In this episode, we had a great time talking with Rebecca Frazier about her latest release “Boarding Windows in Paradise , “ her obsession with flatpicking, and taking care ofyourself in a self-loving way. She also schools us on what flatpicking is!

Grounded in her roots as a native Virginian, bluegrass trailblazer Rebecca Frazier found herselfreawakening to a whole new journey of inspiration and invention. For the flatpicking luminary, who achieved notoriety in the music world as the first woman ever to appear on the cover of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, that creative rebirth turned into her most captivatingwork yet: BOARDING WINDOWS IN PARADISE, released September 13, 2024 on Compass Records.

The album title seems appropriate, as Frazier stepped into these last years with more strength and intention than ever before. Like the generations of her ancestors who havelived along Virginia’s coast, she, too, has weathered life’s hurricanes and battering winds — and witnessed its luminous beauty — and she wanted to capture that juxtaposition on this record.

Check out Rebecca here—

• Website: rebeccafrazier.com
• Facebook: Rebecca Frazier
• YouTube: Rebecca Frazier

Avery Hill was full of insightful things to say in this latest episode. As a musician and teacher (both ukelele and songwriting) we had a lot of questions for her. We talked with her about making mix tapes back in the day, drawing inspiration by seeing live music, and the power of the natural world.

Portland-based singer-songwriter Avery Hill is set to release her sophomore full-length album, The One Who Remembers, on November 1, 2024. This album marks a significant return to her roots as a storyteller and reflects Avery's profound personal journey. "The title is an introduction to myself as an artist," Avery explains. "I am not a flashy performer or a storm chaser; I am the one who remembers." She further elaborates, "Fundamentally, every artist is a 'rememberer,' and the purpose of art is to invite us all to remember what it is to be human." The album title, she adds, is also the title of the opening track and represents "a certain amount of humility" and "a truer picture of myself," emphasizing that her role is to reflect and make sense of experiences rather than seek attention.Avery's music career began in a home filled with the sounds of her parents' favorites. She recalls, "My mother bought me my first guitar and patiently listened to me rave about Joni Mitchell. My father made me mixtapes and taught me to harmonize to The Beach Boys on the radio." Originally aspiring to be a teacher, Avery's life took a creative turn after teaching in classrooms across Germany, Vermont, Washington, and Oregon.

Avery's passion for teaching remained strong alongside her music career. "Teaching music became as fulfilling as writing and performing," she says. She started teaching ukulele in 2013 and has become a staple in Portland's ukulele community. "I strive to educate everyone's inner musician, elevate their self-knowledge and confidence, and enchant them with insight, presence, and a handful of good jokes."

Check out Avery here--

• Website: https://averyhill.studio/
• Instagram: Averyhill.studio
• Facebook: Avery Hill
• YouTube: Avery Hill Ukelele Studio AND Avery Hill Song Studio

We talk with Emily the Band in this episode who Carolyn had the pleasure of meeting at her friends' wedding. (Thanks Tom and Amelia!). We talked about their NPR Tiny Desk Series video submission, their forthcoming EP "Mwah," and the struggle with perfectionism.

Emily the band is a three-piece, queer, girl group based in central Illinois. Although they officially became a band in 2021, the love story between Emily Antonacci, Camryn Proctor, and Abbey Haste began in their teens. After meeting in highschool and becoming musical collaborators, the trio realized they were platonic soulmates. Now they get to spend their early twenties sharing their indie-alt-pop anthems with audiences.

Check out Emily the Band here--

• Website: emilytheband.com
• Youtube: Emily the Band
• Instagram: Emily the Band
• Facebook: Emily the Band
• TikTok: Emilythebandofficial