Scenic Route

Maria Nickolay has returned to her home of Cook County after spending several years abroad in Northern Ireland. having just released her first album "Through the Ashes" before leaving. Will Moore chats with her on the Scenic Route to learn about her work and experiences overseas, and we hear several new songs from Maria performed in Studio A.

Twin Cities songwriter John Mark Nelson chats with host Will Moore for a special interview on Sidetracks ahead of a show at Papa Charlie's Wednesday Night Songwriter Series. He talks about the unexpected process of writing and recording his 2017 album "Four Days Away", and musical plans for the upcoming year.

Shawn Neary is the bass player and multi-instrumentalist for the band Cloud Cult, who last weekend sold out yet another of their annual shows at Papa harlie's in Lutsen. He also plays with Viroqua, WI based group The Medicine Brothers. Shawn talks about Cloud Cult's recent show in Lincoln Center, creating the soundtrack to a dog mushing documentary, and upcoming shows with the Minnesota Orchestra.

The always entertaining Cherry Dirt, the duo of Ryan and Staci Cihlar (as well as Mary the dog), join Will Moore and Carl Solander for a special ukulele-jamming Saturday live music session following a gig at Cascade Lodge Pub.

Longtime Cook County musician Boyd Blomberg comes on Sidetracks to discuss new information about the anticipated second album from local "folky-tonk" duo Pushing Chain. He talks about working with producer Bill Kirchen of Commander Cody and his Last Planet Airmen and finding studio time and players in the Austin, TX music scene.

John Adler performs as SonofMel, playing talking-style blues with intricate, personal lyrics and deep vocals that have been compared to Johnny Cash. Hailing from Hayward, WI, he performs alongside Jordan "The Slideman" Grunow to create a a layer of countryish twang and build into some meaningful Americana. John talkes to Will Moore ahead of a show at Cascade Lodge Pub about a particularly harsh winter, playing a Tom Petty tribute show, and new music.

Minneapolis hip hop artist Dessa returns to Papa Charlie's on the North Shore, and to the WTIP airwaves talking to Will Moore on the Scenic Route. She talks about her upcoming album Chime, how a trip to Turkey inspired its first single "Fire Drills", outlines an upcoming international tour, and praises her supporting acts. 

Jessa Roquet is the singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the St. Paul band Gambler's Daughter. Describing her sound as "poetic folk rock", she blends alternative guitar riffs with rich vocals and inspired lyrics to create something that defies genres. She visits with Will Moore about the group's debut self-titled EP, starting out in a family folk band, and new songs ahead of a show at the Red Herring Lounge in Duluth.

Andrew D. Huber is a songwriter hailing from northern Illinois, though his roots run through St. Paul, and his heart is called to the North Shore. An annual performer in the area, he joins Will Moore amidst the release of his latest album "Mockingbird Gallows". He tells the stories behind his songs and talks about the Celtic influence in his music. 

Duluth's blues guitarist Charlie Parr returns to WTIP with another great live performance and interview. He tells host Will Moore about recent touring, recording his new album "Dog", and how opening up about longtime clinical depression has permeated his new songs.