Americana Curious

There’s a kind of wisdom that only comes from the road. Soren Staff from Them Coolee Boys summed it up in six words: “Change breaks you before it makes you.” He wasn’t being dramatic — just honest. Because for them, it’s not theory. They’ve lived it. From playing 10 a.m. festival slots while people were still setting up tents — “The first time we played there… it was like 10 a.m. on a Friday… the...

Briscoe has an incredible story, and you need to hear it now! Two redheaded kids in the same pair of Chaco sandals at summer camp. A back-porch pact to start a band if they ever wound up at the same college. And now—sharing the stage with Dave Matthews and lighting up the Newport Folk Festival. You’ll want to say you discovered this band first. 🔥 From campfire harmonies of John Prine’s “Paradise”...

He’s the man behind “Wagon Wheel” — the song that went from a Bob Dylan fragment to a global anthem, covered by Darius Rucker, sung at campfires, weddings, and stadiums everywhere. But few know the real story of how it was written. In this exclusive interview, Ketch Secor , founder of Old Crow Medicine Show , shares: -How “Wagon Wheel” was finished when he was just 17 -What it was like taking old-...

Mainstream country radio has no room for voices like Luke Tyler Shelton —and that’s exactly why his music matters. In this episode of Americana Curious , Ben and Zach sit down with rising Americana artist Luke Tyler Shelton , whose debut album Blue Sky (produced by Shooter Jennings) is already winning over true music lovers. From writing songs in parking lots to sharing the stage at Willie Nelson’...

Sammy Rae and The Friends didn’t just start a band—they sparked a movement. 🎤✨ In this unforgettable interview, Sammy Rae and The Friends reveal the wild story behind a tour bus breakdown that turned into something legendary…and the moment a single letter changed everything. From sold-out shows at Red Rocks to creating a global community of belonging, Sammy Rae and The Friends share how their hi...

From Dive Bars to John Mayer: The Last Revel’s Journey is Unbelievable! Three musicians. One relentless vision. And a record that feels like the point of no return. From Midwest dive bars to sharing stages with John Mayer, The Last Revel has always played like there’s something at stake. But this time…it’s different. They locked themselves away in a legendary studio. They called in heroes to push...

He didn’t chase the spotlight. He built a bonfire of truth—and let the crowd find him. Ryan Necci never set out to be a full-time musician and songwriter. He was a graphic designer. A weekend warrior. Then life cracked wide open. A brain tumor. A rescue dog fighting cancer. A marriage ending. And through it all—songs poured out. 🎶 Songs that bruised like Springsteen. 🖤 Lyrics that cut like Isbel...

700 Million Streams. No Label - Sons of the East 🎶 They tracked a stolen tour bus with AirTags. 🎤 They played their hearts out in front of Bill Murray . 🩲 And yes… they lost a full cube of fresh undies on tour. Sons of the East didn’t blow up overnight. They built their global cult following the hard way: No major label. No viral gimmick. Just killer harmonies, soulful songs, and relentless tou...

From Monkey’s Eyebrow to the Country Music Hall of Fame She learned to write songs before she learned to drive. Raised in the swampy river bottoms of rural Kentucky—riding a John boat to her dad’s hunting lodge— Kelsey Waldon found her way from front porches and thumb-picked guitars to sharing stages with Willie Nelson and Tanya Tucker. 🎙 Signed to John Prine’s legendary Oh Boy Records 🎧 Played t...

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?...