Sisters In Song

 We talked with Ruby about her collaborative album “Take Me Back” with fellow Austin artists and the documentary that goes along with it,“Making a Life Out of Art.” The album is available everywhere now and the documentary to follow. Ruby wanted to highlight the wonderful community of Austin through hers and other's eyes.     Austin-based Americana artist and Best Bassist in Austin Ruby Dice released her new album, Take Me Back, on August 28, 2026. Blending Colorado grit with Texas soul and rooted in Americana, country, blues, and rock, Take Me Back features collaborations with acclaimed artists including Shinyribs, Suzanna Choffel, Nakia, Jordan Matthew Young, Grey Horse, Scott Strickland, SeanMcHargue, Garrett Jay Brown, and Sophia Johnson.    Be sure to follow Ruby here:  Website: Rubydice.com  IG: Rubydice  FB: Ruby Dice  YouTube: Ruby Dice  TikTok: Rubydice  

 Deer Fellow, made up of husband and wife duo, Alyssa Kelly and Matt Salois were such a pleasure to talk to. We discussed their recent release “Hues,” how the album came to be, and how they started out as a duo and continue to explore and create! This band really is “everything in one!”    Since meeting at an Austin open mic 11 years ago, Matt Salois and Alyssa Kelly have grown together as both artists and partners. Recently married, the pair continue to build their musical career while deepening the chemistry that defines Deer Fellow's sound. The duo has earned recognition as a Sonic Guild grantee and official SXSW artist, with additional honors including selection in the ATX Short Film Showcase, coverage from Earmilk and KUTX, and inclusion in Austin 360's Top EPs of 2021.    Austin indie folk-pop duo Deer Fellow released its debut full-length album, Hues, on May 29, 2026. Richly layered and emotionally resonant, the collection showcases the duo's signatureblend of electric guitar, bell-clear violin and luminous vocal harmonies. Singles “Fool For You,” “Invisible” and “Pep In My Step” highlight the album's artistic depth, lush arrangements and lyrical intimacy.  Produced by Deer Fellow and mixed and mastered by Erik Wofford, Hues builds on the intricate soundscapes and heartfelt songwriting that earned the band praise from EASTside Magazine as“pioneers of innovative sound.” Combining dynamic instrumentation with distinctive vocal melodies, Deer Fellow's first LP explores how our emotional “colors” shape the way we move through the world. Every feeling light or dark plays a role, and life is richest when we embrace the full spectrum. The title track, “Hues,” was inspired by the shifting color mechanics of the video game Hue.    Be sure to check them out here:  Website: deerfellow.com  Band camp: Deer Fellow  IG: Deerfellow  FB: Deer Fellow  YouTube: Deer Fellow  

 We really nerded out talking with Kevin about punk rock and the evolution of Sassparilla. He told us about their latest release “Honey I'm Using Again“ and its new sound. On the album,Blackwell reunited with longtime associates alongside family, featuring: Dan Power – Acoustic guitar, backing vocals, Doug Ebert – Upright bass, backing vocals, and Emmett Blackwell – Drums.     Kevin told us about his absolute love of writing music above everything else music-related. AND we have the newest single on our episode available TODAY wherever you get your music! It's called “In the Dust of Things”.    Now based in both Portland, Oregon and Golden, Colorado, Sassparilla has long been known for its raw, electrified blend of Americana roots, punk ethos, and a blues mindset - melding old-time string-band traditions, hill country blues, and punk grit. With their eighth record, Honey, I'm Using Again, the band delivers their most vulnerable and visceral work to date, a fifteen-songcollection born out of addiction, loss, and the process of reckoning. Recorded in songwriter Kevin Blackwell's basement in Golden, the album explores the deepest corners of human experience, touching on themes like substance abuse, aging, homelessness, and the suicide of close friends. Blackwell's songwriting continues to blend religious imagery, gut-level despair, and a desperate hope that fights its way through the darkness.    Be sure to check Sassparilla out here:  Website: sassparilla.info.com  Bandcamp: Sassparilla  IG: sassparillapdx  Facebook: sassparilla  

 We talk with Maya de Vitry about her JUST RELEASED album, “All My Faith.” When we chatted, she was amidst getting the albums ready to ship out. She told us about growing up at bluegrass festivals and how music has always been a part of her and how much it serves as community and connection.     Originally from the green rolling hills of Lancaster, PA, Maya de Vitry is a Nashville-based fiddler-turned-songwriter whose music blurs the lines of folk, indie rock, and Americana. Her earliest years in the music industry are represented by the 4 full-length albums and 2 EPs withroots-Americana trio The Stray Birds, with whom she toured year-round for 7 years throughout USA, Canada, and Europe. After this formative chapter, she launched her solo career with her 2019 album Adaptations, earning praise from Rolling Stone Country, NPR Music, and No Depression. Since then, she has released three more full-length albums—How to Break a Fall(2020), Violet Light (2022), and The Only Moment (2024); an EP, Infinite (2023); and multiple singles, all of which are testaments to her personal reinvention and creative growth.   Energized by the spontaneity of live performance and a revelatory pursuit of truth in her lyric writing, Maya de Vitry returns with her fifth full-length album, All My Faith. Prioritizing presence and grit over studio polish, she sounds joyously at home in the alt-country and indie-folk realms. Recorded and mixed by 5-time Grammy Award-winning engineer Sean Sullivan and self-produced by de Vitry, All My Faith is a buoyant gathering of songs brought to life by a cast of her closest confidantes and collaborators. All My Faith was released on de Vitry's own Mad Maker Studio label on July 24.  Be sure to check Maya out here:    Website: Mayadevitry.com  Substack: Maya de Vitry  IG: mayadevitry  Facebook: Maya de Vitry  

 We chatted with Eric Becker and Marty Buckenmeyer of Stunt Drummer and they told us how they cleverly got their name and their formation post-Covid. We also talked about their recent release “Warm Up, Tiger the band's most feral, focused, and experimental release yet! We had some good laughs and such a great conversation these guys.  The band is made up of Marty Buckenmeyer (guitar/vocals), Erik Becker (guitar/vocals), Ethan Schee (bass), and J Leaver (drums).   Stunt Drummer thrive on collaboration and collision. Songs rarely arrive finished - instead they're mashed together from riffs, mistakes, and half-ideas until something clicks. As the band puts it, the best moments come when things probably shouldn't work, but somehow do.    Stunt Drummer aren't interested in fitting neatly anywhere. Their ideal setting? "A medium-sized, dimly lit bar with cheap drinks and free Narcan, in front of the restroom door." With Warm Up, Tiger, they deliver a record that's loud, memorable, disorienting, and deeply alive - best experienced with the volume up and expectations off.  Be sure to check them out at:  Band Camp: Stunt Drummer  IG: stunt_drummer  FB: Stunt Drummer  

 We talked with Gainesville, Florida born-now Nashville talent Alex Hall about his latest EP “Turn This Love Around” We chatted with him about how his love of music started with his love of Elvis and how music is now just a part of who he is. We were fascinated in hearing about how he writes a song and how he's out there doing it as an independent artist.  Nashville-based singer-songwriter Alex Hall released his star-studded new EP TurnThis Love Around. Boasting collaborations with Vince Gill, Tenille Townes and Mae Estes, the five-song collection finds Hall embracing creative freedom as an independent artist, with vulnerable love songs that don't shy away from the turmoil of everyday life.  “The Turn This Love Around EP is a project about love, growth, the highs and lows of it all, and everything in between,” says Hall. “It touches on my experience with sobriety, the work it takes to build a strong marriage, and stepping into a different side of myself as asongwriter. When it came time to record, I went in a different direction – rather than bringing in the usual top session players in Nashville, I made the record in the studio with close friends I've shared the stage with over the years. I think that gave it more of my own fingerprint. It was also really special to have friends like Mae Estes, Tenille Townes, and Vince Gill be part of it. I'm a huge fan of all three, and I'm grateful to make music alongside them.”  Townes, who teamed up with Hall and Gill on the uplifting title track, says: “I love this song so much and I will always smile looking back at the day at Vince's studio when we all wrote this. The stories shared and the time together talking about the heart of music is something I'll alwayscarry with me. So glad this song found us that day, and what a joy to be a part of this release! Alex is one of my favourite voices to sing with and a friend I've known in this community for a long time, and having a song with the legendary Vince Gill is an absolute dream.”  Be sure to check Alex out here:   Website: alexhall.komi.io/  IG: musicbyalexhall  TikTok: Musicbyalexhall  FB: Alex Hall   

