
Show Notes
Today on Inside the Musician’s Brain, Chris begins the episode by sharing his thoughts about music genres, why we have them, and why they don’t really matter. The episode continues with Chris talking with successful singer-songwriter Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek, I’m With Her) about creating her first concept album and how it came to be. Sara also shares the moment she realized at a young age that being a full time musician was a feasible career. Stick around to hear about Sara’s time with The Decemberists and how it changed her perception of performing live.
Sara Watkins is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who is best known for her solo work as well as being a founding member of well known bands Nickel Creek and I’m With Her. Check out Sara’s new album, Under the Pepper Tree, available now!
This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes!
Inside the Musician’s Brain is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Chris Pandolfi. Production, Editing and Mixing by Chris Pandolfi. Mastered by Justin Thomas and Revoice Media. Executive Producers are Christina Collins and RJ Bee. Production assistance by Zach Brogan. Theme music by Chris Pandolfi. To discover more podcasts that connect you more deeply to the music you love, check out osirispod.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from Inside the Musician's Brain
Episode 60 features guitarist, singer and songwriter Ben Morrison of CA based band, The Brothers Comatose. Ben gets us up to speed on everything that's going on with the band, including the making of their excellent new album, 'Golden Grass.' The Brothers Comatose have been a part of the roots scene for almost 20 years, but in the last few years they have made a huge jump in profile after releasing a video that has gone viral on all platforms. Ben breaks down how that process unfolded and the effect it's had on their career. This episode is the conclusion of season 6 of Inside the Musician's Brain - thanks for tuning in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 59 of Inside the Musician's Brain features two of the hottest up-and-coming bands on the acoustic/bluegrass scene: Clay Street Unit and Mountain Grass Unit. It's no secret that the roots music scene is booming, and there have never been more promising bands coming of age. Clay St are Denver locals who brought Chris on board to produce their debut album, 'Sin and Squalor,' due out 2.13.26. They have a very solid chemistry, great original songs, a catchy sound that features mandolin and pedal steel, and a lead singer (Sam Walker) who turns heads everywhere he goes. Mountain Grass Unit is the next big thing in the bluegrass world, with chops and vocals that put their deep knowledge of the genre on full display. These cats can play! Audiences are already taking note of both bands, with sold out shows and plenty of buzz. In the intro to today's episode, Chris will also point you in the direction of a number of excellent young/new acts that are starting to make waves, taking acoustic music in all kinds of exciting new directions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 58 of Inside the Musician's Brain features a songwriter with a style all his own - Bahamas. For almost 20 years Bahamas has been putting out excellent albums, touring the world and building a dedicated fan base who love his unique, laid back, soulful sound. We learn all about the making of his new album, 'My Second Last Album,' his songwriting process, how his career has evolved over the years and why making space for boredom is essential to creativity. Chris also takes on the hot topic of AI music generators like Suno.com, and how they might ultimately be a very good thing for roots music artists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 57 of Inside the Musician's Brain features one of the biggest stars in bluegrass over the past 30 years, Dan Tyminski. From his early days with the trailblazing Lonesome River Band, to a handful of amazing solo albums, many years with the legendary Alison Krauss & Union Station, and now his own band (The Dan Tyminski Band), Dan has more than made his mark on bluegrass with his incredible voice and his powerful picking. He is perhaps best know for singing the Avicci smash hit 'Hey Brother,' as well as 'Man of Constant Sorrow' from the Coen brothers movie 'O Brother Where Art Thou.' That's quite a resume! Dan and Chris talk about how that journey unfolded, and how he these days Dan is finding a new level of freedom and satisfaction in his music, and making some of the best music of his career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 56 of Inside the Musician's Brain features one of the bright young stars of bluegrass/acoustic music - AJ Lee. AJ is a standout singer, mandolin player and songwriter, who just received a nomination for female vocalist of the year at the 2025 IBMA Awards. AJ Lee and Blue Summit have been making waves on the festival circuit in recent years for their stellar singing, playing and repertoire. In this conversation, AJ gives us the band backstory in addition to covering how she improves as a singer, how her relationship with performing has evolved, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices