Advertise on podcast: Inside the Outpost

The Del Fuegos brought their signature Boston rock swagger to Outpost in the Burbs this past December, one of only a handful of reunion dates the band is doing. Fronted by brothers Dan and Warren Zanes, the band helped define a roots-inflected alternative sound in the '80s with four beloved albums. Before the show, we sat down with the Zanes brothers to talk about their musical journeys, the band's legacy, and their own family connections that run through it all. Plus: a powerful live performance of "I Still Want You" captured at the concert.

The Milk Carton Kids brought their exquisite songwriting and signature harmonies to Outpost in the Burbs in December 2025. With a career spanning more than 15 years and multiple Grammy and Americana Award honors, the duo performed songs from across their catalog, including previews of an upcoming album, alongside a few beautifully understated holiday selections from Christmas in A Minor Key. We also sat down with Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan before the show for a wide-ranging conversation about their history and songwriting community, touching on peers like The Lone Bellow, Joe Purdy, and Joe Pug. The episode also features an exclusive live recording of the beautiful concert performance of "North Country Ride" from their recent album I Only See the Moon.

Hiss Golden Messenger's M.C. Taylor came to Outpost in the Burbs in October, delivering a stirring solo set filled with the warmth, empathy, and insight that define his songwriting. After listening back, he chose to release the full recording on Bandcamp as a fundraiser for the North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children. We had the privilege of speaking with him before the concert, and we're honored to help share this meaningful project.

Acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith, who's been captivating audiences for over three decades, joined us in Montclair for an intimate performance to kick off the Outpost's 38th season — and the 7th season of the podcast. In this episode, Ron reflects on the mysterious process of songwriting, what it means to honor both the songs and the audience, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Plus, enjoy an exclusive live recording of "Don't Lose Sight" from his new album Hangover Terrace.

We spoke with David Amlen and Meg Beattie Patrick as a preview for the upcoming DAVE & THE DIVAS show at Outpost in the Burbs. The show Freedom & Faith: Songs of Jenny Amlen and Elton John, will be March 1st in Montclair - an album release event for the group's FREEDOM album. It's a very special project that brings together core members of the Montclair music community, led by David Amlen in tribute to his late sister Jenny and her songs, that match remarkably well with Elton John's early compositions. The album and show feature a selection of incredible local singers - Julie Dobrow, Iris Schaffer Hall, Meg Patrick, Stacia Thiel, and Cecile Williams, as well as an all-star band. The episode features a preview of the title song 'Freedom,' an anthemic song from Jenny that was the starting point for the project.

Half Waif, the indie-electronic-folk project led by Nandi Rose, returns to Montclair for a special homecoming show at Outpost in the Burbs on February 22nd. This marks the band's first full performance at the venue, following a mini-set at a "new bands" festival in 2016. Since then, Half Waif has released a string of acclaimed albums, including the latest, See You at the Maypole (2024). Ahead of the show, we spoke with Nandi Rose about the power of art, creativity, and nature in navigating life's challenges and transformations. Episode also features "Figurine" from the new album. 

The On a Winter's Night tour stopped at Outpost in the Burbs in January 2025, featuring Cliff Eberhardt, John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky, and Patty Larkin—longtime friends and veterans of the folk scene for over 40 years. Each artist brings their own songs and stories to this special tour, creating a unique and powerful blend of talent. In this episode, we chat with Lucy Kaplansky and Cliff Eberhardt before the show and share a live recording of "Wayfaring Stranger" featuring John Gorka on lead vocals.

Bruce Cockburn's journey has taken him from music school for jazz composition to top albums and radio hits over the years. Along the way he's remained a thoughtful performer and humanitarian, whose songs reflect a concern for indigenous people, the environment and an overall hopeful approach to life. Bruce came to Outpost in the Burbs in November 2024, and his expressive solo guitar and voice performance filled the room with perfect vibes for the times. We had a fascinating conversation ahead of the show, and this episode also features an exclusive live recording of his classic song 'Night Train'.

