WNXP Podcasts

The Forge Nashville is a nonprofit organization founded in 2012 with their mission to advocate for artists and makers and provide a pathway and place to pursue their craft in the community.Located on 217 Willow Street, The Forge offers a makerspace, wood and metal shops, art gallery, private creative offices, and artist studios. This Saturday The Forge Front Lawn will be a celebration of all the makers and artists who call The Forge their creative home and future makers of the space.

Stay;Fest is a one day, multi-genre festival happening this Saturday (Sept 13) promotes mental health resources in the Middle Tennessee area through music with the goal to help build community and ending the stigma of getting help.Rebekah Cole, event promoter for RAC Books Nashville, says she's struggled with mental health since she was a kid and music has always been a safe refuge. She knew she wanted to bring the two together, but it wasn't a one person thing. As soon as she met Zhaklina Spencer, founder of Mental Health Songwriter Nights in Nashville, it all came together in a perfect marriage.

Shades of Black Theatre Festival came together in 2006 when Shawn Whitsell was apart of a theatre company called Dream 7 Productions. They booked the Darkhorse Theater at the same time as production company Sista Style and Robin's Nest, which were all owned and operated by black artists. They thought it was a unique coincidence and decided that they were going to help each other promote each other's shows. That idea grew into some events and workshops and eventually turned into a festival. Its purpose is to provide an outlet to uplift the voices of Black artists.

For The Black Keys Radio Special WNXP's Jason Moon Wilkins sat down with the Keys' Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney at Easy Eye Sound studio around the release of their new album No Rain, No Flowers. The duo share how Nashville changed the way they make music, how they're highly publicized tour cancellation changed their approach to the music business and share their unique perspective on the Old Nashville vs New Nashville debate.

Nashville artist Daniel Donato went from busking on Lower Broadway as a teenager to a regular gig at a honky tonk and now brings his "Cosmic Country" band and brand to way bigger stages, like that of the revered Ryman Auditorium, just paces away from where he got his start playing guitar. His new record, the third studio LP, is called Horizons.

This Saturday August 30 is also Play Music on the Porch Day. The idea behind the international event is what if everybody took one day and stopped and we all just listened to music. One of the places participating in the day is Prospect House Music, located in the historic Edgehill area. Sunny McClure, home owner and facilitator of Prospect House hopes to provide a creative space where musicians from all over can come together. 

Alabama native Jahnah Camille released her 'My Sunny Oath' EP in June, having worked with one of her favorite producers Alex Farrar in Asheville, North Carolina to write and record this batch of six songs. Sourcing some softer lo-fi sounds and also emulating fierce female rockers from multiple generations, like Liz Phair and Paramore, Camille continues to evolve her songwriting and embrace touring.

This week we feature Nashville Shakespeare Festival's Summer Shakespeare performances of "The Merry Wives of Windsor" happening Thursdays through Sundays from August 21 to September 21 on The Yard at OneCity. The Nashville Shakespeare Festival was founded in 1988 by a group of actors who wanted to do Shakespeare free-of-charge in Centennial Park. Growing over the last 37 years to be what it is today, the mission of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival is to educate and entertain the Mid-South community through professional theatrical experiences. 

Artsy Fartsy is a semi-annual event started by Nashvillian Morganne Allen. It began in her front yard in 2022 with three bands and three vendors. After her landlord threatened to evict her if she did it again, she expanded to venues all across Nashville.Happening this Thursday (August 14) at Brooklyn Bowl, each event aims to raise funds for local charities through raffles or canned food drives while featuring live performances from artists such as Avalon, Summer Joy and Jarren Blair alongside vendors including visual artists, chefs and tattoo artists. The fest is designed to ensure that all people have the opportunity to share their talents in a welcoming and accessible space.

This week is the 2025 Tomato Art Fest on Friday and Saturday in East Nashville's Five Points. Featuring activities and contests, the parade, Bloody Mary Garden Party, of course tomato art, and musician performances from Nashville artists Brennan Wedl, Gee Slab, Pressure Heaven, BEAN., and more. If you are looking for pre Tomato Art Fest activities, there's a pre-view party on Thursday. An unofficial Tomato Art Fest celebration is Pre-Mater Party happening at the East Room on Thursday (August 7). 

