For the Sake of the Song

Bobby Stevens Feb 23, 2026 00:54:55 Bobby Stevens is a singer/songwriter and guitar player in St. Louis who writes self-described “tender tunes” but whom I would describe as kindred spirits with John Prine , Bruce Springsteen, and the podcast’s namesake, Mr. Townes Van Zandt. When Bobby’s not around town singing and playing guitar, you can also find him co-hosting the beloved poetry open mic with his partner, Kyle, at The Heavy Anch

Skylar Townsend Feb 9, 2026 00:54:30 Skylar Townsend is a St. Louis-based singer/songwriter who released her debut album, “Hit the Ground Runnin’”, in late 2025 and you can find it on streaming services everywhere! Playlist Track Listing:“Don’t Fool Around (with the Biggest Fool Around)” by The Goldenrods“Tulsa Time” by Don Williams“Blue” by LeAnn Rimes“Drunken Angel” by Lucinda Williams“They’ve Closed Down the Honky Tonks” by Mirand

Travis Dodds Jan 5, 2026 00:38:01 Travis Dodds is well-known around St. Louis, mostly for his amazing guitar playing, which he’s been doing for nearly 20 years now, but he also plays bass, keyboards, synth, mandolin, and sings. And he’s got a lot of former bands to his name, including Jr. Clooney, LePonds, Yannon, Laika, and Big Color, and he also releases solo work as MacsHeadroom. His current project is called God and they just

FERGUSON Dec 15, 2025 00:29:14 FERGUSON is a singer/songwriter out of Nashville whose indie rock music channels the best of ‘60s-70s era pop. His debut album, State of Gold, was released back in 2019 (under his full name, Ian Ferguson), and he quickly followed that up the with the B-sides record Junk the following year. And now FERGUSON has released his latest album for our listening pleasure, Never In My Life, which came out i

Julianna Riolino Dec 1, 2025 00:33:06 Julianna Riolino is a singer/songwriter from Ontario whose music has been described as alt-country, rock ‘n’ roll, pop, and more and she's been described as embodying Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt in one person, which is pretty badass! After the success of her debut album, All Blue, Julianna has followed up with her second album, Echo In The Dust, released in October 2025 on MoonWhistle Records.

The Cactus Blossoms Nov 17, 2025 00:36:57 This episode features a special co-created playlist, brought to you by Page Burkum and Jack Torrey of The Cactus Blossoms, who have been gifting us modern classics that blend Americana, folk, country, and early rock ‘n’ roll for well over a decade. Based out of Minneapolis, the land of great bands, brothers Jack and Page, along with their band, have released multiple studio albums, each to widespr

Jake Maness + One Year Anniversary! Nov 10, 2025 00:42:22 It's the one-year anniversary of the podcast! And to celebrate the occasion, this special episode features a very special guest: musician, artist, my boyfriend, and unofficial producer-behind-the-scenes - Jake Maness!Jake is most well-known as the drummer and singer in the blues rock duo, The Maness Brothers, that he formed with his brother David, who plays guitar and also sings. The Maness Brothe

Lera Lynn Oct 20, 2025 00:38:34 Lera Lynn is a singer/songwriter whose thoughtful songwriting, poetic lyricism, cinematic soundscapes, and haunting vocals blend Americana, indie rock, folk noir, and art pop. She’s released multiple studio albums and composed numerous pieces for film, TV, and video games, including writing and performing four songs for Season 2 of True Detective, for which she gained widespread recognition. She’s

Guest Playlist: Volume 2 Oct 13, 2025 00:49:58 We're back with Volume Two of the Guest Playlist!Most of the guests on the podcast are musicians and they make us playlists of other musicians’ songs but we don’t get to hear the music that the guests themselves are making and putting out there, which hardly seems fair!So to remedy that, every 15 episodes I release a playlist that features one song from each of those guests!And to help me with the

A.J. Croce Sep 29, 2025 00:36:16 A.J. Croce is a singer/songwriter and piano virtuoso with decades of music and touring to his name. He's released eleven studio albums, including his most recent, “Heart of the Eternal”, which was released in early 2025. His music blends rock, blues, soul, and Americana and his new album even has some psych and jazz influences. He’s worked and toured with many of the greats, including BB King, Ray

Nick Shoulders Sep 15, 2025 00:58:03 Nick Shoulders is an Americana singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, banjo, fiddle, drums, harmonica, and mouthbow, whom Paste Magazine said is a "bonafide American treasure". He's also the owner of Gar Hole Records and is an accomplished illustrator. Playlist Track Listing:“One Broken Heart” by Sonny Burgess“Frog Went A-Courtin’” by Almeda Riddle“My Journey To The Sky” by S

