Jrodconcerts: The Podcast

Rebecca and Megan Lovell of critically acclaimed Rock Band Larkin Poe join us at Bonnaroo  2024. In this special and profound discussion, we talk about being an influence to the younger generation of Female guitarists, being fulfilled and at peace, the ‘Why’ that keeps the band going, and how an acoustic album unleashed new sonic horizons.

We meet with our dear Friends, rising Rock N'Roll Trailblazers The Foxies at Bonnaroo 2024, hours before their epic Thursday night set. Julia Bullock, Jake Ohlbaum, and Rob Bodley share with us why playing this festival is a career checkmark, the continued progress and momentum of the band, staying true to your human values, and looking ahead to a busy year of touring worldwide.

We met with Legendary Metal band GWAR backstage at Bonnaroo 2024 for a truly 'unique' and fun conversation. The Intergalactic Warlords talked about playing to the human gathering At Bonnaroo, Longevity in the human music industry, appreciating mortals using their money on seeing them perform & More.

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Hoffman of Greensky Bluegrass, one of the most influential Bluegrass Jam bands of the past two decades. We talk about the band's longevity, the Bluegrass scene starting in Michigan in the mid-2000s, still having that 'chip' on the shoulder, the creation of the Icelandic Sessions, and more. We also discuss Greensky Bluegrass's recently released EP, The Iceland Sessions, which was recorded at Flóki Studios in the summer of 2023, just before the band's first-ever Icelandic run of shows at Reykjavik's Harpa Concert Hall. Featuring special guest Holly Bowling, The Iceland Sessions is a unique and intimate recording that captures the band's energy and musicianship in a stunning setting. Join us for a conversation with Paul Hoffman, a true visionary in the world of Bluegrass music.

In this episode, we sit down with Canadian country rock band The Washboard Union, fresh off their electrifying performance at CMA Fest. With an impressive nine CCMA Awards under their belt, including three consecutive Group of the Year wins, the band has cemented their status as one of the most celebrated acts in Canadian country music. We delve into the band's remarkable journey,. We explore their unique musical style, which blends traditional country with rock, bluegrass, and folk influences, and discuss how they've managed to stay true to their roots while still evolving their sound. We also chat about the band's passionate and dedicated fans, who have been instrumental in their success. The Washboard Union has a knack for connecting with their audience on a personal level, creating a sense of community and belonging at their live shows. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of The Washboard Union, a band that has left an indelible mark on Canadian country music. From their award-winning songs to their unforgettable live performances, the band continues to inspire and entertain fans across the country and beyond.

In this episode, we sit down for a special conversation with multi-platinum rock band NEEDTOBREATHE, recorded live at CMA Fest 2024. We talk about the "trick" of creating live magic with the audience, the importance of gratitude, playing iconic venues all over the world, and the pursuit of the best music of their lives. This is a conversation that you won't want to miss.

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning actress Stefanie Estes, star of the upcoming fantasy psychological horror film "Wild Eyed and Wicked." Stefanie shares her insights on getting chemistry with a new cast, living in the emotional states of the characters she portrays, and her thoughts on the current state of Hollywood post-strike. Stefanie discusses her early training at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and the Atlantic Theater Company and how it shaped her approach to acting. "Wild Eyed and Wicked" follows the story of a young woman who inherits a mysterious old house and soon finds herself tormented by strange and frightening occurrences. Stefanie gives us a glimpse into the making of the film and her own experiences on set. Don't miss this fascinating conversation with one of Hollywood's rising stars.

In this episode, we chat with singer-songwriter Friend of the show Imogen Clark, who recently relocated to Nashville from Australia. Imogen recently released her new album, "The Art of Getting Through," which was recorded in iconic studios like Abbey Road in London, Peter Frampton's Studio Phenix in Nashville, and East West in Los Angeles. Imogen's album took her on a musical pilgrimage and delved into the depths of her songwriting, with the album unfolding like a chapter in a deeply personal diary. In this episode, we talk about resilience, overcoming adversity, getting through tough times, and Imogen's high school days. Imogen also performs her new song, "The Art of Getting Through."

Weeks after the release of their beautiful debut album, Us, Americana Duo and Friends of the show Bowen*Young return to the show. Composed of Clare Bowen, a radiant star from rural Australia known for her role as Scarlett on the hit TV series “Nashville,” and Brandon, a melody-spinner from Connecticut, the couple found their destinies entwined in the heart of Nashville. In this interview, we talk about their recent performance at the Iconic Royal Albert Hall, their health routines on the road, signing with Snakefarm Records, the new music, and the enduring popularity of the TV Show 'Nashville'. For tour dates and more, visit: www.bowenyoung.com

Thrilled to catch up with Friend of the Show, and Legendary Singer-Songwriter Jim Lauderdale, Live at Rooster Walk Music Festival in Martinsville, Virginia. Jim shares with us stories of his upcoming LP, My Favorite Place—out June 21st, as well as the undeniable magic that happens in the studio with his new band 'The Game Changers' (Craig Smith (Guitar), Frank Rische (Guitar), Jay Weaver (Bass), Dave Racine (Drums), and the extraordinary Lillie Mae Rische (Vocals). In addition, Jim shares with us how the Live Music environment has evolved and where it stands in 2024 as well as his secret to maintaining mental clarity and calm in his daily life. A full list of Jim's tour dates can be found at jimlauderdalemusic.com

Welcome to a super special episode -- not just because we are approaching our 500th episode, though I've gotta say I’m pretty proud of that, and so grateful to all of the artists who’ve given their time and been open to this conversation, but also because this episode features one of my favorite interviews from the podcast so far this year. I have been a deep admirer of Happy Landings' music, and Matty Hendley’s soulfulness and poeticism as a singer and writer, since the band came into our radar, and I loved hearing him and the entire band (Keegan Christensen (vocals, keys), Jacob Christensen (drums), Andrew Gardner (fiddle, vocals), and Wilson Moyer (bass/guitar, vocals) share so many meaningful facets of their creative journey in this conversation.  We talked about the excellent new album coming out this year, playing major festivals, living in a state of gratitude, the band's genesis in Oxford at Ole Miss and much more.

We sat down with founding member of Indie Rock Band Futurebirds, Daniel 'Womz' Womack at Bear Shadow Music Festival 2024 in Highlands, NC. Topics discussed include the longevity of the band, playing iconic rooms, connecting with the audience in their shows, and the healthy competition with creativity among the band.

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.