Adventures in Americana presents Smouse in the House

Music journalist and photographer Tom Smouse interviews a different Americana act--either local or just passing through--in each episode of this Twin Cities-based podcast. Whether it's in their home or in a local venue, Smouse chats with musicians about songwriting and more in the spaces they live, create and perform. Every episode also features two songs by the artists that are brand new, recent or special to them. This series was conceived and co-produced by Smouse with Jaclyn Nott and Carol Roth of Adventures in Americana. Intro/outro music is by Minneapolis artist Ellkaye (aka Lila Karash).

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Adventures in Americana presents Smouse in the House

Tennessee Stiffs

May 21, 2026 • Tom Smouse • Season 7 • Episode 6

0:00 | 55:15

Originally from Austin, TX, Ethan Lee and Cara B — otherwise known as The Tennessee Stiffs — have been hard at work creating their own scene down in Red Wing, MN steeped in their love and dedication to Americana music. When Cara and Lee moved back to Minnesota, they left their full band behind and went through a personal and musical transformation. In this episode, they chat about that shift and how it has impacted their music and songwriting, and how that natural growth as artists has created a checkpoint on what lies ahead. Listen to a couple of their songs recorded live and hear about the shows they host in their home to nurture the local music scene and a sense of community.