Country Fried Rock 1227: Steve Poltz Says Noineen Noiny Noin

Summary


From 2012: Steve Poltz, the musical maestro with a penchant for storytelling, takes center stage in this delightful episode of Country Fried Rock. He dives into his wild journey that began in Australia back in '99, where a chance encounter during a tour with Jewel ignited his love for the land down under. With a lively spirit, he shares the inspiration behind his latest album, uniquely titled Noineen Noiny Noin, a name that sparked curiosity and a smirk or two. Listeners will relish his tales of musical evolution, from classical guitar roots to the whimsical world of fingerstyle rock, peppered with anecdotes about his family and the whimsical influences that shaped his artistry. Poltz reminds everyone that staying true to oneself and being fearless in creativity is the ultimate way to connect with an audience, while also serving up a hearty dose of humor and insight along the way.


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• Steve Poltz (https://poltz.com/)
• You may also like this conversation from 2012 with Shurman (https://countryfriedrock.com/episode/...)


Show Notes


In this vibrant and freewheeling episode, Steve Poltz takes us on a joyride through the stories, sounds, and serendipity behind his career and latest record, Noineen Noiny Noin. Tune in for a rich mix of heartfelt memories, sharp wit, and musical insight.


Highlights from the conversation:

• Steve’s unexpected love affair with Australia, sparked during a tour with Jewel back in 1999
• The hilarious origin of his album title Noineen Noiny Noin and how a casual promoter interaction turned into creative gold
• Early musical roots, including:
• Uncle Louie’s influence through Beatles and Monkees records
• First encounters with classical guitar and an eccentric fingerstyle teacher who helped shape his sound
• Poltz’s approach to songwriting:
• Why learning from the greats still matters
• How humor and honesty fuel his lyrical voice
• Turning everyday moments into lasting songs
• A thoughtful look at how the music industry has shifted, and how Poltz stays grounded while evolving
• His creative philosophy: embrace the winding path, stay open, and keep telling stories


Why You’ll Love This Episode:


Steve Poltz brings a mix of deep reflection and unpredictable humor, making this a must-listen for fans of authentic songwriting, behind-the-scenes stories, and the creative process at large.


Listen now and let Steve’s journey remind you: music is about more than just sound; it’s about connection, curiosity, and never losing your spark.


Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Country Fried Rock
• 00:22 - The Journey to Australia
• 13:42 - Finding Your Voice as a Songwriter
• 15:32 - Creative Freedom in Music
• 23:25 - The Creative Process of Music Making
• 29:15 - The Challenges of Touring and Personal Growth in Music
• 37:01 - The Influence of Political Identity in Music


Takeaways

• Steve Poltz's journey to Australia began in 1999 while on tour with Jewel, sparking a lifelong connection.
• The unique title of Poltz's album, inspired by a promoter's quirky pronunciation, sets it apart in the music scene.
• Poltz emphasizes the importance of learning from musical greats, encouraging aspiring artists to study complex songs.
• He recalls how his classical guitar training shifted to folk influences, particularly from Bob Dylan and Neil Young.
• The unpredictability of live performances can lead to remarkable shows, as Poltz experienced in Ann Arbor, where he felt truly inspired.
• He believes in the necessity of honesty in songwriting, which resonates with audiences and fosters genuine connections.


Mentioned in this Episode

• Jewel
• Mercury Records
• T Bone Burnett
• Full Tones
• Steve Soto
• Twisted Hearts


Recommended If You Like


country fried rock, Steve Poltz, music inspiration, Australian music scene, fingerstyle guitar, songwriting process, live music performance, music collaboration, political music, folk rock, creative expression in music, learning guitar, classic rock influences, music industry insights, storytelling through music, contemporary folk artists, house concerts, music and politics, acoustic performance, musician interviews


Transcript


Speaker A


00:00:00.800 - 00:00:11.840


Welcome to Country Fried Rock, where we talk with musicians to find out what inspires their creativity. Country Fried Rock music uncovered. My guest today on Country Fried Rock is Steve Poltz.


Speaker B


00:00:11.840 - 00:00:13.360


Welcome, welcome. Thank you.



Speaker A


00:00:13.440 - 00:00:22.000


Thank you for being with us. Well, mainly from the title, took me a minute to say it out loud to get it and then I went, oh, tell me how you ended up in Aust...