“Don’t Overthink It” Aaron Lee Tasjan Ever since we discovered Aaron Lee Tasjan in 2016, his guitar playing, lyrics and incredible energy on stage have had us captivated. He is a “must-see” anytime he gets near Wisconsin, and 2022 provided a wealth of opportunities. Tasjan opened for Todd Snider in Green Bay, played a show with his band at Appleton Beer Factory, and returned to Mile of Music. We managed to get an interview and song from him very late one evening after one of those shows. This version of “Don’t Overthink It” is gorgeous in its simplicity. Not gonna deny it – having Aaron Lee Tasjan in the studio was a bucket list item. Learn more at https://www.aaronleetasjan.com
“Kiss Your Pride” Amelia Ford When a well-regarded studio producer, your favorite songwriter, and a local guitar hero, all tell you, “You’ve got to pay attention to what Amelia Ford is doing,” you follow that advice! We showcased Amelia’s songwriting and storytelling at an August Haven Live to rave reviews. This version of “Kiss Your Pride” was recorded in Avenue studios just ahead of her Mile of Music debut. Learn more at https://ameliafordmusic.com
“I Only Cry When I’m Alone” Beth Bombara Based in Missouri, Beth Bombara has spent much of her adulthood on the road, carving out her own award-winning mix of vintage folk and electric roots-rock. And lucky for us, some of that road time included a return to Mile of Music this summer. “I Only Cry When I’m Alone” is the kind of song that is so beautiful it hurts. We recorded this in Avenue studios while Bombara was in town for Mile of Music. Learn more at https://www.bethbombara.com
“Move Through It” Betsy Ade & The Well-Known Strangers Betsy Ade & the Well-Known Strangers (BAWKS) have been entertaining Midwest audiences with their cello-infused alternative pop/rock sound since 2015. Ade’s experience on “The Voice” brought international attention to the band’s talents. All you need to do is see BAWKS live once and you’ll understand – and you’ll probably be trying to tame the goosebumps their performance inspires. Which is what made us book BAWKS for one of our LedgeStone shows in 2022. The whole band squeezed into The Avenue studio during Mile of Music and recorded this version of “Move Through It” that always makes us stop what we’re doing to listen – no matter how many times we’ve heard it. Learn more at https://www.wellknownstrangers.com
“Run For Cover” Christopher Gold Christopher Gold is one of our local treasures. He’d hate that, but it’s true. Whether solo or with The New Old Things, he's a terrific songwriter, performer and truth teller. He’s an even better human. He came into Avenue studio, ahead of Mile of Music, so we could talk about his very considerable history with the festival – because it ain’t Mile without Christopher Gold! And he never disappoints. He came prepared with great stories and gifted us with this unreleased song. Learn more at https://www.christophergold.com
“Tapestry” Claire Kelly Can you be around Claire Kelly and not feel happy and uplifted? The answer is no, not possible! The self-described optimist has Milwaukee roots, but is based in Nashville where she’s been racking up accomplishments like appearances at the famed Bluebird Cafe, network tv placement of her songs, and multiple songwriting contest wins. Kelly was busy enjoying the Mile of Music festival and working on collaborations with other artists. We feel fortunate any time we get to visit with her. The optimism is contagious. Learn more at https://www.clairekellymusic.com
“Melt” Garth The song is aptly named, because that’s exactly what we did when Garth sang in Avenue studios during Mile of Music. Garth. is a New York City-based singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. We were wowed by the 8-piece band performance at Jones Park the night before, but kind of wondered how this would translate to a small acoustic performance in studio. Garth arrived in our studio, bright and early (not easy for musicians) and it was like we were old friends. Together with his guitar player he laid down this buttery smooth version of “Melt.” Learn more at https://garthofficial.com
