Wheels Off With Rhett Miller

New York-based visual artist Ryan Cronin joins Rhett from Tambacounda, Senegal, where he is developing a collaboration with Tambacounda-based artist Saliou Diop. Ryan discusses how he got started as an artist, the creative process behind his work, and why a combination of patience and persistence leads to success. Later in the episode, Rhett is joined by Saliou Diop and his translator, who discuss Saliou’s creative approach and how a strong belief in the work helps him navigate any obstacles. When people look at his work Cronin wants them to feel an immediate impact, even if they’re not sure what hit them. The raw, almost childlike appearance of his work belies his reflective underlying vision. He delights in unexpected or enigmatic juxtapositions in terms of both theme and placement and often brings a sense of humor to bear on troubling contemporary issues. This sensibility, combined with quick, instinctive brushstrokes and a vibrant palette, result in striking images that can simultaneously disturb and ente

This week, we’re revisiting an episode with one of our favorite guests from 2021: New Orleans-based artist Ashley Longshore. Ashley recently created the album artwork for Rhett’s forthcoming solo record, The Misfit (used here in the episode graphic). The album drops on September 16, which makes it a perfect time to revisit Ashley's brilliant creative spirit. Pre-order Rhett's new album, The Misfit, here. “You could decide to start a creative journey or find yourself when you're sixty years old. I think that really happens when you decide you're going to be your own best friend and your own biggest cheerleader.” - Ashley Longshore Pop artist Ashley Longshore joins Rhett in this episode to talk about growing up in Alabama, discovering her path and how she approaches the business side of being an artist. Ashley and Rhett talk about the things that inspire their work, and how to handle the fear and anxiety that comes with living a creative life. Ashley Longshore is a New Orleans-based, self taught artist. She ha

Superstar producer, singer-songwriter, and guitarist Butch Walker joins Rhett from his studio in Nashville to talk about Glenn,  his new album centered around an alter ego who is a rock n roll balladeer. Butch tells Rhett about the moment when he decided to pursue a life in music, what it was like to perform in Atlanta clubs as a high schooler and the ups and downs of pursuing band life in L.A. Butch discusses his many successes and failures, how he manages anxiety, and why he thinks that right now is an exciting time to be in music.  Singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer Butch Walker was as a member of the bands SouthGang and The Marvelous 3. He has produced hit records by a staggering number of acclaimed artists including Weezer, Fall Out Boy, Pink, Katy Perry, Panic! At the Disco, Dashboard Confessional, Pete Yorn, Avril Lavigne and many others. Butch has been called “One of America’s best songwriters” by Rolling Stone. His latest album, Glenn, is available now. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris

Dave Simonett joins Rhett from Minneapolis to talk about the latest Trampled By Turtles record, which was produced by Jeff Tweedy. Dave explains his writing process, which is dictated by the seasons, the creative exercises he employs to get out of his comfort zone, and the magic that happens when someone is learning a song for the first time. Dave and Rhett discuss the importance of humanity in art and why adhering to a routine while on the road helps manage stress. Listen to music from their forthcoming album, Alpenglow, here and pre-order it here. Dave Simonett has spent almost two decades as the lead singer, guitar player and songwriter for the widely popular and beloved roots band, Trampled By Turtles. He also fronts Dead Man Winter, a bull-bodied, emotionally resonant brand of Americana-infused indie rock band. He now boldly steps forward with a shining collection of new solo material for the first time under his own name called Red Tail. While Dead Man Winter's Furnace was a much-needed cathartic experi

Legendary photographer Danny Clinch joins Rhett from his home on the Jersey Shore to share some stories from the early days of his career and the little moments that led to his status as one of the top rock photographers in the world. Danny talks about the growth of his gallery, Transparent Clinch, explains how he developed his distinctive style, and shares the story of shooting Bruce Springsteen for the cover of The Rising, then years later in New York for the cover of Letter To You. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.    This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with R

American Aquarium’s BJ Barham joins Rhett from Philadelphia while on tour to talk about their new record Chicamacomico, and what it feels like to finally be back out on the road. BJ discusses his songwriting process, music as a way to help people through trauma, and how he turns negativity into a creative superpower.  North Carolina alt-country outfit American Aquarium rose to prominence in the late 2000s with a sound that mixed twang, grit, and some straight-ahead rock & roll. Focused around the songs of frontman B.J. Barham, the group had already recorded four records and gone on countless tours before finding more widespread acclaim with 2012's Burn.Flicker.Die. Over the years, Barham has retooled his lineup a number of times and became more politically outspoken on later releases like 2020's poetic Lamentations. In 2021, the band offered up a two-volume covers project of '90s/early-2000s country songs under the title Slappers, Bangers, and Certified Twangers, before returning to studio and completing thei

Pulitzer-prize winning author Jennifer Egan joins Rhett for an enlightening conversation about writing and making art. Jennifer shares useful insight on how she works, explains why reading aloud helps her understand a story better, and discusses the role that genre plays in her writing. She and Rhett talk about the importance of persistence and why trial and error is a great tool for creativity. Jennifer also gives us a preview of ideas she’s kicking around for future projects. Her new book, The Candy House, is available now. Jennifer Egan is the author of several novels and a short story collection. Her 2017 novel, Manhattan Beach, a New York Times bestseller, was awarded the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, and was chosen as New York City’s One Book One New York read. Her previous novel, A Visit From the Goon Squad, won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the Los Angeles Times book prize, and was recently named one of the best books of the decade by Time Mag

Craig Finn is a Minnesota-bred singer/songwriter based in New York City, best known as the singer of The Hold Steady. He joins Rhett to talk about his podcast, That’s How I Remember It, which is about the connection between memory and creativity. Craig and Rhett discuss the inspiration behind the podcast as well as Craig’s songwriting process, the importance of a band’s first record, and why he feels that albums have ‘seasons’. Craig shares the tricks he uses every day to dispel anxiety, depression, and remove any self generated obstacles.    Finn spent the ’90's leading Minneapolis indie band Lifter Puller, which released 3 albums and an EP. After relocating to New York, he joined with Lifter Puller member Tad Kubler to form The Hold Steady in 2003. The Hold Steady quickly achieved critical acclaim and a worldwide fanbase with their unique pairing of dense lyrical narratives with big rock guitars. Pitchfork has described Finn as “a born storyteller, who has chosen rock as his medium.” When performing his sol

Taylor Goldsmith joins Rhett from his home in Pasadena, CA to discuss the making of Dawes’ new album and the challenges of pushing himself and the band artistically to create something new. Taylor explains why he doesn’t adhere to the ‘rules’ of the music business when it comes to songwriting, how he pushes through negativity, and shares the insight he would give to his 21-year old self.   Taylor Goldsmith is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. He is the frontman for the band Dawes, which he formed with his younger brother in 2009. Taylor has also been involved in several side projects over the years, including Middle Brother (2010) and New Basement Tapes (2014), and performed as a session artist for singers including Jackson Browne, John Fogerty and more.   “Misadventures of Doomscroller”, the new album from Dawes, will be released this month. And, don't miss Rhett's new single "Follow You Home".   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Ki

Richard Edwards is a producer, mixologist, and musician who has been making music professionally for over 15 years. In this episode, Richard discusses the many projects he’s working on, including a new album and a book. Richard and Rhett talk about the challenges of being an independent artist, how the marketing and consumption of music has changed and Richard recalls his early ambition to be a director. He shares the story of the promoter in New York City who gave him the confidence to pursue his career, and why being a parent ‘resides comfortably’ next to his identity as a songwriter.   Much of Richard’s music was made under the stage name of Margot & the Nuclear So and So's, but in 2017 he released his first solo album, Lemon Cotton Candy Sunset. At the height of the pandemic, he released a new solo album, The Soft Ache and the Moon, a piano-driven collection of songs that he describes as the third in a trilogy (after 2017’s Lemon Cotton Candy Sunset and 2018’s Verdugo). His latest release, Richard Edward

