Episode 33 - Connor Jay Liess

It's Friday and that means a new episode of Measured Voices - a new episode featuring self described "old soul" Connor Jay Liess.

Connor Jay Liess

Episode 33 finds me sitting down with Connor, a child of California who found his true home in the mountains and mining towns of Idaho. Connor and I spend some time talking about how he sees and describes his music. As he talks about his songs and his sound, you get a sense of the influences of the outdoors and small towns on his music.

Connor talks about the types of stories and songs that appeal to him and what it is about Boise and the Treasure Valley that attracted him and now seems to have a hold on him. We'll also talk about Connor's influences and inspiration as well as get into his roundabout musical journey.

I'll talk songwriting with Connor, his process and the influence of older and more traditional tunes on his music. We'll also talk about music as an important outlet for Connor, along with his desire to capture aspects of Idaho in song.

Connor is also finishing up work on his debut album, and we'll talk about the timetable for that. We'll talk about how Connor goes about promoting himself and his music, a couple of band projects he is also involved with, hearing his voice recorded in a studio for the first time, and the Treasure Valley music scene.

Episode 33 also features three original songs from Connor: "Hobo Blues," "Will I Ever See My Son Again?" and "Idaho Mountain Song."


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Episode 32 - Cary William White

Hi there! Glad you stopped by! You're just in time to give a listen to episode 32.

Cary William White

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with songwriter Cary William White for a wide ranging conversation. We start off by talking about Cary's conscious decision to be somewhat eclectic in terms of his songwriting. (Hint: boredom plays a part in his reasoning.)

We'll talk influences and what Cary took from them when he began to write his own songs. We'll also talk about the idea of the songwriter as conduit.

Cary talks about his earlier life as what he terms a "machine" and about his ultimate decision to honor his musical gifts. Cary and I talk quite about spirituality and meditation and their roles in his music as well as his time living in an RV and later a car.

In addition to music, Cary is an artist, and we'll talk about the connections and similarities between the two. Cary also talks about the elephant in every musician's living room, money, and about the pleasure and fulfillment he gets from teaching music to others and, hopefully, inspiring them.

Along the way, Cary shares three of his original songs, "New Day One," "We Are One In Love," and "The Time Has Come."


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Episode 31 - Michael J. Brown

May is here and with it is Episode 31. This time out, I sit down for a conversation with longtime songwriter Michael J. Brown. So sit down, buckle up, and settle in for some talk and tunes.

Michael J. Brown

Michael talks about his early musical experiences growing up around Strike Dam and about the man who helped set him on his musical journey. Of course, we'll talk about the music he listened to growing up and about how those classic melodies still influence Michael's music.

We'll talk about Michael's songwriting process, revision, and production, as well as talking about how independent artists are in a great place in terms of controlling their music. On the subject of music, Michael talks about the power of music to lift up and heal, as well as inspire.

When he's not writing songs, Michael works on his brainchild, the Treasure Valley Songwriting Showcase. He talks about the area's appetite for original music and about his desire to help mentor younger songwriters.

On the subject of songwriting, Michael spent some time in Nashville, and he talks about that experience, as well as a not so pleasant musical experience when he was trying to get started in the business.

Michael also shares three of his own songs with us. So come along for the ride.

Episode 32 will feature a conversation with another longtime Treasure Valley songwriter, Cary William White.


Follow Michael J. Brown on Facebook
Listen to Michael J. Brown on Spotify
Visit Michael J. Brown's webpage
Find out more about the Treasure Valley Songwriters Showcase
Watch Michael J. Brown on YouTube


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