Episode 39 - One Last Look Back

Episode 39 of the podcast is now available for your aural enjoyment. It marks the end of our look back. In all, there have been 34 episodes of original and new content.

In this episode, we look back at episodes 29 through 34 and feature conversation and music from Dustin Morris, Brandon Thomas, Michael Brown, Cary William White, Connor Jay Liess, and Wayne White. You'll find links to the full episodes for each artist below.

Measured Voices has been a great deal of fun, and I have enjoyed sitting down and talking with all of the artists featured. I've also enjoyed having the opportunity to hear some of their music. I hope you have as well.

While putting together the podcast has been fun and is a labor of love, it is also a fair amount of work. Because of that, I've decided to take some time off from working on the podcast. That time away will hopefully give me time to work on my own music and also line up guests for new episodes.

The current plan is to try to resume posting new episodes with the start of the new year. Check in with the podcast's Facebook page from time to time for updates.

In the meantime, I hope you'll check out some of the local songwriters living and working around the Treasure Valley. There are some truly fine songwriters and musicians who deserve your support, and I hope you'll give them a chance to win that support.

Thanks for listening!


Episode 29 - Dustin Morris
Episode 30 - Brandon Thomas
Episode 31 - Michael Brown
Episode 32 - Cary William White
Episode 33 - Connor Jay Liess
Episode 34 - Wayne White

Episode 38 - Some More Aural Time Travel

We continue looking in the rear-view mirror in Episode 38 of the podcast. If you missed the original episodes or simply want to listen them again in all of their glory. you'll find links to the complete episodes below.

This time out, excerpts from episodes featuring Scott Sprague of Innocent Man, Wendy Matson. Jonathan Warren and Dave Sather-Smith of Jonathan Warren and the Billy Goats, Timothy P. Swanson, Credenda, Noble Holt, and Michele McLaughlin.

Episode 39 will continue our backward look. Join us then.


Episode 22 - Scott Sprague
Episode 23 - Wendy Matson
Episode 24 - Jonathan Warren and Dave Sather-Smith
Episode 25 - Timothy P. Swanson
Episode 26 - Credenda
Episode 27 - Noble Holt
Episode 28 - Michele McLaughlin

Episode 37 - We're Still Living In The Past

With apologies to Jethro Tull, Episode 37 finds Measured Voices continuing its listen back at some of the music and conversation to grace the podcast.

This time around, excerpts of conversations with and music from Logan's Heroes, Between Disasters, Lindzey Autumn, Lee Penn Sky, Blaze and Kelly, Naomi Psalm, and Gayle Chapman. You'll find links below for the full episodes in case you'd like to check them out again or perhaps for the first time.

Episodes 38 and 39 will complete our summer reminiscing. After that, who knows? In the meantime, enjoy this listen back.


Episode 16 - Logan's Heroes/Between Disasters
Episode 17 - Lindzey Autumn
Episode 18 - Lee Penn Sky
Episode 19 - Blaze and Kelly
Episode 20 - Naomi Psalm
Episode 21 - Gayle Chapman

Episode 36 - In The Rear View Mirror

Welcome back! Episode 36 continues our look back at some of the music and conversation shared on Measured Voices and provides brief updates on the songwriters featured. This time around, we take a look back at episodes eight through 15.

This stretch of episodes was, arguably, the most diverse stretch for the podcast. These episodes featured a variety of music and styles from stripped down Americana to full-on country to New Age to layered, lush pop.

Links to the full episodes, in case you'd like to hear them for the first time or enjoy them again, can be found below. This look back will continue through the August 23 episode. At that time, a decision will be made regarding the future of the podcast.

As always, thanks for listening!



Full Episodes:
Episode 08 - Lynn Tredeau
Episode 09 - Rachel Leigh
Episode 10 - Dan Costello, Part 1
Episode 11 - Dan Costello, Part 2
Episode 12 - Dusty Leigh and The Claim Jumpers
Episode 13 - Corey James Grubb
Episode 14 - Bruce Michael Miller
Episode 15 - Tom Taylor

Episode 35 - Taking a Look Back

Putting together the episodes of Measured Voices over the last 16 months has been a labor of love. The podcast has also opened my eyes to the depth and breadth of songwriting talent in and around Idaho's Treasure Valley.

