The B Side Podcast takes you on a journey behind the scenes of country music artists. Your hosts, Stacy and Andy Best, are self-proclaimed country concert junkies who share in-depth interviews with rising stars and the talent behind the artist. Songwriters, tour managers, personal trainers, nutritionists, venue staff, and the entire team share their stories, passion and the challenges they face on the road while creating live music. This quirky, fun-loving, energetic couple were brought together by their love of music and will entertain you with their banter and incredible guests.
In Episode 13 of The B Side Podcast, hosts Stacy and Andy Best catch up with their hometown Kentucky friend, Chace Saunders. He's a rising star in Nashville cutting his teeth performing on Broadway, writing songs in his free time, and ultimately building his entire brand. You'll hear about Chace's musical family history, his journey from bluegrass to rap to yacht rock to country music, and his experience releasing his first two songs "Bourbon Whiskey" and "She Left Memphis". If you're curious about how an artist lands their first gig in Nashville, the songwriting process for a budding artist, Chace's favorite (and not so favorite) song requests on Broadway, then episode 13 is for you. Fair warning: you will be completely won over by this incredibly talented, wholesome, family-loving country boy! Resources Mentioned Best Life Studio Website, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook Chace Saunders Instagram, Facebook
In Episode 12 of The B Side Podcast, hosts Stacy and Andy Best hang out with Scott Vitale. He's a former pro golf caddy who followed his passion for event operations and promotion, ultimately leading him to launch his own company, Raine Productions. You'll hear how Scott kicked off his career in event management when he founded Childrenz Challenge, progressed to comedy event coordination, and then trail blazed the introduction of nationally recognized country artists, concerts, and festivals to Jackson, Michigan with Country Boots and Bands. You'll be inspired by Scott's humble enthusiasm for this work and his intense emotional response to watching fans living their best lives in the crowd at his concerts. If you've always wondered what takes place behind the scenes in concert planning--including how artists are scheduled, venues are selected, events are promoted--and hear about all the lessons learned in the process, then this episode is for you! Resources Mentioned: Best Life Studio Website, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook Country Boots & Bands Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
In Episode 11 of The B Side Podcast, hosts Stacy and Andy Best chat it up with independent country rock artist, Joel Gibson Jr. He's representing the PNW as one humble, incredibly hard working, and over-the-top talented rising star. You'll learn about Joel's journey to the stage, the inspiration behind his songwriting, and his experience recording his newest album "Small Town Truth" at the iconic Robert Lang Studios. You will also meet Joel's wife/manager Brittney, and hear all about how this power couple pushes though barriers with their innovative approach to the music business. If you're curious about what a pontoon concert is, why Joel doesn't believe in title tracks, the story behind his hit "Beaches of St. John", and just be completely won over by this adorable duo, then episode 11 is for you! Resources Mentioned: Best Life Studio Website, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook Joel Gibson Jr. Website, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook Robert Lang Studios Website
In Episode 10 of The B Side Podcast, hosts Stacy and Andy Best get to know Chase Butler. He's a former sandwich artist who followed his passion for music and backstage operations to become a professional tour manager for Parmalee and rising country star, Tyler Braden. You'll hear how he landed his first gig, the ins-and-outs of tour management, and several hilarious stories this Alabama native has already encountered in his young career. If you want to learn what a God wink is, what the phrase "have you checked Master Tour" means, and what country fans do that artist teams appreciate most, then episode 10 featuring this ridiculously genuine good human is for you! Resources Mentioned: Best Life Studio Website, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook Chase Butler Instagram, TikTok
In Episode 9 of The B Side Podcast, hosts Stacy and Andy Best catch up again with sea-inspired independent artist Ben O'Connor. He's a singer/songwriter from Newport, Rhode Island and he's ready to release his second album Ocean State. You'll hear Ben's inspirational stories behind each of the eight songs based on love of family, friends, and hometown. Settle in and be entertained learning about how these passion filled tracks can rock a crowd or silence a room. If you love storytelling music that is personal, uplifting and energizing, then this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned: Best Life Studio Website, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Ben O'Connor Website, Instagram, Facebook,
In Episode 8 of The B Side Podcast, hosts Stacy and Andy Best hang out with Kole Hillman. He's a former marketing guru who followed his passion and transitioned to a truck driving career that ultimately landed him a gig as one of the tour bus drivers for country artists such as Luke Combs, Lady A, and Niko Moon. You'll hear how Kole takes care of his precious cargo, maintains the bus, and you will overall be inspired by his incredible good humanness. If you have always wondered what a day-in-the-life of a tour bus driver is like, what "elvis-ing out" means, what a Bus Mom is, and what type of shenanigans go down out there on the road, then this episode is for you! Resources Mentioned: Best Life Studio Website, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook The Kole Slaw Driver TikTok, Instagram
In Episode 7 of The B Side Podcast, hosts Stacy and Andy Best chat with the man, the myth, the mustache & troubadour of sorts, Kenny P. He's a soulful singer-songwriter with a brand new single Ghosts Along the Highway. You'll hear how Kenny P got his start in the music industry, built a tiny house and moved to Nashville, and his experience on NBC's The Voice #teamgwen. If you have always wondered about the auditioning process, the Nashville songwriting scene, and how new songs are birthed, this episode is for you.