Johnny Walker Sep 1, 2025 00:54:35 Johnny Walker is a legend among legends in the punk, blues, garage rock scene(s) and it’s an honor to have him on the podcast! He and Ben Swank started the legendary Soledad Brothers, releasing four critically acclaimed albums, and were/are longtime collaborators and friends with Meg and Jack White, with Jack engineering The Soledad Brothers first album and Johnny playing slide guitar on The White

Neil Salsich Aug 5, 2025 00:42:28 Neil Salsich is a singer, songwriter, and guitar player who's been playing in St. Louis for 15 years and he's best known for his band, The Mighty Pines, but he's also a member of the Playadors and Sean Canan's Voodoo Players. Make sure to follow Neil and The Mighty Pines on Instagram so you can stay up-to-date on all of his shows and, importantly, the annual Pines Fest happening in October! Playli

Tony Hall Jul 21, 2025 00:36:22 Tony Hall is a keyboard player and singer/songwriter who’s been around the St. Louis music scene for nearly 20 years, and you can catch him playing out solo as Tony M. Hall or you can find him behind the keys with Nick Gusman & The Coyotes at least for the next couple of weeks. Keep an eye out for his solo album dropping in spring 2026! And a special shout-out to Tony being an early and enthus

Brian Will Jul 7, 2025 00:31:26 Brian Will is a singer/songwriter and guitarist who plays in a couple St. Louis bands, including The Jits and the Cyanides. Make sure to follow him on Instagram @brianwont to find out where you can see him playing live next! Playlist Track Listing:“Sovereignty Flight” by The Gories“Kiss Me On The Bus” by The Replacements“Tommy Gun” by The Clash“All My Feelings Denied” by Thee Headcoats“Fiction Rom

Garrett T. Capps Jun 24, 2025 00:27:51 Garrett T. Capps hails from San Antonio and has a lot of great music to his name, whether that's albums he's released with his band NASA Country, including their most recent release "Everyone Is Everyone", or his latest solo album "Life is Strange", backed in the studio by friends who also happen to be killer musicians. When he's not making music in the studio or on tour, you can probably find Gar

Esther Rose Jun 20, 2025 00:29:03 Esther Rose has been making her mark on the Americana landscape for years and her newest album, "Want", released on New West Records, has been called "wildly satisfying" by Glide Magazine and No Depression said it was her "most settled work yet". She's currently out on tour with a full band (!!!) so make sure you check out her schedule to find out where they're playing near you! Playlist Track Lis

Francie Medosch Jun 16, 2025 00:36:48 Francie Medosch is the lead force behind and in front of the band, Florry, who blend indie rock with country twang and have been compared to the likes of The Band and The Rolling Stones as well as PJ Harvey and Big Thief. Their newest album, “Sounds Like…” recently came out on Dear Life Records and Pitchfork says, “the country-rock group rips through a set of free-spirited barnstormers with such e

Patton Magee Jun 10, 2025 00:31:00 Patton Magee is the frontman of the rock ‘n’ roll group The Nude Party, whom critics have compared to some of the greats, including The Rolling Stones, the Velvet Underground, and Buffalo Springfield, and now Patton is releasing his debut solo album on June 12 on Nudie Records called “Last Cowboy on the Prairie”. It's been described as a “sprawling trek across America’s sonic landscapes – Arizona

Alex Huck Jun 3, 2025 00:35:42 Alex Huck is a singer/songwriter who has been in St. Louis for only three years but brings decades of talent with him! You can check him out playing solo around town at some of his recurring monthly gigs, such as the second Friday of very month at Hammerstone’s, or catch him behind the kit with the Tyler King Band the last Sunday of the month at Hammerstone’s.Playlist Track Listing:“Smoke Detector

Mikey Coltun May 20, 2025 00:25:19 Mikey Coltun is a musician, engineer, and producer and he's played with a number of great bands, including Les Rhinoceros, Mdou Moctar, Steve Gunn, KOLTUN, and more. He started studying music at the age of 3 and by 16 he was touring and playing all over the world with the most well-known and well-respected musicians in rock, jazz, punk, often blending Western and African styles. Mikey has recently

Matt Maher May 6, 2025 00:36:23 Matt Maher is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, pedal steel, mandolin, dobro, and bass, and he's associated with many St. Louis-based bands, including Hunter Peebles & The Moonlighters, Yard Eagle, Smoke Association, The Screechin’ Halts, and Back Wash. His musical talent is key to making these bands shine so make sure to follow him and them so you can find out where to c

Matt Stuttler Apr 22, 2025 00:30:05 Matt Stuttler is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, bass player, and self-described synth enthusiast who has been a mainstay in the St. Louis music scene for 15 years and he currently plays in many bands including Shitstorm, Nite Sprites, Dock Judson, Cyanides, Boreal Hills, The Losing End, Molten Bone, and Variante Form and his former bands include The Stranger, Beach Bodies, and Banana Clips. And