The upside of that is that there is a large pool of songwriters from which to search for guests for future episodes. The downside is that nearly everyone is hustling for gigs, and many of them have to travel far and wide to secure performance opportunities, which can make scheduling tough.

My current difficulty in lining up guests, coupled with the fact that it's summer, prompted me to decide this is the perfect time to take a look back while I decide what to do going forward. Over the next several weeks, I'll put together retrospective episodes sharing bits and pieces of the conversation that have taken place to date, along with some of the songs these songwriters have been gracious enough to share with me and you.

This first retrospective episode covers the first seven episodes of the podcast, one of those a two-parter. Links to the full episodes can be found below.

If you are a songwriter or know of one would be interested in being featured in a future episode, contact me via email at measuredvoices@gmail.com. In the meantime, be sure to go out and support live local music and local songwriters.



Full Episodes:

Episode One: Concepts And Goals
Episode Two: Johnny Boy Kunk
Episode Three: Red Light Challenge, Part One
Episode Four: Red Light Challenge, Part Two
Episode Five: Fiona Luray
Episode Six: Steve Eaton
Episode Seven: Joseph L. Young

Episode 34 - Wayne White

June is here and with it Episode 34 of the podcast. This time out, a conversation with songwriter and guitar instrumentalist Wayne White.

Wayne White and his harp guitar

In this episode, Wayne talks about his influences, some of whom might seem surprising for an instrumentalist. We'll talk about how Wayne developed his playing style and about the musical journey that brought him to where he is today.

Wayne also talks about finding the right venues for his style of music, how he came to the harp guitar, misconceptions he's encountered about instrumental music, and some of the challenges of teaching guitar to today's teenagers.

Along the way, Wayne shares three of his compositions: "Justified," "The Second Solution," and "View From The Moon."

This marks the last Measured Voices conversation for the time being. Over the next few weeks, we'll take a listen back to some of the music the various artists have graciously shared. After that, who knows?

Regardless of what happens, this has been a great ride. I'm grateful to every artist who has shared his or her thoughts and music. I'm also grateful to everyone who has taken the time to listen to even one episode of the podcast.

There is an abundance of local and original music in the Treasure Valley. This summer, do yourself a favor and go out and discover some of it.

Follow Wayne White on Facebook.
Listen to Wayne White on ReverbNation.
Purchase Wayne White's music on CDBaby.
Visit Wayne White's website.
Wayne White on YouTube.

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."


Visit Cary William White's website

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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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Episode 30 - Brandon Thomas

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and it's time for another episode of Measured Voices. This time out, I sit down with Brandon Thomas from Brandon Thomas and the Nightjars.

Brandon Thomas (L) discusses his music

Brandon and I will talk music influences, including some he picked up from his father. We'll also talk about how his use of a digital audio workstation (DAW) and DAW software has opened up new possibilities in his music.

Keep listening to find out how Casio helped get him started on his musical journey. Brandon also talks about being called a prolific songwriter and the difficulties he's had in the past revisiting older material.

There's a new album in the works, and Brandon talks a bit about that as well as discussing how the other members of the band help him stay engaged with his existing material.

Brandon and I talk about being introverted and being a performer and his past tendency to shy away from social media. We also talk about Brandon's hopes to get out there and do more liver performances.

Along the way, you'll hear three songs from Brandon's 2017 CD, Valentino.


Brandon Thomas on ReverbNation
Brandon Thomas and the Nightjars on Facebook
Valentino - Brandon Thomas. Listen @cdbaby
The Dizzy Spin - Brandon Thomas. Listen @cdbaby


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Episode 29 - Dustin Morris

Episode 29 is here and with it the start of a new year of Measured Voices. That's right, Measured Voices has been around for a full year, and I want to thank each and every one of you for coming along on this musical journey. If your friends have yet to discover the little podcast that could, won't you invite them along for the ride?

Year Two kicks off with a conversation with Dustin Morris, formerly of the band Edison. While Edison was based in the Denver area, with the band's breakup, Dustin made the decision to move a little further north, to Boise. We'll talk about what drew Dustin here.

