2 Beers With The Band

How does a four-piece band take a four-year backlog of diverse, genre-spanning songs and shape them into a sprawling, 15-track album that refuses to stay in a single box? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with alternative rock ensemble Gears Inc. Recording out of Nashville's legendary Blackbird Studios, the band dives into the making of their expansive record...

How does an independent singer-songwriter turn a rained-out gig and an impromptu firetruck interaction into a viral moment—and eventually land on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with Nashville-based folk-country artist Summerlyn Powers. Originally from Fairhope, Alabama, Summerlyn shares her musical journey from writing songs...

How does a high-energy pop-rock band blend 80s Van Halen guitar riffs, church choir gospel harmonies, K-pop nostalgia, and jazz theory without being boxed into a single genre?   In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with Jeff Kuruma and Josh from Murfreesboro, half of Tennessee's own Aconundrum. Together, they break down the frustrations of navigating Nashville's...

How does an introverted kid with severe social anxiety transition into an energetic live performer making waves across the UK underground hip-hop scene?  In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with Leicester-based MC, storyteller, and lyricist Young Springer. Together, they explore Young Springer's journey—from growing up watching his musician father perform in pub...

What does it take to build a sustainable, full-time career as an independent UK hip-hop artist?  In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with UK rappers Sam The Rapper and 7ury for an unfiltered breakdown of music, mindset, and multi-brand hustle.  The duo shares how they went from living a street apart to managing three distinct musical identities—Sam The Rapper, 7...

How does an independent UK hip-hop artist transform childhood nostalgia and literary influences into authentic, enduring rap?  In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with independent UK MC and poet Douki. Together, they dive into Douki's creative origins, the profound impact of Tupac Shakur's book The Rose That Grew from Concrete, and why true success as an indie a...

How can an independent artist overcome a childhood in the UK foster care system, walk away from a corporate marketing career, and build an authentic music career centered around a "sovereign mind"?  In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with UK-based hip-hop artist and poet 7ury. Together, they discuss leaving marketing behind to pursue music full-time, the life-c...

Can raw honesty, emotional vulnerability, and genuine community build a lasting legacy in an era dominated by superficial clout? In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with Porterville, California hip-hop artist, songwriter, and aspiring author Jlooon. Tracing his journey from skateboarding in a small Central Valley town to writing lyrics alone in his bedroom, Jlooon...

Can raw lyricism, mental health advocacy, and unfiltered truth still thrive in an industry obsessed with quick clout? In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with UK-based rap artist, poet, and published author Sam The Rapper. Tracing his 15-year journey from fast-paced 140 BPM East London grime to conscious storytelling, Sam opens up about the reality of the UK under...

How can independent artists balance spoken word, boom bap hip-hop, and self-production over a decade-long creative journey? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with UK-based MC, spoken word artist, and beatmaker Rychusdon for an in-depth, track-by-track breakdown of his album Snakes and Ladders. Together, they discuss handling 100% of his own production, tacklin...

How can independent producers transition into performing artists while building a career outside major industry hubs? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris sits down with Ipswich-based Dancehall and Jungle artist Genwe to discuss self-producing, performing live, curating events, and upcoming releases for 2026 and 2027.    ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this interview, host Chris catches up...

How do independent artists balance touring between Australia and Nashville while navigating an ever-changing music industry? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris sits down with country artist Brittany Elise to discuss her creative process, live stage evolutions, staying independent, and what’s next for 2026 and 2027. About This Episode In this sit-down interview, host Chris catch...

Country singer-songwriter Scott Southworth returns to 2 Beers With The Band for an honest, value-packed conversation on navigating the music industry as an independent artist. Host Chris Shrum and Scott crack open a cold craft brew while dropping actionable advice on budget-friendly video shoots, creative touring hacks, and knowing when to say no. Episode Overview Setting Boundaries & Family F...

In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, I sit down with West London rapper, poet, author, and overall creative polymath Douki for an unfiltered, deep-dive conversation. While we dive into his multi-faceted career, I’m sipping on an IPA while Douki cracks open a non-alcoholic Guinness 0.0—offering a candid review of its lighter texture and watered-down stout profile as he gets ready for a late-ni...

