A Musician's Life

Pete Yorn -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with rocker Pete Yorn. Yorn's star began to rise in 2001 when his catchy tune, "Strange Condition" appeared in the Farrelly Brothers' comedy Me, Myself & Irene. His debut album musicforthemorningafter went gold. This has been a busy year for Pete. He released a duets album with actress Scarlett Johansson as well as a solo record called Back & Fourth.

Mike Gordon -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with bassist Mike Gordon. When his longtime iconic band Phish broke-up in 2004, Gordon felt lost. But eventually despair was replaced by excitement. Gordon began to make his own music and hand-pick a new band. As any Phish fan can tell you, Phish reformed in 2008. Now Mike Gordon is trying to balance his involvement in Phish with his solo career. Mike Gordon's' latest release is called The Green Sparrow.

Sondre Lerche -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks to Sondre Lerche. At 27 the Norwegian is a veteran of the music business. He began performing his own songs when he was just 14 at a nightclub where his sister worked. By the time he was 19, Lerche won a Norwegian Grammy. The performer reflects on the influence of MTV on his childhood and his early songwriting ambition. Sondre Lerche's latest album is called Heartbeat Radio.

Dar Williams -  Listen

On this edition of A Musician's Life, Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Dar Williams. Wiliams is known for tackling big issues like gender, religion and materialism, with wit and sophistication. She emerged on the New England folk circuit in the early 1990's. For the last two decades, she has managed to blend the integrity of folk music with the catchiness of pop. Her latest album is called Promised Land.

The Swell Season -  Listen

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova may be best known for their roles as musical soul mates in the indie hit movie Once. But the pair had collaborated before that under the name The Swell Season. Hansard and Irglova have just released their second Swell Season album called Strict Joy. They're Tracey Tanenbaum's guests on this edition of "A Musician's Life."

David Lowery -  Listen

David Lowery's new album with his longtime band Cracker is called Sunrise In The Land Of Milk And Honey. The songs feature Lowery's scathing wit accompanied by the band's hard-driving sound. On this edition of "A Musician's Life" with Tracey Tanenbaum, Lowery talks about his supportive military dad, and why he claims maturity is the enemy of the rock musician.

Dave Alvin -  Listen

Dave Alvin reflects on performing with his brother in the band the Blasters and his first bad review.

Joseph Arthur -  Listen

For singer songwriter Joseph Arthur making music is an act of liberation.

Martin Atkins -  Listen

Martin Atkins is a leading figure on the post-punk and industrial music scenes and has been the go-to drummer for several groups including John Lydon's (aka Johnny Rotten's) Public Image Limited, Ministry, and Killing Joke. In his 30-year career Atkins has also stepped away from his drum kit. He runs his own record label, leads a couple of bands, and lectures worldwide on the business of touring.

The Bacon Brothers -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with The Bacon Brothers. The Bacon Brothers are screen actor Kevin Bacon and his brother, film and TV composer, Michael Bacon. Most people roll their eyes when they hear about celebrities trying their hands at music, but Kevin has gotten positive press for his honest songwriting and accessible sound. With his training in composition, Michael Bacon adds polish to the band's gritty edge. The Bacon Brothers' latest album is called New Year's Day.

Marcia Ball -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Marcia Ball. Her songwriting and piano playing have earned her accolades, awards, and the reverential nickname, "Her Tallness." On her latest album, Peace, Love & Barbecue Marcia Ball continues to mine the musical traditions of her Gulf Coast origins.

Luka Bloom -  Listen

On this edition of A Musician's Life, Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with troubadour Luka Bloom. He was born Barry Moore but rechristened himself Luka Bloom on a plane bound for the States in the mid-1980's. In a career that has spanned nearly four decades, Luka has had his ups and downs, but he's managed to make art even through the tough times. He's got a new album called 11 Songs.

Billy Bragg -  Listen

Billy Bragg reflects on writing songs about love and politics.

T-Bone Burnett -  Listen

T-Bone Burnett says he discovered the power of music when he was twelve years old. It's been his life ever since.

