Welcome to "Chords of Curiosity," the newsletter extension of the Curious Goldfish Podcast. Curious Goldfish is a Music Podcast About More Than Music. Inspired by Ted Lasso.
Much like the podcast, the newsletter aims to go beneath the surface, exploring the deeper currents that shape us. The podcast often touches upon personal journeys through challenging experiences triggered by grief, heartbreak, addiction, and mental health challenges – themes we'll continue to explore thoughtfully in this space. In Chords of Curiosity, we want to highlight those inspiring stories, conversations, artists, and moments to fuel your own curiosity in your life, whether you are a music fan, a musician, or neither. We hope you peruse the highlights and get inspired by the amazing musicians we talk to every week. Follow us on Instagram and subscribe to the YouTube Channel for new content every week.
For this issue, our “Major Chord” is the inspiring Jessica Willis Fisher.
I had a conversation with her that really stuck with me. I sat down with her at the 30A Songwriter Festival, and we went deep. Jessica shared her journey, opening up about the tough stuff (horrible abuse by her father) she's processed, the power of healing through art, and finding her voice after leaving a high-control environment.
Jessica Willis Fisher Joins Jason English for a conversation at the 30A Songwriters Festival.
It was powerful to hear her talk about the themes in her memoir, "Unspeakable," and how she's channeling her experiences into new music and even a novel. Plus, getting to hear her perform "Dogwood" and "Honest" live, with the beautiful Gulf Coast in the background, was a real highlight.
This episode is all about resilience, vulnerability, and the ongoing process of growth. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one.
In this episode, you'll hear us talk about:
Jessica's journey of healing and finding her voice.
Insights from her memoir, "Unspeakable."
How art plays a key role in her process.
What's coming next in her music and writing.
Moving live performances of "Dogwood" and "Honest."
Her album “Blooming” that was just released in May. You can check out my review of it here.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
— Jason English (Host of Curious Goldfish)
Farewell with Four: Melodies for a Final Goodbye
Music tells the story of who we are. It captures memory, emotion, place, and identity in a way few other things can. Music speaks when words fall short. Farewell with Four is a new series that invites artists to reflect on the songs they’d want played at their funeral— not as a goodbye, but as a way to connect. These songs can comfort those left behind, offering shared meaning and memory. In grief, music often becomes a bridge—between hearts, between generations, between what was and what's next. I hope you like the series and I’d be curious (Another Chord of Curiosity!) which songs you’d select?
New Red Stool Session Available Now: Davin McCoy
The Curious Goldfish Podcast helps put on a backyard concert series outside of Atlanta. It’s all about an evening with friends who share a love of music and who are interested in hearing great music from musicians with all the talent in the world. The full July 2024 Performance from singer-songwriter Davin McCoy is now available. Davin plays six songs, five of which are from his upcoming album “The Wreckage.” No one can sing a song about heartbreak quite like Davin. Be sure to watch “ I Never Think of You,” and “Wolf and the Peach.” You can also see other performances from artists like David Ryan Harris, Michelle Malone, Charlie Mars, Cousin Curtiss, Lilly Winwood, Gina Vinier, and Bradley Cole Smith on the Red Stool Sessions Playlist on YouTube.
Looking Back: “Kansas 25” by Jennifer Knapp
I remember listening to the original “Kansas” album in the late 1990s when I was heavily involved with my Church Youth Group. So it was an honor for me to talk with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jennifer Knapp about the 25th anniversary and re-recording of her landmark album. Jennifer offers a rare and candid look into her journey – from her Midwestern roots and early days in contemporary Christian music to navigating her identity as an LGBTQ+ artist and the profound impact of those experiences on her life and music.
Don't miss this insightful conversation as Jennifer discusses the evolution of her songs, the complexities of faith and deconstruction, and the enduring power of authentic storytelling. She also shares heartfelt reflections on what it means to revisit the past with new wisdom.
Tune in to hear Jennifer discuss:
The "ghosts from her past" that fueled the raw honesty of songs like "Martyrs and Thieves."
Her candid thoughts on the "deconstruction movement" and how her early songwriting unknowingly tapped into it.
The "excruciating" but pivotal experience of her interview on Larry King Live and how she reflects on it today.
Her perspective on why LGBTQ+ individuals continue to seek faith communities, even in the face of past and present hurt.
Watch it here:
Album Review: Summer Sweeps by The Belgian Blue
Vienna-based The Belgian Blue offers their debut EP, "Summer Sweeps,” which quickly caught the eye of Irish Music Legend Glen Hansard on a recent tour where the band opened and played alongside “The Swell Season.” Frontman Pádraig Mac Mahon’s lyrics, written in a Montana logging camp, give these 8 tracks an introspective feel. This international group blends indie rock with "New Wave Deep Americana," characterized by Mac Mahon's notably raw vocals. "Summer Sweeps" presents a textured take on rural and urban experiences, marking a distinct first statement from the band. Read more about it here and watch my conversation with them from the summer of 2024 when they were exploring the western US.