In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, I sit down with Scotland-based rapper, producer, and events manager Jay Lee for an exclusive, deep-dive interview. While we get into his musical background, I'm cracking open a Change of Heart IPA from Jackalope Brewing Company—a New Zealand-style IPA sitting at a smooth 6.6% ABV that brings a perfect, crisp balance to our session. Right from the first spi...

In the second half of my interview with the incredibly versatile DJ, published author, and music artist SB The Anomoly, we dive straight back into the mental and physical reality of managing a creative empire solo. While we chop it up, I am sipping on a classic Narragansett Lager, featuring their special USA 250th Anniversary Edition can. It has been quite some time since I’ve had a 'Gansett, and...

In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, I sit down with the incredibly talented indie artist Lil Red Fire to talk about music, resilience, and breaking barriers. While I dive into this conversation, I am sipping on a Hitchhiker IPA from Good People Brewing in Birmingham, Alabama—a heavy 7.8% ABV pour featuring a gorgeous, deep gold clarity and a beautifully foamy head. Right from the first sip,...

In the second half of my interview with the incredible UK hip hop and spoken word artist RychusDon, we dive right back into the grind while I sip on a Jackalope Light, locally born and brewed here in Nashville. We start things off with a wild question: if you could have a beer with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? RychusDon takes a completely unique angle, choosing an artist's parent to tru...

In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, I sit down with the enigmatic artist MDV. To set the mood for a talk about traversing the boundaries of extreme genres, I sampled the Cowboy Hazy IPA from North Pine Street Brewing in Berlin, Wisconsin. This 7% ABV brew provided the perfect, bold backdrop for a deep dive into the dual worlds of metal and hip-hop. MDV is a true genre-crosser, balancing th...

In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, I sit down with Danny Riggs, a prolific UK-based singer, songwriter, and rapper who is a true multi-instrumentalist, proficient in guitar, drums, percussion, and keyboard. To fuel our discussion on the contrasts between the Nashville and UK music landscapes, I sampled the Wild Honey Wheat from Yazoo Brewing Company. This Nashville staple, known for its s...

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with UK hip hop artist and independent force Shakezpeare. To set the mood for a conversation about the grit and soul of the British underground, I sampled the Nut Brown Ale from Samuel Smith. This classic brew, known for its traditional English character, provided the perfect backdrop as Shakezpeare sipped his coffee and we dove into the reali...

In this episode of Two Beers with Ben, I sit down with Rychusdon, a unique voice in the UK scene who bridges the gap between the rhythmic flow of hip-hop and the profound resonance of spoken word. To set the mood for a conversation about authenticity and craft, we sampled Level Head from Greene King. This 4% ABV session IPA is a silver medalist at the World Beer Awards, offering a crisp, award-win...

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with award-winning songwriter and Nashville veteran Scott Southworth. To set the mood for a talk about traditional roots, we sampled The Baron from Kaiser Crest Brewery in Lewisburg, TN. This 6.2% ABV Brown Ale is brewed using traditional German malts and recipes from Bamberg, resulting in a "clean," smooth profile with distinct notes of nutti...

In this concluding installment of New Release: The Talk, we pick up where we left off, diving into the second half of Kalvonix’s genre-bending album, Mr. Nostalgia. We’re breaking down the remaining tracks from the high-energy "TKO" to the emotional bookend "Alone in My Room II." To facilitate the deep dive, I’m sipping on Jackalope White, an All-American lager from Nashville’s own Jackalope Brewi...

In this debut installment of our spinoff series, New Release: The Talk, we’re slowing things down to pull apart the layers of Kalvonix’s ambitious new project, Mr. Nostalgia. While we usually just grab a brew and chat, this time we’re breaking down the sound and visuals from the first note to the final frame. Sampling Nashville’s own Mill Creek Brewing, we dive into Shirt Tugger, a 6.2% ABV Americ...