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        <title>Pursuing the Muse</title>
        <link>https://redcircle.com/shows/pursuing-the-muse</link>
        <language>en</language>
        <copyright>All rights reserved.</copyright>
        <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
        <itunes:summary>A podcast about songwriting and the paths musicians take to get songs created.</itunes:summary>
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        <description><![CDATA[<p>A podcast about songwriting and the paths musicians take to get songs created.</p>]]></description>
        
        <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
        <podcast:locked>no</podcast:locked>
        <itunes:owner>
            <itunes:name>Tom Compton</itunes:name>
            <itunes:email>rehydraters@gmail.com</itunes:email>
        </itunes:owner>
        
            
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            <itunes:category text="Music">

            
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                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Pert Near Sandstone</itunes:title>
                <title>Pert Near Sandstone</title>

                <itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Nate Sipe on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Today&#39;s guest is Nate Sipe, a founding member of the legendary Minnesota string band pert near Sandstone, who has been a staple of the Midwestern roots scene for over twenty years. As a multi-instrumentalist and co-curator of the Blue Ox Music Festival, Nate offers a unique look at the pipe dream of a lifelong career in music. In this episode, Nate reveals the origin of the band&#39;s name, discusses the urgent role of musicians as ambassadors for a traumatized Minneapolis, and shares how he stumbles into his best melodic hooks by simply noodling on new instruments. And much more.</p><p>-----------------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://linktr.ee/pertnearsandstone</p><p>-----------------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 00:00 - Theme and introduction</p><p>• 01:59 - Tom welcomes Nate Sipe to Pursuing the Muse</p><p>• 02:31 - Celebrating &#34;Pert Near&#34; 20 Years as a Band</p><p>• 04:07 - Song Inspiration: &#34;Pipe Dream&#34; and Touring Realities</p><p>• 06:14 - The Collaborative Songwriting and Studio Process</p><p>• 08:28 - The Origin of the &#34;Pert Near Sandstone&#34; Band Name</p><p>• 11:29 - Nate Sipe’s Journey as a Multi-Instrumentalist</p><p>• 15:34 - Finding Hooks through &#34;Noodling&#34; and Stumbling</p><p>• 18:08 - Recording &#34;Shooting Star&#34; with Family Heirlooms</p><p>• 19:42 - &#34;Grace&#34;: Addressing Homelessness and Urban Life</p><p>• 22:23 - Reflections on the Minneapolis Community and Trauma</p><p>• 25:24 - Being an &#34;Ambassador&#34; for Minneapolis on the Road</p><p>• 29:26 - Curation and Origins of the Blue Ox Music Festival</p><p>• 32:50 - The Growth and Vibe of the Blue Ox Community</p><p>• 35:55 - Musical Influences: From Grunge to Leo Kottke</p><p>• 41:32 - Composing for Theater and Film (Ishmael)</p><p>• 48:17 - Upcoming Tours and the &#34;Road to Blue Ox&#34;</p><p>• 51:30 - Insights from Hosting the Blue Ox Podcast</p><p>• 55:08 - Blue Ox 2026 Logistics and Camping</p><p>• 57:41 - Outro &amp; Final Remarks</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Today&amp;#39;s guest is Nate Sipe, a founding member of the legendary Minnesota string band pert near Sandstone, who has been a staple of the Midwestern roots scene for over twenty years. As a multi-instrumentalist and co-curator of the Blue Ox Music Festival, Nate offers a unique look at the pipe dream of a lifelong career in music. In this episode, Nate reveals the origin of the band&amp;#39;s name, discusses the urgent role of musicians as ambassadors for a traumatized Minneapolis, and shares how he stumbles into his best melodic hooks by simply noodling on new instruments. And much more.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-----------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://linktr.ee/pertnearsandstone&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-----------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:00 - Theme and introduction&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:59 - Tom welcomes Nate Sipe to Pursuing the Muse&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 02:31 - Celebrating &amp;#34;Pert Near&amp;#34; 20 Years as a Band&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 04:07 - Song Inspiration: &amp;#34;Pipe Dream&amp;#34; and Touring Realities&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 06:14 - The Collaborative Songwriting and Studio Process&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 08:28 - The Origin of the &amp;#34;Pert Near Sandstone&amp;#34; Band Name&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 11:29 - Nate Sipe’s Journey as a Multi-Instrumentalist&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 15:34 - Finding Hooks through &amp;#34;Noodling&amp;#34; and Stumbling&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 18:08 - Recording &amp;#34;Shooting Star&amp;#34; with Family Heirlooms&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 19:42 - &amp;#34;Grace&amp;#34;: Addressing Homelessness and Urban Life&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 22:23 - Reflections on the Minneapolis Community and Trauma&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 25:24 - Being an &amp;#34;Ambassador&amp;#34; for Minneapolis on the Road&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 29:26 - Curation and Origins of the Blue Ox Music Festival&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 32:50 - The Growth and Vibe of the Blue Ox Community&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 35:55 - Musical Influences: From Grunge to Leo Kottke&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 41:32 - Composing for Theater and Film (Ishmael)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 48:17 - Upcoming Tours and the &amp;#34;Road to Blue Ox&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 51:30 - Insights from Hosting the Blue Ox Podcast&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 55:08 - Blue Ox 2026 Logistics and Camping&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 57:41 - Outro &amp;amp; Final Remarks&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:00:04 &#43;0000</pubDate>
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                <itunes:duration>3490</itunes:duration>
                
                
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                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Fr James Wallace</itunes:title>
                <title>Fr James Wallace</title>

                <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Fr James Wallace on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome back to Pursuing the Muse! I’m your host, Tom Compton</p><p>Today, we are exploring the intersection of faith and melody with Father James Wallace. He&#39;s a native of Winnetka, Illinois and a trained canon lawyer, Father James serves as pastor in the archdiocese of Chicago and a professor at Mundelein Seminary</p><p>Today we&#39;ll be discussing how your favorite rock songs can be seen through a spiritual lens, why explicitly contemporary christian songs can sometimes fall flat, and the ancient debate between Saint Augustine and Thomas Aquinas on whether music is a divine gift or a potential danger.</p><p>Let’s jump on in or as James Hetfield might say, &#34;jump in the fire&#34;.</p><p>---------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>00:00:00 - Show introduction</p><p>00:02:06 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Father James Wallace</p><p>00:03:25 - Catholic Priesthood and Credentials</p><p>00:04:12 - Finding God in Secular Music</p><p>00:05:36 - Lynyrd Skynyrd’s &#34;Simple Man&#34; as messenger</p><p>00:10:59 - Romantic Poetry and the Song of Songs</p><p>00:13:58 - Elvis Presley: Secular Love Songs for the Lord</p><p>00:15:27 - Bob Marley, the Trinity, and the Blessed Mother</p><p>00:18:37 - Saint Augustine’s &#34;De Musica&#34;</p><p>00:22:57 - Scriptural Roots of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix</p><p>00:24:25 - Toby Keith’s &#34;I Love This Bar&#34; Church Metaphor</p><p>00:26:14 - Thomas Aquinas and the Danger of Music</p><p>00:27:32 - The Grateful Dead: Authenticity and Idolatry</p><p>00:32:07 - Silence, Rest, and the Journey to God</p><p>00:35:40 - Finding Spirituality in Metallica</p><p>00:41:03 - The Metallica Ticket Lottery and Mosh Pit</p><p>00:43:38 - Deepening the Worship Experience in the Mass</p><p>00:47:26 - Objectivity in Beauty and Modern Art</p><p>00:50:00 - Lyrical Quality and Judas Priest</p><p>00:51:52 - Final Reflections: Reminding us of the Good and Beautiful</p><p>00:53:06 - Outro</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Welcome back to Pursuing the Muse! I’m your host, Tom Compton&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today, we are exploring the intersection of faith and melody with Father James Wallace. He&amp;#39;s a native of Winnetka, Illinois and a trained canon lawyer, Father James serves as pastor in the archdiocese of Chicago and a professor at Mundelein Seminary&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today we&amp;#39;ll be discussing how your favorite rock songs can be seen through a spiritual lens, why explicitly contemporary christian songs can sometimes fall flat, and the ancient debate between Saint Augustine and Thomas Aquinas on whether music is a divine gift or a potential danger.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Let’s jump on in or as James Hetfield might say, &amp;#34;jump in the fire&amp;#34;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;---------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:00:00 - Show introduction&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:02:06 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Father James Wallace&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:03:25 - Catholic Priesthood and Credentials&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:04:12 - Finding God in Secular Music&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:05:36 - Lynyrd Skynyrd’s &amp;#34;Simple Man&amp;#34; as messenger&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:10:59 - Romantic Poetry and the Song of Songs&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:13:58 - Elvis Presley: Secular Love Songs for the Lord&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:15:27 - Bob Marley, the Trinity, and the Blessed Mother&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:18:37 - Saint Augustine’s &amp;#34;De Musica&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:22:57 - Scriptural Roots of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:24:25 - Toby Keith’s &amp;#34;I Love This Bar&amp;#34; Church Metaphor&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:26:14 - Thomas Aquinas and the Danger of Music&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:27:32 - The Grateful Dead: Authenticity and Idolatry&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:32:07 - Silence, Rest, and the Journey to God&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:35:40 - Finding Spirituality in Metallica&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:41:03 - The Metallica Ticket Lottery and Mosh Pit&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:43:38 - Deepening the Worship Experience in the Mass&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:47:26 - Objectivity in Beauty and Modern Art&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:50:00 - Lyrical Quality and Judas Priest&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:51:52 - Final Reflections: Reminding us of the Good and Beautiful&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:53:06 - Outro&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:00:28 &#43;0000</pubDate>
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                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
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                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Dhammarato</itunes:title>
                <title>Dhammarato</title>

                <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Dhammarato on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Pursuing the Muse. This episode we&#39;re exploring bridging the world of music and the teachings of the Buddha. Our guest today is a retired Buddhist monk whose background includes being a college music major and a musician in the US Navy. His search for life&#39;s answers led him to the Thai Forest Buddhist tradition in the lineage of Bhikkhu Buddhadasa. In this episode, we&#39;ll reveal why stardom often creates more problems than it solves. We&#39;ll discover how complex music is built on simple repetition. And we&#39;ll learn why life can be better enjoyed once you put down the script that&#39;s handed to you.</p><p>This is part 1 of a 3 part exploration of the spirituality in music. </p><p>-----------------------------------------------------</p><p>Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DhammaratoDhamma</p><p>Dhammarato talk transcripts: https://dhammarato.com/</p><p>Discord community: https://discord.gg/cKjsU2Qp</p><p>-----------------------------------------------------</p><p>00:00:00 – Intro</p><p>00:01:56 – Welcome: Tom Compton welcomes retired monk Dhammarato</p><p>00:03:46 – Musical Roots: From playing for Red Skelton’s fans to studying fine arts at USC</p><p>00:05:18 – High Fidelity in the Navy: Recording in professional labs and transitioning toward computer science</p><p>00:08:04 – Searching for the Cure: Moving from clinical psychology to finding Goenka in India and Buddhadasa in Thailand</p><p>00:10:47 – The Retirement Hobby: Managing a global online sangha and publishing new books on the path</p><p>00:14:29 – Symptom Relief vs. Cure: Comparing modern psychotherapy to the Buddha’s actual solution for mental disease</p><p>00:15:50 – Defining the Dhamma: Prioritizing happiness in the present moment over future rewards</p><p>00:16:38 – The Illusion of Stardom: Why Hollywood success often leads to disaster rather than satisfaction</p><p>00:19:08 – Historical Hardships: Examining the difficult lives of legends like Mozart, Chopin, and Gershwin</p><p>00:20:43 – The Value of the Moment: Understanding that music&#39;s true worth exists only while it is being played</p><p>00:21:37 – Practicing the Mind vs. the Instrument: How a happy camper finds more joy in Chopsticks than a struggling pro finds in an Etude</p><p>00:25:45 – The Remorse of the Gambler: Analyzing how &#34;loser&#39;s mentalities&#34; and sadness dominate popular songwriting</p><p>00:27:57 – Uplifting the Tune: The need for more wholesome, celebratory music like &#34;Joy to the World&#34;</p><p>00:30:31 – Culture and Tone: How societal mentality, from post-war joy to modern rowdiness, reflects in musical genres</p><p>00:32:45 – Therapeutic Notes: Using songs like &#34;Margaritaville&#34; to own mistakes and develop a &#34;Don&#39;t Worry, Be Happy&#34; mindset</p><p>00:37:43 – The Simplicity of the One Thing: Debunking the Western &#34;no pain, no gain&#34; approach to meditation and sitting in pain</p><p>00:39:33 – Stripping the Infiltration: Moving past Hindu-influenced beliefs in reincarnation to live in one&#39;s own improved opinion of the world</p><p>00:41:01 – Shakespeare’s Stage: Putting down the &#34;childhood script&#34; to see the world as a hilarious comedy</p><p>00:43:11 – From Victim to Winner: Breaking the habit of dependency and victimhood to develop a &#34;can-do&#34; attitude</p><p>00:45:10 – Simple Success: Why finding inner happiness reduces the need for &#34;shopaholic&#34; behaviors and spending</p><p>00:46:25 – Looking for Love in Adulation: Nurturing oneself as a best friend rather than seeking validation from a crowd</p><p>00:48:38 – Finding the Sangha: Accessing Dhammarato’s 2,000+ videos and Discord community</p><p>00:54:19 – Success as a Mind State: How creating a habit of wholesome thoughts changes internal and external reality</p><p>00:57:41 – The Architecture of Sound: How Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony proves complexity is just repetition and variation of simplicity</p><p>01:01:01 – Defining Dharma: Understanding the &#34;full body of everything&#34; as the natural world</p><p>01:01:40 – Pursuing Openness: Re-envisioning &#34;the Muse&#34; as a flow of Dhamma through a prepared mind</p><p>01:05:04 – Outro: Closing remarks and final gratitude</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Welcome to Pursuing the Muse. This episode we&amp;#39;re exploring bridging the world of music and the teachings of the Buddha. Our guest today is a retired Buddhist monk whose background includes being a college music major and a musician in the US Navy. His search for life&amp;#39;s answers led him to the Thai Forest Buddhist tradition in the lineage of Bhikkhu Buddhadasa. In this episode, we&amp;#39;ll reveal why stardom often creates more problems than it solves. We&amp;#39;ll discover how complex music is built on simple repetition. And we&amp;#39;ll learn why life can be better enjoyed once you put down the script that&amp;#39;s handed to you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is part 1 of a 3 part exploration of the spirituality in music. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-----------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DhammaratoDhamma&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dhammarato talk transcripts: https://dhammarato.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Discord community: https://discord.gg/cKjsU2Qp&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-----------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:00:00 – Intro&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:01:56 – Welcome: Tom Compton welcomes retired monk Dhammarato&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:03:46 – Musical Roots: From playing for Red Skelton’s fans to studying fine arts at USC&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:05:18 – High Fidelity in the Navy: Recording in professional labs and transitioning toward computer science&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:08:04 – Searching for the Cure: Moving from clinical psychology to finding Goenka in India and Buddhadasa in Thailand&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:10:47 – The Retirement Hobby: Managing a global online sangha and publishing new books on the path&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:14:29 – Symptom Relief vs. Cure: Comparing modern psychotherapy to the Buddha’s actual solution for mental disease&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:15:50 – Defining the Dhamma: Prioritizing happiness in the present moment over future rewards&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:16:38 – The Illusion of Stardom: Why Hollywood success often leads to disaster rather than satisfaction&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:19:08 – Historical Hardships: Examining the difficult lives of legends like Mozart, Chopin, and Gershwin&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:20:43 – The Value of the Moment: Understanding that music&amp;#39;s true worth exists only while it is being played&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:21:37 – Practicing the Mind vs. the Instrument: How a happy camper finds more joy in Chopsticks than a struggling pro finds in an Etude&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:25:45 – The Remorse of the Gambler: Analyzing how &amp;#34;loser&amp;#39;s mentalities&amp;#34; and sadness dominate popular songwriting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:27:57 – Uplifting the Tune: The need for more wholesome, celebratory music like &amp;#34;Joy to the World&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:30:31 – Culture and Tone: How societal mentality, from post-war joy to modern rowdiness, reflects in musical genres&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:32:45 – Therapeutic Notes: Using songs like &amp;#34;Margaritaville&amp;#34; to own mistakes and develop a &amp;#34;Don&amp;#39;t Worry, Be Happy&amp;#34; mindset&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:37:43 – The Simplicity of the One Thing: Debunking the Western &amp;#34;no pain, no gain&amp;#34; approach to meditation and sitting in pain&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:39:33 – Stripping the Infiltration: Moving past Hindu-influenced beliefs in reincarnation to live in one&amp;#39;s own improved opinion of the world&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:41:01 – Shakespeare’s Stage: Putting down the &amp;#34;childhood script&amp;#34; to see the world as a hilarious comedy&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:43:11 – From Victim to Winner: Breaking the habit of dependency and victimhood to develop a &amp;#34;can-do&amp;#34; attitude&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:45:10 – Simple Success: Why finding inner happiness reduces the need for &amp;#34;shopaholic&amp;#34; behaviors and spending&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:46:25 – Looking for Love in Adulation: Nurturing oneself as a best friend rather than seeking validation from a crowd&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:48:38 – Finding the Sangha: Accessing Dhammarato’s 2,000&#43; videos and Discord community&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:54:19 – Success as a Mind State: How creating a habit of wholesome thoughts changes internal and external reality&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:57:41 – The Architecture of Sound: How Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony proves complexity is just repetition and variation of simplicity&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:01:01 – Defining Dharma: Understanding the &amp;#34;full body of everything&amp;#34; as the natural world&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:01:40 – Pursuing Openness: Re-envisioning &amp;#34;the Muse&amp;#34; as a flow of Dhamma through a prepared mind&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:05:04 – Outro: Closing remarks and final gratitude&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:00:58 &#43;0000</pubDate>
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                <itunes:duration>3946</itunes:duration>
                
                
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                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Henry Conlon</itunes:title>
                <title>Henry Conlon</title>

                <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Henry Conlon on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Pursuing the Muse; I’m your host, Tom Compton. Today, we’re joined by Henry Conlon, a Nashville-based artist originally from Long Island whose baritone voiced songs are helping him make a name for himself in the music world.</p><p>Stay tuned as we discuss surviving an ice storm, the whirlwind experience of recording full albums in just two days, and the real-life newspaper obituary that inspired his meticulously crafted song, &#34;Flowers for Josephine&#34;. </p><p>Don’t go anywhere!</p><p>-------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://henryconlonmusic.com/</p><p>https://instagram.com/henryconlonmusic</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/henryconlon/</p><p>-------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Pursuing the Muse: Henry Conlon Conversation Summary</p><p>00:00 – Intro</p><p>02:08 – Tom Compton welcomes Henry Conlon to Pursuing the Muse</p><p>02:21 – Surviving the Nashville Ice Storm</p><p>03:34 – Growing up on Long Island and the Northeast circuit</p><p>04:42 – Early musical beginnings: From piano to summer camp guitar</p><p>05:53 – The choice to write originals over covers</p><p>07:32 – Guitar style and influences: John Prine, The Replacements, and Bob Dylan</p><p>09:01 – Moving to Nashville: From Stella Blues to the Music City &#34;graduating class&#34;</p><p>11:15 – The Belmont University songwriting and music business experience</p><p>13:24 – Learning the recording process and the Nashville &#34;Singles&#34; culture</p><p>16:37 – A prolific 2025: Releasing 25 songs in 18 months</p><p>18:22 – Song spotlight: The &#34;lonely poet&#34; world of &#34;Wild Dreams&#34;</p><p>21:07 – Experimenting with tempo: Turning slow acoustic pieces into driving rock songs</p><p>25:02 – Writing without an instrument: Songcraft via voice memos and morning commutes</p><p>26:52 – The story arc of the American Wild record</p><p>29:52 – Defining the &#34;American Wild&#34;: From the Utah desert to the musical frontier</p><p>32:23 – The Muse: Writing for his wife, Emily</p><p>34:45 – &#34;Flowers for Josephine&#34;: Researching a 70-year Chicago love story</p><p>41:21 – Setting parameters vs. finding the &#34;click&#34; in songwriting</p><p>45:49 – Collaborating with producer Paul Ebersold</p><p>47:54 – Live-tracking methodology: Capturing the &#34;human experience&#34; in the studio</p><p>53:41 – Meeting Robert Earl Keen at a Nashville guitar store</p><p>56:41 – Life on the road: Opening for a legend across the country</p><p>01:00:09 – The Business Side: Wearing the hats of manager, booking agent, and roadie</p><p>01:03:48 – Where to find Henry Conlon and digital platforms</p><p>01:05:02 – Future goals: The 2026 record and upcoming live projects</p><p>01:06:33 – Outro &amp; Closing Remarks</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Welcome to Pursuing the Muse; I’m your host, Tom Compton. Today, we’re joined by Henry Conlon, a Nashville-based artist originally from Long Island whose baritone voiced songs are helping him make a name for himself in the music world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay tuned as we discuss surviving an ice storm, the whirlwind experience of recording full albums in just two days, and the real-life newspaper obituary that inspired his meticulously crafted song, &amp;#34;Flowers for Josephine&amp;#34;. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Don’t go anywhere!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://henryconlonmusic.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://instagram.com/henryconlonmusic&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.facebook.com/henryconlon/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Pursuing the Muse: Henry Conlon Conversation Summary&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:00 – Intro&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;02:08 – Tom Compton welcomes Henry Conlon to Pursuing the Muse&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;02:21 – Surviving the Nashville Ice Storm&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;03:34 – Growing up on Long Island and the Northeast circuit&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;04:42 – Early musical beginnings: From piano to summer camp guitar&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;05:53 – The choice to write originals over covers&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;07:32 – Guitar style and influences: John Prine, The Replacements, and Bob Dylan&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;09:01 – Moving to Nashville: From Stella Blues to the Music City &amp;#34;graduating class&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;11:15 – The Belmont University songwriting and music business experience&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;13:24 – Learning the recording process and the Nashville &amp;#34;Singles&amp;#34; culture&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;16:37 – A prolific 2025: Releasing 25 songs in 18 months&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;18:22 – Song spotlight: The &amp;#34;lonely poet&amp;#34; world of &amp;#34;Wild Dreams&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;21:07 – Experimenting with tempo: Turning slow acoustic pieces into driving rock songs&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;25:02 – Writing without an instrument: Songcraft via voice memos and morning commutes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;26:52 – The story arc of the American Wild record&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;29:52 – Defining the &amp;#34;American Wild&amp;#34;: From the Utah desert to the musical frontier&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;32:23 – The Muse: Writing for his wife, Emily&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;34:45 – &amp;#34;Flowers for Josephine&amp;#34;: Researching a 70-year Chicago love story&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;41:21 – Setting parameters vs. finding the &amp;#34;click&amp;#34; in songwriting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;45:49 – Collaborating with producer Paul Ebersold&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;47:54 – Live-tracking methodology: Capturing the &amp;#34;human experience&amp;#34; in the studio&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;53:41 – Meeting Robert Earl Keen at a Nashville guitar store&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;56:41 – Life on the road: Opening for a legend across the country&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:00:09 – The Business Side: Wearing the hats of manager, booking agent, and roadie&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:03:48 – Where to find Henry Conlon and digital platforms&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:05:02 – Future goals: The 2026 record and upcoming live projects&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:06:33 – Outro &amp;amp; Closing Remarks&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:00:06 &#43;0000</pubDate>
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                <itunes:duration>4001</itunes:duration>
                
                
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                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Jon Danforth</itunes:title>
                <title>Jon Danforth</title>

                <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Jon Danforth on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Pursuing the Muse! Today, we are joined by a very special returning guest, Jon Danforth. An Arkansas native now living in Dallas, Jon is here to discuss his brand new LP, Natural State—a rootsy, nostalgic project six years in the making. Listen in as we discuss the &#39;bacon and birds&#39; inspiration behind the lead single, how a &#39;weed bouquet&#39; led to a life-changing confession of love, and the chilling true event that inspired the record&#39;s darkest track. And much more!</p><p>---------------------------------------------</p><p>https://jondanforth.com</p><p>https://jondanforth.bandcamp.com/ </p><p>https://instagram.com/jonmdanforth</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/jondanforthmusic/</p><p>https://open.spotify.com/artist/5w771fPotpeDtoppQXCIo9?si=V3AwDOVyR06UuMEB4kwgsA</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0gS-JGFmiSV07te0wPQKoA</p><p>---------------------------------------------</p><p>• <strong>00:00</strong> – Intro and theme music.</p><p>• <strong>01:51</strong> – Tom Compton welcomes <strong>Jon Danforth</strong> back to the show.</p><p>• <strong>00:02</strong> – Discussion of Danforth’s third LP, <strong><em>Natural State</em></strong>.</p><p>• <strong>02:50</strong> – The six-year songwriting timeline and studio process.</p><p>• <strong>04:00</strong> – Exploring themes of <strong>nostalgia</strong> and calling back seasons of life.</p><p>• <strong>04:54</strong> – The double meaning behind the title <em>Natural State</em>.</p><p>• <strong>05:54</strong> – Track breakdown: <strong>&#34;Kingfisher&#34;</strong> and memories of Pinnacle Mountain.</p><p>• <strong>07:00</strong> – Recurring themes of slowing down and <strong>living in the moment</strong>.</p><p>• <strong>07:54</strong> – <strong>&#34;Tall Grass&#34;</strong>: A slice-of-life song inspired by a Dallas backyard.</p><p>• <strong>09:42</strong> – <strong>&#34;Rest of My Life&#34;</strong>: A semi-fictionalized story about Jon’s wife.</p><p>• <strong>11:20</strong> – <strong>&#34;Eureka&#34;</strong>: Finding childlike wonder in Eureka Springs with his daughter.</p><p>• <strong>14:45</strong> – Incorporating new instruments: <strong>Banjo and Fiddle</strong>.</p><p>• <strong>15:33</strong> – The decision to chase a &#34;folky, rootsy&#34; record.</p><p>• <strong>17:26</strong> – <strong>&#34;Hot Springs Blues&#34;</strong>: Healing waters and breakup songs.</p><p>• <strong>19:12</strong> – Creating an <strong>&#34;old school saloon&#34;</strong> vibe with piano and banjo.</p><p>• <strong>20:07</strong> – The history of the <strong>Ohio Club</strong> and Hot Springs gangsters.</p><p>• <strong>20:51</strong> – <strong>&#34;Morgan Mountain&#34;</strong>: Co-writing with his sister, Amy.</p><p>• <strong>22:38</strong> – The German meaning of &#34;Morgan&#34; and themes of tomorrow.</p><p>• <strong>23:47</strong> – The challenges and learning curve of <strong>collaborative songwriting</strong>.</p><p>• <strong>27:15</strong> – Songwriting vs. <strong>Poetry</strong>.</p><p>• <strong>28:17</strong> – Lead Single: <strong>&#34;Arkansas Sunrise&#34;</strong> and capturing the &#34;personal universal&#34;.</p><p>• <strong>32:15</strong> – The <strong>&#34;Bacon and Birds&#34;</strong> inspiration.</p><p>• <strong>33:07</strong> – <strong>&#34;Two Rivers Park&#34;</strong>: A literal description of a &#34;keeper moment&#34;.</p><p>• <strong>34:08</strong> – The story of the <strong>&#34;weed bouquet&#34;</strong>.</p><p>• <strong>35:44</strong> – <strong>&#34;Devil in the Den&#34;</strong>: A dark turn based on a true event.</p><p>• <strong>36:45</strong> – Balancing darkness and light in album sequencing.</p><p>• <strong>38:43</strong> – <strong>&#34;The Springs&#34;</strong>: Spiritual transcendence and baptism imagery.</p><p>• <strong>41:04</strong> – Connecting physical healing waters to <strong>spiritual restoration</strong>.</p><p>• <strong>42:07</strong> – Discussion on the relationship between <strong>healing and escapism</strong>.</p><p>• <strong>44:05</strong> – Maintaining simplicity without becoming &#34;corny&#34;.</p><p>• <strong>47:28</strong> – Rejecting the &#34;commodity&#34; of fast music for the <strong>&#34;scenic route&#34;</strong> of art.</p><p>• <strong>50:09</strong> – &#34;Hunting&#34; for the next project while releasing the current one.</p><p>• <strong>52:16</strong> – <em>Natural State</em> as a <strong>tribute to place</strong>.</p><p>• <strong>54:06</strong> – Jon Danforth: Unofficial ambassador for <strong>Arkansas Tourism</strong>.</p><p>• <strong>57:23</strong> – Memories of <strong>Bo’s Barbecue</strong> and local legends.</p><p>• <strong>58:14</strong> – Future plans for regional shows and touring.</p><p>• <strong>59:11</strong> – Outro: Where to find Jon Danforth and <strong>MySpace nostalgia</strong></p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Welcome to Pursuing the Muse! Today, we are joined by a very special returning guest, Jon Danforth. An Arkansas native now living in Dallas, Jon is here to discuss his brand new LP, Natural State—a rootsy, nostalgic project six years in the making. Listen in as we discuss the &amp;#39;bacon and birds&amp;#39; inspiration behind the lead single, how a &amp;#39;weed bouquet&amp;#39; led to a life-changing confession of love, and the chilling true event that inspired the record&amp;#39;s darkest track. And much more!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;---------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://jondanforth.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://jondanforth.bandcamp.com/ &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://instagram.com/jonmdanforth&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.facebook.com/jondanforthmusic/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://open.spotify.com/artist/5w771fPotpeDtoppQXCIo9?si=V3AwDOVyR06UuMEB4kwgsA&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0gS-JGFmiSV07te0wPQKoA&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;---------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;00:00&lt;/strong&gt; – Intro and theme music.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;01:51&lt;/strong&gt; – Tom Compton welcomes &lt;strong&gt;Jon Danforth&lt;/strong&gt; back to the show.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;00:02&lt;/strong&gt; – Discussion of Danforth’s third LP, &lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Natural State&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;02:50&lt;/strong&gt; – The six-year songwriting timeline and studio process.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;04:00&lt;/strong&gt; – Exploring themes of &lt;strong&gt;nostalgia&lt;/strong&gt; and calling back seasons of life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;04:54&lt;/strong&gt; – The double meaning behind the title &lt;em&gt;Natural State&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;05:54&lt;/strong&gt; – Track breakdown: &lt;strong&gt;&amp;#34;Kingfisher&amp;#34;&lt;/strong&gt; and memories of Pinnacle Mountain.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;07:00&lt;/strong&gt; – Recurring themes of slowing down and &lt;strong&gt;living in the moment&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;07:54&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;strong&gt;&amp;#34;Tall Grass&amp;#34;&lt;/strong&gt;: A slice-of-life song inspired by a Dallas backyard.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;09:42&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;strong&gt;&amp;#34;Rest of My Life&amp;#34;&lt;/strong&gt;: A semi-fictionalized story about Jon’s wife.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;11:20&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;strong&gt;&amp;#34;Eureka&amp;#34;&lt;/strong&gt;: Finding childlike wonder in Eureka Springs with his daughter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;14:45&lt;/strong&gt; – Incorporating new instruments: &lt;strong&gt;Banjo and Fiddle&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;15:33&lt;/strong&gt; – The decision to chase a &amp;#34;folky, rootsy&amp;#34; record.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;17:26&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;strong&gt;&amp;#34;Hot Springs Blues&amp;#34;&lt;/strong&gt;: Healing waters and breakup songs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;19:12&lt;/strong&gt; – Creating an &lt;strong&gt;&amp;#34;old school saloon&amp;#34;&lt;/strong&gt; vibe with piano and banjo.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;20:07&lt;/strong&gt; – The history of the &lt;strong&gt;Ohio Club&lt;/strong&gt; and Hot Springs gangsters.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;20:51&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;strong&gt;&amp;#34;Morgan Mountain&amp;#34;&lt;/strong&gt;: Co-writing with his sister, Amy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;22:38&lt;/strong&gt; – The German meaning of &amp;#34;Morgan&amp;#34; and themes of tomorrow.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;23:47&lt;/strong&gt; – The challenges and learning curve of &lt;strong&gt;collaborative songwriting&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;27:15&lt;/strong&gt; – Songwriting vs. &lt;strong&gt;Poetry&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;28:17&lt;/strong&gt; – Lead Single: &lt;strong&gt;&amp;#34;Arkansas Sunrise&amp;#34;&lt;/strong&gt; and capturing the &amp;#34;personal universal&amp;#34;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;32:15&lt;/strong&gt; – The &lt;strong&gt;&amp;#34;Bacon and Birds&amp;#34;&lt;/strong&gt; inspiration.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;33:07&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;strong&gt;&amp;#34;Two Rivers Park&amp;#34;&lt;/strong&gt;: A literal description of a &amp;#34;keeper moment&amp;#34;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;34:08&lt;/strong&gt; – The story of the &lt;strong&gt;&amp;#34;weed bouquet&amp;#34;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;35:44&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;strong&gt;&amp;#34;Devil in the Den&amp;#34;&lt;/strong&gt;: A dark turn based on a true event.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;36:45&lt;/strong&gt; – Balancing darkness and light in album sequencing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;38:43&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;strong&gt;&amp;#34;The Springs&amp;#34;&lt;/strong&gt;: Spiritual transcendence and baptism imagery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;41:04&lt;/strong&gt; – Connecting physical healing waters to &lt;strong&gt;spiritual restoration&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;42:07&lt;/strong&gt; – Discussion on the relationship between &lt;strong&gt;healing and escapism&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;44:05&lt;/strong&gt; – Maintaining simplicity without becoming &amp;#34;corny&amp;#34;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;47:28&lt;/strong&gt; – Rejecting the &amp;#34;commodity&amp;#34; of fast music for the &lt;strong&gt;&amp;#34;scenic route&amp;#34;&lt;/strong&gt; of art.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;50:09&lt;/strong&gt; – &amp;#34;Hunting&amp;#34; for the next project while releasing the current one.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;52:16&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;em&gt;Natural State&lt;/em&gt; as a &lt;strong&gt;tribute to place&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;54:06&lt;/strong&gt; – Jon Danforth: Unofficial ambassador for &lt;strong&gt;Arkansas Tourism&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;57:23&lt;/strong&gt; – Memories of &lt;strong&gt;Bo’s Barbecue&lt;/strong&gt; and local legends.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;58:14&lt;/strong&gt; – Future plans for regional shows and touring.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• &lt;strong&gt;59:11&lt;/strong&gt; – Outro: Where to find Jon Danforth and &lt;strong&gt;MySpace nostalgia&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">bb3d532c-8ead-4408-9740-053cd75f4df0</guid>
                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:00:35 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2026/2/12/15/58202fe4-c70d-45da-bf74-321bc333d2e8_tom-muse-1.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>3682</itunes:duration>
                
                
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                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Gatorwater</itunes:title>
                <title>Gatorwater</title>

                <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Gary Landess of Gatorwater on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome back to Pursuing the Muse. Today, we’re joined by Gary Landess, frontman of the Chicago-based dirty blues rock quartet Gatorwater. Known for their slithering slide guitar and a rhythm section that thumps like a creature emerging from the swamp, the band recently released their heavy new album, Hydrophonic. In this episode, Gary reveals how a warped, unplayable guitar accidentally launched his signature slide style, the mystery of the real-life &#34;Illinois Cowboy&#34; and his spurs, and the family racing boat legacy that inspired the track &#34;Ora Hula Ballroom&#34;. And much more...</p><p>------------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/gatorwaterband</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/gatorwaterg/</p><p>https://gatorwater.bandcamp.com/</p><p>------------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 00:00 - Intro</p><p>• 02:02 - Welcoming Gary Landess, frontman of Gatorwater.</p><p>• 02:27 - Hydrophonic release</p><p>• 02:58 - The &#34;Old New&#34; Album</p><p>• 04:15 - Shirk Studios:</p><p>• 05:17 - Potions and Elixirs</p><p>• 08:03 - Independent Release Strategy</p><p>• 09:40 - Banking Music</p><p>• 11:54 - Meet the Band: bassist Donovan Foote, harmonica Peter Beck, and drummer Olivia Beatty.</p><p>• 13:23 - Collaborative Songwriting</p><p>• 16:54 - Vocals and &#34;Growls&#34;</p><p>• 22:36 - AI and the Future</p><p>• 23:35 - The &#34;Titanic Green&#34; Resonator</p><p>• 27:39 - Baritone Experimentation</p><p>• 30:23 - From Drums to Guitar</p><p>• 34:24 - &#34;Faking It Till You Make It&#34;</p><p>• 39:25 - Musical Gateways</p><p>• 42:25 - Defining the Sound</p><p>• 43:54 - Modern Influence</p><p>• 47:53 - &#34;Illinois Cowboy&#34;</p><p>• 50:31 - &#34;Ora Hula Ballroom&#34;</p><p>• 58:00 - Streaming Realities</p><p>• 58:40 - Tales from Phyllis’</p><p>• 59:40 - Outro &amp; Contact Info</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Welcome back to Pursuing the Muse. Today, we’re joined by Gary Landess, frontman of the Chicago-based dirty blues rock quartet Gatorwater. Known for their slithering slide guitar and a rhythm section that thumps like a creature emerging from the swamp, the band recently released their heavy new album, Hydrophonic. In this episode, Gary reveals how a warped, unplayable guitar accidentally launched his signature slide style, the mystery of the real-life &amp;#34;Illinois Cowboy&amp;#34; and his spurs, and the family racing boat legacy that inspired the track &amp;#34;Ora Hula Ballroom&amp;#34;. And much more...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.instagram.com/gatorwaterband&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.facebook.com/gatorwaterg/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://gatorwater.bandcamp.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:00 - Intro&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 02:02 - Welcoming Gary Landess, frontman of Gatorwater.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 02:27 - Hydrophonic release&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 02:58 - The &amp;#34;Old New&amp;#34; Album&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 04:15 - Shirk Studios:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 05:17 - Potions and Elixirs&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 08:03 - Independent Release Strategy&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 09:40 - Banking Music&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 11:54 - Meet the Band: bassist Donovan Foote, harmonica Peter Beck, and drummer Olivia Beatty.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 13:23 - Collaborative Songwriting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 16:54 - Vocals and &amp;#34;Growls&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 22:36 - AI and the Future&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 23:35 - The &amp;#34;Titanic Green&amp;#34; Resonator&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 27:39 - Baritone Experimentation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 30:23 - From Drums to Guitar&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 34:24 - &amp;#34;Faking It Till You Make It&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 39:25 - Musical Gateways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 42:25 - Defining the Sound&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 43:54 - Modern Influence&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 47:53 - &amp;#34;Illinois Cowboy&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 50:31 - &amp;#34;Ora Hula Ballroom&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 58:00 - Streaming Realities&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 58:40 - Tales from Phyllis’&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 59:40 - Outro &amp;amp; Contact Info&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://podcastle.ai/show/pursuing-the-muse-9FF4</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 11:00:37 &#43;0000</pubDate>
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                <itunes:duration>3581</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
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            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Justin Warfield</itunes:title>
                <title>Justin Warfield</title>

                <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Justin Warfield on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Pursuing the Muse. Today, we are joined by the legendary Justin Warfield. From signing a solo deal at sixteen on Quincy Jones’s label to his global success with She Wants Revenge, Justin has spent thirty years navigating diverse genres. </p><p>Stick around as we discuss how Beastie Boys made it safe for him to be a &#39;total weirdo&#39; in early hip-hop, the &#39;perfect storm&#39; involving Lady Gaga that gave his hit &#39;Tear You Apart&#39; a massive second life, and the &#39;Willy Wonka&#39; factory experience of the 90s London music scene.</p><p>Justin has a new album out called &#34;Deathrock Devotionals&#34; under the band name Warfield. </p><p>------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://www.justinwarfield.com</p><p>https://instagram.com/justinwarfield</p><p>https://linktr.ee/justinwarfield</p><p>https://justinwarfield.bandcamp.com</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_fKiWxtJFNyf0pXQc1vK_w</p><p>https://cleopatrarecords.bandcamp.com/album/deathrock-devotionals</p><p>------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 00:00:00 - Intro</p><p>• 00:02:44 - Starting at 16 accidental career and mentorship in composition.</p><p>• 00:03:41 - The Quincy Jones Connection</p><p>• 00:04:51 - Architect of Trip-Hop?</p><p>• 00:07:09 - &#34;Nashville Skyline&#34; Meets Hip-Hop</p><p>• 00:09:04 - Freedom to be a &#34;Weirdo&#34;</p><p>• 00:10:20 - The &#34;Perfect Storm&#34; of 1988/89</p><p>• 00:13:29 - Transition to London</p><p>• 00:14:18 - Willy Wonka’s Factory</p><p>• 00:16:19 - Cycle of Mentorship</p><p>• 00:19:25 - Alternative Evolution</p><p>• 00:21:18 - &#34;Growing Up in Public&#34;</p><p>• 00:22:17 - Birth of She Wants Revenge</p><p>• 00:26:37 - A 20-Year Partnership</p><p>• 00:27:51 - How Lady Gaga personally championed &#34;Tear You Apart&#34; for American Horror Story.</p><p>• 00:28:44 - The WARFIELD Project</p><p>• 00:32:43 - Solo Autonomy: creative freedom of recording alone versus the collaborative</p><p>• 00:34:59 - &#34;All the Fun&#34; Mission Statement</p><p>• 00:38:06 - Songwriting Deep Dive: Reworking &#34;If the World Starts Crashing Down Tonight&#34;</p><p>• 00:41:35 - Trusting First Instincts</p><p>• 00:44:31 - Collaborative Process: How Thomas Froggatt and Spencer Rollins add &#34;curveballs&#34;</p><p>• 00:48:15 - Live Interpretation</p><p>• 00:49:08 - Mixtape Generation</p><p>• 00:50:25 - Vulnerability in &#34;A Love So Bold&#34;</p><p>• 00:52:23 - Looking Ahead</p><p>• 00:54:23 - Outro &amp; Contact: Instagram and Bandsintown</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Welcome to Pursuing the Muse. Today, we are joined by the legendary Justin Warfield. From signing a solo deal at sixteen on Quincy Jones’s label to his global success with She Wants Revenge, Justin has spent thirty years navigating diverse genres. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stick around as we discuss how Beastie Boys made it safe for him to be a &amp;#39;total weirdo&amp;#39; in early hip-hop, the &amp;#39;perfect storm&amp;#39; involving Lady Gaga that gave his hit &amp;#39;Tear You Apart&amp;#39; a massive second life, and the &amp;#39;Willy Wonka&amp;#39; factory experience of the 90s London music scene.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Justin has a new album out called &amp;#34;Deathrock Devotionals&amp;#34; under the band name Warfield. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.justinwarfield.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://instagram.com/justinwarfield&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://linktr.ee/justinwarfield&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://justinwarfield.bandcamp.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_fKiWxtJFNyf0pXQc1vK_w&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://cleopatrarecords.bandcamp.com/album/deathrock-devotionals&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:00:00 - Intro&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:02:44 - Starting at 16 accidental career and mentorship in composition.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:03:41 - The Quincy Jones Connection&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:04:51 - Architect of Trip-Hop?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:07:09 - &amp;#34;Nashville Skyline&amp;#34; Meets Hip-Hop&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:09:04 - Freedom to be a &amp;#34;Weirdo&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:10:20 - The &amp;#34;Perfect Storm&amp;#34; of 1988/89&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:13:29 - Transition to London&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:14:18 - Willy Wonka’s Factory&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:16:19 - Cycle of Mentorship&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:19:25 - Alternative Evolution&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:21:18 - &amp;#34;Growing Up in Public&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:22:17 - Birth of She Wants Revenge&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:26:37 - A 20-Year Partnership&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:27:51 - How Lady Gaga personally championed &amp;#34;Tear You Apart&amp;#34; for American Horror Story.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:28:44 - The WARFIELD Project&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:32:43 - Solo Autonomy: creative freedom of recording alone versus the collaborative&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:34:59 - &amp;#34;All the Fun&amp;#34; Mission Statement&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:38:06 - Songwriting Deep Dive: Reworking &amp;#34;If the World Starts Crashing Down Tonight&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:41:35 - Trusting First Instincts&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:44:31 - Collaborative Process: How Thomas Froggatt and Spencer Rollins add &amp;#34;curveballs&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:48:15 - Live Interpretation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:49:08 - Mixtape Generation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:50:25 - Vulnerability in &amp;#34;A Love So Bold&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:52:23 - Looking Ahead&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:54:23 - Outro &amp;amp; Contact: Instagram and Bandsintown&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:00:09 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2026/1/28/15/a8634e9c-aecc-4ba0-8f68-b9e57743e9f8_tom-muse-1.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>3390</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Mark Guarino</itunes:title>
                <title>Mark Guarino</title>

