Spout Podcast

On this episode of Spout, Nick Major sits down with the Virginia-born, LA-based artist to talk about her evolution from viral POV creator to full-throttle alt-rock force. Bailey opens up about her newest single “Critical,” her heaviest release yet, and what pulled her toward darker, louder sounds after growing up on pop rock, musical theater, and bands like Evanescence, I Prevail, and Slipknot. She shares what it was like working with producer Erik Ron, discovering the freedom of breakdowns and heavy guitars, and why this next chapter of music feels like the most honest version of her yet. The conversation traces her journey from competitive swimmer to COVID-era TikTok breakout, navigating internet criticism, and slowly earning the confidence to step out from skits and into original music—even when the audience wasn’t ready. Bailey also talks about songwriting as survival, Disney influences shaping her sense of drama, family support, LA culture shock, touring dreams, tattoos, and why she’s officially done playing it safe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two weeks before releasing a twenty-song double album and two weeks before becoming a first-time father, Cooper Alan sat down with Erik Zachary — and yes, he’s feeling all the emotions at once. In this episode, Cooper talks about choosing “Starting the Show” for his Today Show debut and why it was the rare moment where one of his own songs actually made him cry. He explains how Winston-Salem turned into a sprawling two-disc project, why he kept adding tracks until the absolute last second, and how writing every day has become both his routine and his reset. Cooper also opens up about the whirlwind of impending parenthood, the surprisingly unhelpful advice people give new dads, and the grounding force of the hometown he loves so much. He shares the stories behind Winston-Salem’s quirks, the family moments that shaped this record, and the mental-health journey that inspired the Cooper Alan Foundation — now one of the most meaningful parts of his career. From shoeys in Australia to an upcoming UK run, from working with Flo Rida to navigating the strange feeling of not wanting to listen to his own music once it’s out, Cooper is honest, funny, and fully himself. And as he prepares for both a new album and a new baby, he reflects on what he hopes people feel when they hear this project front to back. Winston-Salem is out now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Spout, host Nick Major sits down with genre-bending artist Charlotte Sands for a wide-open conversation about touring, creativity, independence, and the strange, exhilarating world of being a musician in 2025. Charlotte opens up about her move from Nashville to LA, why touring feels like her “dream reality,” and how she balances stimulation, routine, and the chaos of life on the road. She and Nick swap travel-hacks (including an inflatable neck pillow demo), laugh about Halloween guilt, and dive into what it’s like to thrive creatively in an era where social media demands nonstop output. They unpack Charlotte’s sonic evolution—from rock-leaning releases to acoustic influences and experimental pop—plus the stories behind her latest singles “Afterlife,” “Hush,” and more. Charlotte shares how she approaches genre without limits, what inspires her writing, and how she unexpectedly ended up co-writing “In My Head” for Demi Lovato. The conversation also explores her childhood music roots, the blue-hair origin story, her dad’s DIY home studio, touring with Youngblud, collaborating with The Maine and Taking Back Sunday, and what it actually felt like to attend (and play) Warped Tour for the very first time. Charlotte also teases new music, new shows, and what fans can expect heading into 2026—plus an honest look at the pressure, thrill, and gratitude that drive her as an independent artist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Spout, host Tamara Dhia sits down with rising alt-pop force Sophie Powers—an artist redefining what it means to build a world, an aesthetic, and a career completely on her own terms. Sophie opens up about the wave of singles kicking off her 2025, why her long-awaited album won’t land until 2026, and how she’s building an entire sonic and visual universe to match it. She breaks down the five-year journey behind her deeply personal new single “Spiderwebs,” the emotional weight she carried while writing it, and what it feels like to finally release a track rooted in survival, therapy, and truth. From her viral Crash Adams freestyle (60M+ views), to directing her own visuals, to shooting music videos on an iPhone, to performing K-Pop collabs on festival stages in Korea, Sophie details the process, discipline, and surprising side quests that shape her artistry. She opens up about going independent after being dropped, the reality of financing and controlling her work, and why she’s never been more creatively free. They also get into fan culture, deadpan delivery, touring with YUNGBLUD, EDM roots, the story behind Grimes’ Coachella-played remix, and yes—how she ended up spending eight hours in a mud tank promoting her single “Muddy.” Plus: K-Pop fandoms, hot chocolate reviews, performing at Warp Tour Orlando, and a teaser about a major upcoming collaboration dropping this December. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashnikko joins Nick Major for a wildly fun and unexpectedly heartfelt deep dive into Smooches, her bold new era filled with bunny-coded visuals, body-horror buck teeth, alter-egos, and the most personal music of her career. In this episode, Ashnikko opens up about:    •   The making of Smooches, her most autobiographical album yet    •   How Sunday Smooch became the mischievous lead character of the Smooch World universe    •   Learning to create from joy instead of pressure (and why TikTok virality can be a trap)    •   The surprising stories behind “It Girl,” “Lip Smacker,” “Skin Cleared,” and her favorite lyrics    •   Her evolution from teenage poet to global touring artist    •   How heartbreak, intuition, and healing shaped the new music    •   The ambitious vision for her upcoming Smooch World Tour—think musical theater meets cabaret meets fever-dream circus    •   Her love of side quests: fossil hunting, sword-making, crafts with her mom, pottery, and building household items from scratch    •   Life on the road with her dog Wednesday (aka Winnie Penny Chickadee Chicken Chach Chicken Girl) It’s Ashnikko like you’ve never heard her—witty, introspective, creatively unhinged, and fully in command of her artistic universe. If you’re a fan of bold pop, world-building artists, or creative reinvention, this episode is a must-listen. Check out Smooches everywhere now and catch Ashnikko on tour across the globe. ⁠https://www.skims.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Days before his debut album There I Go dropped, rising country artist Vincent Mason sits down with Tamara Dhia to talk about the three-year journey behind the record and how heartbreak, hustle, and a John Mayer co-sign helped shape it. Mason opens up about writing his fastest-growing single “Damn I Do,” what he learned touring with Luke Bryan, and why playing the Grand Ole Opry still makes him nervous. He also shares stories from the road, the song that changed everything (“How Is a Dance Floor”), and how Peyton Manning ended up in one of his tour announcement videos. Highlights: The story behind There I Go and its emotional timeline John Mayer calling his songwriting “101” Lessons from Luke Bryan, Parker McCollum & Riley Green From opener to headliner: selling out How Is a Dance Floor Tour The Grand Ole Opry moment that left him speechless Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at https://www.skims.com/spout⁠ #skimspartner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Singer-songwriter Lily Lane joins Nick Major on Spout to talk about her bold new era and upcoming EP, Domesticated— a cheeky, soulful reflection on marriage, womanhood, and redefining what “happily ever after” really means. Lily opens up about the inspiration behind her latest singles “Don’t Stop,” “Crybaby,” and “Reciprocation,” and why her favorite unreleased track, “Amnesia,” might be her most personal yet. She shares how her love of Motown shaped her sound, how growing up in Boston led her to NYU’s Clive Davis Institute, and why she’ll always be “extra gluten, please.” From collecting stop-sign purses to writing Christmas songs to being proposed to mid–wiffle ball game, Lily’s storytelling is as colorful as her music. Plus, she and Nick dive into the nostalgia of Warped Tour, Kelly Clarkson’s legacy, and what it means to make music that lasts longer than the algorithm. Stream Lily Lane’s Domesticated EP, out November 28th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Singer, songwriter, and guitar powerhouse Lindsay Ell opens up in this revealing episode of Spout. From touring the world with Shania Twain to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with John Mayer, Lindsay shares what it’s really like to play beside your heroes — and then realize you’ve become one yourself. She talks about walking away from Nashville’s country box to finally make the pop-rock music she’s always dreamed of, the bold emotional honesty behind her new EP Fence Sitter, and the deeply personal decision that inspired its title track — the question of whether to become a mother. Lindsay also reflects on being vulnerable online, hosting Canada’s Got Talent, starting her Make You Movement for survivors of sexual trauma, and the powerful lessons she’s learned from icons who’ve shaped her journey. If you’ve ever wrestled with identity, purpose, or the pressure to fit in, this episode is your permission slip to own every side of your story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Singer-songwriter Ellise joins Tamara Dhia to unpack the heartbreak, honesty, and Halloween energy behind her sophomore album Pretty Evil. From writing “Bite” in the middle of a toxic relationship to reclaiming her creative control after leaving a major label system, Ellise opens up about rediscovering her voice, the power of independence, and why darkness feels more natural than bubblegum pop. She talks about Ariana Grande, Lana Del Rey, and Paramore as her biggest inspirations, reflects on the viral success of 911, and teases her next era — one that’s “less heartbreak, more sex tape.” 👀 Plus, hear how she’s blending her Iraqi heritage into her new music, why she loves touring more than TikTok, and what it means to stand in your own power as a woman in the industry. Listen as Ellise gets candid about love, loss, rebirth, and being “Pretty Evil” in all the best ways. Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at https://www.skims.com/ #skimspartner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The Spout Podcast, host Tamara Dhia sits down with LANY — Jake and Paul — to talk about their sixth studio album, Soft. The band opens up about the record’s meaning, how Jake’s near-fatal car accident reshaped his outlook, and why holding onto your softness might be the hardest thing to do in a hard world. They unpack how Soft blends R&B roots, ‘90s nostalgia, and elevated musicianship with help from Tommy King and legendary bassist Pino Palladino. From the symbolism of the lamb on the album cover to the fan-favorite single “Know You Naked,” LANY reflects on growth, male vulnerability, and the art of staying real — even while running their own social media six albums in. The conversation ends with talk of upcoming shows, surprise pop-up events, and an unexpected crusade to save the bees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Content creator, actor, and Broadway hopeful Jess Val Ortiz joins Erik Zachary for a conversation that’s as funny as it is heartfelt. From viral sketches to real-life auditions for Wicked and Moulin Rouge, Jess opens up about her journey from musical theater student to digital powerhouse — and the grind behind chasing a Broadway dream. She talks about meeting Lin-Manuel Miranda (yes, it was just as wild as you’d imagine), the balance between authenticity and brand work, and why she uses her platform to speak on serious issues even when it’s not “on trend.” Plus, Jess shares how therapy, her golden retriever, and the hustle of New York keep her grounded while navigating rejection, social media, and self-belief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli joins Spout to celebrate the release of his sophomore album Falling in Love—a project born out of late-night jam sessions, Tuscan wine, and real-life inspiration. Matteo opens up about writing heartfelt lyrics, collaborating with Ed Sheeran, performing with Will Smith, and even singing at Jeff Bezos’s wedding alongside a star-studded guest list. Host Tamara Dhia dives into Matteo’s journey from shy kid singing at his mom’s house to international artist carving his own lane beyond the Bocelli name. The two talk about TikTok samples, Italian vs. English love songs, dream collaborations, and why authenticity matters more than formulas in today’s music. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to record in Tuscany with friends, share a stage with legends, or balance heritage with pop stardom, this conversation is a front-row seat to Matteo’s world. In this episode: The making of Falling in Love and its organic sound Collaborations with Ed Sheeran, Sofia Carson, Camilo & John Batiste The surreal experience of performing for Hollywood and tech icons Why love, family, and authenticity fuel his music What’s next on Matteo’s 2025–26 world tour Visit ⁠https://bit.ly/GoogleGeminiSpoutPodcast⁠ to learn more and sign up. Terms apply.    Find exactly what you’re booking for at ⁠https://Booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Spout Podcast, Tamara Dhia sits down with Chris Daughtry to talk about his new EP Shock to the System: Part Two—a raw and unflinching project that dives deep into mental health, self-discovery, and reclaiming artistic freedom. Chris opens up about the personal struggles and painful truths behind songs like The Day I Die and The Bottom, and how the forced pause of the pandemic reshaped his creative path. The conversation touches on everything from navigating label pressures to rediscovering his heavy rock roots, his healing process after personal tragedy, and why honesty in music matters more than ever. Chris also reflects on surreal moments like performing on The Masked Singer, touring with Disturbed and Creed, and even the inspiration behind his bold blackout tattoos. Plus, he shares what’s next: a co-headlining tour with Seether, a European run with Alter Bridge and Sevendust, and why this stage of his career feels like his most authentic yet. If you’ve ever battled self-doubt, wrestled with identity, or just needed a reminder that vulnerability is strength, this conversation will hit home. Visit ⁠https://bit.ly/GoogleGeminiSpoutPodcast⁠ to learn more and sign up. Terms apply.    Find exactly what you’re booking for at ⁠https://Booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From selling out arenas with Why Don’t We to carving his own lane as a solo artist, Corbyn Besson is stepping into a new chapter. In this episode, Corbyn opens up about: The making of his breakout solo singles Tied Up, Don’t Run, and Summer Collaborating with producers like Hit-Boy and TenRoc, plus surprise features including Jeremih and TWICE’s Tzuyu What it felt like to headline global tours, play Lollapalooza, and nearly get shut down by Chicago police during a fan meetup at The Bean How livestreaming, Call of Duty singalongs, and YouNow tipped off his career before the boy band days Lessons from the Why Don’t We era, chance encounters with Sabrina Carpenter, and why his debut EP marks his most authentic music yet Tap in for a conversation that blends nostalgia, new beginnings, and a sneak peek at what’s next for Corbyn Besson. Visit ⁠https://bit.ly/GoogleGeminiSpoutPodcast⁠ to learn more and sign up. Terms apply.    Find exactly what you’re booking for at ⁠https://Booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Actor, singer, and rising country star Asher Angel joins Tamara Dhia for a wide-ranging conversation about his career transformation—from Disney Channel’s Andi Mack to starring in Shazam, and now making waves in Nashville. Asher opens up about: His new single “Rodeo” featuring Nelly (a full-circle moment since Nelly’s Dilemma topped the charts the day Asher was born). The heartbreak that inspired his vulnerable track “Alternate Ending.” Why Chris Stapleton pushed him toward country music and why he still calls it “country-pop.” Dream collaborations, touring plans, and a possible album on the way. Working with Paris Berelc on Kissing Is the Easy Part and what it’s like when two eras of Disney collide. Advice from Miley Cyrus, memories with Wiz Khalifa, and how he stays grounded with family at the center of his life. We also dive into fan-castings of Asher as Spider-Man or a Power Ranger, the Disney star pipeline, and his hopes for fans to feel authentic storytelling in his music. Whether you know him as Jonah Beck from Andi Mack, Billy Batson from Shazam, or the voice behind your new favorite country track, this episode is a must-listen for fans of pop, country, and everything in between.  Visit https://bit.ly/GoogleGeminiSpoutPodcast to learn more and sign up. Terms apply.    Find exactly what you’re booking for at https://Booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ryan Cabrera jumps on with Erik Zachary for a fast, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt catch-up that runs from Times Square windows to toddler tantrums. Ryan’s celebrating the 20th anniversary of “On The Way Down” with a star-stacked new version (Joey Fatone, AJ McLean, members of Hanson, Hot Chelle Rae, Nick from Walk the Moon) and a punchy rock take with Like Ghost—proof that great songs don’t age, they shapeshift.  He talks late nights turned dad life, why seeing his daughter side-stage changes the meaning of every show, and how painting (shoutout to a first portrait of Charles Bukowski in Lisa Marie Presley’s Hawaii home) became his creative reset. Plus: TRL war stories, a Will Ferrell cameo, being up for “Best New Artist” against Kanye West.  Other Highlights    •   The 20th-anniversary “On The Way Down” collab lineup + the Like Ghost rock version    •   From road warrior to girl dad: performing with family in the wings    •   Painting as therapy and philanthropy (Bukowski → Dylan → Harrison)    •   TRL nostalgia, VHS time capsules, and a Will Ferrell flashback    •   Fans old and new, and the timeless power of a great hook.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Maggie Lindemann is back with a bold new era. Fresh off the release of “One of the Ones” and gearing up for her second full-length album I Feel Everything (out October 17), Maggie sits down with Nick Major to talk about experimenting with new sounds, the meaning behind her album title, and why she’s both nervous and proud of taking creative risks. She opens up about her love of horror movies (yes, Saw is her favorite), her passion for gaming (Call of Duty, Fortnite, and a few zombie favorites), and how collaborations with artists like Julia Wolf and Kellen Quinn have shaped her journey. Maggie also teases her upcoming tour plans, fashion rebrand, and what fans can expect from this genre-blending project that balances rock, pop, and club-ready energy. Whether you know her from viral hits, her fearless stage presence, or her unapologetic honesty, this episode gives a candid look at an artist evolving in real time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John K joins Erik Zachary to talk about his new album Salt and Light and the Part One Tour that’s redefining his connection with fans. From fatherhood and faith to songwriting and authenticity, John opens up about how he’s merging his life at home with his life on stage. He shares the story behind “Linnae,” the intimate ballad named after his wife, and why writing about real love makes his music resonate beyond romance. John also reflects on his journey from American Idol to sold-out shows, the spiritual shift that reshaped his artistry, and the family legacy that links him back to Louis Armstrong through his great-grandfather’s trumpet. Along the way, John and Erik swap stories about live shows, production choices, and the joy of hearing fans connect deeply with songs like “If We Never Met” and “Ego Death.” Plus, John teases upcoming collaborations and what’s next for Salt and Light. If you’ve ever wondered how an artist finds balance between career, family, and faith — while still delivering the best show in the room — this conversation is your front-row seat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lady A’s Charles Kelley joins Spout to open up about life after three years sober, fatherhood, and the creative freedom behind his bold new solo album Songs for a New Moon. The 16-track, ’80s-inspired project blends gratitude, vulnerability, and big, anthemic energy—featuring standout originals like “Can’t Lose You” plus fresh takes on “Time After Time” and The Killers’ “Here With Me.” Charles shares how his wife’s support shaped the journey, why he’s no longer afraid to try something different, and how this record captures the music that shaped him—Phil Collins, Toto, Bryan Adams, and more. From golf course wins to Red Bull-fueled live shows, this candid, funny, and heartfelt conversation reveals a whole new side of Charles Kelley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Spout Podcast, country hitmaker Russell Dickerson sits down with host Tamara Dhia to talk about going full throttle—on stage, in the studio, and in life. Fresh off his biggest tour to date and riding high from the viral success of his high-energy anthem “Happened to Me,” Russell reflects on the moment everything clicked: fans singing along just two weeks after the song dropped, TikToks blowing up, and over 100 million streams later... it’s clear something special really did happen. Russell shares how his upcoming album Famous Back Home brings his full personality to the surface—from fist-pumping bangers to deeply personal ballads—and why he's finally leaning into the wild, goofy, high-energy version of himself his fans already know and love. He also opens up about betting on himself when the industry wouldn’t, shooting a breakout music video in a thunderstorm, and why genre gatekeeping is the least country thing you can do. Plus: stories about growing up alongside Brandi Cyrus, choreographing dances with the Savannah Bananas, hanging out with MMA fighters, getting parenting advice from his “fire squad,” and dreaming of a Cyndi Lauper remix. (She’s on tour. He’s manifesting.) If you like heart, hustle, and high kicks with your country music, this episode’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices