Send us a text Jim Tashjian started out studying jazz guitar in university, which brought him into many different musical projects. He drifted toward, pop and rock, drawn by the interest of songwriting. Bands like District 97, Miss Remember, Storm Jameson are but a few of the music groups that Tashjian has had a commanding hand in. Our second interview focuses on Tashjian's songwriting process. We also get a chance to hear his way around a guitar and some insights into the e...

Send us a text In our media-saturated world, it is easy to overlook the many artists that thrive without labels, without big tours, without all the hoopla and soap opera intrigue that accompanies "success" these days. These individuals thrive on their own terms, and such is the multi-talented songwriter, guitarist and band mate of several successful independent groups, Jim Tashjian. Tashjian started out studying jazz guitar in university, which brought him into many different musi...

Send us a text Leslie Beukelman is an artist that draws on his rural upbringing, her college education into jazz and performance and her first-hand entrepreneurial experience as a full-time working musician to be an expert on how to make a living at music. Her songs are honest, rooted in her experiences with growing up, facing life challenges and being joyful in her art. A great source of wisdom on how to take control of one's career and define your own success. A mental and...

Send us a text Leslie Beukelman grew up in Sandwich, Illinois. Her parents were musicians and perhaps her drummer mother (who was performing while 8 months pregnant with Lelsie) that instilled the desire to write and make music. After a degree in jazz performance/jazz studies from Roosevelt University, Beukelman had a choice of a myriad places to bring her many talents. She chose to stay in Chicago and tap into the diverse musical scene. As a hummingbird is able to g...

Send us a text Kelli Owens Hutton has had it all--and has had it as well. A musician, once signed to Atlantic Records, Owens Hutton found herself: midlife, middle class, midwestern and in crisis. Raising a family and wondering what to do with her rock n' roll, she founded MomCore--an exploration of the famous saying "all men lead lives of quiet desperation" but from the perspective of the 21st century, holding-it-all together woman. Real life and real issues come to roost on...

Send us a text Kelli Owens Hutton walks the walk. A Berklee College of Music graduate, she was signed with Atlantic Records for a while, pursuing the rock and roll dream. Then life stepped in, (as life has a way of doing) and Kelli found herself married, middle-aged, middle class and a mother. What's a rocker to do? Find a genre, that's what. From her experience as both an artist, a woman and yes, mom she launched MomCore. MomCore is hard driving rock n'...

Send us a text Five-time grammy nominee Liam Davis has not only spent his life with some pretty amazing bands, but he has also produced some pretty amazing bands and artists. Furthermore, he has also started teaching on unique techniques for song crafting. This podcast is a must view/listen for anyone who wants to either learn how to write a song or pick up a few tips on how to make a good song even better. You can contact Davis through his website www.LiamDavis.com for more infor...

Send us a text Liam Davis is a multi-faceted musician, songwriter, and producer. The Grammy-nominated musician not only is part of the Chicago band Frisbee, he has his own solo career. songwriting workshops and has been part of such projects as Justin Davis, The Diff, Part-time lovers and Soft Opening. His website is www.liamdavis.com. Support the show We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links: SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.buymeacoffee.c...

Send us a text There are singer-songwriters out there who are so good at making other singer-songwriters look so good that we forget how good they are. Nora O'Connor is one such singer-songwriter. The folks she has toured and recorded with are a who's-who of Americana music: The Decemberists, Neko Case, and The New Pornographers. But make no mistake, O'Connor is a singer-songwriter first and foremost. Her latest album "My Heart" (we get to hear her perform the title track) i...

Send us a text Nora O'Connor has been a mainstay of the Americana music scene in Chicago, having toured and recorded with The Decemberists, Neko Case, and The New Pornographers, to mention a few. She is also a prolific songwriter and musician. Her latest album, "My Heart" goes for the heart with an amazing array of finely crafted tunes. Nora's voice is honest and moving, her ability to deliver a song puts her right up and in front of an audience--a place she has definitely e...