                <itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Mark Guarino on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Pursuing the Muse. This go round we have Mark Guarino, a veteran journalist for the Washington Post and ABC News, and author of the award-winning music history book, Country and Midwestern. </p><p>We discuss how Chicago’s role in country and folk history is like an independent research lab. While Nashville became the high-profile factory producing the finished &#34;products&#34; for the mass market, Chicago was the experimental space where the formulas were first discovered, tested, and pushed into weird, new directions away from corporate oversight. Mark&#39;s extensive stories reveal a rich century of Chicago&#39;s music evolution. </p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://countryandmidwestern.com</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/markguarino</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 00:00:54 – Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Mark Guarino</p><p>• 00:02:07 – Huskies Pride: Reminiscing about high school days and ill-fated track team experiences.</p><p>• 00:05:32 – A Decade of Discovery: The ten-year journey of writing Country and Midwestern</p><p>• 00:07:44 – Human-Centric History: Why focusing on the stories of people is the key</p><p>• 00:10:01 – The Unique 1990s: the luck of being a journalist in the right place at the right time.</p><p>• 00:12:12 – An &#34;Injustice&#34; Rectified</p><p>• 00:13:12 – WLS National Barn Dance</p><p>• 00:15:33 – &#34;Hillbilly Heaven&#34; in Uptown</p><p>• 00:20:05 – Stories of Resistance</p><p>• 00:22:14 – The Gate of Horn</p><p>• 00:24:29 – Bob Gibson’s Dark Side</p><p>• 00:28:06 – Old Town School of Folk Music</p><p>• 00:32:48 – McCarthyism &amp; The FBI</p><p>• 00:37:08 – The Prine Connection</p><p>• 00:38:35 – Bob Dylan Deemed Unworthy.</p><p>• 00:42:44 – A Living Legacy: the University of Chicago Folk Festival</p><p>• 00:45:15 – From the Will the Circle Be Unbroken resurgence to the modern popularity of Bluegrass.</p><p>• 00:47:55 – The Spirit of Collaboration</p><p>• 00:53:44 – 2025 Favorite Releases</p><p>• 00:57:17 – Van Morrison’s Deep Cuts</p><p>• 01:03:05 – Closing superlatives</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Welcome to Pursuing the Muse. This go round we have Mark Guarino, a veteran journalist for the Washington Post and ABC News, and author of the award-winning music history book, Country and Midwestern. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We discuss how Chicago’s role in country and folk history is like an independent research lab. While Nashville became the high-profile factory producing the finished &amp;#34;products&amp;#34; for the mass market, Chicago was the experimental space where the formulas were first discovered, tested, and pushed into weird, new directions away from corporate oversight. Mark&amp;#39;s extensive stories reveal a rich century of Chicago&amp;#39;s music evolution. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://countryandmidwestern.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.instagram.com/markguarino&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:00:54 – Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Mark Guarino&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:02:07 – Huskies Pride: Reminiscing about high school days and ill-fated track team experiences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:05:32 – A Decade of Discovery: The ten-year journey of writing Country and Midwestern&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:07:44 – Human-Centric History: Why focusing on the stories of people is the key&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:10:01 – The Unique 1990s: the luck of being a journalist in the right place at the right time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:12:12 – An &amp;#34;Injustice&amp;#34; Rectified&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:13:12 – WLS National Barn Dance&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:15:33 – &amp;#34;Hillbilly Heaven&amp;#34; in Uptown&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:20:05 – Stories of Resistance&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:22:14 – The Gate of Horn&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:24:29 – Bob Gibson’s Dark Side&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:28:06 – Old Town School of Folk Music&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:32:48 – McCarthyism &amp;amp; The FBI&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:37:08 – The Prine Connection&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:38:35 – Bob Dylan Deemed Unworthy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:42:44 – A Living Legacy: the University of Chicago Folk Festival&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:45:15 – From the Will the Circle Be Unbroken resurgence to the modern popularity of Bluegrass.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:47:55 – The Spirit of Collaboration&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:53:44 – 2025 Favorite Releases&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:57:17 – Van Morrison’s Deep Cuts&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:03:05 – Closing superlatives&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:00:40 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/12/22/18/bb9616cd-fb8c-456e-8bec-b943cb638c99_tom-muse-1.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>3942</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
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            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Brian Dunne</itunes:title>
                <title>Brian Dunne</title>

                <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Brian Dunne on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Pursuing the Muse. This week we’re diving into the wonderful new album, Clams Casino, with the artist who created it, Brian Dunne.</p><p>Brian is a singer-songwriter based in New York. He’s known for combining rock and roll with raw, literate self-examination, and he is also a member of the supergroup Fantastic Cat.</p><p>Stick around as Brian discusses the core conflict of his working-class characters having to choose whether to &#34;sell out or move out&#34;, how he produced the album at home, sometimes keeping the &#34;lower quality audio&#34; from original demos to preserve the song’s soul, and why he believes that professional songwriting discipline is like &#34;going fishing&#34; every day.</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://www.briandunnemusic.net/</p><p>http://instagram.com/briandunnemusic</p><p>http://facebook.com/briandunnemusic/</p><p>https://briandunne.bandcamp.com/</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/user/bdunne8/videos</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 00:01:56 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Brian Dunne and praises Clams Casino</p><p>• 00:03:10 - The concept of Clams Casino as the aftermath of the previous album</p><p>• 00:04:10 - The central theme of the record: Examining personal and public issues through the lens of class and working-class roots</p><p>• 00:06:15 - The two main characters and the core conflict: whether to &#34;sell out or move out&#34;.</p><p>• 00:07:14 - Discussing songs that explore the duality of letting a dream die, contrasting the pain with the &#34;sweet relief of letting something go&#34;</p><p>• 00:08:17 - Solo performance feedback</p><p>• 00:10:08 - Fantastic Cat: How the &#34;super group of sorts&#34;came together, and plans</p><p>• 00:12:39 - Production shift: Adopting a new process for Clams Casino by prioritizing the &#34;pure&#34; intention and &#34;soul&#34;</p><p>• 00:14:34 - Using &#34;lower quality audio&#34; demo tracks to achieve an authentic balance,.</p><p>• 00:15:30 - The &#34;ears&#34; and collaborators who helped refine the record, including Ken Yates, Dan Rohan, Ben Tali, and Don D’Lego.</p><p>• 00:17:12 - Brian Dunne played about 90% of the instruments on the album</p><p>• 00:18:11 - Using his humble New York home studio</p><p>• 00:21:10 - The title Clams Casino: It is a bygone red-sauce menu item that symbolizes working-class aspiration, class pride, and shame</p><p>• 00:25:33 - Vocal style and influences</p><p>• 00:27:51 - Guitar influences: Mike Campbell and Robbie Robertson</p><p><br></p><p>PTM logo created by David Lawrence</p><p>PTM theme song &#34;Iron Rails&#34; by Joel Corelitz</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Welcome to Pursuing the Muse. This week we’re diving into the wonderful new album, Clams Casino, with the artist who created it, Brian Dunne.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Brian is a singer-songwriter based in New York. He’s known for combining rock and roll with raw, literate self-examination, and he is also a member of the supergroup Fantastic Cat.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stick around as Brian discusses the core conflict of his working-class characters having to choose whether to &amp;#34;sell out or move out&amp;#34;, how he produced the album at home, sometimes keeping the &amp;#34;lower quality audio&amp;#34; from original demos to preserve the song’s soul, and why he believes that professional songwriting discipline is like &amp;#34;going fishing&amp;#34; every day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.briandunnemusic.net/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;http://instagram.com/briandunnemusic&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;http://facebook.com/briandunnemusic/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://briandunne.bandcamp.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.youtube.com/user/bdunne8/videos&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:01:56 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Brian Dunne and praises Clams Casino&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:03:10 - The concept of Clams Casino as the aftermath of the previous album&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:04:10 - The central theme of the record: Examining personal and public issues through the lens of class and working-class roots&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:06:15 - The two main characters and the core conflict: whether to &amp;#34;sell out or move out&amp;#34;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:07:14 - Discussing songs that explore the duality of letting a dream die, contrasting the pain with the &amp;#34;sweet relief of letting something go&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:08:17 - Solo performance feedback&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:10:08 - Fantastic Cat: How the &amp;#34;super group of sorts&amp;#34;came together, and plans&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:12:39 - Production shift: Adopting a new process for Clams Casino by prioritizing the &amp;#34;pure&amp;#34; intention and &amp;#34;soul&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:14:34 - Using &amp;#34;lower quality audio&amp;#34; demo tracks to achieve an authentic balance,.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:15:30 - The &amp;#34;ears&amp;#34; and collaborators who helped refine the record, including Ken Yates, Dan Rohan, Ben Tali, and Don D’Lego.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:17:12 - Brian Dunne played about 90% of the instruments on the album&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:18:11 - Using his humble New York home studio&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:21:10 - The title Clams Casino: It is a bygone red-sauce menu item that symbolizes working-class aspiration, class pride, and shame&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:25:33 - Vocal style and influences&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:27:51 - Guitar influences: Mike Campbell and Robbie Robertson&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;PTM logo created by David Lawrence&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;PTM theme song &amp;#34;Iron Rails&amp;#34; by Joel Corelitz&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:00:52 &#43;0000</pubDate>
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            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Elijah Johnston</itunes:title>
                <title>Elijah Johnston</title>

                <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Elijah Johnston on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Pursuing the Muse. Today we welcome Atlanta musician Elijah Johnston, winner of the 2022 Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Award.</p><p>His new album, Stupid Soul, blends lush Americana, power pop, and 90s alternative sounds, earning praise for its diversity. Elijah&#39;s most recent release is the holiday song &#34;The Joy in Everything&#34;.</p><p>Hear Elijah discuss how recording Stupid Soul became &#34;more scrambled than initially planned, why he tackled Bruce Springsteen’s &#34;Valentine&#39;s Day&#34; with a &#34;modernized shot in the arm&#34;, and why he actively avoids an &#34;arms race of who can out personal each other&#34; in songwriting</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://elijahJohnston.net</p><p>https://instagram.com/elijahmjohnston</p><p>https://www.tiktok.com/@elijahmjohnston</p><p>https://elijahjohnston.bandcamp.com/</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 00:01:52 - Intro</p><p>• 00:02:23 - Discussion of the diverse, hard-to-categorize nature of Stupid Soul.</p><p>• 00:03:15 - The recording process for Stupid Soul becoming &#34;more scrambled&#34; despite aiming for cohesion.</p><p>• 00:04:34 - The evolution toward a looser style</p><p>• 00:05:45 - Catchiness of the song &#34;Ideas&#34; and positive reception</p><p>• 00:07:57 - Translating the sonically dense album tracks into strong live arrangements</p><p>• 00:10:02 - Awareness of which songs have the necessary structure to shine in solo acoustic versus full-band settings.</p><p>• 00:11:00 - Performing the complex vocal arrangements of &#34;Baby Bands&#34; live.</p><p>• 00:13:29 - Attention to album sequencing</p><p>• 00:14:41 - The choice of &#34;Leonard&#34; as the album opener</p><p>• 00:19:35 - Prioritizing universal themes and &#34;ecstatic truth&#34; over transcribing diary entries.</p><p>• 00:23:48 - Covering Bruce Springsteen&#39;s &#34;Valentine&#39;s Day&#34;</p><p>• 00:29:53 - Winning the 2022 Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Award.</p><p>• 00:31:42 - The historical significance of Athens, GA</p><p>• 00:35:05 - Early musical goals focused on songwriting and melody</p><p>• 00:39:51 - The spontaneous studio decision that turned an electric guitar song into an acoustic, folky track.</p><p>• 00:43:40 - Sequencing the album closer, &#34;Football Season,&#34; as a simple, climactic loop back to the start</p><p>• 00:47:22 - Using the horror movie title &#34;I Know What You Did Last Summer&#34; metaphorically to explore the dramatic emotions of young people</p><p>• 00:52:40 - Songwriting process is generally Melody first, followed by finding words that fit</p><p>• 00:57:21 - The practice of repurposing strong song sections</p><p>• 00:58:09 - Recording strategy involves strict budgeting and entering the studio avoiding wasting time.</p><p>• 01:00:32 - Relying on the Apple Voice Memo app to capture raw ideas</p><p>• 01:01:49 - The history and camaraderie of the core musical crew.</p><p>• 01:05:45 - Plans for the next album</p><p>• 01:07:45 - The goal of making every section of a song the &#34;catchy part&#34;</p><p>• 01:09:06 - Outro &amp; Upcoming dates, including South by Southwest in Austin</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Welcome to Pursuing the Muse. Today we welcome Atlanta musician Elijah Johnston, winner of the 2022 Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Award.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His new album, Stupid Soul, blends lush Americana, power pop, and 90s alternative sounds, earning praise for its diversity. Elijah&amp;#39;s most recent release is the holiday song &amp;#34;The Joy in Everything&amp;#34;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hear Elijah discuss how recording Stupid Soul became &amp;#34;more scrambled than initially planned, why he tackled Bruce Springsteen’s &amp;#34;Valentine&amp;#39;s Day&amp;#34; with a &amp;#34;modernized shot in the arm&amp;#34;, and why he actively avoids an &amp;#34;arms race of who can out personal each other&amp;#34; in songwriting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://elijahJohnston.net&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://instagram.com/elijahmjohnston&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.tiktok.com/@elijahmjohnston&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://elijahjohnston.bandcamp.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:01:52 - Intro&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:02:23 - Discussion of the diverse, hard-to-categorize nature of Stupid Soul.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:03:15 - The recording process for Stupid Soul becoming &amp;#34;more scrambled&amp;#34; despite aiming for cohesion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:04:34 - The evolution toward a looser style&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:05:45 - Catchiness of the song &amp;#34;Ideas&amp;#34; and positive reception&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:07:57 - Translating the sonically dense album tracks into strong live arrangements&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:10:02 - Awareness of which songs have the necessary structure to shine in solo acoustic versus full-band settings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:11:00 - Performing the complex vocal arrangements of &amp;#34;Baby Bands&amp;#34; live.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:13:29 - Attention to album sequencing&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:14:41 - The choice of &amp;#34;Leonard&amp;#34; as the album opener&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:19:35 - Prioritizing universal themes and &amp;#34;ecstatic truth&amp;#34; over transcribing diary entries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:23:48 - Covering Bruce Springsteen&amp;#39;s &amp;#34;Valentine&amp;#39;s Day&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:29:53 - Winning the 2022 Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Award.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:31:42 - The historical significance of Athens, GA&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:35:05 - Early musical goals focused on songwriting and melody&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:39:51 - The spontaneous studio decision that turned an electric guitar song into an acoustic, folky track.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:43:40 - Sequencing the album closer, &amp;#34;Football Season,&amp;#34; as a simple, climactic loop back to the start&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:47:22 - Using the horror movie title &amp;#34;I Know What You Did Last Summer&amp;#34; metaphorically to explore the dramatic emotions of young people&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:52:40 - Songwriting process is generally Melody first, followed by finding words that fit&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:57:21 - The practice of repurposing strong song sections&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:58:09 - Recording strategy involves strict budgeting and entering the studio avoiding wasting time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:00:32 - Relying on the Apple Voice Memo app to capture raw ideas&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:01:49 - The history and camaraderie of the core musical crew.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:05:45 - Plans for the next album&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:07:45 - The goal of making every section of a song the &amp;#34;catchy part&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:09:06 - Outro &amp;amp; Upcoming dates, including South by Southwest in Austin&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:00:21 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/12/7/23/8d5ff749-8744-4580-b835-21c4b0846458_tom-muse-1.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>4298</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
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            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Gabe Lee</itunes:title>
                <title>Gabe Lee</title>

                <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Gabe Lee on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Today on Pursuing the Muse, we are in conversation with Nashville native, Gabe Lee!</p><p>Gabe is an award-winning songwriter, recently named Saving Country Music’s 2023 Album of the Year winner for Drink The River. Known for crafting songs that blend country, folk, and rock, Lee is celebrated as a versatile performer and profound storyteller.</p><p>Stay tuned to hear Gabe reveal the working title of his next album. He details the unique experience of recording it in a haunted mansion in West Virginia. And he explains why heartbreak is an incredible motivator for any songwriter. So without further Adie</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://www.gabeleetn.com/</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/mistergabelee</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/mistergabelee</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFZaJ14uIYL-ztx-oM-iSeA</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 00:02:00 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Gabe Lee</p><p>• 00:03:07 - New Single &#34;Wedding Song&#34;</p><p>• 00:03:39 - The Intense Record Release Cycle</p><p>• 00:06:01 - Creative Freedom Between Albums</p><p>• 00:06:48 - Upcoming Record Tone</p><p>• 00:07:56 - Independent Production</p><p>• 00:08:35 - A Grungier Sound</p><p>• 00:09:26 - Producing Solo</p><p>• 00:10:37 - Working Title: &#34;Brittle County&#34;: seemingly strong things can shatter, and seemingly brittle things can be strong</p><p>• 00:12:35 - Unique Recording Process: Recording eleven songs in a haunted mansion</p><p>• 00:13:37 - Chemistry vs. Session Musicians</p><p>• 00:16:59 - Songwriting Origins: Starting songwriting in high school/middle school, channeling emotions and heartbreak</p><p>• 00:19:07 - Finding His Voice</p><p>• 00:21:13 - The Leap to Drink the River</p><p>• 00:23:45 - The Sonic Thread: voice and the thread of storytelling maintain cohesion</p><p>• 00:26:29 - Affection for Bluegrass</p><p>• 00:27:32 - Songs Work in Both Worlds</p><p>• 00:29:28 - Developing Originality</p><p>• 00:32:09 - The Influence of John Prine</p><p>• 00:36:10 - Collaboration with King Margo</p><p>• 00:39:04 - Economics of Touring</p><p>• 00:43:58 - Musician Networks</p><p>• 00:45:02 - The Nashville Proving Ground</p><p>• 00:50:50 - The Art of Sequencing</p><p>• 00:52:30 - The Emotional Back Half of Drink the River</p><p>• 00:54:19 - Drink the River Theme</p><p>• 00:56:38 - The Empathy of Storytelling</p><p>• 01:02:37 - The Central Message: The title track, &#34;Drink the River&#34;</p><p>• 01:04:55 - Opening Up to Co-Writing</p><p>• 01:07:59 - Brian Elmquist Collaboration</p><p>• 01:08:57 - Outro &amp; Continued Touring</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Today on Pursuing the Muse, we are in conversation with Nashville native, Gabe Lee!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Gabe is an award-winning songwriter, recently named Saving Country Music’s 2023 Album of the Year winner for Drink The River. Known for crafting songs that blend country, folk, and rock, Lee is celebrated as a versatile performer and profound storyteller.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay tuned to hear Gabe reveal the working title of his next album. He details the unique experience of recording it in a haunted mansion in West Virginia. And he explains why heartbreak is an incredible motivator for any songwriter. So without further Adie&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.gabeleetn.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.facebook.com/mistergabelee&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.instagram.com/mistergabelee&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFZaJ14uIYL-ztx-oM-iSeA&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:02:00 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Gabe Lee&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:03:07 - New Single &amp;#34;Wedding Song&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:03:39 - The Intense Record Release Cycle&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:06:01 - Creative Freedom Between Albums&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:06:48 - Upcoming Record Tone&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:07:56 - Independent Production&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:08:35 - A Grungier Sound&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:09:26 - Producing Solo&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:10:37 - Working Title: &amp;#34;Brittle County&amp;#34;: seemingly strong things can shatter, and seemingly brittle things can be strong&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:12:35 - Unique Recording Process: Recording eleven songs in a haunted mansion&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:13:37 - Chemistry vs. Session Musicians&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:16:59 - Songwriting Origins: Starting songwriting in high school/middle school, channeling emotions and heartbreak&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:19:07 - Finding His Voice&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:21:13 - The Leap to Drink the River&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:23:45 - The Sonic Thread: voice and the thread of storytelling maintain cohesion&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:26:29 - Affection for Bluegrass&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:27:32 - Songs Work in Both Worlds&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:29:28 - Developing Originality&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:32:09 - The Influence of John Prine&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:36:10 - Collaboration with King Margo&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:39:04 - Economics of Touring&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:43:58 - Musician Networks&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:45:02 - The Nashville Proving Ground&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:50:50 - The Art of Sequencing&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:52:30 - The Emotional Back Half of Drink the River&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:54:19 - Drink the River Theme&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:56:38 - The Empathy of Storytelling&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:02:37 - The Central Message: The title track, &amp;#34;Drink the River&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:04:55 - Opening Up to Co-Writing&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:07:59 - Brian Elmquist Collaboration&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:08:57 - Outro &amp;amp; Continued Touring&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:00:54 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/12/1/2/103bbdea-b842-4663-9baf-f599d62db750_tom-muse-1.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>4202</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Jon Nolan</itunes:title>
                <title>Jon Nolan</title>

                <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Jon Nolan on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome back to Pursuing the Muse! Jon Nolan is back for his second appearance on the podcast. We are diving deep into his fantastic new album, Slow Cooker.</p><p><br></p><p>Jon hails from Newmarket, New Hampshire, aka &#34;Shoe Town&#34;. He is a seasoned musician, having co-fronted Say ZuZu with Cliff Murphy as well as taking the reigns with his own band, Good Company. </p><p><br></p><p>Stay tuned as Jon reveals the raw, emotional story behind the track &#34;Someone&#39;s in the driveway,&#34; inspired by an end-of-life request from an old acquaintance. You&#39;ll also learn how his wintertime music series sparked the album&#39;s title, Slow Cooker, which encourages slowing down and taking time. And learn about what the Omnichord actually is.</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://jonnolan.net</p><p>https://jonnolan.bandcamp.com</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/jonnolannh</p><p>https://jonnolannh.substack.com</p><p>https://www.sayzuzu.com</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 00:01:48 - Intro: Tom welcomes Jon Nolan back</p><p>• 00:03:22 - Slow Cooker Origin</p><p>• 00:06:03 - Recording Location</p><p>• 00:07:11 - Slow Cooker Sessions</p><p>• 00:09:28 - Creative Process jealously guarding the joy of playing</p><p>• 00:14:05 - The Story Behind &#34;Someone&#39;s in the driveway&#34;</p><p>• 00:18:18 - Newmarket History</p><p>• 00:21:43 - The Cinematic Album</p><p>• 00:28:55 - &#34;Sea Glass&#34; and the Omnichord</p><p>• 00:34:08 - Slow Cooker Themes</p><p>• 00:40:02 - Emotional Core</p><p>• 00:44:06 - Shifting Moods</p><p>• 00:50:54 - Bass in the Pocket</p><p>• 00:52:19 - &#34;Sweat and Blood&#34;</p><p>• 00:56:30 - Gear Details</p><p>• 00:59:10 - The closing track</p><p>• 01:07:11 - Support and Touring</p><p>• 01:12:20 - The Importance of Community</p><p>• 01:17:53 - Slow Cooker Sessions (Detailed)</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Welcome back to Pursuing the Muse! Jon Nolan is back for his second appearance on the podcast. We are diving deep into his fantastic new album, Slow Cooker.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jon hails from Newmarket, New Hampshire, aka &amp;#34;Shoe Town&amp;#34;. He is a seasoned musician, having co-fronted Say ZuZu with Cliff Murphy as well as taking the reigns with his own band, Good Company. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay tuned as Jon reveals the raw, emotional story behind the track &amp;#34;Someone&amp;#39;s in the driveway,&amp;#34; inspired by an end-of-life request from an old acquaintance. You&amp;#39;ll also learn how his wintertime music series sparked the album&amp;#39;s title, Slow Cooker, which encourages slowing down and taking time. And learn about what the Omnichord actually is.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://jonnolan.net&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://jonnolan.bandcamp.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.instagram.com/jonnolannh&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://jonnolannh.substack.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.sayzuzu.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:01:48 - Intro: Tom welcomes Jon Nolan back&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:03:22 - Slow Cooker Origin&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:06:03 - Recording Location&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:07:11 - Slow Cooker Sessions&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:09:28 - Creative Process jealously guarding the joy of playing&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:14:05 - The Story Behind &amp;#34;Someone&amp;#39;s in the driveway&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:18:18 - Newmarket History&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:21:43 - The Cinematic Album&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:28:55 - &amp;#34;Sea Glass&amp;#34; and the Omnichord&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:34:08 - Slow Cooker Themes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:40:02 - Emotional Core&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:44:06 - Shifting Moods&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:50:54 - Bass in the Pocket&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:52:19 - &amp;#34;Sweat and Blood&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:56:30 - Gear Details&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:59:10 - The closing track&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:07:11 - Support and Touring&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:12:20 - The Importance of Community&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:17:53 - Slow Cooker Sessions (Detailed)&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:00:55 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/11/24/3/f9922b62-6fe3-44ef-a33b-fa3485ab3afa_tom-muse-1.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>5180</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
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            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>The Yayhoos</itunes:title>
                <title>The Yayhoos</title>

                <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>The Yayhoos on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome back to Pursuing the Muse. I’m Tom Compton, and today we’re talking the recent vinyl release of the Yayhoos two albums with half the members of the band: Terry Anderson and Eric Ambel. The Yayhoos are a roots-rock supergroup, featuring former Georgia Satellites frontman Dan Baird, Eric Ambel of The Del-Lords, Terry Anderson of the Olympic Ass Kickin Team and bassist extradoinaire Keith Christopher. They are known for their loud, unapologetically ragged rock sound. </p><p>Coming up you&#39;ll hear the chaotic story of recording their debut album, Fear Not the Obvious, live to eight-track in a North Carolina barn; learn how Eric coaxed Keith&#39;s stream of consciousness lyrics into a finished song and find out why attending a Yayhoos show was arguably one of the most fun things you could ever do.</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/theyayhoos/</p><p>https://bloodshotrecords.shop.musictoday.com/dept/yayhoos?cp=113358_113370_116176</p><p>https://www.ericambel.com/</p><p>https://olympicasskickinteam.com/</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/the_ericambel/</p><p><br></p><p>Champagne stopper:</p><p>https://a.co/d/8FNkRhk</p><p><br></p><p>Roscoe&#39;s studio tour:</p><p>https://youtu.be/2b1OAFWi4Dw</p><p><br></p><p>Wes Lachot:</p><p>https://weslachot.com/</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 00:00:00 - Show intro</p><p>• 00:02:18 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Terry Anderson and Eric Ambel of the Yayhoos</p><p>• 00:03:09 - The impetus for releasing the two great albums on vinyl.</p><p>• 00:04:14 - Explanation of acquiring the Bloodshot assets and what led to the vinyl release.</p><p>• 00:05:39 - Eric Ambel discusses finding the analog tapes for both records and the remastering</p><p>• 00:07:01 - Discussion of the mastering challenges of Bruce Springsteen&#39;s Nebraska</p><p>• 00:09:20 - Differences in mastering for vinyl versus CD</p><p>• 00:10:59 - Terry Anderson shares his enthusiasm for the new vinyl sound</p><p>• 00:12:11 - The origin story of the Yayhoos begins: early songwriting sessions</p><p>• 00:14:04 - Discussion of the band forming after Keith Christopher was brought in and early recordings on a cassette four-track</p><p>• 00:15:15 - The band formed as a co-op after tour support was pulled, leading them to play songs off all members&#39; solo records.</p><p>• 00:17:13 - How the band used a &#34;development deal&#34; to record the first album at Terry&#39;s dad&#39;s barn</p><p>• 00:19:30 - Recording and songwriting process for the first album</p><p>• 00:22:12 - The creation of Keith Christopher’s song &#34;For Crying Out Loud&#34; using mumbled vocal takes.</p><p>• 00:24:40 - The release of Fear Not the Obvious in 2001, coinciding with September 11th.</p><p>• 00:27:55 - The surreal experience of playing a gig just days after 9/11</p><p>• 00:31:19 - The story behind the song &#34;Frozen Head,&#34; which appears on all members&#39; solo records</p><p>• 00:33:05 - The infectious energy and fun of The Yayhoos&#39; live shows, including &#34;crick dancing&#34;</p><p>• 00:35:45 - Recalling a memorable gig in Spain</p><p>• 00:39:51 - How the band self-released their second album, Put the Hammer Down</p><p>• 00:40:40 - The band&#39;s highly collaborative songwriting process and how they pitched in to help each other</p><p>• 00:46:41 - Eric describes the dulcimer/dulcitar instrument used on &#34;Right as Rain&#34;</p><p>• 00:50:24 - Terry’s favorite aspects of playing with Eric</p><p>• 00:51:43 - Eric’s favorite aspects of playing with Terry</p><p>• 00:53:02 - Terry shares the recent loss of three years of his songwriting notes</p><p>• 00:55:36 - Eric discusses his collaboration with renowned studio designer Wes Lachot</p><p>• 01:00:32 - Eric mentions a popular video walkthrough of his studio on YouTube</p><p>• 01:07:11 - Terry&#39;s favorite gig memory: playing the Roskilde Festival in Denmark</p><p>• 01:09:37 - Discussion of the Outlaw Country Cruise</p><p>• 01:11:55 - Final encouragement to purchase the vinyl reissues before they sell out.</p><p>• 01:13:00 - Eric promotes his website and Instagram (which includes cat pictures).</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Welcome back to Pursuing the Muse. I’m Tom Compton, and today we’re talking the recent vinyl release of the Yayhoos two albums with half the members of the band: Terry Anderson and Eric Ambel. The Yayhoos are a roots-rock supergroup, featuring former Georgia Satellites frontman Dan Baird, Eric Ambel of The Del-Lords, Terry Anderson of the Olympic Ass Kickin Team and bassist extradoinaire Keith Christopher. They are known for their loud, unapologetically ragged rock sound. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Coming up you&amp;#39;ll hear the chaotic story of recording their debut album, Fear Not the Obvious, live to eight-track in a North Carolina barn; learn how Eric coaxed Keith&amp;#39;s stream of consciousness lyrics into a finished song and find out why attending a Yayhoos show was arguably one of the most fun things you could ever do.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.facebook.com/theyayhoos/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://bloodshotrecords.shop.musictoday.com/dept/yayhoos?cp=113358_113370_116176&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.ericambel.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://olympicasskickinteam.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.instagram.com/the_ericambel/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Champagne stopper:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://a.co/d/8FNkRhk&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Roscoe&amp;#39;s studio tour:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://youtu.be/2b1OAFWi4Dw&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Wes Lachot:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://weslachot.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:00:00 - Show intro&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:02:18 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Terry Anderson and Eric Ambel of the Yayhoos&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:03:09 - The impetus for releasing the two great albums on vinyl.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:04:14 - Explanation of acquiring the Bloodshot assets and what led to the vinyl release.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:05:39 - Eric Ambel discusses finding the analog tapes for both records and the remastering&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:07:01 - Discussion of the mastering challenges of Bruce Springsteen&amp;#39;s Nebraska&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:09:20 - Differences in mastering for vinyl versus CD&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:10:59 - Terry Anderson shares his enthusiasm for the new vinyl sound&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:12:11 - The origin story of the Yayhoos begins: early songwriting sessions&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:14:04 - Discussion of the band forming after Keith Christopher was brought in and early recordings on a cassette four-track&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:15:15 - The band formed as a co-op after tour support was pulled, leading them to play songs off all members&amp;#39; solo records.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:17:13 - How the band used a &amp;#34;development deal&amp;#34; to record the first album at Terry&amp;#39;s dad&amp;#39;s barn&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:19:30 - Recording and songwriting process for the first album&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:22:12 - The creation of Keith Christopher’s song &amp;#34;For Crying Out Loud&amp;#34; using mumbled vocal takes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:24:40 - The release of Fear Not the Obvious in 2001, coinciding with September 11th.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:27:55 - The surreal experience of playing a gig just days after 9/11&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:31:19 - The story behind the song &amp;#34;Frozen Head,&amp;#34; which appears on all members&amp;#39; solo records&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:33:05 - The infectious energy and fun of The Yayhoos&amp;#39; live shows, including &amp;#34;crick dancing&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:35:45 - Recalling a memorable gig in Spain&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:39:51 - How the band self-released their second album, Put the Hammer Down&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:40:40 - The band&amp;#39;s highly collaborative songwriting process and how they pitched in to help each other&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:46:41 - Eric describes the dulcimer/dulcitar instrument used on &amp;#34;Right as Rain&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:50:24 - Terry’s favorite aspects of playing with Eric&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:51:43 - Eric’s favorite aspects of playing with Terry&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:53:02 - Terry shares the recent loss of three years of his songwriting notes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:55:36 - Eric discusses his collaboration with renowned studio designer Wes Lachot&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:00:32 - Eric mentions a popular video walkthrough of his studio on YouTube&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:07:11 - Terry&amp;#39;s favorite gig memory: playing the Roskilde Festival in Denmark&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:09:37 - Discussion of the Outlaw Country Cruise&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:11:55 - Final encouragement to purchase the vinyl reissues before they sell out.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:13:00 - Eric promotes his website and Instagram (which includes cat pictures).&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:00:06 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/11/10/0/56033166-51bc-43db-bd35-fb71c2075b98_tom-muse-1.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>4434</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
                
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            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Buick Audra</itunes:title>
                <title>Buick Audra</title>

                <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Buick Audra on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome back to Pursuing the Muse! I’m Tom Compton, and we are kicking off season four strong with a special guest, welcoming Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter, and producer Buick Audra. </p><p>She&#39;s a Nashville resident, her fourth solo record, ADULT CHILD, is a strikingly personal concept album released in June 2025. She is also the guitarist and primary songwriter in the melodic heavy duo, Friendship Commanders, who just released their album BEAR this fall.</p><p>Buick dives deep into the strikingly personal Adult Child album, telling us the profound meaning behind the refrain, &#34;Can I slow it down&#34;. You’ll hear reflections on working with legendary Steve Albini. And she shares how performing the cappella song &#34;Losing My Courage&#34; completely silences even the loudest rock venue.</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://www.buickaudra.com/</p><p>https://www.friendshipcommandersband.com/</p><p>https://buickaudra.bandcamp.com/</p><p>https://friendshipcommanders.bandcamp.com/</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/buickaudra/</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/friendshipcommanders/</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/buickaudramusic</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/friendshipcommanders/</p><p>https://bsky.app/profile/buickaudra.bsky.social</p><p>https://www.tiktok.com/@buickaudra</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 00:02:06 - Intro and Adult Child</p><p>• 00:03:33 - Album Themes and Production</p><p>• 00:06:02 - &#34;The Worst People Win&#34;&#39;s timely nature</p><p>• 00:07:08 - Inherited Patterns</p><p>• 00:09:43 - Solo Electric Performance</p><p>• 00:10:52 - The Honesty of &#34;Yellow&#34;</p><p>• 00:13:51 - Resilience in &#34;One Step Close Up&#34;</p><p>• 00:16:52 - Grief and Expectation in &#34;Birthdays and Bullshit&#34;</p><p>• 00:19:05 - The Power of A Cappella</p><p>• 00:22:30 - Estrangement and Poetry</p><p>• 00:29:33 - Thesis of the Record</p><p>• 00:37:01 - Grammy Recognition</p><p>• 00:46:18 - Songwriting Process</p><p>• 00:49:32 - Friendship CommandersOverview</p><p>• 01:01:06 - Working with Steve Albini</p><p>• 01:05:35 - Future Projects</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Welcome back to Pursuing the Muse! I’m Tom Compton, and we are kicking off season four strong with a special guest, welcoming Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter, and producer Buick Audra. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She&amp;#39;s a Nashville resident, her fourth solo record, ADULT CHILD, is a strikingly personal concept album released in June 2025. She is also the guitarist and primary songwriter in the melodic heavy duo, Friendship Commanders, who just released their album BEAR this fall.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Buick dives deep into the strikingly personal Adult Child album, telling us the profound meaning behind the refrain, &amp;#34;Can I slow it down&amp;#34;. You’ll hear reflections on working with legendary Steve Albini. And she shares how performing the cappella song &amp;#34;Losing My Courage&amp;#34; completely silences even the loudest rock venue.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.buickaudra.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.friendshipcommandersband.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://buickaudra.bandcamp.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://friendshipcommanders.bandcamp.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.instagram.com/buickaudra/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.instagram.com/friendshipcommanders/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.facebook.com/buickaudramusic&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.facebook.com/friendshipcommanders/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://bsky.app/profile/buickaudra.bsky.social&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.tiktok.com/@buickaudra&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:02:06 - Intro and Adult Child&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:03:33 - Album Themes and Production&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:06:02 - &amp;#34;The Worst People Win&amp;#34;&amp;#39;s timely nature&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:07:08 - Inherited Patterns&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:09:43 - Solo Electric Performance&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:10:52 - The Honesty of &amp;#34;Yellow&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:13:51 - Resilience in &amp;#34;One Step Close Up&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:16:52 - Grief and Expectation in &amp;#34;Birthdays and Bullshit&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:19:05 - The Power of A Cappella&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:22:30 - Estrangement and Poetry&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:29:33 - Thesis of the Record&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:37:01 - Grammy Recognition&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:46:18 - Songwriting Process&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:49:32 - Friendship CommandersOverview&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:01:06 - Working with Steve Albini&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:05:35 - Future Projects&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:00:11 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/11/8/17/93b5d005-9157-4b0e-8fea-835373e5036a_tom-muse-1.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>4046</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Season 3 Wrap Up</itunes:title>
                <title>Season 3 Wrap Up</title>

                <itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Season Wrap Up Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>We&#39;re shutting down season three with a return of two of the season&#39;s great guests, Mike Delevante and Tim Fitzgerald.  We&#39;re inventing a new genre of Chicago Nash Jazz Rock.  Listen in for talk of singing harmonies, playing overseas, Hammond organs and all that AI can&#39;t replicate. </p><p><br></p><p>The show notes have fact checked  that Sha Na Na did perform at the Woodstock festival as claimed by Mike Delevante.</p><p><br></p><p>Get Mike&#39;s new record, &#34;September Days&#34; at his website:  https://mikedelevante.com</p><p>Get Tim&#39;s Wes Montgomery steeped release &#34;Full House&#34; at his website: https://timfitzgeraldmusic.com</p><p>And Subscribe to Tom&#39;s substack at: https://rehydraters.substack.com</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;We&amp;#39;re shutting down season three with a return of two of the season&amp;#39;s great guests, Mike Delevante and Tim Fitzgerald.  We&amp;#39;re inventing a new genre of Chicago Nash Jazz Rock.  Listen in for talk of singing harmonies, playing overseas, Hammond organs and all that AI can&amp;#39;t replicate. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The show notes have fact checked  that Sha Na Na did perform at the Woodstock festival as claimed by Mike Delevante.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Get Mike&amp;#39;s new record, &amp;#34;September Days&amp;#34; at his website:  https://mikedelevante.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Get Tim&amp;#39;s Wes Montgomery steeped release &amp;#34;Full House&amp;#34; at his website: https://timfitzgeraldmusic.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And Subscribe to Tom&amp;#39;s substack at: https://rehydraters.substack.com&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:00:34 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:duration>4546</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
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            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>DK Harrell</itunes:title>
                <title>DK Harrell</title>

