Rachel Cholst Podcasts

Big news! This is one of the LAST few episodes of Adobe & Teardrops! But you can hear me at Rosa and Rachel's Redwall Report! Also, you can write for Rainbow Rodeo, the first queer country music magazine! Apply here! This week, I dig into some of the best releases from the month of July. Son Volt -- “Diamonds and Cigarettes (feat. Laura Cantrell)” …

Summer's winding down so you gotta catch as catch can. Here are some of the best Americana songs around about summer flings and wanting more. Adam Hooks and the Huckleberries -- “Samantha (Bad News)” (So Far Gone) (01:46) The Redhill Valleys -- “Finish Line” (Single) (05:06) Emily Duff -- “Don’t Hang the Moon” (Razor Blade Smile) (10:37) Gabe Lee -…

Grace Pettis and I celebrate her phenomenal album, Working Woman, by trading feminist country and roots music. We also discuss how Grace uses her platform to benefit people who are marginalized in the music industry, and what being a woman really means. Here's that Spotify playlist of feminist country music that Grace and I mentioned. Learn more ab…

The second episode this week explores some of my favorite protest music -- just in time for the Fourth of July! You can read more about the No-No boys here. No-No Boy -- “Close Your Eyes and Dream of Flowers” (1975) (4:03) Nana Grizol -- “Plantation Country” (South Somewhere Else) (7:26) Leyla McCalla -- “Money is King” (Capitalist Blues) (12:24) H…

In this two-episode week, Rachel spins the best music released in June (that she hasn't already covered for Pride, at least.) She also talks a little bit about the survivor's guilt of seeing Cory Branan in concert. Cory Branan -- “Visiting Hours” (Adios) (2:02) Angela Autumn -- “God’s Green Earth” (Frontiers Woman) (5:42) Von Bieker -- “An Artist’s…

In our final Pride episode, I speak with my friend, poet and writer Anastasia Walker. As we discuss, Anastasia and I met five years ago at our college reunion, and have kept in touch since. We talk about her upcoming book of poetry, The Girl Who Wasn’t And Is from bd-studios, and how the trans experience has changed and is changing across the gener…

I’m honored to be joined by Terry Blade to celebrate Juneteenth and Pride! In this episode, Terry discuss his new single “Forward,” as well as his diverse influences and the BIPOC artists he resonates with. We also discuss the rapid corporatization of Juneteenth and how music media can best portray artists’ multiple identities. As always, learn abo…

I'm super excited about my latest project, the queer country zine Rainbow Rodeo! The articles are amazing and the thing looks great -- and that's all thanks to the artists featured in this episode -- as well as many more! In this episode, I preview the zine and play music by some of the zine's contributors. You can get your copy at www.rainbowrodeo…

Adeem the Artist and I picked some of our favorite new queer country songs to feature for Pride! Shortly after this interview, it was announced that Adeem will be opening for American Aquarium in the fall. I’m so stoked for them! Turns out that between the two of us, Adeem and I reviewed half the albums featured here, so check those out in the show…

Lots of great music came out on May! Let's round' em up! Read the transcript for this here. Album of the Month: Maia Sharp -- Mercy Rising Maia Sharp’s Mercy Rising. You’ll see what I mean when you listen to “You’ll Know Who Knows You.” This is a really sexy song, something that to me has an ineffably queer, nay, lesbian, aesthetic. The whole album…

This week, Kasey Anderson and I shoot the breeze about baseball, why we like it, and our favorite songs about baseball. Where else will you find Sam & Dave and Todd Snider in the same place? Kasey Anderson -- “Older Guys” (Let the Bloody Moon Rise) (9:59) Todd Snider -- “America’s Favorite Pastime” (The Excitement Plan) (13:43) Caroline Spence -- “…

Here's a lot of brand new music that SOUNDS old, because honky-tonk is forever. You can find the transcript here! Charlie Marie -- “Soul Train” (Ramble On) (3:44) Soo Line Loons -- “What They Don’t Tell You” (Soo Line Loons) (7:41) Shootouts -- “Rattlesnake Whiskey” (Bullseye) (11:47) Steel Woods -- “I Need You (feat. Ashley Monroe)” (All of Your S…

This week, I review some of my favorite anti-racist country songs -- and what anti-racism even means. And yes, it's meant to be this short! Read the transcript here. Links from the episode: The Spotify playlist this episode is based on My article in The Boot about the ACM Awards Redlining in Country Music: Representation in the Country Music Indust…

This week's episode is the LAST episode in this format, where I spin some new tunes that I like. Moving forward, each episode will revolve around a certain theme! Album of the Week: Doc Feldman -- A Healthy Dose of Anxiety The first half of the album is a healthy dose of some anti-anxiety; this album is a bit of a left turn for Doc, veering away fr…

Read the episode transcript here! Rachel has some big personal news, which should explain why this episode is late! Plus, the best in Americana and queer punk. Album of the Week: Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band -- Dance Songs For Hard Times Anyone familiar with their work knows that the Big Damn Band does nothing but dance songs, but this time arou…

In this episode, there are two Rachels, three Zachs, and three songs by country artists who eschew Nashville. Rachel Hurley is my co-pilot on this one! Rachel is the headmistress of Sweetheart PR and co-hosts the Music Rookie podcast. She talks about her impressive journey through the music industry before we gush about the music we love this week.…

Hi, everyone! Welcome to Episode 166! My brain is in vacation mode. I stayed in a ridiculous mcmansion. In this episode, we get into some brand new music, some crate-digging, and an interview with Mackenzie Shivers! Dallas Moore -- “Blue Jean Jesus” (The Rain) (2:21) I Can Lick Any Son Of a Bitch in the House -- “It Don’t Get Much Better Than This”…

It’s episode 165 of Adobe & Teardrops! Thanks for sticking with me! Well, everything is coming up Rachel this week. I’ve been on spring break. I joined a fantasy baseball league. I joined a queer softball league. Opening day is in less than an hour as I record this. We might be moving into a 2-bedroom apartment in the same building. Oh yeah -- thin…

Hey, y’all! Welcome to episode 164 of Adobe & Teardrops! From now on, you can read the a transcript of the podcast on Adobe & Teardrops. My computer decided to pick a fight with me, so this one is super late and I won’t be doing an extended cut for Patreon subscribers cuz I just want to get this done. Sorry about that. Album of the Week Miko Marks’…

For a complete transcript of this episode, click here! New website, who dis? Adobe & Teardrops condemns the violence against AAPI women this past week. I played a set of AAPI Americana artists in solidarity, and to remind us that this impacts the Americana world as well. Album of the Week: Melissa Carper -- Daddy's Country Gold I also wrote this up…

I won the Self-Made Indie Podcaster Award for Best Female Host and Best Music Podcast! Thank you so much!!! I was super busy this week what with applying to grad school and learning how to be a social animal again! This week has some awesome music, so let’s get into it! Album of the Week: Semler -- Preacher’s Kid I don’t have Grace Baldridge’s expe…

Arr, matey! Sling some skilly’n’duff and grab a tankard of October Ale, because this episode features a sea shanty by Brian Jacques, the author of my beloved Redwall books. Which, by the way, Rosa and I are going to make a podcast about it. Also, some of the best new Americana out this week! Album of the Week: Charles Ellsworth -- Honeysuckle Summe…

Better late than never!!! Hey! Vote for me in the Self Made Indie Podcast Awards for Best Music Podcast, Best Female Host, and Best Patreon here! Voting ends on 2/28! Album of the Week: Ben Trickey -- We Are Not Lucky We Are Blessed Ben Trickey’s newest album, We Are Not Lucky We Are Blessed, is his finest effort to date. It’s making me do things I…

I made some found poems out of the song titles! Hope you enjoy! Album of the Week: Casper Allen -- The Magnolia Sessions Casper Allen's got the perfect singing voice -- and his writing and playing aren't too far behind. This live recording, including some older songs and new songs that are being prepped for his solo debut, finds Allen at his rawest…

It's the February 12th episode of this here thing, but we're not gonna do Valentine's Day. Bleh. Speaking of "bleh," why are people listing Morgan Wallen as a musical influence after this past week? You don't realize what that says about you? Or maybe you do... Also, Bella is a cuddle pirate. Album of the Week: The Barlow -- The Horseshoe Lounge Th…

