The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast PEL Presents NEM#234: John Kruth the Multi-Hyphenate
Jul 18, 2025
John Kruth, a talented multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, shares his rich musical journey shaped by collaborations with legends like Violent Femmes and John Prine. He dives into the creative process behind his recent album, discussing the challenges of blending genres and the personal stories behind key tracks. Kruth also reflects on the intricacies of musical collaboration as well as the influence of iconic artists on his writing. With anecdotes and insights, he captures the essence of his artistic evolution and passion for music.
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John Kruth's Multi-Instrument Journey
- John Kruth shares how he started on guitar and harmonica as a kid, then discovered mandolin and flute as unique instruments.
- His multi-instrumentalism grew from fascination with diverse sounds, including sitar and saxophone, inspired by artists like Brian Jones.
Creating Folk Orchestra Amid Health Crisis
- John secured a Chamber Music of America grant unexpectedly, assembling a new Tribeca Stan lineup despite heart health struggles.
- He wrote and arranged the album mostly from bed, contributing little flute but proudly delivering orchestral chamber music.
Writing For Musicians' Strengths
- John composes music tailored to the strengths of his band members rather than fitting preconceived ethnic styles.
- Instruments like Cajun accordion find natural places, showing how player skill guides sonic texture over rigid genre classifications.
