For the Sake of the Song

Feb 23

Bobby Stevens

Bobby Stevens is a singer/songwriter and guitar player in St. Louis who writes self-described “tender tunes” but whom I would describe as kindred spirits with John Prine , Bruce Springsteen, and the podcast’s namesake, Mr. Townes Van Zandt. When Bobby’s not around town singing and playing guitar, you can also find him co-hosting the beloved poetry open mic with his partner, Kyle, at The Heavy Anchor the last Wednesday of every month, creating what has become such a special space in the St. Louis poetry, art, and music communities. Playlist Track Listing: Playlist Track Listing: Burnout” by Green Day“Hiding Out In The Open” by Feist “Politics of Free” by Woods “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan “My Favorite Picture of You” by Guy Clark“X-Ray Style” by Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros “I Wish It Would Rain” by The Temptations “Girls In Their Summer Clothes” by Bruce Springsteen “Aside” by The Weakerthans“The Way It Goes Sometimes” by Garrett T. Capps “Old Note” by Lisa O’Neill “That’s the Hurt” by Zack Kelley “Girl With The Dirty Hair” by Adam Carroll “The Grave & the Cradle in Bloom” by Andy Cook “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers
Feb 9

Skylar Townsend

Skylar Townsend is a St. Louis-based singer/songwriter who released her debut album, “Hit the Ground Runnin’”, in late 2025 and you can find it on streaming services everywhere! Playlist Track Listing: “Don’t Fool Around (with the Biggest Fool Around)” by The Goldenrods“Tulsa Time” by Don Williams“Blue” by LeAnn Rimes“Drunken Angel” by Lucinda Williams“They’ve Closed Down the Honky Tonks” by Miranda Lambert“Rattlesnake Girl” by Jaime Wyatt“Crackers” by Barbara Mandrell“The Book of Love” by The Magnetic Fields“Motorcycle Drive By” by Third Eye Blind“Dear Miss Loretta” by Carly Pearce & Patty Loveless“I Wish I Was the Moon” by Neko Case“Timber I’m Falling In Love” by Patty Loveless“A Lesson In Leavin’” by Sierra Ferrell and Nikki Lane“Queen of The Clowns” by Summer DeanCarole With An E” by Brennan Leigh
Jan 5

Travis Dodds

Travis Dodds is well-known around St. Louis, mostly for his amazing guitar playing, which he’s been doing for nearly 20 years now, but he also plays bass, keyboards, synth, mandolin, and sings. And he’s got a lot of former bands to his name, including Jr. Clooney, LePonds, Yannon, Laika, and Big Color, and he also releases solo work as MacsHeadroom. His current project is called God and they just released their first EP back in November 2024 and they are working on their full-length now. If you want to hear the playlist of someone who grew up in Arkansas going to honky tonks and death metal shows, check it out! Playlist Track Listing: “The Way Up: Opening & Part One” by Pat Metheny Group“Out of Sequence” by Drab Majesty“Either Way” by Wilco“Selkies: The Endless Obsession” by Between The Buried And Me“Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails“I Ain’t Living Long Like This” by Waylon Jennings“Green Man” by Type O Negative“Ice Monster” by Minus the Bear“Witches’ Rave” by Jeff Buckley“Goodbye” by The Sundays“Aja” by Steely Dan“Julien” by Carly Rae Jepsen“The Valley Road” by Bruce Hornsby and the Range“Under The Pressure” by The War On Drugs“Brakhage” by Stereolab
12/15/2025

FERGUSON

FERGUSON is a singer/songwriter out of Nashville whose indie rock music channels the best of ‘60s-70s era pop. His debut album, State of Gold, was released back in 2019 (under his full name, Ian Ferguson), and he quickly followed that up the with the B-sides record Junk the following year. And now FERGUSON has released his latest album for our listening pleasure, Never In My Life, which came out in late September on County Fair Records. Recorded with producer Will Brown in East Nashville, FERGUSON wrote all of the songs and played every instrument on the album and the result was 10 pop songs that are described as “a spiritual cousin to the experimental pop sounds of Sargent Peppers and Pet Sounds”. Check out Never In My Life wherever you get your music and make sure to follow FERGUSON online to see what comes next! Playlist Track Listing: “Solitude” by Duke Ellington“Love Hurts” by The Everly Brothers“ Walk on By” by Dionne Warwick“Hereos and Villains” by The Beach Boys“Ruby” by Silver Apples“I’ve Been Waiting for You” by Neil Young“Tonight Will Be Fine” by Leonard Cohen“Monkberry Moon Delight” by Paul and Linda McCartney“Queen Bitch” by David Bowie“Satori Part I” by Flower Travellin’ Band“M.E.” by Gary Numan“Coming Up” by Paul McCartney“I Can’t Hardly Stand It” by The Cramps“Voices Carry” by ‘Til Tuesday“Maureen” by Sade For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
12/01/2025

