Transcendent Tracks: Recent Episodes
Danya Day
Think of the music that has touched your life: inspired you, energized you, moved you and maybe even pulled you through a tough time. You’d be hard-pressed to find many humans that haven’t been affected by its power. Music is one of the few creations in this world that can transcend time and space, language barriers and cultural differences.
I’m your host and life-long music lover, Danya Day. And on this show, I talk with musicians, music writers, music therapists, music scholars and especially music fans who discuss their personal connections to the artists and tracks that have meant the most to them.
These conversations cover a wide range of genres and topics, from the light-hearted to life & death. If you love music of all kinds and learning all the ways it can work its magic, then join me here at Transcendent Tracks.
Country singer-songwriter Summer Dean is a great example of persistence paying off. Taking small gigs while still working as a schoolteacher, she had a bigger vision, and kept bugging folks for better gigs (sometimes contacting them every 48 hours until they gave in) to the point that she could be a musician full-time and walk away from the classroom. Only 5 years into her career, she has already received 2 wins at the Ameripolitan Music Awards, snagged opening slots for Marty Stuart, Dale Watson and Asleep at the Wheel, and appeared at SXSW 2023. One of Summer’s ultimate visions is an induction into the Grand Ole Opry and no doubt she’ll keep pursuing it with her typical tenacity. For now, she has completed her second full-length album called The Biggest Life, produced by acclaimed songwriter Bruce Robison. Find out who Summer wants to induct her into the Opry, who she’d like to meet backstage, and what message was revealed to her during a visit to a medium.
Connect with Summer & Find Her Music:
- Website Summer Dean Music
- Facebook Summer Dean Music
- Instagram @summerdean
- Twitter @summerdeanmusic
- YouTube @summerdean734
Summer’s Musical Influences & Inspirations:
- Johnny Bush
- Kasey Chambers
- Merle Haggard (Serving 190 Proof album, 1979)
- Willie Nelson (Redheaded Stranger album, 1975)
- Dolly Parton
- Bruce Robison
- Connie Smith
- Gillian Welch (Everything Is Free, 2001)
- Lucinda Williams (Car Wheels on a Gravel Road album, 1998)
References:
- 5 Female Artists Creating the Future of Country Music
- Ameripolitan Music Awards
- Will Dupuy
- The Next Waltz record label
“You've just seen...the heart-stopping, house-rocking, earth-quaking, booty-shaking, testifying, death-defying, legendary E…Street…Band!”
If you’ve ever attended one of their live shows, you would’ve heard some version of this declaration from Bruce and by the end you’d probably agree whole-heartedly. David Burghardt certainly did after his first concert, and 40 years later he’s still going back for more.
Like many fans, he cites their music—and one album in particular—as a lifeline in an especially trying time and a reminder to find joy even when life isn’t easy. Find out what lyrics he wrote in everyone’s high school yearbook, which foundational song Bruce refers to as “an invitation” (and how I happily discovered it about 30 years late), plus his admiration for Bruce's open discussion of his mental health struggles even as he consistently writes music that uplifts others.
David’s Personal Soundtrack:
- Thunder Road (from Born to Run album, 1975)
- Born to Run (from Born to Run album, 1975)
- Racing in the Street (from Darkness on the Edge of Town album, 1978)
- Tougher Than the Rest (from Tunnel of Love album, 1987)
- Jesus Was an Only Son (from Devils & Dust album, 1995)
- Rockaway the Days (from Tracks box set, 1998)
- Car Wash (from Tracks box set, 1998)
- The Rising (from The Rising album, 2002)
- My City of Ruins (from The Rising album, 2002)
- Land of Hope and Dreams (from Wrecking Ball album, 2012)
References:
- VH1 Storytellers - Bruce Springsteen
- The Seeger Sessions
Bruce Springsteen Official Website
Episode Music Credits:
- Intro: Great Great Lengths from Blue Dot Sessions
- Outro: Lamplist from Blue Dot Sessions
What do folk songs of the Balkans, traditional Irish music and a Metallica concert all have in common? Musician Briget Boyle can tell you. She understands and appreciates the importance of musical connections between people and how shared experiences create a culture of song. Through this lens, she has explored an incredible breadth of influences that she draws from in her solo work and expresses directly in her collaborations True Life Trio and Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble.
On a musical journey from the start, she began writing songs at the age of 12 and received an invaluable education from her parents who were both music industry professionals. Briget has long felt the call to songwriting and to use her powerful and beautiful voice to express truth through music. Briget’s album Heartbreak Residue is out April 2023.
Connect with Briget & Find Her Music:
- Website Briget Boyle
- Website True Life Trio
- Website Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble
- Facebook @brigetboylemusic
- Instagram @brigetsongs
- Website Waxsimilie Productions
Briget’s Early Musical Influences:
- Ani DiFranco
- Alanis Morissette
- Sarah McLachlan
Briget's Personal Soundtrack:
- “Blue Is the Eye” by Ye Vagabonds (from Nine Waves album, 2022)
- Madison Cunningham
- Brass music from Northern Greece & Southern Macedonia
- Choral music from Bulgaria & Southern Albania
References:
- Video “Salty Tears” by Briget Boyle (from The Next Line album, 2018)
- MovieAlive Inside: A Story of Music & Memory
- Songwriting Challenge FAWM (February Album Writing Month)
In discussing her feelings on the music of folk rock icons Indigo Girls, podcast host and jam-maker extraordinaire Amy Fagan discovers a recurring descriptor: “healing.” She explains why Amy & Emily continue to be beloved by their die-hard fans for both their professional and personal contributions.
Connect with Amy:
- Podcast Grounded in Maine
- Facebook Grounded in Maine Podcast Group
- Instagram @groundedinmainepodcast
- Website Amy's Garden Jam
Amy's Personal Soundtrack:
- You Left It Up to Me (from Strange Fire album, 1987)
- Fugitive (from Swamp Ophelia album, 1994)
- Midnight Train to Georgia cover (from 1200 Curfews album, 1995)
- Get Out the Map (from Shaming of the Sun album, 1997)
- Shame On You (from Shaming of the Sun album, 1997)
- Go (from Come On Now Social album, 1999)
Indigo Girls Official Website
Indigo Girls Tumblr Blog "A Year A Month"
Episode Music Credits:
- Intro: Great Great Lengths from Blue Dot Sessions
- Outro: Lamplist from Blue Dot Sessions
University professor Katy Head has often joked that she could teach a course on Taylor Swift, and here she’s off to an excellent start. Katy outlines the arguments for appreciating Taylor as an artist, business woman and storyteller. She also provides insight into the “Swiftie” fan community and the strong connection Taylor has with her fans...including bringing them to her house for food and listening parties. Class is in session! Katy's Personal Soundtrack: Picture to Burn (from self-titled debut album, 2006) You Belong With Me (from Fearless album, original 2008; re-recorded Taylor’s Version, 2021) Mean (from Speak Now album, 2010) All Too Well (from Red album, original 2012; re-recorded Taylor’s Version, 2021) Begin Again (from Red album, original 2012; re-recorded Taylor’s Version, 2021) Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince (from Lover album, 2019) Invisible String (from Folklore album, 2020)
Taylor Swift https://www.taylorswift.com/ (Official Website) Episode Music Credits: Intro: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97934 (Great Great Lengths from Blue Dot Sessions) Outro: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97936 (Lamplist from Blue Dot Sessions)
After seeing Willie Nelson live (again) a few nights ago, he has inspired me to say a little bit about why he is always worth waiting for. Willie Nelson https://willienelson.com/ (Official Website) Episode Music Credits: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97935 (Horizon Liner from Blue Dot Sessions)
Musician Maya Rogers is a woman of many talents: singer, songwriter, composer, guitar and flute player, music therapist, teacher and most recently, children's book author. Her career pathway has been anything but straight and she has overcome setbacks that would've thrown most people permanently off course. Maya discusses these challenges, imagines a highly creative lineup for a fictitious concert and performs a new song she's working on called "Bring Forth the Light." Connect with Maya: Website https://www.mayarogersmusic.com/ (Maya Rogers Music) (Join Maya's email list to receive updates about her upcoming children’s book Orion and the Remembering Tree and accompanying songs.) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mayarogers.music/ (@mayarogers.music) (Click the link in bio to attend her private virtual reading of Orion and the Remembering Tree.)
Find Maya's Music: Buy on https://mayarogers.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp) Stream on https://music.apple.com/us/artist/maya-rogers/1221093730 (Apple Music), https://open.spotify.com/artist/1frau6GVgiuThGP95Up1qE (Spotify) or wherever you like to stream music
Maya's Favorite Artists: https://bjork.com/ (Björk) http://www.robertaflack.com/ (Roberta Flack) https://www.lauramvula.com/ (Laura Mvula) https://www.sting.com/ (Sting)
Episode Music Credits: Intro: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97934 (Great Great Lengths from Blue Dot Sessions) Outro: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97936 (Lamplist from Blue Dot Sessions)
Ellie Orovio has enjoyed experiences that any music fan would envy: attending 49 live shows to date, staying in the same hotels as the band and having not one, not two, but three chance meetings with musicians she loves. Pearl Jam have been such a part of her life for the past 30 years that she even named one of her children using the initials of lead singer, Eddie Vedder. Ellie recounts all this and more...making you wish you had been wearing those overalls, getting coffee in that Philadelphia Starbucks and taking that ride in the hotel elevator. Ellie's Personal Soundtrack: Release (from the Ten album, 1991) Indifference (from the Vs. album, 1993) Red Mosquito (from the No Code album, 1996) Wishlist (from the Yield album, 1998)
Pearl Jam https://pearljam.com/ (Official Website) Music credits: Intro: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97934 (Great Great Lengths from Blue Dot Sessions) Outro: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97936 (Lamplist from Blue Dot Sessions)
There are so many great songs that address the themes of freedom and independence. I discuss a few of my favorites, plus manage to include the movie Rocky IV in the process… This episode title is a nod to the song https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EiGfB0QBTV4 (4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)) from Bruce Springsteen’s 1973 album The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle. Another good one. Music credits: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97938 (Blue Straggler from Blue Dot Sessions)
