Steve Selvidge was born into Memphis music. His earliest musical influence was his father, Sid Selvidge, a folk blues musician and gifted singer who was known for his solo performances, for playing with Furry Lewis, and for his longtime association with Jim Dickinson, Lee Baker, and Jimmy Crosthwait in the supergroup Mudboy and the Neutrons. To this day, Steve continues the tradition, keeping their repertoire alive with the group Sons of Mudboy, alongside Jimmy Crosthwait, Luther and Cody Dickinson, Ben Baker, and extended Mudboy family members.Co-founder of 1990’s era psychedelic funk group Big Ass Truck, Steve is known for his virtuosity on the guitar, his voice, and his ability to fully engage an audience, whether he’s playing blistering rock guitar solos at sold out concerts on big stages or singing folk blues favorites in a tiny, packed bar in Memphis. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and on late night shows with David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, and Jools Holland. As a touring musician for the past 25 years, he’s played across the United States, Europe, and Australia. As a session musician, he’s played guitar on more than 60 albums. He is currently a member of the Brooklyn based group The Hold Steady.
Season 4, Ep. 4: Hope Clayburn
After pulling a twelve hour night shift as a trauma nurse Hope Clayburn sat down for an interview about the music she makes with the multiple bands she gigs with. In other words Hope Clayburn is a badass. Our conversation with Hope was a journey from Connecticut to Memphis, to Africa, to Brazil. She is a saxophonist and songwriter, leader and sidewoman, charismatic and kind and we had a lot of fun hanging out with her. Enjoy!
Season 4, Ep. 3: Stephen Chopek
Drummer, guitarist, singer, songwriter, Stephen Chopek was a delight to speak with. We discuss everything from work ethic, touring, the hang, and transitioning from sideman to leader. Stephen is a world class drummer who has performed with Charlie Hunter and John Mayer, tours with his original music, and is in constant demand in Memphis. We hope you get as much from our conversation with Mr. Chopek as we did.
Joe Restivo (pt3)
Joe Restivo (pt2)
Season 4, Ep. 2: Joe Restivo
Joe Restivo is a first rate musician and first call session guitarist here in Memphis. Restivo is an extremely busy man working with multiple bands like the Lovelight Orchestra, The MD’s, various jazz combos, and more. Recently Joe has been touring with the legendary Don Bryant and has just released his album “Where’s Joe.” We get into touring, gear, Memphis history, and old TV shows. Be sure to find Joe around Memphis and check out his new album.
Season 4, Ep. 1: Adam Holton
Adam is bassist and founder of the Obruni Dance Band, which “is more than a band. It is a community, a vision, a call to love. [Their] goal is to make neighbors out of strangers through music, dance performances, and art. The word "Obruni" comes from the Twi language that is spoken through much of Ghana, in West Africa and means "foreigner" or non-Ghanaian.”
When not playing Highlife music in Obruni you can catch Adam with his classic country and western band, Big Barton and as a sideman in various groups around town. Enjoy our conversation with Adam Holton.
Season 3, Ep. 6: Ward Archer, Daniel Lynn and Archer Records
Season 6 comes to a close at Archer Records. We were lucky enough to sit down with Ward Archer (owner) and Daniel Lynn (studio manager, recording engineer) in the cozy confines of Music + Arts Studio. It is always thrilling to be in a recording studio and to be in one as well appointed as this facility was exceptional. Archer Records is a cornerstone of the Memphis Indie and Americana sound in addition to a very diverse roster. The beginning of the episode is with Ward. We discuss the business, his story, and the many capacities of the Archer. Later, in our conversation with Daniel we geek out pretty hard so be warned. So much gear so little time.
1:30 Names…names
2:45 How did Archer come into being? Project studio behind Sleepout Louie’s. Recording Lily Afshar who was Archer’s first recording artist then Sid Selvidge. Sounds Unreal studio purchase.
11:30 What DOES it take to run a studio, label, etc? 2 labels, publishing, studio, film, and an API in a pear tree.
18:10 The state of the Memphis music scene.
24:00 The day to day of a studio manager. The beginning of the epic geek out.
35:50 How did you get into recording technology Daniel? Later…get a pen and make a shopping list.