Doodling & Noodling
new pens & old fiddle tunes
What Ho!
You certainly don’t need me to point out to you that everything’s utterly bananas at the moment. People far smarter and better-informed than I are addressing all the issues in more useful ways than I could. But I will encourage you to do the things you can, even if just the basics—call your representatives (I’ve found the 5Calls app very handy), seek out trustworthy sources for information (while trying not to doom-scroll), and look after your immediate community.
Onward & Upward
The big news here is that Kieran and I are putting the finishing touches on a new album. Subscribe to KKRG News if you want to be the first on your block to know when the release is officially announced (very soon). And, yes: there will be gigs!
Want us to play in your town or favorite listening room? Drop a line!
Fiddle News
My erstwhile band, Uncle Earl, reunionized last year to record a couple tunes for Vol. 2 of the John Hartford Fiddle Tunes Project—which you can now preorder here.
I contributed fiddle noises to a track on guitarist Cameron Knowler’s upcoming release, which you can preorder here.
Since I last wrote, several new tunes have been added to the video library on my site. And I’ve also added a discounted yearly subscription option!
I have availability for fiddle coaching sessions in the coming weeks. Read my FAQ here.
Miscellaneous
I treated myself to some nifty pens and markers recently, and have been doodling pretty much daily. Very calming. Highly recommend. (All the doodle-y images in this newsletter are my messing around with these new art supplies.)
I was really touched by this soundbite from an interview with Kylie Daily where she cited my work as a catalyst for her own musical venturing. (Ignore the auto-generated misspelling of my name in the captions!) Holy moly, what a deep affirmation it is to hear that something I made nudged someone else toward making something of their own. Magic.
Listening reminder: this spectacular anthology of music from Kentucky. An oldie but a goodie; unreal great from top to bottom.
Did you know you can make pancakes out of tofu and oats?? I was intrigued by this recipe, so gave it a try. Way fun. (Would recommend adding a pinch of salt. And they’re better after they cool just a bit.)
Giving
Western North Carolina still needs your help. Folks I know over there are especially enthusiastic about the continuing work by BeLoved Asheville and Marshall Relief Alliance. There are also plenty of people in need out in Altadena and LA after the horrific fires there—now you can join Beyonce in giving aid to those affected!
Stay Tuned
I sooooo appreciate you taking the time to read this note. Thanks for your attention.
More music! More pancakes! More humanity!
Tinkerty-tonk & a big hug —
xo rayna
Your doodles are very musical. If I had synesthesia, I'm sure I could hear them as well! Doodling is an art form in its own right. Let's see more, Rayna!
Yay for doodling! Very excited to hear the new Uncle Earl tunes! ✨