Episode 64: Steve Poltz
I sat down with Steve Poltz at DelFest Bluegrass Festival, after his set on the main stage there, which was, according to Steve, the greatest show he had ever played. The next day I saw him play a completely different set at the festival, which was, according to Steve, even greater, making that the best show he had ever played. In between these great sets we had a wide (wide) ranging conversation.
Steve told some tales, he talked about the art of telling tales, he broke down some Neil Young and Roger Miller songs to demonstrate their songwriting brilliance, ate some cookies, and talked about his upcoming Steve Poltz Song Factory songwriting workshop in August in New York State.
We heard about the sound of breaking glass, how an overdose of weed brownies changed his career (for the better), and how he discovered a love for the Grateful Dead after successfully recovering from an on-stage stroke.
Did I mention it was wide ranging? One of my most enjoyable conversations on the podcast ever.
It might’ve even been last night, but Steve Poltz just played the greatest show of his life. Guess what?
The next show will be even greater, making that show the greatest show of his life.
Are you starting to notice a trend?
He isn’t shy about it either.
Even after most likely thousands of shows (but who’s counting?), he hits the stage with the same amount of energy and always makes sure to declare, “This is the greatest show of my life.”
It’s why he’s quietly emerged as the kind of live phenomenon celebrated passionately by a diehard fanbase worldwide and renowned as a festival favorite everywhere from Bluesfest in Byron Bay and High Sierra Music Festival in California and Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado to Cayamo Cruise (where he actually got married). It’s why his music has crept into pop culture via collaborations with everyone from Jewel and Billy Strings to Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, Nicki Bluhm, Oliver Wood, and even the late Mojo Nixon. It’s why after over a dozen albums, he’s still creatively firing on all cylinders and critically acclaimed by the likes of Rolling Stone, Associated Press, Billboard, and many more.
Nevertheless, the next gig will be the greatest show for him (and maybe for you too)…
