Jrodconcerts: The Podcast

Nashville based Indie rock trailblazer Sam Varga joins Jrodconcerts: The podcast on the heels of his awesome upcoming studio album, Shadow Work, to talk about the roots of his influences, how he first fell in love with Emo, rocking Louisville venues in high school, moving to Music City in search of like-minded community there, and more. We also talk about his quest to always be trying something new, and what sounds and styles he still hopes to explore and the influence of mutual friend Candi Carpenter in his latest work. He also performs the latest single 'Jim Carrey'. Shadow Work is set to be released June 14th, 2024.

I had the best time getting to know the wonderful Dylan Chambers for this episode of Jrodconcerts: The Podcast. Ahead of the release of his new EP For Your Listening Pleasure! (Out May 17) we recently met over Zoom for a conversation exploring important moments in his creative evolution.   Things like deep diving into his father's record collection as a child, learning to interact with the audience on a personal level, how Authors like Wayne Dyer taught him of the power of the mind, creating light out of challenges, and more. For Your Listening Pleasure! features an eclectic mix of tracks showcasing Dylan’s versatile and soulful style. From the smoky, low-tempo love declarations of "I Can Never Get Enough" to the burst of openhearted enthusiasm in "Let’s Keep On Dancing," each song offers a unique experience.

We preview the MUSIC ICONS Exclusive Exhibit running May 15 through May 18 at Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum with Darren Julien · Co-Founder/Executive Director, Julien's Auctions and Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum CEO Linda Chambers. The exhibit features famed guitars from legendary artists including Prince, Bob Dylan, John Lennon , Robbie Robertson, Mark Knopfler and more. This is the first and only venue in the U.S. where the exhibit can be seen by the public before heading to New York for auction. The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum is located at 401 Gay St, Nashville, TN 37219 and the exhibit is open to the public through May 18, 2024.

The incomparable Friend of the show BJ Barham of American Aquarium joins me for Jrodconcerts: The Podcast Live from Bear Shadow Music Festival 2024. Not only is BJ an artist whose music we've admired for many years, but for my ~career, when we cross paths we have learned what a hilarious, generous, soulful and inspiring person he is, as well. The forthcoming release of his band, American Aquarium's excellent new album 'The Fear of Standing Still (Out July 26) and new single 'Crier' gave us a chance to get together and dig in on some topics we've never really talked about before, including her parenthood, working with Shooter Jennings, the magic of performing and the special connection with mutual pal Katie Pruitt.

Some Artists, they captivate you almost instantly, and that was the deal for me with Taylor Bickett, who I was fortunate to meet opening for Friend of the Show Ron Pope during an extensive North American tour early this year. Catapulted by a viral moment for her 2022 single" Quarter Life Crisis," the Indianapolis native has continued to make her name known in Music City and beyond, not only through her crystalline voice, but some of the most interesting songwriting in Nashville. Newer singles such as "Binary Code" and "I Like Mondays" continue the introspection and soul-searching themes, that feel both personal and universal at the same time. In this interview, Taylor talks about the balance of keeping songs vs giving them away to other artists, her musical theater background, moving to Nashville, the viral success of "Quarter Life Crisis" and more.

Sally Buice and Molly Rochelson of rising Americana duo The Montvales join Jamie for a unique and in-depth conversation. Sally and Molly spent much of their formative years busking in Knoxville, honing their uniquely boisterous harmonies and driving, joyful sound. Now an established and acclaimed band we talk about their new album 'Born Strangers', produced by Mike Eli LoPinto (producer and co-writer of Emily Nenni’s “On the Ranch,” guitarist for Chris Stapleton) , the genesis of the band, the duo's touring philosophy, empathy and much more.

Americana Indie Monarch Mary Bragg joins Jrodconcerts: The Podcast LIVE on the heels of her awesome EP, Tie Me To You, to talk about writing from a place of happiness: how magic can arrive in a studio session, the new challenges of Producing & Engineering and more. We also talk about her special childhood in Georgia, her coming out to family, and why Journalism is a key part of her music-making. Mary is on tour in North America. Get tickets and details at marybragg.com

We recap a special day at Moon Crush: Pink Moon Festival and Welcome Virginia-based folk-rock band The Steel Wheels to the show. The Steel Wheels have spent almost twenty years writing, recording, and touring, all the while constantly honing their evolving brand of American roots music. Additionally they are the founders and hosts of the Red Wing Roots Music Festival, a beloved staple of the Shenandoah Valley. Through the years, The Steel Wheels have drawn on both traditional form and modern sounds to capture the beauty in all of life’s varied trials and triumphs. Their new album, Sideways, which was released February 9, 2024 via Big Ring Records, is a meditation on resilience and survival.  We are joined by Trent Wagler, the band’s lead singer and primary songwriter, who pens many of the songs in response to loss, and the uncertainty that comes with facing what we can’t control.

Thrilled to welcome back to the show Country Artist Amy Sheppard, a previous guest alongside her siblings George and Emma of the indie-pop sensation Sheppard. Country music is nothing new to Amy. Growing up in Papua New Guinea, her Dad would always have the Country Music Channel playing on the TV, where she was introduced to The Chicks, The Mavericks, George Strait, and ‘90s country standouts Shania Twain and Faith Hill. The first song she learned to play on the guitar was John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” These formative influences would often come out when she was songwriting for Sheppard, only to be told it was a little too country-sounding to fit with the band. Over the past 18 months, Amy has achieved remarkable success in her solo career, amassing four Top 3 hits on the Australian country airplay chart. In addition, she was the most-played Australian female artist on country radio from 2022 to 2023. During this time, Amy released her debut EP, Nothing But Wild, which soared to #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Album chart. She also joined forces with US vocal supergroup Home Free and Travis Collins for a unique collaboration. Join us for this in-depth conversation about life in America, Women in Country Music, The Love for Country Music, and much more

Singer-Songwriter: Alice Merton Thrilled to welcome back, Friend of the show Alice Merton to Jrodconcerts: The Podcast. Alice Merton has undeniably become known as the girl with no roots. In her songs, she’s always talked about celebrating life as a nomad, and making a home wherever you want it to be. With this next chapter however, her thoughts turn inward, and instead of finding a home in the outside world, she goes on an internal journey of feeling lost on the inside and asking the question of all questions: who am I supposed to be, and how well do you know yourself at all?  The new EP, Heron EP – out now via her own independent record label Paper Plane Records Int. – explores the journey of self-discovery and self-fulfilment. It questions one’s own happiness, in a world where we are constantly influenced by other people’s opinions on what happiness is for them, especially through social media. Alice will waste no time in taking Heron on the road as she embarks upon a long-awaited headline tour in the US in May including here in Nashville at The Basement East on May 13. A selection of European festival dates have also been confirmed, including Hurricane and Southside in Germany, Les Déferlantes in France and Seaside in Switzerland.

Hailing from the heart of West Michigan, WAYLAND is more than music—it's a relentless force in the Country-Rock scene. With their unique blend of gritty, hard-working tunes, they've coined a sound that's all their own: "working class music." For seven tireless years, WAYLAND crisscrossed the nation, dedicating three hundred days each year to touring, playing two hundred electrifying shows annually. Their dedication forged an unbreakable bond with their fans, the fiercely loyal "WAYLAND WARRIORS. They just released their eagerly anticipated full-length album On The Way. A new chapter where their raw, authentic sound continues to capture hearts and define a genre. Join us as we talk about the sonic evolution of the band, creating music in The Joshua Tree desert, longevity, overcoming adversity and much more

Thrilled to welcome Madeline Edwards Live from the Midland Cruise! Since breaking onto the scene at the 55th CMA Awards, Madeline Edwards has experienced a remarkable rise, performing on some of the genre's biggest stages and earning widespread accolades. Featured on the Spotify "Hot Country Artists to Watch" and CMT's "Next Women of Country" lists, Edwards was also selected as a Top 20 Breaker artist on NPR. Her Opry debut was lauded as one of the "best of all time" (Country Living), and she was recently featured as Billboard's Rookie Of The Month and an Apple Music Country Riser. In a recent profile for The Tennessean, Edwards was noted for "cresting a fast-rising wave of acclaim and claiming her place as a thoughtful singer-songwriter in country's mainstream." The California-born, Texas-raised artist is noted for her unique ability to transcend musical boundaries and blend of jazz, soul, gospel, and country music. In this special conversation we talk about Health on Tour, the visual Importance of her work, writing since 10 years old, being a values-driven individual, kindness, and the epic collaboration with Alanis Morissette at the 2023 CMT awards. Upcoming tour dates can be found at www.MadelineEdwardsMusic.com.

Evolution. It's what keeps the best bands afloat — song after song, show after show, record after record. Mike Harmeier was still in his early 20s when he formed Silverada (Previously known as Mike and the Moonpies) From the start, they were the definition of a workingman's country band, cutting their teeth with five-hour sets on Austin's dancehall circuit before spreading their music to the rest of America. By the early 2020s, they'd become global ambassadors of homegrown Texas music, flying their flag everywhere from Abbey Road Studios (where they recorded 2019's Cheap Silver & Solid Country Gold with help from the London Symphony Orchestra) to the Grand Ole Opry. Today, Silverada has become a beacon and ambassadors of a new sound taking the music world by storm. In this special chat live from the Midland Cruise, we talk about the sonic evolution of the band, the unique magic from the band's chemistry, the special bond with the fans, and more. For tour dates visit: www.silverada.com

Thrilled to welcome back Friend of the show Stephen Wilson Jr Live from The Midland Cruise. Stephen Wilson Jr. is a singer/songwriter from rural Southern Indiana. Wilson was raised by a single father who was a boxer and had him boxing from age seven through adulthood as an Indiana State Golden Gloves finalist. Wilson, a self-taught guitarist moved to Nashville to pursue a degree in Microbiology at MTSU. There, he started the indie rock band AutoVaughn after finishing his degree. They toured for over five years and Wilson co-wrote songs as lead guitarist until his creative focus turned more to songwriting and singing. Stephen's album 'Son of Dad' (2023) was widely praised and acclaimed as one of the year's best albums, and he has been taking the music world by storm. In this special conversation, we touch base on the enduring power of Nirvana, the special connection with his audience, the timeless values of his Father, songs that came out of nowhere and more.

We welcome shining Trailblazer Kaitlin Butts, Live from the Midland Cruise. Bursting onto the scene with her album What Else Can She Do, Kaitlin Butts proved that she was a force to be reckoned with through her artistry and songwriting. Behind her flowing locks of auburn hair, Tulsa Oklahoma native twang, and a wry grin, she shows through her devastating storytelling and equally demanding, radiant voice. In 2023, Kaitlin had her biggest year with sold-out headline shows, touring with Friends of the Show like Morgan Wade and Lainey Wilson, national festival appearances, and charting radio singles. In this episode, we chat about resiliency, leaps of faith, the art of music videos, the Miranda Lambert influence, and more.

Our final episode from our extensive coverage of SXSW 2024. Presence Presence is the stage name of Southern California recording artist Jonathon Martinez. Presence’s musical catalog of nearly two dozen singles is an intimate dive into his struggles with anxiety, depression, grief, and love. Combined with a unique blend of singing and rapping, this vulnerability creates a fluidity of emotions across every project. In 2019, Presence gave a TEDTalk titled "The Power of Authenticity and the Internet." During the presentation, he states, "we all are unique, which makes our stories important, but more importantly, we all are connected, which makes our stories necessary. You never know who’s paying attention to yours." This conviction to be open and honest has made Presence stand out since the release of his first single that same year. The 21 year old musician has amassed over 100 million streams on his music, and over 1 million followers across platforms. Friedberg With an escapist blend of post punk, alt-rock and alluring pop-infused songwriting, Friedberg’s sound is primed for a night out. Brand new single 'Hello' out since 01.03.24 London/ Berlin based, Austrian born Anna Friedberg (writer, vocals, cowbell, guitar, and more cowbell) backed by her a stellar band. 2019 debut single ‘BOOM’, a dissonant siren’s call with its ominous riff and seductive benign vocals written in the Mojave Desert. Follow up ‘Go Wild’ yielded placements with FIFA 20, the BBC's Normal People, Netflix Biohackers etc. ‘Go Wild’, #1 track at alt. radio FM4 (Austria). Ones to Watch lists include: Musikexpress in Germany. 4 more #1s on FM4, BBC 6music + R1, Radio X (UK), Triple J (Aus), Primavera Radio (ES), KCRW (US), Deutschlandfunknova, Flux FM, You FM, Radio Eins (Ger), incredible print reviews; The Sunday Times, Forty-Five, Glamour. 2022 performed at Eurosonic, U.S. + UK tour support to Hot Chip. 2023 tours with Placebo, plus European festivals. Supported AnnenMayKantereit on German stadium tour. Picked for Great Escape First Fifty (UK), and TGE, Brighton, plus supports with Big Special in May.

Episode 468 features an interview with Acclaimed Americana Band 'Driftwood' whose new record December Last Call, which finds the band returning to their Upstate New York roots for a reflective album showcasing the evolution of the band – both as musicians and close friends – over their 15-year career Already garnering praise from No Depression, Holler, Glide Magazine, the Americana Music Association and others, December Last Call also looks confidently towards the future, experimenting with new sounds like hard-rocking guitars and driving percussion, all while staying true to the bluegrass roots that have earned Driftwood a loyal following for more than a decade. Topics discussed included the two-year process to finish this album, creativity during parenthood, the genesis of the band, and more.

Singer-songwriter Axel Flóvent is an alternative/indie artist from Iceland, ready to release his latest album 'Away From This Dance' June 2024.  Born and raised in the Northern fishing village of Húsavík, singer-songwriter Axel has recently supported artists such as The Paper Kites, Juníus Meyvant in Europe, and Radical Face in North America. Axel recorded his first EP, Forest Fires back in 2015 in Iceland, where the songs were written under the influence of everything from Bon Iver to Bombay Bicycle Club. It yielded an international phenomenon in the form of the title track, generating over 40 million streams. At 19 years old, he moved to Amsterdam. He admits, "I was supposed to be in a music mecca, but I never left the apartment." So, he traded Amsterdam for the seaside town of Brighton when Axel felt a strong pull to return to Iceland and chose to plant roots in the capital Reykjavík. We met up with Axel in Austin, during SXSW 2024 where we spoke about topics like longevity in the music industry, comparisons to musical peers, the forgotten art of music videos, the art scene in Iceland and more.

sullvn (formerly The Sully Band) is a 10-piece beast of a band, playing originals and covers. Fronted by San Diego native Robert “Sully” Sullivan and anchored by Grammy Award-winning slayer of the bass, James East (Eric Clapton, Elton John, Michael Jackson), sullvn is composed of seasoned, accomplished players who hail from around the globe. The horn section features industry-favorite Tripp Sprague (Kenny Loggins, Smokey Robinson), whose legendary multi-instrument prowess from sax to blues harp precedes him, and esteemed session musician Steve Dillard on the trumpet (The Righteous Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd). sullvn is eager to debut their new music recorded at the iconic Sonic Ranch Studios with world-renowned musicians and recording artists. Through a series of singles leading to the album release, listeners can anticipate a larger-than-life sound ready to command any stage.

Bathe Alone is the moniker for Atlanta dream pop multi-instrumentalist Bailey Crone. Growing up with a formal background in classical music, Crone first burrowed her way into the Peach State’s indie scene as a teenager. She picked up drums, guitar, and bass early on and sharpened her skills playing in various bands. Bathe Alone was founded on her skills as a drummer, with influences from punk to ambient guitar drenched in delay. Join us as we chat with Bailey and Damon Moon about the emotions of releasing a new record, Divorce and putting your life in music, support from your bandmates, and much more. For tour dates and additional information, visit: www.bathealoneband.com