Inside the Musician's Brain

Episode 59: Clay Street Unit & Mountain Grass Unit, 'The acoustic up-and-comers.'

Episode 59 of Inside the Musician's Brain features two of the hottest up-and-coming bands on the acoustic/bluegrass scene: Clay Street Unit and Mountain Grass Unit. It's no secret that the roots music scene is booming, and there have never been more promising bands coming of age. Clay St are Denver locals who brought Chris on board to produce their debut album, 'Sin and Squalor,' due out 2.13.26. They have a very solid chemistry, great original songs, a catchy sound that features mandolin and pedal steel, and a lead singer (Sam Walker) who turns heads everywhere he goes. Mountain Grass Unit is the next big thing in the bluegrass world, with chops and vocals that put their deep knowledge of the genre on full display. These cats can play! Audiences are already taking note of both bands, with sold out shows and plenty of buzz. In the intro to today's episode, Chris will also point you in the direction of a number of excellent young/new acts that are starting to make waves, taking acoustic music in all kinds of exciting new directions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 58: Bahamas, 'Being bored is the most important part of creativity.'

Episode 58 of Inside the Musician's Brain features a songwriter with a style all his own - Bahamas. For almost 20 years Bahamas has been putting out excellent albums, touring the world and building a dedicated fan base who love his unique, laid back, soulful sound. We learn all about the making of his new album, 'My Second Last Album,' his songwriting process, how his career has evolved over the years and why making space for boredom is essential to creativity. Chris also takes on the hot topic of AI music generators like Suno.com, and how they might ultimately be a very good thing for roots music artists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 57: Dan Tyminski, 'There's a freedom in what I sing now.'

Episode 57 of Inside the Musician's Brain features one of the biggest stars in bluegrass over the past 30 years, Dan Tyminski. From his early days with the trailblazing Lonesome River Band, to a handful of amazing solo albums, many years with the legendary Alison Krauss & Union Station, and now his own band (The Dan Tyminski Band), Dan has more than made his mark on bluegrass with his incredible voice and his powerful picking. He is perhaps best know for singing the Avicci smash hit 'Hey Brother,' as well as 'Man of Constant Sorrow' from the Coen brothers movie 'O Brother Where Art Thou.' That's quite a resume! Dan and Chris talk about how that journey unfolded, and how he these days Dan is finding a new level of freedom and satisfaction in his music, and making some of the best music of his career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 56: AJ Lee, 'If you don't get nervous before a show, something's wrong.'

Episode 56 of Inside the Musician's Brain features one of the bright young stars of bluegrass/acoustic music - AJ Lee. AJ is a standout singer, mandolin player and songwriter, who just received a nomination for female vocalist of the year at the 2025 IBMA Awards. AJ Lee and Blue Summit have been making waves on the festival circuit in recent years for their stellar singing, playing and repertoire. In this conversation, AJ gives us the band backstory in addition to covering how she improves as a singer, how her relationship with performing has evolved, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 55: Greg Ormont (Pigeons Playing Ping Pong), 'This is a true choose your own adventure.'

Greg Ormont is the excellent lead singer of psychedelic funk explorers Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Last summer I got to know Greg and the rest of the band/crew when the Stringdusters went out on tour with Pigeons for a run of dates. It was our first introduction and everyone hit it off - Pigeons put on an amazing show! Greg and I recap the tour as well as his musical journey, the band's backstory, the current New York Knicks state of affairs and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices