One Last Heist - Singer/Songwriter Wesley Stace a.k.a. John Wesley Harding. His Finale?

Wesley Stace (John Wesley Harding to the folk-rock faithful) has hopped genres for decades: folk, rock, jazz, whatever the song demands.

He takes us behind the curtain of One Last Heist, his latest album, and the Cabinet of Wonders, his one-of-a-kind variety show. He’s currently touring as a singer in the band Smithereens.

Wesley walks us through his witty approach to songwriting, his leap into literary fiction, and how he makes his novels, including the hilarious Wonderkid and the unforgettable Misfortune.

A British transplant, he explains why he's thrilled to have become an American citizen in 2025, and particularly during a challenging time in the U.S.

Takeaways:

Songs featured from Wesley Stace's new album One Last Heist.His dual career as a novelist and musician, and how the two intersect.The new album leans toward jazz influences and wider band arrangements.The Cabinet of Wonders variety show format of music, writers, and comedians.His decision to become a U.S. citizen, his feelings at the ceremony, and reasons for naturalization.His recording method preference for live band sessions to capture swing and collective energy in tracks.His novels draw from songs and personal history, including themes of identity, reinvention, and performance across decades.

Links referenced in this episode:

wesleystace.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Sire RecordsThe Wall Street JournalWXPN (XPN)Free Library of PhiladelphiaCity WineryLargoNPR (National Public Radio)wesleystace.comThe Smithereens