“Don’t Forget” Genevieve Heyward We have been following Genevieve Heyward for seven years, ever since she played the Stone Arch Taproom. Back then, she was a feisty 16-year-old with an old soul. Today, she’s more of all of that! Genevieve can fill the stage as a solo act – her powerful songs, vulnerable (and also hilarious) banter engage audiences wherever she goes. We were pleased to have her play the August Haven Live stage for us and captured one of our favorite songs of hers to share with you. Learn more at https://www.genevieveheyward.com
“Sticks and Stones” Good Morning Bedlam Good Morning Bedlam has become an innovative force in the midwest folk scene. And we can see why – their contagious energy, tight soaring three-part harmonies, captivated us during their visit to Avenue studios last August. We can’t wait to have them back again soon! Learn more at https://www.goodmorningbedlam.com
“New Girl” Jamie Drake Jamie Drake was number one on our “must see” list after researching all the new artists coming to Mile of Music. Considered one of LA's best-kept musical songwriting secrets, she’s collaborated with the likes of Sondre Lerche, Jim James, Moby, Sarah and Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek), and Mikael Jorgensen (Wilco). But it’s the music from her 2022 solo album that got us hooked – with a 1970s Laurel Canyon folk meets Rio de Janeiro bossonova sound. She was only in town for one day, so we were very lucky to get some time with her and have her share our favorite song. Learn more at https://www.jamiedrakemusic.com
“Rise Up” Jamie Kent There’s probably no better friend to The Avenue than Jamie Kent. Always willing to do a favor or lend a hand, he’s even auctioned the boots off his feet to benefit The Avenue! Most recently, he made sure that The Avenue was included in a Rolling Stone article talking about the music scene in Appleton. “Rise Up” is a song about pushing back on the inertia and the weight that continues to try to keep us down. Thanks to Jamie Kent for everything he does to help us rise up. Learn more at https://www.jamiekent.com
“Want a Little More” Jon Tyler Wiley & His Virginia Choir One of our favorite finds from Mile of Music, John Tyler Wiley & His Virginia Choir thrilled audiences with energetic performances and songs that instantly connect. For example, the band’s song “Whiskey & Chocolate Cake,” had new fans delivering bottles of whiskey and chocolate cake to the stage by the second day of the festival! Guess we weren’t the only ones enamored with the music! The full band experience is not to be missed. Just Jon and his guitar player were in our studio for this version of “Want a Little More.” Learn more at https://jontylerwiley.com
“If Life Is” Laney Jones A Nashville artist who made her Mile of Music debut in 2022, Laney Jones is an artist we will be watching. We visited with Laney during Mile, and heard about the time when she was late for an audition, showing up without her capo and had to improvise one out of a hair tie. The result? She ended up playing at The Kennedy Center alongside Alison Krauss, Sara Bareilles, and Ben Folds! She can rock hard, or break your heart with rootsy vocals like she did in this version of “If Life Is” recorded in Avenue studios. Learn more at https://www.laney-jones.com
“Ain’t So Bad” Listening Party To know Listening Party is to love them. If you’re not familiar with them, check them out. You can thank us later. We proudly presented them in concert at the Meyer Theatre in May 2022, and we have not seen a happier crowd reaction. They’ve weathered the challenges of the last 2 years, and came back stronger than ever with their first new album in 4 years, “Long Time Comin’.” Weston and Jacob recorded this version of “Ain’t So Bad,” during one of their studio visits. Learn more at https://listeningpartymusic.com
“Keith Richards’ Bones” Matt Blake Matt Blake has a lot of great stories to tell. Having worked at the Ryman Auditorium, and as tour manager for artists like Lucinda Williams, Blake has seen a lot. We enjoyed our rambling and easy conversation with him so much, we’re looking for ways to bring that experience to Avenue listeners. For now, please enjoy this tale of the time he met Keith Richards. Learn more at http://www.mattblake.com/index/home.html
“California” Megan Slankard When we spoke with Megan Slankard in The Avenue studio, she had just arrived, direct from the San Francisco Giants stadium where she had sung the National Anthem. The San Francisco Indie-Rocker was in town for this year’s Mile of Music festival. Known for her powerful, expressive voice and honest, heartfelt lyrics, she shared this acoustic/solo version her latest single, “California” with us. Learn more at https://www.meganslankard.com
