web02.fireside.fm Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:33:12 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) For Songs - Episodes Tagged with “Folkrock” https://forsongs.fireside.fm/tags/folkrock Sun, 02 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500 This podcast is for those who love music but can't write a tune to save their lives. We talk with singer/songwriters of all stripes, professional touring musicians to those who can't quite catch a break. Maybe you'll hear something you'll like. Maybe not. But you will come away with a greater appreciation for the gift of songwriting, and how hard it really is. Now sponsored by @thepugdc! en-us episodic A podcast for and about songs and songwriting Rob Thormeyer This podcast is for those who love music but can't write a tune to save their lives. We talk with singer/songwriters of all stripes, professional touring musicians to those who can't quite catch a break. Maybe you'll hear something you'll like. Maybe not. But you will come away with a greater appreciation for the gift of songwriting, and how hard it really is. Now sponsored by @thepugdc! yes songwriting, punk rock, guitar, music, folk, rock, singer/songwriter, podcast, songwriters Rob Thormeyer robthormeyer@yahoo.com Episode 73: A Return Conversation with Yasmin Williams https://forsongs.fireside.fm/73 7288ee2c-8679-4820-8f1b-eb786496f07f Sun, 02 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500 Rob Thormeyer 73 A Return Conversation with Yasmin Williams full 1 Rob Thormeyer Prepare to be transported. Destination? Who knows, somewhere peaceful no doubt. My guest for this episode is making her fifth appearance on the show—Yasmin Williams. She is here to discuss her latest album Acadia, released in October 2024. Coming on the heels of her breakthrough 2021 release Urban Driftwood, Acadia establishes Yasmin as a true force in modern music. In this episode, we discuss the making of the new record and how her life has changed since Urban Driftwood. Mostly, though, we talk about the songs. The breathtaking, dreamy, evocative songs that will transport you to a better place. So sit back and welcome Yasmin Williams back to the show. 42:55 yes Prepare to be transported. Destination? Who knows, somewhere peaceful no doubt. Just get ready and enjoy the ride. My guest for this episode is making her fifth appearance on the show—Yasmin Williams (www.yasminwilliamsmusic.com), one of the most innovative and talented musicians I’ve ever heard. Yasmin is here to discuss her latest album Acadia, released in October 2024. Coming on the heels of her breakthrough 2021 release Urban Driftwood, Acadia establishes Yasmin as a true force in modern music. In this episode, we discuss the making of the new record—her first on a major label—and how she assembled an all-star cast of guest artists. We also talk about how her life has changed since Urban Driftwood and recording with the support of a major label. Mostly, though, we talk about the songs. The breathtaking, dreamy, evocative songs that will transport you to a better place. So sit back and welcome Yasmin Williams back to the show. Yasmin Williams, guitar, women in rock, indie rock, folk rock, acoustic guitar Prepare to be transported. Destination? Who knows, somewhere peaceful no doubt. Just get ready and enjoy the ride. My guest for this episode is making her fifth appearance on the show—[Yasmin Williams](www.yasminwilliamsmusic.com), one of the most innovative and talented musicians I’ve ever heard. Yasmin is here to discuss her latest album Acadia, released in October 2024. Coming on the heels of her breakthrough 2021 release Urban Driftwood, Acadia establishes Yasmin as a true force in modern music. In this episode, we discuss the making of the new record—her first on a major label—and how she assembled an all-star cast of guest artists. We also talk about how her life has changed since Urban Driftwood and recording with the support of a major label. Mostly, though, we talk about the songs. The breathtaking, dreamy, evocative songs that will transport you to a better place. So sit back and welcome Yasmin Williams back to the show.