Rachel is snow-blind and annoyed! So only one thing is new. But also, there’s lots of jazz, country, and rock in this week’s episode -- just a fun smorgasbord of everything! Album of the Week: Mary Halvorson -- Code Girl I don’t know enough about jazz to say anything educated about this album. But from the perspective of someone who’s into guitar-b…

As always, this episode is PACKED with country, punk, blues, pretty much anything you want. Bella co-hosts, plus we get an interview with the delightful Bronte Fall! Album of the Week: Pony Bradshaw -- Calico Jim This album is rife with intensely passionate songwriting and a true sense of place. On Calico Jim, Pony Bradshaw explores the underbelly …

Mostly mellow vibes this week and a quick correction: I did, in fact, play King of the Tramps’ latest album on Episode 89 of Adobe & Teardrops, way back when. Mike Meehan and The Lucky Ones -- “Cross to Bear” (Freaks and Wonders) King of the Tramps -- “Death’s Door” (Wicked Mountain) Brightwire -- “Cracked Edges” (Cracked, Flawed, and Frayed) Baile…

This week’s episode is sponsored by the Choose Your Struggle podcast. Listen to real-life people share their struggles with addiction and mental health and #EndTheStigma today. Otherwise, not a whole lot going on -- just the usual blend of Americana, country, punk and funk! Album of the Week: Uncle Ben’s Remedy -- Easy Way to Here If you’re looking…

New year, new intro! This week is a fun grab-bag of singles and deep cuts from albums I enjoyed in 2020. In case you missed it, you can listen to my interview with Mike West on Into the Van! Two Cow Garage -- “History Now” (Brand New Flag) Dan Whitaker -- “Movin’ On With You” (Movin’ On With You) Oklahoma Uprising -- “Karma” (High Sign) Jeremy Pars…

Here it is -- my top 10 of 2020! There are probably a lot of people you’d expect me to have in my top 20, like John Moreland and American Aquarium. While those artists made huge strides in pushing their own boundaries, they just didn’t make as much of an emotional impact on me as the albums featured here. For me, top albums need to both push bounda…

There are probably a lot of people you’d expect me to have in my top 20, like John Moreland and American Aquarium. While those artists made huge strides in pushing their own boundaries, they just didn’t make as much of an emotional impact on me as the albums featured here. For me, top albums need to both push boundaries AND make me FEEL SOMETHING. …

This week, Rachel is joined by long-list twin Gabe DiChiara and her love Rosa Schneider! The trio talk yearning, unrequited love, and Elizabeth Warren (cw for Bernie or Bust bros: maybe skip the intro and go straight to the music.) This playlist was prompted by the Sappho poem “Deathless Aphrodite.” Rosa reads Anne Carson’s translation in her sexie…

This week we get into punk, country, jazz, women’s music...all of it, really. Apologies for the pop filter bumping against the mic -- I didn’t realize that was happening! Album of the Week: Roof Beams -- This Life Must Be Long I’ve enjoyed the Maryland-based Roof Beams’ brand of authentic folk rock for some time now. Speaking of time, the band had …

Rachel still has Thanksgiving brain, but put together all the best in Americana, country, folk, and...classical music? Album of the Week: Adeem the Artist -- Forgotten Songs and American Dreams Adeem is a fellow contributor at Country Queer, but even if I didn’t know him to be a gentleperson and a scholar, I’d fall in love with his music. Funny, to…

We cut right to the chase this week with some of the finest Americana out there, plus an interview with Elli Perry about her incredible new song “Glynn County.” The song is only available on her site, and the proceeds go to YOUth Speak, a Glynn County-based youth group that is already making positive change in the wake of Ahmaud Arbury’s murder. Th…

Meg Williams is the founder of Harper Valley PR but, more importantly, she’s an advocate of the Chicago country scene. Meg backed Rainbow Rodeo, the first (known) queer country zine, so she’s joing us as a co-host today! Bella did not back the Rainbow Rodeo Kickstarter but she also had a lot to say during today’s episode. (She puked right after the…

Rachel is joined by British Americana artist Mike West to share views on authenticity in country music, Dungeons & Dragons, and all there is to know about the British Americana scene. You can find Mike’s website here and follow him on Twitter at @mike333west or Instagram at @mike333west This week’s episode is sponsored by WYLD Gallery in Austin, TX…

