Mike Plume - Plumes Head West

Mike Plume is back, and as usual, there’s no set list.
Terry and Mike catch up for a wide-ranging conversation about music, memories, and the stories collected over a lifetime of playing songs. Mike shares an unforgettable encounter with Dolly Parton during his Nashville years and reflects on her song-writing, humour, generosity, and remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel important.
The conversation wanders through The Tragically Hip, Loverboy, Bruce Allen, Elvis, song-writing, self-deprecation, and Mike’s earliest days as a terrified teenage singer in Bonnyville. He also talks about a possible 30th-anniversary vinyl reissue of Song & Dance Man and plans for an anniversary tour.
Takeaways
Authenticity and kindness are key to a lasting music career
Dolly Parton's genuine personality left a lasting impression on Mike Plume
Storytelling and sharing personal stories enhance live performances
Reissuing albums involves significant costs and planning
Building a community through live shows creates lifelong fans.

Chapters

(0:01) — Intro and catching up
(2:21) — Dolly Parton story begins
(3:30) — Voiceover work and the double-booked studio
(5:33) — Dolly walks into the studio
(7:32) — Dolly’s kindness and “give them one of yours”
(9:47) — Seeing Emmylou, Dolly, and Linda at the Ryman
(11:20) — Dolly’s confidence, work, and generosity
(14:39) — Songwriters known by first name
(18:14) — “Jolene” at half speed and the Cocaine and Rhinestones podcast
(21:00) — Bobby Cameron and self-deprecation
(24:41) — Bruce Allen, Loverboy, and the Colonel
(26:34) — Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame discussion
(29:34) — Bonnyville gala and music community
(30:58) — First performance memories in Bonnyville
(35:35) — Set lists, improvising, and reading the room
(37:26) — Internet radio station idea
(39:30) — Song and Dance Man turning 30
(46:09) — Upcoming western tour dates
(47:13) — Jenny duo show and how it came together
(49:38) — Songs and stories format for the duo show
(51:18) — Jenny’s song-writing and audience discovery
(53:07) — Road life and touring logistics
(55:58) — Tour dates and ticket info
(56:27) — Guitar stories and future guitar episode idea
(59:21) — Wrap-up and hockey talk

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