A Look Back but a Step Forward: An Interview with Steve Earle
Steve Earle has blazed his own trails but now, at 62, he reflects on fallen heroes, chance encounters, and how he'll always be a political rabble-rouser.
Michael Franco
Michael Franco is a Professor of English at Oklahoma City Community College, where he teaches composition and humanities. An alumnus of his workplace, he also attended the University of Central Oklahoma, earning both a B.A. and M.A. in English. Franco has been writing for PopMatters since 2004 and has also served as an Associate Editor since 2007. He considers himself lucky to be able to experience what he teaches, writing and the humanities, firsthand through his work at PopMatters, and his experiences as a writer help him teach his students to become better writers themselves.
“I Had to Step Up My Game”: An Interview with Nels Cline of Wilco
In a candid interview with PopMatters, Nels Cline discusses his new double album, why it took a quarter of a century to come to fruition, and his role in the ever-evolving Wilco.
“A Joyful, Very Happy Feeling”: A Conversation With Tanya Donelly of Belly
Donelly discusses her solo work and the much-anticipated Belly reunion -- and hints that the band may have more than a summer tour in the works.
“A Bit of Organization and a Lot of Patience”: An Interview with M. Ward
When not being the Him in She & Him or producing for the likes of Mavis Staples, M. Ward just keeps puttin' out solo albums, collaborating with friends, and remaining cryptic as ever.
“We Just Kinda Broke All the Rules”: An Interview with Lucinda Williams
Throughout her long and legendary career, Lucinda Williams has garnered a reputation for dismissing any notions of rules, expectations, or boundaries.
“I Never Believed in Background Music”: Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes
Rich Robinson was half of the Black Crowes, but as a solo artist, he's finally flown into his most distinct, powerful effort to date.
“The Pressure Is Different Now”: An Interview with Fred Armisen
When not working on Portlandia or leading the band on Late Night with Seth Meyers, SNL album Fred Armisen is releasing his "Hometown Heroes" series of singles under the guises of fake bands.
“A Matter of Balance”: An Interview with Phantogram
Josh Carter may be one half of the noted electronic group Phantogram, but in a few short years, the group has gone from Barsuk signees to major label heroes. Carter walks PopMatters through the creation of their excellent new record Voices.