Load-In Through The Back

As if being members of renowned Americana group Wilco wasn’t enough, Pat Sansone and John Stirratt create hauntingly beautiful and intellectually engaging throwback pop-rock a la Big Star under the moniker the Autumn Defense.They recently released a new record entitled “Here and Nowhere,” following an eleven year break. They are also our guests on Season 3, Episode 15 of “Load-In Through the Back.” Pat and John join us via Zoom to discuss touring through winter weather, record shopping in Brazil, the pros and cons of social media during an album release campaign, and much more. The Autumn Defense’s Fall Tour kicks off October 24th in Vienna, VA. Find tickets and more information by following @TheAutumnDefense on social media. “Here and Nowhere” is available wherever you stream or purchase music via Yep Roc Records. Support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to show some love. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook. FRIENDLY REMINDER! The podcast will be on a two week hiatus while Troy travels on his headlining solo-acoustic tour. Visit TroyMilletteMusic.com for dates and more information.

Today’s guest is hell on heels and then some. She is an artist. A singer. A mother. A survivor. She is Ashley Monroe, and she is our guest on Season 3, Episode 14 of “Load-In Through the Back”!A native of Knoxville, TN, Ashley and her family moved to Nashville to pursue music following the death of her father in her early teens. Ashley found success on country radio and beyond as a solo artist, a member of the female-fronted supergroup Pistol Annies with Miranda Lambert and Angaleena Presley, and a featured vocalist on Train’s 2012 summer hit “Bruises.”Our conversation chronicles her return to music following a bout with cancer, the birth of a band in an Airstream, seven year towns, carpooling with Vince Gill, and much more.Ashley’s latest record, “Tennessee Lightning” was released in August of 2025, with a Deluxe Version pending. She is currently on the road with country megastars Little Big Town supporting that release.Find physical copies, additional merchandise, and tour dates at AshleyMonroe.com or by following @AshleyMonroeMusic on Instagram.Support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to show some love. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook.

Is it so bad to want a good life? We’re not sure, but it’s not so bad to want a new episode of Load-In Through the Back with New York songster and Top 4 member of the band Fantastic Cat: Brian Dunne!Brian recently released a brand-new solo album entitled “Clams Casino” which is arguably Troy’s favorite record of 2025.In this conversation we dive into the obstacles of releasing music independently, avoiding van theft, chronic creating, Bruce Springsteen, the forthcoming Clams Casino Tour, and much more. You can purchase physical copies of the new record and find a tour date near you by visiting BrianDunneMusic.net and following @BrianDunneMusic across social media.Support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to show some love. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook. 

Don't worry, I won't hurt you, I only want you to have some fun–And fun we had during this conversation with author, podcaster, and all-around nice-guy James Campion!James recently released his brand-new book “Revolution: Prince, the Band, the Era” chronicling the chaotic rise and strange lore surrounding Prince and his iconic group.Don’t let his job description fool you, this is one of the most engaging musical conversations we have ever had on this podcast.We talk about Prince a lot. We also talk about writing a lot. We delve into Counting Crows, Warren Zevon, the Beatles and more!We discuss the Underwater Sunshine Podcast featuring Adam Duritz, and the independent music festival (aptly titled Underwater Sunshine Fest) that it spawned.We talk about humanity. You don’t want to miss this episode.When you inevitably fall in love with James, you can follow him on Instagram at @JamesCampion, and pick up a copy of the new book (or any of his past work) at JamesCampion.com.As always, you can find more from our show at our official website: LoadInPodcast.com.Support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to show some love. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook.

SunDown47’s Steve Drymalski is more than just a singer, songwriter, front man, tour manager, lighting technician, and music fiend… he’s also our guest on Season 03, Episode 11 of “Load-In Through the Back!” A life-long lover of music turned band member, Steve’s first life in the business came as a lighting technician and production manager for esteemed artists such as Soundgarden, Aerosmith, and Pearl Jam.When COVID-19 shuttered the music industry, Steve took a decades-old collection of songs into the studio and completed his debut album under the moniker SunDown47. Shortly thereafter, that passion-project of a record fell into the lap of country music megastar Zach Bryan and was accompanied by a contract to open his forthcoming stadium tour. Steve joins us to discuss the new album’s inception, siloing his skills and creativity across nine lives in the music business, John Denver, a pivotal phone call from Neil Young, those pesky blue spot lights, and much more. SunDown47’s debut album “Along for the Ride” was released on September 12th, 2025 and is now streaming across the web. Visit SunDown47.com for links and upcoming tour dates, and be sure to follow @SunDown47Official on Instagram. Show support for our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to support our show. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook. Visit LoadInPodcast.com for more.

