On this episode of the Plutopia podcast, singer-songwriter Axon Chamberlain (aka “The Herban Cowboy”) rejoins Plutopians to debut tracks from his newly released CD “Pub Fare,” recorded live in tap rooms and mixed with care. He reflects on how his creative process has shifted from striving for perfection to playing music for personal joy and healing—especially in a world marked by stress and political turmoil. Along with performances of politically charged and heartfelt originals like “For All” and “Free America,” Axon shares thoughts on activism, artistic authenticity, and the challenge of promoting his work in a noisy media landscape. The conversation touches on the state of democracy, judicial resistance, and artistic expression as a form of protest and comfort. The episode blends music, insight, and wit, spotlighting how art remains a powerful response to uncertainty and despair.
"I guess one of the things that we can talk about is a little bit what’s sort of changed with my process. I really become not working at it to get better, but playing at it to feel better. That’s working for me. If you’re playing music just for the joy that it gives you, proficiency just comes along for the ride. That’s been my approach to that, but it made me lazy with the shameless self-promotion stuff. That’s not going to happen on its own. You’ve really got to do some lifting on that. I’ve been out there flogging it like a Mormon with Amway."
Eugene, Oregon singer-songwriter Axon has a creative mind that has always been surrounded and insulated with music. Indeed, some of his earliest memories are of the church choir and his mother’s talent as an organist. In more modern times, this artistic learning has led to the release of a quintessential underground folk album, the impeccable and brilliantly titled Pub Fare. This collection snapshots Axon’s fantastic gift for storytelling songwriting, across eleven glistening tracks, venturing through rootsy worlds with an Americana campfire foundation. With a half century of performing experience, Axon truly shines and captivates with this recorded format. As the momentum and excitement surrounding Pub Fare continues to grow and evolve, this American tunesmith took some time out to reflect with Aldora Britain Records on his life in story and song so far. We discussed formative creative memories from his adolescence, his unique approach to songwriting and songcraft, a selection of his recorded output to date, and much, much more. That exclusive in-depth conversation is published here in full for the very first time.
In studio interview and performance on KEPW - Eugene Peace Works Radio. Broadcast February 28, 2025
Produced by Underground Echo. Engineering and interview by Terrapin.
Axon explains his music and his journey to recovery. We explore country music, songwriting, the power of music in recovery, and the 12 Step process. Axon plays a few songs in the process.
TRAIN OF THOUGHT is a podcast hosted by Rob Tobias focusing on culture, music, interviews and society. This show features a conversation with and music by AXON.