Julianna Riolino

Julianna Riolino is a singer/songwriter from Ontario whose music has been described as alt-country, rock ‘n’ roll, pop, and more and she's been described as embodying Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt in one person, which is pretty badass! After the success of her debut album, All Blue, Julianna has followed up with her second album, Echo In The Dust, released in October 2025 on MoonWhistle Records. On the album you can expect to hear “big feelings layered with guitar twangs, vivid pedal steel, and walloping horns”. Chicago’s Reader said the album is “a roots-rock album that floats in currents of postpunk, punk, and doo-wop”. And, in this host's humble opinion, Julianna is one of the best out there right now so make sure you check out Echo In The Dust and then check out Julianna's tour schedule to you can make sure to catch her when she comes through a city near you because she is one hell of a performer to boot! Playlist Track Listing: 1. “Winter Is Blue” by Vashti Bunyan 2. “Sally Go Round the Roses” by Pentangle 3. “On Her Side” by Erin Rae 4. “Swim Practice” by Mariel Buckley 5. “Whatever That Means” by Dorothea Paas 6. “Mr. Sellack” by The Roches 7. “freefall” by Jane Inc. 8. “Your Heart’s A Tin Box” by Kassi Valazza 9. “Rags” by Bria Salmena 10. “Play It Out” by Wolf Alice 11. “Sunday” by The Cranberries 12. “Skin & Bones” by The Sundays 13. “Running Errands (Yesterday)” by U.S. Girls 14. “Honky Tonk Women (Live)” by Ike & Tina Turner 15. “You’re No Good” by Linda Ronstadt For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
11/17/2025

The Cactus Blossoms

This episode features a special co-created playlist, brought to you by Page Burkum and Jack Torrey of The Cactus Blossoms, who have been gifting us modern classics that blend Americana, folk, country, and early rock ‘n’ roll for well over a decade. Based out of Minneapolis, the land of great bands, brothers Jack and Page, along with their band, have released multiple studio albums, each to widespread critical acclaim. No Depression said of their latest album, Every Time I Think About You, “the pair seems to approach their craft with a classicist’s ear, always finding the cleanest words to fill up their harmonies.” Make sure to check out Every Time I Think About You wherever you get your music and follow The Cactus Blossoms on your social media of choice to find when they're playing a city near you! Playlist Track Listing: “Every Night” by Paul McCartney“Waiting For My Child” by The Consolers“Lately I’ve Let Things Slide” by Nick Lowe“Lean on Me” by Harry Nilsson“Lighten Up & Try” by Erin Rae“Sanza Zomi Na Mibale” by Docteur Nico & Orchestre African Fiesta“Deep Blue Day” by Brian Eno“The Wind” by Laura Nyro & LaBelle“Death of the Party” by Dean Johnson“How Long” by Skip James“Take Me Home Jesus” by Link Wray“With My Face On The Floor” by Emitt Rhodes“Travelin’ Light” by J.J. Cale“You Made A Believer Out Of Me” by Ruby Andrews“Key West (Philosopher Pirate)” by Bob Dylan For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
11/10/2025

Jake Maness + One Year Anniversary!

