On That Note

Atlanta-based indie folk-pop artist Ben Strawn is carving out a sound that’s warm, textured, and emotionally resonant. With heartfelt lyricism, layered arrangements, and a steady evolution as a performer and producer, Ben is quickly becoming a name to watch in the Southeast indie scene. His latest single, “Memories,” marks a stunning leap forward—an immersive, almost cinematic track that weaves lu...

Zach Butler is an indie rock and alt-country singer-songwriter and producer based in Macon, Georgia. A returning guest of the pod, Zach just released his self-produced album All Shall Be Well , a poignant and richly layered collection that blends southern storytelling with experimental textures. Drawing from a deep well of Americana roots and modern indie influences, Zach crafts songs that feel bo...

I sat down with folk-pop singer-songwriter NJ , just ahead of the release of her debut album Different Girl , dropping April 11. With a voice that blends the emotional clarity of Lizzy McAlpine, the introspective charm of ROLE MODEL, and the pop polish of Ariana Grande, NJ is carving out her own unique lane in the alt-pop world and local Atlanta music scene. We chatted about the creative journey b...

Atticus Roness is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his sharp hooks, lush arrangements, and a relentless pursuit of melody. His previous album, Square One , introduced listeners to his knack for blending power pop sensibilities with introspective lyricism. Now, with his highly anticipated follow-up, Power Pop World Domination —out Friday, April 4th via Cageriot—Roness is doub...

Bedon is a wildly talented electronic pop/rock singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Nashville, TN. Blending lush soundscapes with dynamic songwriting, he crafts music that pushes the boundaries of genre while maintaining an emotional core. On this episode of On That Note , we dive into the making of his latest album, i love you i’ll die , breaking down his production tec...

Tyler Key is a singer-songwriter and pedal steel guitarist from Bowdon, GA, now based in Atlanta. Blending folk storytelling with vintage rock & roll, his music leans into raw, heartfelt narratives. His albums, including Long Run the Fugitives and Wild Azaleas and Other Tall Tales , showcase his knack for weaving honest, lived-in tales. Beyond his solo work, Key is a go-to pedal steel player,...

On today's episode of OTN, I had on one of the most interesting and boundary-pushing experimental pop artists currently in Atlanta, SUDIE! SUDIE is known for her ethereal vocals, experimental production, and genre-blending sound that fuses elements of pop, jazz, and electronica. Drawing comparisons to artists like Grimes and Björk, she crafts deeply personal and avant-garde music. Be on the l...

For the first time since October of 2021, my good friend and indie rock / pop crooner Desmond Myers joins me for an enlightening discussion on OTN! We got to chat about the writing and recording process of his newest EP, 'How To Break a Heart' as well as his most recent single, 'Intuition'. We also discussed his musical career, artistic advice, sonic evolution, collaborating wi...

Today’s guest is my good friend and indie singer songwriter / producer, Chris Hart! Chris was a staple in the Atlanta music scene for six years before moving to London in February of 2024 to continue his career across the pond.  Chris’ newest single, ‘Selfish’ is the second single off of his upcoming debut album. In it, he talks about his feelings of excitement about moving to a new part of the wo...

Spencer Thomas is back for his third episode here on On That Note! When I first started this podcast, I did over 100 interviews over zoom, but Spencer was my very first in-person interview ever! He's an indie rock / country singer songwriter and multi instrumentalist with a knack for killer hooks and lyricism. For a couple of years he was also the touring keyboardist for Futurebirds! Today, w...

Perfect Animal has been ensconced in the local Atlanta music scene since their first release back in 2022 with their single 'California'. Today, their frontman Eric Peters joins me on the pod to discuss the making of their full-length debut album 'Soft Applause', which was released mid April of 2024.  We got to talk about a wide range of topics including their creative process,...

Naoma is an indie pop and disco artist based in Atlanta, GA! Her powerhouse vocals and hip-shaking tunes are a standout amongst the musical community here.  In October of 2024, she independently released her debut album 'Goddess of Groove'. Featuring singles like 'Dance Bitch!', 'Permission', 'One of a Kind' and 'Ring Ring', Naoma's fiery hook...

