?

Rahel & JayC: Hello Pigeon! As we're a songwriting duo, Rahel (vocals) and I'm JayC (all guitars) with a backing band, if you agree, we'll give you an answer from each of us.

Rahel : Definitely my mother, always singing with her children before going to bed; this put us in a good mood, with pictures in our children heads and hearts ready to dream our next adventure. And it was also a daily routine to be together with the family”.

JayC : When I was eleven, I listened to a record called “Deep Purple in Rock” at a friend's house. The sound of the guitars on that album literally blew me away. That day, although I didn't know it at the time, changed my life.

(•)> Rahel, can you remember any of the lullabies your mother used to sing to put you asleep?

Rahel : No real lullabies, actually, we sang together for example “Die Gedanken sind frei” and “Es waren zwei Königskinder“ from August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben but also traditional folk songs like “Muss i denn zum Städele hinaus“ also known as “Wooden heart” from Elvis Presley.”

(•)> JayC, When I dove through their discography, I enjoyed "Machine Head" and "Made In Japan" the most, but "Deep Purple In Rock" was also a blast and the album cover is no less that iconic!!! Are you still a fan? Have you ever seen Deep Purple live? What's their magnum opus?

JayC : Yes, I like those records too. I've seen the band several times with different line-up on stage. But really, my favorite song and album is Perfect Stranger.

(•)> Rahel. will you tell us something embarrassing about you?

Rahel : No, I’m definitely just embarrassingly perfect.

(•)> JayC, besides Deep Purple, what other rock bands mean the world to you?

JayC: There are many bands to mention, but my latest favourite is definitely "Greta Van Fleet".

(•)> What are your thoughts on "Encores" (the ultimate song after a gig)?

Rahel & JayC: That is one of the most valorizing reactions from your audience and gives to the band the opportunity to close the concert together in a festive and informal atmosphere. I often wonder why people leave a really good concert or show almost before the final end, sorry, this is a lack of respect for the artist’s work.

(•)> What's the setlist when you're performing in the shower?

Rahel: Performing under the shower? All songs that just came into my mind in a blubbering underwater version.

JayC: In the shower ? All of our songs that I have to work on ... Lol

INTERVIEW WITH MELISSA ENGLEMAN

"Recorded at Plaid Dog Studios in Boston, MA, with additional vocals at Craftsman Recording in Austin, TX the EP showcases Melissa's sincere, heart-wrenching vocals and introspective songwriting. From the twangy ballad "For As Long As My Heart Would Let Me" to the 90s-inspired "Say Goodbye," each track on the EP invites listeners on a cathartic journey of self-acceptance and empowerment. Despite facing challenges like a cancer diagnosis and pandemic-related delays, Melissa has persevered, delivering a collection of songs that are both haunting and healing. Melissa Engleman, who after a twenty-year love affair with the Austin music scene is now in Lockhart, Texas. She is a singer-songwriter who seamlessly blends vulnerability with toughness and brilliantly fuses singer-songwriter folk with alt-country and whispers of the blues. With influences ranging from Willie Nelson to Tori Amos, Melissa's music delves into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery."

(•)> Cru cru Melissa Engleman, what first got you into music?

It was a part of me ever since I can remember. I wrote poems and melodies since I was kid. Then after that I was in choir and orchestra.

(•)> Who is your favorite poet and what inspires you the most when writing new songs?

Mary Oliver is a wonderful poet. Im inspired by so many things in life. Ideas for songs can come from anywhere!

(•)> What instrument did you play in the orchestra? What song was your favorite to perform?

I played cello! We sang a song in French in choir in high school and I loved that. It was called Il et bel et bon.

(•)> "What was "Il et bel et bon" about?

I don't remember really. I think some of the lyrics translate to he is so so so handsome. (after googling) It's 2 women gossiping about their husbands!

(•)> Who delivered your favorite all-time performance on the cello? What album that features the cello heavily would you recommend to me?

My friend gumB plays cello and I would recommend checking out his music.

INTERVIEW WITH LISA CURRAN

1. Hey Lisa, super nice to have the chance to chat with you! First and foremost what got you into music?

I grew up in a musical family, I’ve been singing longer than I’ve been speaking!

2. Do you have a mentor or coach?

Not necessarily, I’ve just always been heavily influenced by the creatives around me and they all drive me in different ways!

3. What’s your favorite discography and why?

I’m one of those annoying people that like everything! I love Benny Goodman, Peggy lee, traditional Irish songs, opera, Regina Spector, Amanda Palmer all the way to blink 182!

4. What’s your favorite artist from the 50’s?

Definitely Peggy lee! She just went for it with all her ideas and really pushed the stylisation of her vocals!

5. What makes you the happiest?

Honestly being happy to me is when I feel like I can do something for other people and they appreciate who I am and what I can bring to the world.

6. How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?

I’m very lucky that music so important to all those around me so we support each other when we can!

7. What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

’m a vocal coach and a mom!

8. What’s your favorite movie?

I’m a"Pretty Woman" gal! I love "Singing in the Rain" too!!

9. Do you think that technology is improving lives?

I really do, my son has autism and it has really really helped him socializing! For music it has made the world a lot smaller and more accessible!

10. Do you often agree with The Pigeon?

Of course!!!

1. Hey Frank, super nice to have the chance to chat with you! First and foremost what got you into music?

Good to meet you too! There wasn’t that much music at home, so it wasn’t until I started listening to music with friends that it sort of exploded for me. Then when I was about 14 my friends and I set up a sound system and it turned out we were pretty good at getting a room jumping. I ended up as the DJ and music just kind of took over from then on.

2. What are you most proud of?

I’d have to say the release of my debut album, Sense Life. It’s been a long time in the making and I’m super proud of the way it’s turned out as a complete piece of work.

3. Who would you most like to collaborate with?

That’s easy. Stevie Wonder! Who wouldn’t? Prince or David Bowie would have been cool. And I’ve always had a soft spot for Paddy McAloon of Prefab Sprout. All of them in the realms of fantasy, one way or another, of course.

4. What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

My first job was as a baker so probably that.

5. What’s the best decade for music?

I have a thing for the 80s. You're supposed to say the 60s I guess, but every time I hear an 80s track it turns my head, so I guess that must mean something.

6. What’s your favorite album from the 2010’s?

There’s lots to choose from but the one comes to mind is Random Access Memories. I like the feel of it as a complete work. You’ve got Get Lucky as well as Touch and there’s a narrative that holds it together. That’s not a guilty pleasure by the way. I don’t believe in such things. If it’s a musical pleasure, there’s no need to feel guilty.

7. What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

That it can bring out your passion. Music affects us much more deeply than seems reasonable. All emotions can be provoked and that’s a beautiful thing.

8. What memorable responses have you had to your work?

I’m so happy that there’s a quite few to choose from. Take your pick form the review (below) but I’m terribly flattered by being likened vocally to George Michael. And one reviewer said that they thought I’d clearly done my ‘10,000 hours’, which made me feel quite warm.

“A timeless universe of melodic pop” - Rock Era Magazine

“So hooky and addictive it's crazy” - Sound Won’t Stop

“Beautiful and timeless” - Pop Magazine

“Sophisticated, opinionated, and authentic” - Making a Scene

“emotion and quality songwriting throughout” - Obscure Sound

“Beautiful and captivating” - The Sounds Won’t Stop

9. What is your creative process like?

It usually starts with a guitar, some chords and a lyric/melody thing that just pops into my head. Then the real work has to begin. And for me, it needs to be a complete song before the production begins.

10. How do you structure your day?

With a list. Lists are the secret to life. If you’re disciplined with your lists, you tend to have less regrets

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