Swallow Hill Blog
News for our community, artist and teacher interviews,
and more resources for your musical life.
Asleep At The Wheel’s Ray Benson: “We’ve played ’em all”
Forty-seven years in, Ray Benson and Asleep At The Wheel show no signs of slowing down. This summer the Western Swing standard bearers are...
Q&A: “Blessed man” Chadzilla looks forward to House of Rock Summer Camp
"On June fifth the Hill will shake!" Chad Johnson recently announced to a packed Swallow Hill Music Teachers' Lounge. And while staffers...
How Harry Tuft Listens
"...these are pros. They know the first downbeat will come and when it finally does, Tuft looks up at me with a smile of pure glee on his...
Kaia Kater on the personal and political in songwriting
Kaia Kater caught many listeners off guard last year with the release of her latest album, Nine Pin. The Guardian praised it for...
Ruth Moody discusses new projects, life on the road, and technology
Folk music fans might know Ruth Moody best as part of The Wailin' Jennys, but she has also made a name for herself as a solo performer and...
Q&A: Peter Mawanga discusses Malawi, his influences, and “Nyanja Vibes”
Hailing from the African nation of Malawi, Peter Mawanga's dedication to preserving his country's musical traditions places him at the...
Maya Bennett’s musical evolution continues
Since winning Swallow Hill Music's Young Songwriters Competition last spring, Maya Bennett has started playing more shows up and down the...
Swallow Hill’s music therapist Amy Sweetin brings music and friendship to Brent’s Place
The student glides into her music lesson on her "Heelys," shoes with rollers in their heels. Her teacher greets her at a keyboard. Soon...
“Get it, get it!” When Clay Kirkland played with Chuck Berry
On Saturday, Rock and Roll pioneer and legend Chuck Berry died in St. Louis at the age of 90. As tributes to the songwriter behind the...