Aaron Rizzo is a multi-talented powerhouse. Honing his skills as a singer songwriter and producer in Rochester, NY, he moved to Atlanta two years ago and quickly immersed himself in the indie artist community here.  He recently announced that he'll be competing on season 27 of The Voice, airing on Peacock starting February 3rd! On this episode, we chat about his musical upbringing, artists he...

Our first episode of OTN after a nine month hiatus had to be a favorite among out podcast guests, Elijah Johnston! EJ has been on the pod a couple of times to have a fun and enlightening chat and this one is no different!  Elijah is an indie rock singer songwriter and based in Atlanta, GA. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and dynamic blend of pop, rock, and folk influences, Elijah has garnered a ded...

We are so back!!! In this quick snippet I go over what's been going on over the last nine months since my last episode! Lots of fun acting and music things :) I'm so excited for On That Note to be up and running again but this time in ATLANTA! OTN 2025 BABY LETS GO

Ancient Infant is back for their second round of OTN! Morgan Paxton and Robert King join me to chat about their newest single, 'Panda in Japan' off their upcoming sophomore EP! We got to discuss their creative process, recording at Chase Park Transduction studios, touring life, Temper Trap, favorite producers, and much more! Give them a follow on Spotify and Instagram! https://open.spoti...

Marie Marie is an indie pop band comprised of SaVana Cameron and Winston Westerman. Based out of Athens, GA the group joins me on the pod to discuss the making of their debut single, 'I Could Be Wrong', which was produced by previous OTN guest 'Jesse Mangum' from The Glow Studios! We got to chat about their songwriting process, working at The Glow, navigating stage fright, teac...

Jack & Jealous are an indie rock band based out of Athens, GA!  Comprised of brothers Ian and Isaac White, Jack & Jealous are set to release their debut album later this year. Their most recent single, 'Heads Up' is out now on all streaming platforms! We got to discuss their songwriting process, brotherly love, musical influences, adoption, ableton live, guitar moves, and much mo...

My guests today are Dylan Keel and Lars Hefner, co-founders of Athens Music Now! AMN is a grassroots initiative committed to the perseverance and continuation of the Athens music scene. Their goal is to promote music business education by providing resources for working artists and musicians within the Athens community! We got to chat about their origin story, issues facing the Athens music scene,...

Honeypuppy is an electrifying indie rock group based in Athens, GA. Fronted by Josie Callahan, Honeypuppy invokes an off-kiltered nursery rhyme on their debut EP 'Nymphet' out January 24th on Indecent Artistry. Joining Josie is Adam Wayton, one of the producer / engineers responsible for creating this EP as well as previous OTN guests Telemarket! We got to discuss their songwriting proce...

Nicholas Mallis is an indie dance singer songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist based in Athens, GA. Nicholas blurs the lines between reality and fiction on his most recent album, 'Product Placement', which is chock full of danceable tunes.  We got to chat about his songwriting process, musical influences, pepto bismol, what he's learned in 10 years of making music, and the...

We're kicking off the first episode of 2024 with friend of the pod and local favorite, Spencer Thomas, an Americana rock singer songwriter based in Athens, GA. Every conversation I have with Spencer always leaves me feeling light and introspective.  Back for the second time, Spencer joins me to chat about his new single 'Desperate Man', one of a handful of singles leading up to the...

Caughy is an Atlanta-based indie dance singer songwriter and producer! They'll be making their Athens debut at Flicker Theater on Decmber 30th! They've been releasing music for the last four years, with their latest album 'Luna' having been released in July of 2023. Make sure to check out their newest single, 'Between' Out now on all streaming platforms! We got to cha...

Drew Vandenberg is an incredibly accomplished music producer and engineer based in Athens, Ga. The long list of artists he's worked with includes Faye Webster, Futurebirds, Spellling, Kishi Bashi, S.G. Goodman, Night Palace, Of Montreal, Mothers, Drive-By Truckers, Widespread Panic, Toro y Moi and Deerhunter! Today, we got to chat about recording techniques, his love for Animal Collective, mi...

Brandon Steinhaur AKA Spitehound is an exciting, up-and-coming indie artist based in Athens, GA! If you're into indie rock artists like Alex G, Big Thief, and Pinegrove, you're going to want to check out Spitehound's debut EP, 'Tourniquet'! We got to chat about his writing and recording process, musical influences, finding his voice, lessons he's learned since the sta...