The Rugged Revival Podcast | Home of the UK’s Country, Americana, and Roots Music Community.

here’s a sound the Shenandoah River makes as it rumbles over old stones in the shallows. It sings songs the way they used to be – plain and honest. No frills, buckle that belt before you head to the hills and hollers. It’s there under a Virginia moon that you’ll find the Low Water Bridge Band.Forged by firelight picking, the band’s romping, stomping, country - grass Americana ain’t for the faint of heart. Since their founding in 2020, they’ve gone from barnstorming the Shenandoah Valley to festival stages along the East Coast. Venues from the Carolinas to Kentucky and, yes, Nashville, Tennessee ring with their sound and are asking for more. They’re led by guitarist and lead singer Logan Moore’s searing melodies. The precision thump of brothers Alex and Riley Kerns’ bass and drums and their pitch-perfect vocal harmonies fill out the sound. Justin Carver’s pedal steel and banjo swirl through songs like smoke from the campfire while multi-instrumentalist Rudy Bee deftly provides sparks of pian, fiddle and trumpet and it’s all brought together with the crunch and crackle of James “Chainsaw” Montgomery’s electric guitar riffs.

In this interview Camden speaks with Canción Franklin, an American roots musician, singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Tucson, Arizona, whose authentic sound draws on deep grooves of Americana, country, blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll. From discovering the blues as a teenager to tirelessly honing his craft in dive bars and on the road, Canción’s music is defined by heartfelt lyrics, raw guitar work and a commitment to honesty and emotional expression. His performances - whether solo, with a band, or as a hired gun - are marked by a vulnerable presence and a powerful connection with audiences. Canción’s songs explore resilience, life’s hardships and the beauty found in perseverance, making him a compelling voice in modern roots music.

Meet Miller Carter, a barber based in San Angelo, Texas, working both stationary and on the road. He specialises in men’s western and contemporary styles, serving everyone from bands and bikers to hardworking individuals who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and character.Miller believes barbering is more than a service - it's a reflection of integrity. He approaches his work with a commitment to honouring the Lord through the way he lives, works, and treats people, whether that’s behind the chair or in a good pair of boots.In addition to his work as a barber and men’s stylist, Miller is an ambassador for Brasstacks Provisions out of Oklahoma City and Out Yonder, a Dallas-based lifestyle brand that aligns with his values and the culture he represents.He genuinely loves what he does and the people he gets to engage with. Thank you for taking the time to listen in - be sure you check him out!

Born & Raised in Southern Oklahoma, Adara Kay found her grit and rock energy the first time she stepped on stage in 2018. Since then, she has perfected a high energy performance that watchers will remember down the road. She's been able to not only share the stage with other independent artists, but she's also been able to introduce new songwriters from other states into the Oklahoma music scene.Influenced by Country & Rock artists like Koe Wetzel, Giovannie & The Hired Guns, The Wight Lighters, Larkin Poe, Dorothy, and more, Adara Kay was inspired to put her spin on the genres to create a sense of freedom, carefree, and badass affirmations for all to appreciate.Adara Kay has 19 original songs out on all streaming platforms that offer different sounds to different audiences. Her first EP, "Why Not," (2020), has more country elements, while her last one, "Who I Am," (2021), showcases a heavier sound with a splash of steel slides. You can hear the growth of artistry in her newest releases, "Take a Chance on Me," & "Together."