Brandi Carlile -  Listen

Brandi Carlile is a singer/songwriter from a small town outside Seattle. She's been building a following through non-stop touring. Her dues-paying days may be over. She's got a major label contract and widespread exposure courtesy of the hit TV show "Grey's Anatomy."

Neko Case -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Neko Case. Neko Case sings about tornadoes, floods, rain, killer whales, and sea birds. Her focus on the natural world, along with her torch-like voice and non-traditional song structures, distinguishes her from many of her peers. Neko talks about her connection to animals and why making music keeps her sane. Her latest album is called Middle Cyclone.

Peter Case -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life", Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Peter Case. He's best known for his work with the '80's power-pop band The Plimsouls. For the last twenty years, Case has been perfecting his craft as a singer-songwriter. Peter Case isn't exactly a household name, but he's well-known among his peers. His work has been praised by the likes of Joe Ely, Dave Alvin, and Bruce Springsteen. His latest album is called Let Us Now Praise Sleepy John.

C. J. Chenier -  Listen

C.J. Chenier grew up hoping to be a jazz musician. Instead he has become a leading figure in zydeco music. That may not be much of a surprise, given that his father was Clifton Chenier, known as the king of zydeco. C.J. says his father taught him to love the music. C.J. Chenier's most recent album is called The Desperate Kingdom of Love.

Vic Chesnutt -  Listen

Vic Chesnutt joins Tracey on this edition of "A Musician's Life." The Athens, Georgia based folk musician is quick to tell you his music is not for everyone. He even says some people are repulsed by his dark themes and deliberate musical pace. Chesnutt has made a career of mining his personal experiences for his songs. These include a lifelong battle with depression and a car accident at age eighteen that left him confined to a wheel chair. Vic Chesnutt has just released At the Cut. He calls it his most personal album yet.

Slaid Cleaves -  Listen

Slaid Cleaves may not be the most well-known Texas musician, but he does boast some influential fans, including novelist Stephen King and public radio's "Car Talk" guys, Tom and Ray Magliozzi. Well, okay. They haven't explicitly called themselves fans. But they DID say "anybody who drives around in a Dodge Dart Sport is worth a listen". Cleave's most recent album, Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away really IS worth a listen. On this edition of "A Musician's Life", Slaid talks to Tracey Tanenbaum about his new record and about carving out a living in the musical mecca of Austin.

Marc Cohn -  Listen

Singer-songwriter Marc Cohn talks about the event that ended a nine year creative dry spell. He also muses about his best-known song, "Walking in Memphis." Marc Cohn's latest album is called Join the Parade.

Paula Cole -  Listen

Paula Cole came to prominence in the mid 1990's with songs like "I Don't Want to Wait" and "I Am So Ordinary." Now Paula Cole is back with a new album, after seven years of self-imposed exile from the music business.

Shawn Colvin -  Listen

Grammy winner Shawn Colvin talks about the lesson she learned early in her career about the unattractive side of the music business.

Ralph Covert -  Listen

Ralph Covert launched his musical career as the leader of an indie-pop band, The Bad Examples. The group had a local following in Ralph's hometown of Chicago. But Covert's professional life took off about a decade ago. That's when he began writing music for kids. Covert writes and performs under the "Ralph's World" banner. He's a superstar to the "Romper Room" set. On this edition of "A Musician's Life" with Tracey Tanenbaum Covert muses about his work.

Marshall Crenshaw -  Listen

Marshall Crenshaw has a knack for writing songs with winning melodies and lyrics. He may be best known for his self-titled 1982 album. That debut work scored the radio hit, "Someday, Someway." Crenshaw has a colorful history that includes a stint playing John Lennon in the popular 1970's phenomenon Beatlemania and a role as Buddy Holly in the 1987 biopic La Bamba. Jaggedland is Crenshaw's tenth studio album, and his latest release. On this edition of A Musician's Life, Crenshaw talks with Tracey Tanenbaum about his career, beginning with his turn as one of the Fab Four.

