Americana Curious

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...

🎶 Three Concerts That Transformed Our Lives 🎶 In this special episode of Americana Curious, we reveal the unforgettable concerts that transformed our lives. From a legendary folk icon who redefined storytelling... ...to a larger-than-life rock band that filled stadiums with raw energy.... ...and a surprise festival set that turned strangers into lifelong friends. We share the moments that ignite...

Make Your Own Scene like Steve Poltz..the most interesting person in every room. He's a true pioneer who believes in forging your own musical destiny—and WOW, has he done just that! Steve’s journey began with the underground sensation The Rugburns in San Diego, but he truly burst onto the scene when he co-wrote two tracks for Jewel’s diamond-certified debut, Pieces of You . Ever heard of the iconi...

Avry Truex, a rising star in the Americana music scene, shares the harrowing moment that launched his musical career. You'll hear his unique journey from being a dedicated collegiate athlete to becoming a passionate songwriter and performer. With an eclectic sound influenced by legends like John Prine and Sturgill Simpson, Avry emphasizes the importance of absorbing the good qualities from those a...

Harmony Over Hardship Ashtyn Barbaree is known for her soul-stirring vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and electrifying performances. She shares the tragedy that inspired songs on her new album plus the hope she derived from crafting and performing them. You'll also here about her incredible career and music journey....and she's just getting started1 Ashtyn hails from Fayetteville, Arkansas/ Her journey k...

Eli Waltz stays true to his artistic vision... ...and this drives a captivating conversation with this standout figure in the contemporary Americana scene. Eli's had an extraordinary journey as a folk musician, shaped by a myriad of cultural influences. He shares his transformative experiences as a working musician in China—where he didn’t just perform in bars and busk on the streets, but also abs...

Ghost Hounds are putting blues rock back on the map. Their style of blues inspired rock proves the genre is not only alive but thriving for the next generation of rock fans. Having just wrapped up touring with the Rolling Stones, you'll hear their stories from the road and the incredible background. They have released four studio albums to date. They've also supported legendary acts including ZZ T...

Humor and Heart John Craigie is “A Modern-Day Troubadour” in the vein of Woody Guthrie, and blends comedic storytelling reminiscent of Mitch Hedberg with the spirit of musical legends like John Prine, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and Bob Dylan. Born in Los Angeles and a UC Santa Cruz grad with a math degree, Craigie started playing local shows in Santa Cruz, leading to his 2009 breakthrough album Montan...

Pure Power Americana Griffin William Sherry, former frontman of The Ghost of Paul Revere, returns with an electrifying solo debut that’s as raw and passionate as it is inspiring. Rooted in the rugged landscapes of New England, Griffin’s new album blends modern catharsis with the timeless soul of American myth. His signature style fuses Folk, Americana, and Rock & Roll, creating music that is v...

A 24 Karat Connection Dive into the captivating story of Golden Everything, the husband-wife duo of Jackie Berkley and Zach Schmidt, whose genuine connection powerfully shines through in their music. You'll hear how a happy accident led to the creation of their debut album, "Sweet Old World," and the unique process that allowed them to find their distinct sound. Then you'll uncover the struggles a...

Loss, Love, and Loneliness Get inspired by Bob Sumner. Who melds those "3 L's" into a powerful Countrypolitan Album coming soon called called Some Place To Rest Easy . It’s a mix of country and ambient music that combines the classic sound of Randy Travis with the heartfelt lyrics of Big Thief’s Adrienne Lenker, blending old and new styles. Bob’s goal is simple: bring something real. Whether it’s...

Jamgrass Psychedelic Energy! INTO THE FOG -- This psychedelic jamgrass band from Raleigh, North Carolina, is redefining the newgrass scene with timeless songwriting, tight harmonies, and progressive instrumentation. With Winston Mitchell on mandolin, Derek Lane on bass, and Connor Kozlosky on guitar—all sharing vocal duties—their sound is a powerful blend of bluegrass, funk, and everything in betw...

RUSTIC AND RIGHTEOUS Joshua Quimby, a 23-year-old folk singer-songwriter redefining Americana music, emerges from the serene woods of eastern Connecticut Now thriving in Nashville, Tennessee, Joshua fuses powerhouse vocals, raw, emotive lyrics, and masterful folk-blues guitar into a sound that's both timeless and trailblazing. Inspired by legends like Bob Dylan, Hank Williams Sr., and John Prine,...

The Funky Allman Masterpiece DEVON ALLMAN, the fierce songwriter, guitarist, and bandleader, shares the incredible story and inspiration behind his new album Miami Moon, a fresh perspective on music, and road tales from his epic career... -Three solo albums. -Founding member of The Allman Betts Band that includes the sons of three founding members of the Allman Brothers Band – Devon Allman (s...

The Viral Voice Madison Hughes is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse in the Americana music scene, firmly rooted in Nashville. Her career has already seen incredible moments, including a sensational three-chair turn on The Voice with her stunning rendition of Bob Dylan’s classic, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” She also took the internet by storm with her electrifying cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Danc...

POWER HARMONY Trousdale is a powerful female band consisting of Quinn D’Andrea, Georgia Greene, and Lauren Jones. Based in Los Angeles, Trousdale was founded during their time at the University of Southern California's Popular Music program. Their melodic and heartfelt harmonies are often compared to The Chicks and The Staves, but the girls draw inspiration from a wide array of music, including Cr...

LOUDEST THREE PIECE YOU'VE EVER HEARD Get inspired by Mike Belazis from the incredible band OLIVER HAZARD….. They are a Waterville, OH indie-folk trio and it's the digital age’s version of classic band myth making.  One member of the band came home to Ohio after leading camping trips in California and decided to make an album with two childhood friends.  They won a Facebook raffle to rec...