]]> Prepare to be transported. Destination? Who knows, somewhere peaceful no doubt. Just get ready and enjoy the ride. My guest for this episode is making her fifth appearance on the show—[Yasmin Williams](www.yasminwilliamsmusic.com), one of the most innovative and talented musicians I’ve ever heard. Yasmin is here to discuss her latest album Acadia, released in October 2024. Coming on the heels of her breakthrough 2021 release Urban Driftwood, Acadia establishes Yasmin as a true force in modern music. In this episode, we discuss the making of the new record—her first on a major label—and how she assembled an all-star cast of guest artists. We also talk about how her life has changed since Urban Driftwood and recording with the support of a major label. Mostly, though, we talk about the songs. The breathtaking, dreamy, evocative songs that will transport you to a better place. So sit back and welcome Yasmin Williams back to the show.

]]> Episode 67: For Songs Singles! Find Your Way, Tim Easton https://forsongs.fireside.fm/67 d0c53531-d62a-4011-84dc-96d7efc86902 Sun, 31 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0400 Rob Thormeyer 67 For Songs Singles! Find Your Way, Tim Easton full 1 Rob Thormeyer Some folks are just a natural for this show. Nashville-based veteran singer/songwriter Tim Easton certainly fits the bill. A renowned tunesmith, Easton has lived a quintessential troubadour life—busking in Europe and living in L.A., New York, and many places in between. Now calling Nashville home, Tim is back with a new song and new album, both called Find Your Way. In this episode, we talk about the song and discuss his career and influences. Long-time listeners of this show will appreciate Tim’s love of both the Clash and Johnny Cash, the Louvin Brothers and Elvis Costello. So sit back and enjoy as Tim Easton joins me for For Songs. 26:24 yes Some folks are just a natural for this show. Nashville-based veteran singer/songwriter Tim Easton (https://www.timeaston.com/) certainly fits the bill. A renowned tunesmith, Easton has lived a quintessential troubadour life—busking in Europe and living in L.A., New York, and many places in between. Now calling Nashville home, Tim is back with a new album Find Your Way. Tim’s solo work dates back to the late 90s, back when the major labels bet big that so-called alt.country or Americana would be the next thing. In this episode of For Songs Singles, Tim talks about how those big bets never paid off. We cover quite a bit here, but mostly we discuss the first single from the album, the ethereal title track Find Your Way. The song deals with a life-changing near-miss traffic incident, caused by Tim being a bit under the influence. Tim opens up about how the incident caused him to reevaluate his lifestyle. We also discuss his career and influences, and long-time listeners of this show will appreciate Tim’s love of both the Clash and Johnny Cash, the Louvin Brothers and Elvis Costello. So sit back and enjoy as Tim Easton joins me for For Songs. Tim Easton, folk, rock, punk rock, Americana, folk rock, Find Your Way, podcast, music, singer, songwriter, singer/songwriter Some folks are just a natural for this show. Nashville-based veteran singer/songwriter Tim Easton certainly fits the bill. A renowned tunesmith, Easton has lived a quintessential troubadour life—busking in Europe and living in L.A., New York, and many places in between. Now calling Nashville home, Tim is back with a new album Find Your Way. Tim’s solo work dates back to the late 90s, back when the major labels bet big that so-called alt.country or Americana would be the next thing. In this episode of For Songs Singles, Tim talks about how those big bets never paid off. We cover quite a bit here, but mostly we discuss the first single from the album, the ethereal title track Find Your Way. The song deals with a life-changing near-miss traffic incident, caused by Tim being a bit under the influence. Tim opens up about how the incident caused him to reevaluate his lifestyle. We also discuss his career and influences, and long-time listeners of this show will appreciate Tim’s love of both the Clash and Johnny Cash, the Louvin Brothers and Elvis Costello. So sit back and enjoy as Tim Easton joins me for For Songs.

]]> Some folks are just a natural for this show. Nashville-based veteran singer/songwriter Tim Easton certainly fits the bill. A renowned tunesmith, Easton has lived a quintessential troubadour life—busking in Europe and living in L.A., New York, and many places in between. Now calling Nashville home, Tim is back with a new album Find Your Way. Tim’s solo work dates back to the late 90s, back when the major labels bet big that so-called alt.country or Americana would be the next thing. In this episode of For Songs Singles, Tim talks about how those big bets never paid off. We cover quite a bit here, but mostly we discuss the first single from the album, the ethereal title track Find Your Way. The song deals with a life-changing near-miss traffic incident, caused by Tim being a bit under the influence. Tim opens up about how the incident caused him to reevaluate his lifestyle. We also discuss his career and influences, and long-time listeners of this show will appreciate Tim’s love of both the Clash and Johnny Cash, the Louvin Brothers and Elvis Costello. So sit back and enjoy as Tim Easton joins me for For Songs.