Sheryl Crow -  Listen

Pop star Sheryl Crow has had a tumultuous three years, including a high profile relationship with Tour de France champ Lance Armstrong and a diagnosis of early stage breast cancer. Thankfully she's in good health now, and she has a new album out called Detours.

Rodney Crowell -  Listen

Rodney Crowell muses about writing the song "I Walk the Line Revisited" with his former father-in-law Johnny Cash.

Guy Davis -  Listen

Blues musician Guy Davis discusses the challenges of life on the road.

John Doe -  Listen

John Doe is best known for his stint in the seminal punk rock band X. Twenty-five years after that band's inception, Doe's music still has edge. His latest album is called A Year in the Wilderness.

Jeff Daniels -  Listen

Jeff Daniels is well known as a versatile movie actor. His credits include Purple Rose of Cairo, The Squid and the Whale and yes, Dumb and Dumber. It turns out that he's also an impressive songwriter and guitarist. He began to take his songs public to raise funds for his Michigan-based theatre company. On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum talks to Jeff Daniels about the difference between writing songs and making movies.

Ani DiFranco -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Ani DiFranco. All Music Guide described her as "a folkie in punk's clothing." Certainly Ms. DiFranco has embraced that punk do-it-yourself ethic from the start. She began her own record label nearly two decades ago. Today, Righteous Babe is a thriving business, and Ani DiFranco is one of the most influential figures in contemporary music. Her hard work aside, it's Ani's emotional honesty and warmth that has won her legions of fans.

Francis Dunnery -  Listen

Francis Dunnery began his career in England. In the 1980's he scored moderate success with the band It Bites (that name has a more positive connotation in Britain), but Dunnery quit the band and pursued a solo career in the States. On this edition of "A Musician's Life" with Tracey Tanenbaum, Dunnery speaks about finding meaning in art and in life.

Justin Townes Earle -  Listen

Meet Justin Townes Earle on this edition of "A Musician's Life". He is the son of the songwriting powerhouse Steve Earle. Justin's biography looks a lot like his dad's. Both discovered music early on, dropped out of school before high school and developed a near lethal appetite for drugs and alcohol. Luckily, like his dad, Justin got clean. He's got a new album called The Good Life.

Steve Earle -  Listen

Steve Earle has always been outspoken about his politics and his personal failings. On this edition of "A Musician's Life" with Tracey Tanenbaum, he speaks openly about his musical hero the late Townes Van Zandt. Earle says Townes was unparalleled as a songwriter, but sabotaged his career at every turn. He has just released Townes, an album of his favorite Townes Van Zandt songs.

Tim Easton -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with singer songwriter Tim Easton. The longtime troubadour is known for his acoustic fare, but on his latest album Porcupine Easton evokes the gritty sound of his midwest roots.

Joe Ely -  Listen

Texas native Joe Ely has spent the better part of a lifetime on the road. With a journalist's eye and a poet's soul Ely has written about the characters he's met along the way. His latest releases include Silver City and Happy Songs from Rattlesnake Gulch.

Alejandro Escovedo -  Listen

Singer songwriter Alejandro Escovedo battled with hepititis. That near-death experience informed his most recent album, The Boxing Mirror.

Jace Everett -  Listen

What's a nice, church-bred fellow doing on a hit TV show about vampires? Just in time for Halloween, Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Jace Everett on this week's "A Musician's Life." Jace Everett's Bad Things is the theme song for the popular HBO series True Blood. The catchy tune has been a boon to the Nashville-based artist. In this conversation, Jace muses about mainstream country radio, the challenges of monogamy, and managing his hair-trigger temper. Jace Everett's new album is called Red Revelations.

Liam Finn -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Liam Finn. Finn began to make records professionally when he was just a teenager with the New Zealand based band Betchadupa. Now in his mid-twenties, a more contemplative Liam Finn has emerged with his first solo album, I'll be Lightning. Liam has a knack for making melodies, which is no surprise. His father is Crowded House frontman Neil Finn.

