Americana Curious

TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH: THE BIRTH OF THE LONE BELLOW 🎙️ What if heartbreak could spark healing? This episode of Americana Curious is one for the soul. 🎧 We sit down with Zach Williams—frontman of The Lone Bellow—to uncover the raw story of how a life-altering accident became the catalyst for a musical movement. 💔 A broken neck. 🎸 A journal turned song. 🔥 A voice discovered in a Starbucks open mic....

Drew Holcomb is more than just a musician—he’s a cultural force who has spent nearly two decades writing the soundtrack to our lives. You need to know Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors now! In this powerful episode of Americana Curious, Drew opens up about his journey from independent artist to community builder, while staying true to his voice. Discover the man behind the music that has touched mi...

Dirt Road Rising! JD Clayton didn’t wait for permission. He wrote the songs, built the band, produced the album—and now he’s building a movement one dirt road and bass drop at a time. Instead, he's ripping stages across America, self-producing records that slap you in the soul, and proving that roots music doesn’t have to play by the rules. In this episode, we dive into the unpredictable rise of a...

Soulful Reckoning Ever wondered how a band can bridge the gap between rock and roll energy and old-time Appalachian soul? Justin Osborne, the driving force behind Susto, is doing just that. But there's a twist – a journey of self-discovery, a departure from the familiar, and a dive into the heart of Americana. His story is one of transformation and a constant search for meaning. From a background...

Americana Rawness Rules Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers, a cornerstone of modern Americana for two decades, reveals the surprising shift in their songwriting that keeps their sound soulful and timeless. The acclaimed band, beloved by critics and fans alike, has carved a unique path. But how did they maintain their signature sound while navigating the pressures of bigger venues and broader appeal?...

She Returns From War Singer-songwriter Hunter Park, known for her moniker She Returns From War, embodies the spirit of the modern South. With a voice that carries both tenderness and raw power, she's captivating audiences and challenging the status quo. 🎤 But what does it mean to return from war as a musician? 🤔 Hunter's journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and embracing her true identi...

True Voice What does it mean to truly own your voice? Paul McDonald's journey isn't just a career arc; it's a testament to the unwavering spirit of an artist who refused to be defined by anyone else's expectations. From the dizzying heights of an epic finish on American Idol to the soulful depths of his own creation, he walked away from the machine and built something real and powerful. This isn't...

Craziest. Collab. Ever. Stu McLamb and Charles Crossingham of Fancy Gap, share the secrets behind their incredible album and how it became like the musical "Brady Bunch". During the summer of 2020, when the world was in lockdown, Stu and Charles found themselves with a unique opportunity. They decided to reach out to some of their musical heroes, including Sharon Van Etten, Adam Lazzara of Taking...

Singer, Fiddler, Grammy Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, recently Grammy-nominated bluegrass artist, shares her incredible journey from playing fiddle as a child to stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist. Note that she's already won her first Grammy for her work with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway . Discover how the pandemic became a catalyst for her to find her voice and create a Grammy-nominated al...

American Man, American Music Ron Pope, singer-songwriter and founder of Brooklyn Basement Records, shares his unfiltered thoughts on the music industry and the challenges of staying independent. His journey is a testament to his resilience and artistic drive. Discover the untold stories behind his music, the lessons he’s learned, and the inspiration that keeps him going. And don’t miss his latest...

Unleash Your Inner Music Curator Discover how to take control of your music discovery journey and escape the grip of the "Machine Algorithm". Learn about 7 rising Americana artists you need too know now that you're NOT getting to hear and see. Discover the power of supporting independent artists and shaping your musical landscape. Join Ben and Zach as they explore the vibrant world of Americana mu...

Community, Music, and Passion! BJ Barham, the lead singer of American Aquarium, built a vibrant music community from scratch. Discover the highs and lows of his music career, his passion for connecting with fans, and the inspiration behind his band's unique music festivals. Ben an Zach take you behind the scenes of the Road Trip to Raleigh festival, where music becomes a powerful tool for building...

Power changes everything. Ally Venable knows this all too well, and on our latest episode, she reveals how "Money and Power" isn't just an album title, but a battle cry for... The music industry is notoriously challenging, especially for women trying to break through. Imagine facing a world where your voice is constantly drowned out, your talent questioned, and your dreams dismissed. This isn't ju...

Raw. Authentic. Soul. Dive deep into the raw heart of modern blues with Eddie 9 Volt, an artist who's igniting the Americana scene with a sound that's both timeless and fiercely original. On Americana Curious, Eddie takes us behind the scenes of his creative world, revealing the passion and dedication that fuel his music. But what drives an artist to break a guitar in the pursuit of the perfect so...

Irreverently Illuminating... That's Adeem the Artist in a nutshell, and their interview on Americana Curious is an absolute must-listen. Adeem joins us to share a raw, unfiltered look into the experiences that led to their breakout song, "Rotations"....and that's just the tip of the iceberg. The Americana music scene is a microcosm of the larger cultural and societal conversations happening right...

Freedom Created from One Standing Ovation... Katie Pruitt shares her journey of turning personal struggles into powerful, transformative music. Through raw storytelling and fearless honesty, Katie opens up about the life experiences that shaped her artistry and sparked change in her listeners. A defining moment pushed her to fully embrace her truth—and how has it impacted those who hear her music?...

The Change Force Americana Crys Matthews isn’t just a singer-songwriter; she’s a force for change. She shares her journey of blending music with activism, drawing from her upbringing in the AME Church and the rich experiences that have shaped her identity and artistry. From confronting a heckler mid-performance to crafting her upcoming album Reclamation... ...she reveals how her art amplifies unhe...

Zach and Ben unpack the music moments of 2024 that left them changed forever. With stories of unforgettable performances, raw emotions, and unexpected connections, you'll explore how Americana music continues to surprise and inspire. But what moment made this year so transformative—and which artist left the deepest mark? This conversation dives into the heart of music’s power to move and unite us....

What happens when two friends from opposite sides of the country unite over a shared love for Americana music? Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz share the incredible tale of how the show started and how it begun to shape the world of music over six months.. You'll explore the power of music to inspire change and connect people across divides. From unforgettable concerts to the artists who’ve shaped the...

Fame to Fulfillment Toad the Wet Sprocket's Glen Phllips pulls back the curtain on his decades-long musical journey, revealing the emotional highs and lows that shaped his art. He opens up about the pressures of success, how nostalgia has reshaped his audience, and why vulnerability is the core of his craft. You'll get a laugh-out-loud story about a disastrous solo gig that turned unforgettable. Y...

What happens when a genre-defying artist combines humor, introspection, and razor-sharp storytelling to create music that challenges conventions? Aaron Lee Tasjan takes you on a ride through his bold artistic evolution, from bar gigs in New York to the Newport Folk Festival stage. With reflections on authenticity, the creative process, and the complexities of modern Americana, this conversation is...

He Disappeared then Returned to Serve and Sing... What happens when a rising Americana star vanishes, only to come back with a mission—and an album—that redefines storytelling, music, and humor? After several critically acclaimed albums, Darrin Bradbury disappeared from the music scene, leaving fans wondering what happened. Years later, he returned with a profound purpose, leading a homeless outre...

Inside the mind of a true storyteller. Joe Stamm, the frontman of the Joe Stamm Band, takes you on an unforgettable journey behind his latest solo album, Memoirs . Stripped down and raw, Joe’s music captures something rare—a fearless authenticity that resonates deeply. We won’t give it all away, but you’ll hear how this Midwestern artist embraces vulnerability, confronts the challenges of baring h...

Don't miss Bailey Bigger's Post-Show Inspiring Interview... In this heartfelt episode, Americana artist Bailey Bigger opens up about the realities of life on the road. As an independent musician, Bailey shares the often-overlooked challenges of touring—from sleepless nights on broken futons to the struggle of finding comfort in unfamiliar towns. Yet, amidst the hardships, she brings an undeniable...

The Down Home Americana Journey with Ryan Jennings of Teddy and the Rough Riders Ready for an unforgettable ride through the heart of Americana? In this episode, we’re joined by Ryan Jennings, co-founder of Teddy and the Rough Riders, as he reveals the stories behind their unique twist on Americana music. From attic jam sessions in Knoxville to the stage, Ryan brings us along on a journey of frien...