Captivating audiences with his unique, husky voice and tasteful piano accompaniment, Eddy Smith has been making his mark on the UK’s growing Americana scene. Widely recognised as one of the major male vocalists on the Country Soul and Blues circuit, his infectious melodies and soulful song-writing has drawn comparisons to the likes of Joe Cocker, JJ Grey and Marcus King to name a few. Backed by his long-time friends, they form the multinational five-piece, Eddy Smith & The 507. Their music, engulfed by rich vocal harmonies and gospel-like organ is reminiscent of a sound from way before their time. With an irresistible blend of various Americana styles, such as Blues, Soul, Country and Rock, the quintet take a leaf from the books of Nathaniel Rateliff, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles and countless other pioneers of their Genres. Deemed festival favourites since appearing on some of the UK's most prestigious stages, including The Isle of Wight Festival, Black Deer, The Long Road, Americana UK Festival, Cambridge Folk, The British Country Music Festival and more, along with prestigious support slots such as opening for George Thorogood & The Destroyers at Birmingham Symphony Hall, the band have gained recognition as 'ones to watch' on the UK Roots scene. Having sold out their debut album launch, along with a packed-out headline show at London's iconic The Jazz Cafe, international live performances including The USA and Europe, radio play and TV features, the band are well and truly on their way towards a bright future.

In this episode of The Rugged Revival Podcast, TJ and guest Race Ricketts discuss various topics including the impact of COVID on music careers, and their experiences at the Stocktober event. Race shares insights about his upbringing in a small Texas town, his journey into music and acting, and the pride he feels in being Texan. The conversation also touches on favorite hangout spots in Texas, the dynamics of collaboration in music, and the essence of Texas reflected in Race's songs. In this conversation, Race Ricketts discusses the dynamics of collaboration in music, the journey of his recent releases, and the storytelling behind his songs. He shares insights on maintaining mental health in the music industry and his aspirations for future touring and growth. The discussion highlights the importance of personal connections and the creative process in songwriting, as well as the challenges and joys of being an independent artist.

Join us for another engaging episode of The Rugged Revival Podcast as we sit down with the talented Cory Michael. From his roots in Texas to his musical journey through Nashville, Cory shares his experiences, challenges, and the passion that drives his music. Discover the stories behind his popular tracks like "Damn I Need a Drink" and "Mexico," and get a sneak peek into his upcoming releases. This episode is filled with laughter, insights, and a few unexpected accents!You can also watch this episode on our YouTube channel. Follow Cory Michael on Instagram for more updates on his music and upcoming shows.

In this episode of The Rugged Revival Podcast, we welcome our good friend, Lance Rogers - Revival Roster member, Kentucky songwriter, and founder of For the Love of Appalachia.Lance’s music is carved straight from the Appalachian foothills, full of grit, mysticism, and truth. His debut album turned heads and since then, he’s shared stages with Chris Knight, Ward Davis, Charles Wesley Godwin, Shane Smith & The Saints, and many more.Lance is the kind of artist who still plays for the people - not the numbers - and For the Love of Appalachia proves that. It’s a grassroots movement connecting independent Appalachian musicians to UK audiences through real storytelling, shared stages, and sponsored tours.Lance also hosts Falling For’d - his own podcast where artists and friends talk life, songs, and smoke cigars from a flatbed Ford truck. It’s as authentic as it gets.He’s a true Revival Roster member and someone we’ve looked up to for a long time - there is no end to his talent!