It's the one-year anniversary of the podcast! And to celebrate the occasion, this special episode features a very special guest: musician, artist, my boyfriend, and unofficial producer-behind-the-scenes - Jake Maness! Jake is most well-known as the drummer and singer in the blues rock duo, The Maness Brothers, that he formed with his brother David, who plays guitar and also sings. The Maness Brothers have toured extensively throughout the US, Canada, and Europe and have released multiple albums and EPs. Their latest album, Hill House, is coming out December 27th on Romanus Records so make sure to check that out! Also make sure to check out one of Jake's many other, active bands including Dock Judson, in which he is the lead singer/songwriter and drummer, and The Jits and (d)Friends, in which he plays drums, and The Irene Allen Band, in which he plays washboard and drums. There's so much more to say about Jake and how instrumental he's been to the podcast, supporting me every step of the way, but you'll just have to listen to the episode to hear more! Playlist Track Listing: “So Much Better” by Dean Johnson“Love Is A Wish Away” by Faith NYC“Nobody Can Live Forever” by Tim Maia“Monsoon Lightning” by Lonesome Shack and Tom Walbank“Dirty South” by James Leg“Going Back To Memphis – Live” by Soledad Brothers“Coal Black Mattie” by The Black Keys“Ace of Spades” by O.V. Wright“Mush-a-Ring Around” by Freight Train Rabbit Killer“Drive Back” by Neil Young“You Don’t Know What Love Is” by Fenton Robinson“Fire on the Sun” by The Animals“Heavy Music – Pt. 1” by Bob Seger“Evil (Is Going On)” by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band“Tears Come Rollin’ Down” by Henry Townsend For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers (yes, the same Maness Brothers that the guest, Jake, is in!)
10/20/2025

Lera Lynn

Lera Lynn is a singer/songwriter whose thoughtful songwriting, poetic lyricism, cinematic soundscapes, and haunting vocals blend Americana, indie rock, folk noir, and art pop. She’s released multiple studio albums and composed numerous pieces for film, TV, and video games, including writing and performing four songs for Season 2 of True Detective, for which she gained widespread recognition. She’s also a producer, known for her meticulous production through her record label, Ruby Range Records. Her latest album, “Comic Book Cowboy” came out just last month and is receiving high praise, with one review noting, the album “sounds like nothing else in this world, in the best sense of the word, and inspires with a multitude of daring/ingenious musical ideas.” You can stream “Comic Book Cowboy” wherever you get your music or, even better, head to leralynn.com to get a vinyl or CD copy! Playlist Track Listing: “Table for Blue” by Andrew Combs“Green Thumb” by Post Malone“Perfect Dark – New York Version” by Flyte“Broken Harvest” by Madison Cunningham“control (lose)” by Misty Boyce“Paradise Lost” by Thomas Dybdahl“End of A Friendship” by Julia Jacklin“Martha Sways” by Andy Shauf“The Magician” by Andy Shauf“May Later” by Blake Mills“My Love Mine All Mine” Mitski“Change” by Big Thief“October Sky” by Yabba“Empty Trainload of Sky” by Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings“Cutting It Close” by Iron & Wine For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
10/13/2025

Guest Playlist: Volume 2

We're back with Volume Two of the Guest Playlist! Most of the guests on the podcast are musicians and they make us playlists of other musicians’ songs but we don’t get to hear the music that the guests themselves are making and putting out there, which hardly seems fair! So to remedy that, every 15 episodes I release a playlist that features one song from each of those guests! And to help me with these regularly occurring special episodes, we are so lucky to have the esteemed Caron Brittany House on the pod! In addition to being a truly wonderful human and friend, Caron has been contributing to the STL music scene for well over a decade. Her show Wax Lyrical ran for nearly 11 years on KDHX and she’s a longtime member of the Twangfest Board of Directors and has been instrumental in showcasing amazing local and national music in STL. And part of that includes the Saturday Sessions at the Tower Grove Farmers Market, which run every Saturday from April to October and feature some of the best acts in STL! For these Guest Playlists, Caron chose the songs from half the artists and I chose the others and then we chatted about them so give it a listen, find some new music, and show the amazing podcast guests some love! Playlist Track Listing: “It’s Been Awhile” by Smoke Association / Isaac Chosich“Rae” by Lilly Hiatt“Time Trades” by Jeffrey Lewis“Can’t Get Away” by Shitstorm / Matt Stuttler“Lipstick Stains” by Hunter Peebles & The Moonlighters / Matt Maher“Field” by Les Rhinoceros / Mikey Coltun“Perfect Shade of Blue” by Alex Huck (on YouTube only)“Dying on the Vine” by Patton Magee“Had To” by Esther Rose“First it was a movie, then it was a book” by Florry / Francie Medosch“Ouray” by Garrett T. Capps and NASA Country“Hard Lines” by Tony M. Hall“Trying” by Cyanides / Brian Will“Stranger in the City” by The Mighty Pines / Neil Salsich“Crooked Crown” by The Soledad Brothers / Johnny Walker For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
09/29/2025

