Jordan Tice and Kenneth Pattengale of the Milk Carton Kids join us on this week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about the making of Tice’s 2020 album, Motivational Speakeasy. The Pattengale-produced solo album is noteworthy not just for Tice’s always-exceptional playing and vocals, but also for its minimalist beauty. It’s one of our favorite albums of 2020.

During the call, we hear about the songs on the album, Pattengale’s recording process and Tice’s new guitar acquisition (yes, he’s doubled his guitar collection). Pattengale – at the time hunkered down in a cabin in Eastern Canada – also hilariously describes the pandemic project he picked up in 2020 (see screenshot below for evidence), plus a lot more. It’s a fun chat about the making of a great acoustic album.

Note: We’ve included a track from Motivational Speakeasy on our new Thirty for 2020 Spotify playlist, filled with some of our favorite songs from the year.

Recorded November 11, 2020.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases and Folkway Music.

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Above photo: Jacqueline Justice