Steve Forbert -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Steve Forbert. When the Mississippi-born singer-songwriter emerged on the scene in the late 1970's, he was dubbed "the next Bob Dylan." Like several of his contemporaries, Forbert survived the proclamation. He's made a living on the strength of his honest songwriting and non-stop touring. Forbert's new album is called The Place and the Time.

China Forbes -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life", Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with China Forbes. As lead singer for the lounge band Pink Martini, China Forbes gets to play the role of the sophisticated diva. She wears high-heels and glamorous outfits, and she sings in a bunch of different languages. But Forbes has recently returned to her singer-songwriter roots. She assumes a low-key persona on her new album of personal tunes called '78.

John Forté -  Listen

In the 1990's John Forté was a Grammy nominated musician, record executive and producer with the hit group The Fugees. But when his own major label debut, Poly Sci, languished in the marketplace, Forté felt spurned. He tried to make money through drug trafficking. It didn't work. He landed in a federal prison with a fourteen year sentence. Thanks to some vocal supporters from Senator Orin Hatch to songstress Carly Simon, President Bush commuted Forté's sentence in 2008. On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Forté tells Tracey Tanenbaum how his personal ordeal revolutionized his songwriting. John Forté's new EP is called Style Free.

Michael Franti -  Listen

Michael Franti used to write angry music. Now he says he's found much gentler ways to communicate his emotions.

Gordon Gano -  Listen

Gordon Gano speaks with Tracey Tanenbaum on this edition of "A Musician's Life." Gano is best known for his long association with the alternative group the Violent Femmes. He's just released his second solo album -- a project with The Ryans -- called Under The Sun.

Mary Gauthier -  Listen

Country-folk singer Mary Gauthier began to write songs thirty-five years ago at the age of 35. Since then she's garnered critical acclaim, a loyal fan base, and even airplay on Bob Dylan's radio program. Her most recent release is called Between Daylight and Dark.

Good For The Jews -  Listen

It's Hanukkah. That means plenty of Jewish families are lighting the menorah and exchanging gifts. It also means that Good For The Jews are busy offering their brand of holiday cheer. Don't expect the duo to sing about dreidels. On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks to Good For The Jews founder Rob Tannenbaum (no relation). He explains why his act doesn't shy away from in-your-face humor.

Lesley Gore -  Listen

In 1963, 16-year-old Lesley Gore became a star when she recorded "It's My Party." She personified adolescent angst for a generation of young people. Gore had several hits in the mid-1960's, but eventually faded from the charts. Lesley Gore continues to sing and perform, though, and even co-wrote "Out Here on My Own" for the hit movie Fame. In 2005 Lesley Gore recorded Ever Since, her first album in thirty years.

Neil Halstead -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Neil Halstead. Halstead may not be a household name, but he's gotten plenty of acclaim. Time Out magazine called him one of Britain's best songwriters. Neil Halstead's blend of acoustic guitar, quiet vocals and slightly obscure lyrics have earned him comparisons to the legendary Nick Drake. Neil Halstead's latest CD is called Oh Mighty Engine.

Lisa Hannigan -  Listen

Lisa Hannigan used to make a living as back-up singer for Irish crooner Damien Rice, but in 2007 he summarily fired her minutes before a gig. Hannigan rebounded with a solo CD and new-found popularity. On this edition of A Musician's Life, host Tracey Tanenbaum talks to Lisa Hannigan about making it on her own, with her new album Sea Sew.

Glen Hansard -  Listen

Irish musician Glen Hansard has been known as the lead singer and guitarist of the Frames, but his role in the film Once with Czech musician Markéta Irglová has added new dimension to his career. In the film, Hansard plays a Dublin busker, which he once was in real life, having actually been encouraged to drop out of school and sing on the streets by his teacher. Irglová portrays an immigrant street vendor in the film, and their on-screen chemistry has led to an off-screen romantic partnership as well.

John Wesley Harding -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with John Wesley Harding. Harding's latest album is called Who Was Changed and Who Was Dead. It showcases Harding's trademark talent for social commentary couched in humor and great melodies. Harding splits his time between making albums and writing novels. He's written two works of historical fiction under his given name Wesley Stace.

Colin Hay -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life", Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Colin Hay. His band Men At Work catapulted to international fame in the early 1980's. Now, twenty-odd years later, Hay is leading a quieter life, but he is still fiercely committed to songwriting and performing. His new album is called Are You Lookin' At Me?

Kevin Hearn -  Listen

On this edition of A Musician's Life, Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Kevin Hearn. Kevin earns his keep as keyboardist and writer with the Canadian pop group Barenaked Ladies, but he gets to express his more contemplative side with his group Thin Buckle. He's just released a new album called "Havana Winter." In the late 90's Kevin was diagnosed with leukemia. He talks about how this and other crises have informed his life and music.

Joe Henry -  Listen

Coming up on this edition of A Musician's Life, Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Joe Henry. In the last decade, this musician has become an in-demand record producer. He has worked with top-notch talent, including musical legends like Solomon Burke and Allen Toussaint -- but he hasn't neglected his own art. His latest album is called Blood From Stars.

Kristin Hersh -  Listen

Kristin Hersh is best known as part of the band Throwing Muses. In recent years she has split her time between her solo career and her punk band 30 Foot Wave. Some musicians feel compelled to write songs. For Hersh it's a necessity. She says songs appear as auditory hallucinations. The only way to exorcise the "voices" is to capture them on paper.

Michael Hill -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Michael Hill. Following the saw "write what you know," blues guitarist Michael Hill creates songs about the neighborhoods and projects of New York City. On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Hill tells Tracey Tanenbaum why his brand of the blues hasn't benefited his career.

Janis Ian -  Listen

Folk artist Janis Ian wrote her first hit when she was sixteen. It was a song about interracial love called "Society's Child". It brought her both accolades and death threats.

Indigo Girls -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with The Indigo Girls. Emily Saliers and Amy Ray have built a successful career on their tight harmonies, contrasting musical styles and outspoken commitment to gay rights and the environment. For most of their 20-plus year career the duo has been with a major label. But the Indigo Girls have gone independent and they say they're feeling pretty good about it. Their new album is called Poseidon And The Bitter Bug.

Jason Isbell -  Listen

When Jason Isbell was barely out of his teens, the Drive-By Truckers recruited him to play guitar. Jason turned out to be a creative force within the band. Fans were shocked when he announced his departure from the Southern superstars last April. He has just released his solo CD called, Sirens of the Ditch.

Jorma Kaukonen -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Jorma Kaukonen. In the 1960's Jorma's acid-rock guitar helped define Jefferson Airplane's psychedelic sound. But his first love was roots music. Jorma Kaukonen talks about his debt to Jefferson Airplane, his relationship with his dad and his new album River of Time.

Kaki King -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life", Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Kaki King. The guitarist released her debut album Everybody Love You when she was in her early twenties. She immediately garnered comparisons to folks like Alex de Grassi, Leo Kottke, and Preston Reed. Now five years into her career, King has branched out from acoustic guitar to include singing and other instrumentation. Her new album is called Dreaming Of Revenge.

Ben Lee -  Listen

Australia native Ben Lee formed his band Noise Addict when he was just thirteen. Within a couple of years the group counted Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth and Mike Diamond of the Beastie Boys among its fans. Ben Lee is now thirty. He's got a wife, a stepchild and a baby on the way. He also has a new solo album, The Rebirth of Venus. On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Ben talks about his aversion to ratings and why he hates promoting his work.

G. Love -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks to self-proclaimed "hip-hop blues" artist G. Love. He'll tell us how he struck on his unusual brand of music and why he'll never repeat the mistakes he made when he was just starting out in the business. G. Love and his band Special Sauce have just released a new album called Superhero Brother.

Nick Lowe -  Listen

Nick Lowe was associated with the punk movement in 1970's England, but he has always had a passion for constructing artful three-minute pop songs. Lowe is now considered an elder statesman of pop. His latest album is called At My Age.

Vusi Mahlasela -  Listen

Vusi Mahlasela's music was considered an incendiary tool in the struggle against apartheid in his native South Africa. Mahlasela's latest release is called Guiding Star.

Aimee Mann -  Listen

The business side of her job has toughened her, but she's remained a sensitive songwriter.

Erin McKeown -  Listen

Erin McKeown's music can't be pigeon-holed. McKeown began her career playing the New England folk circuit, but has gone on to tackle rock, pop, swing, and the American songbook. Erin McKeown is Tracey's guest on this edition of "A Musician's Life".

Tift Merritt -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" we meet Tift Merritt. Tift retreated from the music business a few years back, after promoting her Grammy-nominated album Tambourine. But Merritt's creative energy got reignited during an extended stay in Paris. The result is a new album called Another Country. She speaks with Tracey Tanenbaum about the demands of touring and her need to make music.

Rhett Miller -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks to Old 97's frontman Rhett Miller. He's managed to balance his commitment to the band with a rich solo career. The Dallas born singer-songwriter has just released a self-titled album. It was informed by the suicide of his literary hero, David Foster Wallace, and the death of his grandmother.

Moby -  Listen

On this edition of A Musician's Life, Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Moby. Some hail the electronic artist as an innovative genius, while others call him a sell-out. He became a lightning rod of sorts when he released Play in 1999. Critics loved the work -- so did advertisers. Moby got flack for licensing every track, but his music got exposure, and he became a star. A decade later Moby continues to experiment with musical forms. His latest album is called Wait for Me.

Bob Mould -  Listen

Bob Mould co-founded Hüsker Dü in 1979 . The punk band paved the way for the rise of 1990's indie rock, and for bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. His later work with Sugar, as well as his more acoustic solo releases, cemented Mould's reputation as an iconic figure in modern rock. Bob Mould's new album is called District Line.

Alexi Murdoch -  Listen

Alexi Murdoch was just another struggling musician until he released the song "Orange Sky". He reflects on the song's popularity.

Charlie Musselwhite -  Listen

Blues Harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite says the blues has helped get him through hard times including his mother's murder.

Aaron Neville -  Listen

Vocalist Aaron Neville was synonymous with New Orleans. All that's changed since Hurricane Katrina.

Jeb Loy Nichols -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life", Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Jeb Loy Nichols. This one-of-a-kind artist has managed to fuse soul, country, reggae, and dub into a seamless musical stew. The singer-songwriter left the hubbub of London for a solitary life in rural Wales. Nichols talks about his discomfort with conventional life. His latest album is called Days Are Mighty.

Mark Olson & Gary Louris -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Gary Louris and Mark Olson. In the late 1980's the two formed the much-lauded band The Jayhawks. Olson exited the group in the mid-90's to make music with his then-wife Victoria Williams. When the duo reunited in 2001, they put the past to rest and began to work on a project together. Louris and Olson have just collaborated on a full-length album called Ready For The Flood.

Christopher O'Riley -  Listen

Christopher O'Riley hosts the popular radio program "From the Top," but he has also become known for bringing pop songs to fans of classical music. He's interpreted the music of Radiohead, Elliot Smith, and Nick Drake for solo piano. On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Christopher O'Riley talks to Tracey Tanenbaum about the threads that unite seemingly divergent types of music.

Joan Osborne -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with fiery performer Joan Osborne. She catapulted to stardom in the mid-90's with her ubiquitous hit "One of Us". Joan has spent the last decade exploring her musical passions - from country to Motown. She's just released the album, Little Wild One. It was inspired by the events of 9/11, and Joan's love for her adopted hometown of New York City.

Steven Page -  Listen

Barenaked Ladies member Steven Page says the band has always been in control of its destiny. That doesn't mean the guys have always made the right decisions.

Ellis Paul -   Listen

Folk Singer Ellis Paul has a new album out called The Day After Everything Changed. It's his first album since parting company with his longtime label Rounder Records. Ellis Paul's fans donated more than $100,000 to finance the record. All the characters in this song-set are embarking on major change... not unlike the songwriter. On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Ellis talks about recent changes in his personal life and the complications and joys of his job.