A.J. Croce

A.J. Croce is a singer/songwriter and piano virtuoso with decades of music and touring to his name. He's released eleven studio albums, including his most recent, “Heart of the Eternal”, which was released in early 2025. His music blends rock, blues, soul, and Americana and his new album even has some psych and jazz influences. He’s worked and toured with many of the greats, including BB King, Ray Charles, Leon Russell, Allan Toussaint, Ry Cooder, Jack Clement, Tony Berg, and dozens more.
09/15/2025

Nick Shoulders

Nick Shoulders is an Americana singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, banjo, fiddle, drums, harmonica, and mouthbow, whom Paste Magazine said is a "bonafide American treasure". He's also the owner of Gar Hole Records and is an accomplished illustrator. Playlist Track Listing: “One Broken Heart” by Sonny Burgess“Frog Went A-Courtin’” by Almeda Riddle“My Journey To The Sky” by Sister Rosette Tharpe, Maria Knight, Sam Price Trio“Man in Black” by Johnny Cash“Where Is The River Gone” by Jimmy Driftwood“Let’s Get Reagan Out” by John L. Handcox“Dusty Blossom Biigie” by Arkie Shibley and his Mountain Dew Boys“Just Out of Reach (Of My Two Empty Arms)” by Solomon Burke“Craw-Dad” by Bo Diddley“The Ballad of Emmett Till” by Red River Dave“If I Don’t Love You (Grits Ain’t Groceries)” by George Jones“Walkin’ in My Sleep” by Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard“Full Moon” by baksey Cham Krong“La danse de Mardi Gras” by The Balfa Brothers“Sweet Maggie” by Mississippi Sheiks For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers
09/01/2025

Johnny Walker

Johnny Walker is a legend among legends in the punk, blues, garage rock scene(s) and it’s an honor to have him on the podcast! He and Ben Swank started the legendary Soledad Brothers, releasing four critically acclaimed albums, and were/are longtime collaborators and friends with Meg and Jack White, with Jack engineering The Soledad Brothers first album and Johnny playing slide guitar on The White Stripes first album. After The Soledad Brothers, Johnny went on tour to sing and play harmonica with the MC5 and he formed a new band, Cut In The Hill Gang. He’s also the owner and creator of The Lodge KY in Dayton KY. Nowadays, you can find Johnny playing with his current band, All Seeing Eyes, and if you’re St. Louis, you’ll have a chance to have your mind blown when Johnny and the band play at Venice Cafe on Saturday, September 13th with The Maness Brothers (who, if you haven’t ever noticed, are the intro/outro music to the pod!). It’s a chance to see a living legend so do. not. miss. it. Playlist Track Listing: 1. “I Wanta Holler (But The Town’s Too Small)” by Gary U.S. Bonds 2. “Black to Comm” by MC5 3. “Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground” by Blind Willie Johnson 4. “Et moi, et moi, et moi” by Jacques Dutronc 5-8. “A Love Supreme” by John Coltrane 9. “The Big Three Killed My Baby” by The White Stripes 10. “F**k The People” by The Kills 11. Diddy Wah Diddy” by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band 12. “You Need Love” by Muddy Waters 13. “Pills” by Bo Diddley 14. “Third Stone From The Sun” by Jimi Hendrix 15. “Sister Ray” by The Velvet Underground 16. “Devil Got My Woman” by Skip James 17. “Re-Make/Re-Model” by Roxy Music 18. “Ya Ya Ya (Looking For My Baby” by The Detroit Cobras For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
08/05/2025

