Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

advice

Recent

NYC jam session
The Root of It All

How to Survive a Jam Session—A Bassist's Guide

Jamming is an essential part of American musical tradition, and should be part of yours. Here are some bass-centric tips.

Cleaning Up the Act
Esoterica Electrica

Cleaning Up the Act

The stereotype of the messy artist is a tired old meme. Get it together and get organized.

Last Call: Introverts on Display
Last Call

Last Call: Introverts on Display

Playing guitar in solitude is bliss, but for some of us, making music in public requires impersonating an extrovert.

When Did Everyone Become Americana Fanatics?
Tuning Up

When Did Everyone Become Americana Fanatics?

Thoughts on the questionable origins of our supposed roots-music addiction.

The Stompbox-Builder’s Secret Weapon
Pedal Projects

The Stompbox-Builder’s Secret Weapon

Long to try your hand at building a pedal but can't help feeling overwhelmed? Let us enlighten you on the tools, materials, and available resources, as well as teach you how to build a critical, oft-overlooked testing device.

Last Call: Practice Makes Permanent
Last Call

Last Call: Practice Makes Permanent

It might not be perfect, but if you give your all you'll get closer to where you want to be.

Robert De Niro’s Advice to Artists: “Next!”
Last Call

Robert De Niro’s Advice to Artists: “Next!”

It includes an F-bomb or two, but the screen legend's speech to college graduates highlights the inevitability of rejection and how you've got to keep working.

"Hobby" Is Not a Dirty Word
Esoterica Electrica

"Hobby" Is Not a Dirty Word

You don't need to become a pro to develop a thoughtful and informed approach to playing music that will enrich your life.

Last Call: Gamble on Yourself
Last Call

Last Call: Gamble on Yourself

John Bohlinger has been the musical director for the CMT Music Awards for 12 years. Before that, he was the bandleader for Nashville Star. Here's how he got—and kept—those gigs.