Summary

From 2012: Mark Durfield from the Bearfoot Hookers spills the tea on how his lifelong passion for music evolved into a creative journey filled with heartfelt stories and captivating melodies. He dives deep into his roots, sharing tales of strumming his first guitar at just two years old, fueled by the sounds of Elvis and gospel tunes from his mom. The conversation shifts to the band's musical influences, notably the Southern rock legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd, which shaped their signature sound while balancing a rich blend of rock and country vibes. As they chat, Durfield reveals the transformative power of singing lessons that unlocked his songwriting potential and led to their latest album, a reflection of personal growth and deeper themes that resonate with the struggles of life and faith. With insights into their collaborative process and the vibrant Athens music scene, this episode is a warm invitation to explore the dynamic world of the Bearfoot Hookers.

Show Notes

The Roots of Rock with Mark Durfield

In this episode, Mark Durfield of The Bearfoot Hookers takes us on a relaxed, reflective journey through the roots of his musical path. From childhood guitar strums to his deep dive into Southern rock, Mark’s conversation is filled with humor, nostalgia, and a whole lot of heart. This is the kind of chat you’d have with a friend over a cold drink, honest, engaging, and full of good stories.

Episode Highlights:

• Early Musical Beginnings:
• Mark's love for music kicked off at the age of two, when he first picked up a guitar.
• He reflects on the musical sounds of his childhood, from Elvis to gospel music, and how they shaped his early taste.
• The gritty, raw energy of 70s rock like Led Zeppelin & Cream was the spark that truly ignited his passion for music.
• A Southern Rock Journey:
• Mark shares stories about growing up with the wild sounds of rock & roll and how his family's musical tastes influenced his style.
• A funny moment about his mother’s reaction to rock legends like Jerry Lee Lewis, who didn’t exactly match her idea of appropriate music!
• The Southern rock culture and its enduring impact on his sound, which is integral to the Bearfoot Hookers’ unique vibe.
• Musical Identity & Genre Struggles:
• The paradox of loving rock while often finding himself writing country songs, a clash of musical worlds that Mark humorously embraces.
• He talks about the personal challenge of navigating genres and how artists often blend influences to form their true voice.
• The creative process of drawing from both rock and country, and how the mix has led to a signature sound.
• The Athens Music Scene:
• The importance of community within the Athens music scene, where Mark and his bandmates thrive.
• How collaboration plays a key role in their sound, with each member bringing their own strengths to the table.
• The way musicians build relationships through their art, creating music that speaks far beyond just the performance.
• Looking Ahead to New Projects:
• A peek into the future of the Bearfoot Hookers and what listeners can expect from their upcoming projects.
• The sense of natural progression in their music as they continue to explore new sounds, themes, and deeper layers of artistry.
• The Journey of Creativity:
• Mark reflects on the messy, beautiful evolution of his music career: how it’s been a series of unexpected twists and turns that led to his true artistic self.
• Emphasizes that every note played is part of a bigger journey, and how those struggles and discoveries ultimately fuel great music.
• The importance...

Summary

From 2012: Lincoln Durham joined the crew on Country Fried Rock to chat about his musical journey, diving deep into the creative process that fuels his unique sound. He kicked things off by sharing how his early days playing the fiddle, thanks to his family, laid the groundwork for his evolution as an artist. The conversation took a turn as he revealed his transition from a shy kid behind the fiddle to a bold singer-songwriter, influenced by legends like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. They also touched on his recent album, The Shovel Versus The Howling Bones, discussing how his solitude during the writing process shaped his music, leading to a raw and captivating live performance style. As they wrapped up, Lincoln reflected on the Austin music scene and his plans for future projects, leaving listeners eager to hear what’s next from this dynamic artist.

Links

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• Lincoln Durham
• You may also enjoy this conversation from 2015 with Mason Lankford of Folk Family Revival

Show Notes

"The Art of Creation with Lincoln Durham"

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of musical creativity with Lincoln Durham, a dynamic force in the country music scene. From his childhood beginnings to his evolution as an artist, Lincoln shares his incredible journey through life and music. With an open heart and a touch of humor, he reflects on the twists and turns that led him to embrace his voice and his craft.

