The Niagara Moon Podcast

Elliott Smith - with all his carefully crafted, brooding yet ultimately hopeful pop/baroque/folk tunes - taps into a certain kind of honesty no one else can. As this week's guest Leezy puts it, it's as if he's singing directly to you. Many feel 1997's "Either/Or" is him at his best. Still not famous on a major label, but a little more evolved from his beginnings in the basement, alone with a tape recorder. Either way, it's all great tunes and deeply personal, poetic lyrics. Leezy is an amazing up-and-coming indie pop artist in her own right - definitely worth a listen: https://www.leezymusic.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/

"TUSK!" Fleetwood Mac. 1979. All the rock n roll riches in the world having been attained with "Rumours", there was no direction left to go but weird. Sometimes sublimely relaxing - other times brittle and manic - it's chockful of solid pop, and behind-the-scenes drama, naturally. Tusk superfan Nicholas Krgovich is back on the pod to help me break it all down! Check out his own lovely solo work, as well as Polaris Music Prize-nominated supergroup Shabason, Krgovich & Harris. https://nicholaskrgovich.bandcamp.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/

Perhaps you've heard of it...? It's a little daunting trying to cover The Beach Boys' classic 1966 masterpiece "Pet Sounds". This is Brian Wilson's shining moment, though you wouldn't have known it judging by their US sales at the time... Paul McCartney knew what was up, though. What else is there to say? It's Pet Sounds. Enjoy me and Joe gushing over it. www.niagaramoonmusic.com/

Adore. That's the keyword with Prefab Sprout's 1985 album "Steve McQueen" (aka "Two Wheels Good"). I adore this wonderful collection of heartfelt, sophisticated, slick yet earnest perfect pop songs - a perfect sonic marriage between frontman Paddy McAloon and producer Thomas Dolby, along with many others... Joining me to revel in the wonder of this vastly underrated band is Joseph Shabason, friend of the pod and fantastic ambient/jazz composer, producer, saxophonist, etc. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://josephshabason.com/

Beck's 1996 classic "Odelay"... This rapping deadpan cowboy slacker can do it all, especially with The Dust Brothers workin the turntables. A lovely balance of kaleidoscopic hip-hop sampling, bizarre lyrics, and solid songwriter hooks. Mark Grundhoefer helps me along as we tap into its nostalgic magic. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.patreon.com/thecompleteguitarist

I'm not much of a Phish guy... Mark loves them dearly. Together we explore both the impact of this band and their 1995 live double album, as well as the reasons each of us actually enjoy the music we listen to, dang it. However, I think we can both agree Phish is a bunch of grilled cheese-loving goofballs... https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.patreon.com/thecompleteguitarist

1980's "Remain In Light" by Talking Heads... So far ahead of its time I still don't think we've caught up. David Byrne's insane antics. Weymouth and Frantz holdin down the grooves. Adrian Belew's next-level guitar solos. Brian Eno doing... whatever he does. A mind-blowing blend of art rock, African music and much more in this stone-cold classic. Mark joins me again in an in-depth album discussion! https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.patreon.com/thecompleteguitarist

By all accounts I should be a huge Ben Folds Five fan, but I'm just dipping my toes in the water now. He's a beast at piano. A master storyteller. Phenomenal composer. And that band is *on fire*. I can definitely dig it. Mark Grundhoefer is fortunately a Folds expert, so we dive into all the lore for the latest episode of the NMP. I'm presumably now back from my hiatus... www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ www.patreon.com/thecompleteguitarist

2001's Amnesiac by Radiohead raises so many questions... Another album already - right after Kid A? Why is this song backwards? What time signature is this? Do I... like it? A weirder album from an already weird band, broken down by myself and Mark Grundhoefer for the 100th(!) installment of the NMP. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.patreon.com/thecompleteguitarist

The dirtiest elevator music you've ever heard. 1980's Gaucho by Steely Dan was the band's last album for 20 years. And when you hear about the ridiculous amount of time, effort and money that went in, it's not hard to understand why. This jazz-pop opus sounds "perfect", but darkly, uncannily so. A lot below the surface here, and Mark Grundhoefer helps me break it all down! https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.patreon.com/thecompleteguitarist

