Brainerd, MN-based singer-songwriter Kelley Smith’s debut album Moon Child found an immediate audience and plenty of exposure. Reconnecting in the lull after hearing about that experience, and how she’s processing and planning the next chapters of her life and music career, gave our host Tom Smouse a special inside look into what many artists go through. Experiences like sitting in Kelley's kitchen and hearing how her surrounding environment has influenced her songwriting are the exact reason this podcast was created.

Just blocks away from the 3rd Police Precinct that burned down during the 2020 protests, Minneapolis country-folk band The Gated Community saw many of their recordings lost due to a power outage. But being in the center of burning buildings, gunshots, and neighborly concern, Sumanth Gopinath was compelled to write about it in new songs, which fit perfectly with their existing songs and socially conscious perspective as a band. Sitting around one table, Tom got to hear about the evolution of a band without egos, part of what makes The Gated Community so special.

“Bit of a recluse, a naturalist, and about to release something, or so I hear." That's how another artist described Whit Page to our host Tom Smouse. Having heard her perform before, he was immediately piqued to understand her more non-traditional approach as an artist. We had the special opportunity to record her performing two unreleased songs inside her home. You’re about to discover a new artist that you’ll surely want to see live.

There’s a tender kindness behind John Louis's songs that, in person, shine bright. Tom Smouse visited John at his home to learn more about his songwriting. While tossing a dog toy for the new puppy and chatting, you can hear the importance he places on the stories that explore the depth of emotions and pain. It’s this skill that seems to bring a healing factor over those that connect with his music.

There is no greater example of how music transcends our physical worlds than what Twin Cities artist Gabriel Rodreick, aka Freaque, creates. His songs often use visceral physical and visual imagery to traverse our range of emotions. Tom visited Gabriel at his home to discuss his process for creating such powerful stories.

In this episode, Tom Smouse visited the home shared by Siri Undlin (aka Humbird) and Luke Callen, two Twin Cities-based artists who each deliver their own unique take on folk music. The pair demonstrated the level of respect and love they have for their community and one another. Both fresh off the release of their newest albums, Humbird and Luke give us an inside peek into two new songs and upcoming tour plans.

In this episode, Tom Smouse visited the home of Luke LeBlanc, a Twin Cities musician active since he was in his early teens. Now in his twenties and wise beyond his years, Luke's observant yet introspective outlook brings authentic insight to everything he writes. Sitting in his dining room and digging into his past that includes bubble baths, Zimmy Awards, and a new album that is literally about Places, it was inspiring to unpack his process for songwriting and how his environments play a role.

In this episode, Tom met up with Josie Hasnik, aka FINICK. This high schooler has emerged in the Twin Cities in a variety of circles and venues, winning recognition for her fanciful indie-folk songs imbued with real-life emotions.