Those of you interested in the growing LDS hip hop scene will no doubt find something to love in the music of Maurice Dew. Maurice is a witty, smart rapper originally from Colorado, who has been making a name for himself in Phoenix, Arizona. Maurice, a returned missionary who has started his own record label, Pioneer Productions, has an active online presence, and frequently blogs about politics, the music industry, and current events. He is currently promoting his second album, For the People, and has answered a few questions for Linescratchers.

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Earl Kramer, hailing from Berkeley, CA, got together a few years ago with a friend and some acoustic guitars.  Since then their light-hearted but still complex folk has expanded into a full band, with an edge of rock infused with wit and charm.  Lime Colony released a long EP entitled The Advantage Of Getting There First, and is now busy recording another one.  Earl speaks in his interview about his conversion, the history of the band, and the songwriting process.

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Right next to the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, the music of Jeff Zentner is a visceral reminder of the spiritual roots of the South. Jeff is a soulful, bluesy Southern Gothic musician and member of Alt-Country band Creech Holler, and is, incidentally, related to successful LDS artist Michael R. Hicks. After a time playing in Nashville, Tennessee (where many a musical dream is born and dies), he has since moved to Asheville, but continues to create and record solo music. Earlier this year he released a solo album, The Dying Days of Summer. His music is a testament to the music that echoed in the deepest, darkest hollers of Appalachia in the early 1900s.

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HALLOWEEN EPISODE! Special episode featuring an interview with Kristen Lawrence (and her music).

Mostly Ghostly – Kristen Lawrence
Your Siren Song – Jeff Zentner
Twilight – Keith Driskill
Cats in the Catacombs – Kristen Lawrence
Souling Song (All Hallows version) – Kristen Lawrence
Souling Song (Samhain version) – Kristen Lawrence
Vampire Empire – Kristen Lawrence

For more information about Kristen Lawrence and her music, please visit:
http://halloweencarols.com AND/OR
http://kristenlawrence.com AND/OR
http://halloweenorgan.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

I, myself, have been interviewed about Linescratchers and LDS music at the Mormon arts blog A Motley Vision. You can read the interview by clicking HERE. Special thanks to William Morris for the opportunity!

Over the last two decades, the centerpiece and poster children of faithful Latter-day Saints in the world of Rock music have arguably been Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker of Minnesota Indie band Low. It’s hard to overestimate their influence on our culture and musicians. Living proof that the Church and a career in music aren’t mutually exclusive, Alan and Mimi have had their share of critical and fan acclaim, inspiring many Latter-day Saints, non-members, and even our very own Linescratchers itself.

Alan has more recently explored new sonic territory with The Black-Eyed Snakes and Retribution Gospel Choir. Alan was gracious enough to take time out of his schedule to be interviewed in this Linescratchers Exclusive, answering certain questions about being LDS in the music world for the first time.

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