]]> Episode 52: A Conversation with Nora O'Connor https://forsongs.fireside.fm/52 b01cb106-a974-4cc5-9a26-bf8ca77493da Tue, 01 Nov 2022 20:00:00 -0400 Rob Thormeyer 52 A Conversation with Nora O'Connor full 1 Rob Thormeyer There’s a moment in singer/songwriter Nora O’Connor’s new album My Heart when you realize just how special her talent is. By admission, the Chicago-based musician is more comfortable in the background, singing backup and playing with such Americana luminaries like Neko Case, the Decembrists, Robbie Fulks, among others. But for the first time in 18(!) years, Nora is back with My Heart, released in early October. With a soothing voice, Nora has been an in-demand harmony vocalist for two decades. In this episode, Nora gives a refreshing interview about My Heart. We discuss about four songs—Sore, Cambridge Cold, the album’s one cover It’s Alright Now, and Fare Thee Well. Nora walks us through how these songs came to be and how performing outdoor shows during the COVID lockdowns unlocked her creative juices. So sit back and listen in as Nora O’Connor joins me for this episode of For Songs! 36:45 yes There’s a moment in singer/songwriter Nora O’Connor’s new album My Heart when you realize just how special her talent is. By admission, the Chicago-based musician is more comfortable in the background, singing backup and playing various instruments with such Americana luminaries like Neko Case, the Decembrists, Robbie Fulks, among others. But for the first time in 18(!) years, Nora is back with a solo album—her third—called My Heart, released in early October. And it’s about midway through the fourth song on the album “Cambridge Cold” when you understand why My Heart is such an impeccable listen, and is exactly the kind of music the world needs. Indeed, Nora’s songs make you feel at home, no matter where you are. With a soothing voice reminiscent of Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and Stevie Nicks, Nora has been an in-demand harmony vocalist for two decades, and when she sings you feel like everything is going to be okay. In this episode of For Songs, Nora provides a refreshing take on her music, her career, and how a decade-plus of supporting Neko Case and others made her want to dip back into her own musical well. We discuss about four songs from the album—Sore, Cambridge Cold, the album’s one cover It’s Alright Now, and Fare Thee Well. Nora walks us through how these songs came to be and how performing outdoor shows during the COVID lockdowns unlocked her creative juices. So sit back and listen in as Nora O’Connor joins me for this episode of For Songs! Nora O'Connor, Neko Case, New Pornographers, Decembrists, folk rock, country rock, Chicago, My Heart There’s a moment in singer/songwriter Nora O’Connor’s new album My Heart when you realize just how special her talent is. By admission, the Chicago-based musician is more comfortable in the background, singing backup and playing various instruments with such Americana luminaries like Neko Case, the Decembrists, Robbie Fulks, among others. But for the first time in 18(!) years, Nora is back with a solo album—her third—called My Heart, released in early October. And it’s about midway through the fourth song on the album “Cambridge Cold” when you understand why My Heart is such an impeccable listen, and is exactly the kind of music the world needs. Indeed, Nora’s songs make you feel at home, no matter where you are. With a soothing voice reminiscent of Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and Stevie Nicks, Nora has been an in-demand harmony vocalist for two decades, and when she sings you feel like everything is going to be okay. In this episode of For Songs, Nora provides a refreshing take on her music, her career, and how a decade-plus of supporting Neko Case and others made her want to dip back into her own musical well. We discuss about four songs from the album—Sore, Cambridge Cold, the album’s one cover It’s Alright Now, and Fare Thee Well. Nora walks us through how these songs came to be and how performing outdoor shows during the COVID lockdowns unlocked her creative juices. So sit back and listen in as Nora O’Connor joins me for this episode of For Songs!

