Americana Podcast | Artist's Archive

Explicit content warning

12/12/21 • 65 min

This show is going to be a little different from our usual programming. As I’m sure you’ve noticed- we’ve taken a little bit of a break over the last few months as we’ve taken the time to regroup, and reconstruct etc. As we move forward, it is important to us to reiterate that we are still very much dedicated as a platform to the expansion and definition of Americana Music through conversations with those working within its spectrum.

This show has come a very long way from its initial launch. From interview formatting, the artists we book, the kind of questions we ask, and the locations we’ve been- it's grown and expanded in ways I don’t think we could have ever imagined. And admittedly, sometimes it's hard to appreciate the work we’ve done as we look at the work we want to do.

As we plot out that future, we wanted to take this time and opportunity to look back on some of our favorite moments that we’ve had. In our very first Artist's Archive, we go back to the very beginning and revisit some of the best times with artists we love and cover everything from the hardest conversations to the most rewarding laughs and all topped off with the music we all love so well. We hope you enjoy this nod to our past and continue to join us as we look (or should I say listen) to the future.

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https://tiptopjar.com/americanapodcast

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Have questions or suggestions? Email

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Donate to the show!

https://tiptopjar.com/americanapodcast

Instagram

@robertearlkeen1

Have questions or suggestions? Email

[email protected]

Previous Episode

Elizabeth Cook | Jack of All Trades, Master of None

We’ve all heard the common phrase “a master of none” in reference to an individual who is seemingly versatile, flexible, and knowledgeable in their pursuits. Regardless of what they are. We’re not surprised when an artist is an avid reader nor are we shocked when a mathematician takes an interest in subjects like music. The term “master of none” alone, suggests that having multiple interests and being good at them is part of the deal. In today’s vernacular a “master of none” is good at most things but not great at all things. The full phrase though, I feel is of more worth which is “a jack of all trades, a master of none, but often times better than master of none”- in which it is suggested that those who master one task to its fullest extent would be the optimums example. But those who take no opportunity to master anything are below that standard.

The value, lies in versatility. A jack of all trades is inherently more valuable than a master of one. And that is because a jack of all trades is able to provide an example for the payoff of multiple skills. We’re fortunate to be working in a genre that encourages a “master of none” premise if you will. It is not an infrequent occurrence to see artists working within in Americana to be delving into multiple projects outside of music itself.

Our guest today is a master of none. Elizabeth Cook was born in 1972, and is the 11th out of 12 children and released her first album in 2000. Since then she has made over 400 Opry debuts, hosts a radio show in addition to a fishing show, voices an ongoing character on the show Squidbillies and just always seems to be on the run to her next gig... whatever it may be.

So join us today as our host Robert Earl Keen speaks with Elizabeth about her busy schedule, her songwriting, and maybe some interview tips.

Donate to the show!

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Next Episode

Rob Bleetstein | The Man with a Thousand Tickets

Over the course of nearly three years, we at Americana podcast have spoken with a wonderful collective of artists and industry professionals alike about the workings in and of this ever expanding umbrella of music we lovingly refer to as Americana music. Parts of that discussion have at times touched on its history- but we have never really broached the subject of its early days and what that entailed. And who exactly was there at the beginning.

With that in mind, we’ve decided to shake it up a bit and welcome longstanding Americana advocate and friend Rob Bleetstein. Bleetstein in casual circles, is a music lover. A long time ticket collecting, road junkie, band following fan if there ever was one. Which all tracks for an original deadhead mind you- but he’s not someone stuck completely in the past either. Driven by just the desire to hear good music- there isn’t an artist old or young on the scene that he seemingly doesn't already know about. And if you happen to somehow introduce him to someone he hasn’t heard of- he’ll send you what can only be described as an essay or a review of his thoughts on their first two records in addition to the direction their heading with their next one. You can’t beat him.

Professionally, Bleetstein’s credentials range from publicist, archivist, and currently producer and host on Pearl Jam Radio and the Grateful Dead Channel on Sirius XM. What he is to Americana as a genre though... well he was one of the early, if not original adopters of the term when he worked at the Gavin Report in the 90’s. Rob Bleetstein is not only a music lover- but a true music shaper.

So Join us as our host Robert Earl Keen speaks with Rob Bleestetin about the early days of Americana, his experiences as a long-time music lover, his contributions, and what’s on the horizon of the genre

Donate to the show!

https://tiptopjar.com/americanapodcast

Instagram

@robertearlkeen1

Have questions or suggestions? Email

[email protected]