Great artists don’t just create music—they reveal pieces of their soul. And in this must-listen podcast episode, two legendary acts pull back the curtain on their creative journeys. But here’s the twist: their approaches couldn’t be more different.
Tune in now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, or other platforms.
On this special two-part episode of Kyle Meredith With…, you’ll get exclusive backstage interviews from the Bourbon & Beyond Festival with Mary Chapin Carpenter—the poetic force behind Americana music—and Erik Berry of the boundary-pushing bluegrass band Trampled by Turtles. Dive deep into their latest projects, creative philosophies, and the raw honesty that defines their work. And this is the part most people miss: their stories aren’t just about music—they’re about life.
Mary Chapin Carpenter: "I Can’t Hide Behind the Music Anymore"
First, the five-time Grammy winner opens up about her long-awaited album, Personal History—a project five years in the making. But here’s where it gets controversial: Carpenter admits she no longer filters her writing. "At this point, I’m done with pretense," she says. "The songs have to be true, or what’s the point?"
She describes the album as a non-chronological memoir, where songs flow like fragmented memories rather than a straight timeline. "Time isn’t linear," she explains. "Why should music be?" Listeners will notice her playful coffee references ("Yes, I’m obsessed") and the universal appeal of "A Girl and Her Dog," which she says transcends demographics: "Dogs don’t care who you are. They just love you."
She also credits producer Josh Kaufman (of Bonny Light Horseman) for helping refine the album’s sound, calling their collaboration "a masterclass in musical alchemy." Fun fact: Kaufman also worked with her on Looking for the Thread, a hauntingly beautiful collaboration with Scottish folk artists Julie Fowlis and Karine Polwart.
Trampled by Turtles x Alan Sparhawk: A Tribute to Musical Mentors
Later, Erik Berry joins the conversation to discuss Trampled by Turtles’ collaborative album with Alan Sparhawk of the iconic slowcore band Low. Here’s the kicker: Low was their hometown heroes in Duluth. "They taught us to embrace our weirdness," Berry says. But here’s the catch: Due to conflicting schedules, live performances will be rare. "That’s what makes it magical," he argues. "When we play, it’ll be an event, not just another show."
Mark your calendars for their two confirmed dates:
- December 11, 2024 in Saint Paul, MN
- March 29, 2026 at Knoxville’s Big Ears Festival (see lineup here)
Grab tickets for these shows—and all Trampled by Turtles’ tours—here.
Now It’s Your Turn
Listen to the full episode above (or watch the video version) to hear Carpenter’s reflections on Personal History and Berry’s insights on Trampled by Turtles’ collaboration. But we want to hear from you:
- Do you prefer albums that follow a narrative—or ones that mimic the chaos of memory?
- Is rarity in live performances a good thing, or does it frustrate fans?
Drop your hot takes in the comments! And don’t forget to follow Kyle Meredith With… on your favorite podcast platform (links here) for more conversations with music’s most compelling voices. Explore the full Consequence Podcast Network here.