Jena Haffner Apr 8, 2025 00:46:15 Jena Haffner, along with her dad, Jean, own and operate The Record Exchange, the longtime, iconic record store in St. Louis. Jean opened the store in 1977 so Jena was born into the world of music and vinyl and now she helps Jean operate the 10,000-square-foot store filled with not just vinyl but all types of media, media-playing equipment, and memorabilia. If you haven't been down to the store, wh

Guest Playlist: Volume 1 Apr 1, 2025 01:02:27 A new kind of episode and playlist!Most of the guests on the podcast are musicians and they make us playlists of other musicians’ songs but we don’t get to hear the music that the guests themselves are making and putting out there, which hardly seems fair!So to remedy that, every 15 episodes that feature a musician guest, I’m going to release an episode and playlist that features one song from eac

Jeffrey Lewis Mar 25, 2025 00:43:28 Jeffrey Lewis is a singer, songwriter, and artist from NYC who has been putting out some of the best anti-folk music there is for over 20 years, including on his newest album “The EVEN MORE Freewheelin’ Jeffrey Lewis” on Don Giovanni Records. In addition to his musical chops, he’s also an accomplished illustrator and has written and drawn over a dozen comics in the series called “Fuff”. For the pl

Lilly Hiatt Mar 18, 2025 00:21:22 Lilly Hiatt is singer and songwriter in Nashville, currently on New West Records, and she’s been one of the mainstays in the Americana scene for the past decade. She’s toured with the likes of John Prine, Drive-By Truckers, and Margo Price. She’s just released her sixth album, Forever, and in response Pitchfork said “Hiatt sounds relaxed and assured, even when she’s making righteous noise.” To fin

Isaac Chosich Mar 11, 2025 00:16:12 Isaac Chosich is a singer, songwriter, and drummer and the lead genuis behind the band Smoke Association. He’s previously played in the bands Yard Eagle, The Fighting Side, The Devil’s Triangle, and Slop Arm. He’s the self-described third wheel at Extra Plus Productions and also makes sick show flyers for a lot of bands around town. If you want to see one of the most unique bands in St. Louis, mak

Isaac Johnston Mar 4, 2025 00:27:20 Isaac Johnston is a drummer and percussionist (for hire!), and is also a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, who plays with a host of bands including We Are Root Mod, Wilson Ridge, Hotel Ten Eyes, and Pocket Taco. He’s heading out on tour with Hunter Peebles & The Moonlighters in March so be sure to follow him and the bands on Instagram so you can find out where you can see and hear Isaac next!

Justin Osborne (SUSTO) Feb 25, 2025 00:29:45 Justin Osborne is the lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist for the band SUSTO, who hail from Charleston, South Carolina. They’ve been around for over a decade, toured all over the world, and released five studio albums and two live albums. They’re currently on New West Records and Justin has a new album titled “Susto Stringband: Volume 1” coming out on March 28th that is a collaboration with Hol

Greg Belter Feb 18, 2025 00:24:47 Greg Belter is a longtime photographer in the St. Louis area, where he’s been photographing musicians on film, and developing and processing most of that film at home, for about the last six years. He’s photographed bands and artists including Yard Eagle, Mattie Schell, JigJam, Natchez Whistle, Native Sons, Nate Lowery, Hunter Peebles, The Screeching Halts, and Nick Gusman, and he’s done some conc

Truman Kennedy Feb 11, 2025 00:21:23 Truman Kennedy is a singer, songwriter, and mandolin player who plays in the band, Truman Kennedy and the Unstoppable Bucks. They just released an album titled, “Werewolf Mask” that you can listen to on all streaming platforms or you can pick up on vinyl on Bandcamp or at some local record stores in St. Louis and Little Rock. You can catch Truman playing around town at places like the Hi-Hat and Y

Luisa Sims Feb 4, 2025 00:17:19 Luisa Sims is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist, who has been playing in St. Louis for many years, playing both solo and with her band, Luisa Sims and the Sorry Party. You can catch her at Yaquis on the first and third Mondays of the month as well as at places like The Drawing Board and The Focal Point. Make sure to follow her on Instagram at @luisasims.music so you can keep up to date

Joe Bassa Jan 28, 2025 00:25:52 Joe Bassa is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who plays in the bands Jailbox and Surtsey and Surtsey has a great new music video out for their song "Knot To Force" that features a lot of bands and venues from in and around St. Louis. You can watch the video and find out where you can see Surtsey next on their Instagram page @mybandsurtsey! Playlist Track Listing:“When the Shit Hits the Fan” by

