A Musician's Life

Series produced by WXPN

Caption: PRX default Series image
PRX default Series image 

A grab bag of musicians muse about the creative and mundane aspecs of their lives. WXPN's Tracey Tanenbaum hosts this ongoing five minute weekly series

In the series A Musician?s Life listeners learn about musicians? lives first-hand. We?ll hear from performers at various stages of their career?those on the rise; those who have ?made it? and those who may be struggling for some recognition. They?ll describe both the creative and mundane sides of what they do, including:

? The biggest sacrifice they ever made for their art
? How they work with the music industry
? How they feel about critics and fans
? The realities of touring
? The stories behind specific songs
? Fall-out from writing about people in their personal lives
? Any toll their work takes on their personal lives
? Dealing with writer?s block
? Growing up wanting to be an artist
? Taking care of the voice
? Taking care of one?s health

This is a five-minute weekly series hosted by WXPN's Tracey Tanenbaum. She created the feature in 2006 and won the 2007 ACE award (Award for Creative Excellence in the Triple A category) for her efforts. Even though Tracey hosts and interviews the artists, she makes sure they take center stage, adding her voice or question only when appropriate. So AML has a first person feel. The program features a hefty-dose of each artist's music. The 5 minute length provides an option for stations looking for other content to replace NPR newscasts.

Performers include Sheryl Crow, Nick Lowe, Bob Mould, Mary Gauthier, Tegan and Sara, John Doe, Jim White, Vusi Mahlasela, Michael Penn, Kristin Hersh, Jill Sobule, Colin Hay, Tift Merritt, Jason Isbell, Francis Dunnery and more, more, more... Hide full description

In the series A Musician?s Life listeners learn about musicians? lives first-hand. We?ll hear from performers at various stages of their career?those on the rise; those who have ?made it? and those who may be struggling for some recognition. They?ll describe both the creative and mundane sides of what they do, including:

? The biggest sacrifice they ever made for their art
? How they work with the music industry
? How they feel about critics and fans
? The realities of touring
? The stories behind specific songs
? Fall-out from writing about people in their personal lives
? Any toll their work takes on their personal lives
? Dealing with writer?s block
? Growing up wanting to be an artist
? Taking care of the voice
? Taking care of one?s health

This is a five-minute weekly series... Show full description


67 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
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Tegan and Sara are identical twin sisters. Now in their twenties they've been performing their own brand of indie rock since they were teens.

Bought by KMXT, KXOT Public Radio, and WMNF


  • Added: May 07, 2008
  • Length: 05:00
  • Purchases: 3
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Philadelphia-based musician David Stone doesn't impersonate music legend Johnny Cash; he pays tribute to him. Here's his story.

Bought by KXOT Public Radio, KMXT, and WMNF


  • Added: May 02, 2008
  • Length: 05:00
  • Purchases: 3
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When Jason Isbell left the Southern Rock band Drive by Truckers last year he shocked the group's intensely loyal fan base. Emotionally and creativ...

Bought by KXOT Public Radio and WMNF


  • Added: May 01, 2008
  • Length: 05:00
  • Purchases: 2
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Mary Gauthier quit drugs and alcohol and discovered songwriting. She's attracted critics and fans with her empathic depictions of people on the ma...

Bought by KUFM - Montana Public Radio, KXOT Public Radio, KMXT, and WMNF


  • Added: May 01, 2008
  • Length: 05:00
  • Purchases: 4
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Kaki King amazes audiences with her wicked guitar. But don't call her a virtuoso!

Bought by Georgia Public Broadcasting, KUFM - Montana Public Radio, KXOT Public Radio, KMXT, and WMNF


  • Added: Apr 25, 2008
  • Length: 05:00
  • Purchases: 5
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We haven't heard much from talented singer-songwriter Marc Cohn since his eponymous 1991 hit "Walking in Memphis". He talks about his new album an...

Bought by KUFM - Montana Public Radio, KXOT Public Radio, KMXT, WMNF, and Mississippi Public Broadcasting


  • Added: Apr 21, 2008
  • Length: 05:00
  • Purchases: 5
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Meet Francis Dunnery. The British singer-songwriter also considers himself a comedian, preacher and psychologist.

Bought by KMXT, KXOT Public Radio, and WMNF


  • Added: Apr 18, 2008
  • Length: 05:00
  • Purchases: 3