The October 2026 issue of Blues Matters is out now, with Danielle Nicole on the cover of Issue 166.
This month’s edition features in-depth interviews with Danielle Nicole, Robin Trower, Sari Schorr, Ben Poole, Katie Knipp and Singa B, alongside features on Susan Santos, Michael Messer, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Max Hightower and Sloe Train.
There is also extensive coverage from the Big Blues Bender, plus the latest blues album reviews, live reports and stories from across the international blues scene.
Danielle Nicole interview
Danielle Nicole leads Blues Matters Issue 166 with a major cover interview exploring life on the road, personal loss, creative growth and the experiences that continue to shape her music.
Raised in Kansas City by musician parents, Nicole reflects on growing up surrounded by blues, the importance of emotional honesty in performance and why she still sees the genre as the foundation of American music.
“The blues to me is everything,” she tells Blues Matters. “It’s your soul put to music.”
Robin Trower talks Shine and more than five decades of guitar
Robin Trower also features in the October issue, discussing a career that stretches from Procol Harum to more than five decades as one of British blues-rock’s most distinctive guitarists.
Trower talks about the musicians who shaped his approach, including B.B. King, Albert King, Jimi Hendrix and Howlin’ Wolf, as well as the importance of developing an individual sound rather than simply copying other players.
He also takes us inside the writing and recording process behind his latest album, Shine, and explains why the guitar remains the starting point for almost everything he creates.
Sari Schorr on new album Running Wild
Sari Schorr returns to Blues Matters to talk about the creation of her new album, Running Wild.
The record began unexpectedly when Schorr started writing with guitarist Jamie Walker. What began as a series of collaborative sessions quickly grew into a complete album.
Schorr discusses spontaneity, creative freedom, keeping ego out of the studio and why she believes a live show should leave an audience feeling better than when they arrived.
Ben Poole returns with Post-Midnight Behaviour
Ben Poole discusses Post-Midnight Behaviour, his first new studio album in eight years.
Working closely with Oli Brown and Wayne Proctor, Poole has spent years refining the material, developing his songwriting and broadening his sound beyond the blues-rock style with which he first became known.
The interview explores the long gap between studio albums, the writing process behind the new record and how Poole feels he has changed as both a guitarist and songwriter.
Katie Knipp on Live At Theater 5150
Katie Knipp looks back on a career built around independence, resilience and refusing to fit neatly into one musical box.
She talks about an early record deal that disappeared almost overnight, choosing music over a more conventional career, finding her own voice and learning to embrace performances that are emotionally honest rather than simply polished.
Knipp also discusses her new live album, Live At Theater 5150, recorded in an intimate setting with around 80 fans.
Singa B finds his own blues
Memphis artist Singa B talks to Blues Matters about growing up surrounded by music, discovering the blues through the Stax Academy and the influence of Jimi Hendrix.
He also discusses teaching himself recording and production, his approach to songwriting and why artistic development matters more to him than chasing fame.
Susan Santos, Michael Messer and more
Issue 166 also includes features with Susan Santos, Michael Messer, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Max Hightower and Sloe Train.
Michael Messer looks back on a musical life shaped by the British blues scene, while Gilbert O’Sullivan revisits the early recordings and decisions that helped shape his career.
Big Blues Bender coverage
Blues Matters also brings readers coverage from the Big Blues Bender, with performances from artists including Ruthie Foster, Taj Mahal and Jimmy Carpenter.
The festival report sits alongside our usual mix of blues interviews, live reviews, album reviews and new music coverage.
Read Blues Matters Issue 166 free
Blues Matters Issue 166 is available to read free online now.
The October 2026 edition features Danielle Nicole, Robin Trower, Sari Schorr, Ben Poole, Katie Knipp, Singa B and more.
Read Blues Matters Issue 166 free at bluesmatters.com/current-issue/
