My introduction to the musical world of Scott Cook was enhanced by surfing through his social media sites. He is certainly a gifted writer - open and honest, capable of crafting insightful lyrics that convey that honesty, and he shows an easy flair for humour that I also quite enjoyed discovering.

In this phone interview, we arc over his everything from his music and hardy touring calendar, in addition to commenting on influences and peers - he is well connected in the Canadian folk/roots community.

Scott Cook

A follow-up to a 2014 email interview, I catch up with the latest goings-on with Dala from one-half of the group, Amanda Walther.

Together with Sheila Carabine they have graced some of the most impressive musical and festival stages, not only on their own but with some rather legendary artists.

In this delightful conversation, Amanda shares what they've been up to since I last caught them live, as well as talks to the importance of songs that have compelling stories, why certain classic songs endure, and we drop a few names along the way.

Dala

Amanda Walther

Sheila Carabine

Kennedy Road

Listen to the interview here, or download it for free from iTunes, ThatDanGuy's Podcast

It feels short looking at the running time, but this phone interview with the bassist from The Slocan Ramblers covers a lot of ground - between chatting about their music and influences, and the big tour they are on (at the time of this interview).

We also touch on the fact this was just days after being at The JUNO awards, where they were nominated for the 2019 Juno Award for Traditional Roots Album of the Year, regarding their latest album Queen City Jubilee.

The Slocan Ramblers are a progressive bluegrass act that has been racking up acclaim and notice far and wide, as mentioned in this interview.

Listen here, or you can also download it for free from iTunes, ThatDanGuy's Podcast!

The Slocan Ramblers

Oliver The Crow is a critically-acclaimed collaboration between singers/songwriters/musicians Kaitlyn Raitz and Ben Plotnick that has caught the attention of NPR, and others.

In this phone conversation with Mr. Plotnick, I try and cover the background of Oliver The Crow, via his own arching musical career - which has spanned a wide variety of styles and musical alliances. That a house band with The Calgary Folk Club, and the award-winning Canadian folk roots act The Fretless.

But there's also plenty of mentions about his work with Kaitlyn, and their songwriting skills. You will definitely want to check out their recordings and live performances after you've had a chance to listen to this episode!

Oliver The Crow

Kaitlyn Raitz

Ben Plotnick

These two gentlemen might be a bit early in their careers as of this interview, but Nick Earle & Joe Coffin are already nabbing top awards, nominations, and prestigious appearances at some of the most impressive blues events in North America.

Earle & Coffin actually have quite a few years in the trenches already, and are just about to release their latest album A Week In July, more of the acoustic blues that have propelled them along a career path that they clearly excel in.

In this episode, we talk about their career, their recordings, and many of the heavyweight venues and artists they've already been associated with.

Earle & Coffin

One of the longer running Canadian trios of comedic songwriters and vocalists, The Arrogant Worms have been combining those elements along with a compelling stage presence to entertain audiences far and wide since 1991.

From a 2013 blog review I wrote after seeing them perform at The Calgary Folk Club, "there's plenty of vocal and musical talent to back up the silly. Which is why they continue to slay listeners with hilarious tracks like "The Guy Who's Always Out Of Tune", "Uncle Lou", and "Jesus' Brother Bob".

I chat here with Chris Patterson about the wide range of venues they have played for over a quarter of a century, the current murky waters of both the music business and humour in the age of social media, and discover a bit about the 2017 release The First Farewell Album.

The Arrogant Worms are Chris Patterson, Mike McCormick, and Trevor Strong.

Calgary's alternative bluegrass champions Rotary Park meld timeless Americana (or Canadiana - that's a thing!) sounds with influences from metal and classical music to amazing effect - and have strengthened those musical chops on the road, as well from years of busking around the city.

As a young band, there have been personnel changes, and plenty of experimentation but if you're a fan of Irish music you'll find plenty to appreciate in their sound.

Collaborators, innovators, trailblazers...member Liam Testa brings me up to speed on everything Rotary Park in this feature.

Rotary Park

There aren't many awards that singer/songwriter/artist David Francey HASN'T snapped up in his career so far, but among them you can count numerous JUNO awards and a John Lennon Songwriting Contest win. That is in addition to high praise from reviewers, critics and peers as well.

In this interview we cover his career and roots, the brief pause he had to set to recuperate from the rigors of his performing, and even a bit about his artistic eye, which gave him another opportunity to showcase his gifts while he was out of the musical spotlight.

He also offers up high praise for some of his peers, offers up one of the most insightful musings on songwriting I've heard yet, and as a fellow Canadian, considers how that can influence your views.

David Francey