Are you really a Vermont-based music podcast until you’ve chatted with this Waitsfield native?That’s right, it’s a milestone episode featuring songstress Grace Potter and the Special Projects Conductor of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO) Matt LaRocca!Following the successful maiden run of their orchestral and rock n’ roll mod podge, Grace is once again sliding into her sousaphone for a reimagined journey through her iconic catalogue along the VSO at this year’s Grand Point North Festival!Grace has been releasing music for the better part of three decades both as the front-woman of rockers Grace Potter & the Nocturnals and as a solo artist. She has shared stages with the likes of Heart, Mavis Staples, Kenny Chesney, and Mick freakin’ Jagger. And don’t even get us started on when she performed for Barack Obama. Iconic. Her music has been featured in films such as Disney’s Tangled, and television shows like One Tree Hill, ER, Grey’s Anatomy, All My Children, and Grace & Frankie.The 2019 album “Daylight” was nominated for “Best Rock Album” at the GRAMMY’s. In addition to his role as Special Projects Conductor, Matt LaRocca is the Music Director and Conductor of the Champlain Philharmonic Orchestra​, a University of Vermont professor, and a member of psych-rock group Freeway Clyde. He has performed alongside the likes of Guster, Myra Flynn, Francesca Blanchard, and Kat Wright.Grace and Matt joined us remotely between rehearsals for the event to discuss what constitutes a loading ramp, set list structure, the impact of weather on a performance of this scale, mini-skirts, the Rolling Stones, spontaneous songwriting, turn-off’s, and everything in between. Grand Point North returns to Burlington, VT on September 12th - 14th, 2025 and features two nights of Grace Potter, Goose, Brittney Spencer, Melt, and many more. Tickets can be purchased by visiting HigherGroundMusic.com or GrandPointNorth.com.Follow @GraciePotter, @VT_Symphony, and @GrandPointNorth on Instagram to stay up-to-date with the run of events, updates, added dates, and more. Support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to show some love. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook. Very special thank-you to Nate Payne of Pitdweller Media and Nate Payne Photography for our thumbnail image. 

Whether you know it or not, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the timeless licks and tones of today’s guest: Zak Loy.A native of Dinero, Texas, Zak made a name for himself as a guitarist in the Austin music scene as early as twelve years old. He has since formed and fronted well-known nationally touring groups such as Alpha Rev, Damesviolet, and Mother’s Anthem. In 2012, he became a permanent member of iconic ‘90s rockers +LIVE+ and right-hand-man to frontman Ed Kowalcyzk. Last year, Zak released his debut solo LP entitled “Dinero”, and is currently touring the record between amphitheater dates with +LIVE+.For merchandise, tour dates, and more, visit ZakLoy.com and follow @ZakLoy26 on Instagram.Show support for our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to support our show. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook. Visit LoadInPodcast.com for more. SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION!My band, Troy Millette & the Fire Below, is opening for Zak at Higher Ground in S. Burlington, VT tonight, September 3, 2025. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at HigherGroundMusic.com.

Our guest today is a country troubadour in the tradition of Waylon and Wille by way of pop-sensible country rockers ala Brantley Gilbert and Kip Moore. He is Kolton Moore, and if you’re not already privy to his Texas country balladeering, you’re in for a treat.Kolton joins us to discuss the recording process of his upcoming record, embracing the co-write, playing to one and a half fans, the effects eating Subway tuna fish can have on a touring band, maintaining a strong family dynamic while on the road, and much more.His brand-new album, “A Place I Call Home” is out September 26th, and the subsequent tour begins October 9th in Birmingham, Alabama. Be sure to follow @KoltonMoore on social media and visit KoltonMoore.com for pre-order / pre-save options, tour dates, merchandise, and more. You can show support for our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to support our show. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook. Visit LoadInPodcast.com for more.

If you’re looking for us to show you what you’re looking for, you’ve found it.Our guest today is one of the internet’s earliest musical stars: Chad Wolf of Carolina Liar.In the nearly two decades since his debut LP “Coming To Terms” spawned the massive hit “Show Me What I’m Looking For”, Chad has been in the trenches creating art, writing songs, and mining authenticity. On this episode, Chad joins us to describe the latest “garage gospel” reincarnation of the band, licensing, Kelly Clarkson’s inflatable waterslide, the second coming of a viral sensation, and much more. The band will be on the road again very soon, so be sure to follow @TheCarolinaLiar on Instagram to stay in-the-know. Support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to support our show. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook. Visit LoadInPodcast.com for more.

Our guest today said “let’s start a riot,” but we said “let’s start with a podcast and see how it goes.” We’re talking to Neil Sanderson, the renowned drummer of alt-rockers Three Days Grace!Since forming in 1997, Three Day Grace have transcended era and genre amassing 19 Number 1’s on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts including “Never Too Late,” “Animal I’ve Become,” “Pain,” and their major label debut “I Hate Everything About You.”The band recently released the “Kill Me Fast” EP, which features performances from both Matt Walst and Adam Grontier, the two hitmaking vocalists behind the groups extensive catalog. A new LP entitled “Alienation” arrives on August 22nd, 2025.Neil joins us from the bands’ greenroom to discuss their musical origin story, a naked load-in, music theory, iconic drummers, and the perks of having dual powerhouse frontmen. Be sure to follow @ThreeDaysGraceOfficial on social media and visit ThreeDaysGrace.com for merchandise, tour dates, and more information. You can support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to support our show. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook. Visit LoadInPodcast.com for more. 

Mason Jennings may well be Minnesota’s greatest export that hasn’t performed at the Super Bowl. He is also our guest on Season 3, Episode 5 of “Load-In Through the Back.”Since releasing his self-titled album in 1997, Mason has made a name for himself on the back of relentless touring and his stunning third-person narrative songwriting. His most recent album, “Magnifier” was released earlier this year. Mason joins us to discuss balancing a schedule with fatherhood, his side project with Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard, the creative mediums of painting and songwriting co-existing, Kanye West, and much more.He is on tour supporting the new album through 2025. Visit MasonJennings.com and follow @MasonJennings on Instagram for the latest information. You can support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to support our show. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook. Visit LoadInPodcast.com for more.

Heart and soul without the bullsh*t,  our guest on Season 03, Episode 04 is S.G. Goodman– an esteemed singer/songwriter out of Kentucky who has shared bills and collaborated with the likes of My Morning Jacket’s Jim James and renowned balladeer Jason Isbell. She recently released her third solo LP entitled “Planting By the Signs” in June. S.G. joins us on a rare day-off to discuss chronic touring, carving out space to be creative, her artistic evolution, and how the city of Philadelphia is solely responsible for her bum knee… okay, maybe that’s not exactly what she said, but read between the lines!S.G. is on tour for the remainder of 2025 with acts such as Lord Huron. Visit SGGoodman.net and follow @S.G.Goodman on Instagram to stay up-to-date. Support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to support our show. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook. Visit LoadInPodcast.com for more.

Today’s guest joins us from the back lounge of a moving tour bus (talk about committing to the bit, right?) to discuss her esteemed career as the singer, songwriter, and frontwoman behind one of the most well-known bands of the 1990s. We’re talking to Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer!Formed in 1992 alongside songwriter guitarist Matt Slocum, Sixpence rose to national prominence following their 1997 self-titled major label debut. “Kiss Me” charted globally in 1999 and is now a member of the elite “Billion Listens” club on Spotify. Leigh joins us to talk about performing alongside her husband Stephen Wilson Jr., the new “Rosemary Hill” EP, life beyond a hit song, her hidden talents, and much more. Sixpence None the Richer are touring all summer long alongside friends of the show Toad the Wet Sprocket, as well as the Jayhawks and KT Tunstall. Visit SixpenceNoneTheRicher.com for tour dates and more information, and be sure to show Leigh and the band some love by following @SixpenceLeigh on Instagram. While your phone, tablet, or computer is at your fingertips, be sure to support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to support our show. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook. Visit LoadInPodcast.com for more.