Yes in 1972 were at the height of their powers, as made clear with their grand opus "Close To The Edge". Unbelievable that these sounds are from just a band of 5 guys playing in a room. Never losing sight of the pop-song basics, this album goes to space and back. Join Mark Grundhoefer and I on a good ol' prog rock nerdout. And yeah, we get into the Rick Wakeman organ... https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.patreon.com/thecompleteguitarist

Been waiting a looong time to talk 2016's "The Party" by Andy Shauf... One of the greats from the last decade. The novelistic songwriting, the clarinet, the Beatlesque melodies - it's got it all, delivered by a shy quiet guy from Saskatchewan with a very unusual accent. Fellow diehard fan Eric Davis delights in getting into all the nitty-gritty with me... https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/__eric.davis__/

Jenny O. - another one of my *absolute fave* pop songwriters. Check out her latest album "New Truth" from Mama Bird Recording Co. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.jennyo.com/

Many moons ago, one of my top favorite singer-songwriters Tristen came up to our place in Seattle for a chat. Resharing that convo today in celebration of her latest record "Aquatic Flowers" - out now everywhere. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.tristen.com/

There's no other artist out there quite like Kate Bush. She's a musical island unto herself, and it's no wonder she's been a huge inspiration for generations of "artpop" musicians. There are few bigger fans of hers than Attila (back again from last month!), so it only made sense we dig into this 1985 claaaassic! https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://attxla.com/

Harry Nilsson in 1974, produced by John Lennon himself. This beautiful mess of an album saw Nilsson permanently damage both his vocal cords and his career, but at the same time you can't help but appreciate its wildly idiosyncratic sound. As a fellow Nilsson-head, Thin Lear knows what's up - we share both our adoration and puzzlement in great detail. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/

Big band. Big sound. Phil Collins. Synths on parade. 1980's "Duke" by Genesis is my official introduction to a band many Moondogs have mentioned to me, but one I knew nothing about. Seeing as it's one of Joe's favorites, he helped break it down for me - and they're pretty, pretty good! https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/

A symphonic ode to the great Midwestern state. A raw emotional gut punch. Sufjan Steven's 2005 concept album Illinois is many things, all of them tremendously powerful and affecting. Thank you to Jordan Prince (guest of the hour) for gettin me to take a deeper dive... https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ http://www.jordanprincetunes.com/

At first it may seem bizarre and even cacophonous, but there's a lot to love about 2012's "Swing Lo Magellan" by Dirty Projectors. Intricate, on-point songwriting, gorgeous harmonies, and the sound of a rock band turned on its head! Enjoy this music nerd outing with myself and longtime pod-buddy Basic Printer. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.basicprinter.com/

The son of evangelical missionaries, The Drifter Luke traveled frequently as a child, eventually settling in Washington state by age 9. He loved music from an early age singing bluegrass/gospel tunes with his family in church performance. By age 15, Luke began to focus more and more of his time to writing and creating original songs. With songs tackling ideas like addiction, faith, regret, expectation versus reality, and the seasons of life, The Drifter Luke's music sheds a fresh and compelling light on the human condition. https://www.thedrifterluke.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/

Electric Light Orchestra's 1977 double album Out Of The Blue... Largely inspired by a sudden burst of sunshine while writing in the Swiss Alps, songwriter/producer Jeff Lynne didn't pull any punches with this gargantuan recording. A notorious studio hermit, I'd almost call him a "musician's musician" if it weren't for the fact that ELO was also a commercial juggernaut. I only knew the hits before, so patron Joe helps me break it all down for our chat this week! www.niagaramoonmusic.com/

Bjork, the Icelandic musical oddity (and ya know, massive global pop-star), set her artistic sights ever higher with 1997's Homogenic. This album of "strings and beats" is beautiful, fiery and glacial all at once. So, so good. And fellow Bjork enthusiast Attxla is here to get just as excited about it with me! He's a phenomenal multi-genre singer from Houston, TX. His R&B/electronic full-length debut "Ebb" is top-notch. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://attxla.com/

