Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
215 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 558 ratingsRhett Miller, musician and frontman for the Old 97s, hosts “Wheels Off” a show about the messy reality of the creative life. Conversations with musicians, writers, artists, actors, and comedians about the pivotal moments that shaped their work, what it means to create in a digital age and grapple with the challenges, and the joy, of living a creative life.
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Episodes
Jon Dee Graham
April 16, 2024 14:47 - 37 minutesJon Dee Graham is a guitarist and songwriter best known for his critically acclaimed solo records. He joins Rhett to talk about his latest album, what it means to get a major label deal on the cusp of turning 65, and shares stories about his upbringing that led to his decision to become a musician. Jon Dee Graham is a three-time inductee into the Austin Music Hall of Fame as a member of the Skunks, the True Believers, and a solo artist. He has played guitar with acts such as John Doe (X, The...
Alejandro Escovedo
April 02, 2024 13:00 - 28 minutesAlejandro Escovedo, one of the most critically acclaimed artists in contemporary music, joins Rhett to talk about his musical evolution, from his early days in punk band The Nuns to Austin-based rock band The True Believers, to the making of his new album, Echo Dancing. He tells Rhett about the creative process behind the song selection on the new record and the decision to revisit and reshape some of his earlier work. The two discuss the moment when Alejandro committed to being a songwriter...
Tim DeLaughter
March 19, 2024 12:30 - 34 minutesTim DeLaughter, the creative force behind The Polyphonic Spree, joins Rhett to discuss his journey as an artist and the challenges he faced that led to the creation of their latest record “Salvage Enterprise”. Tim tells the story behind the album’s title, discusses the importance of visuals in performance, and shares the epiphany moment he had when his teacher played an Emerson, Lake, and Palmer album in music class. Tim DeLaughter is an Emmy-nominated singer, songwriter, performer, and produ...
Juliana Hatfield
March 05, 2024 12:50 - 39 minutesSinger-songwriter, musician, and indie rock icon Juliana Hatfield joins Rhett to discuss her creative process, the music she’s working on, and the balance between work and artistry. The two talk about trusting your instincts, allowing songs to develop naturally, and Juliana reflects on what her dream day job would be if she decided to do something other than music. Juliana Hatfield’s inimitable 35-year career has seen her an underground darling, a cultural emblem and a time-tested veteran who...
Adam Weiner
February 20, 2024 13:40 - 37 minutesRhett welcomes Adam Weiner, the driving force behind Low Cut Connie, for a conversation about the creative projects he’s been working on, the early days of his career, and what prompted him to start his own record label. Adam tells Rhett about the lessons he learned from having a theater background, emphasizes the need for artists to create their own opportunities, and explains why honing one’s craft is essential for success. Low Cut Connie has become the alter ego for frontman, pianist, and ...
Dar Williams
February 06, 2024 14:00 - 42 minutesSinger-songwriter Dar Williams joins Rhett to talk about the process of writing songs that matter, the importance of finding a supportive community, and tells Rhett about the music she’s currently writing. The two discuss prioritizing authenticity over algorithmic success in today’s creative environment, and Dar offers sage advice for aspiring musicians. Dar Williams was always in the right place at the right time for the success she’s had over a 25+-year career. She rose out of the vibrant ...
Jaime Wyatt
January 23, 2024 12:00 - 29 minutesSinger-songwriter Jaime Wyatt joins Rhett to talk about her latest album “Feel Good”, working with Black Pumas’ Adrian Quesada, and the process of exploring new sounds during the making of the record. Jaime talks about her growth as an artist, why she practices radical self care, and the two discuss the concept of authenticity in music. Hailed by Pitchfork as one of the “most exciting and skillful storytellers” working today, Jaime Wyatt is the kind of generational talent whose raw, honest ly...
Gavin Rossdale
January 09, 2024 12:00 - 38 minutesGavin Rossdale, best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter of the legendary rock band Bush, joins Rhett to talk about his writing process, the new music that he’s working on, and what he's learned from working with some of music’s most talented producers. Gavin tells Rhett about the moment when he discovered punk rock, and explains why authenticity and individuality are the secret to living a creative life. After three decades, well over 20 million records sold, a GRAMMY® Awar...
