The Tune Project Podcast Lauren Abels

Louise is a USA-based Scottish musician and photographer who uses both mediums to tell stories old and new.

Growing up in the culturally rich Orkney islands gave Louise a solid grounding in music: she started playing fiddle at the age of 7. Since then she has honed her craft at Glasgow’s renowned session scene while studying at the city’s Art School, before winning a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, Boston. Masterfully blending traditional and classical arrangements, her work is thoughtful, and complex, curious and playful. She composes in response to her roots and the world

around her; weaving through stories of connection to people, nature, the past and the possibility of the future. 



You’ll hear excerpts from a few of Louise’s original tunes throughout the episode, starting with the title track from her newest album “The Lost Summer”, a lively tune featuring a chorus of unison fiddles. Later, you’ll hear a breezy strathspey called “Adam & Eric’s”, and to round out the episode, “Pinnacle”, a tune characterized by a driving, percussiveness, and featuring a mandolin mirroring the fiddle melody, along with some fun harmonies.



Some of the topics we cover during our conversation today are:

- The crossover between Scottish and New England fiddle traditions

- The benefits of studying folk music from cultures outside of our own

- How having multiple mediums as an artist can give us a unique perspective



Links to Louise Bichan's music:

https://www.louisebichan.co.uk/

https://www.youtube.com/c/LouiseBichanOrkney

Raised in a small town in Maine, Lissa grew up surrounded by music. She began playing fiddle at the age of six, inspired by her parent's interest in folk music. In 2001 she graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music with a degree in Contemporary Improvisation. She has been writing, performing, and teaching music around the world ever since.



Lissa’s most recent album, Falling Forward, is a collection of Lissa’s original fiddle tunes and two traditional New England songs, and the result of processing her experience of living through the Covid-19 pandemic. Falling Forward was recorded in Springfield MA with a cast of all female musicians and some of the most influential musicians in traditional music today. The tunes range in tone from that of a riotous fiddle party where you’d imagine floor boards thumping, bow hairs flying, and instruments and dancers in every corner, to more somber and introspective. The album features music for both meditation and release, all of which feels appropriate in processing our collective experience as a society over the last few years.



Over the last several decades Lissa has made music that has showcased everything from traditional New England dance tunes, to original songs inspired by her experience as a foster and adoptive parent. Falling Forward has blended her love of traditional music with her love of writing, in her first fiddle forward album in over a decade. 



You’ll hear excerpts from a few of Lissa’s original tunes throughout the episode, but to kick things off, we’ll start with the title track from her aforementioned album “Falling Forward”, an upbeat number with fiddles powerfully playing in unison and harmony. Later in the episode, you’ll hear a sample from the aptly named, foot-stomping 3-tune medley, “Step Aside/Move on Over/Patriarchy Is Dead”, and to round out the episode, “Susan’s Garden March/Summer Rain”, a lovely, meditative tune combo featuring piano and fiddle.



Some of the topics we cover during our conversation today are: the importance of ear training in folk music, taking responsibility for gender imbalance in traditional music, and the forever  symbiotic relationship between music and community. 



Lissa Schneckenburger's music and teaching:

https://www.lissafiddle.com

The Arizona-born, Nashville-based Danielle Durack’s music combines the pop sensibilities of childhood favorites like Sara Bareilles with a modern wit that slots her right next to contemporaries like boygenius and Hop Along. Beginning with debut album Bashful, Durack’s developed her sound into something mature and emotionally complex, without skimping on the hooks and humor. Her third album, Escape Artist, arrives February 16th. 



Following Bashful, a breakup led to an artistic breakthrough. her sophomore record, No Place garnered praise from Pitchfork, NPR, and other outlets for its honest portrayal of a long term relationship’s dissolution. No Place was released in the middle of an intense, lockdown-induced writer's block. Once she started writing again, music became her solace and a place to safely process the emotional turmoil of the past year. The title, Escape Artist, is a reflection of this.



Escape Artist, recorded with Samuel Rosson, is her densest, most emotional record to date. The topics are more wide-ranging - lighthearted breakup narratives now coexist alongside darker material about anxiety and codependency. The soundscapes where Durack finds herself on Escape Artist, in and of themselves, are someplace heavenly and otherworldly in which to lose herself for just a little while: she says, “Music has been a safe place for me to go to all this time.”



Some of the topics we cover during our conversation today are: the challenges and excitement of starting over in a new place, processing our inner and outer world through song, and escapism.