Pro Wrestling Symphony mission is to provided pro wrestling for everyone in the heart of Music City. The promotion officially ran their first show back in June with their latest event happening this Sunday (August 3) at Brooklyn Bowl blending wrestling and live music from Nashville band Year of October. Owners Rory Miller, Connor Casey, and Pat Dooley, met at a wrestling training school. Wanting to go to wrestling shows consistently and feeling like no one was running them in Nashville properly, the three thought, why not us? Miller says they put a lot of care, time, and attention into this, wanting to see pro wrestling succeed on the independent level, especially with its history in Middle Tennessee.

The Symphonic Blues Experience will stop in Nashville on Friday, September 26, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. According to the show's description, this immersive musical performance fuses the raw, aching power of authentic Delta Blues with the grandeur of a symphony orchestra, creating a soundscape that is both deeply rooted and breathtakingly expansive.Featuring cinematic narration by Freeman and powerful storytelling, masterful performances by Blues artists from Ground Zero Blues Club, and sweeping orchestral arrangements, Symphonic Blues unveils the Delta's profound cultural legacy and its indelible influence on music across the world. 

This year's 2025 Kindling Arts Fest is happening Thursday through Sunday. Kindling Arts is an organization that helps support and provide the practical infrastructure necessary for creatives to make original, innovative and independent live performances. The festival will feature 19 original projects ranging from an electropop musical and contemporary dance to interactive performances at eight different venues across Nashville. 

This week for What Where When-sday, we feature Walk Bike Nashville's Open Streets Summer Series happening this Sunday from noon until 5 p.m.. The local nonprofit has been around for over 25 years dedicated to making Nashville more walkable, bikeable, and livable for everybody.Meredith Montgomery, executive director of Walk Bike Nashville says they want people to be able to get wherever they need using whatever mode of transportation they want to use. And behind the scenes, the organization is doing a lot of grassroots work with the neighborhoods to inform and educate people so they can help shape their streets into great spaces.

Adrian Younge, multi-instrumentalist and composer that has worked with the likes of Roy Ayers, Tony Allen, The Delfonics, to Kendrick Lamar and Ghostface Killah, provided scores for Luke Cage and Black Dynamite and one of the brains behind the Jazz is Dead series with Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest. He just released a new album Linear Labs: Sao Paulo featuring appearance from Snoop Dogg & Bilal and his third installment of his Something About April series. 

Ohio band DEVO, some of the founding fathers of New Wave, continue celebrating 50 years of "Devo-lution" on an extended American tour, which will soon feature dates with The B-52s. The "DEVO" documentary begins streaming on Netflix in August. Frontman Mark Mothersbaugh caught up with WNXP before DEVO's festival performance in Utah to discuss the band's origin, its message and how he sees technology interacting with art of all kinds.

When you go to a live show these days, you are expecting to see a spectacle — some artistic production that will blow you away. Behind the scenes, there's one person responsible for bringing this production to life, wrangling dozens of people and fixing daily snafus - the Production Manager. Episode 4 of Music Citizens goes behind the scenes with Nashville production manger Tori Butash. We explore how her job has become more complicated in recent years and how the pandemic continues to impact touring. Voices in the episode include:·         Jason Moon Wilkins — Host·         Justin Barney — Reporter, Producer·         Tori Butash — Production Manager·         Nick Sanborn and Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso — Touring Musicians·         Michael Pollard— Touring crew member·         Various Wilco tour membersThis episode was produced by Justin Barney, Emily Siner and Jason Moon Wilkins. Mixing and Mastering by Michael Pollard. Scoring by Jay Ragsdale. Tape sync by Brian Burns. Special thanks to Tony Gonzalez, Jewly Hight, Marquis Munson, Cindy Abrams, Carly Butler, Stephanie O'Byrne, and everyone who helped.Institutional support from Tennessee Arts Commission, Metro Arts Thrive and First Horizon Foundation. Follow WNXP on social platforms as @WNXPNashville

We have a famous actor paying tribute to a rock legend. Hank Azaria brings his EZ Street Band to the Franklin Theatre tomorrow night. The acclaimed actor and voice artist, best known for his decades of work on The Simpsons, will be using his talents  to celebrate Bruce Springsteen. Azaria spent months creating an impression of Bruce's speaking and singing voice but he told our very own Jason Moon Wilkins during an interview that the concert experience is more than just a night of cover songs. He also tells us what Springsteen and Julia Roberts have in common and what the Boss himself thinks of the EZ Street Band.

When you go to a live show these days, you are expecting to see a spectacle — some artistic production that will blow you away. Behind the scenes, there's one person responsible for bringing this production to life, wrangling dozens of people and fixing daily snafus - the Production Manager. Episode 4 of Music Citizens goes behind the scenes with Nashville production manger Tori Butash. We explore how her job has become more complicated in recent years and how the pandemic continues to impact touring. Tori Boutash is The Wrangler. Coming July 9 anywhere you get your podcasts.

his week for What Where When-sday, we discuss Shops at Porter East's First Sunday. Located at 701 Porter Road in East Nashville, Shops at Porter East is a go-to shopping center for locally owned businesses featuring bakeries, boutiques, floral shops and more. The first Sunday of every month they host a family friendly event to bring together local vendors, food trucks, and the community, to raise awareness for the shopping center. Allison Holley, who owns Apple & Oak, talks about starting First Sunday told me how she came up with the idea and why she opened a shop at Porter East.

This week is also Nashville Pride with the festival and parade this weekend. One of the Grand Marshals this year is former WNXP Nashville Artist of the Month Joy Oladokun, and performers include Chrysalis, Estelle, Kim Petras, 4 Non Blondes and Big Freddia with Nashville in Harmony.There's also interactive booths throughout Bicentennial Park including one for Nashville CARES, celebrating their 40-year anniversary. Founded in 1985, Nashville CARES is the premier HIV/AIDS service organization in Tennessee. Dr. Kassem Bourgi says Pride is more than just a festival or a celebration, but an event that would allow them to serve the community.

Recorded live to tape in Nashville with an all-star band initially assembled for a southeastern festival performance, Scratch It is the new full-length album by Meg Remy, who performs as U.S. Girls. We got Remy on the record with WNXP discussing lyrical inspiration, the weighed risk/reward of touring and the new-to-her process of making Scratch It.

Tomorrow is Juneteenth with programming happening throughout Middle Tennessee including Juneteenth Kickback at Brooklyn Bowl, Community Day at the National Museum of African American Music, and the annual celebration at Fort Negley. This week for What Where When-sday, we discuss Juneteenth programming at the Tennessee State Museum. Stephanie Davis, Communication Assistant at the museum, tell about the importance of black history in Tennessee and their event on Thursday. 

Celebrating the music of Sly Stone, who passed away at the age of 82 earlier this week. For someone who wants to dive into his story further, there is an documentary titled Sly Live (aka the Burden of Black Genius) on Hulu and Disney Plus. Directed by Questlove and produced by Joseph Patel, Patel joins for Soulphonic Sounds to talk about the documentary and the legacy Sly Stone left on music.

French electronic duo Justice plays a late night set at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival this year. Acclaim for their most recent LP Hyperdrama, including hit collaborations with Tame Impala, has grown their audience. So has their legendary live stage production.

This week for What Where When-sday, we discuss a performance from AfricaNashville happening at The Blue Room this Friday. The group's stated mission includes aspiring to train the upcoming generation of dancers & drummers within the Nashville community and helping African music find its rightful place in Music City. We spoke with Windship Boyd, who co-founded AfricaNashville with the saxophonist, Jeff Coffin, about the organization and this week's show. 

In the sea of musicians in Nashville, it's hard to stand out. It's even more of a challenge to carve your own path in a folk and Americana scene that seems to grow by the minute. Yet chrysalis has done just that. As their name suggests, their artistry is ever-growing and ever-changing. Grounded in folk sensibilities, their sound blends indie production with traditional instrumentation. They describe themselves “as a patchwork amalgamation of genres and sounds,” drawing inspiration from Joni Mitchell to Indigo De Souza.Watch chrysalis perform “do you?,” “too early” and “how much longer?” live at WNXP's Sonic Cathedral here. 

Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley, a married couple that started their musical project Tennis 15 years ago writing songs on a sailboat, have just released what they're calling their final record, Face Down In The Garden. They've also embarked on their final tour, which stops in Nashville June 7. We caught up with them at the Kilby Block Party festival in Utah in May.

This week for What Where When-sday, we discuss the 3rd annual Jorts Fest hosted this year on both Friday and Saturday. This community gathering features 40 bands including big name touring acts Laura Jane Grace, Bass Drum of Death and Illuminati Hotties, plus lots of locals like Nordista Freeze and Dad Hats. Co-founder of Jorts Fest Joe Halby dropped by WNXP to chat about what attendees might expect on the 6th and/or 7th.

This week for What Where When-sday, we discuss Music Neighbors' Celebrate Music City happening at New Heights Brewery on Sunday from 12-6 p.m. The free, all ages community festival will highlight Nashville's Latin music scene featuring artists ranging from Jazz, to Soul to Rock.

Kobe Miyake was in his dorm room in Belmont when he heard someone playing Led Zeppelin down the hall. It was a guitar player from Annapolis, Maryland named Jake Robuck. The two formed a bond and founded the band BEAN. WNXP's Nashville Artist of the Month. The band is now using more contemporary influences and techniques to create a whole new vibe in Nashville's music scene.

Aussies Psychedelic Porn Crumpets from Perth have returned to the U.S. in support of their new album, Carpe Diem, Moonman, and the five-piece band also alluded to another full-length to be released later this year. Hear the riffy rockers On The Record with WNXP describing the modes of writing and recording, plus the often grueling nature of touring, in addition to each band member's favorite song to play live right now.

This week for What Where When-sday, we discuss a live music tribute to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater happening at the Basement East this Friday. For people of a certain age, I'm including myself in this, video game soundtracks– like Hawk's skateboarding series–  played a big part in music discovery. I discussed the lasting cultural impact with Brandon Bruce, CEO of Mellow Rebel and the music director of the event.

OZ Arts Nashville's Brave New Works Lab is happening Thursday (May 15) through Saturday (May 17). A celebration of local innovation and creativity with short-form performances by Nashville artists. One of the works that will be shown is Welcome to Paradise — A trippy multimedia-music experience by Landry Butler and Inglewood Social Club. Butler talks about his work and the basis of the film. 

Being on the road with her current band is what inspired her latest record Portrait. With her band, Samara Joy will be on stage Tuesday, May 13 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Hear the full conversation with Samara Joy talking about her musical upbringing, introduction to Jazz, and her new album Portrait above the article or head over to WNXP Podcast, where you listen to your podcast. 

Music City Movement's mission is to foster a creative collaborative environment for musicians and creatives through open mic, educational sessions, and networking events. They will be hosting Spring Fest this Saturday at Honeytree Meadery featuring local artists and vendors. 

For nearly two decades as one half of the band Lucius, Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig have been sending us to space, and also wrapping us up like Snuggies, with their vocal harmonies. The new Lucius record, self-titled and self-produced by drummer Dan Molad, represents what Wolfe said is “the most honest and unfiltered” version of the group, including impressions of domesticity, growth and loss. Laessig said making this as just the four-piece “felt like a coming home.”

Daptone Records released the 20 Year Anniversary of Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings second album Naturally, with songs like “How Long Do I Have to Wait For You” and “This Land Is Your Land” this record that not only helped Daptone become a household name, but helped Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings cement their legacy in soul music in the process. Neil Sugarman, co-owner of Daptone Records and sax player of the Dap-Kings joined us to discuss the formation of the label and the impact of the record.

This week for What Where When-sday, we discuss Cinco De Mayo with WPLN's Rachel Iacovone with events from Plaza Mariachi's five-day celebration to a Rudy's Jazz Room residency, Secret Bodega's Taco Bell-inspired takeover at Pearl Diver, and It's Giving Global at Cherries out East. 

When in Nashville for a special performance at Grimey's record store, Boston trio Vundabar stopped by WNXP to talk about their new full-length, 'Surgery and Pleasure,' as well as learnings from their 10+ years playing together.

This Saturday is the 12th annual Independent Bookstore Day, celebrating indie bookstores across the country with everything from exclusive books to literary items. Participating stores in Middle Tennessee include Parnassus, Fairytales, The Bookshop, The Grumpy Bookpeddler, and more. But today, we talk with the owners of Novelette, located in East Nashville. 

Josh Tillman is the person behind the persona of the musician Father John Misty. Or, is it the other way around? Tillman's reputation as a provocateur and chimera reached a fever pitch about seven years ago and the songwriter stopped talking to the press and public all together, only performing. In a rare interview, Tillman talked to Music Reporter Justin Barney, about his latest album, Mahashmashana and his disappearance from the spotlight.

Nestled in the heart of 5 Points, Duke's has become a mainstay for the local music community. I've fallen in love in this bar, had my heart broken, made business deals, commiserated and celebrated everything along the way. With a decade under their belt, many Nashvillians can say the same. Duke's is celebrating their 10 year anniversary with a parking lot blowout this Saturday featuring music from some of old Nashville's finest including William Tyler, Be Your Own Pet and Heavy Cream. Ahead of the celebration, I sat down with co-owner Sara Nelson to talk about the bar's impact on the city. 

WNXP got Rhian Teasdale -- one-fifth of the Isle of Wight band Wet Leg -- on the record about their forthcoming sophomore release, moisturizer, out on June 11. This buzzy group played WNXP's 2nd birthday show in 2022 and won two Grammys for their first record in 2023. The first single from moisturizer is "Catch These Fists."

The forlorn falsetto of Justin Vernon's voice has propelled Bon Iver into indie stardom. But fame only seemed to make Vernon retreat into his sadness more.Now, with the new album called “SABLE, fABLE,” out today, Vernon appears to be in bloom. He granted a rare interview to Music Reporter Justin Barney where they talked all about how Vernon changed his tune.Learn more at WNXP.org.

This Sunday (April 13), Eastside Bowl will turn into a underground disco with the third annual Disco Ball. This event is a benefit for Kindling Arts Festival, their annual summer festival that uplifts local artists. Daniel Jones, Producing Artistic Director of Kindling Arts, describes the event as a fun party with a cocktail hour and immersive performances, with a stage program that features local artists working in dance, theater, music and drag. 

Now in theaters, "The Ballad of Wallis Island" is a feature film based on the 2007 award-winning short film created by the comic actors Tim Key and Tom Basden. With the addition of a new character, a former bandmate and lover played by Carey Mulligan, the expanded story set in a fictional remote place in the UK explores new dimensions of artist-fan relationships, creative integrity and nostalgia. The film's soundtrack includes 14 original songs written by Basden.

Episode 3 of Music Citizens tells the story of Brent Arledge who is the most prolific piano tuner in Nashville, and possibly the world. He tunes the Ryman, the Schermerhorn and the Grand Ole Opry. He services dozens of studios and is trusted in the homes of countless Nashville musicians. Arledge's craft can be heard on every song coming out of Music Row that features piano.But elite piano tuning is grueling work. It's taxing on the body, it strains relationships, and it never leads to fame or glory. How does someone become the top piano tuner in Nashville? And why would they want to?Voices in the episode include: Jason Moon Wilkins — Host Justin Barney — Reporter, Producer Brent Arledge — Piano Technician James Arledge — Piano Technician T Bone Burnett— Producer, musician Ian Fitchuk — Producer, musician Georgia Middleman— Singer/songwriter This episode was produced by Justin Barney, Emily Siner and Jason Moon Wilkins. Mixing and Mastering by Michael Pollard. Special thanks to Tony Gonzalez, Jewly Hight, Rachel Iacovone, Char Daston, Tasha A.F. Lemley, Meribah Knight, Jesse Strauss, Carly Butler, Stephanie O'Byrne, and everyone who helped.Institutional support from Tennessee Arts Commission, Metro Arts Thrive and First Horizon Foundation. Follow WNXP on social platforms as @WNXPNashville

Carl Broemel, guitarist for My Morning Jacket, spoke with us about the band's 10th LP called Is ahead of its March release and a couple weeks in advance of their curated and hosted One Big Holiday Festival in Florida. Broemel, who lives in Nashville, also highlighted collaboration with the band Futurebirds, finding new music via different methods and expanding his collection of gear.

Music Citizens Episode 3: The Tuner ready for launch on Sunday, April 6th.Episode 3 of Music Citizens tracks down Brent Arledge, Nashville's, and possibly the world's most prolific piano tuner. Arledge has played an uncredited part of every top ten hit featuring piano to come out of Music Row for the past 25 years. He tunes The Ryman, The Schermerhorn and The Grand Ole Opry. He is trusted in the homes of so many Nashville musicians. In a city that is often so good at recognizing the key players on a song, service workers like Arledge are often forgotten. This episode gives credit where credit is due.

WNXP Nashville Artist of the Month Annie DiRusso pretty rapidly went from fan to friend and collaborator of fellow Music City artist Ruston Kelly. This month both DiRusso and Kelly released albums featuring the other one, and hosted hometown shows where they were special guests. Here's the tale of two songs, more or less, stories straight from their mouths and sound from each of their concerts.