Press Play

Montana singer-songwriter Luke Dowler takes the stage for a heartfelt live performance, blending folk-rock storytelling with powerful vocals and raw emotion. From the introspective ballad Good Enough to the road-trip anthem Going to Montana, Dowler’s set explores love, resilience, and life’s winding journey. His songwriting weaves personal stories, touching on themes of longing, perseverance, and the beauty of the unknown. Tune in ...

Montana-based singer-songwriter Luke Dowler joins reporter Taylor Inman to talk about his journey in music, from discovering his first guitar as a kid to shaping his distinct, genre-blending sound. He shares the inspiration behind his latest album, Midnight Conversations, reflecting on late-night talks, personal stories, and the creative process that fuels his songwriting. Dowler also dives into his love for Montana, the challenges...

On Friday, December 6th, Denim Gold joined us for a lunchtime show on our press floor. They brought their heartfelt blend of Americana and folk to the stage - from the soulful ballad “Charlie’s Song” to the anthemic “Under the Big Sky,” Michelle Rivers and Hannah King captivate with harmonies that echo the landscapes they sing about. The duo shares stories of their songwriting journey, crushes on George Strait, and the cowboy spiri...

Join us for an exclusive interview with Denim Gold's Hannah King and Michelle Rivers, the dynamic country-folk duo making waves with their authentic sound and heartfelt songwriting. Discover their journey from casual jam sessions to headlining major festivals, and get an inside look at their creative process, inspirations, and the stories behind their upcoming album. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their music, t...

On Friday, November 1st, Wylie Gustafson joined us for a lunchtime show on our press floor. In this unique live concert, renowned cowboy musician, and 4th generation Montanan Wylie Gustafson brings soulful yodels, heartfelt cowboy poetry, and stories rooted in Montana’s rugged beauty. From songs about life on the ranch and local history to his journey through the music world—including a surprise hit yodeling for Yahoo!—this perform...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Wylie Gustafson, the renowned yodeling cowboy and Wylie & The Wild West frontman. In this episode, Wylie shares his unique journey from ranching in Montana to performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage over 50 times. Discover how his deep roots in Western culture and a love for traditional country music have shaped his career. Wylie talks about balancing his dual careers in music and ranchi...

In this intimate Press Play concert, singer-songwriter Miller Campbell shares a heartfelt and personal performance, offering a mix of original music from her debut album. With songs inspired by life on the road, like "Every Headlight," and influences from classic artists such as The Bangles and Fleetwood Mac, Miller takes the audience on a musical journey that blends storytelling with catchy melodies. Her playful interact...

Reporter Taylor Inman sits down with heartland rock artist Miller Campbell before her Press Play show next week. Miller shares her journey from the Pacific Northwest to becoming a staple in Montana's vibrant music scene. We dive into her evolving sound, her inspirations, and the making of her new album. She also gives us a sneak peek of her upcoming European tour and discusses the joy of pressing her music on vinyl. We added h...

Big Sky City Lights' show feels like gathering around a campfire with old friends. Nick and Susan’s playful banter, like teasing about recording in bathtubs during the pandemic, creates a warmth that invites you in. Their harmonies are comforting and effortless, with lyrics reflecting love, loss, and finding your way through life. There's a rawness to the way they perform—intimate, yet cinematic—pulling from the wide-open...

In our interview with Nick Spear and Susan O’Dea, Taylor Inman dives into the duo's journey - who formed Big Sky City Lights born from the unexpected circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. With one member in New York City and the other in Whitefish, Montana, the duo began collaborating remotely, creating cover songs that resonated deeply with their growing audience. Their music, characterized by a blend of distinct cultural i...

On Friday, August 2nd, the Brent Jameson Duo joined us for a lunchtime show on our press floor to spearhead Season Two of Press Play. Brent Jameson and Ben Darce brought the blues, soul, and touch of reggae to the Daily Inter Lake. It was a peek into Brent's life - his journey into sobriety, the rise and fall of relationships, and even the economic crash of 2008. Ben's mastery of his guitar was almost dizzying, and watchi...

Join us as reporter Taylor Inman learns more about the life and music of Whitefish musician Brent Jameson. From his early days of songwriting at age 11 in Cincinnati to finding his way to the Flathead Valley, Brent's journey is one of creativity, resilience, and continuous evolution. Discover how personal struggles and triumphs have shaped his bluesy, jazzy, and reggae-inspired sound, and hear about his plans for the future, i...

On Friday, June 7th, Barrel Stove Combo joined us for a lunchtime show on our press floor to wrap up Season One of Press Play. Rebecca Nelson on flute and tenor saxophone, Eric Gates playing an eight-string guitar, and Vinnie Rannazzisi on the drums brought the jazz to the Daily Inter Lake. It was a free-flowing improvisational dance of original jazz tunes; and the trio's long-standing friendship with each other was palpable.<...

Taylor Inman meets with musicians Vinnie, Rebecca, and Eric of Barrel Stove Combo. They talk about how they met, the few practices they need a year and their love of jazz. The Barrel Stove Combo performs Friday, June 7th on the pressroom floor at the Daily Inter Lake to wrap up the first season of Press Play. 

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Daily Inter Lake'...

Press Play by the Daily Inter Lake is a monthly lunch concert series held in our newspaper warehouse, showcasing Northwest Montana's musical talent. Join us for an hour of original songs, connecting you to the heart of Flathead Valley's music scene. Catch exclusive artist interviews before the show starts!

In Season 3 of Daily Inter Lake's Deep Dive podcast, we explore the devastating fire that struck the small town of Nox...

On Friday, Mat 3rd, Halladay and Rob Quist joined us for a lunchtime show on our press floor. The father-daughter duo shared love letters to Montana and a few puns; their family talent spans across generations.

Singer-songwriter Rob founded the Mountain Mission Wood Band and has had his songs sung by Michael Martin Murphy and Loretta Lynn. He has appeared with musical acts Heart, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jimmy Buffett,...

On Friday, May 3rd, Halladay and Rob Quist joined us for a lunchtime show on our press floor. The father-daughter duo shared love letters to Montana and a few puns; their family talent spans across generations.

Singer-songwriter Rob founded the Mountain Mission Wood Band and has had his songs sung by Michael Martin Murphy and Loretta Lynn. He has appeared with musical acts Heart, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jimmy Buffett,...

On Friday, April 5th, Izaak Opatz joined us for a lunchtime show on our press floor. From tales of borrowing toiletries to misreading women, Izaak's show weaved us from the good and bad of LA to memories of Radar Ridge in East Glacier.

Put best by himself, Izaak's music is  "an ungulate in life’s winter pasture, chewing on and metabolizing disappointment, heartbreak, and the other tough stuff into enjoyable...

Taylor Inman Zooms in with musician Izaak Opatz. They talk touring, going back to school for a master's in environmental journalism, getting inspiration from a couple of Johns, dreaming of writing songs about friendship, and a cosmic country alien band. Izaak will play on the Daily Inter Lake press floor on April 5th, 2024! 

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