Episode Highlights:

• Early Beginnings:
• Lincoln recounts picking up the fiddle at just four years old, encouraged by his father and grandfather.
• He shares his experience with the Suzuki method and how it laid the foundation for his musical growth.
• Despite his early struggles with reading music, Lincoln was driven by a deep love for the art form.
• The Osceola Opry & Finding His Voice:
• Lincoln’s childhood performances at the Osceola Opry were pivotal in his artistic development.
• Initially a shy fiddler, he reveals how the stage helped him transition into a passionate vocalist.
• A glimpse into his adolescent journey of searching for his artistic identity.
• The Moment of Self-Discovery:
• The turning point came when Lincoln embraced songwriting in his late teens, marking the beginning of his transformation as a true artist.
• He reflects on the vulnerability and self-reflection involved in developing his voice.
• Creative Process & Solitude:
• Lincoln discusses his year of "cocooning," a time spent in solitude and introspection that helped him hone his songwriting skills.
• He talks about the delicate balance between creating lyrics with depth and crafting melodies that captivate.
• Rock icons like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix played a significant role in shaping his approach to songwriting.
• From Writer to Performer:
• Lincoln shares how his evolution from a solitary writer to an engaging performer unfolded over time.
• The challenge of balancing personal introspection with the energy of public performance.
• Collaborations & the Power of Community:
• He opens up about his recent collaborations with fellow musicians and how they’ve enriched his sound.
• The...

Summary

From 2012: Brett Anderson from Ha Ha Tonka drops some serious wisdom on the creative journey of music-making, emphasizing that the band's evolution is all about the collective influences that blend into their sound. He spills the beans on how their roots run deep, tracing back to childhood memories filled with bluegrass, Motown, and Southern rock vibes that shaped their musical DNA. As they reminisce about their early days jamming in high school talent shows, it’s clear that experimentation and growth have been the name of the game, especially with their latest album, Death of a Decade. The crew chats about the magic of harmonies, how a goofy moment inspired by Anchorman led to a signature sound that really got them grooving. They’re not just about laying down tracks; they’re all about the vibe of live performances, connecting with audiences, and crafting songs that resonate, all while keeping it as real and raw as possible.

Show Notes

Let’s Dive into the World of Roots Music, Ha Ha Tonka Style

The episode kicks off with a laid-back, nostalgic stroll through the musical roots of our guest from Ha Ha Tonka. Here’s how it all unfolds:

• Our guest paints a warm picture of childhood summers at the Lake of the Ozarks.
• The soundtrack? A mix of bluegrass, southern rock, gospel, music that practically floated on the lake breeze.

At home, his parents played DJ:

• Mom: Hardcore country and classic Motown
• Dad: Southern rock, all day long

That eclectic mix set the stage for what would become a pretty unique musical identity.

• It all changed in high school when he picked up a guitar.
• He started with covers, but it wasn’t long before he dipped into writing original songs.
• Those early jam sessions were where the seed of the Ha Ha Tonka sound really started to sprout.

• Fast forward to Missouri State University, where music-loving minds met.
• What started as casual jam sessions turned into something much more serious.
• Soon, it wasn’t just about playing music. It was about making something real.
• Their debut album took shape, a blend of their shared influences and new ideas.
• Signing with Bloodshot Records? That was the moment the hobby turned into a hustle.

The band leaned into their rootsy sound, experimenting with:

• Tight harmonies
• Acoustic-meets-rock arrangements
• A storytelling vibe that felt both grounded and fresh
• Their music became a reflection of where they came from, and where they were headed.

The conversation turns to their latest album, Death of a Decade.

• The guest talks about growth
• More collaboration within the band
• Trying new instruments and textures
• A more mature, layered sound
• There’s a buzz about what’s next: new ideas, new songs, and more stories waiting to be told.

This episode isn’t just about a band. It’s about the journey of becoming one. From Ozark summers to college jam sessions and beyond, Ha Ha Tonka’s story is as rich and rootsy as their sound.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Country Fried Rock
• 05:40 - Finding Our Sound
• 07:22 - Finding Their Sound: The Journey with Mandolin and New Influences
• 16:18 - The Creative Process of Song Development
• 21:02 - The Evolution of Live Performance
• 24:54 -...