Michael Penn -  Listen

Michael Penn is best known as actor Sean Penn's big brother and musician Aimee Mann's husband. But Penn is an accomplished songwriter in his own right. Still, he's not afraid to admit that insecurity fuels his art.

Sam Phillips -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" we speak with Sam Phillips - not the (late) Southern gentleman who discovered Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. But the eclectic pop musician born Leslie Phillips. Phillips established herself as a superstar within the world of Christian rock in the 1980's. She headed for secular music when she grew tired of Christianity's growing power as a political movement. Phillips was married to the legendary producer T-Bone Burnett and collaborated with him on all her albums through 2004's A Boot and A Shoe. Phillips' new release "Don't Do Anything" is her inaugural outing as producer of her own work.

The Proclaimers -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with The Proclaimers. The identical twins from Scotland are best known in the States for their hit "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)." But the duo is something of a national treasure at home in Scotland.

Chuck Prophet -  Listen

Chuck Prophet has been making music professionally since he was eighteen, first with the alt-country band Green On Red and then under his own steam. The San Francisco-based artist has earned kudos for his musical restlessness. In fact, on his latest album Soap and Water Prophet uses a children's chorus on one of the tunes.

Amy Rigby -  Listen

Amy Rigby talks about writing songs for middle aged adults and the emotional and physical challenges of her life in music.

Josh Ritter -  Listen

Folk rocker Josh Ritter gets musical inspiration from the strangest places, including airports.

Carrie Rodriguez -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Carrie Rodriguez. For the better part of her professional life, Rodriguez has played fiddle, and she has written and sung with Chip Taylor. He's the man responsible for hits like "Angel Of The Morning" and "Wild Thing." Carrie and Chip have garnered critical praise and a loyal fan base. But now, she has "left the nest" and has just released a solo album called She Ain't Me.

Martin Sexton -  Listen

Martin Sexton is known for his soaring vocals and independent spirit. His new album Seeds is a celebration of where he's at in his life and career.

Duncan Sheik -  Listen

Duncan Sheik broke on to the music scene in the mid-90's with his self-titled debut album. It contained the hit single "Barely Breathing." His subsequent albums didn't fare as well in the marketplace, but Sheik has still done pretty well for himself. He's always endowed his artistic muse-creating thoughtful albums with lush orchestration. Most recently Sheik won two Tony awards for his work on the Broadway musical "Spring Awakening." On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Sheik shares his ambivalence about performing and discusses his Buddhist faith.

Jill Sobule -  Listen

Singer-songwriter Jill Sobule is an "out of the box" story-teller who inbues her characters with wit and pathos. Her celebrity moment came in the mid 1990's with the unlikely radio hit "I Kissed a Girl."

Stephen Stills -  Listen

Stephen Stills tells us why he's been making music for forty years.

David Stone -  Listen

David Stone doesn't see himself as a Johnny Cash impersonator. Stone says that he is a "Johnny Cash tribute artist." For Stone, that means he honors the man in black with a note-for-note reproduction of his music and stage show.

Matthew Sweet -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Matthew Sweet. His 1991 album Girlfriend was a commercial and critical success. It also established Sweet as a master of power pop. Sweet talks about the downside of success and his new album Sunshine Lies.

Ben Taylor -  Listen

Sure, he's got famous parents - Carly Simon and James Taylor - and he even shares a penchant for soft-leaning confessional songs. But Ben Taylor's tastes are also informed by the musicians of his generation. His sound shines through on his new album, The Legend of Kung-Folk, Part 1.

Chip Taylor -  Listen

You couldn't invent Chip Taylor's life story. He's been a professional golfer, a cracker jack gambler and chart-busting songwriter. Taylor wrote three standards of the 1960's - "Wild Thing", "Try Just a Little Bit Harder" and "Angel of the Morning". Oh, he's also the brother of actor John Voight. In recent years Chip Taylor has gotten critical raves for his musical partnership with fiddler Carrie Rodriguez.

