Lonesome Banjo Chronicles
Conversations with musicians and artists about life, culture, and what it takes to make it in today's economy
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Ep. 14 Calvin Ballenger
10/25/2016
Ep. 14 Calvin Ballenger
Imagine getting a text from a friend saying "You're internet famous." Then imagine finding out that it's from a viral meme that you didn't create, know nothing about, and claims that you're a Trump supporter....when you're not. That's what happened to Texan Calvin Ballenger. Now...imagine creating a Trump meme of a crazy looking guy with two assault rifles that goes viral. Now imagine crazy looking guy with assault rifles tracking you down. That's what happened to me. In this podcast we discuss what it was like for Calvin to become "internet famous," the current political climate, and what people on the border towns actually think about Trump's plan to build a YUGE wall. The picture of Calvin with two assault rifles was originally taken on the set of an independent movie he was working on called "Tejano" by up-and-coming film maker David Blue Garcia. The process of creating this amazingly beautiful independent film is explained here: And here: And here: Calvin also talks about how people who live on the border of Mexico feel about Trump's plan to build a giant wall. Keep up with Calvin:
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Ep. 13 Kyle Travers from Travers Brothership
08/31/2016
Ep. 13 Kyle Travers from Travers Brothership
In this episode, I catch up with Kyle Travers, one of the twin brothers that leads the Asheville based band Travers Brothership. This is a band you're almost guaranteed to love from the moment you hear the first song. A funky, soulful, southern inspired groove that uses horn lines and 4-part harmonies with ease and playfulness. We talk about how their dad inspired them to dive headfirst into music and how removing the ego is the best way to create great moments in the studio. We listen to 5 songs from their new album "A Way To Survive" 1. Hold My Name -- 14:38 2. Time Will Slip Away -- 37:37 3. Be Here Now -- 57:03 4. The Road Interlude -- 1:22:34 5. Clothes On My Back -- 1:24:25 _________________________________________________________ This is our last week of partnering with for 2016. The festival is Sept 2-4 and my band, Big Daddy Love, will be playing Saturday evening from 7:00-8:30pm. We want to thank them for everything and look forward to seeing everyone there this weekend! Check out for past episodes and music reviews.
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Ep. 12 Jeff Jackson, NC State Senate District 37
08/11/2016
Ep. 12 Jeff Jackson, NC State Senate District 37
In this episode we talk with Senator Jeff Jackson of NC Senate District 37. Jeff talks about the realities of being a Democratic Senator in a state government that's beholden to far right interests, and how he's fighting for an independent commission to redraw district lines to better reflect the bipartisan realities of the state. Jeff talks about how a master's degree in philosophy and his experience as a state prosecutor make him a better senator. He also breaks down the North Carolina gubernatorial election and gives tips on finding the humanity in local politics. _______________________________________________________________ We want to thank our two sponsors this week: : by Andy Cox Photography This is a full-service mobile portrait studio. Unlike those other "touch-screen" boxes they offer a professional studio photography experience with a professionally trained photographer. Prints are produced within minutes of a portrait session so that guests can leave after a session with a souvenir. : Sept 2-4 near Stuart, VA. Headliners include Zach Deputy, The Hip Abduction, Laura Reed, Trongone Band and Big Daddy Love. --Brian Paul Swenk
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Ep. 11 Lee Crumpton of Home Grown Music Network
08/04/2016
Ep. 11 Lee Crumpton of Home Grown Music Network
In this episode we talk to Lee Crumpton, the owner of . Lee has been one of the most influential people in the southeastern music scene for the last 20 years. He talks about chasing down his passion for music by becoming a DJ at an early age--both the party and radio kind--and how that led him to forming a record label and working with some of the best bands in the nation. We also talk about what it takes for bands to expand their reach beyond just a couple of states, as well as what he sees for the future of his company. We listen to three songs: "Damn!" by The Motet "The Shadow" by The College Conservatory of Music featuring Fareed Haque and the music of Garage Mahal "Roll River" by the first band Lee ever worked with, Purple School Bus ________________________________________________________ We want to thank our two sponsors this week: by Andy Cox Photography This is a full-service mobile portrait studio. Unlike those other "touch-screen" boxes they offer a professional studio photography experience with a professionally trained photographer. Prints are produced within minutes of a portrait session so that guests can leave after a session with a souvenir. : Sept 2-4 near Stuart, VA. Headliners include Zach Deputy, The Hip Abduction, Laura Reed, Trongone Band and Big Daddy Love. --Brian Paul Swenk