                <itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>DK Harrell on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, Pursuing the Muse declares &#34;The thrill is not gone&#34; because we&#39;re thrilled to feature blues phenom D.K. Harrell.</p><p>At just 27, this Award-winning guitarist and vocalist is recognized as a leading light of the younger generation of blues artists. His new Alligator Records debut album, Talkin&#39; Heavy, showcases his powerful original songs and unique sound, cementing his place among leading voices in blues.</p><p>In our conversation, D.K. reveals how B.B. King literally taught him to talk when he was two years old, his commitment to writing modern, original blues lyrics that move beyond stereotypes, and his passion for delivering high-energy, authentic live shows that connect personally with audiences. Listen in!</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://dkblues.com/</p><p>https://dkharrell.bandcamp.com/</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/DHarrell98/</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/dkblues_</p><p>https://www.tiktok.com/@dk_blues</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/@d.k.harrellblues/videos</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 02:11 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes DK Harrell to Pursuing the Muse.</p><p>• 02:26 - &#34;Talkin&#39; Heavy&#34; Album Debut</p><p>• 03:15 - Song Inspiration &#34;Into the Room&#34;</p><p>• 04:15 - Collaborating with Kid Anderson</p><p>• 06:48 - Original Songwriting Approach</p><p>• 08:56 - Guitar Tones and Influences</p><p>• 13:56 - Early Musical Beginnings</p><p>• 16:41 - Vocal Development and Priorities</p><p>• 24:30 - First Instruments &amp; Guitar Journey</p><p>• 31:49 - B.B. King&#39;s Influence on Guitar Playing</p><p>• 33:46 - Live Performance Philosophy</p><p>• 37:57 - Signature Moves &amp; Authenticity</p><p>• 46:46 - Audience Appreciation</p><p>• 50:36 - Uniqueness of DK Harrell&#39;s Sound</p><p>• 52:34 - The Future of Blues</p><p>• 58:29 - Hardship and Blues as Life</p><p>• 01:01:18 - Honesty and Audience Connection</p><p>• 01:04:02 - Outro &amp; Contact Information</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;This week, Pursuing the Muse declares &amp;#34;The thrill is not gone&amp;#34; because we&amp;#39;re thrilled to feature blues phenom D.K. Harrell.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At just 27, this Award-winning guitarist and vocalist is recognized as a leading light of the younger generation of blues artists. His new Alligator Records debut album, Talkin&amp;#39; Heavy, showcases his powerful original songs and unique sound, cementing his place among leading voices in blues.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In our conversation, D.K. reveals how B.B. King literally taught him to talk when he was two years old, his commitment to writing modern, original blues lyrics that move beyond stereotypes, and his passion for delivering high-energy, authentic live shows that connect personally with audiences. Listen in!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://dkblues.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://dkharrell.bandcamp.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.facebook.com/DHarrell98/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.instagram.com/dkblues_&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.tiktok.com/@dk_blues&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.youtube.com/@d.k.harrellblues/videos&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 02:11 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes DK Harrell to Pursuing the Muse.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 02:26 - &amp;#34;Talkin&amp;#39; Heavy&amp;#34; Album Debut&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 03:15 - Song Inspiration &amp;#34;Into the Room&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 04:15 - Collaborating with Kid Anderson&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 06:48 - Original Songwriting Approach&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 08:56 - Guitar Tones and Influences&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 13:56 - Early Musical Beginnings&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 16:41 - Vocal Development and Priorities&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 24:30 - First Instruments &amp;amp; Guitar Journey&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 31:49 - B.B. King&amp;#39;s Influence on Guitar Playing&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 33:46 - Live Performance Philosophy&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 37:57 - Signature Moves &amp;amp; Authenticity&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 46:46 - Audience Appreciation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 50:36 - Uniqueness of DK Harrell&amp;#39;s Sound&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 52:34 - The Future of Blues&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 58:29 - Hardship and Blues as Life&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:01:18 - Honesty and Audience Connection&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:04:02 - Outro &amp;amp; Contact Information&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:00:30 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:duration>3997</itunes:duration>
                
                
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                <itunes:title>Callum Kerr</itunes:title>
                <title>Callum Kerr</title>

                <itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Callum Kerr on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>This week, Pursuing the Muse is excited to feature Scottish-born, Texas-raised, and Nashville-based country singer-songwriter Callum Kerr. Beyond his music, Callum is an accomplished actor, having starred in 13 films and TV series, including hit Netflix shows like Virgin River and One Piece. He&#39;s just released his debut EP, &#39;Roots Under Me&#39;.</p><p>In our chat, Callum shares about his Grand Ole Opry debut, the unique experience of recording his album&#39;s vocals in South Africa, and how his acting career sparked his serious pursuit of country music. Listen in for an insightful conversation!</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://linktr.ee/callum_kerr_1</p><p>https://instagram.com/callum_kerr_1</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/@Callum_Kerr_1</p><p>https://tiktok.com/@callum_kerr_1</p><p>https://onerpm.link/RootsUnderMe</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 00:02:13: Debut EP Release and Grand Ole Opry Experience</p><p>• 00:04:01: Songs Performed and &#34;Used to Love This Town&#34;</p><p>• 00:06:29: Musical Journey and Influences</p><p>• 00:12:52: Geographic Influences on Songwriting &amp; Remote Recording</p><p>• 00:17:55: Perspectives on AI in Music</p><p>• 00:22:02: Impact of Fatherhood</p><p>• 00:23:59: Early Music Start and Songwriting Development</p><p>• 00:26:08: Solo vs. Co-writing and EP Theme</p><p>• 00:32:53: Origins of &#34;Silver Lining&#34;</p><p>• 00:34:06: Working with Producers David and Dann Huff</p><p>• 00:39:12: Future of the Music Industry &amp; Social Media Strategy</p><p>• 00:41:33: Touring Plans and Upcoming Acting Project</p><p>• 00:44:56: Finding Callum Kerr&#39;s Music</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;This week, Pursuing the Muse is excited to feature Scottish-born, Texas-raised, and Nashville-based country singer-songwriter Callum Kerr. Beyond his music, Callum is an accomplished actor, having starred in 13 films and TV series, including hit Netflix shows like Virgin River and One Piece. He&amp;#39;s just released his debut EP, &amp;#39;Roots Under Me&amp;#39;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In our chat, Callum shares about his Grand Ole Opry debut, the unique experience of recording his album&amp;#39;s vocals in South Africa, and how his acting career sparked his serious pursuit of country music. Listen in for an insightful conversation!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://linktr.ee/callum_kerr_1&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://instagram.com/callum_kerr_1&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.youtube.com/@Callum_Kerr_1&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://tiktok.com/@callum_kerr_1&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://onerpm.link/RootsUnderMe&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:02:13: Debut EP Release and Grand Ole Opry Experience&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:04:01: Songs Performed and &amp;#34;Used to Love This Town&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:06:29: Musical Journey and Influences&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:12:52: Geographic Influences on Songwriting &amp;amp; Remote Recording&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:17:55: Perspectives on AI in Music&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:22:02: Impact of Fatherhood&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:23:59: Early Music Start and Songwriting Development&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:26:08: Solo vs. Co-writing and EP Theme&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:32:53: Origins of &amp;#34;Silver Lining&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:34:06: Working with Producers David and Dann Huff&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:39:12: Future of the Music Industry &amp;amp; Social Media Strategy&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:41:33: Touring Plans and Upcoming Acting Project&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:44:56: Finding Callum Kerr&amp;#39;s Music&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:00:02 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:duration>2768</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
                
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                <itunes:title>Lucy Kaplansky</itunes:title>
                <title>Lucy Kaplansky</title>

                <itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Lucy Kaplansky on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Pursuing the Muse!</p><p>Today, we&#39;re joined by Lucy Kaplansky, a New York folk singer-songwriter who took a detour as a psychologist, before returning to music with acclaimed solo albums and supergroups such as Cry Cry Cry.</p><p>Lucy and I discuss her new career retrospective album, &#34;The Lucy Story,&#34; her unique songwriting process, co-writing with her husband, and the emotional impact of songs like &#34;Last Days of Summer&#34; and &#34;Ten Year Night&#34;.</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://lucykaplansky.com/</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/lucykaplansky</p><p>https://instagram.com/lucykaplansky</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 00:02:30 - Intro</p><p>• 00:02:50 - Songwriting Beginnings &amp; Detour:</p><p>• 00:05:03 - New Album: &#34;The Lucy Story&#34;</p><p>• 00:06:19 - &#34;Last Days of Summer&#34; &amp; &#34;I Know Why the River Runs&#34;</p><p>• 00:07:06 - Psychology&#39;s Influence on Songwriting</p><p>• 00:08:09 - Working in Supergroups (Cry Cry Cry &amp; Red Horse)</p><p>• 00:10:50 - Geographic Challenges in Group Projects</p><p>• 00:12:15 - Perspective on AI in Music</p><p>• 00:14:50 - New York as a Folk Mecca</p><p>• 00:17:22 - Shift to Self-Releasing Music</p><p>• 00:22:19 - Business Acumen &amp; Tools</p><p>• 00:24:32 - Co-writing with Husband Rick Litvin</p><p>• 00:26:26 - Vocal Development and Maintenance</p><p>• 00:30:19 - Father&#39;s Influence</p><p>• 00:34:48 - Songwriter Influences &amp; Process</p><p>• 00:39:07 - &#34;Last Days of Summer&#34; &amp; Its Impact</p><p>• 00:41:25 - Audience Reactions to Specific Songs</p><p>• 00:43:19 - &#34;Every Single Day&#34;</p><p>• 00:44:48 - Finding Lucy</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Welcome to Pursuing the Muse!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today, we&amp;#39;re joined by Lucy Kaplansky, a New York folk singer-songwriter who took a detour as a psychologist, before returning to music with acclaimed solo albums and supergroups such as Cry Cry Cry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lucy and I discuss her new career retrospective album, &amp;#34;The Lucy Story,&amp;#34; her unique songwriting process, co-writing with her husband, and the emotional impact of songs like &amp;#34;Last Days of Summer&amp;#34; and &amp;#34;Ten Year Night&amp;#34;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://lucykaplansky.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.facebook.com/lucykaplansky&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://instagram.com/lucykaplansky&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:02:30 - Intro&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:02:50 - Songwriting Beginnings &amp;amp; Detour:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:05:03 - New Album: &amp;#34;The Lucy Story&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:06:19 - &amp;#34;Last Days of Summer&amp;#34; &amp;amp; &amp;#34;I Know Why the River Runs&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:07:06 - Psychology&amp;#39;s Influence on Songwriting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:08:09 - Working in Supergroups (Cry Cry Cry &amp;amp; Red Horse)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:10:50 - Geographic Challenges in Group Projects&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:12:15 - Perspective on AI in Music&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:14:50 - New York as a Folk Mecca&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:17:22 - Shift to Self-Releasing Music&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:22:19 - Business Acumen &amp;amp; Tools&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:24:32 - Co-writing with Husband Rick Litvin&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:26:26 - Vocal Development and Maintenance&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:30:19 - Father&amp;#39;s Influence&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:34:48 - Songwriter Influences &amp;amp; Process&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:39:07 - &amp;#34;Last Days of Summer&amp;#34; &amp;amp; Its Impact&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:41:25 - Audience Reactions to Specific Songs&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:43:19 - &amp;#34;Every Single Day&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:44:48 - Finding Lucy&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:00:12 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/8/3/22/b7f4a3c6-5e84-4ef5-b031-00c55cb243f0_tom-muse-1.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>2846</itunes:duration>
                
                
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                <itunes:title>Jessica Willis Fisher</itunes:title>
                <title>Jessica Willis Fisher</title>

                <itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Jessica Willis Fisher on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>This week on Pursuing the Muse we&#39;re joined by the talented Jessica Willis Fisher.</p><p>Jessica is a Nashville based singer-songwriter and fiddle player. She has an acclaimed new album out now called &#34;Blooming&#34; which is the follow up to her debut &#34;Brand New Day&#34;. She is also the author of the powerful memoir, &#34;Unspeakable&#34;, which chronicles the domestic abuse of her childhood.</p><p>In our conversation, we discuss her unique artistic journey, the profound inspirations behind her music, and how she uses her voice to speak truth and help others.  </p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://www.jessicawillisfisher.com/</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/jessicawillisfisher</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/JessicaWillisFisher/</p><p>https://www.threads.net/@jessicawillisfisher</p><p>https://www.tiktok.com/@jessicawillisfisher</p><p>https://www.pinterest.com/jessicawillisfisher/</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/jessicawillisfisher</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 00:02:03 - Intro &amp; Chicago Roots</p><p>• 00:04:19 - New Album &#34;Blooming&#34; Release</p><p>• 00:06:00 - Backstory &amp; Memoir &#34;Unspeakable&#34;</p><p>• 00:08:50 - &#34;Brand New Day&#34; (Survival) vs. &#34;Blooming&#34; (Thriving)</p><p>• 00:09:49 - Optimism Tempered by Realism</p><p>• 00:12:51 - Societal Triggers &amp; &#34;Flower in a Sidewalk Crack&#34;</p><p>• 00:14:29 - Embracing Vulnerability &amp; Openness</p><p>• 00:18:52 - &#34;Healing&#34; &amp; &#34;Dogwood&#34; Songwriting Insights</p><p>• 00:23:51 - Recording Process &amp; Studio Musicians</p><p>• 00:30:13 - Creative Freedom vs. Family Band Control</p><p>• 00:36:52 - Trauma and &#34;Sadie&#34;</p><p>• 00:40:24 - Music as a Life Saver &amp; Reclaiming Her Voice</p><p>• 00:42:42 - 60th Grand Ole Opry Performance</p><p>• 00:43:38 - Memoir &#34;Unspeakable&#34; &amp; Opry Significance</p><p>• 00:48:57 - Advocacy and Ongoing Healing</p><p>• 00:54:16 - Self-Discovery Through Songwriting</p><p>• 00:56:38 - Evolving Relationship with Music</p><p>• 01:03:02 - Live Performances &amp; Industry Navigation</p><p>• 01:06:32 - Current Collaborations &amp; Touring</p><p>• 01:08:39 - Artistic Philosophy &amp; Irish Heritage</p><p>• 01:14:37 - &#34;The Fox&#34; &amp; Fiddle Influences</p><p>• 01:19:52 - Finding Jessica Willis Fisher Online</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;This week on Pursuing the Muse we&amp;#39;re joined by the talented Jessica Willis Fisher.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jessica is a Nashville based singer-songwriter and fiddle player. She has an acclaimed new album out now called &amp;#34;Blooming&amp;#34; which is the follow up to her debut &amp;#34;Brand New Day&amp;#34;. She is also the author of the powerful memoir, &amp;#34;Unspeakable&amp;#34;, which chronicles the domestic abuse of her childhood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In our conversation, we discuss her unique artistic journey, the profound inspirations behind her music, and how she uses her voice to speak truth and help others.  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.jessicawillisfisher.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.youtube.com/jessicawillisfisher&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.facebook.com/JessicaWillisFisher/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.threads.net/@jessicawillisfisher&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.tiktok.com/@jessicawillisfisher&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.pinterest.com/jessicawillisfisher/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.instagram.com/jessicawillisfisher&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:02:03 - Intro &amp;amp; Chicago Roots&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:04:19 - New Album &amp;#34;Blooming&amp;#34; Release&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:06:00 - Backstory &amp;amp; Memoir &amp;#34;Unspeakable&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:08:50 - &amp;#34;Brand New Day&amp;#34; (Survival) vs. &amp;#34;Blooming&amp;#34; (Thriving)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:09:49 - Optimism Tempered by Realism&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:12:51 - Societal Triggers &amp;amp; &amp;#34;Flower in a Sidewalk Crack&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:14:29 - Embracing Vulnerability &amp;amp; Openness&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:18:52 - &amp;#34;Healing&amp;#34; &amp;amp; &amp;#34;Dogwood&amp;#34; Songwriting Insights&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:23:51 - Recording Process &amp;amp; Studio Musicians&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:30:13 - Creative Freedom vs. Family Band Control&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:36:52 - Trauma and &amp;#34;Sadie&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:40:24 - Music as a Life Saver &amp;amp; Reclaiming Her Voice&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:42:42 - 60th Grand Ole Opry Performance&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:43:38 - Memoir &amp;#34;Unspeakable&amp;#34; &amp;amp; Opry Significance&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:48:57 - Advocacy and Ongoing Healing&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:54:16 - Self-Discovery Through Songwriting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:56:38 - Evolving Relationship with Music&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:03:02 - Live Performances &amp;amp; Industry Navigation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:06:32 - Current Collaborations &amp;amp; Touring&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:08:39 - Artistic Philosophy &amp;amp; Irish Heritage&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:14:37 - &amp;#34;The Fox&amp;#34; &amp;amp; Fiddle Influences&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 01:19:52 - Finding Jessica Willis Fisher Online&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:00:14 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/7/28/23/ab6fdc7e-79f2-4ef7-a1be-af53ffca72f5_tom-muse-1.jpg"/>
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                <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
                
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            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Larry McCray</itunes:title>
                <title>Larry McCray</title>

                <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Larry McCray on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Pursuing the Muse! Today, we&#39;re excited to bring you an in-depth conversation with a true master of the blues, the legendary Larry McCray. Get ready to dive deep into his musical journey and the creative process behind his compelling new album.</p><p>Larry McCray is an acclaimed American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, originally from Magnolia, Arkansas. He learned guitar from his older sister, Clara, and was heavily influenced by the &#34;three Kings&#34; (B.B., Freddie, and Albert), developing a unique style that brings a fresh perspective to the blues. His latest album, &#34;Heartbreak City&#34; showcases his commitment to keeping the blues current while staying true to its roots.</p><p>In this episode, Larry shares how he crafts new rhythms and chord changes to make the blues accessible to a wider audience, revealing the diverse faces of the genre. He recounts fascinating stories from his extensive career, including his experiences knowing and touring with blues giants like Albert King and B.B. King. Larry also offers his candid perspective on the importance of emotional truth in blues vocals for younger musicians, emphasizing the need to &#34;get ugly&#34; when singing the blues. Don&#39;t miss this chance to hear directly from an artist who continues to pour his heart into every note, proving that the blues is very much alive and evolving</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Learn more about Larry here:</p><p><br></p><p>https://larrymccrayofficial.com/</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/officiallarrymccray/</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/@OfficialLarryMcCray/</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/@officiallarrymccray</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 00:01:41 - Intro and initial reaction to &#34;Heartbreak City&#34;</p><p>• 00:02:53 - The diverse nature of &#34;Heartbreak City&#34; and the varied faces of the blues</p><p>• 00:03:34 - Larry recounts his early inspiration and start playing guitar in Arkansas</p><p>• 00:05:15 - Discussion of his move to Michigan in 1972</p><p>• 00:06:17 - His sister&#39;s role in teaching him guitar and his early learning of the Jimmy Reed shuffle and copying B.B. King</p><p>• 00:07:30 - Larry reflects on the Albert King influence in his solos</p><p>• 00:10:07 - Larry&#39;s approach to songwriting and his motivation to put his own signature on the blues</p><p>• 00:14:52 - The unique dynamic of playing with his brother Steve on drums</p><p>• 00:16:32 - How Larry connected with Joe Bonamassa</p><p>• 00:18:24 - Recording locations like Ocean Way and Sunset Studio</p><p>• 00:20:44 - His consistent approach to blues music over 30 years</p><p>• 00:21:51 - Other contemporary blues musicians he respects</p><p>• 00:22:42 - His criticism for younger blues musicians regarding the vocal emotion</p><p>• 00:25:24 - Acknowledgment of Bobby Blue Bland</p><p>• 00:27:27 - Larry&#39;s extensive experience touring and meeting many of his blues heroes</p><p>• 00:29:08 - A funny story about B.B. King backstage</p><p>• 00:34:05 - Larry reflects on maintaining his vibrancy and passion at 65</p><p>• 00:35:01 - His natural singing ability since childhood, without formal vocal exercises</p><p>• 00:36:44 - Future touring plans</p><p>• 00:38:23 - The evolution of his songwriting</p><p>• 00:39:01 - The positive vibe of &#34;Heartbreak City&#34;</p><p>• 00:41:38 - The album&#39;s &#34;home cooking&#34; feel</p><p>• 00:42:21 - His approach to guitar solos</p><p>• 00:45:52 - His songwriting process</p><p>• 00:47:55 - His focus on originality in songwriting</p><p>• 00:48:50 - Capturing musical ideas using his phone and archiving unused songs for future projects</p><p>• 00:51:11 - The album&#39;s lack of a specific theme</p><p>• 00:53:51 - Larry&#39;s advice for young musicians</p><p>• 00:54:57 - Closing remarks</p><p><br></p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Welcome to Pursuing the Muse! Today, we&amp;#39;re excited to bring you an in-depth conversation with a true master of the blues, the legendary Larry McCray. Get ready to dive deep into his musical journey and the creative process behind his compelling new album.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Larry McCray is an acclaimed American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, originally from Magnolia, Arkansas. He learned guitar from his older sister, Clara, and was heavily influenced by the &amp;#34;three Kings&amp;#34; (B.B., Freddie, and Albert), developing a unique style that brings a fresh perspective to the blues. His latest album, &amp;#34;Heartbreak City&amp;#34; showcases his commitment to keeping the blues current while staying true to its roots.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Larry shares how he crafts new rhythms and chord changes to make the blues accessible to a wider audience, revealing the diverse faces of the genre. He recounts fascinating stories from his extensive career, including his experiences knowing and touring with blues giants like Albert King and B.B. King. Larry also offers his candid perspective on the importance of emotional truth in blues vocals for younger musicians, emphasizing the need to &amp;#34;get ugly&amp;#34; when singing the blues. Don&amp;#39;t miss this chance to hear directly from an artist who continues to pour his heart into every note, proving that the blues is very much alive and evolving&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn more about Larry here:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://larrymccrayofficial.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.instagram.com/officiallarrymccray/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.facebook.com/@OfficialLarryMcCray/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.youtube.com/@officiallarrymccray&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:01:41 - Intro and initial reaction to &amp;#34;Heartbreak City&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:02:53 - The diverse nature of &amp;#34;Heartbreak City&amp;#34; and the varied faces of the blues&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:03:34 - Larry recounts his early inspiration and start playing guitar in Arkansas&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:05:15 - Discussion of his move to Michigan in 1972&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:06:17 - His sister&amp;#39;s role in teaching him guitar and his early learning of the Jimmy Reed shuffle and copying B.B. King&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:07:30 - Larry reflects on the Albert King influence in his solos&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:10:07 - Larry&amp;#39;s approach to songwriting and his motivation to put his own signature on the blues&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:14:52 - The unique dynamic of playing with his brother Steve on drums&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:16:32 - How Larry connected with Joe Bonamassa&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:18:24 - Recording locations like Ocean Way and Sunset Studio&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:20:44 - His consistent approach to blues music over 30 years&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:21:51 - Other contemporary blues musicians he respects&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:22:42 - His criticism for younger blues musicians regarding the vocal emotion&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:25:24 - Acknowledgment of Bobby Blue Bland&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:27:27 - Larry&amp;#39;s extensive experience touring and meeting many of his blues heroes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:29:08 - A funny story about B.B. King backstage&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:34:05 - Larry reflects on maintaining his vibrancy and passion at 65&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:35:01 - His natural singing ability since childhood, without formal vocal exercises&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:36:44 - Future touring plans&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:38:23 - The evolution of his songwriting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:39:01 - The positive vibe of &amp;#34;Heartbreak City&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:41:38 - The album&amp;#39;s &amp;#34;home cooking&amp;#34; feel&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:42:21 - His approach to guitar solos&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:45:52 - His songwriting process&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:47:55 - His focus on originality in songwriting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:48:50 - Capturing musical ideas using his phone and archiving unused songs for future projects&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:51:11 - The album&amp;#39;s lack of a specific theme&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:53:51 - Larry&amp;#39;s advice for young musicians&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:54:57 - Closing remarks&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:00:28 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:duration>3355</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Dustin Lowman</itunes:title>
                <title>Dustin Lowman</title>

                <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Dustin Lowman on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Get ready for a deep dive into the mind of Dustin Lowman! In the latest episode of Pursuing the Muse, Tom Compton sits down with singer-songwriter Dustin Lowman to discuss his captivating album, &#34;Invulnerable,&#34;.</p><p>Dustin Lowman is a singer-songwriter residing in the greater New York City area, drawing inspiration from masters like Bob Dylan. He released his album &#34;Invulnerable&#34; in late 2024, following EPs such as &#34;Carnivalesque&#34; and &#34;Folk Songs&#34;. Lowman views songwriting as an inner sanctum where he converts the chaos from life into something constructive</p><p>In the interview, Dustin shares the fascinating concept behind the album&#39;s title and goes deep on several of the tracks. He elaborates on his innate draw to creative writing from a young age and how he began songwriting around age 15. He describes the value of the &#34;insecure voice&#34;. There&#39;s also chat about Bob Dylan and Dustin&#39;s use of comedy.</p><p>This episode offers a rare glimpse into the creative process of a talented songwriter who truly lives his art.</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Learn more about Dustin here:</p><p><br></p><p>https://dustinlowman.com/</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/dustinlowmanmusic/</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/DustinLowmanMusic/</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EXIhje91Ic2bnsbk_skXg</p><p>https://onwriting.substack.com/</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>• 00:01:52 - Intro to Dustin Lowman</p><p>• 00:02:05 - Meaning behind the album title &#34;Invulnerable&#34;</p><p>• 00:04:25 - Xppreciation for the album</p><p>• 00:06:18 - Inspiration for &#34;Lucky Stars&#34;</p><p>• 00:07:42 - Early beginnings as a songwriter</p><p>• 00:09:42 - Learning guitar and obsessively writing and studying songs</p><p>• 00:10:49 - Desire to perform</p><p>• 00:12:03 - Performing felt intuitive</p><p>• 00:12:55 - Differences in performing solo acoustic vs. with a band</p><p>• 00:14:20 - Challenges and realities of playing with a band</p><p>• 00:16:13 - Dustin Lowman&#39;s journey from Connecticut to Brooklyn</p><p>• 00:18:43 - Songwriting as a &#34;sanctum&#34;</p><p>• 00:21:06 - The role of validation</p><p>• 00:23:55 - The value of insecurity in creativity</p><p>• 00:25:35 - Inspiration for &#34;A Little Green Left&#34;</p><p>• 00:28:02 - Deep connection to Bob Dylan</p><p>• 00:30:39 - Dylan&#39;s tangible influence on Lowman&#39;s songwriting</p><p>• 00:33:04 - Thoughts on the Bob Dylan biopic</p><p>• 00:38:16 - Origin of &#34;Hangover Cure&#34;</p><p>• 00:40:49 - &#34;Searching for My Twin&#34;</p><p>• 00:42:29 - Comedy and wit</p><p>• 00:45:42 - Discusses his wide range of comedic influences</p><p>• 00:48:38 - Upcoming projects and ways to follow</p><p>• 00:49:55 - Lowman&#39;s Substack, &#34;On Writing,&#34;</p><p>• 00:50:31 - Closing remarks</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Get ready for a deep dive into the mind of Dustin Lowman! In the latest episode of Pursuing the Muse, Tom Compton sits down with singer-songwriter Dustin Lowman to discuss his captivating album, &amp;#34;Invulnerable,&amp;#34;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dustin Lowman is a singer-songwriter residing in the greater New York City area, drawing inspiration from masters like Bob Dylan. He released his album &amp;#34;Invulnerable&amp;#34; in late 2024, following EPs such as &amp;#34;Carnivalesque&amp;#34; and &amp;#34;Folk Songs&amp;#34;. Lowman views songwriting as an inner sanctum where he converts the chaos from life into something constructive&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the interview, Dustin shares the fascinating concept behind the album&amp;#39;s title and goes deep on several of the tracks. He elaborates on his innate draw to creative writing from a young age and how he began songwriting around age 15. He describes the value of the &amp;#34;insecure voice&amp;#34;. There&amp;#39;s also chat about Bob Dylan and Dustin&amp;#39;s use of comedy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This episode offers a rare glimpse into the creative process of a talented songwriter who truly lives his art.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn more about Dustin here:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://dustinlowman.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.instagram.com/dustinlowmanmusic/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.facebook.com/DustinLowmanMusic/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EXIhje91Ic2bnsbk_skXg&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://onwriting.substack.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:01:52 - Intro to Dustin Lowman&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:02:05 - Meaning behind the album title &amp;#34;Invulnerable&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:04:25 - Xppreciation for the album&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:06:18 - Inspiration for &amp;#34;Lucky Stars&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:07:42 - Early beginnings as a songwriter&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:09:42 - Learning guitar and obsessively writing and studying songs&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:10:49 - Desire to perform&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:12:03 - Performing felt intuitive&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:12:55 - Differences in performing solo acoustic vs. with a band&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:14:20 - Challenges and realities of playing with a band&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:16:13 - Dustin Lowman&amp;#39;s journey from Connecticut to Brooklyn&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:18:43 - Songwriting as a &amp;#34;sanctum&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:21:06 - The role of validation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:23:55 - The value of insecurity in creativity&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:25:35 - Inspiration for &amp;#34;A Little Green Left&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:28:02 - Deep connection to Bob Dylan&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:30:39 - Dylan&amp;#39;s tangible influence on Lowman&amp;#39;s songwriting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:33:04 - Thoughts on the Bob Dylan biopic&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:38:16 - Origin of &amp;#34;Hangover Cure&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:40:49 - &amp;#34;Searching for My Twin&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:42:29 - Comedy and wit&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:45:42 - Discusses his wide range of comedic influences&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:48:38 - Upcoming projects and ways to follow&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:49:55 - Lowman&amp;#39;s Substack, &amp;#34;On Writing,&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• 00:50:31 - Closing remarks&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">f46a6b34-4b84-467e-92ee-08672713ac5e</guid>
                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:00:39 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:duration>3118</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
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            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Tim Fitzgerald</itunes:title>
                <title>Tim Fitzgerald</title>

                <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Tim Fitzgerald on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Pursuing the Muse is back. This episode, we&#39;re featuring jazz guitar virtuoso Tim Fitzgerald. Tim and Tom go way back, so Tom can vouch for the fact that Tim&#39;s journey is incredible. He transitioned from studying physics to music mastery, learning the rules and how to break them from Barry Harris and Rodney Jones. Tim&#39;s now a scholar of Wes Montgomery and has released the acclaimed &#39;Full House&#39; album, which reimagines Wes&#39;s iconic solos. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation.</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Find out more about Tim Fitzgerald:</p><p><br></p><p>https://www.timfitzgeraldmusic.com</p><p><br></p><p>https://timfitzgerald.bandcamp.com/</p><p><br></p><p>https://www.instagram.com/timfitzgeraldmusic</p><p><br></p><p>https://www.facebook.com/timfitzgeraldmusic</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>00:01:43 - Intro</p><p>00:02:23 - On humor and improv</p><p>00:03:41 - The &#34;no rim shots&#34; rule. (Bowser DID attend Juliard!)</p><p>00:05:23 - Post-high school journey and early music aspirations</p><p>00:09:53 - Life-changing teachers: Barry Harris</p><p>00:13:04 - The cool demeanor of Jimmy Lovelace</p><p>00:14:37 - Life-changing teachers: Rodney Jones</p><p>00:19:27 - Tim Fitzgerald as an educator</p><p>00:22:46 - Discovering Wes Montgomery</p><p>00:25:00 - Wes Montgomery&#39;s commercial success and CTI period</p><p>00:27:50 - The influential &#34;Jazz 625&#34; video</p><p>00:30:41 - Rodney Jones&#39;s serendipitous role in the video&#39;s release</p><p>00:33:05 - Transcribing Wes Montgomery and book creation</p><p>00:38:36 - The &#34;Full House&#34; album concept</p><p>00:42:03 - Future recording plans and the challenges of the Hammond B-3</p><p>00:47:57 - The connection between music and dance</p><p>01:03:09 - International touring and audience reactions</p><p>01:09:33 - Improvisation as a dynamic conversation</p><p>01:14:51 - Cultivating an individual sound</p><p>01:16:48 - Comparison of Fitzgerald and Montgomery&#39;s styles</p><p>01:18:57 - The importance of personality in music</p><p>01:20:06 - Joe Satriani and Eddie Van Halen: A parallel to personal interpretation</p><p>01:21:46 - Concluding remarks</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Pursuing the Muse is back. This episode, we&amp;#39;re featuring jazz guitar virtuoso Tim Fitzgerald. Tim and Tom go way back, so Tom can vouch for the fact that Tim&amp;#39;s journey is incredible. He transitioned from studying physics to music mastery, learning the rules and how to break them from Barry Harris and Rodney Jones. Tim&amp;#39;s now a scholar of Wes Montgomery and has released the acclaimed &amp;#39;Full House&amp;#39; album, which reimagines Wes&amp;#39;s iconic solos. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Find out more about Tim Fitzgerald:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.timfitzgeraldmusic.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://timfitzgerald.bandcamp.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.instagram.com/timfitzgeraldmusic&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.facebook.com/timfitzgeraldmusic&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:01:43 - Intro&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:02:23 - On humor and improv&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:03:41 - The &amp;#34;no rim shots&amp;#34; rule. (Bowser DID attend Juliard!)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:05:23 - Post-high school journey and early music aspirations&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:09:53 - Life-changing teachers: Barry Harris&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:13:04 - The cool demeanor of Jimmy Lovelace&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:14:37 - Life-changing teachers: Rodney Jones&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:19:27 - Tim Fitzgerald as an educator&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:22:46 - Discovering Wes Montgomery&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:25:00 - Wes Montgomery&amp;#39;s commercial success and CTI period&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:27:50 - The influential &amp;#34;Jazz 625&amp;#34; video&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:30:41 - Rodney Jones&amp;#39;s serendipitous role in the video&amp;#39;s release&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:33:05 - Transcribing Wes Montgomery and book creation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:38:36 - The &amp;#34;Full House&amp;#34; album concept&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:42:03 - Future recording plans and the challenges of the Hammond B-3&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:47:57 - The connection between music and dance&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:03:09 - International touring and audience reactions&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:09:33 - Improvisation as a dynamic conversation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:14:51 - Cultivating an individual sound&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:16:48 - Comparison of Fitzgerald and Montgomery&amp;#39;s styles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:18:57 - The importance of personality in music&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:20:06 - Joe Satriani and Eddie Van Halen: A parallel to personal interpretation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:21:46 - Concluding remarks&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:00:55 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:duration>5003</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Mike Delevante</itunes:title>
                <title>Mike Delevante</title>

                <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Mike Delevante on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode we&#39;re fortunate to have Nashville musician Mike Delevante join us. His new album, September Days, is in contention for record of the year. It boasts a timeless quality with jangly 12 string electric guitars and it offers a deeply personal feel. Notably, this marks Mike&#39;s first album of entirely self-written songs. It&#39;s a significant solo debut after years of making music with his older brother in the Delevantes. Get ready to delve into the creative journey behind Mike&#39;s remarkable new record, September Days.</p><p><br></p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Find out more about Mike:</p><p><br></p><p>https://mikedelevante.com/</p><p>https://mikedelevante.bandcamp.com/album/september-days</p><p>https://orcd.co/mdseptdays</p><p>https://instagram.com/michaeldelevante</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/@mikedelevante</p><p>Https://facebook.com/mikedelevante</p><p>https://bsky.app/profile/delevante.bsky.social</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p><br></p><p>00:01:52 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Mike Delevante to Pursuing the Muse.</p><p>00:02:05 - September Days new album released</p><p>00:02:58 - Early Musical Journey &amp; Songwriting</p><p>00:05:50 - Professional Deals &amp; Hiatus</p><p>00:07:03 - Solo Songwriting Emergence</p><p>00:08:18 - Brother&#39;s Support &amp; Sibling Dynamics</p><p>00:10:50 - Songwriting Floodgates Opening</p><p>00:12:30 - Personal Songwriting Process</p><p>00:14:22 - Album&#39;s Vulnerability &amp; Timeless Sound</p><p>00:16:32 - September Days Title &amp; Seasonal Themes</p><p>00:21:21 - &#34;Adeline&#34; Inspiration</p><p>00:22:38 - Music and Evoked Memories</p><p>00:25:40 - Meeting Garry Tallent</p><p>00:29:43 - Enduring Collaboration with Tallent</p><p>00:36:56 - Working with Producer Joe Pisapia</p><p>00:39:56 - Guitar Arrangements &amp; Recording Approach</p><p>00:41:49 - Vocal Recording &amp; Joe Pisapia&#39;s Encouragement</p><p>00:46:16 - Previous Mixing Deal &amp; Graphic Design Background</p><p>00:52:22 - &#34;The Rain Never Came&#34; Theme</p><p>00:56:16 - &#34;When You&#39;re Around&#34; Meaning &amp; Album Mood</p><p>01:00:10 - Emerging Hindsight Themes</p><p>01:03:26 - Songwriting Evolution During Recording</p><p>01:06:08 - Drummers &amp; Recording Techniques</p><p>01:11:19 - Confidence from Recording Process</p><p>01:14:50 - Record Label &amp; Guy Clark Foundation</p><p>01:17:33 - Album Availability</p><p>01:20:11 - New Jersey Roots &amp; High School Influence</p><p>01:25:56 - Social Media Presence</p><p>01:31:35 - Closing Remarks: new record length podcast episode</p><p><br></p><p>Pursuing the Muse theme song &#34;Neon Rails&#34; by Joel Corelitz</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;In this episode we&amp;#39;re fortunate to have Nashville musician Mike Delevante join us. His new album, September Days, is in contention for record of the year. It boasts a timeless quality with jangly 12 string electric guitars and it offers a deeply personal feel. Notably, this marks Mike&amp;#39;s first album of entirely self-written songs. It&amp;#39;s a significant solo debut after years of making music with his older brother in the Delevantes. Get ready to delve into the creative journey behind Mike&amp;#39;s remarkable new record, September Days.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Find out more about Mike:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://mikedelevante.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://mikedelevante.bandcamp.com/album/september-days&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://orcd.co/mdseptdays&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://instagram.com/michaeldelevante&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.youtube.com/@mikedelevante&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Https://facebook.com/mikedelevante&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://bsky.app/profile/delevante.bsky.social&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:01:52 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Mike Delevante to Pursuing the Muse.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:02:05 - September Days new album released&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:02:58 - Early Musical Journey &amp;amp; Songwriting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:05:50 - Professional Deals &amp;amp; Hiatus&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:07:03 - Solo Songwriting Emergence&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:08:18 - Brother&amp;#39;s Support &amp;amp; Sibling Dynamics&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:10:50 - Songwriting Floodgates Opening&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:12:30 - Personal Songwriting Process&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:14:22 - Album&amp;#39;s Vulnerability &amp;amp; Timeless Sound&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:16:32 - September Days Title &amp;amp; Seasonal Themes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:21:21 - &amp;#34;Adeline&amp;#34; Inspiration&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:22:38 - Music and Evoked Memories&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:25:40 - Meeting Garry Tallent&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:29:43 - Enduring Collaboration with Tallent&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:36:56 - Working with Producer Joe Pisapia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:39:56 - Guitar Arrangements &amp;amp; Recording Approach&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:41:49 - Vocal Recording &amp;amp; Joe Pisapia&amp;#39;s Encouragement&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:46:16 - Previous Mixing Deal &amp;amp; Graphic Design Background&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:52:22 - &amp;#34;The Rain Never Came&amp;#34; Theme&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:56:16 - &amp;#34;When You&amp;#39;re Around&amp;#34; Meaning &amp;amp; Album Mood&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:00:10 - Emerging Hindsight Themes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:03:26 - Songwriting Evolution During Recording&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:06:08 - Drummers &amp;amp; Recording Techniques&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:11:19 - Confidence from Recording Process&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:14:50 - Record Label &amp;amp; Guy Clark Foundation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:17:33 - Album Availability&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:20:11 - New Jersey Roots &amp;amp; High School Influence&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:25:56 - Social Media Presence&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:31:35 - Closing Remarks: new record length podcast episode&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Pursuing the Muse theme song &amp;#34;Neon Rails&amp;#34; by Joel Corelitz&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:00:09 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:duration>5544</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
                
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                <itunes:title>Eric Ambel</itunes:title>
                <title>Eric Ambel</title>

                <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Eric Ambel on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode, host Tom Compton talks with Eric Ambel, who truly embodies the word versatile in his work as a musician, producer, and even venue owner at one point. Eric says his many musical roles enhance each other. With a career spanning decades, Eric Ambel was a founding member of iconic bands like Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Del Lords and the Yayhoos. 25 years ago, Eric co-founded Cowboy Technical Services, a recording studio which has flourished, finding him to be highly sought after for his production skills. In this episode, we delve into his deep insights as a wearer of many hats. We&#39;ll discuss the creative process behind songs like Judas Kiss, his current work with Sarah Borges, and much, much more.</p><p><br></p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Find out more about Eric Ambel:</p><p>https://www.ericambel.com</p><p>https://www.cowboytechnicalservices.com</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/the_ericambel</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/roscoenyc</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/@roscoenyc</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p><br></p><p>00:02:27 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Eric Ambel to Pursuing the Muse.</p><p>00:03:01 - Early Musical Journey &amp; Late Songwriting Realization</p><p>00:05:00 - The Synergy of Musical Roles</p><p>00:06:23 - Midwest Rock Scene in the 70s</p><p>00:07:48 - From Small Town to Musical Path</p><p>00:08:49 - Pioneering Cowpunk in Wyoming</p><p>00:09:57 - From Laramie to Los Angeles</p><p>00:11:31 - Band Name Evolution</p><p>00:12:07 - Hollywood Club Circuit</p><p>00:12:48 - Joining Joan Jett &amp; the Blackhearts</p><p>00:16:41 - Post-Jett Transition &amp; Move to NYC</p><p>00:19:23 - The Genesis of The Del-Lords</p><p>00:21:28 - The Del Lords&#39; Four-Frontman Vision</p><p>00:23:13 - Songwriting Dynamics &amp; Credits</p><p>00:24:54 - Personal Songwriting &amp; Home Recording</p><p>00:25:00 - Producing Career &amp; Cowboy Technical Services</p><p>00:27:16 - The Evolution of &#34;Judas Kiss&#34;</p><p>00:30:10 - The Del Lords&#39; Initial Split</p><p>00:31:33 - Joining Steve Earle&#39;s Dukes</p><p>00:38:38 - Steve Earle&#39;s Unique Songwriting &amp; Recording Approach</p><p>00:35:50 - Songwriting Insights from Steve Earle</p><p>00:39:47 - The Formation of The Yayhoos</p><p>00:43:05 - Recording &#34;Fear Not the Obvious&#34; &amp; Vinyl Release</p><p>00:45:20 - &#34;Baby, I Love You&#34; &amp; &#34;Slither&#34; Placement</p><p>00:49:37 - Producer&#39;s Niche &amp; Collaborations</p><p>00:50:52 - Songwriting with Sarah Borges</p><p>00:54:57 - Sarah Borges&#39; Fearless Songwriting</p><p>00:57:50 - &#34;Here Come My Love&#34; from the Lakeside Album</p><p>00:59:59 - The Del Lords Reunion &amp; Producing &#34;Elvis Club&#34;</p><p>01:03:39 - The Unfinished Del Lords Record</p><p>01:05:01 - Upcoming Production Projects</p><p>01:06:46 - Audio Movers &amp; Remote Mixing Innovation</p><p>01:10:55 - &#34;Song Guys&#34; &amp; Production Philosophy</p><p>01:13:54 - Where to Connect with Eric Ambel: Eric can be found at ericambel.com, Cowboy Technical&#39;s website (cowboytechnicalservices.com), and on Instagram (@the_ericambel) for updates, including &#34;cat pictures and food pictures and, guitar pictures&#34;.</p><p>01:15:14 - Nostalgic Return to Fontana &amp; Lake Geneva</p><p>01:16:23 - Fond Memories of Fontana</p><p>01:16:52 - Closing Remarks</p><p><br></p><p>Pursuing the Muse theme song &#34;Neon Rails&#34; by Joel Corelitz</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, host Tom Compton talks with Eric Ambel, who truly embodies the word versatile in his work as a musician, producer, and even venue owner at one point. Eric says his many musical roles enhance each other. With a career spanning decades, Eric Ambel was a founding member of iconic bands like Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Del Lords and the Yayhoos. 25 years ago, Eric co-founded Cowboy Technical Services, a recording studio which has flourished, finding him to be highly sought after for his production skills. In this episode, we delve into his deep insights as a wearer of many hats. We&amp;#39;ll discuss the creative process behind songs like Judas Kiss, his current work with Sarah Borges, and much, much more.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Find out more about Eric Ambel:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.ericambel.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.cowboytechnicalservices.com&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.instagram.com/the_ericambel&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.facebook.com/roscoenyc&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.youtube.com/@roscoenyc&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;----------------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:02:27 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Eric Ambel to Pursuing the Muse.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:03:01 - Early Musical Journey &amp;amp; Late Songwriting Realization&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:05:00 - The Synergy of Musical Roles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:06:23 - Midwest Rock Scene in the 70s&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:07:48 - From Small Town to Musical Path&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:08:49 - Pioneering Cowpunk in Wyoming&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:09:57 - From Laramie to Los Angeles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:11:31 - Band Name Evolution&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:12:07 - Hollywood Club Circuit&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:12:48 - Joining Joan Jett &amp;amp; the Blackhearts&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:16:41 - Post-Jett Transition &amp;amp; Move to NYC&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:19:23 - The Genesis of The Del-Lords&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:21:28 - The Del Lords&amp;#39; Four-Frontman Vision&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:23:13 - Songwriting Dynamics &amp;amp; Credits&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:24:54 - Personal Songwriting &amp;amp; Home Recording&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:25:00 - Producing Career &amp;amp; Cowboy Technical Services&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:27:16 - The Evolution of &amp;#34;Judas Kiss&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:30:10 - The Del Lords&amp;#39; Initial Split&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:31:33 - Joining Steve Earle&amp;#39;s Dukes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:38:38 - Steve Earle&amp;#39;s Unique Songwriting &amp;amp; Recording Approach&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:35:50 - Songwriting Insights from Steve Earle&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:39:47 - The Formation of The Yayhoos&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:43:05 - Recording &amp;#34;Fear Not the Obvious&amp;#34; &amp;amp; Vinyl Release&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:45:20 - &amp;#34;Baby, I Love You&amp;#34; &amp;amp; &amp;#34;Slither&amp;#34; Placement&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:49:37 - Producer&amp;#39;s Niche &amp;amp; Collaborations&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:50:52 - Songwriting with Sarah Borges&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:54:57 - Sarah Borges&amp;#39; Fearless Songwriting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:57:50 - &amp;#34;Here Come My Love&amp;#34; from the Lakeside Album&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:59:59 - The Del Lords Reunion &amp;amp; Producing &amp;#34;Elvis Club&amp;#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:03:39 - The Unfinished Del Lords Record&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:05:01 - Upcoming Production Projects&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:06:46 - Audio Movers &amp;amp; Remote Mixing Innovation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:10:55 - &amp;#34;Song Guys&amp;#34; &amp;amp; Production Philosophy&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:13:54 - Where to Connect with Eric Ambel: Eric can be found at ericambel.com, Cowboy Technical&amp;#39;s website (cowboytechnicalservices.com), and on Instagram (@the_ericambel) for updates, including &amp;#34;cat pictures and food pictures and, guitar pictures&amp;#34;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:15:14 - Nostalgic Return to Fontana &amp;amp; Lake Geneva&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:16:23 - Fond Memories of Fontana&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:16:52 - Closing Remarks&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Pursuing the Muse theme song &amp;#34;Neon Rails&amp;#34; by Joel Corelitz&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:00:20 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/6/22/22/75314781-565e-4fb3-9d17-abcbb4aa8a37_tom-muse-1.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>4662</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
                
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                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Jon Muq</itunes:title>
                <title>Jon Muq</title>

                <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Jon Muq on Pursuing the Muse</itunes:subtitle>
                
                <description><![CDATA[<p><span>Pursuing the Muse is back for season 3! In this episode, host Tom Compton sits down with singer-songwriter Jon Muq, whose debut album, Flying Away, was widely acclaimed. On Jon&#39;s journey from Uganda to Texas, Jon learned to craft vital, joyful songs that are very much needed in our world today. The discussion explores his new single &#34;Hear My Voice&#34; and the creation of his album, produced by Dan Auerbach. Jon shares profound insights into his optimistic worldview and unique approach to challenges, which fuels the celebration present in his music. He also talks about plans for a second album, as well as upcoming tours. Tune in to explore Jon Muq&#39;s captivating story and discover the soul behind his inspiring sound.</span></p><p>Find out more about Jon Muq:</p><p>https://jonmuq.com/</p><p>https://jonmuq.bandcamp.com/</p><p>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCONhA-kQkZF1jtViuhHMZbw</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/jonmuq/</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/Jonmuq/</p><p>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>00:01:41 Introduction by Tom Compton, welcoming Jon Muq.</p><p>•</p><p>00:02:19 Tom praises Jon Muq&#39;s album &#34;Flying Away&#34; as his favorite of 2024 and highlights his &#34;happy songs&#34;.</p><p>•</p><p>00:02:40 Jon&#39;s origins in Uganda, East Africa, currently in Austin, Texas.</p><p>•</p><p>00:03:12 Discussion of when Jon started writing songs, beginning at age 15.</p><p>•</p><p>00:03:38 Story of writing his first English song from a love letter for a friend.</p><p>•</p><p>00:04:46 Jon&#39;s journey to Austin, starting with singing for homeless children in Kampala.</p><p>•</p><p>00:05:46 Video of him singing online leads to connection with Norwegian Cruise Line.</p><p>•</p><p>00:06:48 Passengers provided song recommendations, helping him build his list.</p><p>•</p><p>00:08:08 After the cruise, opportunity arises at a refugee home in Austin.</p><p>•</p><p>00:09:41 Initially, Jon had fear about writing his own English songs</p><p>•</p><p>00:10:14 The couple he lived with inspired him to gain confidence and write more songs, leading to about 50 songs.</p><p>•</p><p>00:11:09 Jon&#39;s songwriting process</p><p>•</p><p>00:12:32 Discussion of his album &#34;Flying Away&#34; and its one-year anniversary.</p><p>•</p><p>00:12:48 How Dan Auerbach discovered Jon.</p><p>•</p><p>00:15:07 The album&#39;s recording process</p><p>•</p><p>00:15:54 Writing &#34;Hello Sunshine&#34; inspiration</p><p>•</p><p>00:17:41 Jon sometimes loses song ideas if he doesn&#39;t capture them quickly</p><p>•</p><p>00:19:15 The vibrancy of his songs&#39; source.</p><p>•</p><p>00:19:15 Jon plans a second album</p><p>•</p><p>00:20:28 His new single &#34;Hear My Voice&#34;.</p><p>•</p><p>00:23:03 The song&#39;s original title</p><p>•</p><p>00:24:08 &#34;Flying Away&#34; features one cover.</p><p>•</p><p>00:25:35 The recording studio vibe</p><p>•</p><p>00:26:05 Upcoming tours.</p><p>•</p><p>00:27:34 &#34;Run Away&#34; discussion.</p><p>•</p><p>00:29:21 Jon&#39;s family.</p><p>•</p><p>00:31:12 &#34;Shake Shake&#34; discussion.</p><p>•</p><p>00:33:57 How Jon prefers to record albums.</p><p>•</p><p>00:34:25 Audience response conversation.</p><p>•</p><p>00:36:49 Jon discusses his song &#34;Butterflies,&#34; written five years ago.</p><p>•</p><p>00:39:34 When Jon thinks in his native language.</p><p>•</p><p>00:40:55 Jon finds talks musical inspirations.</p><p>•</p><p>00:43:56 processing American cultural differences.</p><p>•</p><p>00:46:08 What songwriting is about for Jon.</p><p>•</p><p>00:47:42 Jon&#39;s approach to situations</p><p>•</p><p>00:49:14 What Jon&#39;s songs capture and communicate.</p><p>•</p><p>00:50:19 Jon&#39;s parting advice</p><p>•</p><p>00:50:50 Final farewells.</p><p><br></p><p>Pursuing the Muse theme song: &#34;Neon Rails&#34; by Joel Corelitz</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Pursuing the Muse is back for season 3! In this episode, host Tom Compton sits down with singer-songwriter Jon Muq, whose debut album, Flying Away, was widely acclaimed. On Jon&amp;#39;s journey from Uganda to Texas, Jon learned to craft vital, joyful songs that are very much needed in our world today. The discussion explores his new single &amp;#34;Hear My Voice&amp;#34; and the creation of his album, produced by Dan Auerbach. Jon shares profound insights into his optimistic worldview and unique approach to challenges, which fuels the celebration present in his music. He also talks about plans for a second album, as well as upcoming tours. Tune in to explore Jon Muq&amp;#39;s captivating story and discover the soul behind his inspiring sound.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Find out more about Jon Muq:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://jonmuq.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://jonmuq.bandcamp.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCONhA-kQkZF1jtViuhHMZbw&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.instagram.com/jonmuq/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;https://www.facebook.com/Jonmuq/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:01:41 Introduction by Tom Compton, welcoming Jon Muq.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:02:19 Tom praises Jon Muq&amp;#39;s album &amp;#34;Flying Away&amp;#34; as his favorite of 2024 and highlights his &amp;#34;happy songs&amp;#34;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:02:40 Jon&amp;#39;s origins in Uganda, East Africa, currently in Austin, Texas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:03:12 Discussion of when Jon started writing songs, beginning at age 15.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:03:38 Story of writing his first English song from a love letter for a friend.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:04:46 Jon&amp;#39;s journey to Austin, starting with singing for homeless children in Kampala.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:05:46 Video of him singing online leads to connection with Norwegian Cruise Line.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:06:48 Passengers provided song recommendations, helping him build his list.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:08:08 After the cruise, opportunity arises at a refugee home in Austin.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:09:41 Initially, Jon had fear about writing his own English songs&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:10:14 The couple he lived with inspired him to gain confidence and write more songs, leading to about 50 songs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:11:09 Jon&amp;#39;s songwriting process&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:12:32 Discussion of his album &amp;#34;Flying Away&amp;#34; and its one-year anniversary.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:12:48 How Dan Auerbach discovered Jon.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:15:07 The album&amp;#39;s recording process&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:15:54 Writing &amp;#34;Hello Sunshine&amp;#34; inspiration&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:17:41 Jon sometimes loses song ideas if he doesn&amp;#39;t capture them quickly&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:19:15 The vibrancy of his songs&amp;#39; source.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:19:15 Jon plans a second album&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:20:28 His new single &amp;#34;Hear My Voice&amp;#34;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:23:03 The song&amp;#39;s original title&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:24:08 &amp;#34;Flying Away&amp;#34; features one cover.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:25:35 The recording studio vibe&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:26:05 Upcoming tours.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:27:34 &amp;#34;Run Away&amp;#34; discussion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:29:21 Jon&amp;#39;s family.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:31:12 &amp;#34;Shake Shake&amp;#34; discussion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:33:57 How Jon prefers to record albums.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:34:25 Audience response conversation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:36:49 Jon discusses his song &amp;#34;Butterflies,&amp;#34; written five years ago.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:39:34 When Jon thinks in his native language.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:40:55 Jon finds talks musical inspirations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:43:56 processing American cultural differences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:46:08 What songwriting is about for Jon.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:47:42 Jon&amp;#39;s approach to situations&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:49:14 What Jon&amp;#39;s songs capture and communicate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:50:19 Jon&amp;#39;s parting advice&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;•&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:50:50 Final farewells.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Pursuing the Muse theme song: &amp;#34;Neon Rails&amp;#34; by Joel Corelitz&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://rehydraters.substack.com/</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2025 10:00:00 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/6/16/21/bfb60e7e-1331-4fb9-9f6d-010aad2ee514_tom-muse-1.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>3070</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Season Three Coming Soon</itunes:title>
                <title>Season Three Coming Soon</title>

                
                <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:subtitle>Back in the Saddle Again</itunes:subtitle>
                <itunes:summary>Season 3 announcement</itunes:summary>
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Announcement that Pursuing the Muse returns for season 3 starting on June 17th</p>]]></description>
                <content:encoded>&lt;p&gt;Announcement that Pursuing the Muse returns for season 3 starting on June 17th&lt;/p&gt;</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://podcastle.ai/show/pursuing-the-muse-9FF4</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jun 2025 01:12:00 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/6/13/0/4baba30f-33dd-4ed0-bfbf-35c3f80e87aa_tom-muse-1.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>26</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Nancy Abrams</itunes:title>
                <title>Nancy Abrams</title>

                <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:summary>Nancy Abrams joins Pursuing the Muse this week to discuss the original music that she releases on her Substack, the Philosophical Cabaret.  After a career in philosophy, law and as an author, she is devoting time to sharing her music in a cabaret format, to provoke and to invite discussion.  Nancy shares great insights from her breadth of experience, on how she writes and the importance of music itself as a means of sharing art as a gift to the world.

Learn more about Nancy and follow her Substack at...
https://nancyellenabrams.substack.com/

</itunes:summary>
                <description><![CDATA[Nancy Abrams joins Pursuing the Muse this week to discuss the original music that she releases on her Substack, the Philosophical Cabaret.  After a career in philosophy, law and as an author, she is devoting time to sharing her music in a cabaret format, to provoke and to invite discussion.  Nancy shares great insights from her breadth of experience, on how she writes and the importance of music itself as a means of sharing art as a gift to the world.

Learn more about Nancy and follow her Substack at...
https://nancyellenabrams.substack.com/

]]></description>
                <content:encoded>Nancy Abrams joins Pursuing the Muse this week to discuss the original music that she releases on her Substack, the Philosophical Cabaret.  After a career in philosophy, law and as an author, she is devoting time to sharing her music in a cabaret format, to provoke and to invite discussion.  Nancy shares great insights from her breadth of experience, on how she writes and the importance of music itself as a means of sharing art as a gift to the world.

Learn more about Nancy and follow her Substack at...
https://nancyellenabrams.substack.com/

</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://podcastle.ai/show/pursuing-the-muse-9FF4</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 2024 10:00:00 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/6/12/2/8e0fc029-3907-4079-9503-67379faa20aa_dnUK-tom-muse-1-jpg.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>3066</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Scott Low</itunes:title>
                <title>Scott Low</title>

                <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:summary>Scott Low comes on the podcast this week and talks about his take on songwriting.  Scott, a true scholar of music, takes a deep dive on not just how he has evolved with various genres of music over the decades, but he also goes into how popular music has evolved over the last century.  

He is an avid fisherman and also has insights how songwriting and fishing have many similarities.   He talks about how experience hones the songwriter.  As Scott says at one point, &#34;in order to convey feeling to the audience, you have to go through the sh*t&#34;

Scott has a new album out in 2024, &#34;The Appalachian Blues&#34; full of his original blues songs beautifully executed with slide on the resonator.   It&#39;s raw emotion from the heart.

Enjoy this one and check out Scott at these places...
https://www.instagram.com/scottlowsongs/
https://scottlow.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.tiktok.com/@scottlowsongs</itunes:summary>
                <description><![CDATA[Scott Low comes on the podcast this week and talks about his take on songwriting.  Scott, a true scholar of music, takes a deep dive on not just how he has evolved with various genres of music over the decades, but he also goes into how popular music has evolved over the last century.  

He is an avid fisherman and also has insights how songwriting and fishing have many similarities.   He talks about how experience hones the songwriter.  As Scott says at one point, &#34;in order to convey feeling to the audience, you have to go through the sh*t&#34;

Scott has a new album out in 2024, &#34;The Appalachian Blues&#34; full of his original blues songs beautifully executed with slide on the resonator.   It&#39;s raw emotion from the heart.

Enjoy this one and check out Scott at these places...
https://www.instagram.com/scottlowsongs/
https://scottlow.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.tiktok.com/@scottlowsongs]]></description>
                <content:encoded>Scott Low comes on the podcast this week and talks about his take on songwriting.  Scott, a true scholar of music, takes a deep dive on not just how he has evolved with various genres of music over the decades, but he also goes into how popular music has evolved over the last century.  

He is an avid fisherman and also has insights how songwriting and fishing have many similarities.   He talks about how experience hones the songwriter.  As Scott says at one point, &amp;#34;in order to convey feeling to the audience, you have to go through the sh*t&amp;#34;

Scott has a new album out in 2024, &amp;#34;The Appalachian Blues&amp;#34; full of his original blues songs beautifully executed with slide on the resonator.   It&amp;#39;s raw emotion from the heart.

Enjoy this one and check out Scott at these places...
https://www.instagram.com/scottlowsongs/
https://scottlow.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.tiktok.com/@scottlowsongs</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://podcastle.ai/show/pursuing-the-muse-9FF4</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 25 Jun 2024 10:00:00 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/6/12/2/3cc94e66-39fa-4cb1-92b9-ec45603e7fd5_TxgJ-tom-muse-1-jpg.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>3922</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Mike Felten</itunes:title>
                <title>Mike Felten</title>

                <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:summary>Mike Felten joins Pursuing the Muse to talk about his long career playing the Chicago music scene, playing his original brand of rock and roll with a folk and blues twist.  He talks about starting out writing songs in his bedroom and growing from there.  All while owning and operating multiple locations of Record Emporium in Chicago and Michigan. 

Learn more about Mike at his official website...
https://mikefelten.com</itunes:summary>
                <description><![CDATA[Mike Felten joins Pursuing the Muse to talk about his long career playing the Chicago music scene, playing his original brand of rock and roll with a folk and blues twist.  He talks about starting out writing songs in his bedroom and growing from there.  All while owning and operating multiple locations of Record Emporium in Chicago and Michigan. 

Learn more about Mike at his official website...
https://mikefelten.com]]></description>
                <content:encoded>Mike Felten joins Pursuing the Muse to talk about his long career playing the Chicago music scene, playing his original brand of rock and roll with a folk and blues twist.  He talks about starting out writing songs in his bedroom and growing from there.  All while owning and operating multiple locations of Record Emporium in Chicago and Michigan. 

Learn more about Mike at his official website...
https://mikefelten.com</content:encoded>
                
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                <link>https://podcastle.ai/show/pursuing-the-muse-9FF4</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:00:00 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/6/12/2/102feea6-0d9b-41bc-adac-d92ef321e97d_OSov-tom-muse-1-jpg.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>3115</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Alice Peacock</itunes:title>
                <title>Alice Peacock</title>

                <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:summary>Alice Peacock joins the show this week to talk about her career as a singer songwriter, how her creative process works and gives an update on what&#39;s coming down the pike.  Alice has a joyous enthusiasm that is contagious.  She has an amazing talent for writing songs that are smart, catchy and authentically vulnerable. 

Learn more about Alice at...
https://www.alicepeacock.com/
https://www.instagram.com/alicepeacockmusic
</itunes:summary>
                <description><![CDATA[Alice Peacock joins the show this week to talk about her career as a singer songwriter, how her creative process works and gives an update on what&#39;s coming down the pike.  Alice has a joyous enthusiasm that is contagious.  She has an amazing talent for writing songs that are smart, catchy and authentically vulnerable. 

Learn more about Alice at...
https://www.alicepeacock.com/
https://www.instagram.com/alicepeacockmusic
]]></description>
                <content:encoded>Alice Peacock joins the show this week to talk about her career as a singer songwriter, how her creative process works and gives an update on what&amp;#39;s coming down the pike.  Alice has a joyous enthusiasm that is contagious.  She has an amazing talent for writing songs that are smart, catchy and authentically vulnerable. 

Learn more about Alice at...
https://www.alicepeacock.com/
https://www.instagram.com/alicepeacockmusic
</content:encoded>
                
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">e579f94b-a749-4c53-966d-8e84a01d3ffd</guid>
                <link>https://podcastle.ai/show/pursuing-the-muse-9FF4</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2024 10:00:00 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/6/12/2/20ebfbbb-c2a9-450d-9a42-72062342f568_kARR-tom-muse-1-jpg.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>3052</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Joel Corelitz</itunes:title>
                <title>Joel Corelitz</title>

                <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:summary>Joel Corelitz joins the show this week.  Joel is a composer and sound designer who has worked in the video game industry for over a decade.  He has composed for major franchises like Halo and Mortal Kombat, in addition to voluminous indie game projects.  Out of college Joel worked on commercials, as well as, installations for live events alongside prestigious firms such as Leviathan.  Joel also works as an adjunct professor at Columbia College teaching courses about composing for video games.

Joel has been a part of every episode of the podcast as he is the composer of the shows theme, a piece called Neon Rails.

Learn more about Joel at...
https://joelcorelitz.com
https://joelcorelitz.bandcamp.com/</itunes:summary>
                <description><![CDATA[Joel Corelitz joins the show this week.  Joel is a composer and sound designer who has worked in the video game industry for over a decade.  He has composed for major franchises like Halo and Mortal Kombat, in addition to voluminous indie game projects.  Out of college Joel worked on commercials, as well as, installations for live events alongside prestigious firms such as Leviathan.  Joel also works as an adjunct professor at Columbia College teaching courses about composing for video games.

Joel has been a part of every episode of the podcast as he is the composer of the shows theme, a piece called Neon Rails.

Learn more about Joel at...
https://joelcorelitz.com
https://joelcorelitz.bandcamp.com/]]></description>
                <content:encoded>Joel Corelitz joins the show this week.  Joel is a composer and sound designer who has worked in the video game industry for over a decade.  He has composed for major franchises like Halo and Mortal Kombat, in addition to voluminous indie game projects.  Out of college Joel worked on commercials, as well as, installations for live events alongside prestigious firms such as Leviathan.  Joel also works as an adjunct professor at Columbia College teaching courses about composing for video games.

Joel has been a part of every episode of the podcast as he is the composer of the shows theme, a piece called Neon Rails.