I meet and hang with another Moondog! Beau from St. Louis - he's quite a culture vulture, and has a fascinating backstory. We talk about gigantic book collections, Van Dyke Parks, and a whoooole lot more. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/

That's right. The Beatles. At the height of their powers in 1966. This album is 55 years old(!), everyone loves it, and everyone's talked about ad nauseam... You know what though? It's still an amazing, mind-blowing collection of tunes that I thoroughly enjoyed discussing, along with my cohort Dan Barracuda. I think these guys are still worth the hype. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.danbarracuda.com/

With but 35 minutes of immaculate pop songs, The Zombies both secured their legacy and faded into obscurity with 1968's "Odessey & Oracle". (Yes, that spelling is a typo...) Every piece of this is a win. The songwriting team of Rod Argent and Chris White matched with Colin Blunstone's heavenly vocals. Recording at Abbey Road with the Beatles' engineer Geoff Emerick. They even used Lennon's mellotron! And Thin Lear is back to help me break it all down. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/

It's David Bowie in 1975, like we've never heard him before (or since). "Young Americans" is the first and probably most notable example of Bowie completely changing genres - like no one else before... But does the Plastic Soul sound work? We sure think so! Sign up for The Quest For The Sound before April 1st: theniagaramoonexperience.com/the-quest-awaits https://www.danbarracuda.com/

Thundercat nailed it with this 2017 R&B(?) album Drunk. From the insane cover photo all the way to the slew of slick cameos (Michael McDonald, anyone?), Stephen Bruner tells a personal, bordering-on-embarrassing story in an outlandish & goofy way. And the songs are undeniably funky. The bass lines... Joining me in breaking it down is San Antonio duo Cadillac Muzik. CaddyMack & DaddyD'Vil are true appreciators and craftsmen of the funk. Definitely recommend their new EP "Stayin Alive". Sign up for the Quest For The Sound - a virtual NM album tour coming April 1st: https://theniagaramoonexperience.com/the-quest-awaits https://www.itscadillacmuzik.com/

Neutral Milk Hotel's In The Aeroplane Over The Sea from 1998... I mean, there's life before having heard this album, and then life after it. I suspect Jeff Mangum is actually some wizardly music spirit, rather than simply a 90s indie pop recluse. Safe to say, both myself and pod friend Thin Lear had lots of kind things to say about it. It's pretty cool, and pretty weird. Sign up for my new musical storybook experience: https://theniagaramoonexperience.com/the-quest-awaits Thin Lear makes some damn fine music himself: https://www.thinlear.com/

Honored to have gloitchpop maestro Basic Printer (aka Jesse Gillenwalters) on the pod once again, this time to talk about his brand new album Fantastic Wrist! It's a symphonic electro-indie-folk-pop mastahpiece. The story behind the album is also very personal, revelatory, and purgative. Jesse is kind and open enough to take me through the whole thing, in this very special long-form episode. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.basicprinter.com/

Who doesn't like a little Elton John? This 1972 album features the man at the height of his powers, playing classic hits with the best band he ever assembled. I'm all about Honky Cat... Dan Barracuda and patron Joe agree - this one has some funky classics. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.danbarracuda.com/

Hey, isn't that a Niagara Moon album? It is indeed. Longtime musical bud and friend of the pod Basic Printer wanted to come on and talk about it with me! Who was I to decline? Hear some of the stories behind this 2017 NM debut... https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.basicprinter.com/

Roger Waters the poet. The genius. The tyrant...? I love so much about 1983's The Final Cut, but to think of it as a Pink Floyd albums feels strange... Nevertheless, lots of lore to dig into and many wonderful, solemn musical moments. To help me along I have fellow musicmaker Dan Barracuda and studious patron Joe. It's a good time. https://www.patreon.com/niagaramoonmusic https://www.danbarracuda.com/