M.C. Taylor
December 27, 2023 14:18 - 42 minutesM.C. Taylor, singer-songwriter and frontman for Hiss Golden Messenger, joins Rhett from Durham to talk about the latest record, “Jump For Joy”. M.C. tells Rhett about finding his musical voice, the importance of having a creative practice, and the two discuss why it's important to maintain some mystery around the meaning of a song. Describing the Durham-based Hiss Golden Messenger is like trying to grasp a forgotten word: It’s always on the tip of your tongue, but hard to speak. Songwriter an...
Lucinda Williams
December 12, 2023 10:00 - 35 minutesLucinda Williams, one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters of her generation, joins Rhett to talk about writing her memoir, the moment she realized she wanted to write music, and learning to understand the difference between songwriting and poetry. Lucinda recalls some of the first songs she wrote and goes into depth about her songwriting process, using a song that she’s currently working on as an example. She shares an important piece of advice that her dad gave her, and explains why di...
Devon Gilfillian
November 28, 2023 10:00 - 28 minutesSinger songwriter Devon Gilfillian joins Rhett from his home in Nashville to talk about the many musical influences that have inspired his career, how he found his voice as a singer, and what he does to keep himself creatively healthy. Devon explains how he’s maintained a positive outlook throughout his life, and the importance of using his platform for good. Love You Anyway, the new album from Devon Gilfillian, is an intoxicating, genre-blasting game changer spanning soul, hip-hop, R&B and r...
Zach Williams
November 14, 2023 14:30 - 49 minutesZach Williams is best known as ⅓ of the Nashville-based supergroup The Lone Bellow. He joins Rhett on this episode to discuss the twist of fate that led him to Brooklyn, where his musical journey began, why he took a break from songwriting to try his hand at long form fiction, and the conversation with Jim James that changed his perspective. Zach tells Rhett about The War of Art, a book he turns to when he needs help moving through the inner resistance to create, and the two discuss the very ...
John McCauley
October 31, 2023 13:30 - 31 minutesJohn McCauley, singer-songwriter and the frontman of band Deer Tick, joins Rhett to talk about getting back on the road with the band post-lockdown and balancing his on stage persona with his life offstage. The two discuss John’s evolution as a songwriter and desire to become a better musician, and John explains why his band continues to push themselves creatively with each new record. Founded by John McCauley in 2004, Deer Tick’s sound blends elements of folk, rock, country, and punk, creati...
Brandon Decker
October 17, 2023 12:00 - 36 minutesSedona, AZ based songwriter Brandon Decker (aka decker.) joins Rhett to talk about the making of his 8th studio album, Ouroboros. Described as a fusion of poetry and chaos, Decker explains the stories behind the music, which arose out of the grief he felt during his father’s illness. Decker discusses the side hustle he created during the pandemic, his approach to healing, and the importance of spending time in nature to help him navigate through life’s challenges. His latest album, Ouroboros,...
Brennen Leigh
October 04, 2023 03:12 - 32 minutesBrennen Leigh is an American songwriter, guitar player, mandolin player and singer whose to-the-point storytelling style has elevated her to cult status around the world. On this episode, she joins Rhett to talk about her new album, Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet, being an artist in the age of digital, and the sacrifices that touring musicians make. Brennen explains how she gained confidence as an artist, and shares insight into her songwriting process, including how she determines whether a...
Mike Gordon
September 19, 2023 14:30 - 1 hourMike Gordon, bassist and co-founder of the seminal improvisational rock band Phish, joins Rhett to talk about his solo album Flying Games and the long, adventurous process of finishing the record. Mike and Rhett discuss grappling with creative roadblocks, what the “Ten-Thousand-Hour” rule really means, and the role that mindfulness and meditation play in songwriting. Mike reflects on the early days of Phish and explains how he transfers the creative flow he feels while performing with the ban...
Josh Crutchmer
September 06, 2023 13:39 - 32 minutesAfter telling the story of the musicians who shaped his Oklahoma roots in his 2020 book Red Dirt, journalist and author Josh Crutchmer saw an opportunity to dig deeper into the artists that shaped independent roots music. His second book, The Motel Cowboy Show, is about the Americana music in the American West that began with cowboy poetry and lives on today in artists like Reckless Kelly, Micky and the Motorcars, and Ned LeDoux. A New York Times editor by day, Crutchmer also spent three year...
