Category Archives: Podcast

Episode #96 featuring Scott Jeffries

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Stream or download Episode #96 featuring Scott Jeffries: Scott Jeffries 2021

Scott Jeffries is a restless sort, and like any good songwriter, he’ll take inspiration where he can find it. Over a goodly stretch of the 2020’s pandemic-induced slowdown, Jeffries took a handful of cues from a local songwriting challenge and compiled a collection of 10 songs that blossomed into his solo debut, Bloom.

Press play to listen to Bloom on your Spotify account.

Inspired by Scott’s efforts, the podcast team reassembled via Zoom to bring you the first new episode of That Much Further West Podcast in more than a year. For Episode #96, show co-hosts Eric Kotila and Phil Favorite are joined by our show engineer Rich West Blatt and the aforementioned Mr. Jeffries, who sheds some light on the songwriting process and subsequent recording of the songs for Bloom, as well as his intention to perform the songs live in the coming weeks. Having been a guest on the podcast previously as a member of the bands Spirit Lake and Stars of Cascadia, Jeffries is all too familiar with our usual podcast hijinks (and how it’s often reflected in a bottle of brown liquor), and having Rich speak to the recording process seemed appropriate considering he played lead guitar on the entire album!

Like so many of you, our daily lives shifted severely at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and though we’ve tried to bring you occasional fresh postings in the form of playlists and archived interviews during the global shutdown, our team still hasn’t quite settled on a way to progress with bonafide podcast episodes recorded in a way other than our regular, shoulder-to-shoulder style.

Call us Neanderthals if you’d like, because you’ll see from the video above, it ain’t always pretty. But after a year of no shows, canceled festivals and no reasonable place to gather to meet with and interview an artist in person, taking a break just seemed to make sense. Throw in each of team’s personal protocols limiting contact, and some of our work schedules flung out of whack — you get an idea how real life suddenly impacted this podcast.

But for the time being, in whatever way, shape or form, damn, it feels great to be back. So dial up the show and listen to our interview with Scott along with songs from Bloom. Here’s a list of the tunes in the order in which they appear on the show. Enjoy!

Your Last Fourth of July
Bloom
Thoughts and Prayers
Birthright
New Normal
Homeward
Someday

On Friday, April 2, Bandcamp will be waiving its hosting fees on all downloads and purchases, meaning 100 percent of money spent goes to the artist! You can download “Bloom” at Bandcamp here.

In Portland, you can catch Scott Jeffries and his band performing songs from Bloom on the outdoor patio stage at Alberta Street Pub on April 29. They’ll be joined on the bill by the Colin Trio. Tickets go on sale soon. Watch the calendar here for updates.


Episode #95 featuring Tylor Ketchum of Tylor & The Train Robbers

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Tylor Ketchum joined the podcast crew at Landmark Saloon in Portland to talk about his band’s awesome 2019 and their plans for the year ahead. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.

Stream or download Episode 95: Episode 94 featuring Tylor Ketchum

Finding the right balance of work life and family life is a challenge most folks face every day, and for working/touring musicians, the struggle is very real.

For Tylor Ketchum, music and family have been intertwined since he was a young boy in Eastern Oregon picking up a guitar first owned by his uncle and then his mother. As he’s grown into a career as a country music songwriter and a band leader, family has remained at the heart of the band’s mission and at the root of his artistic vision.

Joining our team for Episode #95 of That Much Further West Podcast ahead of Tylor & The Train Robbers’ show last week at Landmark Saloon in Portland, OR, USA, Tylor shared stories about the evolution of the Boise, Idaho-based band and how the focus on family has allowed it to become one of the hottest hard-touring acts in alt-country.

The Train Robbers feature a rhythm section made up of Tylor’s brothers Jason and Tommy Bushman (bass and drums, respectively). The band’s terrific lead guitar player, Johnny “Shoes” Pisano, is Tylor’s father-in-law. And much of the subject matter in Tylor’s songwriting comes from his family history and the joys and struggles of trying to make it in the music business with the full-fledged backing of the people closest to him — his family.

Tylor Ketchum and his trusty Gibson J45, performing live at Landmark Saloon for Episode #95 of That Much Further West Podcast. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.

For this episode, Tylor talks about the impact of heavy touring, the splash made by the band’s stunning 2019 album “Best of the Worst Kind” and how networking across the country ironically has made it easier to keep things close to home and hold on to the things that matter most.

He also shares a couple of solo acoustic performances that delighted our team and the folks who gathered at Landmark ahead of the band’s killer show that night.

So give it a listen. Here’s a list of the songs on Episode #95 of That Much Further West Podcast:

Fumblin’ For Rhymes, Tylor & The Train Robbers
Storyteller (Live At Landmark), Tylor Ketchum
Good At Bad News (Live At Landmark), Tylor Ketchum
These Eyes (Live At Landmark), Tylor Ketchum
Best Of The Worst Kind, Tylor & The Train Robbers

Episode #94 featuring William Surly

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William Surly in his natural habitat . . . hanging at Landmark Saloon in Portland. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media

Stream or download Episode 94: Episode 94 featuring William Surly

His given name is Michael Scheidt, but when you are a member of the Lonesome Billies, you are destined to be Billied.

So he became William Surly — singer, songwriter, bass player and general jack-of-all-musical trades for the Portland-based country quartet. Surly, though, seems to be a bit of a misnomer. As our guest for Episode #94 of That Much Further West Podcast, Surly proved to be fun and friendly if not a little bit feisty.

Chalk it up to being the youngest of five competitive brothers who grew up listening to all kinds of music, from new wave and punk to classic rock. It all helped shape the artist who performs as William Surly, a player who found his calling in country music and who has emerged from being a role player in a band to taking center stage as a solo performer.

A few weeks ago he sat down with the podcast crew at Landmark Saloon ahead of his twice-monthly solo gig to talk about his role in The Lonesome Billies and the path that led him from punk rock to country.

He credits his mother and her collection of folk records for steering him toward the songwriting heroes who inspired his journey. But he said it’s the friendships and chemistry that he’s developed with his fellow bandmates that inspires him to take musical chances and trust the direction he’s headed.

William Surly, sharing some tunes at Landmark Saloon.
Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media

He also shares a few sweet acoustic performances during the interview, including two songs from the new Lonesome Billies album “Right On Time” that is drawing critical praise for its outlaw country sound and vibe.

So dig into this brand new episode of That Much Further West Podcast and get to know William Surly — the bearded guy in the cowboy hat who’s living the dream, one shot of tequila at a time.

Here’s the playlist from Episode #94:

Away From My Big City Dreams, The Lonesome Billies
Tall Cotton (Live at Landmark), William Surly
Sad Old Man, The Lonesome Billies
Just Tryin’ To Live (Live at Landmark), William Surly
The Bottle Knows Me Better (Live at Landmark), William Surly
Pine Box, The Lonesome Billies

Mike Lee and Phil Favorite from That Much Further West Podcast come face-to-face with William Surly at Landmark Saloon.

Episode #93 featuring Redray Frazier

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Redray Frazier stopped by Landmark Saloon to share his heart, rock and soul for Episode #93 of That Much Further West Podcast. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media

Redray Frazier is one of those musical artists whose whole vibe just seems to make everything alright. Whether he’s performing with his full band or presenting in a stripped down format with a couple of acoustic guitars, he captures you with his presence, his voice and an overall easy cool that makes you want to give in and let his music take you where it will.

That’s why we were thrilled when Redray made time to join us for Episode #93 of That Much Further West Podcast, recorded live at Landmark Saloon in Portland, OR, USA. Redray shares stories of his musical upbringing, his experiences on the road and the journey that brought him from the right to left coast, finally settling in Portland.

Redray Frazier and Matt Brown lay it down during the recording of Episode #93 of That Much Further West Podcast. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media

With his bandmate Matt “M Bomb” Brown riding shotgun, he also performs a handful of his original songs to the delight of a friendly crowd. Having recently recovered from throat surgery, the talented and humble Mr. Frazier is in fine form here, displaying the soulful voice and natural instinct for song craft that have made him a favorite of music fans not just in Portland but up and down the west coast and around the country.

Local fans can catch Redray all summer long at any of his multiple local residencies, and also look for him as a featured artist at Wanderfest, a festival featuring some of Portland’s best musical talent set for June 28 and 29 at the Dundee Lodge in Gaston, OR (check for tickets and more festival information here).

In the meantime, catch up with all he’s been up to by listening to this latest episode and enjoy the music. Here’s the playlist.

Love Changes, Redray Frazier
Alone (Live at Landmark), Redray Frazier with Matt Brown
If You Let Me, (Live at Landmark), Redray Frazier with Matt Brown
Wouldn’t It Have Been (Live at Landmark), Redray Frazier with Matt Brown
Like Rain, Redray Frazier

Episode #92 featuring Matty Charles

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Matty Charles, proud new papa, outside Landmark Saloon ahead of Episode #92 of That Much Further West Podcast. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.

Late last year, singer-guitarist-songwriter Matty Charles pulled off an impressive double. Around the same time he and his life and musical partner Katie Rose welcomed a newborn son into the world, Matty introduced a new band, The Jackson County Kills, to the musical community here in Portland, OR, USA.

And while his life has been mostly domestic in the meantime, the talented Mr. Charles has been squeezing in occasional gigs with the JCK and creating quite a buzz. The band’s danceable country rock has arrived on the scene like a breath of fresh air at the same time the venerable Landmark Saloon has returned regularly scheduled music to its tiny stage.

That’s exactly where our team gathered last week to record Episode #92 of That Much Further West Podcast, when Matty signed on as our special guest to help us get caught up on all he has going on.

Matty Charles sharing the goodness at Landmark Saloon for Episode #92 of That Much Further West Podcast. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.

We learned of a 7-inch single in the works and a regular “Whiskey Wednesday” slot for The Jackson County Kills that may include an occasional cameo from new mama Katie. We also learned about Matty’s musical upbringing here in Portland and the subsequent travels that carried him from New York City to Santa Fe and San Francisco to finally resettling in his hometown.

He also shared wonderful stripped down performances of some of the songs that have made him a stalwart in our local folk and country scene. And we managed to squeeze in a few recorded songs, one from his solo album “Back At Your Door” and a pair from the stunning Matty Charles & Katie Rose record “Catching Arrows.”

So settle in for a fun ride — just press play! Here’s the playlist:

Caution, Matty Charles
Love’s Lost Quarter (Live at Landmark), Matty Charles
I Belong To Heaven (Live at Landmark), Matty Charles
What I Want, Matty Charles & Katie Rose
Glorieta (Live at Landmark), Matty Charles
Hey, Pretty Birds, Matty Charles & Katie Rose

Matty Charles fronts The Jackson County Kills at Strum Guitars in Portland, with Kevin Major on drums and Bryan Byrnes on guitar.

Episode #91 featuring Terri Lynn Davis

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Terri Lynn Davis sheds a little grace on Landmark Saloon for Episode #91 of That Much Further West Podcast. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media (www.localheromedia.com)

Stream or download Episode #91: Episode 91 w/ Terri Lynn Davis

There’s something about the expansive landscapes of the western United States — big skies, mountain passes, open roads — that tug at our sense of adventure, prying us loose from the big city, pushing us to explore the vast country on the horizon. It’s a feeling that seems to flow through the music of Terri Lynn Davis, and for good reason.

She’s bounced around the West for a number of years since uprooting from her native New Mexico, finally settling in our home base of Portland, OR, USA. It’s here that she’s mingled among the burgeoning country music scene, making connections and impressing with her singing and songwriting chops.

Terri Lynn Davis, performing live at Landmark Saloon. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media

We were thrilled to rope the always energetic Terri Lynn into our world for Episode #91 of That Much Further West Podcast, recorded live at Landmark Saloon in SE Portland. On the show, she talks about moving around the western states after graduating from college, eventually picking up the guitar to start writing and performing in Montana. She speaks about finding her place the local country scene, and some of the artists — such as Jaime Wyatt and Alice Wallace — who inspire her by their hard work and dedication.

She also shares a few live performances of songs from her “Hey Love, Hold On” EP, which she recorded in Portland about two years back. Recently, Terri Lynn has been in the studio recording new songs and also performing locally, but the road is always calling. She’ll be undertaking a long trip that will take her through the wilds of Texas in the early part of 2019, so be sure to keep an eye out for her.

In the meantime, enjoy this latest bit of fun — here’s the playlist for Episode #91.