Robyn Hitchcock stands as one of England's most iconic and inventive songwriters, a trailblazer in the alternative rock movement who continues to captivate with his wit and creativity. In this episode of Inside the Outpost, Robyn delves into his songwriting, his acclaimed memoir, and his exploration of the groundbreaking music and culture of 1967. Prepare for a characteristically wide-ranging conversation that spans from sneezes and orgasms to the nature of evil. Plus, don't miss an exclusive live performance of the rarely-heard gem, "One Day (It's Been Scheduled)."

Dubbed 'the hottest Irish acoustic band on the planet' by the Irish Echo, Lúnasa effortlessly weaves traditional melodies with modern energy, creating a sound that moves both hearts and feet. In this episode, we chat with the band's Kevin Crawford ahead of their upcoming Irish Solstice celebration at Outpost in the Burbs. Kevin gives us a glimpse into Lúnasa's broad appeal to roots music lovers of all kinds. Plus, don't miss an exclusive unreleased recording of 'A Kerry Christmas,' featuring the soulful vocals of Dave Curley, who'll join the band for the show. A must-listen for music fans of every stripe!

Irish singer-songwriter Pat Byrne has followed his musical journey from the green hills of Ireland to the hill country of Texas, evolving from a wedding singer to a celebrated artist crafting songs all his own. During his visit to the Outpost in October in support of Dar Williams, we had the chance to chat about his incredible path and the stories behind his music. This episode features an exclusive live recording of 'Mam's Song,' a new song also featured on Pat's upcoming live EP, plus a sneak peek at his surprising New Jersey connections!

** Note Explicit Language in this Episode ** The Outpost hosted a great intimate performance with singer-songwriter Jill Sobule at the end of the Spring 2024 season at the stunning Van Vleck House and Gardens in Montclair. Known for her groundbreaking Top 20 hit, 'I Kissed a Girl'—the first openly queer-themed song to chart on Billboard—Jill shares stories from her career and delves into her latest creative adventure: Fck 7th Grade*, a bold, witty musical exploring adolescence and identity. This episode also includes an exclusive live performance of her reflective track, 'Strawberry Gloss,' now featured in the show.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with two legendary roots musicians, Robbie Fulks and Bill Kirchen, ahead of their electrifying joint performance at Outpost in the Burbs in April 2024. Robbie, a celebrated indie-country songwriter, and Bill, the iconic guitarist known for his work with Commander Cody and as a standout solo performer, share captivating stories from their storied careers. This episode also features exclusive live recordings from the concert, including Robbie's heartfelt 'That's Where I'm From' and Bill's rollicking 'Semi Truck.' Join us for an unforgettable conversation and performance, filled with wit, stellar musicianship, and the undeniable chemistry of two masters at work.

Montclair's own Nefesh Mountain are one of the most acclaimed new artists in the progresive bluegrass scene over the last few years - with a sound that weaves a beautiful diverse tapestry from a range of American roots music styles, from traditional bluegrass to Americana to beautiful folk. The band's Jewish heritage is just one part of that sound, with "Nefesh" being the Hebrew word for 'soul.' which shines through in their music. They've collaborated with master musicians including Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas, and will bring their incredible sound and musicianship to Outpost in the Burbs on Saturday April 20th. The band's driving forces Doni Zaslof and Eric Lindberg joined us for a preview of the concert, as well as a preview of their upcoming album, and the episode includes a clip of their version of the Allman Brothers' 'Revival' from the band's most recent release The Cabin Sessions. 

Acclaimed songwriter Mary Gauthier returns to Outpost in the Burbs on March 28th, along with Jaimee Harris. We spoke with Mary about the incredible work she's done through eleven albums, a lifetime of touring and songwriting, and her recent book Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting. Mary's approach leads with the heart - her empathy and compassion for her subjects shine through on songs like "Mercy Now" which we hear in the episode, and will likely hear at the concert as well.