Tegan & Sara -  Listen

Tegan and Sara are the Canadian born twins who have been performing professionally since they were in their teens. Tegan and Sara serve up a compelling mix of pop and punk sounds. They've just released their fourth album, called The Con.

Glenn Tilbrook -  Listen

Glenn Tilbrook joins Tracey Tanenbaum on this edition of "A Musician's Life." He's best known for his long stint with the band Squeeze. Under the leadership of Tilbrook and partner Chris Difford, Squeeze turned out some great pop songs including "Black Coffee In Bed" and "Tempted." For the past decade Glenn Tilbrook has been making music as a solo artist. He says he's not as successful as he was during his time with Squeeze, but he's much happier. Glenn Tilbrook has just released Pandemonium Ensues with his backing band, The Fluffers.

Teddy Thompson -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Teddy Thompson. While the singer-songwriter is still best known for his pedigree - he is the son of British folk greats Richard and Linda Thompson - Teddy is forging his own identity as a talented lyricist. He has also earned praise for his strong voice. Despite the accolades, Teddy Thompson isn't happy with his life as a musician. He's not particularly pleased with himself as well.

Dan Tyminski -  Listen

Multi-instrumentalist and singer Dan Tyminski is practically royalty within the world of bluegrass. But if you're not familiar with his name, you almost surely know the voice. Tyminski's powerful vocals come out of George Clooney's mouth on the song "I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow" in the 2000 Coen Brothers farce Oh Brother Where Art Thou? On this edition of "A Musician's Life" with Tracey Tanenbaum, Dan Tyminski tells us how a boy from Vermont fell for bluegrass music.

Frankie Valli -  Listen

In the 1960's and 1970's Frankie Valli enjoyed a successful career, both on his own and with the Four Seasons. Now, the man with the famous falsetto has experienced a new wave of popularity, thanks in part to the Tony Award winning show "Jersey Boys". He's also got a new album called Romancing the 60's.

Suzanne Vega -  Listen

In the late 1980's the New York based singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega topped radio charts with an unlikely hit, "Luka." The song's protagonist Luka was a victim of child abuse. In her twenty year career, Vega has experimented with different musical styles, from industrial to bossa nova, but her attention to crafting smart, character-driven songs has remained constant. Suzanne Vega's latest album is called Beauty and Crime.

Laura Veirs -  Listen

Seattle-based songwriter Laura Veirs talks about the long, slow climb to making music full-time.

Loudon Wainwright III -  Listen

Singer-songwriter Loudon Wainwright III discovered the early 20th century performer Charlie Poole in the 1970's. Initially Wainwright was drawn to Poole's strange singing voice, but then identified with his music and his colorful life. On this edition of A Musician's Life with Tracey Tanenbaum, Loudon talks about his Grammy-nominated tribute to Charlie Poole called High, Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project.

Chris Walla -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Death Cab for Cutie's producer and guitarist, Chris Walla. He's been called the architect of the band's sound - a sound which has earned high approval marks from both indie-rock and mainstream audiences. Chris Walla is a busy guy. He's produced work for groups like The Decemberists and Tegan and Sara. He's also got a new album with Death Cab for Cutie (called Narrow Stairs) and a solo effort, Field Manual.

Jim White -  Listen

Jim White's music has been described as "outer space alt-country." Indeed, White's life, like his art, has been unconventional. He was raised in the deeply religious town of Pensicola, Florida. White did stints as a professional surfer, European model, and New York cab driver. But he's been earning a livelihood by writing and performing songs for a decade now. His latest album is called Transnormal Skiperoo.

Warren Zanes -  Listen

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Warren Zanes. In the early 1980's Warren's older brother Dan recruited him to play guitar in his indie-rock band The Del Fuegos. The band had some success, but the touring life wasn't for Warren. Today, Zanes promotes rock 'n' roll education and makes music on the side. It's a combination that suits him. Zanes has just written the book, Revolutions in Sound: Warner Bros. Records: The First Fifty Years.