“My Heart is Listening” Sarah Aili “My Heart is Listening” was recorded the first we met Sarah Aili. She was making her first visit to Appleton, with her new husband – a guy you may have heard of, Matthew Szlachetka. She had heard all about our city from Matt as was instantly smitten. So were we – by Sarah’s talent and big heart. We still get goosebumps by this version of “My Heart is Listening” that she recorded, accompanied by Matthew, in The Avenue studio in early 2022. Learn more at https://www.sarahaili.com
“Like I Love You” Seasaw This was the first time we met the Madison-based, sarcastic indie rock duo, but we’d remembered them causing quite a buzz at early Mile of Music festivals. When they returned for the festival this year, we were determined to have them in our studio. Meg Golz and Eve Wiczewski brought an amp, plugged in, and delighted us with this version of “Like I Love You.” Learn more at https://www.singseasaw.com
“Peace In The Valley” Seth Walker We cheered when we saw Seth Walker was set to return for Mile of Music in 2022. We’re big fans since discovering Walker a couple years ago. His 2022 album “I Hope I Know,” is a favorite of the year. It captured the vibe we needed coming out of a couple years of Covid. We love having Walker in our studio for a conversation and a song – he’s introspective, insightful, and oozes North Carolina charm. And, boy, can he play guitar and sing! He shared this version of “Peace in The Valley.” Learn more at https://sethwalker.com
“Pressing My Luck” Side Pony We spoke with the Nashville duo, Alice Wallace and Caitlin Cannon ahead of their Mile of Music debut at Mile 9. Side Pony made a stop in Appleton earlier in the year, performing at Appleton Beer Factory to rave reviews. The duo’s harmonies wow audiences and their songs ooze both swagger and sweetness often riding the line between class and crass. If they ever give up music, they could legit be a comedy act. Learn more at https://www.sideponyband.com
“Stand” Sirsy You only need to meet the indie pop-rock duo hailing from Upstate NY, Melanie Krahmer and Rich Libutti, once to feel like you’re old friends. Multi-instrumentalists, they manage to sound like a full band. You have to see them to believe it. Every Sirsy set is is filled with upbeat music and an energy that leave you feeling good. A quote from the Rochester City Newspaper describes them best, “Sirsy is your favorite band, you just don’t know it yet.” Melanie and Rich recorded this anthem to fighting through adversity in Avenue studios during their Mile of Music visit. Learn more at https://www.sirsy.com
“Wildflowers on The Highway” Matthew Szlachetka Another adopted son of Appleton, Nashville’s Matthew Szlachetka gets to our town several times a year and we are thrilled that he generously makes time to visit Avenue studios every time. In fact, this song was inspired by one of his drives home from Appleton. This version is made extra special by the addition of Sarah Aili’s harmonies. Learn more at https://szlachetkamusic.com
“A Million Miles of Low Road” The End of America Take a survey on the most memorable new discoveries at Mile of Music 2022, and The End of America will land at the top of that list. We were moved to tears by their set in the Lawrence Chapel. TEOA’s sound weaves three distinct lead vocals into captivating harmonies. The band made up of James Downes, Trevor Leonard and Brendon Thomas, were thankfully in town an extra day which allowed us to visit in studio with them after their Mile of Music debut. They had just come from serenading a Mile volunteer’s father in hospice. We were blown away not only by their music, but also by their kindness. Learn more at https://www.theendofamericamusic.com
“Hummingbird” The Honeygoats How did it take us this long to discover The Honeygoats? The 5-piece string band out of Plymouth blew the roof off during their August Haven Live appearance. Straight up toe-tapping fun, do not miss any chance to see these guys live. In this version, recorded at August Haven Live, the guys are joined by The Avenue’s own Steve March-Tormé Learn more at https://honeygoats.comhoneygoats.com