Interviews and Features on Indie Blues Artists
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an interview with David G Smith! “I’m a songwriter first and foremost. I like to think I write with intention tempered with abandon. Let the song say what it wants to say. It’s that simple. It’s that hard.” Raised in a musical family in northeastern Iowa, David G Smith […]
HOME PAGE Making A Scene Presents an Interview with Cheyenne James! Cheyenne James is a young, multi-faceted entertainer with a deep passion for blues music. She began singing on stages all-across Texas at a very young age and has continued to fuel her passion for music and performing in adulthood. Among her many other stage […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene presents an interview with Lauren Anderson! Lauren Anderson had recently returned home from a trip to Los Angeles — a trip involving meetings with music industry executives, vocal rehearsals, record contracts, and ultimately a whole lot of empty promises — when she began writing songs for her third EP, Won’t […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with J.P. Reali A veteran of the DC music scene, J.P. has evolved from his early days as lead guitar for the psychedelic blues band The Next Step, to half of the acoustic blues/roots duo The Reali Brothers in the 90’s, to his current solo career. While J.P.’s repertoire is steeped […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an interview with Michael Lee! It’s not often that blues breaks the internet. But after six million-plus YouTube views for his jaw-dropping rendition of the B.B. King classic, “The Thrill is Gone”, an unforgettable highlight from the popular TV show, The Voice, it’s no wonder that Michael Lee has […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Adam Holt! Muddy Waters once said, “The blues had a baby, and they named the baby rock n’ roll.” Well if Muddy Waters and Tom Petty had a baby, they’d name the baby Adam Holt. And with an array of Gibson guitars, an old Ampex tape machine, and an unassuming […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Mindi Abair! One of the most recognized and sought-after saxophonists/vocalists, two-time GRAMMY nominee Mindi Abair has been electrifying audiences with her dynamic live performances and utter command of the saxophone since her debut album in 2000. No one since Junior Walker has brought saxophone and vocals […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Larry Griffith! Larry Griffith has been on a musical and geographic journey southward, and his fifth album, Bonafide, is the next step. Like any good blues, it was born of some hardship. Larry recorded it while going through a breakup, and had to halt production for […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents and Interview with Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown! Savoy Brown was formed by guitarist Kim Simmonds in 1965 in London, England. Simmonds has been the group’s guiding hand from the first singles released in 1966 through the band’s newest effort, their fortieth album, to be released in 2019. Energetic […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents An Interview with Meg Williams! Meg Williams performs frequently at venues across the country with her band, Meg Williams Band, as a solo/duo act, and as a guitarist for other artists. She recently competed in the 2019 International Blues Challenge (Memphis, TN), representing the Kentucky Blues Society, and was […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Grady Champion! Mississippi-based, Grammy Award-winning songwriter, entertainer/musician, Grady Champion has been captivating audiences for more than two decades. The singer/harp player/guitarist/songwriter/producer signed to Malaco Records, headquartered in nearby Jackson, MS, in 2013; his first full-length release with the legendary blues label was released the following year. […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Ross Osteen! With a voice that summons the guttural howls of John Fogerty, and guitar work that ranges from the front porch to outer space, Ross Osteen joins the powerful blues/rock scene of the deep south. The songwriter was born in western North Carolina placed in […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Jon Gindick Guitar and harmonica king Jon Gindick has long been known as one of the most exciting harmonica players and teachers on the international scene. His books on playing blues harmonica have sold over a million copies and have inspired tens of thousands to play […]
HOME PAGE Making A Scene Presents an Interview with Michele D’Amour! Michele D’Amour is a born storyteller and award-winning songwriter who penned her first song at the age of six and became a published poet in her early twenties. Her lyrics treat difficult topics with a sense of soulful whimsy and wry humor. Michele sang in her […]