(and not just because I play piano/keyboards on all the songs!) The artist Hoonah - aka my friend Sarah - just released her album Marram Grass. It's 12 songs of achingly beautiful, melancholic folk ala Nick Drake or Vashti Bunyan. Throw a little Joanna Newsom in there too for good measure. She gave me permission to share it with you here in its entirety. You'll love it. Thank me later. https://hoonah.bandcamp.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/

Gorgeous harmonies, rich arrangements, sophisticated soul-searching lyrics. Where can you go wrong with 2011's "Helplessness Blues" by Fleet Foxes? Robin Pecknold, man... Sounds like Father John Misty gave him a hard time though. Not only am I joined by Dan Barracuda for this one, but also his musical partner Ian! We have a goofy good time. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.iandanmusic.com/

Leonard Cohen and Phil Spector team up in 1977 to make this "beautiful mess" of an album. There were guns, drugs, master tape thefts, and all sorts of shenanigans. Yet "Death of a Ladies' Man" is weirdly wonderful - or at least wonderfully weird. NYC folk/baroque pop songsmith and Cohen superfan Thin Lear(aka Matt Longo) joins myself and Dan Barracuda to break it all down! https://www.patreon.com/niagaramoonmusic https://thinlear.bandcamp.com/album/wooden-cave https://www.danbarracuda.com/

Dan Barracuda brought this band up enough times that my interest was piqued. And then podcast friend Mark Grundhoefer came in saying they were one of his top favorites! So I listened beyond the hits. But then Dan couldn't make it... Ah well. Mark and I still talk the ins and the outs of this often misunderstood 80s pop duo. He also takes me to task on our sometimes less than favorable "Aja" discussion. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://markgrundhoefer.bandcamp.com/

I meet and hang with a bonafide Moondog! Joe from Ohio calls in, and we talk travel, vinyl, teaching art, and much more. https://www.patreon.com/niagaramoonmusic

The Magnetic Fields (aka Stephin Merritt) had a very unique vision when he set about making 1999's "69 Love Songs". 69 songs - 3 hours - dedicated to the idea of "a love song". Not even love itself! Who better than longtime die-hard fan and fellow singer-songwriter Nicholas Krgovich to help us dive in, and learn how/why this thing works? https://nicholaskrgovich.bandcamp.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ http://danbarracuda.com/

Dan and I bring on our first guest to help us break down an album! Jordan Prince makes infectious, fun and distinct indie-pop over in Munich, Germany - though he originally hails from New Orleans. The expatriate life seems to suit him wonderfully. He's also an excellent candidate to discuss the work of Mac DeMarco. There's no other indie rocker out there like the Mac. His hazy sound, tender songwriting, carefree vibe, meticulous use of tape and masterful guitarwork all come together for a truly impactful combo. How many new bands point to him as an influence? A lot - that's how many. http://www.jordanprincetunes.com/ Moondogs - use discount code "RUDI" at checkout to get 50% off any one item in the Niagara Moon store: www.niagaramoonmusic.com/store www.danbarracuda.com

With this lovely 2012 debut album, the British folk-soul gentleman Michael Kiwanuka a sublime, retro "back-to-basics" sound. It's so warm and cozy in here you could rightfully call it a bit "safe", but it offers many great songs nonetheless. "Home Again" is about the overall vibe, really... Moondogs - use discount code "RUDI" at checkout to get 50% off any one item in the Niagara Moon store: https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/store www.danbarracuda.com

Yeah he's the "sad guy" songwriter, but does Elliott Smith simply wallow in his misery, or does he transcend his depression through incredibly meticulous, masterful artistry? Maybe a little of both? In any case, 1998's "XO" is full of beautiful melodies, lyrics, instrumentation, and melancholy. If anyone ever was deserving of the "one-man Beatles" title, it's this guy. And who better to discuss him with than Smith devotee and amazingly prolific SoCal songwriter Eric Davis? https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com https://edavis.bandcamp.com/