Despite geographical improbability, we’re heading west to the Cumberland Gap with today’s guest– the esteemed singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist behind Old Crow Medicine Show: Ketch Secor!Ketch recently released his first proper solo album, “Story the Crow Told Me,” a 12-song collection that chronicles the rise of his iconic band by incorporating roots, folk, rock, hip-hop, and spoken-word elements to fully encompass the chaotic creative fusion that Ketch is now synonymous with. The album is now streaming everywhere.We catch up with Ketch to discuss the Vermont Lake Monsters, the journey from busking to a big break, how perspective makes way for creativity, traveling, curiosity, Bob Dylan, and so much more. Be sure to catch Old Crow Medicine Show on tour throughout 2025, and stay up-to-date on the general happenings and future releases from both Ketch and the band by following @KetchSecor and @CrowMedicine across social media. The respective official webpages are KetchSecor.com and CrowMedicine.com.As always, be sure to support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to support our show. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook. Visit LoadInPodcast.com for contact and additional information.

No one asked for it, but here we are– back for Season Three of “Load-In Through the Back!”Our guest today is a certified badass… well, definition dependent– but regardless, anyone who rocks Prince in a minx coat as their ZOOM hold screen certainly warrants some praise when it comes to badassery. Of course (based on our episode’s title) we’re talking about my forever man-crush: Matt Nathanson.Matt is the Massachusetts-born singer/songwriter behind the platinum-selling hit “Come On Get Higher.” We guarantee that in some fashion, his music has touched your life– whether it be featured in the American Pie movie franchise, an episode of One Tree Hill or The Bachelor, or gracing the loudspeaker of a Whole Foods. He has toured with artists such as Matchbox 20, Counting Crows, John Mayer, Sugarland, Sister Hazel, and Switchfoot. His latest album, “King of (Un)simple” was released earlier this year. Matt joins us to chat about the Fabio-esque slipcover to his “Some Mad Hope” record, Swifties, paying a fan to ‘shut the F up,’ life after a hit song, relentless touring, and the Indigo Girls.Visit MattNathanson.com for merch and up-coming tour dates, and follow @MattNathanson across social media in hopes of seeing that Prince photo. As per usual, leave us a comment or a review wherever you’re listening. If social media is your bag, we’re @LoadInPodcast on Threads and Instagram. “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” will send you our way via Facebook. Our official website is LoadInPodcast.com.

It’s the Season Finale of “Load-In Through the Back” and it features a conversation with Doug Robb– the lead vocalist of alt rockers Hoobastank.On the back of their 2004 mega-hit “The Reason”, Hoobastank has sold over 10 million records worldwide and been nominated for three GRAMMY Awards.The band experienced a huge resurgence post-pandemic coinciding with the 20th Anniversary edition of their sophomore album and an accompanying documentary, which you can watch for free on YouTube. Doug joins us to discuss authenticity in an often-parodied genre, the pressure to capitalize on a radio hit, growing up with Incubus and Linkin Park, his early influences, backyard venues, and more. The band is touring sporadically through the rest of 2025. Dates and more information can be found at Hoobastank.com. For additional content, follow @Hoobastank on Instagram.As mentioned in the show, don’t let the season break fool you!It is more important now than ever to “follow” or “subscribe”, leave a comment or review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or simply tell a friend about the pod!We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram, Threads, and X, as well as “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook.Our official website is LoadInPodcast.com.