Danielle Durack's Music:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6GW3s0BFKxz18pDxGXPQnG?si=zjzxGaqZQByT-drmlLUtMw

https://www.danielledurack.com/

https://www.danielledurack.com/

Josey is a soul pop artist hailing from Houston, Texas. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Music degree in 2017, Josey moved to Nashville to further pursue her artist and songwriting career. Her talents have led her to perform at numerous venues such as The Chicago Theatre, The Listening Room, Country Music Hall Of Fame, City Winery, The Basement, Auditorium Theatre, Exit/IN, The Bedford and House Of Blues. Josey has also performed with gifted songwriters/musicians such as Carrie Underwood, Diane Warren, Corey Henry, Allison Russell and Shawn Mullins. She was crowned the winner of talent competition "The Fame Chicago" in 2016, and landed on her first Spotify editorial playlist with her song "Energy" in 2020.

Josey sings to express, not impress. She strives to create a unique balance of soul, pop and alternative r&b, and Her songwriting focuses on self love and overcoming obstacles she’s faced as an underdog, Including the struggles and successes that come with navigating through life, relationships, and growing up. With her eclectic sound, soaring vocals and compelling lyrics Josey is creating her own path within music.



Topics of the episode:

- Expressing truth in song

- Navigating Nashville's music scene as a Black woman

- Loving and accepting yourself as you are



The songs Josey performed on this episode are "Limelight" and "Energy".



Josey's music and social media:

https://www.joseyofficial.com/

Raised in the small town of McMinnville, Oregon, Barie emerges as a mesmerizing voice in the realm of alternative rock here in Music City. 

With a profound passion for writing original music, and an innate ability to craft captivating melodies, Barie's journey through music is one of authenticity, creativity, and resonance.

Born into a family of musicians, Barie's passion for music was ignited at a young age. Her early years were filled with the sound of guitars and original music written and recorded by her parents, laying the foundation for her future artistic endeavors.

 With a boundless curiosity and an unquenchable thirst for self-expression, she began experimenting with her own melodies and lyrics, uncovering a natural gift for crafting evocative tunes.

Barie's lyrical prowess often touches on themes of self-discovery, love, loss, and the intricate tapestry of human emotions. Her songs serve as a medium through which listeners can explore their own feelings and experiences, finding solace in the melodies and comfort in the lyrics.

In an era where authenticity often shines the brightest, Barie stands as a beacon of genuine artistry. Her soulful voice, poetic lyrics, and unwavering dedication to both music and connection, create a powerful synergy that resonates deeply with fans. With each performance, Barie invites listeners to embark on a shared emotional journey—one where the magic of melodies, and the importance of expression intertwine. 



Some of the topics we cover during our conversation today are: showing up as your authentic self as an artist, surrounding yourself with people who have your best interest at heart, and setting aside the ego to make room for magic in the studio.



Songs featured in this episode: “Children of the Corn” and “Chalklines and Bloodstains”



Barie's music and social media:

https://bariemusic.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6syjRFPJMnUlcVlB80wCHc?si=qVlexQDHTraSr_Cs0A1rAw

https://www.instagram.com/barieoriginal/

Julia Cannon is a Nashville-based songwriter, recording artist and music producer who is hard to forget. Recently lauded for her “beautiful balladry” by Rolling Stone (2022), Julia’s soothing, honeyed voice and quirky personality offer a refreshing, vibrant contrast to the bittersweet honesty of her lyrics and uncertain times for those listening.

Julia was raised in Alaska by a hardworking Filipino mother, in a household she could only describe as “unorthodox.” While surviving adversities, Julia Cannon developed her wicked sense of humor and offbeat persona early. As one of very few people of color in a mostly white, ultra-conservative community, Julia’s creative voice cemented her identity as a young woman who could not - and would not - be overwritten.

Julia Cannon’s sound has been described as playful and relaxing, but her tone transcends the folk-pop genre to include soul, rock, and jazz influences. She credits her genre-bending style to influences such as Ella Fitzgerald, Paul McCartney, and Stevie Wonder. In July of 2021, she released her EP Listening, which received positive feedback from both fans and the press. Most recently, Julia made her debut at Newport Folk Festival, with resounding applause and a nod from Rolling Stone. 

Julia has a growing fanbase in Nashville, who join an existing community of ardent supporters both at home in Alaska and across the US. She is quickly becoming a fan- favorite on the popular social media platform TikTok, with over 14K followers. Known for her outstanding musicality, disarming persona, beauty, style, and offbeat humor, Julia Cannon is a bright star to watch. 

Some of the topics we cover in this episode are women in music, the importance of looking after our mental health, fearlessly breaking stereotypes, embracing the cringe, and going where the joy is.



Julia Cannon's music & social media:

https://www.juliacmusic.com/

https://www.juliacmusic.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6q6hnJk36sgFGT2p2OYtLH?si=mdXcipZsQoeZzzkp8jWlvQ



Mental health & financial resources mentioned in the episode:

https://agapenashville.org/counseling/

http://restorecounselingnashville.com/treatment/artists/

https://www.unitedwaygreaternashville.org/financial-empowerment-center/