In Episode 6 of The B Side Podcast, hosts Stacy and Andy Best talk to sea-inspired independent artist Ben O'Connor. He's a singer/songwriter from Newport, Rhode Island whose travel adventures influence his artistry. You'll hear how Ben got his start in the music industry, the musings behind his debut album Born to Wander, and the treasures he has gained from the Virgin Islands. You'll also learn how Ben creatively pays homage to Kenny Chesney in his new single Raised on Kenny. If you love the sea, a chill vibe, and you were also raised on Kenny, then this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned: Best Life Studio Website, Instagram, Facebook Ben O'Connor Website, Instagram, Facebook,
In Episode 5 of The B Side Podcast, hosts Stacy and Andy Best hang out with talented musician Joey Pruski. He's a self-taught bassist, a singer, the band prankster, and one humble Texan! As the the bass player for country star Cody Johnson for nine years, you'll hear how Joey got his start in the music industry, the inside scoop on tour life, and how he's been keeping busy during the pandemic. If you have always wondered what bands do right before they go on stage, and how in the world to transport a standup bass, then this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned: Best Life Studio Website, Instagram, Facebook Joey Pruski Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Peaches & Creme Facebook Cody Johnson Tour
In Episode 4 of The B Side Podcast, hosts Stacy and Andy Best chat with Nick Hetzler, David Vaughn, Jennifer Smith, and Chad Cates from the Tennessee Stills Band. Tennessee Stills is a country/rock band based in Nashville known for their amazing harmonies. Band members just happen to include a grammy nominated drummer, a tour bus driver for Rascal Flatts, and an opening act for John Osborne. Learn how these four incredible artists navigate their professional careers, family, and their passion to play music. Resources Mentioned: Best Life Studio Website, Instagram, Facebook Tennessee Still Band Instagram, Facebook, YouTube Nick Hetzler Musings Medium
In Episode 3 of The B Side Podcast, hosts Stacy and Andy Best chat it up with Nashville artist BENAN. He's a powerhouse singer, songwriter, and total badass on the piano. In fact, he played keyboard for Jerrod Niemann opening for acts like Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, and the Doobie Brothers. You'll hear how BENAN got his start in the music industry, the inside scoop on Nashville artists, and what country music fans can do to support bands during this pandemic. If you have always wondered what tour life is like and what a keytar is, then this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned: Best Life Studio website, Instagram, Facebook Benan Music website, Instagram, Facebook Benan's New Single Taking My Time Today Taylor Martin Band Facebook
In Episode 2 of The B Side Podcast, hosts Stacy and Andy Best chat with Tera Lynne Fister, a singer/songwriter from Nashville. She will win your heart as you get to know her pink hair personality, power lyrics and vocals, independent girl anthems, and straight-up badassery. You'll hear how Tera Lynne got her start in the music industry, made her way to Nashville, and the meaning behind her new release Hell Raiser and upcoming debut album. If you have always wondered how the music scene works in Nashville and how an independent rising star gets their start, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights: Stacy and Andy met Tera Lynne Fister at Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock 'N' Roll Steakhouse Tera Lynne grew up outside of St. Louis She came from a very musical family and has been singing since she could talk Tera Lynne is grateful that she gets to do what she's passionate about everyday...music is cheaper than therapy! She plays multiple instruments and would love to take drum lessons Tera Lynne couldn't read music until she went to college, she was a music therapy major Her first break in Nashville's was at Rippy's Bar and Grill by Greg Humphrey After her second gig, Tera Lynne made the move to Nashville and never needed a job in addition to performing When it comes to songwriting, she loves upfront lyrics and is inspired by Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, and the Secret Sisters Sonically, Tera Lynne loves the head banging, crowd surfing stuff. She is inspired by Fall Out Boy and Foo Fighters Her personal style is "psychedelic sassy honky tonk" Tera Lynne's first single; Hell Raiser, is a story about how she met her current boyfriend. It's a "gonna have a good time" chick anthem! Social media exposure is a critical part of an artist's success She chose the songs for her album based on strong lyrics and how she wants to introduce herself to the world She is completely self-financed Tera Lynne explains that the bands in Nashville are only paid $40-$100 per person/per performance. The musicians rely on your tips! The growth of Nashville has resulted in some challenges, although Tera Lynne enjoys the eclectic music available in Music City Tera Lynne's first release; Hell Raiser is available now. The lyric video is also available, and the video will be released soon She is looking forward to performing on larger stages, touring to promote the album, and performing in Switzerland Her self-titled album will be releasing in spring of 2020 3 Key Points: Tera Lynne Fister's sound is psychedelic sassy honky tonk There is no formula for success for artists in Nashville, Tera Lynne is true to her authentic self and has been performing in Nashville for eight years Her first single Hell Raiser is available now, and her self-titled debut album will be released in spring 2020 Resources Mentioned: Best Life Studio website, Instagram, Facebook Tera Lynne Fister website, Instagram, Facebook Download Hell Raiser Watch Hell Raiser lyric video Co-writer Christopher Griffith Instagram Co-writer Thom Donovan website, Instagram
In Episode 1 of The B Side Podcast, hosts Stacy and Andy Best chat with Michelle Freeman and Connie Gellner, founders of the Kenny Chesney online fan tribe, Welcome to the Sandbar. You'll hear how they started their very popular group and learn how it grew to incorporate meaningful charity work and amazing group travel. If you're a Kenny Chesney fan, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights: Connie and Michelle started Welcome to the Sandbar because of their love of Kenny Chesney's music. They wanted a non-judgmental space to talk about all things Kenny and his music. The regular crowd thinks they're crazy for going to multiple Kenny Chesney concerts each year. The group started in 2013 and grew rapidly. Welcome to the Sandbar met a need other fan groups weren't filling. The group is more interactive. Connie and Michelle can get fans answers directly from Kenny's people. Connie and Michelle met at work in 2010 and it was immediate friendship. They discuss favorite venues. They like the Walmart amphitheater but their favorite is The Joint in Las Vegas. Tortuga is probably their least favorite venue because it is so crowded and Kenny doesn't do a full set there. The people in the group are true friends that help each other out. Lifelong friendships have been made through Welcome to the Sandbar. They talk about interacting with group members in person and how odd it feels that people want to have their pictures taken with them. They began raising money for charity through the group. When they accumulate signed items, they save them to raffle for charity. Michelle and Connie planned a St. John escape for Kenny fans who didn't think such a trip was possible or felt too exasperated by the planning process. For many people, this was the trip of a lifetime. These trips are about bringing people together with like interests and just enjoying the experience. Next year they hope to pick a new venue in a new location. Their advice for surviving the sandbar is to wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and make sure you're OK with touching other sweaty people. They discuss different advantages to being at the back of the sandbar vs. up against the stage. 3 Key Points: Welcome to the Sandbar was created as a non-judgmental place for Kenny Chesney fans to connect to discuss all things Kenny and his music. The Welcome to the Sandbar group has expanded to include meetups and even trips with like-minded people across the country. If you want to get into the sandbar at one of Kenny's concerts, wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and make sure you're comfortable being in close proximity to many people. Resources Mentioned: Best Life Studio website, Instagram, Facebook Welcome to the Sandbar website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter What It Takes To Survive The Sandbar No Shoes Reefs
Welcome to The B Side Podcast. Join Stacy and Andy Best to learn more about their background, and the story behind why The B Side Podcast was created. Resources Mentioned: Best Life Studio website, Instagram, Facebook