HOME PAGE Olson-Wolfe HOME PAGE Carla Olson HOME PAGE Todd Wolfe Carla Olson Todd Wolfe Making a Scene Presents an interview with Carla Olson and Todd Wolfe! Olson-Wolfe “Live Unplugged” features acclaimed songwriter/producer/guitarist Carla Olson (Textones, Gene Clark, Mick Taylor) and iconic guitarist/songwriter Todd Wolfe (Sheryl Crow, Leslie West). This classic duo will be […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Interviews Kelly Zirbes of “Kelly’s Lot”! Kelly’s Lot was formed in 1994 by Kelly Zirbes, a folk singer/songwriter with a heart for the blues. With 14 CDs and lots of touring in the USA and Europe, the band will celebrate 25 years since the first night the band hit the […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Albert Castiglia! As most artists will attest, the most unexpected circumstance can spark artistic inspiration. That’s a fact that hasn’t been lost on singer, songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire Albert Castiglia. With his latest album, the aptly named Masterpiece, he celebrates an unforeseen triumph — a connection […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an interview with John Clifton! As a co-founder (w/ brother Bill Clifton) of Fresno’s The MoFo Party Band, John Clifton has solidified himself as one of Central California’s most in demand Blues frontmen since he started in the late ’80’s. His from the gut vocal and harmonica presence and high […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Ellis Mano Band! To use a label such as “Supergroup“, especially in the rather small European Blues/Rockmusic scene is indeed something to be carefully chewed over. But, in the case of a certain blues formation that goes by the name of “Ellis Mano Band” it’s a […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an interview with Ty Taylor of Vintage Trouble! Greatness begets greatness. The more time you spend around perfection, the more it rubs off on you… Since forming in 2010, Vintage Trouble have quietly become rock ‘n’ roll’s best kept secret anointed by its very gods on international tours in […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Luca Kiella! Luca Kiella’s story is filled with escape, looking for a true inner self, and of course a lot of music. Kiella (Luca Chiellini’s childhood nickname, now officially his stage name) is proud of his Italian origins, but blues, funk and soul music called […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Terry Robb Terry Robb is one of the top acoustic blues guitarists of our time. His signature fingerpicking style has earned him international acclaim from worldwide audiences, music critics and his distinguished peers. Incorporating elements from Delta blues, ragtime, country, swing and jazz, Robb has built […]
HOME PAGE Making A Scene Presents an Interview with Taylor Scott! Taylor Scott is an international touring guitarist and singer/songwriter based in Denver, Colorado. He has consistently toured all over the US, Canada, and Europe with both the Taylor Scott Band and trance-blues legend Otis Taylor. In 2015, he played alongside the likes of Warren […]
HOME PAGE Making A Scene Presents an Interview with Kenny Parker! Parker’s blues education began with the Beatles in the early 1960s, but it wasn’t long before he discovered the roots of their music. Parker grew up in Albion, Michigan and began playing in his first band, the Esquires, at 14. He discovered Albert King […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Eric Jerardi! Eric Jerardi began his musical career with winning a battle of the bands contest in 1989 at Ohio University. Two years later, Jerardi won another contest at OU, which secured a spot on MTV as the Midwest’s Best Unsigned College Band. Over the years, […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Brandon Santini There are many different opinions as to what the future of the blues harmonica will be. International touring vocalist and harmonica player Brandon Santini is undeniably a worthy player to keep an eye on as the latest surge of young blues artists leave their […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Big Daddy Wilson! Big Daddy Wilson was born more than 50 years ago in a small town called Edenton, North Carolina. The population of Edenton counts less than 6000, 55% African Americans, 25% below the poverty line. “We were very poor but I had a very beautiful […]
Home Page Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Josh Hyde! Born in Baton Rouge, Josh Hyde was barely seven years old when his family moved to New Orleans for a time. By that time, he had also already written his first song. At 11 years old, Hyde penned “Mississippi Bridge,” a deeply personal highlight […]
HOME PAGE Making A Scene Presents an Interview with Tim Gartland! Seeing Muddy Waters in concert in his home state of Ohio at age 14 proved to be a life changing experience that would inspire Tim Gartland to pick up the harmonica and begin his musical journey. He soon began playing in bands and learning the […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Nick Schnebelen! One of the first things you discover about Nick Schnebelen is his commitment to his music. He does not tippy-toe or wade in; he plunges right into the deep end. Forceful and determined succinctly describe Nick’s approach to guitar-playing and singing. That’s always been […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene presents an interview with Gina Coleman of Misty Blues Misty Blue was a finalist in the International Blues Challenge in 2018! Gina is a graduate of Williams College. She began singing in 1990 on a dare by her co-workers and hasn’t turned back since. She began performing in a duet, […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Elles Bailey! Written by Paul Sexton, They say you get a lifetime to write your first album, and the blink of an eye to make your second. Elles Bailey wins either way, which is why she’s ready to follow the widespread success of Wildfire with the […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene presents an interview with Kenny Beedy Eyes Smith! Kenny Smith was unquestionably born into blues royalty. He grew up in the same house where Muddy Waters once lived in Chicago, the home of the blues. Throughout his childhood, Kenny was surrounded by Muddy and his friends, which included his own […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Glen Clark! Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Glen Clark (keyboards, guitar, vocals) studied music at North Texas State University. He moved to L.A. in the seventies where he co-founded the seminal southern roots rock group “Delbert and Glen” with Delbert McClinton. Delbert and Glen recorded two albums for […]
