Stephen Kallao

Logan Ledger Weaves New Ideas With His Love For Classic Country

By Stephen Kallao & Kimberly Junod • Apr 6, 2020

Growing up, my parents would make the drive from Chicago to my grandmother's house in Waukon, Iowa (population: just over 3,000) for visit. While in town, I distinctly remember the only sounds we'd hear in that tiny house: The only radio station played all classic country, all day long.

Katie Pruitt Makes A Powerful Declaration on 'Expectations'

By Stephen Kallao & John Myers • Mar 9, 2020

The first time I heard Katie Pruitt's song "Loving Her," I was taken aback by the very first line you hear: "If loving her's a sin, I don't want to go to heaven." That's a powerful declaration from a singer-songwriter. It's especially powerful coming from a gay artist raised in the South without much precedent and with very few role models to follow.

How Kate Bollinger's Musical Upbringing Influenced Her Insightful Indie Pop

By Stephen Kallao & Kimberly Junod • Feb 11, 2020

Kate Bollinger writes smart, melodic indie pop music. It makes for easy listening, but there's real insight in her lyrics. Dig deeper and you'll discover a thoughtful songwriter coming into her own.

The Milk Carton Kids Answers Its Own Question: 'What Even Is Americana?'

By Stephen Kallao & John Myers • Jan 30, 2020

For today's session, The Milk Carton Kids plays songs from its latest release, The Only Ones, while standing around one microphone.

Big Thief's 'U.F.O.F.' And 'Two Hands' Are Two Sides Of The Same Coin

By Stephen Kallao & John Myers • Jan 21, 2020

Big Thief had a pretty remarkable 2019. The band put out two beautiful albums, U.F.O.F. in May and Two Hands in October. Paired together, these albums present a larger picture of the band at the height of its powers, thinking and performing beyond the traditional album-tour cycle.