While Dan's away on vay-cay, the composer will play... Taking a break from our typical album review episodes this week to bring you an album's worth of relaxing piano music by yours truly. Yessir, my neo-classical side project sure keeps me busy! https://open.spotify.com/artist/72Ojcdg0bCLAURS3HTWEDm?si=bMT0pROmQ_mKep4qWQCgmw

I mean, everyone should know by now that Joni Mitchell's an all-time great. And on this 1976 sprawling epic Hejira, she was in particularly rare form. An ode to travel and solitude, with some exquisite bass work from Jaco Pastorius. Is it jazz? Rock? No idea... www.patreon.com/niagaramoonmusic www.danbarracuda.com

This 1970 solo debut by George Harrison is a juggernaut, plain and simple. Produced by Phil Spector, featuring a gigantic cast of some of the best session musicians in the world - how can you go wrong? Well, it is a bit long. But just listen to Wah-Wah... Check out the NEW Niagara Moon Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/niagaramoonmusic www.danbarracuda.com

Love love love this one. Bjork's 1995 sophomore album "Post" defies all kinds of pop convention to deliver something entirely unique and impactful. Dan hears how its influence spread to countless other artists, including Radiohead. www.niagaramoonmusic.com www.danbarracuda.com

Beautiful songs, a beautiful message, and a truly unique figure in the world of folk-rock... This 1970 Cat Steven album is a triumph! But what adjective best describes his voice? Is it "Raspy"? "Scratchy"? www.niagaramoonmusic.com www.danbarracuda.com

This episode takes you through the entire journey of making my song "Running in a Dream", the epic closer for our latest album Fuzzy Thinking. I used to do more of these for the podcast. They're fun. I'll be back with Dan next week though for more album discussions.

"Save me White Jesus." "Getting high on the mattress while the global market crashes." Father John Misty certainly has a way with words, as demonstrated in this 2015 album I Love You, Honeybear. And he has the soaring vocals and lush production to back it up. Dan and I are in agreement - this one's a modern classic... https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com http://www.danbarracuda.com

If the term "voice of an angel" ever TRULY applied to someone, it would be the late Jeff Buckley on this lil 1994 debut album of his. Very ambitious, eclectic, progressive 90's rock that defies easy categorization. Dan loves it. Heck, Brad Pitt loves it. I am... neutral on it. www.niagaramoonmusic.com/adoptacd www.danbarracuda.com/

It's too bad Van Morrison now protests against safe and sensible COVID preventive measures, because 50 years ago he made a SOLID GOLD classic with this 1970 album Moondance. So good. Dan agrees. Is "Into The Mystic" even of this planet? www.niagaramoonmusic.com/adoptacd www.danbarracuda.com/

He might lose me sometimes in his washed-out psychedelia haze, but generally I'm pretty down with Tame Impala. As is Dan. And I'm inclined to think their 2012 sophomore album Lonerism still stands as the most varied and exciting thing they've done to date. Niagara Moon CD SALE @ https://freeniagaramoonalbum.com/adoptacd https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ http://www.danbarracuda.com/

Myself and Dan both have somewhat mixed feelings on this 1977 Steely Dan juggernaut. Their hyper-produced styling of jazz rock feels funky and chic one moment, but then "safe" and "yacht rock" the next. At least Michael McDonald is awesome. It's not bad, but I prefer Gaucho... Niagara Moon CD SALE @ https://freeniagaramoonalbum.com/adoptacd http://www.danbarracuda.com/

The 3rd Niagara Moon album is out and ready to be explored! Dan helps me go through the new full-length, and break it down track by track. Get some real insight into just how this thing was made... Pick up a CD copy for yourself here (they need a good home, after all...) https://freeniagaramoonalbum.com/adoptacd

We turn our critical ears inward, to discuss (and celebrate!) the release of Dan Barracuda's new EP "Catabolic". It's proggy, it's spooky, it's mellow, it's jazzy - it's so many things. Cool is what it is. Great songs, and a very unusual creative process to boot! https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com https://www.danbarracuda.com

