The Livewire with Branden Lee

Episode 31 of The Livewire with Branden features William Alexander, frontman of Senses Divide and solo artist William "Don Alejandro" Alexander, also creating under Natural State of Mind . Branden met William at his Rogers home practice space — the creative ground zero where ideas are written, refined, and shaped before heading into a professional studio to record. The conversation dives into song...

Episode 30 of The Livewire with Branden features RANEY — a rising alternative rock band built on real friendship, shared influences, and undeniable chemistry. Branden sits down with Dustin, Caleb, and Cliff to talk about how the band came together and how late-night writing sessions turned into their debut release, Healing . The conversation dives into their creative process, the emotion behind th...

On the latest episode of LIVEWIRE, I sit down with someone who knows me better than anyone—my partner in life and the mother of my child, Sarah Angela. A musician who spent over a decade touring the country in multiple bands, Sarah shares stories from the road, the songs that shaped her, and the artists who influenced her sound. We also dive into her evolution into photography, creative inspiratio...

Episode 28 of The Livewire features stand-up comedian Kendrea James. Based in Northwest Arkansas and performing across the country, Kendrea joins Branden Lee for a fun, unfiltered conversation about the NWA comedy scene, her favorite local comics, and life on the road. Branden even attempts to convince her to steal another comedian’s joke — purely hypothetical, of course — and Kendrea fires back w...

Episode 27 of The Livewire with Branden welcomes back fan-favorite musician Benjamin Del Shreve for a feel-good, soul-fueling conversation. Benjamin talks about his involvement with To The Table and Executive Chef, Justin Malonson , supporting Feeding NWA, and why showing up for your community matters now more than ever. We dig into his solo writing and acoustic process, how songs come together in...

Episode 26 of The Livewire with Branden features Quinn Landrum of Rocket Coma , musician, artist, and owner of The Smoothie Q’s in Fayetteville — a beloved local hangout for creatives. Quinn talks about recording his latest album with a true music legend, the stories behind those sessions, and how they shaped his sound and vision. We dive into his art-inclusive smoothie shop that doubles as a comm...

On this episode of The Livewire with Branden, he sits down with Madaline Collins and Jonathan Wilkerson , formerly of the band Screamer, to talk music, evolution, and their recent move from Memphis to Northwest Arkansas . Recorded at local musician and artist hub The Smoothie Q’s on Garland in Fayetteville , the conversation dives into a new life after the band, creative rebirth, and finding commu...

Episode 24 of The Livewire with Branden kicks off the new year with a special conversation featuring Little Rock rock band Two Shot Blondie. Branden sat down with Emily, James, Ben in Little Rock at the home of a former bandmate, this laid-back interview dives into the band’s brand-new album, a recall of the Arkansas music scene, and what’s ahead with upcoming shows. Branden and the band also talk...

Episode 23 of The Livewire features an insightful conversation with musician, producer, and bandleader Stacy Jones . Branden Lee catches up with Stacy to talk about his journey through the music industry, from life on the road to working behind the scenes with major artists. The conversation dives into music production, creativity, and the lessons learned from decades of making records and buildin...

In this electrifying episode, Branden sits down with SILENT WVLF , a Northwest Arkansas band taking the scene by storm. Recorded right inside their warehouse practice space, the conversation dives into their musical journey, rapid rise in the region, and the tight-knit chemistry that fuels their sound. The band opens up about their creative process, upcoming shows, and the excitement surrounding t...

Episode 21 of THE LIVEWIRE is a special local charity-focused edition featuring Taylor Reed, a representative from Peace at Home Family Shelter . Branden Lee joins Taylor at the shelter in Fayetteville to explore the vital work they do supporting families in crisis. Taylor shares insights on the shelter’s programs, the essential services they provide, and how they assist individuals of all ages an...

Dustin Ybarra is a high-energy stand-up comedian and actor known for his quick wit, unpredictable punchlines, and wildly expressive stage presence. Seen on The Goldbergs , Gotham , Californication , and stages nationwide, Dustin’s storytelling blends sharp observational humor with a mischievous charm that instantly wins over audiences. Whether he’s riffing on everyday chaos or spinning absurd pers...

Justin Malonson is the executive chef behind Sous Chef, Kilroy Public House, and the heart of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit To The Table , a charity dedicated to feeding families in Northwest Arkansas. Known for his passion, creativity, and generosity, Justin doesn’t just craft incredible dishes in the kitchen — he brings his culinary talent to the community every week, preparing meals for those in need...