We'll talk a bit about Edison and its demise, as well as touch on the idea that the band found success before it was really ready for it. Dustin also talks about some of the differences between Edison's music and the music he writes and performs now as a solo artist, as well as some of the physical challenges of being Edison's multi-instrumentalist.

Of course, we'll talk songwriting and about some of the freedom Dustin's found as a solo artist. Dustin talks about some of his musical and songwriting influences. Then, we talk about the Boise Music Project that Dustin helped launch after arriving in Boise - what it's about and what it hopes to achieve.

We'll touch on the changing landscape for independent musicians, Dustin's impressions of Boise's music scene, and common themes in his music. Dustin also shares three of his songs: "All That I Am," "Everything Is Magic," and "My Downfall."

In two weeks, episode 30 features a conversation with Nampa songwriter Brandon Thomas.

Follow Dustin Morris on Facebook.
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Follow Dustin Morris on Twitter.
Visit Dustin Morris' website.
Watch Dustin Morris on YouTube.
Follow the Boise Music Project on Facebook.


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Episode 28 - Michele McLaughlin

Episode 26 saw the podcast go out of state to interview former Idaho band Credenda. Episode 28 sees the podcast staying in state to sit down with a visiting artist.

Michele McLaughlin

Solo piano artist Michele McLaughlin from Utah recently came to Idaho to perform as part of the Idaho Contemporary Instrumental Music series. The morning after her concert, Michele graciously sat down with me to talk about her music.

Michele talks candidly about what she missed out on by being essentially self-taught on piano but also talk about what that brings to her playing. We also talk about the book that served as the catalyst for Michele's successful career as a solo piano artist (link to the latest edition below).

Michele talks about her music as both therapy and musical storytelling, there shares one of her latest singles, "Triumph." After that, we talk about Michele's influences and what she got from them.

From there, we talk songwriting and about how Michele channels her life into her music. We also talk process and the areas where she sometimes gets stuck as well as about her improvisation series of videos on YouTube (link below).

Michele talks about her music as providing a more in-depth biography experience. She talks about what makes that true in her music, then she shares her song "Dismissed," an anomaly in that it has nothing to do with her own life.

Recently, Michele was featured in a Rolling Stone article on solo piano music. We talk about the article itself and about the importance of streaming, particularly on Pandora, for solo piano artists. Michele talks about the still real possibility of a streaming world without Pandora and what she is doing to make sure she's prepared should that happen.

From there, we segue into talking about the temptation to concentrate on releasing singles for the streaming world and giving up recording CDs (and why that won't happen for her anytime soon). We close with Michele talking about what is shaping up to be a very busy 2019.

Episode 28 closes with "Peace," which Michele describes as a "giant virtual hug" for everyone.


Follow Michele McLaughlin on Facebook.
Follow Michele McLaughlin on Instagram.
Follow Michele McLaughlin on Twitter.
Visit Michele McLaughlin's webpage (where you can also buy her music).
Listen to Michele McLaughlin on Pandora.
Listen to Michele McLaughlin on Spotify.
Watch Michele McLaughlin on YouTube (including her Monday Morning improvisation series).

Idaho Contemporary Instrumental Music on Facebook.
How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the Internet:2011 Edition.

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Episode 27 - Noble Holt

Happy Friday, boys and girls! It's time for another episode of the little podcast that could. That's right, episode 27 is here, and it's rockin'!

Noble Holt (L) during a performance

This time out, I sit down with 15-year old (that's right, 15!) guitarist and songwriter Noble Holt. At 15, he's already one of the better guitarists in the Treasure Valley.

I recently sat down with Noble at his house to talk a little music and about his band, Captain SNAFU. Along the way, we talk about the band's sound and about drawing inspiration from a Stephen King novel for the first song he ever wrote on his own. (You'll hear that song in the episode.)

We'll talk practicing routine, guitar and songwriting influences, his approach to songwriting, and his hopes for his and the band's future. We'll also find out how many guitars Noble has. (Hint: it's more than a couple.) We'll also hear three songs from Captain SNAFU.


Follow Noble Holt and Captain SNAFU on Facebook.

