In this episode of What’s the Reason for This?, we’re backstage at RockyGrass with Slay & Stinson—one of the three finalists in this year’s definitely-not-amateur Amateur Band Contest! 🎻🔥 These Colorado-based bluegrass rockers aren’t strangers to the stage, and host Kodi dives deep into their journey from Telluride pick-up band to RockyGrass contenders. THIS INTERVIEW WAS COMPLETED BEFORE THEY WON THE 2025 BAND CONTEST!!!!

🎶 Highlights include:

• 🪕 How a one-off Telluride band evolved into a powerhouse group with 13+ original tracks on all major platforms
• 🏔️ What it’s really like competing in Colorado’s biggest band contests and the differences between Telluride and RockyGrass
• 🎻 How weekly residencies in Denver (190+ shows!) shaped their sound and gave them the edge on stage
• 🧠 Bass player love 💪 – Why Chubb’s addition to the group completely transformed their vibe
• 💡 How Carson (the newest member) brings fresh, non-traditional bluegrass influence to the band
• 💰 The real cost of chasing the bluegrass dream—and why they’d pay to play it all over again

From stage fright to telepathic transitions, the band opens up about the energy, pressure, and community that defines Planet Bluegrass culture. You’ll hear why original music matters, how weekly shows make magic, and why Colorado might be the greatest place in the world to grow a bluegrass band.

💿 Catch their album “Product of Colorado” on Spotify, iTunes, and more. 📍 See them live every Wednesday at Seven Grand in Denver. 🌱 Follow their journey to festival greatness—because next year, they are the ones opening RockyGrass!

🎧 Tune in, cheer them on, and remember: even the “amateur” stage is filled with pros. #SupportLocalMusic #RockyGrass2025 #SlayAndStinson #BluegrassLives