Learn more about Joel at...
https://joelcorelitz.com
https://joelcorelitz.bandcamp.com/</content:encoded>
                
                <enclosure length="57280888" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://audio4.redcircle.com/episodes/84bef7fb-d123-4345-88c5-1f33319edad9/stream.mp3"/>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="false">f745fb63-2f84-4efa-86f7-fe2269c25a3d</guid>
                <link>https://podcastle.ai/show/pursuing-the-muse-9FF4</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 04 Jun 2024 10:00:00 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/6/12/2/cb3818f5-b0f7-437b-8585-f44ffaa07f71_fvzt-tom-muse-1-jpg.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>3580</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Jon Nolan</itunes:title>
                <title>Jon Nolan</title>

                <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:summary>Jon Nolan, one of the co-frontmen of Say Zuzu, is here to kick off season two of Pursuing the Muse.  Jon saw Say Zuzu rise on the 90&#39;s  alt rock/country scene.  In 2003 the band broke up and went their separate ways.  Jon put out a few records as a solo artist.  In 2019 New West Records approached the band about getting back together.  And they did to great results with one of the best albums os 2023, &#34;No Time To Lose&#34;.  Jon gives amazing insights to the process of creating songs and I can&#39;t think of a better discussion to begin season two.

Check out Jon Nolan at...
https://jonnolan.net/
https://jonnolan.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jonnolannh/
https://jonnolannh.substack.com/
https://www.sayzuzu.com/
https://sayzuzu.bandcamp.com/music</itunes:summary>
                <description><![CDATA[Jon Nolan, one of the co-frontmen of Say Zuzu, is here to kick off season two of Pursuing the Muse.  Jon saw Say Zuzu rise on the 90&#39;s  alt rock/country scene.  In 2003 the band broke up and went their separate ways.  Jon put out a few records as a solo artist.  In 2019 New West Records approached the band about getting back together.  And they did to great results with one of the best albums os 2023, &#34;No Time To Lose&#34;.  Jon gives amazing insights to the process of creating songs and I can&#39;t think of a better discussion to begin season two.

Check out Jon Nolan at...
https://jonnolan.net/
https://jonnolan.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jonnolannh/
https://jonnolannh.substack.com/
https://www.sayzuzu.com/
https://sayzuzu.bandcamp.com/music]]></description>
                <content:encoded>Jon Nolan, one of the co-frontmen of Say Zuzu, is here to kick off season two of Pursuing the Muse.  Jon saw Say Zuzu rise on the 90&amp;#39;s  alt rock/country scene.  In 2003 the band broke up and went their separate ways.  Jon put out a few records as a solo artist.  In 2019 New West Records approached the band about getting back together.  And they did to great results with one of the best albums os 2023, &amp;#34;No Time To Lose&amp;#34;.  Jon gives amazing insights to the process of creating songs and I can&amp;#39;t think of a better discussion to begin season two.

Check out Jon Nolan at...
https://jonnolan.net/
https://jonnolan.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jonnolannh/
https://jonnolannh.substack.com/
https://www.sayzuzu.com/
https://sayzuzu.bandcamp.com/music</content:encoded>
                
                <enclosure length="55861498" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://audio4.redcircle.com/episodes/743ff523-c550-4d17-b842-2dbd4d6087aa/stream.mp3"/>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="false">5754b463-2946-4aa4-a9a5-f92d985f6646</guid>
                <link>https://podcastle.ai/show/pursuing-the-muse-9FF4</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 28 May 2024 10:00:00 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/6/12/2/bab916f5-9dd8-41e8-890e-5191d4d78bee_vQac-tom-muse-1-jpg.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>3491</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Season Wrap and Terry Anderson reprise</itunes:title>
                <title>Season Wrap and Terry Anderson reprise</title>

                <itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:summary>We&#39;ve made it to the end of season one of Pursuing the Muse.  I invited Terry Anderson back on to help wrap things up.  The timing was great because Terry has a new record out now, Got to Be Strong!  It&#39;s so good!  Get it at the Bandcamp link below.

This season has been a treat for me with all the insights I&#39;ve gained from some of the best songwriters out there today.  And I encourage you, the listener, to do your own song creation if you have even the slightest inkling., the tiniest song idea in your head.  We are all here to honor the creative impulses inside.  

One day maybe I&#39;ll be interviewing you on Pursuing the Muse!

Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass Kickin&#39; Team Bandcamp
https://terryandersonandtheolympicasskickinteam.bandcamp.com/

Buy Got To Be Strong!

Thank you to all this season&#39;s guests, Andrew Bryant, Jon Danforth, Steve Dawson, Terry Anderson, Nathan Graham and Nick Dittmeier.

The Pursuing the Muse theme song is &#34;Iron Rails&#34; by Joel Corelitz

Thanks, Joel!</itunes:summary>
                <description><![CDATA[We&#39;ve made it to the end of season one of Pursuing the Muse.  I invited Terry Anderson back on to help wrap things up.  The timing was great because Terry has a new record out now, Got to Be Strong!  It&#39;s so good!  Get it at the Bandcamp link below.

This season has been a treat for me with all the insights I&#39;ve gained from some of the best songwriters out there today.  And I encourage you, the listener, to do your own song creation if you have even the slightest inkling., the tiniest song idea in your head.  We are all here to honor the creative impulses inside.  

One day maybe I&#39;ll be interviewing you on Pursuing the Muse!

Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass Kickin&#39; Team Bandcamp
https://terryandersonandtheolympicasskickinteam.bandcamp.com/

Buy Got To Be Strong!

Thank you to all this season&#39;s guests, Andrew Bryant, Jon Danforth, Steve Dawson, Terry Anderson, Nathan Graham and Nick Dittmeier.

The Pursuing the Muse theme song is &#34;Iron Rails&#34; by Joel Corelitz

Thanks, Joel!]]></description>
                <content:encoded>We&amp;#39;ve made it to the end of season one of Pursuing the Muse.  I invited Terry Anderson back on to help wrap things up.  The timing was great because Terry has a new record out now, Got to Be Strong!  It&amp;#39;s so good!  Get it at the Bandcamp link below.

This season has been a treat for me with all the insights I&amp;#39;ve gained from some of the best songwriters out there today.  And I encourage you, the listener, to do your own song creation if you have even the slightest inkling., the tiniest song idea in your head.  We are all here to honor the creative impulses inside.  

One day maybe I&amp;#39;ll be interviewing you on Pursuing the Muse!

Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass Kickin&amp;#39; Team Bandcamp
https://terryandersonandtheolympicasskickinteam.bandcamp.com/

Buy Got To Be Strong!

Thank you to all this season&amp;#39;s guests, Andrew Bryant, Jon Danforth, Steve Dawson, Terry Anderson, Nathan Graham and Nick Dittmeier.

The Pursuing the Muse theme song is &amp;#34;Iron Rails&amp;#34; by Joel Corelitz

Thanks, Joel!</content:encoded>
                
                <enclosure length="32872907" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://audio4.redcircle.com/episodes/acc5fd4e-dc60-46a5-92cb-ed63b44008a9/stream.mp3"/>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="false">5f6ef140-b05d-493d-b1e2-3f002e3da362</guid>
                <link>https://podcastle.ai/show/pursuing-the-muse-9FF4</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2024 20:15:31 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/6/12/2/4e9ef4a4-5d65-4505-a55f-b4a56879fd7c_snlY-tom-muse-1-jpg.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>2054</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Nick Dittmeier</itunes:title>
                <title>Nick Dittmeier</title>

                <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:summary>Nick Dittmeier joins the show to talk about his most recent records, how he got started writing songs, and what lies ahead without a 5 year plan.  6 months at best.  

Check out Nick at:
https://nickdittmeier.com/
https://nickdittmeier.bandcamp.com/merch</itunes:summary>
                <description><![CDATA[Nick Dittmeier joins the show to talk about his most recent records, how he got started writing songs, and what lies ahead without a 5 year plan.  6 months at best.  

Check out Nick at:
https://nickdittmeier.com/
https://nickdittmeier.bandcamp.com/merch]]></description>
                <content:encoded>Nick Dittmeier joins the show to talk about his most recent records, how he got started writing songs, and what lies ahead without a 5 year plan.  6 months at best.  

Check out Nick at:
https://nickdittmeier.com/
https://nickdittmeier.bandcamp.com/merch</content:encoded>
                
                <enclosure length="36442697" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://audio4.redcircle.com/episodes/6dfd5bf3-47af-46f6-8d2d-4f0632174e4d/stream.mp3"/>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="false">f39dd3e3-0159-48bc-b818-ac928fe919ce</guid>
                <link>https://podcastle.ai/show/pursuing-the-muse-9FF4</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2024 11:00:00 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/6/12/2/7af9b450-dc34-425f-a5bf-9a8ecadfaa50_FIhu-tom-muse-1-jpg.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>2277</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Nathan Graham</itunes:title>
                <title>Nathan Graham</title>

                <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:summary>Nathan Graham joins me on this episode of Pursuing the Muse.  We talk about his fantastic new album &#34;Saint of Second Chances&#34;.  We delve into the story arc the record has.  We discuss Nathan&#39;s range of influences including being influenced by movies.  Nathan also reveals just how many voice memos he has on his phone.

Check out Nathan here:
https://www.nathangrahammusic.com/
https://nathangraham.bandcamp.com/

Pursuing the Muse theme is &#34;Iron Rails&#34; by Joel Corelitz</itunes:summary>
                <description><![CDATA[Nathan Graham joins me on this episode of Pursuing the Muse.  We talk about his fantastic new album &#34;Saint of Second Chances&#34;.  We delve into the story arc the record has.  We discuss Nathan&#39;s range of influences including being influenced by movies.  Nathan also reveals just how many voice memos he has on his phone.

Check out Nathan here:
https://www.nathangrahammusic.com/
https://nathangraham.bandcamp.com/

Pursuing the Muse theme is &#34;Iron Rails&#34; by Joel Corelitz]]></description>
                <content:encoded>Nathan Graham joins me on this episode of Pursuing the Muse.  We talk about his fantastic new album &amp;#34;Saint of Second Chances&amp;#34;.  We delve into the story arc the record has.  We discuss Nathan&amp;#39;s range of influences including being influenced by movies.  Nathan also reveals just how many voice memos he has on his phone.

Check out Nathan here:
https://www.nathangrahammusic.com/
https://nathangraham.bandcamp.com/

Pursuing the Muse theme is &amp;#34;Iron Rails&amp;#34; by Joel Corelitz</content:encoded>
                
                <enclosure length="43955931" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://audio4.redcircle.com/episodes/7cf77495-0bcf-4eb6-9bd8-7c8f032bdbbe/stream.mp3"/>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="false">a23f72c4-e71b-46ed-a415-23cc89ea15e6</guid>
                <link>https://podcastle.ai/show/pursuing-the-muse-9FF4</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 27 Feb 2024 11:00:00 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/6/12/2/5d1b8959-dbeb-481c-94b6-f032e748884d_Sqip-tom-muse-1-jpg.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>2747</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Terry Anderson</itunes:title>
                <title>Terry Anderson</title>

                <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:summary>Terry Anderson is this week&#39;s guest on Pursuing the Muse.  Terry talks about how he got started from thwacking a belt on Muleskinner Blues as a boy to having top 40 hits that bring in royalty checks to this day.  We talk about how his weird instrument tunings inspire songs, as well as how thinks about music 23 hours a day.  The only thing Terry doesn&#39;t share is the name of the only box wine on the market that is good.  He doesn&#39;t want everyone running out and buying it up 

Check out Terry Anderson at:
https://terryandersonandtheolympicasskickinteam.bandcamp.com/
https://www.oakteam.me/

Pursuing the Muse theme song &#34;Iron Rails&#34; by Joel Corelitz.
</itunes:summary>
                <description><![CDATA[Terry Anderson is this week&#39;s guest on Pursuing the Muse.  Terry talks about how he got started from thwacking a belt on Muleskinner Blues as a boy to having top 40 hits that bring in royalty checks to this day.  We talk about how his weird instrument tunings inspire songs, as well as how thinks about music 23 hours a day.  The only thing Terry doesn&#39;t share is the name of the only box wine on the market that is good.  He doesn&#39;t want everyone running out and buying it up 

Check out Terry Anderson at:
https://terryandersonandtheolympicasskickinteam.bandcamp.com/
https://www.oakteam.me/

Pursuing the Muse theme song &#34;Iron Rails&#34; by Joel Corelitz.
]]></description>
                <content:encoded>Terry Anderson is this week&amp;#39;s guest on Pursuing the Muse.  Terry talks about how he got started from thwacking a belt on Muleskinner Blues as a boy to having top 40 hits that bring in royalty checks to this day.  We talk about how his weird instrument tunings inspire songs, as well as how thinks about music 23 hours a day.  The only thing Terry doesn&amp;#39;t share is the name of the only box wine on the market that is good.  He doesn&amp;#39;t want everyone running out and buying it up 

Check out Terry Anderson at:
https://terryandersonandtheolympicasskickinteam.bandcamp.com/
https://www.oakteam.me/

Pursuing the Muse theme song &amp;#34;Iron Rails&amp;#34; by Joel Corelitz.
</content:encoded>
                
                <enclosure length="46370063" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://audio4.redcircle.com/episodes/b1172899-d87f-485a-acd0-8c1575bab34d/stream.mp3"/>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="false">96e59957-3791-4f8f-bd48-3e6ef6b4f5ad</guid>
                <link>https://podcastle.ai/show/pursuing-the-muse-9FF4</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 20 Feb 2024 11:00:00 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/6/12/2/5799e430-91bf-422e-839d-02711bc1cd81_qcLt-tom-muse-1-jpg.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>2898</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Steve Dawson</itunes:title>
                <title>Steve Dawson</title>

                <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:summary>Steve Dawson is on this episode of &#34;Pursuing the Muse&#34;.  Steve talks about his career, his start writing songs, his experience teaching songwriting at the Old Town School of Folk Music, the songwriting book he co-authored &#34;Take It to the Bridge&#34;, and he steps through one of the songs off his most recent album, &#34;At the Bottom of a Canyon In the Branches of a Tree&#34;.  Steve has new music coming June 2024!

Check out Steve at
Official website: https://stevedawsonmusic.com/
Bandcamp: https://stevedawson.bandcamp.com/
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Take-Bridge-Unlocking-Great-Inside/dp/1622772113

Pursuing the Muse theme song is &#34;Iron Rails&#34; by Joel Corelitz.</itunes:summary>
                <description><![CDATA[Steve Dawson is on this episode of &#34;Pursuing the Muse&#34;.  Steve talks about his career, his start writing songs, his experience teaching songwriting at the Old Town School of Folk Music, the songwriting book he co-authored &#34;Take It to the Bridge&#34;, and he steps through one of the songs off his most recent album, &#34;At the Bottom of a Canyon In the Branches of a Tree&#34;.  Steve has new music coming June 2024!

Check out Steve at
Official website: https://stevedawsonmusic.com/
Bandcamp: https://stevedawson.bandcamp.com/
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Take-Bridge-Unlocking-Great-Inside/dp/1622772113

Pursuing the Muse theme song is &#34;Iron Rails&#34; by Joel Corelitz.]]></description>
                <content:encoded>Steve Dawson is on this episode of &amp;#34;Pursuing the Muse&amp;#34;.  Steve talks about his career, his start writing songs, his experience teaching songwriting at the Old Town School of Folk Music, the songwriting book he co-authored &amp;#34;Take It to the Bridge&amp;#34;, and he steps through one of the songs off his most recent album, &amp;#34;At the Bottom of a Canyon In the Branches of a Tree&amp;#34;.  Steve has new music coming June 2024!

Check out Steve at
Official website: https://stevedawsonmusic.com/
Bandcamp: https://stevedawson.bandcamp.com/
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Take-Bridge-Unlocking-Great-Inside/dp/1622772113

Pursuing the Muse theme song is &amp;#34;Iron Rails&amp;#34; by Joel Corelitz.</content:encoded>
                
                <enclosure length="53883297" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://audio4.redcircle.com/episodes/5bf38380-56be-4a6a-9c33-e09f43750e33/stream.mp3"/>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="false">60a4199f-132a-4fcf-a86b-82fd69b09833</guid>
                <link>https://podcastle.ai/show/pursuing-the-muse-9FF4</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 13 Feb 2024 11:00:00 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/6/12/2/119b8e85-b5af-49de-9846-f63e409755b6_cBRz-tom-muse-1-jpg.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>3367</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Jon Danforth</itunes:title>
                <title>Jon Danforth</title>

                <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:summary>Jon Danforth is here for episode 2 of Pursuing the Muse.  We talk about Jon&#39;s songwriting process, how he came to love country music, the impact music has on culture, the wacky direction AI is going in music, and a whole slew of other stuff.

Check out Jon&#39;s music at:
https://jondanforth.com
https://jondanforth.bandcamp.com/
Social media: @jonmdanforth

Pursuing the Muse theme song by Joel Corelitz, &#34;Neon Rails&#34;.</itunes:summary>
                <description><![CDATA[Jon Danforth is here for episode 2 of Pursuing the Muse.  We talk about Jon&#39;s songwriting process, how he came to love country music, the impact music has on culture, the wacky direction AI is going in music, and a whole slew of other stuff.

Check out Jon&#39;s music at:
https://jondanforth.com
https://jondanforth.bandcamp.com/
Social media: @jonmdanforth

Pursuing the Muse theme song by Joel Corelitz, &#34;Neon Rails&#34;.]]></description>
                <content:encoded>Jon Danforth is here for episode 2 of Pursuing the Muse.  We talk about Jon&amp;#39;s songwriting process, how he came to love country music, the impact music has on culture, the wacky direction AI is going in music, and a whole slew of other stuff.

Check out Jon&amp;#39;s music at:
https://jondanforth.com
https://jondanforth.bandcamp.com/
Social media: @jonmdanforth

Pursuing the Muse theme song by Joel Corelitz, &amp;#34;Neon Rails&amp;#34;.</content:encoded>
                
                <enclosure length="45119529" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://audio4.redcircle.com/episodes/5bdd2edf-3076-464b-9be6-069dcc4083f6/stream.mp3"/>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="false">53c404bd-727b-4bf0-97a2-77ce18324c1e</guid>
                <link>https://podcastle.ai/show/pursuing-the-muse-9FF4</link>
                <pubDate>Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:24:44 &#43;0000</pubDate>
                <itunes:image href="https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/6/12/2/959a4dc6-a582-455c-9af5-fb399be4ca24_btbC-tom-muse-1-jpg.jpg"/>
                <itunes:duration>2819</itunes:duration>
                
                
                <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                
            </item>
        
            <item>
                <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
                <itunes:title>Andrew Bryant</itunes:title>
                <title>Andrew Bryant</title>

                <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
                <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:summary>Welcome to season one of Pursuing the Muse a podcast about songwriting.  I&#39;ll be talking to musicians about what they do and how they do it with the craft of making songs. 

Today, from just outside the Mississippi delta, I&#39;m happy to bring you an interview with Andrew Bryant. He is a founding member of the Water Liars, as well as, an accomplished solo artist. His latest offering, &#34;Prodigal,&#34; is a homecoming of sorts, a return to the roots that nourished his music.  He explores the faith of where he grew up, the friends that have come and gone, along with how he was shaped into who he is now by the journey along the way. 

Pertinent Links:
https://andrewbryantmusic.com/
https://andrewbryant.bandcamp.com/

Keep up with the latest on Pursuing the Muse at Tom&#39;s blog
https://rehydraters.com/blog

Theme song by Joel Corelitz - &#34;Neon Rails&#34;</itunes:summary>
                <description><![CDATA[Welcome to season one of Pursuing the Muse a podcast about songwriting.  I&#39;ll be talking to musicians about what they do and how they do it with the craft of making songs. 

Today, from just outside the Mississippi delta, I&#39;m happy to bring you an interview with Andrew Bryant. He is a founding member of the Water Liars, as well as, an accomplished solo artist. His latest offering, &#34;Prodigal,&#34; is a homecoming of sorts, a return to the roots that nourished his music.  He explores the faith of where he grew up, the friends that have come and gone, along with how he was shaped into who he is now by the journey along the way. 

Pertinent Links:
https://andrewbryantmusic.com/
https://andrewbryant.bandcamp.com/

Keep up with the latest on Pursuing the Muse at Tom&#39;s blog
https://rehydraters.com/blog

Theme song by Joel Corelitz - &#34;Neon Rails&#34;]]></description>
                <content:encoded>Welcome to season one of Pursuing the Muse a podcast about songwriting.  I&amp;#39;ll be talking to musicians about what they do and how they do it with the craft of making songs. 

Today, from just outside the Mississippi delta, I&amp;#39;m happy to bring you an interview with Andrew Bryant. He is a founding member of the Water Liars, as well as, an accomplished solo artist. His latest offering, &amp;#34;Prodigal,&amp;#34; is a homecoming of sorts, a return to the roots that nourished his music.  He explores the faith of where he grew up, the friends that have come and gone, along with how he was shaped into who he is now by the journey along the way. 

Pertinent Links:
https://andrewbryantmusic.com/
https://andrewbryant.bandcamp.com/

Keep up with the latest on Pursuing the Muse at Tom&amp;#39;s blog
https://rehydraters.com/blog

Theme song by Joel Corelitz - &amp;#34;Neon Rails&amp;#34;</content:encoded>
                
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                <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
                <itunes:author>Tom Compton</itunes:author>
                <itunes:summary>Season One introduction episode for Pursuing the Muse</itunes:summary>
                <description><![CDATA[Season One introduction episode for Pursuing the Muse]]></description>
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