Montana Love Song, Terri Lynn Davis
Little Grace (Live at Landmark Saloon), Terri Lynn Davis
Lightin’ Your Cigarette (Live at Landmark Saloon), Terri Lynn Davis
Hey Love, Hold On (Live at Landmark Saloon), Terri Lynn Davis

Episode #90 featuring Nate Wallace of Hearts of Oak

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Nate Wallace returns to That Much Further West Podcast with a new Hearts of Oak record and a maturing writing style. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media (www.localheromedia.com)

Stream or download Episode #90: Episode 90 w/ Nate Wallace

It’s true. We’re all a little more grey since the last time Nate Wallace of Hearts of Oak joined us for an episode of That Much Further West Podcast.

But like fine wine, we like to think we’re getting better with age, and listening to “Moves,” the fabulous new record by Hearts of Oak, we think the same of Mr. Wallace and his fabulous band. That’s why we were thrilled Nate could join us for podcast Episode #90, recorded live at Landmark Saloon on a rainy October night in Portland, OR, U.S.A.

On this episode, Nate talks about how the evolution of the band led to a more cohesive sound on the new record. Recorded at The Deer Lodge in Portland with bandmate Ezra Meredith at the engineering controls, “Moves” sounds like a band hitting its stride, with older and newer members of the band having found their place in the music and contributing to every song.

Nate Wallace of Hearts of Oak, performing live at Landmark Saloon for Episode #90 of That Much Further West Podcast. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.

He also talks about his songwriting process, which also has evolved over time, and how he finds inspiration in continually listening to new music — he says he just picked up a record by Colter Wall that hits close to home in terms of style and substance. After talking about his influences, we felt compelled to share a song by the late Jason Molina from his days with Songs: Ohia.

Nate also shares a few live solo performances, including a song from the new record, an newer unreleased song and a cover song from one of his Deer Lodge Records labelmates.

There’s an intimate, cinematic vibe to Nate’s songwriting that not only draws the listener in, but makes you want to get behind the fabulous, adventurous soundscape that surrounds everything Hearts of Oak does live and in the studio.

So settle in for a fun listen — it’s Episode # 90 of That Much Further West Podcast.

Here’s the playlist:

Outlaws, Hearts of Oak
Worthless Currency (Live at Landmark Saloon), Nate Wallace
Hoary Man (Live at Landmark Saloon), Nate Wallace
Just Be Simple, Songs: Ohia
I Hope He Breaks Your Heart (Live at Landmark Saloon), Nate Wallace
Kick The Lights Out, Hearts of Oak

Episode #89 featuring Wes Youssi

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Throwback country singer Wes Youssi outside Portland little opry, Landmark Saloon. Photo by Joshua James Huff (www.JoshuaJosue.com)

Stream or download Episode #89: Episode 89 w/Wes Youssi

It’s a long way from Belividere, Illinois to the Pacific Northwest. But when singer Wes Youssi (pronounced YOW-see) wants to get in the right head space for writing his particular brand of traditional-style country music, he lets his mind travel back to that place from his childhood that holds so many warm feelings and fond memories.

The process has served Youssi well, inspiring the kind of songwriting that has earned him plaudits from near and far following the release of one of the best-loved records of 2018. Down Low, the first full-length record by Wes Youssi & The County Champs, has connected with the kind of audience Youssi only could have dreamed about upon its release last January.

Youssi has become a key player in Portland’s burgeoning country scene, which is why we were thrilled to have him join us at Landmark Saloon as the guest for Episode #89 of That Much Further West Podcast. Over the course of an hour, he shares details about the making of the album, his songwriting process, his journey from the Midwest to the West Coast, and how he came to eat a cockroach as part of a personal growth exercise.

Wes Youssi — solo and live at Landmark Saloon in Portland. Photo by Joshua James Huff

He also shares live, solo acoustic performances of the some of the songs that have will have Down Low on many lists of the year’s best records. With a throwback style in the tradition of Hank Williams and Jim Reeves, Youssi has connected with listeners and critics who long for a simpler, more direct sound that once held sway before the bombast, beats and bedazzled jeans of modern country music took over Nashville and terrestrial country radio.