Neil Salsich

Neil Salsich is a singer, songwriter, and guitar player who's been playing in St. Louis for 15 years and he's best known for his band, The Mighty Pines, but he's also a member of the Playadors and Sean Canan's Voodoo Players. Make sure to follow Neil and The Mighty Pines on Instagram so you can stay up-to-date on all of his shows and, importantly, the annual Pines Fest happening in October! Playlist Track Listing: “Wounded” by Third Eye Blind“Dying to Believe” by The Beths“Mirrlky Honey” by Messy Jiverson“Ain’t It Fun” by Paramore“The Dress” by Dijon“DO 4 LOVE” by Snoh Aalegra“Dear God – Live” by Smokie Norful“Sticking to My Guns – Live” by PJ Morton“The Tide Will Rise” by Bruce Hornsby“Hold On” by Ames“Burning In The Sun” by Blue Merle“Moonlight Serenade” by Kurt Elling“Geordie (Child 209)” Anais Mitchell and Jefferson Hamer“Someday We’ll Know” by New Radicals“Still Be Around” by Uncle Tupelo For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
07/21/2025

Tony Hall

Tony Hall is a keyboard player and singer/songwriter who’s been around the St. Louis music scene for nearly 20 years, and you can catch him playing out solo as Tony M. Hall or you can find him behind the keys with Nick Gusman & The Coyotes at least for the next couple of weeks. Keep an eye out for his solo album dropping in spring 2026! And a special shout-out to Tony being an early and enthusiastic supporter of the podcast, so make sure you show him some love in return! Playlist Track Listing: “Poor Jackie” by Man Man“Conga” by Miami Sound Machine“Foxglove” by Murder By Death“Dime a Dozen” by Forrest McCurren“Hair-Trigger” by Protest the Hero“Holy Sh*t!” by Against Me!“Change of Pace” by Andy Frasco & The U.N.“Goldmine” by Old Capital Square Dance Club“Still Not a Player (feat. Joe)” by Big Pun, Joe“Pretty Good” by John Prine“Just Like Old Times” by Todd Snider“Peace of Mind” by Hannah Juanita“Total Bummer” by NOFX“Feel Like That (feat. Bradley Nowell)” by Sublime, Stick Figure, Jakobs Castle, Bradley Nowell“This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody)” by Talking Heads For the Sake of the Song Podcast Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
07/07/2025

Brian Will

Brian Will is a singer/songwriter and guitarist who plays in a couple St. Louis bands, including The Jits and the Cyanides. Make sure to follow him on Instagram @brianwont to find out where you can see him playing live next! Playlist Track Listing: “Sovereignty Flight” by The Gories“Kiss Me On The Bus” by The Replacements“Tommy Gun” by The Clash“All My Feelings Denied” by Thee Headcoats“Fiction Romance” by Buzzcocks“What’s Going Ahn” by Big Star“Carried Away” by Television“I Need Mercy” by The Peace“Barnaby, Hardly Working” by Yo La Tengo“Sideshow by the Seashore – Salvati Mix” by Luna“Suffering Jukebox” by Silver Jews“Until You Came Along” by Golden Smog“The Man in Me” by Bob Dylan“Wake Me When It’s Over” by Willie Nelson“AAA” by Grandpaboy For the Sake of the Song Podcast Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
06/24/2025

Garrett T. Capps

Garrett T. Capps hails from San Antonio and has a lot of great music to his name, whether that's albums he's released with his band NASA Country, including their most recent release "Everyone Is Everyone", or his latest solo album "Life is Strange", backed in the studio by friends who also happen to be killer musicians. When he's not making music in the studio or on tour, you can probably find Garrett at The Lonesome Rose, a great bar and venue in San Antonio that Garrett just also happens to own. Garrett's the type of musician that gives you hope for the future of music so give his interview and playlist a listen immediately! Playlist Track Listing: “River Towns” by Mark Knopfler“Shadows” by Dr. John“Joe Tex” by The Black Swans“Eve of Destruction” by Barry McGuire“Amazed to Find” by Kate Wolf“Just Like You” by Doug Kershaw“The Gate” by Little Mazarn and Felt Out“Sailing Away” by James McMurtry“Another Day” by Sunjammer“If I Was” by Creekbed Carter Hogan“Ya-Ta-Hey Sukie” by J.J. Light“Been On My Mind” by Nicole Hale“Death Smile” by Bill Baird“Sleep” by The Hushabyes“That’s The Way Love Goes” by Johnny Rodriguez For the Sake of the Song Podcast Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
06/20/2025