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Episode 26 - Credenda

Road trip! Road trip! Episode 26 is here, all the way from Nashville, Tennessee.

Last month, I sat down with Anna, Barb, and Daniel Bruton from the band Credenda. Treasure Valley music lovers may remember Credenda from their numerous appearances in Boise and the surrounding area.

In December, 2017, the family made the decision, spurred by advice from others in the local music scene (such as Steve Eaton and Terry Miller), to leave Idaho and head to the Music City in order to see what might be possible.

Last month, I sat down with Anna, Barb, and Daniel in their Tennessee home to talk about a variety of subjects, including the origins of the band's name. We also talk about the band's sound, which they describe as "genre defying."

From there, we get into a discussion of when they knew they had something special, the band's songwriting process, and, of course, their unique harmonies.

To be sure, we'll talk about the band's debut EP. They'll also share three songs from that EP.

Credenda will host a release party in Kingston Springs, Tennessee on February 27. If you can't make the trip, you can tune in live at WFMC Jams. Like WFMC Jams on Facebook, and you can watch the release party as it happens.

Be sure to join me for episode 27, when I sit down with 15-year old guitarist Noble Holt from the band Captain SNAFU.


Follow Credenda on Facebook
Follow Credenda on Instagram
Follow Credenda on Twitter
Credenda on ReverbNation
Buy Credenda's EP on Amazon
Buy Credenda's EP on iTunes

Idaho Songwriters Association webpage
Idaho Songwriters Association on Facebook


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Sneak Peak: Credenda

Normally, this would be an off week, but I thought I would try something a bit different for episode 26.

The episode will still go online next Friday, February 22. So the posting schedule isn't changing (at least not yet).

What is changing is that I thought I'd give a little preview of what you will hear in episode 26. A sneak peak, if you will, a roughly five-minute slice from the episode.

Episode 26 features the family band Credenda. The band had begun to make a name for itself around the Treasure Valley before heeding the advice to move to Nashville to see if they have what it takes to make it in the music business.

In the 14 months since moving, Credenda has honed its sound and its signature harmonies. They've also recorded an EP, which releases the week after episode 26 goes online. Release plans include a live concert to be broadcast over the internet. (I'll link that when episode 26 is posted.)

I was recently in Nashville and had the opportunity to sit down with the members of Credenda. Among other things, we talk about their sound and their "relative harmony." Get a sneak peak above and be sure to listen to the full episode when it drops next Friday.

Episode 25 - Timothy P. Swanson

Once more unto the breach, dear podcast listeners! This time around, join me for a conversation with Nampa's musical jack of all trades (and master of them as well), Timothy P. Swanson.

Tim and I talk about how he describes his style of music and his wide range of musical influences. We also look at his use of his CDs as a marketing device for his shows.

No conversation would be complete without a discussion of songwriting, and Tim talks about his approach and his challenges when it comes to writing lyrics. Tim is one of the busiest performers in the Treasure Valley (and surrounding area), and he talks about keeping his various ventures straight.

For several years, Tim has been involved with Idaho Arts Charter School, and we talk about his involvement with the school and its big outreach programs, The Giving Tree. We segue from that into a discussion of the music scene outside of Boise. (Hint: there's a lot out there.)

In 2018, Tim released his CD, titled Walk With Me, and we'll talk about the long and winding road between the start and completion of the project, along with the role family played in the project and in some of the songs on the CD.

Like me, Tim has an affinity for hats. So of course we'll talk hats a bit, as well as how he tries to never take himself too seriously.

We'll look ahead to Tim's hopes for 2019 and he'll share what he hopes people will say after attending one of his performances. Along the way, we'll share three songs from Tim's CD, "The Time Is Now," "Invincible," and the title track, "Walk With Me."

In episode 26, a special conversation with members of former Idaho band Credenda, recorded during a visit to Nashville. Be sure not to miss that.

Visit Tim's website
Follow Timothy P. Swanson on Facebook
The Tone Temple on Facebook
Idaho Arts Charter School website

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Episode 24 - Jonathan Warren & Dave Sather-Smith

Hey ho, boys and girls! It's time for another episode of the little podcast that could. This go-round, I'm sitting down with Jonathan Warren and Dave Sather-Smith from Jonathan Warren and The Billy Goats.