Robin Harvey Jan 21, 2025 00:20:19 Robin Harvey is a relatively new singer and songwriter in St. Louis who leads the band, Space Quaker. You can catch her playing with Space Quaker as well as occasional solo gigs at places like the Sinkhole, The Nest, Venice Cafe, and Chill Dawg Cove. Playlist Track Listing:“Birdland” by Patti Smith“In California” by Joanna Newsom“I Was An Eagle” by Laura Marling“Black Crow” by Joni Mitchell“Ride M

Joanna Serenko Jan 14, 2025 00:23:23 Joanna Serenko is a singer and songwriter who has been playing her originals for over seven years and, in addition to her own stuff, she also plays with Tyler Dale and Company, Playadors, and The Red Jackets. You may have heard of Joanna before from her successful run in 2018 on NBC’s The Voice, where she made it to the semi-finals and finished ninth place overall. She and her boyfriend, the afore

Matt F. Basler Jan 7, 2025 00:34:32 Matt F. Basler is a longtime musician, singer, songwriter, guitar player, and he currently leads the band, Matt F. Basler, (no relation), and plays in Middle Class Fashion. He's also a fellow podcast host, hosting "The Matt F. Basler Podcast" (no relation), and after you listen to this episode, go on over and check out his podcast! You can find him, his music, his podcast, and more over on his web

Nick Avel Dec 31, 2024 00:28:15 Nick Avel rings in 2025 with this special New Year's Eve playlist! Nick’s been producing St. Louis radio and helping to promote area bands for over a decade. If he sounds familiar, it’s because you can currently hear him on two frequencies on your FM dial. Nick has also been DJ’ing for 20+ years and is a self-taught guitarist. Make sure to follow Nick on Instagram at @nickavel and check out his sh

Laka Soul Dec 24, 2024 00:13:29 Laka Claus, a.k.a. Laka Soul, is an incredible singer and performer who has been performing since 2016 and you can catch her playing at the Broadway Oyster Bar, Ballpark Village, and elsewhere and whether she's performing a cooled out acoustic show or full-costume, high-energy show with her full band, you won't be disappointed! Follow her on Instagram at @LakaSoul and check her out online at www.L

Sean Kimble Dec 17, 2024 00:28:58 Sean Kimble is a singer, songwriter, guitar player, and bass player who is currently recording under the name Desi Darling (@DesiDarlingMusic) but has been in the St. Louis music scene for over 10 years, primarily as the bass player in Brother Lee and the Leather Jackals. In addition to Desi Darling, he is also playing bass in Vallie Golde, a project led by Allie Vogler.You can find out more about

Jessie Karabell Dec 10, 2024 00:22:00 Jessie Karabell is the bass player and a founding member of the band, Still Animals, on Slovenly Recordings. The band is working on their second album and you can keep up to date on the album and upcoming shows at their Instagram @still_animals and hear all their authentic rock and roll on Spotify. Playlist Track Listing:“Whips and Furs” by The Vibrators“There But for the Grace of God Go I” by The

Dylan Andersen Dec 3, 2024 00:15:47 Dylan Andersen is a singer, songwriter, bass player, and pianist who plays primarily in The Public and also Where's The Rum? and you can catch him playing all around St. Louis. He also has a solo project called NormalDylan that you can check out on The Public's YouTube channel.Playlist Track Listing:“Touching the Untouchables” by Men at Work“Eurydice” by Killian Scott“Escape (The Pina Colada Song)

po mia Nov 19, 2024 00:29:50 po mia is a singer and songwriter in St. Louis who plays primarily with the band, (also named) po mia, and occasionally with Frog Splash. Po is also a music therapist, skater, and gives guitar lessons. You can catch Po playing at Venice Cafe, The Heavy Anchor, and loads of other places around town. Be sure to check them out on Spotify and Instagram @po._.mia @frogsplashstl and @skatingsongbird and

Noah Gregory Nov 12, 2024 00:21:17 Noah Gregory is a songwriter and guitar player who leads the band Blond Guru and also plays in Yard Eagle. He also manages a music instrument store and occasionally does some recording of bands.Blond Guru’s new album, The Purpose is to Entertain, drops November 15th and their album release show is happening at Off Broadway on November 30th with support from Matt Basler and Surtsey. Make sure to fo

Introduction to For the Sake of the Song Nov 5, 2024 00:02:51 Welcome to For the Sake of the Song! A podcast where musicians and music scene folks make a playlists of 15 songs then tell us about their picks. It's a way to find new music and learn a bit more about your favorite artists and their favorite artists. I'm your host, Beth Prusaczyk, and I hope to release an episode every two weeks here on Spotify.The episode will be released as a playlist where the

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