Madison Violet "No Fool For Trying"

When Madison Violet played the Mansion on O last year, I have to confess I didn't know anything about them. All that changed in the space of a few minutes during soundcheck. Their sound is unforgettable, feeling at once brand-new and warmly familiar. Their songs are equally distinct, and so it's no wonder they just took the Folk Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for their song "The Ransom". It was fantastic to see them again in Memphis, where they joined us on the bus for a few songs, including this one, the title cut from their last album. Check out the rest of the album at the link below.

-Chris

The Music Fog Manifesto, Part One

Are we a cult? Sometimes I think so, just from the vibe when we are together. Someone jokingly accused us of being a pyramid scheme, which would be a pretty good deal if we could create prosperity for all the artists who come before our cameras wherever that might be.

Hey...maybe we are a cult pyramid!

"The cult pyramid, enclosed by its own perimeter wall, stands near the southeast corner of the pyramid. In the pavement of the surrounding courtyard, there were quartzite basins for libations."

Now that sounds about right.

Really, so many people come to our website wondering who we are, what we do, WHY we do what we do; that I figured I should offer an explanation. When we all left XM Satellite Radio, we knew we were leaving the nest for a reason. As we are all long time media people, the Music Fog concept grew from a look at the world to see what excited us. So many times in the past when we were on the road together broadcasting from Bonnaroo, SXSW, Willie's Picnic, Farm Aid and the like, remarkable and funny things happened. We decided to continue to incorporate these kinds of trips into the game plan, to be where artists congregate. And we wanted to see if we could make the same magic, only this time capturing video as well as audio. And so Music Fog was born. And we have been on the road for just over a year. We've been growing in every way possible these days, thank goodness for social media, and for you, dear reader! And what with the fracturing of mass media, and the convergence of all things to the web, Music Fog is surfing the seismic shift.

First, though, Music Fog is a production company. We believe in GOOD audio, and intimate video. We offer our services for all kinds of music shoots, as well as other kinds of non musical production; TV commercials, documentaries, digital press kits, news clips. The Music Fog website? Now that is purely an Americana music video blog, which, for my money, is the cauldron for the best song writers of our time. It also is our 'showroom.' If you like what you see, we might could do it for you. Interesting though, our editorial content cannot be purchased. We reserve the right to bring what we think is cool with no fees attached. When we are for hire, that's another story. Hell, it might be rap or politics or a sales piece, or a tribute for a convention, and so you likely wouldn't want to see it, anyway.

In this ever changing world, we are just trying to find our way, too. Our society seemingly has been asked to play a gigantic game of musical chairs, with the chair being jobs taken away. And really, are we all supposed to compete for what's left?

Nah, we'd rather reinvent, hang it out, forage and forge. At the mass communications level, Americana music is sorely lacking from the landscape. You just get drips and drabs of it, if you get any at all. We will continue to pound the drum, to showcase, to provide a voice and an up close look, to bring you new artists and tried and true artists who have a story to tell. You know, someday the web will have become what it is going to be, but right now it is still the Wild West. And Music Fog is out there, growing a community - even though it's just a virtual one. No, borders. AMEN!

-Jessie

Amelia Curran "The Mistress"

She was the seventh artist due on the Celebrity Coaches bus that day. It was the third day of taping, so we were all getting a bit punchy. Meeting new Americana artists is always a thrill. There is an allure to it. It's just like bait on the end of a fishing line for me. But Amelia Curran had something that transfixed me.

There she was just outside of the bus smoking a cigarette. I had announced to the crew that I would "blaze the way" for them and go outside to meet her. She was sitting on the curb with an almost "go away kid you bother me" air about her. We exchanged a few words, then sat in silence. She then announced to me that she would prefer "not to have direct eye contact" and that she could be a "problem." I didn't think that I was being chastised, but what else could it have been? Was she serious? Or was this her wry sense of humor? And did the "no direct eye contact" rule apply only to me?

Amelia gets on the bus and the barbs began to fly. She was Steven Wright like. And every bit as funny. She explained that she wasn't only a musician, but also a producer of major Canadian music festivals. So she has obviously seen all sides of the backstage drama. Aaron plowed through the set-up unaffected, but Chris was drawn in just like I was.

Then came this song, "The Mistress." It is a spot-on reflection of her personality. And what happens at the end of the song is not to be believed.

OK Amelia, you got me.

-Beans