No Simple Road’s Weekly Rewind
Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between!
This is a tough one this week for us here at No Simple Road. We are coming in raw, unfiltered, and in the moment on this episode. We're getting ready to lose a member of the NSR Family/Household and, true to our form, we are here with all of you going through it.
If you've been a listener of the show for a while now you know that we don't hold stuff back when we're going through it personally. We jump in and talk about it here on the show as a form of therapy and as a way to let all of you know that we go through tough stuff sometimes too. This week is one of those episodes where we really just couldn't do much more than let it out.
Thanks for listening to us and for being here to support us. We love y'all.
Newest episodes
Mason Via - Roots in Harmony
Ep. 417
We are extremely excited to have Mason Via join us for this week's episode of No Simple Road!
Mason opens up about the highs and lows of touring life, balancing the demands of performance with personal health, and finding harmony between the expectations of a musician's life and the realities of constant travel.
Our conversation meanders through Mason's experiences growing up in a festival community, where he honed his craft at fiddlers conventions, finding the soul of music in lively campgrounds rather than grand stages. We discuss the delicate balance between achieving fame and maintaining genuine fan connections, inspired by artists like Billy Strings who masterfully blend mainstream appeal with grassroots intimacy. Mason reflects on the resurgence of bluegrass music and the crucial role of community in both its education and practice, where collaboration and rhythm create a powerful, transcendent experience.
We also touch on the instructional side of bluegrass, with a nod to influential educators like Jim Panky and Marcel Ardans, who champion the communal and instructional spirit of this enduring genre. Finally, Mason sheds light on his personal life, celebrating his recent marriage and aspirations of settling back in Nashville, proving that the journey of a musician is as much about personal growth as it is about performance.
Head over to masonvia.com for tour info, music and more and follow Mason on IG @mason_via
Crystal Lariza of Never Come Down - Authenticity and Adventure
Ep. 416
We are so excited to have Crystal Lariza of Never Come Down wtih us on No Simple Road this week. This episode spotlights the vibrant experiences of Never Come Down, a band that has carved its path across borders and bluegrass festivals, becoming musical ambassadors on a global stage.
Excitement and exploration define our conversations with Crystal, as she shares insights into their transformative performances across Europe and beyond, including their pioneering impact as the first bluegrass band to grace the stage in Bosnia. The band's dedication to music education and cultural exchange shines brightly, emphasizing the universal language of music that bridges cultural divides. Through stories of cowboy hats, jam circles, and collaborations, we uncover the rich tapestry of influences that shape their unique sound and creative process.
This episode isn't just about music; it's about the human connections formed through shared passions and the unpredictable paths life offers. From the intimate tales of life's lessons in the Methow Valley to the shared moments of camaraderie on tour, we explore themes of authenticity, community, and the beauty of the present moment. As we reflect on these stories, we're reminded of the wisdom in embracing the unexpected and cherishing the journey, with gratitude and a smile.
Head over to www.nevercomedownband.com for tour info and more and follow them on IG @nevercomedownband