In the latest episode of The Livewire with Branden , we talk with Tim Lopez of Plain White T’s fame as he opens up about his evolution as a musician, launching his solo project under the alias Timothy Howls , and the unexpected creative spark that followed years of chart-topping success. We get a great perspective from a singer-songwriter role, and dig into what drives his songwriting now—family l...

Episode 17 of The Livewire with Branden , featuring the unstoppable force that is Chad Tepper . From the moment we started talking, Chad’s energy is contagious — pure motivation wrapped in rockstar attitude. In this episode, we dive into what drives him, how he keeps pushing forward, and the powerful mindset that turns dreams into reality. Whether you’re chasing music, passion, or purpose, Chad’s...

On this episode of The Livewire , I’m joined by Dale Stewart , bassist for the multi-platinum rock band Seether . We talk about their upcoming show at the Walmart AMP , what makes live concerts such a powerful connection between band and fan, and the energy that keeps him doing it night after night. Dale also shares thoughts on the recent passing of Sam Rivers from Limp Bizkit, and the impact of l...

This week on Episode 15 of The Livewire , Branden Lee welcomes stand-up comedian Myles Weber , who’s bringing his quick wit and high-energy humor to The Comedy Zone at Walton Arts Center on October 23rd . Myles shares his journey from discovering his passion for comedy at a young age to building a career that’s as honest as it is hilarious. We talk about his comedic influences, his unique approach...

This week on Episode 14 of The Livewire , Branden Lee chats with Vic Fuentes and Jaime Preciado of Pierce The Veil ! Ahead of their highly anticipated show at the Walmart AMP , the guys share what fans can expect from this stop on their world tour. We talk about the excitement of bringing their new music to the stage, the magic of touring together as family, and how they keep the energy fresh and...

Episode 13 of THE LIVEWIRE with Branden Lee spotlights Laura Newell-Cortina , Music Programmer for The Momentary and Crystal Bridges , as she talks about her important role in finding and booking amazing talent to bring to Northwest Arkansas. Laura gives us the inside scoop on Momentous Festival , happening October 10th and 11th on the grounds of The Momentary, featuring dubstep icons Flux Pavilio...

Episode 12 of THE LIVEWIRE with Branden Lee turns up the laughs with local stand-up favorite Raj Suresh . Raj shares what goes into creating his streaming special Sweep The Leg . As the co-creator of the upcoming Big Diamond Comedy Festival , running October 2nd–4th, Raj gives us a sneak peek into what fans can expect. Plus, this episode features clips from tons of comics performing at the festiva...

Episode 11 of THE LIVEWIRE with Branden Lee features an exclusive conversation with Jeremy McKinnon , lead singer of the powerhouse band A Day To Remember . Jeremy opens up about the band’s evolution from their early days to becoming a defining force in alternative rock and post-hardcore. He shares insights into songwriting, touring, and how he connects with fans worldwide. Branden and Jeremy also...

Episode 10 of THE LIVEWIRE with Branden Lee shines a spotlight on community impact. Every tenth episode features someone making a difference in Northwest Arkansas, and this time we welcome Nate Walls Jr. — the powerhouse behind Second Hand Smoke and SecondHelping.org. Nate shares his passion for giving back, feeding those in need, and building connections across the region. He also explores the fa...

Episode 9 of THE LIVEWIRE with Branden Lee features Jassen Evans, bass player from TV PREACHER , one of Northwest Arkansas’ top punk rock bands. Branden sits down with Jasson in the practice garage in Rogers as he dives into the roots of the band, their energy-packed shows, and why punk still thrives in the Ozarks. He shares his take on the local music scene, calling it one of the best it’s ever b...

Episode 8 of THE LIVEWIRE WITH BRANDEN LEE features an inspiring conversation with Anthony Ball — drummer for the high-energy band Funk Factory , Vice President of Music Depot in Downtown Rogers, and a powerful voice for community and culture in Northwest Arkansas. Anthony isn’t just a musician; he’s a family man, mentor, and activist who’s passionate about lifting others up. In this episode, he o...

In this episode of THE LIVEWIRE WITH BRANDEN LEE , Branden sits down for a phone conversation with Art Alexakis, the legendary frontman of Everclear , just before the band’s performance at Ozark Music Hall in Fayetteville. Art opens up about life offstage, sharing heartfelt thoughts on fatherhood, the evolution of his songwriting, and what continues to fuel his passion for music after decades in t...