Six-time Grammy award winning producer, engineer and mixer Vance Powell joins Rhett to talk about the world of making records, his approach to producing, and how he’s chosen his projects over a 40-year career. Vance shares a few war stories, explains what he means when he says “get your 10,000 hours in”, and why he would tell his 21-year old self to be more musical.   Vance studied electrical engineering in Missouri and started his career as a front-of-house engineer. In 2002, he moved to Nashville and became studio manager and chief engineer at the legendary Black Bird studios. In 2006, he co-founded Sputnik studios along with Grammy-winning engineer Mitch Dane. Powell has won 6 Grammy awards working with rock artists such as The Raconteurs, Kings of Leon, Jack White, Pearl Jam, The White Stripes, The Dead Weather and more. He produced the OLD 97's Twelfth, released in 2020. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Ni

Singer-songwriter, actor, and poet John Doe joins Rhett from Austin, TX to talk about the concept record he just released about the pre-industrial U.S., why he enjoys writing high-stakes tales, and the importance of getting bad songs out of the way early in one’s songwriting career. John also discusses the importance of not sweating the “small stuff,” how gratitude helps him find balance, and the life lessons he learns from horses.   John Doe is a musician, actor, and poet from Illinois best known as the co-founder of the LA punk band X. He has also released 14 solo records and has acted in dozens of TV shows and several movies. His band X is considered to be one of the most influential bands of the 80’s and early 90’s, and in this episode you’ll hear all about John’s exciting and versatile career.   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Production Assistance by M

Singer-songwriter Jenny O joins Rhett from Los Angeles to talk about her upcoming record, her songwriting process, and the moment she realized her musical power. Jenny and Rhett talk about the importance of taking time when finalizing lyrics, the very real demand for more female musicians, and the complicated variables of social interaction.   Jenny O is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter from Long Island, NY best known for her captivating studio records and her honest and poignant songwriting. She’s toured with all-time great songwriters like Ben Harper, Leon Russell, and Father John Misty, and her music has appeared in commercials for world-renowned brands including Coca-Cola, Toyota, and Subaru. Jenny is in the process of completing her fourth full-length album, which she and Rhett discuss in the episode. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Production

The godfather of Americana music, Delbert McClinton, joins Rhett from Nashville, TN to discuss his 27th studio album, why writing music still feels great after 60 years, and well-kept secrets about artistic longevity. Delbert shares some advice on songwriting and gives us an insightful look back on his fruitful career in music, while optimistically looking forward to all of the music he’s yet to play.   Delbert McClinton is a four-time Grammy Award winner best known for his extensive solo discography. Delbert is an Americana legend and a preacher of the blues, and the 25+ studio albums that he’s recorded over the course of his career cement him as a crucial member of the lineage of Americana musicians. His recent release, Outdated Emotion, which he and Rhett discuss in the episode, brings Delbert full circle to the songs that started it all.   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editi

Singer-songwriter Lauren Calve joins Rhett this week to talk about the making of her debut album, the importance of finding “quiet” in music, and . Lauren tells Rhett about how religion affected her musical development, and shares a story about the moment Nina Simone changed her perception of singing. Lauren Calve is a singer and songwriter from Virginia. While she has found her ground in the sounds of blues and Americana, her true strength lies in her ability to defy tradition. Lauren daringly explores innovative melodies, structures, and arrangements that collectively define her originality. She released her debut EP, Between the Creek and the Tracks, in 2014, for which she earned a Washington Area Music Association nomination for Best Roots Rock Vocalist. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artw

