Episode 20 - Naomi Psalm

It's the most wonderful time of the year! That's right, time for another episode!

Episode 20 features Naomi Psalm. Naomi sat down with me recently to talk about her music.

Along the way, Naomi and I talk about how she describes her music to others and listening to other songwriters and artists for ideas, inspirations, and approaches in her own music. Along the way, Naomi talks about her own approach to songwriting and the changes she has seen in Boise's music scene since arriving a decade ago.

We'll talk about why one song took Naomi five years to complete and about one woman's unexpectedly emotional response to another of Naomi's songs. We also discuss some possible directions Naomi would like to go with her music and talk about her hopes for getting back into the studio.

We wrap our conversation by talking about the changes in the music industry toward more release of singles versus full-length albums and the benefits of that for the independent artist. Plus, we talk a bit about Naomi's desire to do more co-writing.

Naomi performs three of her compositions: "Break My Fall," "Hole In The Carpet," and "Already Hit Send."

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Buy Naomi Psalm's music on CDBaby.

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Hey, Alexa! Play Measured Voices

I read that if your podcast is available on TuneIn, then people can listen to it through Amazon's Alexa devices. It should also work with Google Home.

Well, guess what? Measured Voices is available on TuneIn. If you want to check it out on TuneIn's website, then here is where you should point your browser.

Now, I haven't tried it yet (thought I should), so it will hopefully work for you. If you try it, let me know how it works.

Episode 19 - Blaze and Kelly

Hey there, boys and girls! Episode 19 is now available and features the incomparable Boise duo, Blaze and Kelly.

Niccole Blaze (R) and Mo Kelly (L)

The three of us sat down for an hour-long conversation, where we talked about Niccole and Mo's musical backgrounds and how Mo ended up playing bass. The pair talk about some of their musical influences and about how their musical is both similar and different to those artists.

Niccole talks about the real difficulties in getting her music out there because of her refusal to be pigeonholed into any one genre. Mo then talks about her ability to create amazing harmonies, and Niccole talks about writing to Mo's voice.

As the conversation continues, Niccole talks about her songwriting process and about being the conduit for what comes, and both talk about the role Mo plays in that process and what bacon has to do with it.

We talk about outward versus inward writing and about what Niccole sees as her calling when it comes to her music. Then, they talk about what they look for when they cover other people's songs and how they make that decision.

Later, we'll learn the names of some of their instruments (yes, they name each one) and explain why they own multiple guitars. Mo also talks about playing a fretless five-string bass. They'll then talk about their favorite types of venues and how they energy they get from their audiences plays into their performance.

Now well into their second decade of performing, Niccole and Mo talk about what they do to keep things fresh and fun and about finding and maintaining balance in their lives. Finally, they talk about changes in the music industry and share their thoughts on CDs versus downloadable music.

Along the way, we'll share three quintessential Blaze and Kelly songs: "Above The Rain," "Life Is Beautiful," and "Thankful."

Episode 20 features conversation and music from Naomi Psalm. Until then, thanks for listening. Invite your friends to give us a try.


Visit the Blaze and Kelly website.
Listen to Blaze and Kelly on ReverbNation.
Watch Blaze and Kelly on YouTube.

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Episode 18 - Lee Penn Sky

Walt and Lee in conversation

Yes, boys and girls, Measured Voices is back with a new episode. This time out, the little podcast that could sits down with Boise singer-songwriter Lee Penn Sky.

Lee and I recently sat down to talk about his musical background and about writing his first songs on bass guitar. We also talk about Mister Picasso Head. You'll have to listen to find out what that's about.

Lee tells us what brought him to Idaho and  recounts the harrowing story that freed him to pursue his music. He also talks about the influence of those experiences on his early songs.

We'll talk about Lee's band, The Oliphants, where the name came from, and what the band helped him replace in his life. We also get into the differences for him between solo performing and fronting a band.

Lee Penn Sky

Lee and I talk about how his songwriting and his singing have evolved over time. Lee also shares his thoughts on how the Boise music scene has changed since he moved here in 2001.

You'll definitely want to listen as Lee talks about the family discovery that took him to Israel and will soon take him back into the recording studio.

Along the way, Lee shares several of his songs: "Pirates and Scoundrels," from his album with The Oliphants, 29 Left Down; "Jump From The Train," from his soon to be recorded new CD, and "Jessie."

Visit the website for Lee Penn Sky and The Oliphants.
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Follow The Oliphants on Facebook.


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