Summary

In this episode, we sit down for a great conversation with the always-inspiring Aaron Lee Tasjan, known for his work with bands like Everest and the New York Dolls. The spotlight is on his latest album, In the Blazes, a project shaped by creativity, collaboration, and a spirit of spontaneity.

Aaron shares stories from the road, including recent shows in Texas and his time at Americana Fest in Nashville, giving us a feel for the vibrant, supportive community that fuels this genre. We dive into the making of In the Blazes, where he talks about the joy of working with talented friends and the magic that comes from capturing real, unfiltered moments in the studio.

Throughout the chat, Aaron offers thoughtful insights into his journey as a songwriter and reflects on the unpredictable (and often thrilling) nature of live performance—giving listeners a deeper look at the heart and soul behind his music.

Show Notes

• The conversation takes place in the heart of East Nashville, where Americana music is not just a genre but a living, evolving community.
• Aaron Lee Tasjan—known for his work with bands like Everest and the New York Dolls—talks about his recent projects and his upcoming album, In the Blazes.
• He shares his thoughts on Americana as a genre, describing it as a mix of diverse musical styles. While that variety is exciting, he acknowledges the challenges it brings in connecting with wider audiences.
• Aaron dives into the creative process behind In the Blazes, explaining how the album came from a real need to express something personal and honest.
• Recorded at New Monkey Studio in California, the sessions were shaped by collaboration, spontaneity, and a strong focus on capturing moments as they happened.
• He emphasizes the value of working with talented musicians and a great producer—key elements, he says, in giving the album its genuine, lived-in sound.
• The conversation also highlights Aaron’s approach to recording: keeping it live, keeping it real, and staying open to the unexpected.
• Beyond the album, we explore the strong sense of community in Nashville. Aaron recalls putting together a one-night band with local artists—a perfect example of the camaraderie among musicians in the area.
• We also touch on his journey from being a guitarist in other people’s bands to carving out his own voice as a songwriter and solo artist.

Here's What We Wrote Back in 2015

Aaron Lee Tasjan writes folk songs for an indie rock crowd, weaving storylines with humor and social commentary. His debut full-length album, In The Blazes, includes friends from his former band, Everest, at the helm, and the vibe of Elliott Smith’s studio, New Monkey. Tasjan is touring heavily in support of the album, opening for Ray Wylie Hubbard, and playing solo and band gigs across the country. NOTE: We previously featured ALT, following his debut EP.

Takeaways

• In this episode, we have a thoughtful and engaging conversation with Aaron Lee Tasjan about his journey as an artist.
• Aaron talks about how important community and collaboration have been throughout his career in music.
• We dive into the making of his latest album, In the Blazes, and how spontaneity played a big role in the recording process.
• The conversation also touches on the unpredictable nature of live shows and how those unexpected moments can shape a performance.
• Aaron offers great insight...