The Narrow Way, the new full-length studio record from Kentucky-born singer-songwriter Nicholas Jamerson finds its grace in the space between folk storytelling and backroads country ramble. A heartfelt exploration of life’s struggles, joys, and the search for purpose, the record is rooted in the storytelling traditions of Appalachian roots and Americana music.Produced by the brilliant Rachel Baiman and featuring collaborations with Baiman, Ketch Secor (Old Crow Medicine Show), Tim O’Brien, Shelby Means, and Emily Jamerson, The Narrow Way blends poetic lyrics with authentic melodies to create a deeply personal and universallyresonant listening experience. Weaving together vivid imagery and poignant themes of family, nostalgia, resilience, and redemption, the record is an invitation to reflect on life’s winding paths while celebrating the bumps and beauty of the journey.Jamerson was born into a musical family in eastern Kentucky, where gatherings were full of guitars and songs. “My grandmother always had a camera rolling, which taught me early on that life is worth documenting” he says. “That’s what I try to do through songwriting: turn ordinary moments into something meaningful.” Starting out with piano and choir as a child, Jamerson added guitar, banjo and mandolin to his repertoire along the way.After college, he co-founded the band Sundy Best and has released a dozen records between them and his solo work and band over the last thirteen years. “Music has taken me places I never dreamed, like the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry” he tells, “but more than anything, it’s a way for me to honor place and people, and to help others feel seen and proud of where they come from.” These days, in addition to his own music, Jamerson is working to mentor the next generation, helping other writers find their voice through projects like the Sleeping in the Woods Songwriter Festival.Thematically, The Narrow Way is a meditation on walking a difficult but purposeful path while holding onto faith and integrity while navigating the messiness of life. Those universal touchstones of the human experience - faith and doubt, the complexity of family ties (love, conflict, reconciliation, and the longing for connection and understanding), and the heartache of nostalgia and loss, are all to be found within The Narrow Way. The rain feeds the flowers, and the deep greys are balanced by the lightness found through the dignity of hard work, the sharing of struggles, and the emotional labor of pushing through hardship.Buoyed by and undercurrent of hope for personal renewal, forgiveness, and a clearer path forward, Jamerson hopes that listeners find the record a cathartic experience. “My hope is that it shakes something loose inside them—something they’ve been holding onto for too long—so they can finally let it go and leave it behind” he says. Written with a painterly economy of language, his songs shimmer in the space between narrative and allegory; a kaleidoscope of meditations set to music, they transcend genre and hit straight to the heart.Expertly arranged and elegantly executed, it is a record built around eminently engaging melody and Jamerson’s soaring voice; clear and bright as the stars on a winter night. The Narrow Way is the final chapter in a trilogy that traces a journey of self-discovery, faith, and perseverance—written from the heart of Appalachia, where the sacred and the simple meet.With a voice rooted in tradition and a pen sharpened by experience, Jamerson invites listeners to walk with him through the shadows towards something honest and eternal. The Narrow Way is a soul-stirring blend of mountain wisdom and familial remembrance, written by someone that carries the weight of memory, the fire of purpose, and the humility of a man still learning.

In this episode of the Rugged Revival Podcast, TJ & Ronnie discuss with Cody Christian, a prominent figure in the independent country music scene, about his journey as an artist, his musical influences, and the challenges he faces in the music industry. Cody shares insights into his upbringing, the vibrant music scene in Virginia, and his experiences with industry giants like Lee Bryce. We delve into the importance of authenticity in music and the evolving landscape of the music business, culminating in a discussion about Cody's upcoming music releases. Cody Christian discusses his upcoming music release, shares insights on supporting emerging artists, and offers valuable advice for newcomers in the music industry. #countrymusic #virginiamusic #independentmusic

Randy Hoyet is an independent singer/songwriter who has cut his teeth in the Texas scene while finding his path to a ruckus bluesy sound. Hoyet released his debut EP “Acoustic” in October of 2021, solidifying himself as a voice to be heard in Texas music. With tracks like “Lonely and Scared” to “Shameless”, Hoyet’s songwriting is raw power in real time. He has continued to create motion in the Texas music scene with his latest two full band singles, “Notices”, and “Drawn”. After almost two years of shows and studio time, Randy Hoyet released his highly anticipated debut Album "Shameless" in March 2025.

Micky & The Motorcars are a powerhouse of a group. Led by brothers Micky Braun (Vocals/Guitar) and Gary Braun (Vocals/Guitar/Harmonica/Mandolin) rounded out with Bill Corbin (Bass), Pablo Trujillio (Guitar/Pedal Steel), and Bobby Paugh (Drums).Micky and the Motorcars hail from Austin, Texas by way of Stanley, Idaho. Micky and Gary are the sons of Western Swing musician Muzzie Braun and along with their brothers Willy and Cody (Reckless Kelly) spent their childhood on the stage and were veterans of the stage. Once moving from Idaho and settling in Austin the band released Which Way From Here (2002), Ain't in it for the Money (2005), Careless (2007), Naive (2008), Raise My Glass (2011) , Hearts From Above (2014), Across The Pond - Live in Germany (2015) and Long Time Comin' (2019). The band tours the country, averaging 100+ shows a year and continues to draw fans nearly 20 years after forming.