 We had a lovely time talking with Sarah Sharp about her latest album release “Déjà Vu” which includes so many great American Songbook favorites including single “Don't Think Twice” (which you'll hear on this episode). We talk about her experience growing up in a musical family, her residency at Austin's The Elephant room every Thursday night, her experience as a sync licensed artist, and her pretending to be a bad singer when she does karaoke.    Sarah Sharp is an Austin-based jazz singer and songwriter whose signature sound fusesjazz, vintage pop, folk, and cinematic storytelling. Known for her warm, captivating vocals and poetic lyrics, Sharp has become a defining voice in Austin's creative music scene, consistently named Austin's Best Jazz performer. Sarah brings an unmistakable charisma to every stage, weaving together wit, elegance, and emotional depth.  The Houston-born and raised performer is a soulful songwriter and so much more. Shemasters Americana, Pop, and old-school country music while exploring other sounds and collaborations. And it's hard not to fall in love with her whole persona. As one reviewer wrote, she's a little bit Tina Fey.    Sharp's pedigree includes touring internationally with the Jitterbug Vipers, whose 2013self-produced album “Phoebe's Dream,' earned Top 5 placements in Austin MusicAwards categories for Best Female Vocalist, Producer, Songwriter, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Band of the Year, and Best Jazz Band. The record was added to more than 90 radio stations in the U.S. and Canada.     Be sure to check Sarah out here:  Website: sarahsharp.com  IG: Sarahsharpatx  FB:Sarah Sharp  

 From El Salvador to Georgia to Nashville, Angie K talks with us about having a reckless belief as an artist to make music, her 5th record “Whiskey and Hemingway”, and how she sees a song start to finish. We talk about “The Artists Way” and how Angie uses this and how we SHOULD! Angie'spragmatism is contagious!    Born in El Salvador, raised in Georgia, and now thriving in Nashville, Angie K has become one of the genre's most dynamic independent forces. With accolades including 2025 Origins Impact Artist of the Year, CMT's Listen Up Class recognition, multiple Grand Ole Opry performances, and national media acclaim from Rolling Stone, Billboard, NPR, and Music Row Magazine, she continues to carve out space for Latin artists in country and Americana.    Angie K has taken the summer by storm hitting the main stage at some of the biggest festivals of the summer including Country Thunder, Boots in the Park, and Tortuga providing support for Jelly Roll, Jake Owen, Carin Leon, Bailey Zimmerman and more. With over 35 million streams and half a million followers as an indie artist, she was named to Apple Music's ‘Trailblazers' Class of 2025. Her new record ‘Whiskey and Hemingway' landed on more than 15 editorial playlists and landed her a spot on the Brooks and Dunn tour in October 2026. She is a 3x Opry performer and recently debuted an original version of Disney's “You Can Fly” for an international Walt DisneyWorld ad campaign.    Be sure to check Angie K out here:  Website: officialangiek.com  IG: officialangiek  TikTok: Angiek  Facebook: Angie K   

 From dancing on her bed with a microphone at 5-years-old to pop-rock heavy-hitter, Gina Zo is a ray of sunshine! We chat about her time on “The Voice,” how she writes a song, and co-writing in Los Angeles. And of course, we talked about her latest release, the deluxe version of her album “Burn Me Into Something Better” (released September 2025).     Gina Zo is a rock-pop singers songwriter and powerhouse vocalist celebrated for her fearless authenticity and raw, emotional storytelling. Originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia and now based in Los Angeles, she is carving out a distinct place as one of the most compelling voices in modern rock-pop.    In late September 2025, Gina released her highly anticipated debut album, Burn Me Into Something Better— searing, vulnerable exploration of transformation, heartbreak, and rebirth. The record was featured on EARMILK, which awarded it a 9/10 review and praised its unfiltered honesty: “What makes Burn Me Into Something Better stand out, though, is its refusal to sanitize. These songs aren't neatly packaged pop; they're jagged, raw, and proudly messy, mirroring the real-life transformations that shaped them. It's a record that validates every stumble as part of the climb, every scar as part of the story.”    Now based in Los Angeles, Gina finds balance in cooking from scratch, reading murder mysteries, and walking around the Silver Lake Reservoir. With Burn Me Into Something Better ushering in her defining era, Dirty Habits setting the tone, and her holiday songs showcasing her versatility, Gina Zo stands at the forefront of a new generation of rock-pop artists—bold, untamed, and unapologetically real.  Be sure to check Gina out here:  Website: ginazomusic.com  IG: _ginazo_  FB: Gina Zo  TikTok: Gina Zo  YouTube: Gina_Zo  

 We had the best time chatting with Avery Hellman—Ismay—about how ranching and how that was the segway into their music career. We talk about re-writing folk songs, the Woollystar music festival (curated by Avery), and of course Ismay's latest album “Half Truth”  Avery Hellman has been a rancher, an alt-country musician, and, always, a dreamer. But they recently found themself once more while looking for Lucinda Williams. In 2023, Hellman was hard at work on an album, podcast, and documentary delving into the psyche of the country singer-songwriter when they discovered how much poetry played into Williams' general talents. “That was a really big shift for me,” Hellman says. “I was like, ‘Well, why don't I learn how to write poetry?'” Add another job to that resume.    In 2026 Avery helped to launch Fossil Records with Margo Cilker, an indie label whose aim is to capture the expression drawn from seasons of work on ranches and in rural outposts.  ​ Currently, Avery is based in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. ISMAY also curates a music festival called Woollystar.    Be sure to check Ismay out here:   Website: ismaymusic.com  Bandcamp: Ismay  YouTube: Ismay  Instagram: Ismaymusic  FB: Ismay  Fossil Records: fossilrecords.com   Woollystar: Woollystar.com  

 Brooke and Darin called in to chat from the road on the way to play Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. We talked about their brand new gospel album, “Soul Condition,” how they make a great writing team, still getting jitters and the Nashville numbering system.    Acclaimed bluegrass and gospel duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge return with theirhighly anticipated new 11-song album which arrived earlier this year, showcasing the soaring harmonies, heartfelt performances, and authentic storytelling that have made them one of the most beloved husband-and-wife teams in contemporary bluegrass, traditional country, and Christian music. The project includes special guest appearances from Grand Ole Opry Members, Sonia Isaacs and Becky Isaacs, along with the legendary John Cowan of New Grass Revival and The Doobie Brothers. Hailing from the mountains of North Carolina, Darin and Brooke continue to blend world-class musicianship, award-winning vocals, and a deep Christian faith into music that honors bluegrass and Southern gospel traditions while connecting with audiencesacross generation.     Be sure to check them out here:  Website:Darinandbrookealdridge.com  IG: darinandbrookealdridge  FB: Darin & Brooke Aldridge  TikTok: darinandbrookealdridge  YouTube: darinandbrooke  

 From farming in Hawaii to writing songs, Amber Westerman is the real deal! We chatted with her about her start about her experiences being an artist in Nashville and in Austin, the hardest part about being a career musician, and keeping her dream alive!    From the limestone hills of Marble Falls, Texas to the musical heartbeat of Nashville, TN, Amber Westerman embodies the essence of modern Americana music with a reimagined flare. Her musical journey ignited on the volcanic shores of Hawaii's Big Island, where she discovered her voice as a storyteller amidst a vibrant artistic community, shared her first time on stagewith roots music mainstay Mishka, and developed a sound that is uniquely her own.    Westerman is further delving into her Americana roots, crafting songs that bridge the gap between modern folk sensibilities and the timeless art of country storytelling. In an industry often focused on trends, she remains steadfast in her mission: making music that helps listeners feel more present in their lives and their hearts.    Be sure to check Amber out here:  Website: amberwestermanmusic.com  TikTok: Amber.westerman.music  IG: Amberwesterman  YouTube: Amber Westerman  Facebook: Amber Westerman  

 We loved talking with Ryan Dart about his new album “Love Don't Break you” AVAILABLEEVERYWHERE! We even got to see the vinyl before it was released, and yes, we totally geeked out over it!   We chatted about his start as a music engineer and how he became a fulltime musician, how he uses music to process all of the things in his life, and his greatest addiction—songwriting!  Ryan Dart is a Colorado-based Americana songwriter, farmer, and father whose new album, If Love Don't Break You,released May 1, 2026. Rooted in love, loss, and hard-earned wisdom, Dart's music reflects a life shaped by the land and the road, drawing influence from Dylan, Cash, Townes Van Zandt, Tom Waits, and classic rhythm and blues. Raised below the poverty line in western Arkansas, he brings lived experience and emotional honesty to every song. Featuring an all-star cast including Richard Bowden, Nate Barnes, and members of Elephant Revival, If Love Don't Break You is Dart's most personal and fully realized work to date.    Be sure to check Ryan out here:  FB: Ryan Dart  IG: Ryandartmusic  YouTube: dartryandart  Website: Ryandartmusic.com  

 We had a wonderful chat with Jaime Lynch lead singer of the band OG8 about their latest two singles “WOMAN” and “Change” and their upcoming album that they are in the studio working on right now!  We also talk a little bit about the upas and downs of the music business and how OG8 keeps it all together working out of several different cities.    OG8 is made up of:  JAIME LYNCH, SONGWRITER & VOCALISTTROY WILLIVER, SONGWRITER & GUITARISTPHIL BAKER, BASS GUITARGEORGE MITCHELL, KEYSMICHAEL UNDERWOOD, DRUMS/PERCUSSIONRENATO CARANTO, SAXDREW CANULETTE, PRODUCER & ENGINEERMARK LEVINSON, GODFATHER   Original 8 (OG8) is a collective of powerhouse musicians redefining the landscape of rock and roll. Comprised of seasoned veterans this emerging supergroup is primed to take the industry by storm. Known affectionately as OG8, their origin story is rooted in decades of musical collaboration, friendship and a shared ideological belief system of love of music over pursuit of ego.    In early 2023, Troy Williver's search for an iconic vocalist led him to Jaime Lynch, a remarkable talent on the brink of stardom. Recommended by a friend, Williver flew to Las Vegas to vet an upcoming performance in person. Within seconds of taking the stage, it was undeniable…she was the one. Lynch's powerhouse vocals and electric presence captivated the audience and solidified her as the missing piece needed to cement OG8's status as a collective force. In addition to her vocal abilities, her impressive resume includes a stint with the Pussycat Dolls and a Las Vegas residency.    OG8's additional bandmates share undeniable talent, in addition to a foundation of friendship, in various collaborations spanning decades. Drummer Michael Underwood brings intuitive timing and a knack for infusing subtle emotive elements into rhythm, while Renato Caranto, legendarysaxophone player, expertly adds a festive layer of jazz to the mix. George Mitchell, keyboard virtuoso, infuses soulful twists into the melodies as bassist extraordinaire Phil Baker expertly stretches the sonic canvas upon which the music dances. Sound engineer Drew Canulette meticulously crafts the sonic landscape of OG8.    Friendship and kindred spirit-based artistry between Williver and Lynch brought the band's vision to life through powerful co-writing sessions combining Williver's guitar style with Lynch's soulful vocals. In the studio, the band infused their talent and specific skill sets toelevate each song to its greatest potential.    Effortlessly blending elements of funk, jazz and blues representative of each member's individual style, their debut album OG8 brings forth a reimagined form of rock and roll that resonates with the soul and serves the greater good. With every song, the members of OG8 aim to uplift,inspire and unite listeners, creating a legacy of transcendence, healing and hope.    Check them out here:    Website: OG8music.com  FB: OG8official  IG: OG8_original8 andjaimelynch  YouTube: OG8-ORIGINAL8  

Mel Denise talked with us about her untitled-as-of yet album and some of her singles, reading to get out of that creative block and her nostalgia for the 90's.    Nashville-based artist and producer Mel Denisse has always leaned into duality. Whether she's blending left-field pop with jagged alt-rock or threading delicate vocals through dissonant, distorted production, Denisse is drawn to the clash with her newest genre-defiant single, "aiming alone". She shares, " 'aiming alone' details wanting to be understood with urgency, while still feeling sealed off behind glass. On the other side, the world watches and speculates, close enough to see you, never close enough to meet you. That distance becomes the point: the two realities can't be reconciled. The outro carries that into finality – an acceptance of the loneroad, and the resolve of aiming alone."    Previous releases earned spins on BBC Radio 1's Alternative Show, placement on Spotify's All New Rock, and praise from tastemakers at LADYGUNN, who applauded her “singular approach to alt-rock and pop, setting her apart in a saturated landscape,” calling it “refreshing, essential listening for those craving authenticity in an age of imitation.” Meanwhile, EARMILK described Denisse's vocal performance as “striking and inviting, as if dispatched from another dimension,in the best way possible, creating a cinematic, noir-drenched world that blurs alt-rock grit with atmospheric storytelling.”    Be sure to check Mel out here:   IG: Meldenisse  You Tube: Mel Denisse  TikTok: Meldenisse  Twitch: Mel Denisse  Bluesky: meldenisse.bsky.social  

 We talk with Clark about his latest releases “Helluva a Heartbeat,” and “Pray For Rain” (hear that ON THIS EPISODE), the way heartbreak took him into music, and his rules for a song to pass the test!    In some ways, Clark will acknowledge, things had come to him too easily. Growing up in northern Florida, on the land his grandparents once called home, he worked on the family farm, planting and harvesting corn, black-eyed peas, maybe some okra and tomato plants. In school he earned high grades almost without trying. Following the footsteps his dad had made as acollege football star, Clark played linebacker and then tight end on his high school team, always as a starter, never experiencing a losing season. Shortly before graduating he passed his exam as an EMT fireman; after earning his diploma, he went to work.  One fateful day, at a moment of difficulty in his marriage, he went to have a wisdom tooth removed. First, the anesthesia wore off in the middle of surgery. Right after that, the dentist accidentally broke Clark's jaw. He went home, hoping to just weather the pain alone. By the way, it was his birthday too.    Following growing media momentum across TV, radio, and digital platforms, including ABC's Local On 2, NBC's Today in Nashville, and The Grand Ole Opry's WSM Radio, Hill returns with “Pray For Rain,” arriving May 1st. It's a track that trades fireworks for something deeper. This is not the high-energy rush of “Helluva Heartbeat” or the rowdy swagger of his viral 2025 hit “OneBeer.” This is the moment after the noise fades, the rain clears, and the sun comes out. Its the vulnerability that most artists do not show.    Be sure to check Clark out here:  Website: Clarkhillmusic.com  IG: clarkhillmusic  FB: Clark Hill  YouTube: Clarkhillmusic  

 We first chatted with Oakdale Drive--OG's of the podcast—onepisode 16 season 1. We had a great time catching up with them! We talkedabout their latest album, “The Skylight Inn,” how they work together despitebeing scattered around North Carolina, making the music video for “Long Rides,”and being a 90/10 band. Find out what that means by listening to the episode!  Check them out here:  IG: Oakdaledriveband  YouTube: Oakdale Drive (oakdaledrive9354)  Sisters in Song Podcast: Season 1 Episode 16  

 We caught up with Lee Newton, who called in from “North Caro-lacky,” as she called it! Lee is awoman who was born to sing and love doing it! We talked about her many ventures including a new album coming out soon!!  Nashville Recording Artist and Singer/Songwriter Lee Newton comes from humble beginnings in a small town in Western North Carolina. Growing up, she experienced her share of hard times, but music was always a source of hope. At just five years old, Lee began singing in church alongside her mother. Her love for music blossomed when her father, a local cab driver, filled their home with the sounds of Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Patsy Cline. At seven, he placed a guitar in her hands, teaching her to play as they sang together while he drove his taxi on calls.  Lee is in the studio recording her fifth studio album, alongside producer Bill Mcdermott. The first single, “The Long Goodbye,” was released September 13, 2025. The full album has an anticipated release in 2026, continuing Lee's trademark blend of raw emotion, soulful delivery, and timelessstorytelling.    With a voice as authentic as her story—and a heart devoted to faith, family, and community—Lee Newton continues to carve her place in country music, bringing her daddy's dream of the Grand Ole Opry closer with every song.   Be sure to check Lee out here:   Website: leenewtonofficial.com  FB: Lee Newton  IG: lee_newton_  Tiktok: Lee Newton  YouTube: Lee.newton  

We really had a good time talking with Chas about how he went from singing “specials”in church, to Karaoke, to being a national touring artist!  He told us about being in the “people” business and all about his upcoming singles including“Slam Bam” which you can hear on this episode!    Chas Collins is a Southern-born singer-songwriter who has carved out a name in themodern country scene through powerful vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and astrong, authentic stage presence. Standing at 6'6", he has played over 3,000 live shows across 43 states, earning fans one show at a time with a sound rooted in both his gospel upbringing and honky tonk grit. His breakout single “That's What She Said” and the Top 10 CMT hit “Try It On” propelled him into the national spotlight, where he's remained a dynamic and in-demand liveperformer.    After Hurricane Katrina destroyed everything he owned, Collins moved from Louisianato Nashville, later enduring the heartbreaking loss of his mother, grandmother, and aunt. Rather than retreat, he poured grief into music, writing songs shaped by resilience, faith, and raw life experience. When COVID-19 halted touring, he doubled down on songwriting, emerging with a refined sound that blends rock edge with country soul.  Today, Chas is releasing some of the most personal and powerful material of hiscareer—songs that speak to anyone who's weathered storms and come out stronger.    Be sure to check Chas out here  Website: chascollins.com  IG: Chascollinsmusic  FB: Chas Collins Music  YouTube: Chascollinsmusic  

 We were thrilled to be able to talk with John Mason about his recent audio book release of his book, “Crazy Lucky.” John's book is full of stories that listeners should absolutely delve into! We talked about thebook, his role in doingcontracts, deal-making, and career guidance, andof course some of his favorite stories!    Named “Entertainment Lawyer of the Year” by Billboard, John Mason is a Los Angeles native who graduated with honors from UCLA and earned his J.D. from UC Berkeley, where he served as Managing Editor of the California Law Review. He began his career at a top Beverly Hills entertainment law firm, launched his own firm in 1978, and later established himself in Nashville, where he continues to counsel elite talent across music, film, television, literature, andnew media. A Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Listed Mediator, Mason has chaired the Nevada Film Commission, hosted a nationally televised satellite talk show and a regular segment on the CW affiliate in Reno, and served eight years on the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. His work has been profiled by The Los Angeles Times, The American Lawyer, Los Angeles Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Hollywood Reporter, Los Angeles Daily Business Journal, Variety, The New York Times, Reno Gazette Journal, and Las Vegas Review. He has also represented top talent in literary and music publishing, sports, and electronic media.    Career highlights:   Represented 6 Oscar® winners and 17 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees  Negotiated high-stakes deals across every major studio and label  Handled precedent-setting litigation and advised on iconic entertainment projects  Built a reputation as a trusted confidant and advocate—the person clients call when the stakes are highest  Learn more at Johnmasonlaw.com  

 What a great conversation we had with Dylan Stone of the Unfaithful Servants. We got to talk with him on his walk about how he writes a song and brings it to the band, his “Beatles Bible,” and how the band got its name.    The Unfaithful Servants, the acclaimed Folk/Americana band from Vancouver Island will release their sophomore album, Fallen Angel, on October 17, 2025. Labeled as "Canada's most excitingNewgrass band" (Seaside Music Festival) the group are known for their captivating energy on stage, compelling storytelling, masterful musicianship and powerful vocals. The Servants expertly blend elements of bluegrass, traditional folk, and Americana music for a truly infectiousacoustic sound all their own. With critically acclaimed performances at Vancouver Island MusicFest, Salmon Arm Roots & Blues, and a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination, they continue to make waves in BC and beyond.    Mandolinist Jesse Cobb, a Grammy-nominated founding member of The Infamous Stringdusters, has played with legends like Béla Fleck and Lee Ann Womack. Singer-songwriter Dylan Stone, a modern troubadour, has shared the stage with Keith Urban and performed for Lou Reed. Now joined by fiddle virtuoso Quin Etheridge-Pedden and bassist Mark Johnson, the band embarks on an exciting new chapter. Their 2019 debut album, produced by Grammy-winner SteveSmith, fused bluegrass, folk, and rock, establishing their reputation as boundary-pushers in Americana/Bluegrass music. The Unfaithful Servants continue to push the boundaries of Americana/Bluegrass music with their unique, high-energy sound.     Be sure to check them out here:  Website: theunfaithfulservants.com  YouTube: The Unfaithful Servants  IG: Theunfaithfulservants  FB: Theunfaithfulservants  

 We had a great time catching up with Iowa Music Hall of fame Inductee and friend, Maxwell Schaeffer. We discussed how he fell in love with music (like so many of us) through the Beatles, how he got inspired to write music after going to a Neil Diamond Concert and his unique perspective as a long-time radio guy on music!  Maxwell Schaeffer is a singer-songwriter, composer, and lyricist whose “song stories” blend heartfelt storytelling with the rootsy textures of acoustic Americana, country, alt-country, and acoustic rock. A decades-long composer, radio personality, voice artist and podcast creator,Maxwell's distinctive voice and easygoing authenticity carry through his musical work. His songs capture the humor, heartbreak, and humanity of everyday life—crafted with the same warmth and narrative spirit that made him a familiar voice to generations of Iowa listeners. A proud inductee of the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, Maxwell continues to share his creative voice through performances, recordings, and collaborations that celebrate connection, place,and the timeless art of storytelling through song.    Listen to Maxwell's music on Spotify and check him out onhis Facebook at Maxwell Schaeffer  

 It was great to catch up with Joshua bout his latest release “Broadcast to the Surf Ballroom” which is a tribute to his heroes and influences Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. The album AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE includes songs taken from Holly and Valens unfinished demos and completed by Josue as well as originals, including the one on this episode “Oh Selina.”    Joshua Josue is a rising bilingual singer-songwriter and performer blending Latin soul, R&B, and pop with heart-centered storytelling. A native of Eugene, OR and Los Angeles, Joshua has captivated audiences across the U.S. with his emotionally-charged performances and versatile vocal range.     Be sure to check Joshua out here:   Website: joshuajosuemusic.com  IG: Joshua_josue_music  FB: Joshua Josue  Or search labamba josh  Electric cholo records to buy the album   

 We talk with Paige King Johnson about her Grand Old Opry debut, where she was invited by the legendary Pam Tillis, her first UK tour, and her great frame of mind!    In a quiet North Carolina town 22 miles south of Raleigh, as a young 9-year-old girl, Paige King Johnson spent her days imitating the styles of Loretta, Patsy, Waylon, and Merle. Having a grandpa as her biggest fan also meant receiving the gift of her first guitar – a baby Taylor - and enrolling in lessons. After her grandpa passed, the bright-eyed dreamer carried on hismemory by taking her newfound discovery to local fairs, festivals, and any other stage she was allowed to stand on. As she grew older, Johnson added “opening act” to her resume, supporting chart topping artists like Kane Brown, Oliver Anthony, Randy Houser, Joe Nichols, Gabby Barrett, Clint Black, Diamond Rio, Scotty McCreery, Tracy Byrd, Kylie Morgan, Lonestar, Neal McCoy and more.  And with high school graduation came the realization that this was more than a hobby. The Angier native traded in horse pastures for the bright lights of Music City in 2015. Upon starting school at Belmont University for Music Business, Johnson honed in on the magic that had heavily influenced her as a child: the art of storytelling thru songwriting.    After stepping into the spotlight with her debut single “Water Down The Whiskey”, climbing to the #29 spot on Music Row charts, Johnson moved on to her next projects with the release of her singles “Just Like You”, “She Holds This House Together”, “Baby Don't” & more that completed her debut album, Honky Tonk Heart. Working alongside country-legend Pam Tillis, Johnson created multiple music videos which premiered on Country Music Television (CMT), RFD-TV, Cowboys & Indians, Heartland TV & Newsmax. Most recently, Johnson & Tillis tookon The Grand Ole Opry stage together for Paige's first time stepping into that hallowed circle.  Be sure to check her out here:  Website: paigekingjohnson.com  FB: Paige King Johnson  IG: Paigekingjohnson  Youtube: Paige King Johnson  TikTok: Paigekingjohnson  

 We chat with cousin country duo Magnolia Rising and what a blast! These ladies, who came from a huge family talk about how they became a duo, their unique songwriting process, and having your own personal wordsmith. We also talk about the Kazoo!    Magnolia Rising is on fire! Devynn Hart and Trea Swindle (formerly of Chapel Hart) follow their breakout debut with “Hit The Ground”, a gritty, high-energy anthem AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE that captures what it truly means to rise after the fall.    As featured in Billboard, The Tennessean, and Nashville Lifestyles and more, the duo has quicklybecome one of country music's most compelling stories. Magnolia Rising isn't waiting for permission; they're defining their next era on their own terms. Hit The Ground is more than a song; it's a declaration of motion, courage, and the unstoppable drive that's propelling them forward.    Be sure to check them out here:  Website: MagnoliaRisingofficial.com  IG: Magnoliarisingofficial  

 So many exciting things happening for this episode's guest Bailey Cole! She told us about her reimagining of the Gnarls Barkley hit “Crazy” (AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE) and her debut album that just dropped called “Chapter One.” Bailey talked about how she came out of her shell, thepower of YouTube and the message of light she wants to share with her music!     Bailey Cole doesn't just sing—she exhales truth. With a voice that cuts through the noise and lyrics that feel more like confessions, she's carved out her own lane in the pop-soul world: cinematic, unfiltered, and deeply human. Her music isn't here to distract you from your feelings—it's here to sit with you in them.  Raised an only child in the middle of chaos, Bailey turned confusion into creativity. Her earliest songs were born out of a need to process life—growing up surrounded by addiction, heartbreak, and the kind of questions kids shouldn't have to ask. Now, she writes with the clarity ofsomeone who's done the work—and the fire of someone who still has more to say.  Drawing inspiration from artists like Adele, Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, Banks, and Katy Perry, Bailey blends theatrical storytelling with raw soul, making music that's as bold as it is intimate. Her songs explore themes of pain, healing, identity, and that stubborn kind of hope that keepsshowing up even when life doesn't go easy on you.    Whether it's on stage with a full band and fog machines or in a stripped-down acoustic set, Bailey commands attention without asking for it. Her live shows are emotional experiences, built around connection—not perfection. She's not trying to be polished. She's trying to be real.    Offstage, she's equal parts old soul and goofball. Yes, the songs are heavy—but Bailey? She's light. She laughs hard, feels deeply, and cares a lot about leaving the world better than she found it. Especially for the kids growing up in homes like hers.  Bailey Cole is here for the misfits, the feelers, the late-night overthinkers, and anyone else trying to make sense of a messy world. If you've ever needed proof that healing is possible—this is your sign, and she's your soundtrack.    Be sure to check Bailey out here:  Website: baileycolemusic.com  Facebook: Bailey Cole  IG: Baileycoleofficial  YouTube: Bailey Cole  TikTok: Bailey Cole Official  

 We sat down with West Virginia/ Nashville/ New York-based Olivia Ellen Lloyd and had an amazing conversation. We chatted about Olivia's most recent release “Do It Myself” which was released in 2025 and was very much a DIY project for her. We discussed how her music has evolved and how she trusts her mind and gut when songwriting.   Olivia Ellen Lloyd will try anything once. From flight attendant school in Dallas to producing theater in New York and teaching in Guatemala, Lloyd sought adventure but struggled to find a greater sense of purpose - until she found her way back to music. Channeling that restlessspirit, she writes songs that dig deep for hope in the face of hardship. Her debut album, Loose Cannon, has been streamed over 1 million times while she has been crossing the country playing shows, winning songwriting contests (like Kerrville New Folk in 2023) and generally eatinglife down to the rind. She also works as an in-demand side woman, singing backingvocals for the likes of Lizzie No, Emily Scott Robinson, and as part of the Resistance Revival Chorus, with Renee Rapp at the 2024 All Things Go festival.    Lloyd has spent the past three years doubling down on her efforts to build community within the Alt-Country and Americana scene while deepening her working partnership with Mike Robinson, an in-demand sideman known for touring and recording with the likes of SierraFerrell and Zach Bryan. Mike served as her producer and primary instrumentalist on Do It Myself.   Be sure to check out Olivia Here:  Website: olivialloydmusic.com  IG: oliviaellenlloyd  FB: Olivia Ellen Lloyd  YouTube: Olivia Ellen Lloyd  

 We had a very interesting and touching conversation with Courtney Hartman about her latest release, “With You,” which conveys the theme of giving and receiving care. Courtney talksabout balancing being a mom and a career musician and the fulfilling feeling of“I made something.” Courtney's 3-year-old even makes a guest appearance.   Courtney Hartman, a Wisconsin-based, Colorado-born guitarist, singer, writer, and producer, hasspent 15 years deftly knitting together music communities across the bluegrass,folk, and indie scenes. She turned early acclaim (including a 2014 GRAMMY nomination for her work with folk quintet Della Mae) into true partnerships, writing and recording with an ever-growing family of fellow artists. PopMatters calls Courtney “a real-life folk troubadour and scholar, informed by her travels and the relationships that she's built through them,” and Acoustic Guitar Magazine says she is “a songwriter that delights and disturbs.” Herfirst two albums, Ready Reckoner and Glade, featured collaborations with Gregory Alan Isakov, Anaïs Mitchell, Bill Frisell, and Sam Amidon. Over the past decade, Courtney has spent time in 28 different countries, seeking to bridge cultural divides through music diplomacy andcreative cooperation. Her upcoming release, With You, is a richly collaborative album centered around the themes of care and motherhood. It will be released independently on November 14 and includes performances by Watchhouse, Tift Merritt, Phil Cook, and more.   Be sure to check Courtney out here:  Website: Courtneyhartman.com  Patreon: /courtneyhartmanmusic IG: @courtneyhartman FB: @courtneyhartmanmusic Youtube: @courtneyhartman 

 In this episode we have the pleasure of talking with CannonPence, who performs under the name Twilark. We find out how the moniker Twilarkcame to be (through a dream!), and more about his debut release “The TamingTies Create.”  We get insider information about the nuances of working inthe studio as a new artist, and more about the importance of Bandcamp!    The Taming Ties Create, the debut album from Twilark, unfolds like a rediscovered memory:  precise, disorienting, and wide open. Imbued with a quiet force, these are songs for early mornings or late nights, when reflection becomes reckoning. The indie songwriting project of North Carolina–based artist Canon Pence, Twilark emerges from the crossroads of southern melancholy and gothic folk. A melodic collection of raw emotion, sonic sophistication, and aching beauty, The Taming Ties Create weaves introspective storytelling, emotional nuance, and atmospheric instrumentation into beautifully crafted indie rock.    Pence is a self-taught musician whose relationship with the art form has long been private. Raised in a household where music was ever present but learning to play was actively discouraged, he found his way into bands in high school and college, teaching himself guitar and learning how to write through instinct and repetition. What began as a quiet personal exercise turned into something more urgent, more focused—a way of unburdening. Twilark took shape gradually, without a clear starting point or defined plan. The songs were written over several years, most of them at home, often late at night. Some were long forgotten before being unearthed for the recording sessions.   Be sure to check Twilark out here:  Bandcamp: Twilark  IG: Twilarkband  TikTok: Twilarkmusic  FaceBook: Twilarkmusic  

 Talking with Lex Lashaun was such a pleasure! She's a go-getter who has taught herselfguitar—left handed and still holds down a fulltime teaching gig! We discussedher excellent idea for how to get out of writers block and the importance of therapy.  Lex LaShaun is a rising voice in modern country music whose songs blend heartfelt storytellingwith a soulful, down-to-earth style. Rooted in authentic experiences, her musicspeaks to life's struggles and triumphs, capturing emotions that resonate with everydaypeople. With a natural gift for turning lived experiences into lyrics, Lex LaShaun has been carving out a space for herself in a genre that values honesty and connection.  Lex LaShaun has built a reputation as an artist unafraid to be vulnerable. Her performances aremarked by smooth, powerful vocals and lyrics that balance strength with sensitivity. Whether singing about love, loss, or hope, she creates a space where audiences feel understood. With each release, Lex LaShaun continues to expand her reach, gaining recognition for her ability to make listeners feel like they're part of the story she's telling.  As her career continues to grow, Lex LaShaun remains committed to creating music that upliftsand connects. Her vision extends beyond just performing—she aims to inspire others by showing that true artistry comes from embracing authenticity. With new projects on the horizon and a growing fan base, Lex LaShaun is poised to leave her mark on the country music world, one song at a time.  Be sure to check Lex out here:  Website: lexlashaun.com  IG: lexlashaun  FB: Alexis Ward  Youtube: Lex LaShaun 

 In this episode, we had the unique opportunity to chat with musician/ author Dennes Sims about his recently released novel, “Neckbeard the Awesome Pirate.” We also chat about how being a musician transitioned him into being an author, a voice artist, and a composer for audiobooks.    Both of Dennes's parents were professional musicians; his mother Barbara was a singer, and his father was a bassist and a drummer.    From the age of 5, he started playing drums. His mother used to take him along to her band rehearsals, and she always told the story that one day Dennes just picked up a set of drumsticks and was keeping perfect time with the drummer.     At 19, he started writing songs and was frustrated that he had no way to express them, so he bought a keyboard and taught himself how to play by ear, listening to Prince, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, and others. He also started performing live with bands as a singer.    Over the years, he taught himself both guitar and bass guitar. Dennes says he tried the saxophone “but it sounded like a hit a goose with a scooter.”    While I was teaching himself to play other instruments, he began writing short stories and then screenplays.   Unfortunately, he says he never made any real inroads to making a career out of either. In 1998, he cut his long hair and got a real job, joining the FBI, and put aside his musical and writing ambitions. But he quietly kept doing them as hobbies over the years, recording all of his ownmusic.    In 2021, he was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments for seven weeks. Amazingly, the doctors saved his life and his voice, but said he would probably not be a singer anymore.    God works in mysterious ways, they always say… because of the treatments, his voice timbre changed, and it gave him a wider range of expression. So, he started using it for a new purpose: narrating audiobooks.     Flash to 2025, now retired from the FBI, he has narrated three audiobooks for an author's trilogy of stories, and is currently recording the audiobook for his own debut novel, Neckbeard the Awesome Pirate.    Be sure to check Dennes out here:    Website: dennessims.com    He wrote music under two names: Julian Christian and Dennes Sims. He played all instruments and did all of the vocals.    Julian Christian - Nocturne (I wrote it as part of the scorefor an indie film that never got off the ground.) https://youtu.be/WLvJt4BOTVQ?si=3EAhammWyCxOAJD2  Julian Christian music on Soundclick- some of my original songs. https://www.soundclick.com/julianchristian  Dennes Sims music on YouTube- Symphony of the Damned (was also written for an indie vampire film project… was supposed to be used for dance club music in the background. Also never materialized.) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l_gcBhXtw0AauQTB9UHVvktN7lzTJiZzU&si=_x5eCjtF9g3rdEgH  DMS Voice Services YouTube channel: I narrated and produced three audiobooks for another author and created the Musical Compositions for the title tracks. https://youtube.com/@dennessims?si=EddWUE0mc9CTcksd 

 We had such a good time catching up with Kevin Johnston aka Stan Lang! On this episode, learn why Kevin uses the stage name, how he earned a chocolate bar on his first-ever gig, and what inspired this “simple country” doctor to get back into making music and performing. He also gives us the best-yet answer to “describe your sound in 3 words!    Stan Lang is the alias under which Oregon native Kevin Johnston writes. He lives in Burns Oregon, a little town in the middle of the southeastern corner of the Oregon HighDesert. For 23 years he has been a generalist country doctor to approximately 7,000 people who live in a county roughly the size of Massachusetts.  In the late 80's, he wrote music and played in a college hard rock band, but he says, “when we never got the magical call up to the big leagues,” he eventually decided he should spend moretime studying and less time playing.  He got married, sold his music gear, had 4 kids, worked as a social worker, went back to medical school, then ended up in the country as a doctor.   About 10 years ago his best friend had a cardiac arrest at the gym and he was the Emergency physician on-cal. Unfortunately, he was unable to resuscitate his friend. The grueling nature of taking care of friends and neighbors and losing his best friend and then having to tell his wife and children left him lost and in a very dark place.  He started playing music again, to work through his grief, and slowly started performing and writing again, this time from the perspective of pain lived and witnessed rather than therebellious superficial complaints of youth.  During COVID, he decided that he would finally record in a proper studio and created the album "Super Hero Blues." He continues to practice medicine, performs in a couple of coverbands, and performs his original music. He writes intermittently when the mood strikes, and continues to play to keep a modicum of sanity.  Check Stan out here:  Website: Stanlang.com  FB: Stan Lang  

 We really enjoyed talking with Natalie Del Carmen on this episode. And we're really looking forward to her new album “Pastures,” which drops January 30, 2026. Natalie describes it as a ‘coming of age album,' and Natalie seems wise beyond her years! We talk about how to deal with writer's block, writing from observation, and studying the music that you love.   Raised amongst the pavement and pop radio of Los Angeles, Natalie Del Carmen creates her own musical geography with Pastures. It's the sound of a modern-day folksinger narrowing her focus and expanding her reach, funneling the wide-ranging sounds that appeared on her debut album — 2023's critically-acclaimed Bloodline — into a sharp, singular version ofAmerican roots music.      With Pastures, Natalie Del Carmen joins the ranks of Kat Hasty, Maggie Antone, Noeline Hoffman, Ken Pomeroy, and other empowered artists bringing a female perspective — and a youthful outlook — to the Americana space.    Be sure to check Natalie out here:  Website: Nataliedelcarmen.com  IG: Nataliedelcarmen  Tik Tok: Nataliedelcarmen  FB: Nataliedelcarmen  You Tube: Natalie Del Carmen  

We chatted with Kate and Brendan about their debut album, "One Year Since," How they make the band work while living bi-coastally, and what's coming up next for them. This was a really interesting conversation and we learned so much! Kate (fiddle) and Brendan (cello) first started talking about making an album together during the bright, shimmery post-pandemic summer days of 2021. Despite living on opposite sides of the country (Kate is based in Portland, OR, and Brendan is based in Brooklyn, NY) they had built a musical connection through their shared appreciation of innovation and groove. Over the next several years, they performed at venues on both coasts of the US, playing tunes and singing songs from American Old-Time, Irish, and other traditional music styles. They also began writing and performing original material, much of which became the tracks for this album. Kate wrote the title track, One Year Since, in her basement during the pandemic. She recorded a voice memo of the tune and then forgot about it, only to discover it again one year later when many things about the world and her own life had changed. Fiddle in the Attic is for Kate's fiddle, which was found in an attic in Scotland after anticipating its next tune for who knows how long. By December of 2024, Kate and Brendan were in the studio in rainy Portland with mostly original material written in the old-time fiddle style, one song Brendan composed from a poem, and one song by Emmylou Harris and the McGarrigle sisters. One Year Since is Kate and Brendan's first EP as a duo. Be sure to check them out at: Website: kateandbrendanmusic.com Bandcamp: Kate & Brendan IG: Kateandbrendandmusic Youtube: Kate & Brendan 

 We had some great conversation and great laughs with Kashena Sampson, who started out how we did—singing with her sisters and putting on shows for her parents! She told us about her third studio record (released October 2025), “Ghost of Me,” and what went into making the album. We also talk about the elephant in the room—the hardest part about being a musician.    Already celebrated by Rolling Stone for “evoking the best of Seventies folk,” Kashena Sampson turns a new page with her third record, Ghost Of Me. It's an album that pulls up herAmericana roots and digs deep beneath the surface, uncovering the darker indie sounds that once provided the soundtrack to Sampson's childhood. Laced with electric guitar, reverb, and synthesizer, Ghost Of Me offers a new backdrop for the songwriting and otherworldly singing of an East Nashville luminary who's never sounded more authentic.   Sampson grew up on the move, living abroad with her family before traveling the world by boat, a gig that found her paying her dues as a cruise ship singer as a young adult. Thatdiverse upbringing is mirrored on Ghost Of Me, an album that spans genres, emotional depths, and astrological tides. “This is an album about ignoring the bullshit and doing what's authentic to me,” she explains. “Forget the rat race. Forget the bad relationships. Forget trying to please everybody. I'm tired of doing that. I wanted to do something for myself, and that's what Ghost Of Me became," she continues. "It's an album for me.”  Be sure to check Kashena outhere:  Website: Kashenasampson.com  Band camp: Kashena Sampson  Instagram: Kashenasampson  FB: Kashena Sampson  YouTube: Kashena Sampson 

 What an amazing conversation we had with Cole Quest of Cole Quest and the City Pickers.  We talked about their latest album “Home Grown,” how Cole serves as the band leader and band member, and their performance on the famous Mountain Stage!  Rooted in tradition yet driven by a restless New York energy, Cole Quest and The City Pickers are carrying bluegrass forward with wit, warmth, and originality. Led by dobro player, songwriter, and vocalist Cole Quest — grandson of folk icon Woody Guthrie —the band has carved out a singular place in today's roots music landscape.    Their latest album, Homegrown (Jalopy Records, 2025), produced by Grammy Award–winning engineer Steve Rosenthal, brings the band's journey into full focus. The record weaves four new originals with reimagined takes on songs by John Hartford, Peter Rowan, and Woody Guthriehimself, linking Cole's own creative voice with his grandfather's enduring legacy. No Depression hailed it as “an album that deftly moves the legacy of Woody Guthrie along in all the right ways.” Critics like Songlines (UK), Glide Magazine, and the Berkshire Eagle have noted how the bandhonors its lineage while commanding its own path. Their broad recognition includes a Bluegrass Standard cover (August 2025) and a feature in Bluegrass Unlimited.   Formed by friends with a shared love of bluegrass, Quest first pulled the Pickers together in 2017 to record their debut self-titled project at the legendary Magic Shop studio. They went on to release their acclaimed EP Self [En]Titled on Omnivore Records in 2021. Over the years, they've won the Podunk Bluegrass Festival band competition, toured Germany multiple times, and shared stages with artists like Billy Strings, Sierra Hull, and Tony Trischka.  Be sure to check Cole and the city pickers out here:   Website: colequest.com  Band Camp: Cole Quest and the City Pickers  FB: Cole Quest and the City Pickers  IG: citypickers  YouTube: Citypickers  

 We had a great time chatting with Hannah DeLynn about her album “Trust Fall” available everywhere! We learned how this record cam from learning from her own hardships andfacing the things that were keeping her stuck. Hannah also gave us great advice about learning guitar and slowing down.    Hannah Delynn, a Nashville-based vocalist/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, independently released her debut full-length album, Trust Fall, on September 5. Hannah'sability and openness to view life from many perspectives result in songs that are emotionally engaging and compelling. Finding freedom through vulnerability, this record is a testament to accepting self-responsibility and the myriad mixed emotions that entails.     Originally from Florida, Hannah found her way to Nashville in 2013 by way of New Zealand, British Columbia, and Australia, gathering stories (soon to be songs) along the way.    This collection of songs honors a potent sea of change in Delynn's life as she reflects on a season of deep grief, loss, betrayal, and heartbreak, as well as beauty, love, generosity, and friendship.     Be sure to check Hannah out here:  Website: Hannahdelynn.com  Bandcamp: Hannah DeLynn  Facebook: hannahdelynnmusic  IG: Hannahdelynn     

 It was a great time talking with Jake about his transition from Political Science to music, how he puts a song together, and he had a really good take on when a song is truly finished.   He also told us about how doing improv comedy lends itselfto songwriting, and of course, his new album “Idling High” available everywhere!     Jake Cassman's music echoes the raw energy of indie rock, the artful melodicism of power pop, and the thoughtful and vulnerable songwriting of the best Americana. And since he began releasing music in 2013, Cassman has embarked on a musical odyssey that has taken him to intimate venues and major stages around the country, drawing in audiences with electric,eclectic performances, and songs that make the intimate seem epic and the political feel personal. This year will see the release of his debut LP, Idling High -- a staggeringly ambitious and disarmingly honest record that showcases Cassman's wry humor, acute observations, and deep compassion.    Jake began playing piano at age five, and started writing music soon after. He loved Elton John from an early age -- but when his teacher couldn't show him how to play Green Day songs, he began teaching himself; and when he realized he wanted music to be his career, he left an Ivy League school to pursue it. Since then he has worked as a dueling piano player, musicaltheater composer, improv and sketch comedian, and podcast producer (just to name a few gigs). He is also a published academic and a school music educator, while still finding time to play pickup basketball most weekends and try new beers based on the silliness of their names.    Cassman has contributed performances and songs to various political and social justice causes, and his inventive, award-winning music videos bring the stories and ideas from his songs to life in unforgettable ways. His previous project, Drunken Logic, contributed the song and video"What A Beautiful Morning!" to the 2016 anti-Trump compilation 30 Days, 30 Songs alongside R.E.M., Death Cab For Cutie, and more. Now using his own name, Cassman is poised to join acts like Counting Crows, Frank Turner, Sam Fender, and Lucy Dacus whose music is at once introspective and anthemic, and whose singing and writing voice is both timely and timeless.    Be sure to check Jake out here:  Website: Jakecassman.com  IG: Jakecassmanmusic  Youtube: jakecassmanmusic   

 What a delight talking with Rosy Nolan! We discussed her new album “Main Attraction” AVAILABLE NOW! We also talked about how music hasalways been consistent in her life, her favortie song on the album, and we happened to catch her the night before her move to Nashville!    Los Angeles country artist Rosy Nolan's upcoming LP Main Attraction (out Oct. 17) is steeped in Americana roots, Western swing, honky tonk, and old-time country, paying homage to the great American records of the 1920s–1940s. The album is drenched in heartache and longing—core themes that have defined Nolan's songwriting throughout her career.  Nolan is a California girl through and through. Born and raised in the East Bay—first in San Francisco, then Berkeley and Oakland for middle and high school. “I've lived in California most of my life. It's in me, and it comes through in my music,” she says.Her songs draw richly from the state's varied landscapes, weaving metaphors ofhighways, desert, ocean, and redwoods. Raised by Bay Area activists, with a poet mother and a father who fought injustice, Nolan's upbringing shaped her fierce commitment to advocacy. “Activism remains a constant for me,” she says. “I use my voice to fight for women's rights, have lobbied bills with the ACLU, and recently, I've been protesting the I.C.E. raids in Los Angeles.”  In the early 2000s, New York pulsed with the techno-infused retro synth-pop and cool-kid fury of electroclash. Nolan found herself swept up in this vibrant club scene, but the nonstop partying and drinking eventually took their toll. Hitting rock bottom, she embraced sobriety through atwelve-step program and began focusing inward.Seeking something more organic, Nolan honed her craft as a singer-songwriter, forging a sound rooted in traditional folk. She immersed herself in the records of Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams, as a new wave of alt-country artists helped spark a fresh scene.    Be sure to check Rosy out here:  Website: Rosynolan.com  Bandcamp: Rosy Nolan  Facebook: Rosy Nolan  IG: Rosynolanmusic  Youttube: rosynolan1202  

 We had such a great time catching up with Will Wesley! We talked about his busy tour life supporting Old Crow Medicine Show and Scotty McCreery, touring overseas, and his many nominations for the 2025 Josie awards!   Will Wesley is a Country Rock and Americana artist. A storyteller whose sound blends a soulful edge with country rock energy into heartfelt storytelling. Born in Baker, Louisiana, Wesley was raised with a rebellious spirit and a love for music inspired by his father's guitar. By age 15, he was sneaking into bars to perform with a beat-up six-string and a fire that would soon define his music career.  He paved his path in the Baton Rouge blues scene, performing and touring alongside with legendary figures. He served as Grady Champion's Music Director for five years. His talent earned him two International Blues Challenge regional victories and a reputation as one ofLouisiana's fiercest young guitarists.   Today, Wesley tours across the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia, performing everywhere from intimate listening rooms to international stages, including the Switzerland International Country Music Hall of Fame and the Jackson, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.    He shared stages with many including Alabama, RVSHVD, Jason Boland & the Stragglers, Redd Volkaert, When In Rome, Old Crow Medicine Show, Scotty McCreery, Hailey Whitters, and shared international stages with Swiss Rockabilly Star - Florian Fox, collaborating on Will's singles, “Wasted Again” and “Time's Catching Up To Me.”    In recognition of his accomplishments, he received seven nominations for his song, “Ready To Ride” at the 2024 Josie Music Awards. In addition, he received five nominations for his songs “12 O'Clock in Texas” and “The Search” at the 2025 Josie Music Awards. Both within Nashville, Tennessee.  Be sure to check Will out here:  Website: willwesleymusic.com  Facebook: Will Wesley  IG: willwesleymusic  Tiktok: willwesleymusic   

 We talked with Jesse Daniel Edwards on this episode about his current 2 EP now combined LP project titled Requiem Mass / Catechism En Masse.   Jesse shared with us his song“How Do You Keep Your Hands So Clean” and its important message, why he makes albums, and a song right on the spot!  Nashville-based singer-songwriter Jesse Daniel Edwards released Requiem Mass / Catechism En Masse, his boldest and most incendiary release yet, this past summer. Split into two digital EPs - Requiem Mass (June 27th) and Catechism En Masse (July 25th) - and combined as a physical LP to was released via Cavity Search Records. The project represents a searing, spiritual, and political reckoning. It is not an album meant to passively stream in the background. It is a work to be confronted - lived with, wrestled with, and ultimately answered.  Born in the mountain town of Cuyamaca, California, Edwards was raised in a strict religious household before busking his way through America and Europe. His early music, rooted inAmericana, evolved over time into something more theatrical and sonically adventurous.   For Edwards, music isn't about escape - it's about confrontation. "Was this made in freedom?" he asks. "Or was it just more noise?" In a media landscape dominated by trends and distractions, he dares to slow things down. To question. To mourn. To rage. To remember.    Be sure to check out Jesse here:  YouTube: Jesse Daniel Edwards  Band Camp: Jesse Daniel Edwards  

 We visited with Sean Griffin on this episode about his forthcoming album, how his process has changed over the years, his supportive wife, and his single “Rocks Off.”  Sean Griffin is a veteran singer-songwriter and the charismatic founding frontman of Celtic rock cult favorites The Ruffians. After years fronting rowdy pub stages and raising six kids while running a successful business, Griffin returns with his solo debut — a raucous, reflectivecollection of songs that blend punk energy, folk storytelling, and hook-filled rock melodies. Steeped in Irish tradition and punk rebellion, his music channels the spirit of The Pogues and Joe Strummer, with a voice full of grit, wit, and soul. His new single, “People Are Mad,” is a barroomanthem for chaotic times — rowdy, unfiltered, and ready to raise a glass.  Be sure to check Sean out here:  Website: Seangriffinofficial.com  IG: Griffin.sean  Facebook: Sean Griffin  And watch the video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/NbBWhs7-Oi4 

 What a fun conversation we had with Robby Johnson on this episode! We were so happy to catch up with him since his last visit. Robby told us about his latest release, his countrified version of “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and his album OUT NOW titled “Hot Summer Nights.” He also gave us some insider information on the Nashville Numbering System, which we findfascinating!    Nashville-based singer-songwriter Robby Johnson has amassed over 10 million views on YouTube and is approaching 8 million streams. His debut single broke into the TOP 20 on country radio, with its music video winning CMT Pure's 12 Pack Countdown multiple times. Known for a live show combining Garth Brooks's energy with Keith Urban's swagger, Johnson's music has been featured on Sirius XM's The Highway, Crook & Chase Countdown, andCountry Top 40 with Fitz. He has also appeared on major media platforms such as FOX News Channel's Huckabee, USA Today, Rolling Stone Country, and The Tennessean.    Robby's journey from manufacturing plant worker to full-fledged artist began after a demo session, gifted one Christmas, revealed his musical talent. He moved to Nashville in 2012, connecting with industry veterans Jimmy Nichols and Frank Myers, who guided his career. His single "South Of Me" reached the Top 20 on the Music Row Breakout Chart and led to a performance on The LATE SHOW with David Letterman. This breakthrough was followed by his debut album, Don't Look Back, produced by James Stroud and featuring contributions from top Nashville songwriters and Vince Gill. The album's success included a feature as a PEOPLE Pick in PEOPLE Magazine and over 2 million views for the video "Together," aired on CMT and GAC.    Be sure to check Robby out here:   Website: Robby-johnson.com  TikTok: Robbyjohnsonmusic  IG: Robbyjohnsonmusic  Facebook: Robby Johnson   AND check out Robby's other episode of Sisters in Song – Season 4 Episode 186  The YouTube video interview can be found here: https://youtu.be/zaLOAGJ5N8o 

 On this episode, we enjoyed talking with Adam Czeisler of the band Sweet Water. We were fortunate to hear the story behind how their latest album, “Shine On,” came into the world! We talked about their very organic and collaborative process and the ever-pressing question: how do you know when a song is finished!  Formed in the early '90s and made up of frontman Adam Czeisler, guitarist Rich Credo, bassist Cole Peterson, and drummer Chris Friel, Sweet Water has spent decades making music together grounded in friendship and a shared love of rock and roll. "We love making music – and love thechallenge to make art that reflects who we are and where we are," says Rich. "I think the true strength of our band is our core friendship and its longevity," adds Adam. "Rich, Cole, and I went to the same schools in both elementary and high school. Chris and Cole have known eachother since they were kids."The band took a new approach to recording this time. "From the start, we had a very different mindset for making this record," says Adam. "We wanted to be way more ambitious, take way more risks to try and stretch the songs beyond what we had done before, because 'why not? If not now, then when?' So, we said to each other from the beginning we wouldn't settle; we would keep trying different approaches with each song and not stop until we felt it wasleaping off the track into our brains." Phil Ek, who mixed the album, offered a note that stuck with them: "sometimes more is more." Be sure to check them out here:  Website: sweetwaterrocks.com  IG: sweetwaterrocks  FB: SweetWater  

We could not be more thrilled to have had the chance to chat with phenom Billie Jo Jones as she starts her adventure on "The Road" and gets ready to release a new album!! THE ROAD premiered Sunday, Oct. 19 (9:00 PM - 10:30 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+. We visited a little with Billie Jo about her experience there, her pre-show rituals, putting on her "Reba" hat ans so much more!  Born and raised in Texas, Billie Jo Jones was destined for stardom from the very beginning. “I was putting on private concerts for my grandparents in their living room when I was just 4 or 5 years old,” she recalls. “They would sit, watch me for hours, and clap for me after everysong.” Inspired by icons like Shania Twain, the Dixie Chicks, Patsy Cline, Ray Price, and Loretta Lynn, Billie Jo developed a deep love for classic country music that continues to influence her artistry today.    Never one to slow down, Billie Jo Jones is back in the spotlight with her single “Turquoise and Silver,” which is burning up the airwaves and climbing the charts at country radio. With a new album on the way, Billie Jo continues to prove she's one of the most exciting and authentic voices in modern country music.   Be sure to check her out here: Website: billiejojones.com IG: billiejojonesmusic FB: Billie Jo Jones TikTok: Billie Jo Jones Music You Tube: Billie Jo Jones

 We really had a great time talking with duo Haunted Like Human about their upcoming album “American Mythology” Its available November 21, 2025! We discussed their fated car breakdown that led to their becoming a band, how they got their name, and we geeked out over houseplants! (Or Lego plants in Bethany's case!)   Nashville based folk duo Haunted Like Human - Dale Chapman (they/them) and Cody Clark (he/him) - will release a new album, American Mythology, this fall.     Mythology evokes images of gods, titans, demons, and beasts of every kind. Yet, it's the spark of humanity that keeps us telling and retelling myths. It's these stories of seduction, inheritance, and hubris that Nashville-based folk duo Haunted Like Human rekindle in the 14 songs on theirthird album American Mythology, out October 2025. Since the release of 2021's Tall Tales & Fables, Dale Chapman and Cody Clark have been refining their sound rather than departing from it. The result is a shapely set of songs that borrow from universal lore in order to reveal intimate truths. Led by Chapman's warmly capacious voice and Clark's classical techniques on a steel-string guitar, the pair prove they write songs like novelists write their books, using careful detail and well-shaped characters to tell even the heaviest of stories. Whatever the topic, the songs shine with restrained arrangements and entwined harmonies. This duo tells stories so well that there's no need to cloak them with heavy-handed production or vocal processing. Instead, Haunted Like Human lets the humanity shine through.  Be sure to check them out at:  Website: hauntedlikehuman.com  YouTube: Hauntedlikehuman  IG: haunted.like.human.music  Facebook: Haunted Like Human  

 Juna N Joey are an exciting sibling duo quickly making their mark in the music scene! We loved chatting with them about their journey—from starting out at School of Rock to building an incredible YouTube following, and now launching a thriving career together. They remind us that being “weird” is actually a strength, and we even get to hear their single “Sip it Slow.” Don't miss out on this talented brother-sister act—they're on fire! Not to mention their cool new venue “Round Hear” opening fall of 2025 in Goodlettsville, TN!  Juna N Joey are a rising brother-sister country duo known for their tight harmonies, viral success, and heartfelt songwriting. They first gained attention through YouTube covers (8.6M views) and a viral TikTok (10M views), which led to two EPs recorded in Nashville and growing national and international acclaim. In addition to writing their own songs and collaboratingwith major songwriters, Juna N Joey have performed at high-profile events and opened for stars like Morgan Wallen, Bailey Zimmerman, and Jason Aldean. Their music videos are on rotation across platforms including CMT, Heartland, and Nickelodeon, and they've built brand partnerships with Wrangler, Hey Dude, Hard Rock, and more.  The duo has toured nationally and internationally, including a solo European tour and a UK run with Twinnie, plus appearances at festivals like Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam and the iHeart WIRK New Country Rib Round Up. Offstage, they are ambassadors for One Tree Planted, run a yearly food drive, and lead an anti-bullying campaign every October. With support from press, fans, and industry insiders alike, Juna N Joey is a duo to watch as they continue to make waves in country music.  Be sure to check them out here:  Website: junanjoey.com  Tik Tok: junanjoey  Instagram: junanjoey  YouTube: Juna n joey  Facebook: JunaNJoey  Threads: junanjoey 

We had such a great time talking with VyVyan Hammond about her single "Play Pretend" and the album it will be on "Lovers Gonna Love, Haters Gonna Watch"(forthcoming). We talked about Rebecca Black's classic "Friday," finding yourself after being lost, and her mantra, 'the journey is the goal.' Vyvyan Hammond has been writing songs for as long as she can remember. “When I was four, I'd ride around on my BMX making up songs in the bush, singing to the trees,” she says. “It was just how I made sense of the world.” Now, after years of quietly creating, she's stepping forward with her debut single Play Pretend. “The world's changed so much—it pushed me to stop waiting,” Vyvyan explains. “I've got something to say, and I want to find the people who need to hear it.” Originally from Sydney, her music is shaped by a life spent observing, feeling deeply, and translating that into raw, lyrical honesty. This might be her first release, but it's the result of years of reflection and creative persistence. Play Pretend explores the slow erasure of self in a relationship—how, in trying to keep the peace, you gradually lose touch with who you really are. “You make adjustment after adjustment until you don't recognise yourself anymore,” she says. The story continues with her next single, Hunter Gathered, delving into coercive control and narcissistic abuse. It captures the descent into isolation, anxiety, and the internalisation of blame—until that constant tension starts to feel like normal life. This emerging body of work is deeply personal and emotionally unfiltered—music for anyone who's ever questioned their worth or lost their voice. For Vyvyan, it's about reclaiming that voice, and helping others do the same.  Be sure to check Vyvyan out here: Website: vyvyan.com.au Bandcamp: Vyvayn Hammond IG: vyvyanhammond FB: Vyvan Hammond Tik Tok: Vyvyano You Tube: Vyvan Hammond

 We had the pleasure of seeing River and Rail live in our hometown awhile back, and got the bonus pleasure of being able to chat with them about their debut album, “Lovers, Enemies, Always Friends.” We also talked about how they got their name, how they became a duo, and their start that began in R&B.   Grace and Alex Fincher are Nashville-based Indie Folk/Americana duo, "River & Rail."  Possessing a voice equal parts haunting and agile, Grace brandishes a unique, captivating tone. Alex adds plaintive supporting vocals and textural acoustic guitar that weaves between the lines of Grace's poignant lyrics.  River & Rail has crafted a rich, yet close sound that leans into storytelling, dynamics, and improvised embellishment.    Be sure to check them out here:  Website: Riverandrailmusic.com  Bandcamp: River & Rail  Patreon: River & Rail  IG: Riverandrailmusic  TikTok:Riverandrail  YouTube: Riverandrailmusic  Facebook: River and Rail  And be sure to join their mailing list!     

 Joshua Josue was such a pleasure to talk to and to learn about! We chatted about how he was first inspired by the “La Bamba” movie and Los Lobos and knew he wanted to be a musician. We also talked about his new album “Beneath the Sand,” writing in English vs. Spanish, and his dog Bogart.    Recorded in the Mojave Desert, Joshua Josue's “Beneath the Sand” features an all-star lineup of musical guests, including: Roly Salley (GRAMMY-winning writer, The Chris Isaak Band), Mitch Marine (Dwight Yoakam's band), Hershel Yatovitz (Chris Isaak's band), Steve Berlin (LosLobos), Joel Guzmán (Los Super Seven), and Murry Hammond (The Old 97's).Joshua's lyrical journey – written largely on the open road through Mexico andCentral America – is as deeply personal as it is universal. Songs like the title track "Beneath the Sand," born from a year of grief-stricken travels, capture the essence of transformation in vivid, cinematic detail. The album is rich in both English and Spanish, reflecting Joshua's multiculturalupbringing and his artistic fusion of Americana and Chicano influences.With two tracks from the album already under consideration for GRAMMY nominations, Beneath the Sand is poised to make a significant impact.   Be sure to check Joshua out here:  Website: joshuajosuemusic.com  IG: Joshua_josue_music  Facebook: Joshua Josue  

 What a thrill to talk to Caitlin Canon at AmericanaFest 2025! Caitlin is poignant, funny, and an amazing musician! We talked about making records, being raw and honest, learning from Mary Gautier, doing stand up, and her program “Beyond Bars.”  Caitlin Cannon's album, Love Addict, is a bold, genre-defying body of work produced by MisaArriaga (Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson). Blending dreamy Americana with classic country, the 10-track record swirls with intergalactic pedal steel, gritty grooves, and raw, unguarded lyrics. Recorded live, the album captures the spontaneity of guitars bleeding into keys, drums, strings, and more, creating a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. Think “cosmicana”—a soniclandscape as deep and evocative as Cannon's storytelling.  Beyond music, Cannon is a force of creative energy. From her comedic debut on Kill Tony to teaching songwriting to inmates through her Beyond Bars program, she defies easy categorization. Beyond Bars, developed in collaboration with The Cultural Arts Alliance and The 30A Songwriters Festival, has been featured on Meg Ryan's series Empowered, highlightingher commitment to bridging art and social impact.  Be sure to check out Caitlin here:  Website: caitlincannonmusic.com  IG: Caitlincannonmusic  FB: Caitlin Cannon  You Tube: Caitlin Cannon  TikTok: Caitlincannonmusic