You can listen to or purchase songs from Down Low and also its predecessor, the three-song Devil Woman EP, at Wes’ page at Bandcamp, and search the internet to read a rave review or two of Down Low. In the meantime, kick back and dial up this latest podcast episode to learn more about the man behind the music. And be sure to scroll down to see a video performance referred to during the interview.

Here’s the playlist from Episode #89 of That Much Further West Podcast:

Cadillac Man, Wes Youssi & The County Champs
Crazy Train (Live at Landmark)
Ready To Run (Live at Landmark)
Devil Woman (Live at Landmark)
Into A Bottle (Live at Landmark)
Green Dream, Wes Youssi & The County Champs

Episode #88 featuring Chuck Westmoreland

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Chuck Westmoreland, back in Portland after a Southeast/Midwest tour supporting his killer new album, “Long Winter Rodeo.” Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media

Stream or download Episode #88: Episode 87 w/ Chuck Westmoreland

Over the past few years, Chuck Westmoreland has emerged from Portland’s crowded indie rock scene as one of the West’s leading voices in Americana and country. His amazing new record, Long Winter Rodeo, and the incredible reviews that followed have all but cemented Westmoreland’s position as a top-notch, must-see, must-hear singer-songwriter.

Chuck Westmoreland, live at Landmark Saloon for Episode #88 of That Much Further West Podcast. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media

That’s why we were so psyched have him as a guest for Episode #88 of That Much Further West Podcast. Recorded live at Landmark Saloon, Chuck goes deep with our hosts as he discusses the making of the new record, his re-emergence after an eight-year hiatus as a singer and performer, and how revisiting his roots in East Texas inspired much of the vivid imagery captured in the songs on Long Winter Rodeo.

He also shares a handful of live performances to the delight of our team and the folks in attendance. One listen and it’s easy to understand — with this voice and these songs, Mr. Westmoreland has the chops to match the hype.

Chuck has a big show with is band coming up Thursday, July 26 at The Fixin’ To in Portland, and you can follow his exploits (reviews, show dates, updates) at his website.

For now, enjoy this latest podcast, Episode #88. Here’s the playlist; all songs by Chuck Westmoreland:

Hole In My Grave
Prisoners (Live at Landmark Saloon)
Long Winter Rodeo
Mama Be Eternal (Live at Landmark Saloon)
Slaughtered (Live at Landmark Saloon)
Denim Tears

Episode #87 featuring James Low

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James Low brought his world-class folk to Portland’s famous little honky tonk, Landmark Saloon, for Episode #87 of That Much Further West Podcast. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.

Stream or download Episode #87: Episode 87 w/ James Low

Welcome to That Much Further West Podcast, Version 3.0. We’ve moved on from The Helm, our underground headquarters for the past four years, and have returned to our roots, relaunching from a very public place — the stage at the legendary Landmark Saloon in Portland, OR, U.S.A.

And who better to have as our first guest at Landmark than the great singer-songwriter James Low, himself a Portland institution who has returned to his roots and relaunched. Following a four-year stay with his wife in Malaysia, the couple recently returned to Portland having added a beautiful baby daughter to their family.

Quite a bit has changed around here since James was a guest on the podcast way back in its earliest days, when co-hosts Mike Lee and Eric Kotila ran the show live from the Hawthorne Theater Lounge. But the talented Mr. Low remains an institution, delighting local audiences with his world-class country folks songs.

James Low, laying it down on the stage of Portland’s Lil’ Opry, the Landmark Saloon, for That Much Further West Podcast. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.

On Episode #87, James performs a handful of classics from his catalog, including a pair from his stunning breakthrough record, 2012’s “Whiskey Farmer.” He also talks about his time in Malaysia, the positive impact of his daughter’s arrival and the folk influences that seeped into his DNA as young man growing up in Eastern Oregon.

James is back to playing regular dates in the Portland area, and will be one of the featured artists in a couple of weeks at Wanderfest, a two-day music festival taking place June 29 and 30 at the Dundee Lodge in Gaston, OR. Please watch our calendar for featured show dates, and click here for tickets and more information about Wanderfest.

We’re looking forward to sharing more episodes as the year goes on with hopes of improving the experience for our guests, team and live listeners at Landmark Saloon. So please stay tuned!

In the meantime, enjoy this latest episode featuring the great James Low. We think you’re gonna dig it!