Roots Rhythm and blues crossed with a flare of Americana songwriter and a dash of Texas Country, a sound right out of a vintage record shop. Kerri Lick is a Texas based singer songwriter with a true diversity in writing that can find you grooving in the blues or riding along an interstate folksingers diary. Kerri Lick pulls sonic inspiration from the likes of Bonnie Rait, Susan Tadeschi, and Bobbie gentry. Kerri has been recognized amongst the Texas music scene as an emerging act to get behind. Having full band slots at 's iconic LJT music festival, Grapefest, Rymes and Vines, The Fort Worth Music Fest, The Mayors Ball in Oklahoma and River Front Blues Festival in Montana she is a show you would not want to miss. #texasmusicscene

Martha Spencer is a singer-songwriter, mountain musician and dancer from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She grew up in the musical Spencer family and learned to play several instruments (guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass, dulcimer, mandolin) and flatfoot/clog at a young age. She performs and has recorded with various groups and has been involved with several roots music projects. She has played shows, festivals and led workshops across the US, Australia, UK, Canada, and Europe. Martha’s first solo album 2018 and latest release “Wonderland” in 2022 have been featured in articles in Rolling Stone Country, No Depression, Holler, Wide Open Country, Bluegrass Situation, Americana Highways, PopMatters and more. She also has been included in articles in the NY Times, Austin Chronicle and Billboard and was a part of the Fiddlin’ documentary movie.https://www.marthaspencermusic.com/

Daniel Cain is a singer/songwriter from Stanford, Kentucky, USA. His music mirrors his Appalachian roots and family upbringing, so far, blending outlaw country, grassy folk, roots rock, and psychedelic blues. With influence from Chris Stapleton to Chris Cornell, he connects it all and does so with his own grit.Dubbed Kentucky’s Rising Star of Country Music in ‘23 by Renfro Valley, as well as an act to watch by Whiskey Riff and Kentucky Country Music blogs, Cain’s path and promise came to him as surprise as Cain began his public performing career in early 2021 only in hopes to honor his now late father, Jeff, who inspired Daniel to write and play like he did.With Cain’s authentic penmanship, impressive picking, and a deep, soulful, gravelly voice like you’ve never heard before, it doesn’t take long to see why this young man is on the rise.

Tori Forsyth is an Australian singer-songwriter, with her roots firmly in the Country music scene. Tori is playing this years Laurel Cove Festival in Kentucky - joining a stellar line-up. Tori is one to watch, so make sure you follow her across socials!

Kenny Feidler’s sound is dark, gritty, western rock n roll filled with thoughtful, honest songwriting. Feidler’s path to the stage started on the rodeo circuit, writing songs about the life and selling his music from the trunk of an old Cadillac. Now he racks up the miles with his band, traveling from his home on the plains of Western South Dakota, to venues across the country.

Summer Dean is considered by most to be the reigning queen of Texas country music. Armed with three albums, constant tours, and a hot band behind her, Summer struts onto every stage with the confidence and vulnerability of a songstress that has cemented her place among the top rank Texas tunesmiths. Her live show takes the concert goer on a ride of original songs blending bravado, vulnerability, and a novelist’s eye for detail. Whether with her full band or all by herself, listeners are treated to an authentic, funny, and honest storyteller performing her way into legendary status.

Presley Haile, a talented singer-songwriter from Hamilton, Texas, found her love for music at 16. Influenced by artists like James Taylor and Patty Griffin, she blends folk, country, and Americana to create her unique sound. Keep an eye out for this rising star as she takes the industry by storm with her captivating music.

Champs of The Sun are a band from Lexington, Kentucky.Spearheaded by frontman, Mark Bell - Champs of The Sun can be described as being a bit Folk, with a touch of Glam Rock, Soulful, Punk, and good ol' Rock n Roll. A real blend of styles!