Kim and Ryan from Smokey Brights and mega cat take some time to talk with Kenny, Jasen and Danny to share the ways they've made a living as artists, the different ways they give back to the Seattle music community, and how being involved in a scene can mean more than playing music.

Photo by Travis Trautt

Episode mixed by Ryan Leyva

Theme song written by Danny Oleson
Performed by Kenny Darling, Jasen Samford & Danny Oleson

Hutch Harris joins Mere Mortals to reflect on the Thermals’ rise from four-track home recordings to Sub Pop, life on the road, and why getting signed is rarely the finish line musicians imagine it to be. We also discuss the evolution of his songwriting, what he misses about collaborating with a band, and why musicians should focus on making work they believe in before worrying about success or marketing.

Episode mixed by Jasen Samford and Ryan Leyva

Theme song written by Danny Oleson
Performed by Kenny Darling, Jasen Samford & Danny Oleson

From his early memories of pretending to conduct Vivaldi (The Four Seasons. Winter. IYKYK.) to being a highly sought-after trombonist, playing on SNL and getting to work with the likes of David Bowie, Sufjan Stevens, Maria Schneider and more, Ryan Keberle has truly amazing stories to share.

Join us for a conversation with Ryan, and then go check out some of his music:
Ryan Keberle & Catharsis, Collectiv do Brasil, Reverso, Big Band Living Legacy Project.

Episode mixed by Ryan Leyva

Theme song written by Danny Oleson
Performed by Kenny Darling, Jasen Samford & Danny Oleson

Kenny, Danny and Jasen talk with Chris Wilson of Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Hammered Hulls, Titus Andronicus and more about small town beginnings, the rewards of persistence, and surviving as an artist in a world that still expects you to pay the rent.

Cover art by Perry Shall (@perryshall)

Episode mixed by Ryan Leyva

Theme song written by Danny Oleson
Performed by Kenny Darling, Jasen Samford & Danny Oleson

Start your Mere Mortals journey here. Kennith, Danny and Jasen will set the stage for what we're doing and why we're doing it. Learn a bit about who we are, what you can expect from us, and why we're not a true crime podcast - yet.

Mixed by Ryan Leyva

Theme song written by Danny Oleson
Performed by Kenny Darling, Jasen Samford & Danny Oleson