Hops & Spirits

The Ries Brothers, Charlie and Kevin Jordan, recently released their latest single Golden Sun with Nick Hexum of 311. We chat with Charlie and Kevin Jordan about their new music, working with Nick Hexum, playing the Florida bar scene at a young age, being discovered by Chicago, balancing being brothers and bandmates, being on stage, what's next and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: Larrikin Bourbon Rosewater

Kolby Cooper, country artist/songwriter, released his latest album Love You, Goodnight earlier this year. We chat with Kolby about dad life, hitting the road, growing up in Texas, sharing personal experiences in his song, writing break-up anthems while happily married, what's next and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: Minden Mill Rye Whiskey

Tyler Booth, country artist/songwriter from Kentucky, drops his new EP Downtown on June 27. We chat with Tyler about his engagement, his new EP coming up, how Talkin' White Trash came to be, growing up in Kentucky, how a music scholarship changed things for him, getting to travel, what's next for him and more.Jonathan's Drinking: Kentucky Senator Bourbon John Edwards Release

Country artist Randall King is now a proud papa and staying busy musically too. We chat with Randall about becoming a dad, whether he ever drew those four Uno cards, how life has changed, why he made Into the Neon Unplugged, his love of music, getting to travel, where he hopes to play, what's next and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Chuckie Brown, country rocker and songwriter, just released his debut EP The Angels. We chat with Chuckie about the new EP, when he got into music, his hockey playing days, growing up in the Northeast, moving to LA, what's next and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: Wheel Horse Double Oak

Ian Munsick, country artist & songwriter, recently released his new album Eagle Feather. We chat with Ian about the new album, where the inspiration for the album came, writing/co-writing all but two songs, seeing his family grow, getting to play at Cheyenne Frontier Days and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: Wyoming Whiskey Double Cask

Kyle Ray, country/Americana artist, recently released his latest single Love Me Tonight. We chat with Kyle about his latest single, growing up in Kentucky, what pushed him to go to music school in Boston, how life experiences have shaped his songwriting, releasing a wide range of songs, what's next and more.

Jason Boland & The Stragglers recently released their latest album The Last Kings Of Babylon. We chat with Jason about the album, growing up in Oklahoma, the Yellow House in Stillwater, celebrating the band's 25th anniversary, being inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: Still Austin Cask Strength Bourbon

Jason Scott and The High Heat just released their latest album American Grin. We chat with Jason about the album, where the title came from, how The High Heat came to be, how he used to be a youth pastor, his favorite parts about being on the road and more.Jonathan's Drinking: 15 STARS Timeless Reserve

We sit down with chart-topping country artist and songwriter Canaan Smith, whose latest album Chickahominy is out now. Canaan dives into the stories behind the music, his journey as an independent artist, how life as a dad has reshaped his perspective, how a small camper had a major impact on the album, and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: Hard Truth Harvest Rye

In this episode of Bar Conversations, we sit down with singer-songwriter Ed Prosek, one half of the newly formed duo Driftwood Choir, alongside Portair. With their self-titled debut album out now, Ed shares the journey of creating this project, from meeting Portair to crafting a sound inspired by change, nature, and personal evolution.We dive into his unique background—growing up in California with Czech and Italian roots, moving to Berlin, and discovering music as a lifelong passion. Ed opens up about his songwriting process, his favorite songs to perform, and what fans can expect from Driftwood Choir in 2025.And since this is Bar Conversations, we kick things off by talking drinks—Ed shares his go-to, while Jonathan sips on a Jos. A. Magnus Murray Hill Club. Grab a seat, pour yourself something good, and tune in for an engaging chat about music, creativity, and the road ahead.

Alli Walker, country artist/songwriter, recently released her heartfelt single First Time Living featuring Gretchen Wilson. We chat with Alli about her latest music, playing the bagpipes, being on stage with Shania Twain, growing up in Canada, moving to Nashville, her journey in music, what's next and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: Green River Rye Whiskey

The Kentucky Gentlemen, twin brothers Brandon and Derek Campbell from Versailles, KY, just released their latest single Country Hymn. We chat with Brandon and Derek about growing up in Kentucky, their favorite bourbons, what pushed them to Nashville, working together as twins, their new single Country Hymn, what their creative process is like, signing with River House Artists and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: Woodford Reserve

Singer-songwriter Ana Cristina Cash recently released her latest single Last Call in English and Spanish "Tu Última Llamada." We chat with Ana about her new music, being a bilingual artist, her Cuban heritage, being part of the Opry's Valentines Day Duets Show, how she was signed at age 15, moving to Nashville and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: Penelope Havana

Haley Mae Campbell, country artist/songwriter, is set to release her debut album Dear Life on March 7. We chat with Haley Mae about the new album, how she got into music, what it's been like to work on the album, how she approaches songwriting, sharing past experiences in her songs, getting to headline her own tour and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: Green River Wheated Bourbon

Wilder Woods, the solo outfit of NEEDTOBREATHE co-founder and frontman Bear Rinehart, is releasing his new album Curioso on February 7. We chat with Bear about the new album, why he started releasing music as Wilder Woods, the success of NEEDTOBREATHE, his football days at Furman, how he balances Wilder Woods and the band, his approach to songwriting, being on stage and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: Eagle Rare

Garrett Bradford, country artist/songwriter from Texas, is releasing his two-part album Honkiest of Tonkers this February and April. We chat with Garrett about the album, how This Way of Life ended up on Yellowstone, how impactful Taylor Sheridan was on his career, growing up in Texas on a ranch, writing songs at a young age and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: Still Austin Rye Whiskey

Since launching their career in 2018, The Dryes (Derek and Katelyn) have caught the attention of USA Today, Rolling Stone, People, American Songwriter, and Country Living Magazine, among others, and have gained thousands of fans and followers along the way. We chat with Derek and Katelyn about their latest song Ain't God Good, how they met, what it's like to be married and perform together, being on The Voice, the best part of touring, their EP Dear Heart, and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: 15 STARS Timeless Reserve 13YR

At the crossroads of the blues and rock & roll, Liam St. John commands his truest form by combining lyrics that embody the blues with their piercing and painful truth and delivering a captivating performance with vibrancy true to the spirit of rock and roll. We chat with Liam about his latest EP Believer, being into sports when he was young, growing up in the Pacific Northwest, going on The Voice, being vulnerable when he writes, his journey, what's next and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: Makers Mark 46

We look ahead to five artists and groups we're ready to watch in 2025.

We look back at our five favorite artists and groups from 2024.

We look back at our five favorite songs from 2024.

Rising artist/songwritier Emily Brooke released her latest album "all of the pieces (unplugged)" in November. We chat with Emily about her album, why she went the acoustic route, how she got into music, being on American Idol, meeting Taylor Swift's family, going on tour in the Netherlands, what's next and so much more. onathan's Drinking: Filmland Spirits Ryes of the Robots Extended Cut

Partners in life and music, Sarah and Austin McCombie are better known as the Americana-folk duo Chatham Rabbits. We chat with Sarah and Austin about how they got into music, their upcoming album Be Real With Me (out in February), how the album differs from their previous releases, how they became the Chatham Rabbits, their songwriting process and more. Jonathan's Drinking: John AP Conoley Bourbon

The story of Waterville, OH indie-folk trio Oliver Hazard - Michael Belazis (vocals, guitar) and Devin East (vocals, guitar), joined by Nate Miner (keys, vocals) -- is set to release their new EP Raindrop River on Dec. 6. We chat with Mike about the new EP, how the band came to be, if they really won a Facebook raffle to record their first album, how their Oliver Hazard Day Festival started, why they played in fans' living rooms and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: Middle West Michelone Reserve Bourbon

Jet Jurgensmeyer performs his song Stayed from his album The Ride: phase 2 which he co-wrote with PJ North. We chat about why he likes to be part of the songwriting process and how Stayed came to be.

Growing up along Kentucky's Country Music Highway U.S. 23, Adam Chaffins' sound owes as much to the lush mountains of his home state as it does to the paved canyons of the city he now calls home. We chat with Adam about his new music, growing up in eastern Kentucky, heading to Nashville, being a session musician and part of touring bands, being able to make his own music, being able to collaborate with his wife Brit Taylor on the songs and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: RD1 French Oak Finish

Country artist Allie Colleen performs her song While We're Still Friends, which features country superstar Lee Brice. The honest and sincere single, with lyrics full of raw emotion, was co-written by Allie Colleen, Sara Brice and Lee Brice. We also chat about how this collaboration came to be and how her collaborations typically happen.

Jet Jurgensmeyer shares his song Bones from his album The Ride: phase 2 which is the only song he wrote solo on the album. We chat about how Bones is a special song to him and how special it's been to give back to several organizations.

Nether Hour is a trio of unapologetic rebels fusing the swampy grooves of Louisiana with Texas-sized doses of funk, blues, soul, and rock ‘n' roll. We chat with Bobby, Bishop and Bercy about their new single Long As I Ain't Alone, their upcoming new album Moonshine, how the group came to be, their process for creating music, what their live shows are like, what's next and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: 15 STARS Three Kings

Rising country music artist Charly Reynolds released her debut album, Off The Record, in September. We chat with Charly about bringing that album to life, moving to Nashville at age 18, having vocal surgery, how she approaches songwriting, having fun on social media, her Off The Record tour, what's next and more.Jonathan's Drinking: Southern Star Paragon Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon

Country artist Allie Colleen performs her song Grass On The Grave and we chat about her tattoos and a personal addition to the collection.

Jade Eagleson has made quite the mark on the international country music scene and he just made his Grand Ole Opry debut. We chat with Jade about his Opry debut, how he met his wife and their first date, growing upn on his grandparent's small town farm in Ontario, what music he listend to growing up, how he met Shaina Twain, his jump from the farm to the stage, his new singles "Worth the Double" & "Welcome to Rock Bottom", working with Jake Worthington on the re-released "Do It Anyway", what's coming next for him and more.Jonathan's Drinking: Jos A Magnus Cigar Blend

Jet Jurgensmeyer shares his song Ruin This Town from his album The Ride: phase 2 and we chat about the difference in being both an actor and musician.

A former fry cook, oil field operator, concrete surface decorator and kids' baseball coach met up in a small town in West Texas and started playing music together (as one does in small town West Texas). We chat with Fox and James Tuffs from Dexter and the Moonrocks about their latest song Like You (Like You), their EP Western Space Grunge which they released this summer, how they became a group, what goes into creating their social media videos, what their live shows are like, the success of Sad in Carolina and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: Balcones Mirador Eclipse American Single Malt Whiskey

Raised in the Appalachian foothills of northern Georgia, Christian Hayes grew up surrounded by southern storytelling. We chat with Christian about his debut EP Last I Love You, how he got the nickname Lullaby Kid, growing up in a musical family, writing 900 songs before heading to Nashville, hitting the stage at Americanfest and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: Hard Truth High Road Rye

We love our conversations, but sometimes you've got to go "Beyond The Bar" for a little more insight into a song and artist. We kick it all off with Allie Colleen as she shares on of her favorite songs "The Otherside", how the co-write with Carter Winter came to be and how excitied she is to go on tour with Jelly Roll.

Noah West, is a name familiar in Nashville's publishing houses and writing rooms. Hailing from Beckley, WV, Noah has carved his path in the industry with a distinctive voice, clever lyrics, and an undeniable passion for storytelling throughout his music. We chat with Noah about his latest single "If It Was Easy", what led him to songwriting, growing up in West Virginia, getting his first song cut by an artist, what's next and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: Yellowstone 2024 Limited Edition Bourbon

The Talbott Brothers, hailing from the heartland of Imperial, Nebraska, embody the heart and soul of country and Americana with their blue-collar grit and unapologetic authenticity. We chat with brothers Nick and Ty Talbott about their new single Kerosene, their upcoming album Borderlands, going back to Nebraska, buying a Craiglist van, making their Americanafest debut and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: Buzzard's Roost American Whiskey

Born into a military family, country artist Matt Oakley spent the first few years of his life moving up and down the East Coast, before heading to college in South Carolina where he started making music. He credits his passion for country music to his military upbringing and mother's slow and simple way of living. We chat with Matt about his latest single "Soldier's Son", growing up in a musical family, how he got started playing country music, his approach to writing songs, performing at military benefits, his single "Can't Take the Dogs", what's next and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: 15 STARS First West Bourbon

Since his debut as a solo artist, Nate Haller has firmly established himself as one of  Canadian country's premier talents, bringing his unmatched vocals and energetic live show to some of the biggest stages. We chat with Nate about his latest singles "Race to the Bottom" and "Drive", how he got into performing, playing guitar in bands first, what pushed hime to go out on his own, building a mobile bar for the "Somewhere to Drink" video, if more music is coming and what's next.Jonathan's Drinking: Woodinville 8YR Whiskey

Owen Riegling is the kind of artist so down to earth his boots are always dirty. He's a small-town kid with his roots firmly planted in the songs he sings. There's something organic about the way Owen does what he does. We chat with Owen about his latest single "Church", being nominated for four CCMA awards, including Male Artist and Entertainer of the Year, writing his first song at age 10, where he got his first guitar and so much more!Jonathan's Drinking: Blue Note Crossroads

Chart-topping, tour de force JJ Wilde has been on an incredible journey since the release of her debut album Ruthless in 2020. With over 36 million global streams and prominent playlist placement on digital platforms, Wilde continues to captivate a diverse global audience, consistently establishing herself as a dominant voice in the rock music scene. We chat with JJ about her upcoming album Vices, travelling across the country, moving to Nashville how she got into music, how things changed when she released The Rush, winning Rock Album of the Year, and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: George Dickel Bottled-in-Bond 12YR Spring 2011

Country-soul troubadour Drake White has a new album, Low Country High Road, out September 20. The new project finds White digging deep into his creative bag. We chat with Drake about the album, what music he grew up on, what it's like to be a dad, how he met his wife, sharing those family moments with the world, his road back from a stroke, and so much more. Plus, Drake talks about being able to blend his own whiskey.Jonathan's Drinking: Lawrenceburg Bourbon Co Breakfast Bourbon Batch 1

We have a short convo with Holly Doscher of Danny Wimmer Presents, who is behind Bourbon & Beyond and Louder than Life in Louisville. Holly talks about how Bourbon & Beyond added two more stages and 50 more artists,  their culinary and spirits lineup, several fun giveaways happening on their socials, and how they expect this to be the biggest event yet.

Having grown up in Mannford, Oklahoma, Jake Banfield is intimately familiar with country music. Along the way, he discovered a love for basketball, with every intention of pursuing the sport as a career. However, life took an unexpected turn, and with the help of social media and a guitar bought from a pawn shop, Jake found his way into music. We chat with Jake about his latest song "Cadillac Coupe", be so open about mental health, how he got into music, his songwriting style, being on stage, what's next and more.Jonathan's Drinking: Penelope Rio

Raised in Northern Virginia, Connor Daly grew up playing sports and music. Now at 25, with more than 100 songs in his catalog, he continues to develop his craft with the release of his album "Colors Fade." We chat with Connor about the new album, what folks can expect, making the music video for "Ain't Got A Cape," moving to Nashville full-time, how he learned he could sing, how he got into songwriting, what's next for him and more.Jonathan's Drinking: Daviess County Medium Toasted Barrel Bourbon

Hailing from Nashville and living in Las Vegas, rising country artist Cali Tucker has been hitting full throttle throughout her career. Cali represents the best of both Nashville and Vegas, which has earned her the title of “Miss NashVegas.” We chat with her about her new single Country Couture, growing up in a musical family, finding her own sound, heading to Las Vegas, her time on The Voice,  what's next for her and more.Jonathan's Drinking: Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon

These two Bullitt County, KY, natives have been busy racing from one stage to another via planes, trains, vans, and tour buses…rolling through all four corners of the US, singing through jet lag touring Europe, and playing the Grand Ole Opry 11 times. We chat with Brent Rupard and Anthony Olympia, better known as Everette, about their new EP Keys to Kentucky which is out now, how they approached this EP differently, the fun they had making the music video for Picnic Table, writing songs with their friends and more.Jonathan's Drinking: High N' Wicked Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Since 2007, Yacht Rock Revue has steered audiences through a melodic voyage of classic hits, founded in Atlanta, GA. The 10-piece ensemble, including Nicholas Niespodziani, Peter Olson, Greg Lee, Mark Dannells, Mark Bencuya, David B. Freeman, Keisha Jackson, Kourtney Jackson, Jason Nackers, and Ganesh Giri Jaya, infuse their unique styles with the iconic yacht rock vibe. We chat with Nick about how the ensemble got started, where their name came from, how many songs they know, how they've helped other groups get back together, creating their own original songs and more.Jonathan's Drinking: Penelope RioBrandon's Drinking: Red Wine

A native of Owensboro, Kentucky, Josh Merritt is an artist steeped in Heartland culture. We chat with Josh about his latest album '206', where the album title came from, growing up in a musical family, balancing family life, growing up in Kentucky, sharing personal experiences in his songwriting, what else folks can expect from him this year and more.Jonathan's Drinking: Bradshaw Bourbon