Illinois Drifter Podcast

Illinois Drifter Podcast: Getting to know Eric Saylors from The Steepwater Band

Steepwater Band guitarist Eric Saylors joined the Illinois Drifter Podcast for a conversation about his musical roots, years on the road and finding a long-term home in one of the Midwest’s great blues-rock bands. From growing up in small-town Indiana around bluegrass and country music to touring nationally with Healing Sixes and eventually joining Steepwater Band, Saylors reflects on nearly three decades of life in working rock bands. The conversation also dives into the upcoming Steepwater album, the band’s writing process, memorable jams with artists like Marc Ford and Luther Dickinson, and the realities of balancing music, work and family life. ⏱ Episode Timeline 00:20 – Intro: getting to know Eric Saylors beyond the stage 01:07 – Growing up in Bunker Hill, Indiana 02:10 – Early musical influences: country, bluegrass & his father’s guitar playing 03:36 – First real band: Wanted 05:40 – Henry Lee Summer years & early touring lessons 09:23 – Joining Healing Sixes & working with Jason Bonham 11:30 – Touring years, New York recording sessions & Kevin Shirley 13:27 – First meeting the Steepwater guys through shared gigs 15:28 – Telling Steepwater: “If there’s ever a fourth guy…” 17:04 – Joining the band with no rehearsal 18:44 – Finding his role alongside Jeff Massey 20:01 – Learning the Steepwater catalog & adapting parts live 21:15 – Realizing the chemistry worked 23:22 – Balancing Steepwater with work and family life 25:26 – Long-term life in touring bands 25:54 – Memorable sit-ins & playing with Marc Ford 27:17 – “Whoa” moments: backstage with Warren Haynes, Rich Robinson & Marc Ford 28:45 – Excitement around the upcoming Steepwater album 29:06 – How the new material differs from recent records 31:32 – Soundcheck riffs, writing process & road inspiration 33:06 – Relearning the new songs for live performance 34:17 – How Steepwater writes and develops material together 35:19 – Closing thoughts & future conversations 35:39 – Outro ✅ Check out For all things Steepwater Band, go to steepwaterband.com [https://www.steepwater.com/]. For more about Doug Henthorn and Healing Sixes, go to doughenthorn.com [https://doughenthorn.com/]. 🎵 Music Credit Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their song “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” as the show theme. You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu [https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit illinoisdrifter.substack.com [https://illinoisdrifter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Illinois Drifter Podcast: James McMurtry and a night at the Castle

I was back at the Castle Theatre in Bloomington to see James McMurtry and the Martial Law Review on Friday, April 24. I knew McMurtry’s music going in, but I didn’t really know what to expect live. In this solo episode of the podcast, I break down the night — from the venue, to the crowd, to the opener, BettySoo, who plays a unique dual role on this tour. I love that the band has been playing with McMurtry for years, I love that the bass player’s name is Cornbread, and I love that there were stickers of Cornbread (Michael Traylor), along with guitarist Tim Holt and drummer Daren Hess. But what I loved most was an unexpected moment when McMurtry and BettySoo stepped in front of the mics to serenade an appreciative audience. I’m still in awe. ⏱ Episode Timeline 00:22 – Intro: solo episode & return to Castle Theatre 01:00 – Discovering James McMurtry & getting into his catalog 02:45 – Castle Theatre setup, favorite standing spot & sound discussion 03:30 – Crowd size, vibe & Castle comparisons 05:10 – Crowd energy: engaged fans vs chatty back section 06:15 – Merch stand overview (vinyl, posters, stickers) 07:00 – BettySoo opening set & dual role (opener + merch) 08:30 – Opening set impressions (quiet, intimate, uneven energy) 09:30 – McMurtry joins opener → energy shift 10:00 – Full band performance: tight, polished, album-accurate sound 10:45 – McMurtry storytelling & “Black Dog and the Wandering Boy” 11:30 – Emotional peak: “Blackberry Winter” front-of-stage performance 12:15 – Crowd reaction & standout concert moment 12:45 – Overall show takeaway: unique, organic, DIY feel 13:10 – Why taking chances on unfamiliar artists pays off 13:30 – Closing thoughts & recommendation 🎵 Music Credit Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their song “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” as the show’s theme. You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu [https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit illinoisdrifter.substack.com [https://illinoisdrifter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Illinois Drifter Podcast: Larkin Poe, Gov't Mule and a solo night at The Factory

I was trying to think of the name of the first song I ever heard by Gov’t Mule, then they opened the show with it — complete with someone in an Uncle Sam outfit holding signs. It was the kind of moment that makes going to see live music special, and why I don’t mind going to shows alone. It had been about six months since I’d been to a show by myself— this one felt worth breaking the streak for. Larkin Poe opening for Gov’t Mule at The Factory in St. Louis is about as strong a lineup as you’re going to find, and I wasn’t missing it. It also seemed like a fitting time to introduce the first solo episode of Illinois Drifter. Here’s a look at what the episode covers: ⏱ Timestamps 00:16 – Intro: first solo concert in six months 01:00 – Larkin Poe familiarity and recent listening 02:00 – Govt Mule background and Allman Brothers connection 03:30 – The Factory venue overview 05:00 – Crowd behavior and standing vs sitting 06:30 – Meeting a fellow concertgoer 07:30 – Phone use and concert etiquette rant 10:00 – Merch experience and pricing thoughts 12:30 – Larkin Poe live performance breakdown 15:00 – Govt Mule set: tone and highlights 17:00 – 420 nod: “Don’t Step on the Grass, Sam” 18:30 – Band performance and musicianship 20:30 – Larkin Poe joins for “Sugaree” (highlight moment) 21:30 – Encore: “Soulshine” and crowd reaction 22:30 – Final thoughts on venue and crowd 23:00 – Outro and upcoming shows ✅ Check out 👉 To find Gov’t Mule live shows, including the show from The Factory, go to nugs.net [https://www.nugs.net/]. Streaming takes a subscription, but you can buy and download shows without a subscription. 👉 Are you a stander or a sitter? Check out more of my thoughts here [https://illinoisdrifter.substack.com/p/sitting-vs-standing-making-a-compromise?r=ie8se]. 🎵 Music Credit Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their song: * “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” (theme) You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: Thanks for reading Illinois Drifter! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit illinoisdrifter.substack.com [https://illinoisdrifter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Illinois Drifter Podcast: Edward David Anderson on Backyard Tire Fire, family and a lifetime in music

Singer-songwriter Edward David Anderson joins the Illinois Drifter Podcast ahead of a show at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn with Backyard Tire Fire and Steepwater Band. From his early days in Illinois to touring the country and eventually scaling back to focus on family and creative fulfillment, Anderson shares a candid look at 30 years as an independent musician. It’s a wide-ranging conversation that includes how I first discovered EDA, the origins and evolution of Backyard Tire Fire, why he never chased the traditional “music industry” path, moving to rural Wisconsin and embracing small-town life, the impact of family and fatherhood on his career, the “Let It Shine” documentary and much, much more, inclucing — of course — some Black Crowes discussion to finish. ✅ Check out 👉 For tickets to the Steepwater/Backyard Tire Fire show at FitzGeralds, go here: Tickets [https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-steepwater-band-backyard-fitzgeralds-nightclub-tickets/14138624?utm_medium=affiliate&irgwc=1&afsrc=1&clickid=3tl0sK2rzxyZRYLUATWF9WOlUku38HU9uVF5Xs0&camefrom=CFC_BUYAT_219208&impradid=219208&REFERRAL_ID=tmfeedbuyat219208&wt.mc_id=aff_BUYAT_219208&utm_source=219208-Bandsintown&impradname=Bandsintown&ircid=4272] 👉 You can watch the outstanding documentary on Edward David Anderson, “Let It Shine” on YouTube here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD1ESOjiP_E]: 👉 For everything else EDA, including Backyard Tire Fire, go to Anderson’s website: https://www.edwarddavidanderson.com/ [https://www.edwarddavidanderson.com/] ⏱ Episode Timeline 00:19 – Intro: discovering EDA at Danenberger Family Vineyards 02:41 – Background on Backyard Tire Fire & musical style 04:23 – Bloomington-Normal years, early band life & meeting his wife 05:05 – Intro to FitzGerald’s show with Steepwater Band 05:39 – Moving to Wisconsin & life in the Driftless region 08:15 – Illinois roots & importance of Chicago scene 09:55 – Fitzgerald’s as a key venue 10:22 – Why he never fully chased Nashville/industry path 12:44 – Touring life: “46 states” era 14:03 – Pandemic shift & rediscovering home life 15:49 – Havana, Illinois & creative inspiration (Still the River) 16:15 – Let It Shine documentary & unexpected impact 18:00 – Music as legacy for his daughter 20:27 – Work-life balance & scaling back touring 23:29 – Current lifestyle: fewer shows, more intention 25:45 – Evolution from 200+ shows/year to ~30/year 26:52 – Learning to play & early musical development 29:32 – Growth as a songwriter over time 31:49 – Industry realities & staying motivated 34:37 – Challenges of the music business & mental toll 36:00 – Early career break: record deal & Brother Jed 38:47 – Backyard Tire Fire rise & touring years 40:55 – Reuniting Backyard Tire Fire 43:30 – Current lineup & band chemistry 45:49 – New album (with Steve Berlin) 47:18 – Recording process & what to expect 49:49 – FitzGerald’s show preview & Steepwater collaboration 51:47 – Solo work & Black Dirt Revival trio 54:04 – Other projects (Dead band, local gigs, etc.) 57:04 – Grateful Dead influence & musical evolution 59:09 – Managing multiple projects & creative fulfillment 01:01:16 – Closing thoughts on current phase of career 01:01:47 – Outro 🎵 Music Credit Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their songs: “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” (theme) “Sweet Vermillion” (bumper music) You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu [https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit illinoisdrifter.substack.com [https://illinoisdrifter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Illinois Drifter Podcast: Tim Cain on the Brooklyn Charmers and his famous Beatles list

