McMahon on Keys

Jeff sits down with Audra McLaughlin, the outstanding soul/country songstress that first gained notoriety after a four-chair turn on "The Voice" and then as a member of Blake Shelton's "Team Blake." They talk about the opportunities and obstacles of beginning a music career on television, the steps that enabled her to do music full-time, the mental health struggles after launching in the national spotlight, and why she has to always be honest as a songwriter...followed by an intimate live performance of her song, "Hate Being Me," featuring McMahon on keys and Jonathan Warren on fiddle. (Interview recorded 12/5/2023)

Rick Monroe swings by "McMahon on Keys" to give a sneak peek of the album, "Six Gun Soul," from Rick and his devoted band, The Hitmen. Together, they reflect on their early appreciation of the legendary Jim Croce ("Bad Bad Leroy Brown," "Operator," "Time in a Bottle.) They also talk about the process of making vinyl records and actually recording as a BAND in the studio. This episode features a live performance of "Which Way is Home" with Rick and Jeff, also including Maddye Trew on backup vocals. 

As an artist, Ashlyn Grayce broke into the music scene with her first EP, Somethin' ‘Bout A Song, and its debut at #4 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter Chart and their Bestseller list; as a songwriter, she collaborates with some of Nashville's best. In this episode, Ashlyn and Jeff talk about his playing piano for her when she was still in high school, how she broke in as a songwriter, and finding Grammy-winner Sheryl Crow waiting for her backstage after a show. Together they share an intimate performance of her song, "I Need to Feel This," which they first recorded together for her debut collection. Listen in and enjoy their walk down memory lane.

McMahon kicks back with longtime Tim McGraw bandleader, guitarist and co-producer Darran Smith as they laugh their way through past adventures on the road and in the studio. Darran goes full storyteller as he tells his tales of winning an award, ("I forgot to thank the band,) losing an award, ("It's okay, 'cuz she's a legend,") and making records that still resonate after twenty years ("They still know "Live Like You Were Dying.") Then he steps up to the mic for a a rare and intimate live performance to close out this warm and reflective episode.  

Yes, Paige King Johnson is an award-winning songwriter, artist, and vocalist. She's a strong talent, an impressive creative, so much so that country legend Pam Tillis has saddled up alongside her as mentor and collaborator. As I've come to know her first through our friends, later through music,  it's clear she treats her music as she does her friends and family...leading with the heart. Yeah, I feel the magic, lady. 

Country funk songstress Julielle is a new artist by most standards, but she has hit the ground running with confidence and certainty. With four single releases in 2023 and more on the way, Julielle has already stirred up the music pot from Los Angeles to Nashville with her refreshing mix of Motown, country, pop and all things groovy. Clearly...no last name needed!

A last-minute opening concert slot for hitmaker Chris Cagle introduced us to Dakota Danielle and her music, a country blend of spunk, kindness and resilience. Dakota shares how her experience on the tennis court has helped her succeed musically, explains her desire to inspire the young girls coming behind her, and offers up an inspired piano version of her song "One Day Closer to You."

"The Indian Buckarette" is the alter ego of Richa Nagendra, a blogger, promoter, and lover of country music born and raised in Bangalore, India. We discuss being a country fan from across the world, her first trip to Nashville, and what it's like to need your dad's fingerprint to access his music collection...and share her request of a Tim McGraw song from McMahon on keys with Maddye Trew and featuring Jonathon Warren on fiddle.

Now in Nashville with a brand-new alt-pop record, Emma Rowley was first a star on Broadway as a kid, with a professional debut alongside stage icon Patti Lupone in Gypsy, followed by a run of Bye Bye Birdie starring John Stamos. Noting her theatrical pedigree with a passion for country storytelling, Rowley and McMahon explore showbiz lessons, the challenge of juggling different musical styles ... and how Taylor Swift is just like Freddie Mercury of Queen. 

Now a vibrant radio personality on three radio stations in the Chicago area, Hannah B. has been on our radar since her first podcasting venture while still a college student with a dream of being in radio; Hannah invited McMahon in as part of the launch of her new podcast, "Nothing But Positive Vibes." This is that shared episode; enjoy the conversation, and congratulations to Hannah B. for "livin' the dream!" 

With over 6 millions streams, Christie Huff is a prolific singer-songwriter balancing gracefully between pop and country. In this interview, we discuss her songwriting session with hitmaker Mark Irwin ("Highway Don't Care" for Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw), preparation as a songwriter, tour tips learned in India, the cute neighbor boy that taught her guitar, and how dyslexia taught her the secret of success in the music business.

Krystal King launches her latest project, “Red Wine and White Lies,” and sets the table for new releases, talks about her new gig with  Jimmy Buffett's “Radio Margaritaville,” shares the downside of wearing overalls on a yacht, and performs her favorite “party trick” that could save her from her next speeding ticket.

From both behind-the-scenes and behind the piano, McMahon has watched as Taylor Hughes works to carve out her place in the music business. Taylor loves her songs, her friends, her bourbon...and laughter. They talk through the launch of her first single during the shutdown, her recent opening slot for Morgan Myles at the Freedom Jam, her latest release titled "Jesus and Jail," and their collaborative performance of her song, "High on Something."

Troy Castellano has covered a lot of ground as a Nashville songwriter, musician, and producer. He has left his mark on songs with Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe, been recognized as a writer on "Take the Trailer" by The Heels at the 2019 Canadian Independent Music Awards, and collaborated with and inspired countless co-writers and artists all on the way to the release of his new solo project featured the singles "Hell We Raised" and "In My Genes."

The tables are turned this week as Zach Stone jumps behind the mic to interview our host, Jeff McMahon. What does it feel like to play on a hit record? How did McMahon get started in country music? What led to his working with Tim McGraw?  How does cat food get you on the radio? (Yeah, that happened. ) Plus, Jeff jumps behind the piano for a "long time coming" performance of "Live Like You Were Dying" with Zach.

"Bambi-footed" is how Sheridan Gates describes those young female talents that step tentatively through the scary music industry. An artist herself with he own music and experiences, she helps them navigate the threats and potholes to get closer to their creative dreams with her "New Roots Empower" program. We explore the program, hear from one of her success stories, and get a sneak peek at her own new single, "Back to the Basics."

Maddye Trew is the real deal - both as a country music singer and as a human. This interview shines a light on her sparkling personality, soulful vocal and country flair as she and McMahon talk tour buses, concert stages, new songs, her mama's "Zach Efron," American Idol, helping those coming behind her, and what it's like watching her dreams come true one at a time — some, right in the middle of this interview.

J.D. Shelburne was flipping through his copy of "Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors: This is Ours" well before releasing his own music and seeing his own songs on the charts. In this episode, J.D. and Jeff dig into both, as well as Shelburne's upcoming album, Neon Hallelujah, recording with the Oak Ridge Boys, and what it's like to build a musical career with your own two hands.

Gabrielle Metz had a mission as a child: GET TO NASHVILLE. After an early graduation, she did just that – gathering up singles, spins, and songwriting skills with focus, deliberation, and persistence beyond her years. Her latest single, “Mixtape,” reflects the variety of her parents' record collection and the versatility and breadth of her musical tastes.

Dave Wilbert is a country singer with a passion for the clever, relatable and heartfelt lyrics that typified 90s country; this candid conversation reveals Wilbert's new music as well as the common path that Dave shared with McMahon's history on the road with Tim McGraw. 

Still a college student at Texas A&M, Lindsey Fish has already released seven original songs and is not waiting until graduation to go after the dream — becoming a working singer and songwriter. With her mix of talent, enthusiasm, a supportive group of friends and a willingness to "do it scared," we talk about how she's making it happen.

American  Blonde. Natalia and Tinka. As you might expect, (or probably not), they talk playing dilapidated juke joints and dive bars before they were teenagers. One sings while riding behind the drum kit. One is your typical songwriter/race car driver. Both have tremendous talent, endless energy, and new music on the way...and a love for family, both blood and chosen.

Nashville first fell in love with Turk McNamara as he filled the room, night after night, performing traditional Irish music. Soon, Nashville songwriters came to recognize the talent and truth in Turk's own lyrics and performances. Now, he hosts Nashville's best as he brings together talents of all stripes to share their songs, along with  his own, in ”Turk's Lounge,” which he defines as “Nashville — How It Used to Be.” 

Finding your way through the music business when you are just getting started can be a bit puzzling. When Caroline Kid met McMahon at a songwriter panel a few years ago, the two quickly became friends as well as musical collaborators. In this episode, the two talk about how she found her way to her first "four songs," her first EP project (Caroline Kid), and how she has started to figure out how to "be doing music" ... sometimes with McMahon "sending the elevator back down." The two also perform together for an intimate piano take of her first single, "Wyoming."

After a career of concert tours (Tim McGraw, Chris Cagle), numerous hits as a studio keyboard player, and an Academy of Country Music award nomination, Jeff McMahon brings his casual experience to the table for live performances and lively discussions with both established artists and those winding their way through the music industry.