This 2012 album from alt-J made quite a splash upon its release. (You're darn right that pun's intended). I did not care for it. They're one of Dan's favorite contemporary bands. We get into it. www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ www.danbarracuda.com/

One of the zaniest, most original pop albums of the 2000's - who knew this classic by of Montreal was such a harrowing depiction of identity crises and mood disorders? www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ www.danbarracuda.com/

Love it or not, this now 20-year Radiohead album made huge waves in the rock community upon its release - and set the band's career and style on a whole new path. Turns out a lot of the songs hold up pretty well too! www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ www.danbarracuda.com/

One of the biggest albums of all time. I have more than a few problems with it. Dan Barracuda loves it. We get into it. www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ www.danbarracuda.com/

I'm joined by musical cohort Dan Barracuda again to tackle Tool's "Lateralus" album. He loves it. I was unfamiliar with it, and still feel that way. But we had fun. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ http://www.danbarracuda.com/

Me and Dan are back to cover another classic 80's album - XTC's Skylarking. www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ www.danbarracuda.com/

I talk about Paul Simon's classic 1986 album Graceland, with fellow psych producer/songwriter Dan Barracuda. We love it. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ http://www.danbarracuda.com/

Which is the better Pink Floyd album? I dig into this question, along with fellow musician and prog rock enthusiast Dan Barracuda. What album should we talk about next?

Everybody loves a Top Ten list! Here are the songs from the 1960's that have most influenced the Niagara Moon sound. You're gonna love em.

I chat with m'buddy and eclectic songwriter extraordinaire Dan Barracuda (http://www.danbarracuda.com/) about which album is the BEST Beatles album. He goes with Sgt. Pepper's, I go with Magical Mystery Tour. Music nerdery and unbridled enthusiasm ensue. Let us know which album(s) YOU'd want to have us discuss next!

I was recently fortunate enough to stumble upon the work of Andrew Judah, a longtime art-rock/psychedelic producer from Kelowna, Canada. Andrew's brand new full-length release Impossible Staircase is a lush, baroque, dark journey detailing a friend's struggle with addiction - and an impeccable concept album. https://andrewjudah.com/

I chat with the super personable and talented ambient composer/jazz saxophonist Joseph Shabason of Toronto, Canada. He's also a member of DIANA, and past contributor to such bands as Destroyer and The War on Drugs. Check out his amazing solo work at https://josephshabason.bandcamp.com/ Doors are also open again to experience the new Niagara Moon album FREE - learn more at https://freeniagaramoonalbum.com/sign-up

I chat with two of the members of Proper Youth - an emerging dream folk trio. Their unique sound resembles “a nostalgic cocoon bursting with locomotive energy,” drawing inspiration from Americana, shoegaze, dream pop, and alt-country. https://properyouth.com/

With a long history of writing chilled electronic music, Danish producer Henrik “Lauge” Laugesen has spent his entire career exploring and developing his own unique brand of soothing, melancholic soundscapes. Looking to experience the new Niagara Moon album? Sign up at https://freeniagaramoonalbum.com before April 17th!

Right this way to sign up for the immersive album experience for free --> https://freeniagaramoonalbum.com/sign-up I am joined by frequent NMP guest, psychedelic pop singer-songwriter Alex Kessler (aka A Part Of, https://alexkessler.com/) to discuss the ins and outs of our upcoming new album release "Fuzzy Thinking".

Announcing the release of the next full-length album Niagara Moon album Fuzzy Thinking for April 17th, 2020! I'm sharing it with you for free, exclusively through an online interactive experience. To claim your spot in advance, go to http://freeniagaramoonalbum.com/sign-up

I play around with a wide variety of cool and strange software instruments I've recently acquired. Hear some spontaneously-created new tunes!

Eric Davis is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, CA with a sombre, melancholic yet soulful sound. He underwent a self-imposed challenge in 2019 of writing a complete song every day for 365 days. Check out the results at https://edavis.bandcamp.com/

Mark Grundhoefer is a multi-talented guitarist and composer down in Georgia, and we have an instrumental collaborative single coming out February 14th. Check out "Passenger" on Spotify/Apple Music etc!