Grace Potter
August 22, 2023 13:30 - 27 minutesGrammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and musician Grace Potter joins Rhett on this episode to talk about her latest release, Mother Road, and the journey that inspired the music. Grace tells Rhett about finding her voice at a young age, building characters and worlds around her songs, and why she’s more driven now than she ever was. Back in summer 2021, Grace Potter took off on a solo cross-country road trip that would soon bring a life-saving reconnection with her most unbridl...
Stewart Copeland
August 08, 2023 13:30 - 33 minutesStewart Copeland is perhaps best known as the drummer for The Police, but he’s also had a successful solo career as a composer, authoring a prolific series of film and television scores, video game soundtracks, opera, and ballet. His latest project is Police Beyond Borders, a reinterpretation of the seminal 80s band’s classic songs with diverse interpretations and artist representation from South Africa, India, Japan, China, Canada, the U.K., and more. Stewart joins Rhett from his studio in L...
Alan Paul
July 25, 2023 17:10 - 42 minutesAlan Paul is an author, journalist and musician. His fourth book, BROTHERS AND SISTERS: The Allman Brothers Band and the Inside Story of the Album That Defined the 70s, out today, is a deep dive into the time before and after the 1973 album. Alan joins Rhett to talk about his career as a music journalist and unexpected turn as a touring musician. Alan shares the lessons he learned while playing in a band in China, and why it’s important to “know your helpers” when you’re living a creative lif...
Brian Dunne
July 12, 2023 16:30 - 45 minutesIn this episode, singer songwriter Brian Dunne joins Rhett from Brooklyn. He talks to Rhett about his newly released album Loser On The Ropes, his songwriting process, and what success as an artist means to him. Brian and Rhett also bust a few rock and roll myths, and talk about why being a working musician doesn’t have an expiration date. Loser On The Ropes, Dunne’s entrancing new album and debut release for the storied Kill Rock Stars label was recorded in Athens, GA, with producer Drew Van...
Ben Harper
June 27, 2023 14:30 - 26 minutesBen Harper is a 3x Grammy winner who has amassed international praise for his genre-traversing body of work. He joins Rhett on this episode to talk about his life as a young musician, the creative projects he’s currently working on, and shares the advice he would give his 21-year old self. The two dive into the craft of songwriting and Ben tells Rhett about the time that Leonard Cohen visited his family’s music store. Ben Harper has produced albums by Mavis Staples, Rickie Lee Jones, The Bli...
The Milk Carton Kids
June 13, 2023 11:15 - 54 minutesFounded in 2011, indie-folk duo The Milk Carton Kids swiftly emerged as a major force in the American folk tradition, blending ethereal harmonies and intricate musicianship with a uniquely powerful brand of contemporary songcraft. On this episode, Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan, the musicians behind the Grammy-nominated band, join Rhett to talk about their personal creative journeys as well as their collective journey, and the months-long project that resulted in their newest release, I Onl...
Jacqueline Holland
May 30, 2023 16:00 - 43 minutesJacqueline Holland’s first novel, The God Of Endings, weaves a story of love, family, history, and myth as seen through the eyes of one immortal woman. In this episode, Jacqueline joins Rhett to talk about the new books she’s working on, how she found her voice as a novelist, and she offers some valuable advice on the process of writing. The two dive into the impact that ChatGPT could have on creativity, and Jacqueline explains why a little bit of hubris can be a useful tool when you’re first...
Layng Martine Jr.
May 16, 2023 15:15 - 47 minutesIn this podcast episode, acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer Layng Martine Jr. joins Rhett to talk about the process behind his latest album “Music Man”, a long-time dream project instigated by his son Tucker Martine, who is a producer. Layng and Rhett discuss the incredible lineup of musicians who participated in the making of the record and Layng shares stories behind the songs, which cover a 50-year period of his career. Layng dives into his songwriting process, explains how his lif...