Just in time for Election Day and right after the US, Austin Lucas and I talk vampires, politics, and overcoming entitlement -- all stemming from his beautiful new album Alive in the Hot Zone! Send me music via SubmitHub! Send me money via Ko-fi or Patreon. Find Rachel and her comic via https://linktr.ee/rachel.cholst…

Adobe & Teardrops is huge in India? Also, in spite of all the tough stuff going on, there’s always room for interactions with adorable young people! Plus -- an interview with folk duo Sally and George! Don’t forget -- there’s more music on the site! Magana -- “Morning Person” (You Are Not a Morning Person) Pale Fire -- “King Salt” (Husbands) Stepha…

Of anniversaries, weird cakes, plot twists, and even weirder role-playing games. And baseball? It’s all here, even your new favorite Americana artists! Huge thanks to Podcorn for sponsoring this episode. Explore sponsorship opportunities and start monetizing your podcast by signing up here: https://podcorn.com/podcasters/ Album of the Week: Stephan…

It’s episode 141 and Rachel has the sensitivity of a Victorian lady. Also, great music from fabulous people. MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT COUNTRY SOUL SONGBOOK THIS WEEKEND! Album of the Week: CF Watkins -- Babygirl CF Watkins has found that sweet spot between pop and Americana -- a brass ring that many recent artists have shot at and missed the mark. I…

Rachel’s students are getting creative, but not in the ways you’d want them to. Also, hi everyone in India! Album of the Week: Izzy Heltai -- Father I’ve been a supporter of Izzy’s since he first sent me a song through SubmitHub all on his own. For his first album, though, Heltai pulled out the big guns -- and deservedly so. Father is nothing if no…

I was super late getting this one out, so everyone gets to hear the Patreon songs! Also, found poetry! Album of the Week: Lydia Loveless -- Daughter Daughter finds Americana stalwart Loveless at the ebb of significant upheaval: a divorce, a relocation, a cathartic but tumultuous outing of bad practices at her previous label, Bloodshot Records, the …

Listen to the Amythyst Kiah episode of Country Queer Spotlight. This is your last chance to back the Rainbow Rodeo Kickstarter! Album of the Week: Bette Smith -- The Good, The Bad, The Bette Bette Smith is a Bed-Stuy native -- and Southern soul seems to course through her veins. At least, that’s how it sounds on her debut album, produced by Drive B…

L’Shanah tovah! Let’s dig deep into an extra-large episode of blues, punk, rock, pop, and country music. Why is it longer? Because I can! Also, some good news! Don’t forget to back the Rainbow Rodeo Kickstarter! Album of the Week: Daniel Romano -- How Ill Thy World Is Ordered This is a stunning album, with dense prophetic lyrics. Romano’s delivery …

The refrigerator saga concludes! Also, jazz, country, and punk -- and it all works, I promise! Contribute to the Rainbow Rodeo Kickstarter here! Album of the Week: Matt Woods -- Mornings After Matt Woods’ new EP Mornings After is signature Woods: his powerhouse vocals make the stories of small peoples’ pain operatic in scope. Woods can crank it up …

Rachel talks Justin Townes Earle, Williamsburg blues, and an inspirational quote from Leslie Feinberg’s Stone Butch Blues. (Also, she misspoke -- this is episode 135, not 136!) Click here for the Rainbow Rodeo Kickstarter! Justin Townes Earle -- “Workin’ For the MTA” (Harlem River Blues) Bronwyn Keith-Hynes -- “North Garden” (Fiddler’s Pastime) Eri…

Hey! We had 1000 downloads a month! Also, Country Queer Spotlight is live now! Listen to my interview of Jaime Wyatt! Also also, I had to scratch the first artist I planned to play because I couldn’t get a hold of those mp3s after all. Hopefully the edit isn’t too weird! Album of the Week: Bethany Thomas -- BT/SHE/HER This album is a masterpiece. T…

Vacation, Bella in the country, work troubles, refrigerators, spicy takes about Bright Eyes, and a whole buttload of music! Album of the Week: Hayley Thompson-King -- Sororicide This album is so cool. Thompson-King is a woman with intense artistic vision: her debut Psychotic Melancholia introduced the main themes on Sororicide. Thompson-King, a tra…