So last week’s column talked about Black Deer’s demise and how I was a bit cut up about it. One of the things I did for BD was host an hour-long news show each week, which also included an interview with one (or two) of the great and the good in the world of Americana. It was lovingly put together (curated, Keith!) and the interviews were a blast. So, what to do with all this creativity and energy? Create the AUK Podcast, that’s what, and we opened for business this week via the button below this article. Details here.
And suddenly, my life has purpose again. OK, not quite that, but it was great to put together and I’m really looking forward to future ‘casts’ wherein we interview audiences at gigs, artists at gigs, and maybe have themed shows based around events or whatnot. Or even video extras! The future’s bright, the future’s here now on the AUK podcast. But fear not, regular shedders, the radio show continues uninterrupted, an unstoppable supertanker on the sea lanes of the Americana Ocean. I think I need to calm down.
So tracks this week are Hans Chew, see this news story, and the remarkable Jerry Joseph, whom I saw last night, see this story. I do not think I can recall such a compelling performer with just voice, guitar, and heart. Absolutely extraordinary. In a tiny room with a tiny audience, he gave everything, slipping into an almost mystic trance at some points. Wonderful. And on the radio show this week, we hear some Jolie Holland, Elliott Smith, Winter McQuinn, Mia Wilson, and much more. As ever…