Bob Schneider
May 02, 2023 14:30 - 51 minutesSinger-songwriter, author, and artist Bob Schneider joins Rhett from Austin to talk about the evolution of his musical career, and the story behind his new graphic novel, FAYM. Rhett and Bob discuss the realization that success doesn’t necessarily change your life, why names are important, and agree that calculation can kill creativity. Bob Schneider is one of the most celebrated musicians in Austin, Texas. Combining elements of funk, country, rock, and folk with a more traditional singer-so...
Bill Janovitz
April 18, 2023 14:55 - 32 minutesOn this week’s episode, Rhett welcomes singer, guitarist, and songwriter Bill Janovitz, best known as the frontman of the alt-rock band Buffalo Tom. The two discuss the inspiration and effort behind Bill’s new book, Leon Russell, the Master of Space and Time's Journey Through Rock and Roll History. Bill and Rhett also discuss dealing with industry obstacles in the early days of his career, how he transitioned into becoming an author who specializes in writing about music, and why the idea for...
Queen Esther
April 04, 2023 13:45 - 1 hourMusician, songwriter, actor and playwright Queen Esther joins Rhett from her home in Harlem to talk about her extraordinary multi-hyphenate career, which currently includes two new albums (to be released this year), and a play, which will culminate in an off-Broadway run. There’s no shortage of wisdom and inspiration in this conversation, as Queen Esther discusses the importance of following the creative spirit, what it means to plug into one’s own uniqueness, and why imposter syndrome is off...
Joe Reyes
March 21, 2023 13:00 - 48 minutesGrammy winning producer, songwriter, and guitarist Joe Reyes joins Rhett from San Antonio to talk about his impressive career, which includes a Latin Grammy award nomination and a Grammy award win. Reyes discusses the upcoming Buttercup release, explains why he decided to get a degree despite his career in music, and shares some of the wisdom that he imparts to his music students. Joe Reyes has recorded with Buttercup, Mitch Webb and The Swindles, Marcus Rubio, Cartographers and The Cheats. H...
Owen King
March 07, 2023 14:15 - 43 minutesOwen King is the author of Double Feature, and We’re All in This Together: A Novella and Stories. He is the coauthor of Sleeping Beauties and Intro to Alien Invasion and the coeditor of Who Can Save Us Now? Brand-New Superheroes and Their Amazing (Short) Stories. Owen joins Rhett to talk about how he built the world that The Curator takes place in and what it means to capture the “sound” of a novel. The two discuss the value of early reader feedback, recognizing work-life balance, and Owen sh...
Cassandra Lewis
January 24, 2023 14:00 - 33 minutesSinger-songwriter Cassandra Lewis performed her first real show at a retirement home when she was eight years old. She joins Rhett to talk about that experience and what’s happened in between, the new album she’s working on, and the co-songwriting scene that she’s become part of since moving to Nashville. The two discuss the trope of needing to suffer in order to be creative, and Cassandra explains what she means when she says she’s a ‘trash artist’. Cassandra Lewis is a cosmic blend of class...
Sam Quartin
January 17, 2023 14:00 - 33 minutesSam Quartin is an actor, activist, and frontwoman for The Bobby Lees, which she founded after discovering her future bandmates at a music school in upstate New York. The two discuss her recent role in Candy Land, a film about the underground world of truck stop sex workers. Sam tells Rhett about the impact that Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way had on her life, shares her process for boosting self-confidence, and explains why she’s opted out of having a digital profile. A band that proves it p...
Julia Cameron
January 10, 2023 14:00 - 35 minutesBestselling author Julia Cameron joins Rhett once again to talk about her new book Write for Life, in which she turns to one of the subjects closest to her heart: the art and practice of writing. This episode is full of wisdom, as Julia gives Rhett a peek into her own creative process and shares some of the best practices she’s developed over the last two decades. Julia and Rhett discuss how to manage your inner critic, what it means to be authentic, and why she is an advocate of writing by h...
