Adventures in Americana presents Smouse in the House
Music journalist and photographer Tom Smouse interviews a different Americana act--either local or just passing through--in each episode of this Twin Cities-based podcast. Whether it's in their home or in a local venue, Smouse chats with musicians about songwriting and more in the spaces they live, create and perform. Every episode also features two songs by the artists that are brand new, recent or special to them. This series was conceived and co-produced by Smouse with Jaclyn Nott and Carol Roth of Adventures in Americana. Intro/outro music is by Minneapolis artist Ellkaye (aka Lila Karash).
Episodes
There was a moment right away in recording this podcast that gave me goosebumps. Sitting in an empty church outside of Mahtowa, Josie Langhorst pointed to a space up front and shared that her first public performance was right there. Being in a place where an artist first found their voice is extra special, especially when we get to hear two new songs recorded live in that same exact spot. You can hear the love of music in Josie’s ...
In a short time, Clare Doyle has garnered a lot of buzz and praise for her music. Clare’s creative journey from childhood to when the pandemic reawakened her interest in songwriting is movie material. Her ability to share without boundaries, feel without holding back, and authentically reveal herself in her songs is a talent every musician aims to achieve. Our discussion on how songs come together, and how one long road ended up be...
Listening to Kevin Kniebel and Justin Bruhn bring up names and bands from the Twin Cities Americana scene (past and present) shows just how much Pert Near Sandstone respects and understands heritage. They’ve collaborated with and influenced so many artists over their two-decade run as a band, I had to ask just how they keep it rolling. Their answer is based in the spirit of family and leaving egos at the door. That’s rare in almost...
Magnetic. That’s the way I felt the first time when playing McKain Lakey’s album Somewhere. Half way through the podcast I had to figure out where that magnetic lure came from, which turns out, is baked into the Seattle production of the album. Getting to know more about McKain, where they’ve lived and their own appreciation to the various genres that make up their own music is fascinating.
It's been an absolute joy to to witness the evolution of local indie-folk duo The Twins of Franklin. From their debut release Low in 2020, to their new gorgeous release This Life, best friends Laura Lou and Becky Shaheen share their lives through their songs. These chapters of their life, good and bad, are bravely presented and easily resonate with so many fans. My sides hurt from laughing every time we chat, and my eyes water...
In some ways, talking with Matthew French felt like I was reconnecting with a long-lost brother. Matthew has a gentle warmth, kindness, and comforting presence. His music has always given me a sense of security in life, knowing I’m not alone in difficult times, and finding solace and advice deep in his lyrics. This podcast gives us a look into Matthew’s family by discussing “Sweet Ohio Soil”, as well as his prior life as a pastor. ...
If you’re like many of us, the harp has always been a mystic mystery. We rarely see it or hear it, and struggle to even understand the complexity of playing it. But when you see Nikki Lemire perform, she makes it look effortless and easy. The same is true when talking to Nikki about her music and life; there’s an ease and comfort as she shares her musical journey. I felt profoundly connected to her story and family heritage of musi...
Brainerd, MN-based singer-songwriter Kelley Smith’s debut album Moon Child found an immediate audience and plenty of exposure. Reconnecting in the lull after hearing about that experience, and how she’s processing and planning the next chapters of her life and music career, gave our host Tom Smouse a special inside look into what many artists go through. Experiences like sitting in Kelley's kitchen and hearing how her surround...
Just blocks away from the 3rd Police Precinct that burned down during the 2020 protests, Minneapolis country-folk band The Gated Community saw many of their recordings lost due to a power outage. But being in the center of burning buildings, gunshots, and neighborly concern, Sumanth Gopinath was compelled to write about it in new songs, which fit perfectly with their existing songs and socially conscious perspective as a band. Sit...
“Bit of a recluse, a naturalist, and about to release something, or so I hear." That's how another artist described Whit Page to our host Tom Smouse. Having heard her perform before, he was immediately piqued to understand her more non-traditional approach as an artist. We had the special opportunity to record her performing two unreleased songs inside her home. You’re about to discover a new artist that you’ll surely wan...
There’s a tender kindness behind John Louis's songs that, in person, shine bright. Tom Smouse visited John at his home to learn more about his songwriting. While tossing a dog toy for the new puppy and chatting, you can hear the importance he places on the stories that explore the depth of emotions and pain. It’s this skill that seems to bring a healing factor over those that connect with his music.
There is no greater example of how music transcends our physical worlds than what Twin Cities artist Gabriel Rodreick, aka Freaque, creates. His songs often use visceral physical and visual imagery to traverse our range of emotions. Tom visited Gabriel at his home to discuss his process for creating such powerful stories.
In this episode, Tom Smouse visited the home shared by Siri Undlin (aka Humbird) and Luke Callen, two Twin Cities-based artists who each deliver their own unique take on folk music. The pair demonstrated the level of respect and love they have for their community and one another. Both fresh off the release of their newest albums, Humbird and Luke give us an inside peek into two new songs and upcoming tour plans.
In this episode, Tom Smouse visited the home of Luke LeBlanc, a Twin Cities musician active since he was in his early teens. Now in his twenties and wise beyond his years, Luke's observant yet introspective outlook brings authentic insight to everything he writes. Sitting in his dining room and digging into his past that includes bubble baths, Zimmy Awards, and a new album that is literally about Places, it was inspiring to un...
In this episode, Tom met up with Josie Hasnik, aka FINICK. This high schooler has emerged in the Twin Cities in a variety of circles and venues, winning recognition for her fanciful indie-folk songs imbued with real-life emotions.
For our inaugural Season 5 episode, Tom Smouse met up with Pine & Fire, aka Jobi Adams and Brandi Foster. A folk duo from the north woods of Minnesota, they discussed their unique blend of traditional roots music with modern punk.
Zak Norton and Bronson Bergeson, who together make up Poppa Bear Norton, are a country duo from northern Minnesota and one of 7 acts appearing at Amerigrass, a one-day festival taking place October 7 at the Hook and Ladder in Minneapolis. The duo met me in downtown Minneapolis to talk about their musical approach, which combines comedy with classic country themes and sounds, and their larger-than-life stage personas.
I went to the Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge in Minneapolis to connect with this up-and-coming Minnesota duo about the origins of their act, their ties to the region's music community, and what they're looking forward to at the upcoming Amerigrass festival. You can hear Dellwood's intriguing modern indie take on old-time music on October 7: They're one of 7 acts performing at Amerigrass, a one-day festiva...
I met up with three members of Wild Horses at the Hook and Ladder Theater in Minneapolis to talk songwriting, musical influences, their origin story and more. The high-octane alt-country/rock/Americana group from northern Minnesota is one of 7 acts performing at Amerigrass, a one-day festival taking place at the Hook October 7.
I met up with Tyler Pautsch, guitarist and singer-songwriter for Ty Pow and The Holy North, at the Hook and Ladder Theater and Lounge in Minneapolis. The group is one of the 7 bands performing at Amerigrass, the one-day festival taking place at the Hook October 7. We chatted about how this blues-rock, alt-country, Americana soul super group formed and how Tyler's Midwest home informs his songs.
Popular Podcasts
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.