Learn about everything that went into making the song Pantheon Bar! Part 2 of 2.

Learn about everything that went into making the song Pantheon Bar! Part 1 of 2

With the help of my bud Alex (aka A Part Of) I review Niagara Moon highlights from this year, and give a hint of what's to come for 2020...

I chat with Billy-Joe, an ambient guitarist AND rock drummer in Brighton, UK. Check him out on IG @ billyjoe_drums, and Facebook @ billyjoedrums

I chat with Michelle Qureshi, a masterful world/ambient composer and guitarist based in Indianapolis, IN. Check out http://www.michellequreshi.com

I hang with Jon Hart, a professional fingerstyle guitarist virtuoso from jolly old England. Check out https://www.jonhartmusic.com/

I hang with Jon Magnusson, a very eclectic singer-songwriter from Stockholm, Sweden. Jon is making big waves in the streaming and playlist curation game. Check out https://www.jonmagnusson.se

Singer-songwriter Alex Kessler (aka A Part Of) stops by to talk about his new single, the Meyers-Briggs, and Carl Jung. It gets complicated... https://apartof.bandcamp.com/track/bridges-gone

I chat with Suzanne Yada, a pianist singer/songwriter under the name Little Spiral (http://littlespiral.com), and owner of the digital marketing agency YadaCreative (https://www.yadacreative.com)

I chat with Steven Vrancken, an amazing Belgian performer and composer of neo-classical meditative music. Check out https://stevenvrancken.com

David Brimer is a jazz guitarist from Tampa, Florida. He tours regularly around the United States.

I hang out with Augest, aka David Chapdelaine. Based in Detroit, this dude works professionally producing music for big brands' commercials. David also has a burgeoning side career with his new electronic moniker Augest. His debut release "Self" is out 11/1/19. Check him out at https://soundcloud.com/augestmusic

I hang with Julien Renvoise, a French producer of slick electronic groove music based in Montreal. Check out his project at https://www.spatialsoul.net

My new foray into ambient minimal neoclassical... I show off 7 new piano instrumental pieces I've recently composed, in various states of completion.

I detail my experience recording my first two albums - with my Japanese band Otadehan. Check out footage from our reunion show at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO9dl5QlqzdoVcuMJJ7Pk3z7Vl2iYTjdV

I describe my time living in Japan and starting a band in Kyoto. Some things are very similar there, and some are very different...

Back from our summer break hiatus, I explain how I made the song "Culture Loses To The Dollar"!

I hang out once again w/ my bud Alex Kessler, aka A Part Of.

I talk with Storry, a phenomenal Canadian R&B singer-songwriter with a fascinating background. https://storrymusic.com/

I geek out on music talk with Dan Barracuda, a composer, guitarist, producer, and engineer from Boston, MA. He has created over 3,000 song ideas and riffs on guitar, piano, bass, and vocals. http://www.danbarracuda.com/

I hang w/ Jordan, an awesome fan of ours from Kent, England. Sign up for the new EP: http://freeniagaramoonalbum.com/newep

I talk with Dylan Galvin - a jazzy acoustic pop singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles with a lot to say on the current state of songwriting and the music industry... https://dylangalvin.com

I chat with Eric Pulido about his new solo project EB The Younger and much else... Midlake, BNQT, John Grant - this very distinguished gentleman from Denton, TX has had a great career thus far. Check him out at ebtheyounger.com

I have a fun convo with Mark Grundhoefer, a virtuoso guitarist and prolific composer by way of Atlanta GA. His new release "Projections" comes out May 31st. https://markgrundhoefer.com/

I chat with friend Jesse Shotland, co-star of the new Niagara Moon music video for "Culture Loses To The Dollar". Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCzjPDr_KrM&feature=youtu.be

I chat with the very prolific & friendly neo-psychedelic songsmith from Missouri, John Clark. Check him out at deaththerapy.net