Upon first listening to Caroline Rose’s America Religious (releasing July 2), I found it fresh and catchy. On my second listen, I settled in and it opened up to me – or I to it. In the lyrics I found political and social commentary nestled into the metaphors, and a little bit more of a lead foot as I drove down the road. I found a friend in her music; one who thinks similarly to me and who cares about the big picture and all its little breath-beings.

The Grateful Web’s John Schumm talks to Dumpstaphunk guitarist Ian Neville about New Orleans culture and cuisine, his family’s popular musical background, Dumpstaphunk’s new album, Dirty Word, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the peculiarity that is the NBA’s newest named team, The Pelicans, amongst other things.

Getting to the heart of Ben Hardesty, and thus The Last Bison, wasn’t difficult. Like their music, Ben is open, honest and founded in truth; the Last Bison’s spirituality and constant drive toward joy echoes in their sound and lyrics. The band stays grounded, but light, as they recite their mantra: Every day is the best day. And for The Last Bison, it truly is.

Grateful Web recently had an opportunity to speak to guitarist, composer and bandleader, Charlie Hunter.

GW: This is Dylan Muhlberg of Grateful Web here with jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter. We’re gonna catch up with him about his influences, his projects and what he’s got going on right now. Thank you so much for joining us Charlie.

CH: Thank you for having me.

GW: What were your musical influences from childhood?

Few musicians in today’s world are as multi-talented and stand out quite like Michael Travis and Jason Hann. From their roots of The String Cheese Incident to countless side projects and guest appearances, these two drummers and friends are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be true musicians.

The Grateful Web's John Schumm chats with Slightly Stoopid co-frontman Miles Doughty about their live DVD filmed at Bob Weir's TRI Studios, their new studio/rehearsal space where their most recent album was recorded, the future of online streams and social media, their Summer Tour with Atmosphere, and bold, yet not reckless, predictions for the NBA Finals

GW: Alright Miles, you there?

MD: Yes Sir.

At the first Wakarusa Music Festival they were invited to, Jeff Austin, mandolin player for Yonder Mountain String Band, says the band was so unknown he was frisked by security because they didn’t believe he was a band.

Now playing the tenth Wakarusa Music Festival, the band is in a very different place.

Grateful Web caught up with Austin, TX-based Govinda just before he plays at Wakarusa. A master of combining classical music with electronic influences, Govinda discusses his musical passions, what you can expect from him at Wakarusa and his many musical influences.

GW: You’ll be at Wakarusa very soon – what can we expect to see from you this year?

Grateful Web's Michelle Miesse recently caught up with J Bratlie from Shreveport, LA based Dirtfoot.  Dirtfoot, who describes their sounds as: Gypsy Punk Country Grumble Boogie.

This is Dylan Muhlberg of Grateful Web here with Matt Butler who is best known as the pioneer and creator of the groundbreaking project Everyone Orchestra. This project brings together musicians from various different bands and musical backgrounds and through Butler as conductor they create on-the-spot improvised concert experiences through the help of audience participation and musical empathy.