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Ep. 10 Sam Calhoun of FloydFest
07/11/2016
Ep. 10 Sam Calhoun of FloydFest
In this episode we talk to Sam Calhoun about being one of five full time, year-around employees of FloydFest. From being a stage actor in NYC, putting on hippy music festivals in Boone, NC, and trying to single-handedly change the mission of a small town newspaper, Sam's experience within the American arts and culture scene is both unique and expansive. He talks about what happens behind the scenes at the festival, what it costs to pay all the bands, and how FloydFest almost became too commercial one year and how they've made changes to not let that happen again. We check out three bands playing the festival this year: Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats "SOB" 32:32 Con Brio "Never Be The Same" 49:53 Femi Kuti "Dem Bobo" 1:16:32 ______________________________________________________________ A big thanks goes out to the main sponsor of this show, Photobooth: by Andy Cox Photography Andy Cox Photography is a proud sponsor of FloydFest for the second year, and will be located on the left-hand side of the main stage of vendor row. They will be offering three different instant print products: classic photostrips, a 4x6 photo collage, and single 4x6 prints, all branded with the FloydFest logo and artwork. VIP's should look for their free print coupons in their VIP swag bags! Sign up for Lonesome Banjo email updates at
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Ep. 9 Nick McDaniels of Big Something and The Big What? Festival
07/05/2016
Ep. 9 Nick McDaniels of Big Something and The Big What? Festival
In this week's episode we talk with Nick McDaniels, singer and guitarist from the Burlington, NC band Big Something Nick talks about what it takes to balance the growth of a band as well as running their festival, The Big What?. He describes how the festival got started and what it's like behind the scenes. He also talks about what's the most important lessons he's learned, and why he thinks The Big What? experience is unique for both fans and musicians. He also tells us about the worst moment Big Something has had onstage and how they overcame it. Nick chose three bands from this year's festival to feature: Turkuaz from Brooklyn, NY -- "X.Y.Z" 15:21 Dr. Bacon from Asheville, NC -- "When I'm Gone" 29:16 Spiritual Rez from Boston, MA -- "Bring It On" 40:52 We also listen to one of the first Big Something songs ever written, "A Simple Vision" 53:24 A big thanks to Floyd Fest for making us an official partner last week! Floyd Fest is consistently voted as one of the best southeastern experiences by numerous publications every year. This year's headliners include: Greg Allman, Bruce Hornsby, Greensky Bluegrass, The Wood Bros, Warren Haynes, Railroad Earth, Femi Kuti and Positive Force, and many others. This year's festival is July 27-31st. Check out for more info. Sign up for the Lonesome Banjo email list at
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Ep. 8 Nikki Talley
07/01/2016
Ep. 8 Nikki Talley
In this episode I talk with Nikki Talley, a singer/songwriter that has spent the last four years living in a van with her husband Jason Sharp. Most musicians say they live in a van or bus, but Nikki and Jason gave up a good job and their house to become full time musical vagabonds--a dream many have, but few would ever attempt. We talk about their decision to go to the Telluride Songwriting Contest and why placing second might have been better than placing first. Nikki also talks about having 500 songs written and how the idea of success changes as we get older. We listen to four songs: "Travelin On" 25:28 "Rainy Day" 51:11 "Railroad Boy" 1:05:11 "Go Out On The Water" 1:21:08 This episode is brought to you by The Big What. A NC music festival hosted by Big Something that takes place July 21-23 near Mebane, NC. Featured headliners include: Turkuaz, Spiritual Rez, Dr. Bacon, The Werks, and Pigeons Playing Pingpong. Visit www.thebigwhat.com for more info. And also by Floyd Fest. A World Music festival that features outdoor experiences such as mountain biking, river floats, disc golf, and daily hikes. Consistently listed as one of the top festival experiences of the east coast, Floyd Fest 16 will feature: Greg Allman, Bruce Hornsby, Warren Haynes, Leftover Salmon, Greensky Bluegrass, Shaky Graves, Nathaniel Rateliff, Railroad Earth, The Wood Bros, and many others. Visit www.floydfest.com for more info.