Raymond Pettibon is recognized for his early work created in the midst of the Southern California punk rock scene in the late 1970s-early 80s, most notably his hand drawn concert flyers and logo design for his brother’s band, Black Flag. On this week’s episode of Wheels Off, he joins Rhett to talk about his creating his own place in the art world and the DIY approach that he continues to maintain. Raymond and Rhett discuss the unique way he combines art with words in his work, and why it’s important to stay grounded in the work itself. Raymond Pettibon emerged from Southern California DIY culture and its punk-rock sensibility, and his work still embraces a youthful edginess and sense of political engagement. Drawing from disparate cultural sources—which range from Marcel Proust and William Blake to the Bible—the artist makes cartoon-inspired ink drawings on paper which evoke the aesthetics of fanzines and concert flyers. Baseball players, trains, crashing waves, political figures, and comic book characters ma

Writer Jillian Medoff joins Rhett to discuss her upcoming book release, balancing her career with the creative obstacles of being a writer, and persevering through adversity. Jillian shares the story behind becoming a writer, and explains why her work is a ‘life-sustaining force’.   Jillian Medoff is the author of four (soon to be 5) acclaimed novels including Hunger Point, which was made into an original movie in 2003. A former fellow at MacDowell, Blue Mountain Center, VCCA and Fundacion Valparaiso in Spain, Jillian has been taught by some of the best, and received her MFA from NYU. She studied with Mona Simpson and Jonathan Dee, and took master classes with Toni Morrison, Grace Paley, and Joyce Carol Oates. In addition to writing novels, Jillian has a long career in corporate consulting, advising clients on communication strategies for all aspects of the employee experience.   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership wit

Keyboard wizard Marco Benevento joins Rhett from his newly-renovated studio in Woodstock, NY to talk about his upcoming record. Marco tells Rhett about learning to unlock the artist within, the importance of practicing without taking any shortcuts, and the musical relationship that deepened his understanding of simplicity.   Marco Benevento is a pianist, songwriter, and producer, best known for his solo work as well as his playing in the Benevento/Russo Duo and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. Marco has been a fixture of the New York experimental music rock and jazz scene since 1999, and has collaborated with legendary musicians including Trey Anastasio, Andrew Barr, Phil Lesh, and Joe Russo. He has released 7 studio albums, and his eighth, titled Benevento, will be released on June 10th. You can pre-save Benevento here.   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Production

Singer-songwriter Michaela Anne joins Rhett from her home in Nashville, TN to talk about her new record, converting lyrics into children’s books, and why being a new mother doesn’t give her the time or energy to feed into negativity. Michaela explains how she found her lane,, and why you don’t need to fit into the country music mold to be a country musician.   Michaela Anne is a singer-songwriter from Brooklyn, NY who currently lives in Nashville, TN. Her music incorporates elements of country, pop, indie rock, and Honky Tonk, and she has released four albums since officially launching her career in 2014. Her fifth album, Oh to Be That Free, comes out on June 10, and will add another breathtaking installment to her discography of dazzlingly unique Americana sounds.   Pre-save her upcoming album, Oh To Be That Free, here. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Produ

Eric Pulido, front man for indie rock pioneers Midlake, joins Rhett on this episode to talk about celebrating failure, finding balance while grappling with ambition, and recognizing the moment when you have to take a leap of faith. Eric tells Rhett about the inspiration behind their song Bethel Woods, and shares the advice he would give to his younger self. Indie Folk Rock pioneers Midlake formed in Denton, Texas, in 1999. Currently comprised of Eric Pulido, McKenzie Smith, Eric Nichelson, Jesse Chandler, and Joey McClellan, the band’s 5th studio album For the Sake of Bethel Woods was released on March 18th, 2022. Produced to layered, loving perfection by John Congleton, For the Sake of Bethel Woods is an album of immersive warmth and mystery from a band of ardent seekers, one of our generation’s finest: a band once feared lost themselves by fans, perhaps, but here revivified with freshness and constancy of intent. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced