Americana Curious

What happens when your dream falls apart… right in the middle of a pizza shift?John-Robert was closing at work when he got the call…he’d been dropped by his label.Most artists don’t come back from that. He moved home to Virginia…built a studio.and started making music nonstop.No label.No plan B.No guarantees.Today, his music has millions of streams around the world.But the real story isn’t just the success… it’s the life behind it.And this one was just a BLAST!John-Robert is hilarious, self-aware, and completely himself.We laughed a lot.We went off of fun tangentsAnd you can feel how much he genuinely loves music, people, and the ride he’s on.That’s what makes this episode different.In this episode of Americana Curious, John-Robert, Ben and Zach get into:The moment everything fell apartWhy living life fully matters more than writing songsThe scrappy rebuild that changed everythingOpening for Liam Gallagher (OASIS) and playing a free show in the park right afterWhat it actually takes to make it as an independent artistAnd a moment that just feel real, funny, and raw.If you’ve ever chased something… lost it… and had to rebuild from scratch — this one’s for you.🎧 Follow Americana Curious for more real stories from artists living the music.

MORGXN, the Americana artist who just redefined what the Heartland means, joins Ben and Zach on Americana Curious for a conversation that you'll never forget.Early in his career, he was told he’d never make it in Nashville as an openly gay artist. So he left.But something pulled him back. Instead of abandoning the music… he decided to reclaim something bigger.The Heartland.Not as a place owned by a genre or a stereotype but as a place that BELONGS TO EVERYONE.Along the way, he’s collaborated with Sara Bareilles and Walk the Moon, and even had a moment where Billie Eilish credited one of his songs as inspiration.But the most powerful moment in our conversation was this: “The heartland is everybody — white, black, gay, straight… the heartland is everybody.”And then he did something even more unexpected…He bought a farm outside Nashville. discovered 760 pawpaw trees on land the previous owner said was “dead”, and started building a life rooted in music, food, and community.It turns out the Heartland isn’t just a place. It’s a story we’re ALL STILL WRITING TOGETHER!Ever been told you didn’t belong somewhere… and later realized you were meant to redefine it?

Some songs don’t just play; They mark seasons of your life.And you don’t realize it until years later.These are the Americana songs that shaped who we (Ben and Zach) have become.As you'll hear it's not because they were chart-toppers or because everyone else loved them......it's because they found us at a very specific moment.A long drive after a hard loss.A tiny club when you felt invisible.A lyric that said what you couldn’t say out loud.That’s the part we don’t talk about enough!We analyze strategy. We debate business models. We optimize everything.But songs?They bypass ALL logic.They attach themselves to your identity. When you look back, you realize certain bands didn’t just soundtrack your life, they helped AUTHOR IT.We can trace chapters of our own growth to specific records.Certain risks we took. Certain conversations we had. Certain seasons we survived.It’s wild how an honest lyric can do what no book ever could.The real question becomes isn’t whether music changes us.It’s this...Are we CHOOSING the songs and bands that shape us…Or are we passively letting whatever’s loudest do the shaping?What if the music you surround yourself with is determining the leader, parent, and partner you become?

There are voices that impress you.And then there are voices that feel like they’ve been EARNED.Al Nicol’s voice carries the high lonesome ache of Bill Monroe, the raw vulnerability of early Bon Iver, and the spiritual sway of Neil Young’s Harvest era.But what makes it unforgettable isn’t tone it’s the absolute TRUTH.In this episode of Americana Curious, Al opens up about masculinity, mortality, anxiety, and the years he spent “on the sidelines of life.”He shares how confronting severe athletic anorexia and the pressure of silent expectations became the breakthrough that unlocked his upper register and ultimately led to Only Hoping, recorded with MC Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger.This is a story about breaking OUT OF THE CAGE.About groove over perfection. About self-acceptance over self-punishment.About how pain, when faced honestly, can become art of the highest caliber.If you care about songwriting… If you listen to albums front to back…If you believe music can change someone’s life…You’re in the right place for this powerful interview with Al NicolQuestion: If someone feels like they’re still on the sidelines of their own life… what would you tell them?

Emily Scott Robinson isn’t chasing hits....She’s writing for your funeral.It's not dark...It's called powerful depth!In our conversation, Emily shares with us that she wants to write songs that are singable 40 years from now.Not viral...Not trending this weekend...Not forgotten next month.FORTY YEARSThe industry rewards noise.Speed.Algorithms.“Content.”But Emily Scott Robinson is building something much harder:...Songs people sing in churches....Songs people sing at funerals....Songs people sing when life breaks open.One of her songs (written in the chaos of 2020) took on a life beyond her.It's become something people carried into their hardest moments.Most artists are building for applause.Very few are building for legacy.There’s a difference between:• Attention and impact• Output and endurance• Scale and staying powerEmily made a choice.She’s not trying to win the moment; She’s trying to outlast it.That question doesn’t just apply to music.It applies to all of us.Are you building something people will still carry when you’re not in the room anymore?Or are you just chasing what performs well this quarter?

20 YEARS. 0 LABELS. 1 PLATINUM RECORD.💿🔥 Most bands don’t make it past year five.They call it the “Valley of Death” because 95% of indie artists don’t make it out alive.But The Band of Heathens just crossed 20 years, went Platinum, and they never signed the lease to a major label.How did they do it?1️⃣ Surviving the Crossroads: At year six, the band almost folded. They had to ask: “Is the soul of the band intact enough to keep going?”. They chose the music over the exit ramp.2️⃣ The "Lifer" Mentality: Success wasn't a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow—it was the ability to make one record, tour it, and pay for the next one.3️⃣ Organic Growth: Their platinum hit didn't come from a million-dollar marketing budget. It took 14 years of organic, slow-burn growth where the music took on a life of its own in bars and cover sets across the world.They aren’t chasing fame. They’re chasing the TRUTH!🎧 Listen to the full story of how Ed and Gordy built their own ecosystem and why they’re still “high on their own supply.”

Ben and Zach pull back the curtain on the albums that defined the last year and the artists poised to explode in 2026.From hard-working storytellers out of North Carolina to "super groups" creating interplanetary harmonies, this conversation isn't about a random "best of" list......it’s about the JEWELS and POWERHOUSE ALBUMS records that stayed on repeat.Why You Need to Listen:- The "Sonic Bloom": Discover why one artist’s live show was nicknamed a "sonic boom" and which sister-duo is currently "melting faces" with electric slide guitar.- Breaking New Ground: Ben and Zach dive into the "chaotic and erratic" sounds of a band pushing the genre's boundaries, proving that Americana is far from stuck in the past.- The Legacy & The Future: Hear the moving tribute to a legend who recently passed, and get the first look at a debut album from a former child soldier whose story and voice are described as "interplanetary."- The "Bite List": Find out which icon is pushing balances further than ever after a life-changing trip to India.Americana music is grounded in storytelling, and as the hosts remind us, "thoughts become things."Whether it's the strategic touring of rising stars or the prolific writing of veteran road warriors, these are the voices keeping the genre's heart beating."We are here to spread the wealth, spread the word, and make Americana really sing high... and make it your favorite genre."Listen now to find your next favorite artist and LEAD YOUR COMMUNITY BY SHARING THESE ARTISTS WITH THEM!

The industry wanted virality. She wanted honesty. Guess who won?She walked away from the band, the marriage, the map — and somehow walked straight into her true voice.Nikki Bluhm didn’t plan the reinvention.She didn’t chase the algorithm.She didn’t engineer a “moment.”She just told the truth.This is a woman whose band once went viral… in a van.Millions and millions of people watched something recorded on an iPhone, mixed by flipping mics and shuffling bandmates between seats.But her rebirth didn’t happen in front of millions.It happened in a quiet little studio called Rancho Deluxe, built on a piece of land where artists walk in, breathe out, and finally relax enough to create something real.Nikki left everything familiar behind — the band, the tour life, the relationship, the identity she’d built for a decade.She moved 2,000 miles for a fresh start.Recorded with people who didn’t know her pain.And rebuilt her artistic compass from the inside out.Because here’s the truth she discovered:👉 You don’t need chaos to make great art.👉 You don’t need drama to write something that matters.👉 You don’t need to go viral to be real.You need presence.You need honesty.You need soul.And Rancho Deluxe became the ground where she reclaimed all three.If you’ve ever felt crushed by the pressure to “perform” online…If the noise, the speed, the expectations have ever made you forget why you started…If you’re longing for something more grounded, more human, more you…Nikki’s story will feel like fresh air.🎙️ Subscribe now to Americana Curious.Real art. Real stories. Real soul.Let’s get Americana Curious.

Jake Owen iis a platinum-selling artist with ten #1 hits, a Breakthrough Artist of the Year winner, and one of the most recognizable voices in modern country.You know him from “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Beachin’,” and “American Country Love Song.”But after two decades at the top, Jake Owen did something most artists never dare to do - he reinvented everything.He stepped away from what was comfortable, bet on himself, and made the most honest music of his life.In this powerful conversation, Jake opens up about taking risks, trusting his gut, and creating from a place of truth instead of expectation.We talk about breaking free from Nashville’s major-label system, teaming up with Shooter Jennings, and rediscovering the joy of making music that feels good again.This might be one of the most vulnerable and revealing conversations we’ve ever had on Americana Curious.It’s a reminder that music can still move people — and sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is choose authenticity over approval.🎧 You’ll Hear Jake Share:🎵 Why he needed to trust himself again after 20 years of success🔥 How he found the courage to take creative risks🤝 The unexpected story behind his partnership with Shooter Jennings💔 What a moment with his daughter taught him about pride, identity, and purpose🎸 Why letting the music lead — not the business — changed everythingThis isn’t a comeback story.It’s a coming-home story.A reminder that reinvention isn’t starting over — it’s stepping into who you really are.And if you’ve ever felt torn between success and your soul…Jake’s words will hit you right in the heart.🎧 From Ben & ZachWe started Americana Curious because we believe real music still matters.Too many overlook the artists carrying the torch for truth, connection, and heart — so every week, we bring you their stories.Thanks for being here, for caring about the songs that still mean something.If this episode moves you, share it with a friend who needs a reminder that it’s never too late to start over.🎙 Subscribe for more stories that prove Americana is alive and well.

At just 21 years old, Stella Prince has already done what most artists spend a lifetime chasing.She’s been called “the artist bringing folk music to Gen Z” by Forbes, sang at a John Prine tribute in Nashville, and will record her debut album under the Northern Lights in Iceland.But what struck me most wasn’t her voice (which has shades of Joni Mitchell and Brandi Carlile)…It was her work ethic and gratitude.For seven years, she handled everything — booking, performing, social, promotion — completely solo.Then, in the last nine months, her dream team came together.And her reflection is powerful:“It’s really life-changing to finally have support from other people. It’s the biggest shift I’ve ever felt.”💡 It’s a reminder for every creator, leader, and dreamer:You can carry your dream far on your own — but it grows wings assemble your team of supporters!✨ Don’t miss this moving Americana Curious episode featuring Stella Prince, the rising voice of modern folk.

There’s a kind of wisdom that only comes from the road.Soren Staff from Them Coolee Boys summed it up in six words:“Change breaks you before it makes you.”He wasn’t being dramatic — just honest.Because for them, it’s not theory.They’ve lived it.From playing 10 a.m. festival slots while people were still setting up tents —“The first time we played there… it was like 10 a.m. on a Friday… the next year they were like, ‘How would you like to headline Friday night?’” —to those late nights when it’s equal parts joy and exhaustion.“We like to say it’s simultaneously the best job in the world, but also one of the hardest.” And then he said the line that’s still echoing in my head:“Change is hard… but you have to go through it if you want to grow.”That’s not just about music.That’s about life.Because the breaking is part of the making.🎧 Hear the full story on of Them Coulee Boys now on Americana Curious

Briscoe has an incredible story, and you need to hear it now!Two redheaded kids in the same pair of Chaco sandals at summer camp. A back-porch pact to start a band if they ever wound up at the same college.And now—sharing the stage with Dave Matthews and lighting up the Newport Folk Festival.You’ll want to say you discovered this band first.🔥 From campfire harmonies of John Prine’s “Paradise”…🔥 …to self-producing their earliest tracks, experimenting with banjos, saxophones, and mandolins…🔥 …to commanding 20,000 strangers who didn’t know their name—until they earned every ounce of attention.But here’s what makes them unforgettable:“I don’t think there’s any greater gift than people that sing our songs back to us… people that care about the songs that we’re writing.” – Philip Lupton🔔 Don’t miss new episodes: Subscribe to Americana Curious now!

He’s the man behind “Wagon Wheel” — the song that went from a Bob Dylan fragment to a global anthem, covered by Darius Rucker, sung at campfires, weddings, and stadiums everywhere. But few know the real story of how it was written.In this exclusive interview, Ketch Secor, founder of Old Crow Medicine Show, shares:-How “Wagon Wheel” was finished when he was just 17-What it was like taking old-time string band music from the streets to the Grand Ole Opry-The wild early days of busking, sleeping on couches, and chasing the dream-His vision for the future of Americana music-Why he thinks “Americana” might not even be the right label for the genre👉 If you believe music still has the power to inspire, heal, and change the world — this episode will give you chills.🔔 Don’t miss new episodes: Subscribe to Americana Curious now!

Mainstream country radio has no room for voices like Luke Tyler Shelton—and that’s exactly why his music matters.In this episode of Americana Curious, Ben and Zach sit down with rising Americana artist Luke Tyler Shelton, whose debut album Blue Sky (produced by Shooter Jennings) is already winning over true music lovers. From writing songs in parking lots to sharing the stage at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion, Luke’s story is proof that the future of country music isn’t on the radio—it’s in the raw, soulful spaces where authenticity lives.🎶 What you’ll hear in this episode:Why Luke’s songs will never fit into the Nashville machine (and why that’s good news)The Laurel Canyon legends who shaped his sound (Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Gram Parsons)The moment Shooter Jennings and Jonathan Wilson jumped in to produce his debutHow playing Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion became a career-defining momentWhy Luke believes every song should hit hard enough to make you cryIf you’ve been craving real storytelling, timeless melodies, and music that still has a soul, this conversation will remind you why you fell in love with Americana in the first place.👉 Discover Luke Tyler Shelton right now!📌 Don’t miss future episodes featuring the hidden gems and legends of Americana. Subscribe, stay curious, and help us keep real music alive.--------We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Youtube, Spotify and Apple.AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

Sammy Rae and The Friends didn’t just start a band—they sparked a movement. 🎤✨In this unforgettable interview, Sammy Rae and The Friends reveal the wild story behind a tour bus breakdown that turned into something legendary…and the moment a single letter changed everything.From sold-out shows at Red Rocks to creating a global community of belonging, Sammy Rae and The Friends share how their high-octane, genre-defying energy is inspiring fans around the world.Watch now to discover why this band is something you have to see to believe.-----Go here to check out Sammy Rae & The Friends! https://www.sammyrae.com/--------We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Youtube, Spotify and Apple.👉 Subscribe for more powerful stories from the artists redefining music.AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

From Dive Bars to John Mayer: The Last Revel’s Journey is Unbelievable!Three musicians.One relentless vision.And a record that feels like the point of no return.From Midwest dive bars to sharing stages with John Mayer, The Last Revel has always played like there’s something at stake.But this time…it’s different.They locked themselves away in a legendary studio.They called in heroes to push them past their limits.They bet everything on one album — the fastest, rawest, most unapologetic music they’ve ever made.Curious how far a band will go when there’s no Plan B?Press play.--------We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Youtube, Spotify and Apple.AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

He didn’t chase the spotlight. He built a bonfire of truth—and let the crowd find him.Ryan Necci never set out to be a full-time musician and songwriter.He was a graphic designer. A weekend warrior.Then life cracked wide open.A brain tumor.A rescue dog fighting cancer.A marriage ending.And through it all—songs poured out.🎶 Songs that bruised like Springsteen.🖤 Lyrics that cut like Isbell.🔥 A growl that hits you in the gut like Stapleton.One video. One verse. One million views later… the world started listening. And they haven’t stopped.In this episode of Americana Curious, Ryan gets real about:Turning heartbreak into harmonyWriting for Luke Grimes, Flatland Cavalry, and moreWhy authenticity—not algorithms—is your superpowerHow a raw Instagram clip resurrected a 10-year-old songAnd the letting go that saved his lifeIf you’ve ever been told to chase trends or keep quiet about your pain—this one’s for you.🎧 Listen now. Get Americana Curious with Ryan Necci.--------We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Youtube, Spotify and Apple.AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

700 Million Streams. No Label - Sons of the East🎶 They tracked a stolen tour bus with AirTags.🎤 They played their hearts out in front of Bill Murray.🩲 And yes… they lost a full cube of fresh undies on tour.Sons of the East didn’t blow up overnight.They built their global cult following the hard way:No major label.No viral gimmick.Just killer harmonies, soulful songs, and relentless touring.Nic Johnston dropped in on Americana Curious to share the wild ride from Aussie backyard jams to 300M+ streams and sing-alongs across Europe and North America.🎧 Hear the truth about:Building a band that lasts (and still likes each other)Turning heartbreak into healing songsHow they recorded their new album Sons live, raw, and totally unfilteredThis is what it looks like to stay indie and go global.🔥 Listen in. Get curious. Fall in love with the music.--------We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Youtube, Spotify and Apple.AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

From Monkey’s Eyebrow to the Country Music Hall of FameShe learned to write songs before she learned to drive.Raised in the swampy river bottoms of rural Kentucky—riding a John boat to her dad’s hunting lodge—Kelsey Waldon found her way from front porches and thumb-picked guitars to sharing stages with Willie Nelson and Tanya Tucker.🎙 Signed to John Prine’s legendary Oh Boy Records🎧 Played the Grand Ole Opry✍️ Her handwritten lyrics now live in the Country Music Hall of FameBut the climb wasn’t all spotlight and applause.One night it’s a sold-out show at the Ryman.The next? Five people in Houston.Through it all, Kelsey kept going.Because the songs wouldn’t let her quit.Her latest album, Every Ghost, is her boldest yet—haunting, raw, and unshakably real.🔥 A voice that won’t flinch.🔥 A pen that won’t lie.🔥 A sound rooted in the truth.If you don’t know Kelsey Waldon yet…You're in for a REAL TREAT!--------We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Youtube, Spotify and Apple.AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH: THE BIRTH OF THE LONE BELLOW 🎙️What if heartbreak could spark healing?This episode of Americana Curious is one for the soul. 🎧 We sit down with Zach Williams—frontman of The Lone Bellow—to uncover the raw story of how a life-altering accident became the catalyst for a musical movement.💔 A broken neck.🎸 A journal turned song.🔥 A voice discovered in a Starbucks open mic.🌆 A Brooklyn bond that became a band.From writing his first songs while his wife recovered from paralysis, to packing out Bowery Ballroom before the debut album dropped, Zach shares how community, creativity, and courage built The Lone Bellow.We talk family. We talk fire (literally). We talk Americana as the healing balm a generation is craving.🎶 Harmonies that make you cry.🎤 Live shows that feel like revival.📺 A cabin show on Magnolia Network.And why Americana music just might save us all.🎙️ Tap the link in bio to hear the full episode and get inspired.👇 Drop a 🎧 if you’re listening. Tag someone who needs to hear this.--------We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Youtube, Spotify and Apple.AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious