Martin Johnson

Interview: Tom Paxton, Cathy Fink, and Marcy Marxer on new songbooks and ongoing activism

September 27, 2022 Martin Johnson 0

Keeping Burl Ives, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger’s inspiration alive. Tom Paxton has helped to define what is generally understood to be meant by the term folksinger via a career that started in Greenwich Village with […]

Anthony D’Amato “At First There Was Nothing”

September 22, 2022 Martin Johnson 0

New Jersey may be a fundamental influence, but Utah has added a fine refresh. Anthony D’Amato has finally released his first full-time album in 6 years, ‘At First There Was Nothing’, though in the intervening period […]

Interview: Derek Hoke on keeping americana fresh with ‘70s and ‘80s keyboard sounds

September 15, 2022 Martin Johnson 0

Learning stagecraft from Ricky Skaggs and channeling Muddy Waters, Tony Rice, Buddy Holly, and the early Beatles. Derek Hoke has released a steady stream of well-crafted albums that while receiving critical recognition, haven’t managed to do […]

Interview: Simeon Hammond Dallas on developing an independent roots music career

September 13, 2022 Martin Johnson 2

Jeff Beck’s open guitar sound has influenced the eclectic approach of this Camden Town based singer-songwriter. Camden Town originally was a transport and industrial centre of Greater London but it has subsequently transitioned to an arts […]

Interview: Freedy Johnston on his basic urge to write songs

September 7, 2022 Martin Johnson 0

Don’t tweet and get your music from the radio. It can be hard sometimes to explain exactly what a singer-songwriter does and what the dynamics are around the creative process. Freedy Johnston has been called a […]

Interview: The Roseline play sweet music but you must accept the thorns

August 12, 2026 0

It’s no secret that americana music in all its colorful variations has been prevalent and in vogue for years now as countless bands and singer/songwriters from the last two decades have found success filtering their music […]

Anniversary Cheers: The Mercy Brothers “Strange Adventure” celebrates 23 years

August 12, 2026 0

Cupcakes & Muffins re-release The Mercy Brothers album; Barrence Whitfield and Michael Dinallo join together in a musical journey of discovery, and it sounds spectacular. We are not used to 23-year anniversaries; they come around but […]

Artwork for Laura Veirs album "Temple Songs"

Laura Veirs “Temple Songs”

August 12, 2026 0

A welcome and successful return to songwriting and making records. Temple Songs, the 14th solo album released by Laura Veirs, represents something of a comeback for the Portland, Oregon-based singer-songwriter, author, music teacher, podcaster and visual […]

Articles by Martin Johnson

Interview: Tom Paxton, Cathy Fink, and Marcy Marxer on new songbooks and ongoing activism

Anthony D’Amato “At First There Was Nothing”

Interview: Derek Hoke on keeping americana fresh with ‘70s and ‘80s keyboard sounds

Interview: Simeon Hammond Dallas on developing an independent roots music career

Interview: Freedy Johnston on his basic urge to write songs

Interview: The Roseline play sweet music but you must accept the thorns

Anniversary Cheers: The Mercy Brothers “Strange Adventure” celebrates 23 years

Laura Veirs “Temple Songs”

After six years, Laura Cortese announces new studio album “Lucky Water”

Stephen Jacques “Les Surfeurs De Santa Cruz”