Home Page Making A Scene Presents an Interview with Jackie Venson! Venson’s “…astonishing mix of raw soul, superb musicianship and laid back grace…” (Austin American Statesman) has been compared to the likes of Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse and fellow Austin native Gary Clark, Jr. Originally a classical pianist, Jackie picked up the guitar, shortly after […]
FACEBOOK PAGE Making A Scene Presents an Interview with Mary Lane! At 82, Mary Lane is one of the last legendary Blues musicians that made the Great Migration from America’s south. Although Mary is widely respected in Chicago, she has never gotten the wider recognition she deserves. A longtime staple of Chicago’s West Side Blues […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Paul Nelson “Blues Explorer”! Song crafter, blues explorer, mystery muser Paul Nelson brings the music home with his new album, Over Under Through due in January 2019 via CD Baby. Traveling through a landscape of blues, roots, and folk, Paul delivers a musical experience that captures […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Shane Dwight! Critically acclaimed Indie blues maverick, Shane Dwight, will pull you into his house by the ear after the first chord of No One Loves Me Better out on Red Parlor Records out on April 5, 2019. This esteemed independent label has long been a champion […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents An Interview with Rick Vito! Few musicians in recent decades can claim the caliber of credits held by Grammy-nominated guitarist, Rick Vito. Perhaps best known as a member of the legendary supergroup Fleetwood Mac (1987-1991), Rick brought back the roots and blues quality once found in the band’s original […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with the Vegas Strip Kings! An eclectic americana sound from Las Vegas, Nevada. The talent and synergy of the five highly accomplished musicians create an awesome experience wiith their unique mixture of influences and instrumentation they have crafted a lively and distinctive mixture of blues, Americana, rockabilly, and […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Tiffany Pollack! Tiffany Ann Pollack was born and raised in the musical mecca of New Orleans, where she began singing as soon as she could talk. Although never receiving formal training, countless hours of her childhood and teens were spent at her parents’ old 70’s organ and […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an interview with Ally Venable! There’s something about Texas. Open up the history books and you’ll find the Lone Star State at the eye of every rock ‘n’ roll storm. Pull up a stool in any bar-room and you’ll still hear Southern gentlemen spin stories of ZZ Top, Johnny […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Susan Williams of the Wright Groove Band! This Chicago-based group brings their combined experience and the use of TWO basses to the stage to wow audiences with their unique funky approach to the blues. They went to Memphis in January 2018 to compete in the International […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Eryn! Eryn has developed a reputation as one of the premier up and coming voices on the scene today. Originally from MD and now living in NJ, Eryn’s style is heavily influenced by the musical traditions of the south. Her respect for the traditions of […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an interview with Layla Zoe! Give Layla Zoe a stage and she’ll show you magic. In a world of choreography and autotune, this is one performer who does it the old-fashioned way, digging deep, summoning a smoke-and-whisky vocal, leaving it all on the stage and sending breathless fans out […]
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Big Al! Big Al and The Heavyweights began in 1992 as the Unknown Blues Band with founding members Warren Haynes and Al Lauro. The two met performing in country outlaw, David Allan Coe’s Band. They quickly found a common interest; their love of music, especially the […]
HOME PAGE Texas born Caron “Sugaray” Rayford began his musical career at the age of 7 singing & playing drums in church, and his gospel influence can be heard and felt in his music. Rayford’s phrasing is intimate and conversational and the soulful gravel in his voice hints at his firsthand experience with hardship. HARD […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE Peter Rogan is a guitarist/songwriter living outside the Philadelphia area near Reading, Pa. Peter’s music is a blend of Americana, blues, funk, and jazz. He is currently producing his first full length CD for release in mid 2018. He is also a two-time finalist in the Great American Song Contest in 2014 and 2016. And […]
HOME PAGE Making A Scene Presents an Interview with Katarina Pejak! Katarina Pejak is a singer/songwriter and piano player who combines genres of the American roots music, filtering them through her Balkan descent and a classical musical training. Inspired by Tom Waits, Bessie Smith, Norah Jones, Otis Spann and many other artists whose music she […]
HOME PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE SOUNDCLOUD YOUTUBE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Khalif “Wailin’” Walter! Khalif “Wailin’ ” Walter without a doubt belongs to the the new generation of Blues players coming from the Windy City and contributing to it’s rich legacy of Chicago Blues. This definitely ain’t your grandaddy’s Blues though. Khalif’s music, […]