]]> There’s a moment in singer/songwriter Nora O’Connor’s new album My Heart when you realize just how special her talent is. By admission, the Chicago-based musician is more comfortable in the background, singing backup and playing various instruments with such Americana luminaries like Neko Case, the Decembrists, Robbie Fulks, among others. But for the first time in 18(!) years, Nora is back with a solo album—her third—called My Heart, released in early October. And it’s about midway through the fourth song on the album “Cambridge Cold” when you understand why My Heart is such an impeccable listen, and is exactly the kind of music the world needs. Indeed, Nora’s songs make you feel at home, no matter where you are. With a soothing voice reminiscent of Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and Stevie Nicks, Nora has been an in-demand harmony vocalist for two decades, and when she sings you feel like everything is going to be okay. In this episode of For Songs, Nora provides a refreshing take on her music, her career, and how a decade-plus of supporting Neko Case and others made her want to dip back into her own musical well. We discuss about four songs from the album—Sore, Cambridge Cold, the album’s one cover It’s Alright Now, and Fare Thee Well. Nora walks us through how these songs came to be and how performing outdoor shows during the COVID lockdowns unlocked her creative juices. So sit back and listen in as Nora O’Connor joins me for this episode of For Songs!

]]> Episode 45: For Songs Singles! Restless Companion, Michael Patrick F. Smith https://forsongs.fireside.fm/45 7033c490-f36a-473d-b91b-4ca5bb63d17c Mon, 18 Apr 2022 16:00:00 -0400 Rob Thormeyer 45 For Songs Singles! Restless Companion, Michael Patrick F. Smith full 1 Rob Thormeyer It’s been a little more than since my next guest first joined me on For Songs. Michael Patrick F. Smith returns to the show for the first time since January 2021, a few weeks before his book The Good Hand was published. The Good Hand is a blistering read, telling the tale of his journey to North Dakota at the height of the shale-gas revolution that turned parts of the state into a latter-day gold rush. With the paperback version having just been released, Michael joined me to discuss a new song called Restless Companion. Restless Companion is a breezy tune that would fit right at home on Uncle Tupelo’s Anodyne, or Son Volt’s Trace. The song itself is an ode to The Good Hand and all the literal blood, sweat, and tears that went into it. So sit down, grab a beer, and welcome back Michael Patrick F. Smith to For Songs. 23:10 yes It’s been a little more than since my next guest first joined me on For Songs. Michael Patrick F. Smith and I go way back. Way way back. To elementary school, middle school, high school, and even church. Michael returns to the show for the first time since January 2021, a few weeks before his book The Good Hand was published. The Good Hand (https://www.thegoodhand.org/) is a blistering read, telling the tale of his journey to North Dakota at the height of the shale-gas revolution that turned parts of the state into a latter-day gold rush. With the paperback version having just been released, Michael joined me to discuss a new song called Restless Companion. Restless Companion was one of a few new songs accompanying the audiobook of The Good Hand. It is a breezy tune that would fit right at home on Uncle Tupelo’s Anodyne, or Son Volt’s Trace. The song itself is an ode to The Good Hand and all the literal blood, sweat, and tears that went into it. So sit down, grab a beer, and welcome back Michael Patrick F. Smith to For Songs. MPFS, the good hand, woody guthrie, folk music, oil, boomtown, new music It’s been a little more than since my next guest first joined me on For Songs. Michael Patrick F. Smith and I go way back. Way way back. To elementary school, middle school, high school, and even church. Michael returns to the show for the first time since January 2021, a few weeks before his book The Good Hand was published. The Good Hand is a blistering read, telling the tale of his journey to North Dakota at the height of the shale-gas revolution that turned parts of the state into a latter-day gold rush. With the paperback version having just been released, Michael joined me to discuss a new song called Restless Companion. Restless Companion was one of a few new songs accompanying the audiobook of The Good Hand. It is a breezy tune that would fit right at home on Uncle Tupelo’s Anodyne, or Son Volt’s Trace. The song itself is an ode to The Good Hand and all the literal blood, sweat, and tears that went into it. So sit down, grab a beer, and welcome back Michael Patrick F. Smith to For Songs.