Send us a text Ted Russell Kamp is a sing-songwriter, based in Los Angeles. He also produces many acts and is a one-man powerhouse in the Americana music scene. In this second interview, Martin talks to Ted about his song crafting, advice for those new to the independent music business and some sage advice about how to keep afloat and your wits about you in one of the most challenging, but rewarding gigs out there. His website www.tedrussellkamp.com. Support the show We are always...

Send us a text You can tell a lot about Ted Russell Kamp from his grin. When he is playing a song or talking about touring, he lights up with a deep joy. Being an independent artist is not easy calling. You wear many hats, slog many miles, and suffer setbacks from missing strings to club cancellations. But those who can show they can take licks and deliver some guitar licks all the same with a sense of fun are the ones who make it. TRK has 17 albums out and his l...

Send us a text When Nikki O'Neill and Rich Lackowski moved to Chicago, it was so they could live a life as independent musicians in an environment that could literally afford them the creativity. The creative process is something that depends not only on finances, but having a dedicated work ethic. It also means having a good band. Their Chicago band has helped with "Stories I Only Tell My Friends" O'Neill's latest release. With Lackowski not only on drums, but moral s...

Send us a text Nikki O'Neill is calling Chicago her sweet home. Her bandmate and husband, Rich Lackowski grew up in Chicago but moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. There he met O'Neill, who despite her Irish last name, spent a good part of her life in Sweden. Nikki ended up in Los Angeles, pursuing a goal of being a full-time musician. Together, O'Neill (lead singer, songwriter) and Lackowski (percussionist, vocalist) joined with other musicians and had a...

Send us a text Martin continues his interview with Steve Dawson, a singer-songwriter who formed several bands, most notably the alternative country band, Dolly Varden. Having written scores of songs, Dawson is a wonderful source to ask about songwriting skills he has developed, his work with record labels, on being a success in the working musician world and advice for aspiring musicians on setting goals and expectations in this rough and tumble business. Dawson's song title, The ...

Send us a text Well-known for the alternative country band Dolly Varden, as well as Stump the Host, Steve Dawson is a lifer when it comes to music. His family roots in Saskatchewan, Dawson has lived for a time in California and Idaho before heading to Chicago in the late 1980's dragging all that western with him. There, he found a music scene that embraced his style of writing and performing. Chicago being cross-roads of the country-- has its own peculiar mixture of dustbow...

Send us a text Ernie Hendrickson is a true hard worker, plying his craft with great intensity and attention to detail in both lyrics and guitar playing. The results are spectacular songs that relate to people on a hopeful, positive level without any indication of insincerity. Living in the Chicago area, this Rockford native represents some of the amazing songwriting wealth that abounds in the Windy City. Ernie explains how he writes and what he likes to write about. It...

Send us a text For every big name in the business of music, there are thousands of names in the calling of music. These names are not as well known, but they are the ones that pursue their craft with no illusions about fame or fortune. They are drawn to it because they know they need to do it. Their reward is touching souls, channeling the energy in a room and bringing light into a sometimes-dreary world. Ernie Hendrickson is one such musician. No pretensions abo...

Send us a text Part of an ongoing series about the cultural need for respect. Marcus Gentry, an expert in the field and known as "Dr. Respect" unfolds why these difficult times are due to the erosion of respect. Join us as we delve into this complex and very urgent topic. Support the show We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links: SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaK MARTIN'S WEBSITE: http://www.MARTINMcCORMAC...

Send us a text We are living in tough times, made worse by a world that has made a lack of respect a virtue. Caring about others and protecting your boundaries are now paramount when it comes to living free of negativity. Speaker Marcus Gentry has devoted his life to researching and teaching about the necessity to practice the art of Respect. Visit www.marcusgentry.com to find out about his seminars and classes. Support the show We are always grateful to have you listening t...