Get ready for a deep dive into the mind of Dustin Lowman! In the latest episode of Pursuing the Muse, Tom Compton sits down with singer-songwriter Dustin Lowman to discuss his captivating album, "Invulnerable,".

Dustin Lowman is a singer-songwriter residing in the greater New York City area, drawing inspiration from masters like Bob Dylan. He released his album "Invulnerable" in late 2024, following EPs such as "Carnivalesque" and "Folk Songs". Lowman views songwriting as an inner sanctum where he converts the chaos from life into something constructive

In the interview, Dustin shares the fascinating concept behind the album's title and goes deep on several of the tracks. He elaborates on his innate draw to creative writing from a young age and how he began songwriting around age 15. He describes the value of the "insecure voice". There's also chat about Bob Dylan and Dustin's use of comedy.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the creative process of a talented songwriter who truly lives his art.

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Learn more about Dustin here:

https://dustinlowman.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dustinlowmanmusic/

https://www.facebook.com/DustinLowmanMusic/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EXIhje91Ic2bnsbk_skXg

https://onwriting.substack.com/

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• 00:01:52 - Intro to Dustin Lowman

• 00:02:05 - Meaning behind the album title "Invulnerable"

• 00:04:25 - Xppreciation for the album

• 00:06:18 - Inspiration for "Lucky Stars"

• 00:07:42 - Early beginnings as a songwriter

• 00:09:42 - Learning guitar and obsessively writing and studying songs

• 00:10:49 - Desire to perform

• 00:12:03 - Performing felt intuitive

• 00:12:55 - Differences in performing solo acoustic vs. with a band

• 00:14:20 - Challenges and realities of playing with a band

• 00:16:13 - Dustin Lowman's journey from Connecticut to Brooklyn

• 00:18:43 - Songwriting as a "sanctum"

• 00:21:06 - The role of validation

• 00:23:55 - The value of insecurity in creativity

• 00:25:35 - Inspiration for "A Little Green Left"

• 00:28:02 - Deep connection to Bob Dylan

• 00:30:39 - Dylan's tangible influence on Lowman's songwriting

• 00:33:04 - Thoughts on the Bob Dylan biopic

• 00:38:16 - Origin of "Hangover Cure"

• 00:40:49 - "Searching for My Twin"

• 00:42:29 - Comedy and wit

• 00:45:42 - Discusses his wide range of comedic influences

• 00:48:38 - Upcoming projects and ways to follow

• 00:49:55 - Lowman's Substack, "On Writing,"

• 00:50:31 - Closing remarks

Pursuing the Muse is back. This episode, we're featuring jazz guitar virtuoso Tim Fitzgerald. Tim and Tom go way back, so Tom can vouch for the fact that Tim's journey is incredible. He transitioned from studying physics to music mastery, learning the rules and how to break them from Barry Harris and Rodney Jones. Tim's now a scholar of Wes Montgomery and has released the acclaimed 'Full House' album, which reimagines Wes's iconic solos. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation.

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Find out more about Tim Fitzgerald:

https://www.timfitzgeraldmusic.com

https://timfitzgerald.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/timfitzgeraldmusic

https://www.facebook.com/timfitzgeraldmusic

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00:01:43 - Intro

00:02:23 - On humor and improv

00:03:41 - The "no rim shots" rule. (Bowser DID attend Juliard!)

00:05:23 - Post-high school journey and early music aspirations

00:09:53 - Life-changing teachers: Barry Harris

00:13:04 - The cool demeanor of Jimmy Lovelace

00:14:37 - Life-changing teachers: Rodney Jones

00:19:27 - Tim Fitzgerald as an educator

00:22:46 - Discovering Wes Montgomery

00:25:00 - Wes Montgomery's commercial success and CTI period

00:27:50 - The influential "Jazz 625" video

00:30:41 - Rodney Jones's serendipitous role in the video's release

00:33:05 - Transcribing Wes Montgomery and book creation

00:38:36 - The "Full House" album concept

00:42:03 - Future recording plans and the challenges of the Hammond B-3

00:47:57 - The connection between music and dance

01:03:09 - International touring and audience reactions

01:09:33 - Improvisation as a dynamic conversation

01:14:51 - Cultivating an individual sound

01:16:48 - Comparison of Fitzgerald and Montgomery's styles

01:18:57 - The importance of personality in music

01:20:06 - Joe Satriani and Eddie Van Halen: A parallel to personal interpretation

01:21:46 - Concluding remarks

In this episode we're fortunate to have Nashville musician Mike Delevante join us. His new album, September Days, is in contention for record of the year. It boasts a timeless quality with jangly 12 string electric guitars and it offers a deeply personal feel. Notably, this marks Mike's first album of entirely self-written songs. It's a significant solo debut after years of making music with his older brother in the Delevantes. Get ready to delve into the creative journey behind Mike's remarkable new record, September Days.

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Find out more about Mike:

https://mikedelevante.com/

https://mikedelevante.bandcamp.com/album/september-days

https://orcd.co/mdseptdays

https://instagram.com/michaeldelevante

https://www.youtube.com/@mikedelevante

Https://facebook.com/mikedelevante

https://bsky.app/profile/delevante.bsky.social

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00:01:52 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Mike Delevante to Pursuing the Muse.

00:02:05 - September Days new album released

00:02:58 - Early Musical Journey & Songwriting

00:05:50 - Professional Deals & Hiatus

00:07:03 - Solo Songwriting Emergence

00:08:18 - Brother's Support & Sibling Dynamics

00:10:50 - Songwriting Floodgates Opening

00:12:30 - Personal Songwriting Process

00:14:22 - Album's Vulnerability & Timeless Sound

00:16:32 - September Days Title & Seasonal Themes

00:21:21 - "Adeline" Inspiration

00:22:38 - Music and Evoked Memories

00:25:40 - Meeting Garry Tallent

00:29:43 - Enduring Collaboration with Tallent

00:36:56 - Working with Producer Joe Pisapia

00:39:56 - Guitar Arrangements & Recording Approach

00:41:49 - Vocal Recording & Joe Pisapia's Encouragement

00:46:16 - Previous Mixing Deal & Graphic Design Background

00:52:22 - "The Rain Never Came" Theme

00:56:16 - "When You're Around" Meaning & Album Mood

01:00:10 - Emerging Hindsight Themes

01:03:26 - Songwriting Evolution During Recording

01:06:08 - Drummers & Recording Techniques

01:11:19 - Confidence from Recording Process

01:14:50 - Record Label & Guy Clark Foundation

01:17:33 - Album Availability

01:20:11 - New Jersey Roots & High School Influence

01:25:56 - Social Media Presence

01:31:35 - Closing Remarks: new record length podcast episode

Pursuing the Muse theme song "Neon Rails" by Joel Corelitz