Salim Nourallah
January 03, 2023 14:46 - 32 minutesSalim Nourallah is a musician and award-winning producer who has worked with OLD97s and Marty Wilson-Piper of The Church. He’s also the co-founder of indie label Palo Santo Records, and this week he joins Rhett to talk about balancing his role as musician, producer, and businessman. The two discuss the new projects he’s working on, what it means to be successful, and why Salim believes it’s important to stay in touch with one’s inner child. Learn more about Salim’s new album A Nuclear Winter ...
Anthony D'Amato
December 27, 2022 10:19 - 45 minutes“You're much more productive when you actually feel like getting out of bed for the day. And I just think that you don't have to be in a dark place to write a dark song. And realizing that has opened up a lot of opportunities for me to live a more healthy life.” - Anthony D’Amato Singer Songwriter Anthony D’Amato joins Rhett on this episode to talk about going from publicity intern to client at Shore Fire Media, and what he learned by coming up on the business side of the music industry. Anth...
Elizabeth Nelson
December 20, 2022 15:30 - 32 minutesThe Paranoid Style is a garage-punk-pop outfit built around singer songwriter Elizabeth Nelson. Elizabeth joins Rhett this week to talk about their new album, “For Executive Meeting”, as well as the many other creative projects she’s involved in, like an upcoming piece about Springsteen’s “Nebraska”. Elizabeth and Rhett discuss what it means to be a musician and a published music critic, the process she employs to get a multitude of things done, and why it’s important to take a compliment. Pl...
Glen Phillips
December 13, 2022 14:30 - 56 minutesDuring his years as lead singer and main songwriter of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Glen Phillips helped to create the band’s elegant folk/pop sound with honest, introspective lyrics that forged a close bond with their fans. He joins Rhett on this episode of Wheels Off for a deep dive into the inspiration behind his music and the playful approach he took in the making of his new solo record, There Is So Much Here. Glen shares stories of his life with Toad, discusses what it means to be creatively c...
Amy Ray
December 06, 2022 14:30 - 34 minutesAmy Ray joins Rhett from her home in Georgia to talk about her recently released solo album and the new music she’s working on for an Indigo Girls project. Amy and Rhett discuss the epiphany moment she had when she first sang with Indigo Girls co-founder Emily Saliers, the headiness of achieving success early in her career, and why her activism and support of emerging artists helps her navigate the challenges of self-doubt. Listen to Amy’s new album If It All Goes South Amy Ray website Amy on...
Greg Tito and Shelly Mazzanoble
November 29, 2022 16:00 - 40 minutesAuthors Greg Tito and Shelly Mazzanoble join Rhett from Seattle to talk about their new book, which was inspired by their D&D podcast Dragon Talk. The book highlights the ways in which people are using Dungeons & Dragons to fuel creative endeavors, explore identity, deal with addiction, and process trauma. Shelly and Greg discuss how the game has evolved and explain why it’s still so popular after 50 years, as it continues to find new players with each generation. Greg Tito and Shelly Mazzano...
Terre Roche
November 22, 2022 13:00 - 46 minutesTerre Roche, singer-songwriter and founding member of The Roches joins Rhett to talk about her new album and book Kin Ya See That Sun! The book chronicles the time when she and her sister Maggie traveled around the country as teenagers to perform on the college coffee house circuit, and the accompanying album includes live, unreleased recordings from the tour. Terre discusses the relationship she had with her sister Maggie and their unexpected yet notable career. Terre and Rhett talk about he...
Adrian Quesada
November 15, 2022 17:04 - 27 minutesGrammy-winning musician and producer Adrian Quesada joins Rhett from Austin to talk about the creative whims that guide his work, life as a “working class” musician, and how he harnesses his competitive spirit. The brand new album by GRAMMY-winning guitarist, producer and Black Pumas co-founder, Adrian Quesada, serves as a celebration of the super funky, slightly delirious and deeply soulful sounds that transcended the cultural boundaries of Latin America throughout the late 1960s and early 1...
Lauren Hoffman
November 08, 2022 14:00 - 54 minutesSinger-songwriter Lauren Hoffman joins Rhett to talk about her unique journey through the music industry and shares her perspective on the impact that technology has on the creative process. The two discuss the meditative qualities of songwriting, the difficulties of being an emerging artist in the 90s, and why it’s critical to prioritize your peace of mind. Lauren is based in Los Angeles and is currently working on her seventh album. Lauren Hoffman website Lauren on IG @laurenhoffmanmusic...
Cory Branan
November 01, 2022 15:00 - 28 minutesSinger-songwriter Cory Branan joins Rhett from the road to talk about his approach to writing and the creative process behind his new record, When I Go I Ghost. Cory tells Rhett about learning to record, mix, and master during lockdown, which resulted in five direct-to-fan cover records that included some surprise cover song requests; and, the importance of being able to connect directly to fans. Over the last two decades Cory Branan has released five albums to much critical acclaim from NPR,...
Caitlin Rose
October 25, 2022 14:30 - 30 minutesNashville-based singer-songwriter Caitlin Rose joins Rhett to talk about the making of her forthcoming album CAZIMI, her first release in nearly a decade. Caitlin explains why the album is a “Pee Wee’s Playhouse situation”, plus the two discuss her passion for poetry, why she was ‘cosmically pushed’ to become an artist, and what it’s like to navigate the music industry after spending time away. Pre-order Caitlin’s new album CAZIMI Caitlin Rose website: https://www.caitlinrose.com/ Caitlin on ...
Courtney Jaye
October 18, 2022 13:30 - 27 minutesMusician, songwriter, and artist Courtney Jaye joins Rhett this week to talk about her ambitious new album, Hymns and Hallucinations. Courtney tells Rhett about why she’s chosen a nomadic lifestyle, shares an important lesson she learned when opening for John Mayer, and explains why the best stuff is the unexpected stuff. Hymns and Hallucinations is available now Courtney on IG: @tropicalijaye Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller Website: Rhettmiller.com Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here. Wheel...
Tim Burgess
October 11, 2022 14:00 - 27 minutesTim Burgess, frontman for The Charlatans joins Rhett from Manchester to talk about his new solo album Typical Music, how he unexpectedly created an online music community with his now-beloved Twitter Listening Party, and why he still considers himself lucky, even after 33 years of success in the music industry. Tim Burgess is a proper polymath, a hyperactive multi-talent whose long remarkable career encompasses over three decades as lead singer and frontman of The Charlatans, five diverse sol...
Kathleen Edwards
October 04, 2022 15:15 - 38 minutesKathleen Edwards joins Rhett from Florida to talk about taking time away from music to get “big perspective time”, what she learned about her approach to songwriting from Bryan Adams, and shares the advice she often gives emerging artists. Edwards released Total Freedom, her fifth studio album, on August 14th via Dualtone Records. Written and recorded in Canada and Nashville with longtime collaborator/guitarist, Jim Bryson, and Grammy-winning songwriter/producer, Fitchuk, Total Freedom is b...
Crossover Episode: Too Much Effing Perspective
September 27, 2022 13:15 - 56 minutesThis week we have a special episode for you: Rhett on the podcast Too Much Effing Perspective. Every performer who's ever been on the road has at least one bizarro story that could have been pulled straight from the iconic music mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap. Co-hosts Allen Keller and Alex Hofmann delve deep into their guests’ harrowing, humbling, and hilarious Spinal Tap Moments uncovering universal truths along the way. Rhett shares his own stories of mishaps and misunderstandings - li...
Sam Cohen
September 20, 2022 15:00 - 34 minutesSam Cohen is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer whose credits include albums with Kevin Morby, Curtis Harding, Alexandria Savior, and many others. He’s also the producer of Rhett’s new solo album, The Misfit. Sam joins Rhett to talk about the making of the record and how he approaches his work, helping artists when things get difficult in the studio, and why the secret to success is letting go of one’s ego. A multi-talented musician and producer, Sam released his first solo al...
Ryan Cronin and Saliou Diop
September 13, 2022 14:30 - 35 minutesNew York-based visual artist Ryan Cronin joins Rhett from Tambacounda, Senegal, where he is developing a collaboration with Tambacounda-based artist Saliou Diop. Ryan discusses how he got started as an artist, the creative process behind his work, and why a combination of patience and persistence leads to success. Later in the episode, Rhett is joined by Saliou Diop and his translator, who discuss Saliou’s creative approach and how a strong belief in the work helps him navigate any obstacles....