Beatles historian, writer and podcast co-host Erika White discusses being part of a new generation of Fab Four fans. She went from self-proclaimed "weird kid who loved the Beatles" to a scholar who has influenced other younger fans to create content around the band from fresh perspectives. Find out which Beatles live shows she would like to time-travel to see, about her challenge to people who dismiss them as overrated and why she believes their legacy is so enduring. Connect with Erika: Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bc-the-beatles/id1408900880 (BC the Beatles) Website http://bcthebeatles.com/ (BC the Beatles Podcast) Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bcthebeatles/ (@bcthebeatles) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bcthebeatles/?hl=en (@bcthebeatles) and https://www.instagram.com/beatlepeedle/ (@beatlepeedle) Twitter https://twitter.com/BCtheBeatles (@bcthebeatles)
Erika's Personal Soundtrack: One After 909 (from Let It Be album, 1970) If I Fell (from A Hard Day's Night album, 1964) Maxwell's Silver Hammer (from Abbey Road album, 1969) Here Comes the Sun (from Abbey Road album, 1969) Good Day Sunshine (from Revolver album, 1966) Boys (from Please Please Me album, 1963)
The Beatles https://www.thebeatles.com/ (Official Website) Music credits: Intro: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97934 (Great Great Lengths from Blue Dot Sessions) Outro: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97936 (Lamplist from Blue Dot Sessions)
A dedication. Music credits: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97935 (Horizon Liner from Blue Dot Sessions)
In this episode, EDM fan Mel Booth discusses electronic trio Above & Beyond and the DJs on their Anjunabeats and Anjunadeep record labels. She shares stories of some of the international gigs she's attended, how a video game streaming service became a pandemic-era destination for fans and explains that EDM is truly a family affair...connecting her father, her son and friends across the globe that have become like family. Mel's Personal Soundtrack: LeSonic and Wassu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04s0mj-Ka98 (In Aere) K90 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW-7ftByfFg (Red Snapper (Allen Watts remix)) K90 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reu3cXGnQfo (Breathe) K90 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=408Elvi7nws (Malaya) Paul Oakenfold https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UphfrPANJk (Southern Sun) Leaving Laurel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a87dsZdv-hU (Secret Place) Tinlicker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebr9xIh-jR4 (Bird Feeder) Monolink https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtb6zwb1NUs (Father Ocean) Ben Bohmer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjR6_PS7KkM (Breathing (Live at AnjunaDeep Prague)) Spencer Brown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCVt84UkUeQ (Hippie Hill) David Hohme https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHCYBWXmk9M (In Your Sway) Ben Pierre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWoVn-24jBw (Setting Sun) Ilan Bluestone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMFCJfnaPNs (Will We Remain (Live at ABGT350 Prague))
Mel's Above & Beyond Track Recommendations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll5ykbAumD4 (Sun and Moon (Official Music Video)) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zrsuWwx0kI (Sun and Moon (Live at ABGT250)) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAouQH-34hs (Sun and Moon Acoustic (Porchester Hall, London)) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3wHID_B0B0 (Northern Soul) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrOy-0wBlGo (Satellite) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgP5WLM5kI0 (Satellite Acoustic (Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles)) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_w95cjw40s (On A Good Day) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mfapb1knPxk (On A Good Day (Live at ABGT200)) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOk97Ti1my4 (On A Good Day Acoustic (Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles)) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEzU1HvBo6Y (Above & Beyond Live in Columbia for Cercle)
Music credits: Intro: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97934 (Great Great Lengths from Blue Dot Sessions) Outro: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97936 (Lamplist from Blue Dot Sessions)
Writer Dawn Lyons shares how the music of Richard Marx pulled her through a very difficult time in her life, how he continues to inspire her writing and tells stories of encounters with Richard himself (both virtual and in person).
Connect with Dawn: Website https://linesbylyons.com/ (Lines by Lyons) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/linesbylyons/?hl=en (@linesbylyons) Twitter https://twitter.com/linesbylyons (@linesbylyons)
Dawn's Personal Soundtrack: Should've Known Better (from self-titled debut album, 1987) Touch of Heaven (from Flesh and Bone album, 1997) When You Loved Me (from Stories To Tell album, 2010) Satisfied (from Repeat Offender album, 1989) Now and Forever (from Paid Vacation album, 1994) Not In Love (from Limitless album, 2020) Whatever We Started (from Beautiful Goodbye album, 2014) Take This Heart (from Rush Street album, 1991) When You're Gone (from My Own Best Enemy album, 2004) Through My Veins (from Emotional Remains album, 2008)
Richard Marx https://richardmarx.com/ (Official Site) Tequila Talk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tequila-talk-w-daisy-fuentes-richard-marx/id1505399239 (Podcast) w/Daisy Fuentes & Richard Marx Music credits: Intro: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97934 (Great Great Lengths from Blue Dot Sessions) Outro: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97936 (Lamplist from Blue Dot Sessions)
Introducing Transcendent Tracks: Stories About the Power of Music Music credits: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/97934 (Great Great Lengths from Blue Dot Sessions)