PodcastsMusicAmerican Songcatcher

American Songcatcher

Nicholas Edward Williams
American Songcatcher
Latest episode

56 episodes

  • American Songcatcher

    Talkin' Blues // Cameron Knowler

    17/03/2026 | 38 mins.
    Today, I'm sharing a conversation I had with guitarist, writer, archivist, teacher and scholar Cameron Knowler, who has lovingly absorbed an archive's worth of early American guitar styles, and it shows. His self-illustrated book Guitars Have Feelings Too views flat picking as a continuation of the dance music that became bluegrass, not just virtuosic instrumental music. ⁠

    Cameron is a writer for Fretboard Journal magazine, and his new record CRK, released in April of this 2025, was heralded by Acoustic Guitar magazine, who said: "The dynamic performances, which evoke words like sensitive, nuanced, restrained, and understated, hint at a disinterest in flash for its own sake." We talked about Norman Blake quite a bit, learned about his fascinating background, and as always, geek out on some music history. Enjoy! ⁠
    Official Website
    CRK Album
    Instagram
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    Credits: 
    Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, editing, recording and distribution
  • American Songcatcher

    TAKEOVER // Finding Lucinda: Episode 1

    02/12/2025 | 25 mins.
    Today on the program, we're letting our friends at The Bluegrass Situation takeover our feed with a brand new series called "Finding Lucinda."


    Episode One: Introducing Finding Lucinda
    As we join the story, Ismay has been living and working on their family ranch for almost a decade – and they're looking for change. For several years the independent singer-songwriter has been playing in a Lucinda Williams tribute band and writing their own music. An opportunity to record an album sparks a new and different idea: to instead embark on a road trip to uncover the early days of Lucinda's music career and, hopefully, find a way forward creatively. However, they are plagued by self doubt about whether pursuing music can still be worthwhile for them. But in spite of this uncertainty, Ismay dives into research to see where a journey across the country – and further into the life and music of Lucinda – could lead.
    Links:
    Finding Lucinda on The Bluegrass Situation
    Facebook
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    Website
     
    Credits:
    Distributed by The Bluegrass Situation
    Produced and mixed by Avery Hellman for Neanderthal Records LLC
    Music by ISMAY and The Lake Charlatans
    Artwork by Avery Hellman
    Guests: Mary Gauthier, Wolf Stephenson, John Grimaudo, Charlie Sexton
    Special thanks to: Joel Fendelman, Liz McBee, Rose Bush, Mick Hellman, Chuck Prophet, Jonathan McHugh, Jacqueline Sabec, Lucinda Williams & Tom Overby
     
    About Finding Lucinda:
    Finding Lucinda follows a young singer-songwriter on a road trip of self discovery to trace the roots of their musical hero Lucinda Williams. Amidst self-doubt and uncertainty, ISMAY sets out from the family ranch in Northern California and travels to Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee. There ISMAY meets Lucinda's early collaborators, digs through the archives to uncover hidden treasures, and visits the studios and venues where Lucinda got her start. Interviews include Charlie Sexton, Buddy Miller, and Mary Gauthier. Finding Lucinda is ultimately a story about not knowing whether you have what it takes to be the artist you want to be, and looking for answers on how to move forward anyways. It's about finding a small way to be more like your hero. Listen on The Bluegrass Situation or where you get your shows and look out for the Finding Lucinda film coming Fall 2025.
  • American Songcatcher

    Earl Scruggs // King of the Five String

    28/10/2025 | 1h 10 mins.
    Today on the program, we're sharing our most robust and entertaining episode since beginning five years ago, honoring the king of the five string banjo, Earl Scruggs. Featuring more than 25 different voices all touched by Earl, this part narrative, part field recording feature will give you a glimpse into the life of Earl Scruggs and his story that is completely unique, informed by those who knew him and those who are holding his legacy high today. Immerse yourself in the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, and learn why it was chosen as the 2025 International Bluegrass Music Association Event of the Year.
    Special thanks to the Earl Scruggs Center and the Earl Scruggs Festival for having me this year!
     
    Have an instrument to donate? ReString Appalachia
     
    Support Educational Programming:
    Join the Patreon Community
    Send a one-time donation on Venmo or PayPal
     
    Follow American Songcatcher:
    Instagram | TikTok 
     
    Credits:
    Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, writing recording and distribution
    Jamie Tews - Research, Writing Assistance
  • American Songcatcher

    Earl Scruggs // King of the Five String

    23/10/2025 | 1h 11 mins.
    Today on the program, we're sharing our most robust and entertaining episode since beginning five years ago, honoring the king of the five string banjo, Earl Scruggs. Featuring more than 25 different voices all touched by Earl, this part narrative, part field recording feature will give you a glimpse into the life of Earl Scruggs and his story that is completely unique, informed by those who knew him and those who are holding his legacy high today. Immerse yourself in the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, and learn why it was chosen as the 2025 International Bluegrass Music Association Event of the Year.
    Special thanks to the Earl Scruggs Center and the Earl Scruggs Festival for having me this year!
     
    Have an instrument to donate? ReString Appalachia
     
    Support Educational Programming:
    Join the Patreon Community
    Send a one-time donation on Venmo or PayPal
     
    Follow American Songcatcher:
    Instagram | TikTok 
     
    Credits:
    Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, writing recording and distribution
    Jamie Tews - Research, Writing Assistance
  • American Songcatcher

    Earl Scruggs // King of the Five String

    15/10/2025 | 1h 10 mins.
    Today on the program, we're sharing our most robust and entertaining episode since beginning five years ago, honoring the king of the five string banjo, Earl Scruggs. Featuring more than 25 different voices all touched by Earl, this part narrative, part field recording feature will give you a glimpse into the life of Earl Scruggs and his story that is completely unique, informed by those who knew him and those who are holding his legacy high today. Immerse yourself in the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, and learn why it was chosen as the 2025 International Bluegrass Music Association Event of the Year. Bonus episode to come of a full conversation with Shawn Camp and Jerry Douglas of The Earls of Leicester. Dig in!

    Get Involved with our non-profit:
    ReString Appalachia
    ___
    Support Educational Programming:
    ⁠Tax-Exempt Donations⁠

    Join our⁠ Patreon Community⁠

    One-time donation via⁠ Venmo⁠ or⁠ PayPal⁠

    Follow ⁠American Songcatcher⁠
    Credits: 
    Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, editing, recording and distribution

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About American Songcatcher

Tracing the roots of American music from its cultured past to artists playing it forward, folk musician, musicologist and host Nicholas Edward Williams takes listeners on a unique documentary-style podcast experience. Dive into the stories of centuries-old Traditional songs and migrants who carried their musical heritage here, and uncover the lives of pioneers and integral musicians who created and shaped styles such as Bluegrass, Ragtime, Jazz and Swing, Country, Gospel, Blues, Old-Time, and the Folk music that's derived from it all. Here's to the songs of old, may they live on forever.
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