]]> It’s been a little more than since my next guest first joined me on For Songs. Michael Patrick F. Smith and I go way back. Way way back. To elementary school, middle school, high school, and even church. Michael returns to the show for the first time since January 2021, a few weeks before his book The Good Hand was published. The Good Hand is a blistering read, telling the tale of his journey to North Dakota at the height of the shale-gas revolution that turned parts of the state into a latter-day gold rush. With the paperback version having just been released, Michael joined me to discuss a new song called Restless Companion. Restless Companion was one of a few new songs accompanying the audiobook of The Good Hand. It is a breezy tune that would fit right at home on Uncle Tupelo’s Anodyne, or Son Volt’s Trace. The song itself is an ode to The Good Hand and all the literal blood, sweat, and tears that went into it. So sit down, grab a beer, and welcome back Michael Patrick F. Smith to For Songs.

]]> Episode 33: A Conversation with Dar Williams https://forsongs.fireside.fm/33 a13f6b99-39b7-4c45-a931-445c53b7fc07 Fri, 01 Oct 2021 16:45:00 -0400 Rob Thormeyer 33 A Conversation with Dar Williams full 1 Rob Thormeyer Time has a funny way of working, right? Some days feel like they last forever, while others are over in a blink of an eye. And the cruel joke is that as you get older, time seems to move even faster. On this episode of For Songs, singer/songwriter Dar Williams covers these themes and more on her latest album “I’ll Meet You Here,” released on Oct. 1. Dar has been making music since the early 90s, following in the footsteps of folk-rock luminaries Joan Baez, Jim Croce, and others. In fact,Joan took Dar under her wing, offering her advice and spots on tour throughout her career. And now Dar is roughly the same age as Joan Baez was when they first met, and she is returning the favor. Dar and I discuss four songs from “I’ll Meet You Here,” along with her influences—some will surprise you—and how she is gearing up to tour during a pandemic. So join me and welcome Dar Williams to For Songs. 39:52 yes Time has a funny way of working, right? Some days feel like they last forever, while others are over in a blink of an eye. And the cruel joke is that as you get older, time seems to move even faster. One day you are a bright eyed, bushy tailed 20-something ready to take over the world, and the next, the world has chewed you up and spit you out. Well, maybe it’s not that bad, but you get the point. On this episode of For Songs, singer/songwriter Dar Williams covers these themes and more on her latest album “I’ll Meet You Here,” released on Oct. 1. Dar has been making music since the early 90s, following in the footsteps of folk-rock luminaries Joan Baez, Jim Croce, and others. In fact, Joan Baez’s cover of Dar’s 1993 rune “You’re Aging Well” led to a career defining relationship. Joan took Dar under her wing, offering her advice and spots on tour throughout her career. And now Dar is roughly the same age as Joan Baez was when they first met, and she is returning the favor. Dar and I discuss “You’re Aging Well” and three other songs from “I’ll Meet You Here.” We talk about her influences—some will surprise you—and how she is gearing up to tour during a pandemic. So join me and welcome Dar Williams to For Songs. Dar Williams, folk music, Joan Baez, folk rock, new music, new album, pandemic Time has a funny way of working, right? Some days feel like they last forever, while others are over in a blink of an eye. And the cruel joke is that as you get older, time seems to move even faster. One day you are a bright eyed, bushy tailed 20-something ready to take over the world, and the next, the world has chewed you up and spit you out. Well, maybe it’s not that bad, but you get the point. On this episode of For Songs, singer/songwriter Dar Williams covers these themes and more on her latest album “I’ll Meet You Here,” released on Oct. 1. Dar has been making music since the early 90s, following in the footsteps of folk-rock luminaries Joan Baez, Jim Croce, and others. In fact, Joan Baez’s cover of Dar’s 1993 rune “You’re Aging Well” led to a career defining relationship. Joan took Dar under her wing, offering her advice and spots on tour throughout her career. And now Dar is roughly the same age as Joan Baez was when they first met, and she is returning the favor. Dar and I discuss “You’re Aging Well” and three other songs from “I’ll Meet You Here.” We talk about her influences—some will surprise you—and how she is gearing up to tour during a pandemic. So join me and welcome Dar Williams to For Songs.

