Weary Ramblers: Harmony, Heart & Driftwood Dreams

In this inspiring episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with the talented duo behind the Americana band Weary Ramblers—multi-instrumentalist Kathryn Fox and Iowa folk veteran Chad Elliott—for a heartfelt and revealing conversation on music, risk-taking, and creative connection.

We catch them mid-process at Golden Bear Records, where the sounds of pianist Tanner Taylor float in the background as they work on their second album, Driftwood. Kathryn and Chad share how their collaboration first took root during the pandemic, when mutual admiration via livestreams turned into a creative partnership. What began as Kathryn composing instrumentals for Chad’s visual art projects quickly blossomed into songwriting and performing together—a union grounded in shared vulnerability, musical values, and deep respect.

They recount their very first rehearsal, which took place at Southwestern Community College where Kathryn teaches. She was floored by Chad’s commitment—he had charted and memorized all her songs in advance. “It felt seamless,” she says, recalling the way their harmonies immediately aligned. That musical synergy led to their debut performance at Stephens Auditorium in Ames—diving headfirst into a major venue, a sign of the confidence they had in each other.

Throughout the episode, we explore how both Kathryn and Chad took unconventional paths into full-time music. Kathryn, classically trained in viola, left behind five non-music jobs and a future in orchestral teaching for a more expressive journey, including a world-touring group similar to Celtic Women. Chad, an artist turned musician, left grad school midway to follow a calling that had become too loud to ignore. Both of them embraced risk in pursuit of something more authentic—and never looked back.

We discuss how their co-writing process reveals a "third voice"—a distinct, blended creative identity born from their collaboration. “Neither of us clings to our ideas,” Chad explains, “unless they feel precious to both of us.” This mutual openness gives rise to original songs rich in lyrical and melodic balance, with their latest project featuring 12 co-written tracks steeped in folk, roots, and soul.

The duo also opens up about the realities of making music in today’s streaming economy. They’ve built a devoted following not by chasing algorithms, but by fostering real community. Their recent successful Kickstarter campaign—which offered house concerts, personalized songs, and “Rambler-grams”—demonstrates the strength of their grassroots support. “These people are our family,” says Kathryn. “Some even help us load our gear.”

We talk about songwriting as a daily muscle—how creativity must be nurtured with consistency and curiosity. They encourage emerging artists to stay open, trust their voice, and resist chasing trends. “Authenticity and connection,” Chad notes, “are what truly last.”

Whether discussing classical influences, folk simplicity, or how melodies seem to arrive from beyond, Kathryn and Chad offer a compelling reminder: that when art is rooted in friendship, shared purpose, and fearless exploration, the result resonates far beyond the stage.