Side Tracks: Culture in Northwest Montana

Country-rock artist Paul Cauthen joins reporter Taylor Inman ahead of his upcoming show at the Majestic Arena in Kalispell, Montana, offering a candid look at life on and off the road.

Speaking from a motorcycle trip through Big Bend National Park, Cauthen reflects on turning 40, preparing to become a father and the momentum behind his latest album Black on Black, released April 3. He breaks down the creative process behind the reco...

Catch a powerful live session with singer-songwriter Drew Landry before his set at Under the Big Sky Festival on July 20th! From personal stories rooted in the wilds of Glacier National Park to protest anthems and bayou blues, Landry’s performance is a heartfelt ride through Americana’s rawest corners. Joined on stage by cellist Lee Zimmerman, the duo brings depth and soul to every track, weaving grit and grace into each melody. Wh...

In this episode of Press Play, Cajun-born singer-songwriter Drew Landry sits down with Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman for a grounded and wide-ranging conversation about songwriting, storytelling, and staying connected to your roots. Known for his raw and honest lyrics, Landry shares the experiences that shaped his voice—from growing up in Louisiana to building a life in East Glacier, Montana.

While sitting on the s...

Experience the soulful, thought-provoking performance of the Jamie Wyman Duo as they took the stage in this unforgettable live concert held on the Daily Inter Lake newspaper's press room floor. With Jamie’s powerful vocals and acoustic guitar matched by her husband Andy Belk’s grounding bass lines, the duo weaves songs that speak to grief, growth, ancestral strength, feminine power, and radical kindness. This live set includes...

Whitefish singer-songwriter Jamie Wyman is preparing to release Return to the Mothership — a 22-track folk-rock opera rooted in Tarot, transformation, and the raw emotion of lived experience. In this candid conversation with Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman, Wyman shares how she left a career in social work to fully embrace music, channeling heartbreak and hope into songs that heal.

They talk early influences, songwr...

Montana singer-songwriter Luke Dowler takes the stage for a heartfelt live performance, blending folk-rock storytelling with powerful vocals and raw emotion. From the introspective ballad Good Enough to the road-trip anthem Going to Montana, Dowler’s set explores love, resilience, and life’s winding journey. His songwriting weaves personal stories, touching on themes of longing, perseverance, and the beauty of the unknown. Tune in ...

Montana-based singer-songwriter Luke Dowler joins reporter Taylor Inman to talk about his journey in music, from discovering his first guitar as a kid to shaping his distinct, genre-blending sound. He shares the inspiration behind his latest album, Midnight Conversations, reflecting on late-night talks, personal stories, and the creative process that fuels his songwriting. Dowler also dives into his love for Montana, the challenges...

On Friday, December 6th, 2024 Denim Gold joined us for a lunchtime show on our press floor. They brought their heartfelt blend of Americana and folk to the stage - from the soulful ballad “Charlie’s Song” to the anthemic “Under the Big Sky,” Michelle Rivers and Hannah King captivate with harmonies that echo the landscapes they sing about. The duo shares stories of their songwriting journey, crushes on George Strait, and the cowboy ...

Join us for an exclusive interview with Denim Gold's Hannah King and Michelle Rivers, the dynamic country-folk duo making waves with their authentic sound and heartfelt songwriting. Discover their journey from casual jam sessions to headlining major festivals, and get an inside look at their creative process, inspirations, and the stories behind their upcoming album. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their music, t...

On Friday, November 1st, 2024, Wylie Gustafson joined us for a lunchtime show on our press floor. In this unique live concert, renowned cowboy musician, and 4th generation Montanan Wylie Gustafson brings soulful yodels, heartfelt cowboy poetry, and stories rooted in Montana’s rugged beauty. From songs about life on the ranch and local history to his journey through the music world—including a surprise hit yodeling for Yahoo!—this p...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Wylie Gustafson, the renowned yodeling cowboy and Wylie & The Wild West frontman. In this episode, Wylie shares his unique journey from ranching in Montana to performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage over 50 times. Discover how his deep roots in Western culture and a love for traditional country music have shaped his career. Wylie talks about balancing his dual careers in music and ranchi...

In this intimate Press Play concert, singer-songwriter Miller Campbell shares a heartfelt and personal performance, offering a mix of original music from her debut album. With songs inspired by life on the road, like "Every Headlight," and influences from classic artists such as The Bangles and Fleetwood Mac, Miller takes the audience on a musical journey that blends storytelling with catchy melodies. Her playful interact...

Reporter Taylor Inman sits down with heartland rock artist Miller Campbell before her Press Play show next week. Miller shares her journey from the Pacific Northwest to becoming a staple in Montana's vibrant music scene. We dive into her evolving sound, her inspirations, and the making of her new album. She also gives us a sneak peek of her upcoming European tour and discusses the joy of pressing her music on vinyl. We added h...

Big Sky City Lights' show feels like gathering around a campfire with old friends. Nick and Susan’s playful banter, like teasing about recording in bathtubs during the pandemic, creates a warmth that invites you in. Their harmonies are comforting and effortless, with lyrics reflecting love, loss, and finding your way through life. There's a rawness to the way they perform—intimate, yet cinematic—pulling from the wide-open...

In our interview with Nick Spear and Susan O’Dea, Taylor Inman dives into the duo's journey - who formed Big Sky City Lights born from the unexpected circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. With one member in New York City and the other in Whitefish, Montana, the duo began collaborating remotely, creating cover songs that resonated deeply with their growing audience. Their music, characterized by a blend of distinct cultural i...

On Friday, August 2nd, the Brent Jameson Duo joined us for a lunchtime show on our press floor to spearhead Season Two of Press Play. Brent Jameson and Ben Darce brought the blues, soul, and touch of reggae to the Daily Inter Lake. It was a peek into Brent's life - his journey into sobriety, the rise and fall of relationships, and even the economic crash of 2008. Ben's mastery of his guitar was almost dizzying, and watchi...

Join us as reporter Taylor Inman learns more about the life and music of Whitefish musician Brent Jameson. From his early days of songwriting at age 11 in Cincinnati to finding his way to the Flathead Valley, Brent's journey is one of creativity, resilience, and continuous evolution. Discover how personal struggles and triumphs have shaped his bluesy, jazzy, and reggae-inspired sound, and hear about his plans for the future, i...

On Friday, June 7th, Barrel Stove Combo joined us for a lunchtime show on our press floor to wrap up Season One of Press Play. Rebecca Nelson on flute and tenor saxophone, Eric Gates playing an eight-string guitar, and Vinnie Rannazzisi on the drums brought the jazz to the Daily Inter Lake. It was a free-flowing improvisational dance of original jazz tunes; and the trio's long-standing friendship with each other was palpable.<...

Taylor Inman meets with musicians Vinnie, Rebecca, and Eric of Barrel Stove Combo. They talk about how they met, the few practices they need a year and their love of jazz. The Barrel Stove Combo performs Friday, June 7th on the pressroom floor at the Daily Inter Lake. 

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Big thanks to our sponsor of this show, North Valley Music School! NVMS is the only nonpr...