]]> Time has a funny way of working, right? Some days feel like they last forever, while others are over in a blink of an eye. And the cruel joke is that as you get older, time seems to move even faster. One day you are a bright eyed, bushy tailed 20-something ready to take over the world, and the next, the world has chewed you up and spit you out. Well, maybe it’s not that bad, but you get the point. On this episode of For Songs, singer/songwriter Dar Williams covers these themes and more on her latest album “I’ll Meet You Here,” released on Oct. 1. Dar has been making music since the early 90s, following in the footsteps of folk-rock luminaries Joan Baez, Jim Croce, and others. In fact, Joan Baez’s cover of Dar’s 1993 rune “You’re Aging Well” led to a career defining relationship. Joan took Dar under her wing, offering her advice and spots on tour throughout her career. And now Dar is roughly the same age as Joan Baez was when they first met, and she is returning the favor. Dar and I discuss “You’re Aging Well” and three other songs from “I’ll Meet You Here.” We talk about her influences—some will surprise you—and how she is gearing up to tour during a pandemic. So join me and welcome Dar Williams to For Songs.

]]> Episode 7: A Conversation with Paleface https://forsongs.fireside.fm/7 9fde26dc-a1c2-49c1-8997-f93e7d2859e2 Sun, 16 Aug 2020 20:00:00 -0400 Rob Thormeyer 7 A Conversation with Paleface full 1 Rob Thormeyer Listen in as indie-rock legend Paleface and his partner/drummer Monica “Mo” Samalot talk about their latest album “Go Forth,” their first self-made, self-produced record. “Go Forth” came out in early 2020, and their touring plans came to a halt as the pandemic settled in. Paleface (PF) talks candidly about how he got into the music biz in New York’s anti-folk scene in the late 80s, his process for writing, and how things have changed over time. 42:18 yes Songwriting is not for the weak of heart or mind. Just ask Paleface (PF), the indie-rock legend who came of age during New York City’s anti-folk scene in the late 80s. In this episode of For Songs, PF and his partner/drummer Monica “Mo” Samalot talk about their latest album, the self-made, self-produced “Go Forth.” We discuss how the album came to be, why it was self-made, and how PF got bit by the songwriting bug after watching the late, great Daniel Johnston perform at open-mic nights in New York in this wide-ranging interview. Find out more about “Go Forth”, PF, and Mo at www.palefaceonline.com. "Go Forth" can be purchased at their website, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, etc. paleface, anti-folk, antifolk, indie rock, Beck, Daniel Johnston Songwriting is not for the weak of heart or mind. Just ask Paleface (PF), the indie-rock legend who came of age during New York City’s anti-folk scene in the late 80s. In this episode of For Songs, PF and his partner/drummer Monica “Mo” Samalot talk about their latest album, the self-made, self-produced “Go Forth.” We discuss how the album came to be, why it was self-made, and how PF got bit by the songwriting bug after watching the late, great Daniel Johnston perform at open-mic nights in New York in this wide-ranging interview.

Find out more about “Go Forth”, PF, and Mo at www.palefaceonline.com. "Go Forth" can be purchased at their website, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, etc.

]]> Songwriting is not for the weak of heart or mind. Just ask Paleface (PF), the indie-rock legend who came of age during New York City’s anti-folk scene in the late 80s. In this episode of For Songs, PF and his partner/drummer Monica “Mo” Samalot talk about their latest album, the self-made, self-produced “Go Forth.” We discuss how the album came to be, why it was self-made, and how PF got bit by the songwriting bug after watching the late, great Daniel Johnston perform at open-mic nights in New York in this wide-ranging interview.

Find out more about “Go Forth”, PF, and Mo at www.palefaceonline.com. "Go Forth" can be purchased at their website, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, etc.

]]>