Of course, we'll talk about how the band decided on The Billy Goats. We'll also talk about what makes their sound "progressive psychobilly folkgrass.

From there, I'll talk with Jonathan about the band's musical background and sound, and I'll talk with Dave about incorporating cello into the band. Dave and Jonathan both talk about blending the classical training of Dave's voice and his cello with Jonathan's voice and his self-taught guitar.

Jonathan talks about songwriting as an organic experience. Then, Dave talk about his part in the songwriting process.

I'll talk with Jonathan about his approach to songwriting, how the latest album "Cletus" differs from past efforts (It's a great album, by the way. You should definitely check it out.), and about the influences of where they grew up on their music. Jonathan also talks about trying to write more happy songs.

We talk a bit about the benefits and challenges of not fitting into a specific music genre and the challenge of handling both the music side and the business side. Jonathan talks about his writing routine (yes, he has one), and both Jonathan and Dave talk about balancing music with the rest of life.

In addition to our conversation, Jonathan and Dave share three songs from the band's latest album: "Not The Only," "Decision," and "Stayed Too Long."

Visit Jonathan Warren and The Billy Goats website
Follow Jonathan Warren and The Billy Goats on Facebook
Listen to Jonathan Warren and The Billy Goats on ReverbNation
Listen to Jonathan Warren and The Billy Goats on iTunes
Listen to Jonathan Warren and The Billy Goats on Spotify
Buy The Billy Goats music on Amazon
Jonathan Warren and The Billy Goats on YouTube


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Heading Toward The End of Year One

Soon, it will have been a year since Measured Voices was launched. To help celebrate the one-year anniversary, I have a special episode - from the road - planned. Check it out in the promo above.

Episode 23 - Wendy Matson

I recently sat down with longtime Boise singer-songwriter Wendy Matson to talk about her music. In this episode, Wendy talks about her earlier career performing "commercial music." She also talks about how her songwriting evolved to help find her own voice.

Along the way, Wendy discusses other ways in which her songwriting has changed, how she categorizes her music (if she has to), learning to accept feedback from other songwriters, and performing therapeutic music. Wendy sees music and songwriting as spiritual experiences, and we'll talk about that a bit as well.

In recent months, Wendy has stepped beyond music (sort of) to dip her toes into the waters of invention and entrepreneurship. We'll talk about how necessity helped give birth to Wendy's creation.

Wendy will also share three of her original songs: "Who, What, Why and Where;" "Sea World" (both performed with Alan Maslac on flute); and "I'm Gonna Do It Till I Get It Right."


Visit Wendy's website
Follow Wendy on Facebook

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Episode 22 - Scott Sprague

Thanks to an Internet outage here at the house, it was touch and go for a while whether the new episode would be on time. But thanks to the technological gods, Episode 22 is here, and it should be another good one.

This time out, I sit down with Scott Sprague of Innocent Man. In another wide-ranging interview (the kind your most humble host is becoming known for), Scott and I talk about the band's origins and the evolution of the band in the ten year since.

Most of the members of Innocent Man grew up in small towns, and Scott talks a bit about how that small town upbringing influences and flavors their music. Scott discusses how the sound and music of Innocent Man changed between the band's first album in 2013 ("Home Grown") and their second album in 2015 ("Slow Nights"), then he talks about what the band is doing different as it prepares to record and release a third album.

Of course, Scott and I will talk about songwriting, both in terms of his own approach and also in terms of how the process works in the band setting. Scott also talks about some of his musical heroes and about how they make their way into some of the songs he writes.

Innocent Man is known mainly for more uptempo songs, and Scott talks about how that tendency developed and also talks about how the band feeds off the energy of the crowd. That segues into talk about what Scott remembers as the band's most memorable performance.

We also make space to get a little philosophical, as Scott talks about balancing band life with work and family lives.

This is our last episode of 2018. We'll kick off 2019 with a conversation with longtime Boise songwriter Wendy Matson. Here's hoping you ring in your new year with some local music.

Visit the Innocent Man website
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Listen to Innocent Man on ReverbNation