Our guest on Season 02, Episode 39 of “Load-In Through the Back” is Chris Vos, the rootsy lead vocalist and guitarist of blues rockers The Record Company.The band burst onto the national scene with their 2016 debut “Give it Back to You” and have since released four full-length albums and been named an “Artist You Need to Know” by Rolling Stone Magazine. They have toured extensively with the likes of John Mayer, B.B. King, Social Distortion, Blackberry Smoke, Buddy Guy, Bob Seger, Grace Potter, and more. Chris joins us to discuss the culture shock of leaving rural Wisconsin for the bright lights of Los Angeles, the art of the power trio, “Space Oddity”, early successes, band chemistry, and more. Their most recent release, 2023’s “the Fourth Album” is available everywhere you stream or purchase music. Physical copies can be found at TheRecordCompany.net. The band is on tour all summer long (including two Vermont dates in July). Stay up-to-date by following @TheRecordCompany on social media. Be sure to “follow” the show and leave a comment and/or review wherever you’re listening!Want to be social? How about finding us on social media?We are “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook, and @LoadInPodcast on Instagram, Threads, and X. Our official website is LoadInPodcast.com.

Say “so long” to Astoria, and “hello” to Kristopher Roe of the Ataris on Season 02, Episode 38 of “Load-In Through the Back”!The Indiana rockers 2003 album “So Long, Astoria” is widely regarded as one of pop punk’s best, and has been Certified Gold by the RIAA on the back of the hit singles “In This Diary” and their immensely popular Don Henley cover “Boys of Summer.”Kristopher joins us to talk about life on the road, his creative process, the early-aughts revival, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and the strangest gifts he has ever been given by a fan.The Ataris are back on the road this fall supporting MXPX, and will open Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s Phase Fest on June 13th alongside Taking Back Sunday, Bowling for Soup, Hoobastank, and more! Find more information by visiting TheAtarisBand.com and stay up-to-date with future announcements by following @TheAtaris on social media. As always, be sure to “follow” the show and leave a comment and/or review! We are “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook, and @LoadInPodcast on Instagram, Threads, and X. Our official website is LoadInPodcast.com.

Our guest today is one of the most iconic rock and roll pianists of all time– and if you don’t believe us, you can take it up with Elton John or Jimmy Page. We’re talking about Bill Payne, co-founder of the legendary group Little Feat.Born from the rubble of Frank Zappa’s esteemed Mothers of Invention backing band, Los Angeles’ Little Feat formed in 1969 and quickly rose to cultural and critical prominence on the back of energetic, improvised live performances and a catalog of now-classic records such as “Dixie Chicken,” “Time Loves a Hero,” and “Waiting for Columbus.” Their songs have been covered by the likes of Garth Brooks, Phish, the Chicks, Jackson Browne, the Black Crowes, and oh so many more. As if his legendary musical footprint wasn’t large enough, Bill Payne has established himself as one of the most sought-after and recognizable “hired guns” in the music business, touring and recording with all-time greats such as JJ Cale, Jimmy Buffett, Bob Seger, Toto, Pink Floyd, and Bonnie Raitt. Bill joins us to discuss the latest record “Strike Up the Band” (their first original-music album in 13 years), the writing and editing process of his upcoming memoir, Lowell George’s lasting influence on the group, his relationship with touring, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, music as a second language, and more. Little Feat is on tour all summer long in support of their new album. Follow @LittleFeat_Official on social media or visit LittleFeat.net for tour dates and more information. Voting is still open for Vermont’s Seven Daysies Awards presented by Seven Days Magazine. We have been nominated as “Best Local Podcast” and need your help to take home the gold!Find voting links on our social media pages– @LoadInPodcast on Instagram, Threads, and X, or by searching “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook.Too much work? No problem. You can also vote by clicking here.Be sure to “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening, and let us know you’re here by leaving a comment or review. Still craving more? You can always visit LoadInPodcast.com. We appreciate you all.

Reid Parsons is a Vermont singer/songwriter poised for national success following the release of her debut LP “Back to Back.” She is also our guest on Season 02, Episode 36 of “Load-In Through the Back!”Reid joins us to discuss her creative process, hanging 100-yards of clothesline to sling merch, and provides insight on how to avoid the dreaded “load-in.”Follow @ReidParsonsMusic and visit ReidParsons.com to purchase the album and view upcoming tour dates. As mentioned in the show, we were nominated as “Best Local Podcast” by Vermont’s Seven Days Magazine! You can find voting links on our social media pages– @LoadInPodcast on Instagram, Threads, and X, and by searching “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook, OR click here. Links are also available at our official website: LoadInPodcast.com.Be sure to “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening, and if you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a comment or review.