Music writer and author Tim Cain joins the Illinois Drifter Podcast to talk about a recent Steely Dan tribute show at Danenberger Family Vineyards — the Brooklyn Charmers — and dive deep into Tim's books and his famous Beatles song rankings list, which will be the subject of his next book. Justin and Tim revisit their long history — from newsroom colleagues to shared music obsessives. We break down what was great about the Brooklyn Charmers, what wasn't, why Steely Dan rules, and how personal experience shape the way we experience music — a theme for both of us in our content. Think of Tim and Justin as the Velvet Underground of music writing: They don't necessarily have a lot of readers, but those who do read them want to start their own Substack. ⏱ Episode Timeline 00:16 – Intro: meeting Tim Cain & early music influence 02:40 – The Mark Lewisohn Beatles book story 03:27 – Bringing Tim on/relationship background 03:50 – Steely Dan tribute show setup (Brooklyn Charmers) 04:52 – Danenberger venue first impressions 05:23 – The “dogs at the show” experience 06:19 – Crowd size, vibe & Central Illinois unpredictability 07:23 – The Brooklyn Charmers breakdown (Colin Paterik/Survivor connection) 08:49 – How well the band recreates Steely Dan’s sound 09:44 – Musicianship: guitars, sax & overall band performance 10:52 – Criticism: bass too loud/too busy 12:10 – Guitar work & subtle performance strengths 12:41 – Setlist discussion begins (“Night by Night” opener) 13:11 – Tribute band philosophy: deep cuts vs hits 14:10 – Pink Floyd tribute tangent (when it doesn’t work) 16:24 – First set highlights & overall performance feel 18:04 – Playing Aja live & complexity of Steely Dan music 19:38 – Favorite Steely Dan albums & catalog discussion 20:58 – Evolution of Steely Dan’s sound over time 22:31 – Jammy ending & live interpretation vs original band 23:21 – Wrapping show thoughts/social media tangent 24:18 – Classic rock’s staying power & generational appeal 25:43 – Music in commercials & cultural recycling 26:11 – Tim Cain as an author (book discussion begins) 28:33 – How Can You Not Hear That & writing about music 30:25 – The second book & Beatles list origin 33:20 – Bands left off (Buzzcocks, Easybeats) 34:11 – Beatles ranking project discussion 36:19 – Ranking controversy & why lists work 38:23 – Favorite Beatles songs & changing perspectives 39:40 – “Hey Jude” conversation & re-evaluation 42:10 – Timeline for new book 42:48 – Outro 📚 Tim's Books Here are Amazon links to buy Tim Cain's books: Decatur Celebration: A History of the World's Fair of the Prairie [https://www.amazon.com/Decatur-Celebration-History-Worlds-Prairie-ebook/dp/B00LLM6HPS] How Can You Not Hear That? [https://www.amazon.com/How-Can-You-Hear-That/dp/B087CVG99D] How Can You Listen to That? [https://www.amazon.com/How-Can-You-Listen-That/dp/B0D9B232CZ?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER] ✅ Check out 👉 Find everything Brooklyn Charmers at brooklyncharmers.com [https://www.brooklyncharmers.com/] and on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/brooklyncharmers]. 👉 For more on Danenberger Family Vineyards, including upcoming shows, go to: danenbergerfamilyvineyards.com [https://danenbergerfamilyvineyards.com/] or their Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/DFVwines]. 🎵 Music Credit Thank you to Nomad Planets for use of their songs: “We Can Settle This at Sunrise” (theme) “Sweet Vermillion” (bumper music) You can purchase their album Outside Abiquiu here: https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu [https://nomadplanets.bandcamp.com/album/outside-abiquiu] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit illinoisdrifter.substack.com [https://illinoisdrifter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]