WAIM #155: Music Writers Josephine Matyas & Craig Jones

Josephine Maytas and Craig Jones have forged a life together built around rock and roll and the open road. Maytas, a veteran travel writer, and Jones, who is a musician and political economist have spent the better part of the last two decades seeking out the most sacred spaces on the American sonic landscape. Their travels have taken them from the Delta of the Mississippi to the Appalachian hills of southwestern Virginia, and from the dusty plains of Oklahoma to the wilds of the northern woods, and nearly everywhere in between.Maytas and Jones have taken these collected aural explorations and put them in a pair of terrific books that catalog and contextualize the places where American music was born and bred. Their first book, Chasin’ The Blues, follows the origins and the evolution of American blues music. The pair’s newest book, The Music Lovers Guide To North America is a tome dedicated to some of the holiest sites in modern American music. Our pair of intrepid guests have visited museums, halls of fame, birthplaces, recording studios, graveyards, and private homes to find the ghosts of our musical past.During our chat, Craig and Jo share some of their favorite spots, including a few of the places that were wholly surprising to them. We break down the energy and reverence of these sacred sonic spaces, and we try to capture the holy experience of standing in the spot where greatness happened. Plus, we’re even treated to a few tricks and tips for how to get the most out of your next rock and roll pilgrimage.Let’s get into it.Cheers,Matty C-------------------------End CreditsThanks so much to Jo and Craig for joining me. You can find out all about their work and get both of their terrific books at https://musictravelguides.com/The What Am I Making podcast is hosted, written, and produced by me, Matty C.Our theme music was written and recorded by David J. Baldwin.You can subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to like, rate and review the show if you enjoy it.Our work is solely sponsored by listeners and readers like you. Please lend your support today with a paid subscription at whatamimaking.substack.com/. Now is a crucial time for new paid subscribers. Please step up and support the show.You can email the show anytime at [email protected]. You can also leave us a voicemail with your questions or concerns at speakpipe.com/whatamimaking Get full access to What Am I Making at whatamimaking.substack.com/subscribe