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Ep. 7 Pattie Hopkins Kinlaw from Hank, Pattie, and The Current
06/28/2016
Ep. 7 Pattie Hopkins Kinlaw from Hank, Pattie, and The Current
In the 7th episode of the Lonesome Banjo Chronicles podcast I talk with Pattie Hopkins Kinlaw, the fiddler for the up-and-coming band Hank, Pattie, and The Current We talk about her passion for both learning and teaching music, how the Suzuki violin method works, what she's learned by traveling to Ireland, and of course about her new band gearing up for a busy summer of festivals. As you'll hear, this was a fun conversation. Pattie is passionate, good natured, curious, and very well spoken. The music she's creating with her new band could quickly take them into the national spotlight--it's really that good. We listen to 4 tracks from the new album: Losing My Mind -- 12:47 Pipop -- 27:10 All I Remember -- 36:54 Sundown -- 43:14 Go to lonesomebanjochronicles.com to see the video for "Losing My Mind" We have two sponsors this week: Front Porch Fest: A roots music festival near Stuart VA that takes place September 2-4. Find more information at frontporchfest.com Bluegrass Today: The top online source for up-to-date bluegrass news, reviews, and profiles. Sign up for the daily email and find interesting stories at bluegrasstoday.com
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Ep. 6 Jonathan Scales from the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
06/22/2016
Ep. 6 Jonathan Scales from the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
In this episode I talk with Jonathan Scales, an amazingly talented steel pans player and all around great guy, about building his career and realizing his dreams. We also talk about the state of jazz music in America and Europe and how Victor Wooten inspired him to write musical novels instead of short stories. We are debuting two unreleased songs during this episode, as well as a funky bass-driven tune from his last album Mixtape Symphony. At the end of the episode I add a song we recorded together for his first album One Track Mind. As you'll hear, I initially didn't think I could play the song because of its complexity, but he talked me into it. Track Listing: This Is The Last Hurray 24:58 We Came Through The Storm 38:12 Desert(Encore) 52:00 Pan Grass 1:03:29
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Ep. 5 Chris Prutting from Front Porch Fest
06/15/2016
Ep. 5 Chris Prutting from Front Porch Fest
In this episode I talk with Chris Prutting, the owner of the Front Porch Festival about his experience of putting on a music festival for 8 years. We talk about how the festival got started, why he's been successful, and what kind of management style he uses to create a sense of family and community. Chris offers advice for people wanting to start their own festival and talks about why some of the big festivals have been failing lately. Chris chose 3 songs by artists playing The Front Porch Fest this year: "Home" by Zach Deputy 25:50 "Children of the Sun" by The Hip Abduction 8:34 "Nashville Flood" by Big Daddy Love 54:29 Visit for more info.
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Ep. 4 Blake Christiana from Yarn
06/05/2016
Ep. 4 Blake Christiana from Yarn
I talk with Blake from the Americana band Yarn about their new release "This Is The Year." We also talk about what it takes to make it in the music industry, our mutual pessimism/optimism, his experiences playing country music in New York City, and hanging with John Oats. We listen to 3 new songs. 16:30 Carolina Heart 33:52 This is the Year 46:37 LoveHate
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Ep. 3 Josh Boyd from Medicated Sunfish
06/02/2016
Ep. 3 Josh Boyd from Medicated Sunfish
In this episode I talk with guitarist Josh Boyd from Medicated Sunfish. They are a Wilmington, NC band that blends metal, ska, rock and even hip hop. We listen to 4 songs from their new EP: 9:50 Know My Name 15:25 Little Sky 20:30 Maker 30:01 Minor Ave
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Ep. 2 Robert Greer of Town Mountain
05/11/2016
Ep. 2 Robert Greer of Town Mountain
I talk with Robert Greer about: Recording their new album in south Louisiana. How bluegrass and heavy metal are similar And how their cover of a Springsteen song made national news
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Ep.1 Amanda Platt of The Honeycutters --May 3 2016
05/03/2016
Ep.1 Amanda Platt of The Honeycutters --May 3 2016
I talk with Amanda Platt of the Asheville, NC band The Honeycutters about their newest album On The Ropes, songwriting, her love of showtunes, the death of Prince, and living in Asheville, NC
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