Tag Archives: Americana

Who, What, Why, When, Where…Zat!

John Roy Zat

John Roy Zat is a talented singer/songwriter, fiddle player and guitarist from the Sonoma Valley. His songs are relatable and thoughtfully written. John’s songs range from the point of view of a waitress in a small-town café to the point of view of a salmon swimming upriver. All with an Americana feel and sound.

Recently KC Café Radio Music Director Kathy Forste spoke with John via Zoom. He performed songs from his highly acclaimed newest album “Where Zat.” They chatted about how attending songwriting workshops have helped his songwriting over the years. He also talked about how Covid affected his usual recording process, and gave us insight into the writing of our favorite songs on the album “Where Zat.” Check out John Roy Zat’s website at royzat.com.

Watch the interview here:

Allan Frank: A Songwriter’s Songwriter

Singer/Songwriter and KC Cafe Radio Performing Artist Allan Frank has been surrounded by music practically all his life. Growing up in the American Midwestern town of Peoria, Illinois, Frank was caught playing on his grandfather’s piano, making up stories as he played along, at the ripe young age of 3. It wasn’t until age 16, however, when Allan picked up his first musical instrument, a guitar his parents had given him.

As he got older, he became involved in musical theater, and eventually graduated from college with a theater degree. He also discovered his guitar playing skills were in high demand in theater, and he began toying with putting lyrics with song. It wasn’t long that Allan found himself writing for events and issues outside of the theater, and a new songwriter was born.

He later traveled to Europe, and eventually relocated to California, where he continued to hone his craft as a songwriter. His skill as a talented songwriter continued to develop, both in Los Angeles and in Nashville. He became involved in collaborative efforts with some of the most influential songwriters around, including Gary Burr and Chris Tompkins.

Allan’s first full-length album is called The Road So Far, and represents his journey as a genuine singer/songwriter. A blend of Americana, Country and Roots tunes, The Road So Far takes you on a heartfelt journey down the by-ways and back-roads of Middle America. Allan’s gentle down home manner is evident in his songs, reminiscent of the classic stylings of Burl Ives, Pete Seeger and Doc Watson.

Recently, KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste spoke with Allan. He tells the story of growing into the art of songwriting, and how he has approached the craft over the years. They talk about the benefits of writing alone versus collaborating with other songwriters, and Allan discusses at length about songwriting as a craft, and the importance of connecting with the listener.

Listen to the interview here:

New Music on KC Cafe Radio: March 15, 2016

The Tearaways The Tearaways (singles)

  • Rock

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Kylie Hughes - Calipopicana Kylie Hughes – Calipopicana

  • Pop

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KC Cafe Radio Rich O’Brien (singles)

  • Americana

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Billy Jack Purnell - Simple Life Billy Jack Purnell – Simple Life

  • Americana

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Jaspar Lepak -Forgiving Wind Jaspar Lepak -Forgiving Wind

  • Country/Folk

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Jaspar Lepak - Send Me Home Jaspar Lepak – Send Me Home

  • Country/Folk

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Lee Sims - Deep in the Heart of Me Lee Sims – Deep in the Heart of Me

  • Country

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The Matchsellers - Songs We Made Up The Matchsellers – Songs We Made Up

  • Folk/Bluegrass

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Wes Weddell - By the Side of the Lake Wes Weddell – By the Side of the Lake

  • Americana

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Robot Raven - Greatest Hits Part One Robot Raven – Greatest Hits Part One

  • Pop/Rock

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Robot Raven - Greatest Hits Part Two Robot Raven – Greatest Hits Part Two

  • Pop/Rock

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The Railsplitters - The Faster it Goes The Railsplitters – The Faster it Goes

  • Folk

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Karrie Pavish Anderson - Twice As Nice Karrie Pavish Anderson – Twice As Nice

  • Folk/Pop

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David Hakan - Stone and Steel David Hakan – Stone and Steel

  • Folk

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Denise Glover - Pathways Denise Glover – Pathways

  • Folk

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Rick Malsick with Evan Smalley- Philodendron Rick Malsick with Evan Smalley- Philodendron

  • Modern Folk

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Barak Hill - All the Empty Space Barak Hill – All the Empty Space

  • Modern Folk

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Hilary Scott on a Freight Train Toward Success

Hilary ScottHilary Scott (“with one L”) has been on the express track to a successful music career for some time now.  And with the arrival of her latest album, Freight Train Love, she is well underway on this exciting journey.  Since it’s release, Freight Train Love has been receiving rave reviews from around the world, and her song, Flowers On Mars has been awarded “Americana/Folk Album of the Year” from the Rural Roots Music Commission of the National Traditional Country Music Association.

Recently, KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste talked with Hilary via Skype.  They talk about growing up with music and its influence on her life, and how her talent was discovered and nurtured.  They talk about the life of a musician, from touring, to recording, and Hilary shares her thoughts on how Artists are paid for the music they record.  Hilary also shares insight into why it’s important her name is spelled “with one L.”

Listen to the interview here:

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The Keller Sisters Deal a House Of Cards

The Keller SistersThe San Francisco singer/songwriter sister act is back, and this time dealing a House of Cards.  The Keller Sisters offer up a brand new album that is full of warmth, humor and harmony.  Their first album, Shine, released in 2012 quickly rocketed to the top of the Roots Music Charts, and they are looking forward to the same success on their latest album, House Of Cards.

For their second interview with KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste, Sheryl and Kerry Keller talk about their album, their evolution as songwriters, and how they stumbled into the Americana music culture with their songwriting.  They talk about the busy life of full-time work coupled with a successful music career, the advantage of singing as a sister duo act,  and their musings on the future of Americana music, and their role in that future.

Listen to the interview here:

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Music by The Keller Sisters on KC Cafe Radio:

The Keller Sisters - House Of Cards The Keller Sisters – House Of Cards

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