Esther Rose

Esther Rose has been making her mark on the Americana landscape for years and her newest album, "Want", released on New West Records, has been called "wildly satisfying" by Glide Magazine and No Depression said it was her "most settled work yet". She's currently out on tour with a full band (!!!) so make sure you check out her schedule to find out where they're playing near you! Playlist Track Listing: “Wenn der Sudwind weht” by Roedelius“Rose Parade” by Elliot Smith“Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins“Satan” by Andy Shauf“Alameda” by Elliot Smith“Real Life” by Zella Day“Full Time Job” by Squirrel Flower“Knockin” by MJ Lenderman“Please, Sing a Little Longer” by Josiah Steinbrick“Old Tv” by Dean Johnson“This Flight Tonight” by Joni Mitchell“I Will Buy You A New Life” by Everclear“Come Home” by Hana Stretton“CSI: Petralona” by Westerman“Hinoki Wood” by Gia Margaret For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
06/16/2025

Francie Medosch

Francie Medosch is the lead force behind and in front of the band, Florry, who blend indie rock with country twang and have been compared to the likes of The Band and The Rolling Stones as well as PJ Harvey and Big Thief. Their newest album, “Sounds Like…” recently came out on Dear Life Records and Pitchfork says, “the country-rock group rips through a set of free-spirited barnstormers with such ease and joy that even its tales of raw feelings and perpetual malaise feel uplifting” while Paste Magazine says, “This sort of unpretentious, unfiltered rock music will never go out of style. To borrow a phrase from Richard Williams’ review of Exile on Main St. in Melody Maker way back in ‘72: ‘Sounds Like…’ will take its place in history.” Florry is out on tour this summer in support of the new album, traveling all across the East Coast and Midwest, so make sure you check their page for where they’re playing near you! Playlist Track Listing: “When I Grow Too Old to Dream” by Jimmy Smith“No Deal” by Townes Van Zandt“My One and Only Love” by Bob Dylan “Rockin’ Chair – Live at The Academy of Music, New York, 1971” by The Band“I’m Sticking With You” by The Velvet Underground “Ugetsu” by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers “In A Frosty Pass” by Old Table “Kusuri O Takusan” by Taeko Onuki“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” by Cowboy Junkies “annah (bonus)” by Porches “Stars Fell On Alabama” by The Cannonball Adderley Quintet“Like Someone In Love” by Bjork @bjork“We’ll Be Together Again – Live” by McCoy Tyner, Joe Henderson, Henry Grimes, Jack DeJohnette “Dices, Dices” by Michael Hurley“Rendezous USA” by Terry Allen For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
06/10/2025

Patton Magee

Patton Magee is the frontman of the rock ‘n’ roll group The Nude Party, whom critics have compared to some of the greats, including The Rolling Stones, the Velvet Underground, and Buffalo Springfield, and now Patton is releasing his debut solo album on June 12 on Nudie Records called “Last Cowboy on the Prairie”. It's been described as a “sprawling trek across America’s sonic landscapes – Arizona desert ballads, Louisiana bayou boogies, New York grooves, and Old West operatics”. Available for pre-order at nudierecords.com or on Bandcamp and available to stream everywhere on June 12th! Playlist Track Listing: “Train Round the Bend” by The Velvet Underground “Nashville’s A Groovy Little Town” by Natural Child “I Must Be Somebody Else You’ve Known” by The International Submarine Band“Every Which-A-Way” by Roger Miller“Blood On The Saddle” by Tex Ritter“Your Cheatin’ Heart” by Hank Williams“Along the Sante Fe Trail” by Sons of the Pioneers “Love Is A Rose” by Neil Young “Sunday Sunny Mill Valley Groove Day” by Sir Douglas Quintet“Saddle Tramp” by Marty Robbins “Return of the Grievous Angel” by Gram Parsons“Up to Me – Take 1” by Bob Dylan “Dear Doctor” by The Rolling Stones “We All Make the Flowers Grow” by Lee Hazelwood“This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie For The Sake of the Song Podcast Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
06/03/2025

Alex Huck

Alex Huck is a singer/songwriter who has been in St. Louis for only three years but brings decades of talent with him! You can check him out playing solo around town at some of his recurring monthly gigs, such as the second Friday of very month at Hammerstone’s, or catch him behind the kit with the Tyler King Band the last Sunday of the month at Hammerstone’s. Playlist Track Listing: “Smoke Detector” by Rilo Kiley“Further North” by Johnathan Rice“Wonderful Scar” by Now It’s Overhead“Always On My Mind” by Phantom Planet“Newspaper Gown” by Damien Jurado“Pamphleteer” by The Weakerthans“Didi (My Doe part 2)” by The Matches“You Were Right” by Built To Spill“Easy’s Gettin’ Harder Every Day” by Iris DeMent“Divorce” by Alex Cameron“Sad and Lonely” by Secret Machines“XFire – EP Version” by The Bens“I’m Alright” by Loudon Wainwright III“Simplicity” by Abe Partridge“South of the South” by David Dondero For the Sake of the Song Podcast Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
05/20/2025

Mikey Coltun

Mikey Coltun is a musician, engineer, and producer and he's played with a number of great bands, including Les Rhinoceros, Mdou Moctar, Steve Gunn, KOLTUN, and more. He started studying music at the age of 3 and by 16 he was touring and playing all over the world with the most well-known and well-respected musicians in rock, jazz, punk, often blending Western and African styles. Mikey has recently started a new band, TAKAAT, with the other two members of the Mdou Moctar rhythm section, Ahmoudou Madassane and Souleymane Ibrahim, and they've just released their first EP, "TAKAAT is Noise, Volume 1" and Mikey not only plays bass on the tracks but he also recorded, mixed, and produced the album. The group started at soundchecks for Mdou Moctar shows when the trio indulged in their shared love of cranking amps to 11 and blowing out speakers. They blend the punk styles of bands like Fugazi with the guitar music from the Sahel, which results in deeply intense, dark, energetic music. They're currently on their first tour so make sure to check out where they're playing next and get out to see them (and stream or buy their album)! Playlist Track Listing: “Naima – Live from Village Vanguard Again!” by John Coltrane“When I Grow Up” by Joe Mcphee“Pay To Cum” by Bad Brains“Banganesiba” by Tal National“Vie-Ni – From ‘Quando l’amore e sensualita’” by Ennio Morricone“Lorelei” by Sharp Pins“Lifted” by Curved Lights“Bara” by Vieux & Cheick Niang“Niamey, Niger 2021 (A)” by Amadou Ousmane Ali“Cycles of Fate part 1” by Jad Atoui“Clouds are whatever you make them out to be.” by Ipek Eginli“34” by J.R.C.G.“Chant” by Masami Tomihisa“Current Affair” by Evicshen“Hollywood” by Jessica Pratt For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
05/06/2025

Matt Maher

Matt Maher is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, pedal steel, mandolin, dobro, and bass, and he's associated with many St. Louis-based bands, including Hunter Peebles & The Moonlighters, Yard Eagle, Smoke Association, The Screechin’ Halts, and Back Wash. His musical talent is key to making these bands shine so make sure to follow him and them so you can find out where to catch Matt playing next and hear all the new releases he's featured on! Playlist Track Listing: “Shove” by LePonds“Jupiter” by Matt Maltese“What Would I Want? Sky” by Animal Collective“The Vowels, Pt. 2” by WHY?“RR vs. D” by Au“Ways to be Loved” by TOPS“Summer’s Over” by Jordana & TV Girl“Thanks For The Killer Game Of Crisco Twister” by Minus the Bear“Money” by Pono AM“Mirror of Time” by Twin Peaks“Mint Car” by The Cure“Deep Blue Sea” by Art Lown“Nothing’s Right” by Will Stewart“Sister’s House” by Dubb Nubb“On A Desert Isle” by C.W. Stoneking For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
04/22/2025

Matt Stuttler

Matt Stuttler is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, bass player, and self-described synth enthusiast who has been a mainstay in the St. Louis music scene for 15 years and he currently plays in many bands including Shitstorm, Nite Sprites, Dock Judson, Cyanides, Boreal Hills, The Losing End, Molten Bone, and Variante Form and his former bands include The Stranger, Beach Bodies, and Banana Clips. And when he’s not playing in a band, he’s helping them play and record as the owner and operator of the longtime St. Louis venue and recording studio, The Sinkhole. Matt has done so much for the St. Louis music scene over the years and has a wealth of musical knowledge so you do not want to skip this one! You can check out The Sinkhole at www.sinkholerecords.com or on Instagram @sinkholestl Playlist Track Listing: “M.E.” by Gary Numan“Citadel – Remastered 2017 / Stereo” by The Rolling Stones“Ball of Confusion (That’s What The World Is Today)” by The Temptations“Looking at You” by MC5“Homosapien” by Pete Shelley“Master of the Universe – 1996 Remaster” by Hawkwind“Powderfinger – 2016 Remaster” by Neil Young & Crazy Horse“Running on Empty” by Jackson Browne“Run From the City” by Purling Hiss“Marianne” by Joni Ekman“Waiting for an Alibi” by Thin Lizzy“Alone Again Or – 2015 Remaster” by Love“The Partisan” by Leonard Cohen“Cheree – 2019 Remaster” by Suicide“In League With Satan (7” version)” by Venom For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
04/08/2025

Jena Haffner

Jena Haffner, along with her dad, Jean, own and operate The Record Exchange, the longtime, iconic record store in St. Louis. Jean opened the store in 1977 so Jena was born into the world of music and vinyl and now she helps Jean operate the 10,000-square-foot store filled with not just vinyl but all types of media, media-playing equipment, and memorabilia. If you haven't been down to the store, what are you even doing?! Make sure you swing by to dig through crates, find that highly-sought after collectors' item or that obscure, deep cut, and support one of the best record stores in town! And if digging isn't your thing, they have a huge online store so go record shopping from your couch! You can find out all about The Record Exchange at www.recordexchangestl.com Playlist Track Listing: “Where Are We Going?” by Donald Byrd“Black Cow” by Steely Dan“I Forgot To Be Your Lover” by William Bell“Nothing Compares 2 U” by Prince“Cemetery Walk II” by Umphrey’s McGee“You’re Gonna Need Me” by Dionne Warwick“Fallin’ In Love” by La Bouche“Walk Home” by Bon Iver“Shakedown Street” by Grateful Dead“Everybody Loves The Sunshine” by Roy Ayers Ubiquity“Nobody to Love” by 13th Floor Elevators“Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell” by The Flaming Lips“Stone Love” by Kashif“Give It Away” by Zero 7“Lost On 32nd Street” by Johnny “Hammond” Smith For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers
04/01/2025

Guest Playlist: Volume 1

A new kind of episode and playlist! Most of the guests on the podcast are musicians and they make us playlists of other musicians’ songs but we don’t get to hear the music that the guests themselves are making and putting out there, which hardly seems fair! So to remedy that, every 15 episodes that feature a musician guest, I’m going to release an episode and playlist that features one song from each of those guests! And to help me with these regularly occurring special episodes, we are so lucky to have the esteemed Caron Brittany House! In addition to being a truly wonderful human and friend, Caron has been contributing to the STL music scene for well over a decade. Her show Wax Lyrical ran for nearly 11 years on KDHX and she’s a longtime member of the Twangfest Board of Directors and has been instrumental in showcasing amazing local and national music in STL. And part of that includes the Saturday Sessions at the Tower Grove Farmers Market, which run every Saturday from April to October and feature some of the best acts in STL! For these Guest Playlists, Caron chose the songs from half the artists and I chose the others and then we chatted about them so give it a listen, find some new music, and show the amazing podcast guests some love! Playlist Track Listing: 1. “Roamer” by Blond Guru / Noah Gregory 2. “no longer neighbors” by po mia 3. “Say What You Will” by Joe Fletcher & Wrong Reasons 4. “Come Back” by The Public / Dylan Andersen 5. “Unplug the Machines” by Still Animals / Jessie Karabell 6. “Cadillac Dreams II” by Desi Darling / Sean Kimble 7. “Keep it to Myself” by Laka Soul 8. “Sorry, Weird” by Matt F. Basler 9. “Pushing Away, Pulling Together” by Joanna Serenko 10. “Dream Logic” by Space Quaker / Robin Harvey 11. “Knot to Force” by Surtsey / Joe Bassa 12. “Sensing” by Luisa Sims 13. “Jolly Rogers Arkansas” by Truman Kennedy 14. “Friends, Lovers, Ex-Lovers, Whatever” by SUSTO Stringband / Justin Osborne 15. “Hit The Ground” by We Are Root Mod / Isaac Johnston For the Sake of the Song Intro/Outro Music: "Gun" by The Maness Brothers @TheManessBrothers