Hops & Spirits Bar Conversations

We sit down with country artist and songwriter Ryan Jewel to talk about his journey from Front Royal, Virginia, to Nashville and the release of his sophomore album, Barrel Full of Whiskey. Ryan shares how growing up in the Shenandoah Valley, spending summers with his grandfather in South Carolina, and discovering music at a young age helped shape him as a songwriter. He also talks about earning a...

On this episode of Bar Conversations, we chat with Australian singer-songwriter and rodeo cowboy Wade Forster to talk about his journey from a 60,000-acre cattle station in outback Queensland to an international country music career. Wade shares stories from his years as a farrier and rodeo competitor, teaching himself guitar after buying his first one for $50 on Facebook Marketplace, and the musi...

On this episode of Bar Conversations, Jonathan chats with Michael Lee, of the soul and blues band Michael Lee & The Wartime Limousine, ahead of the group’s self-titled debut album arriving Oct. 30. Michael talks about growing up in Texas, discovering the blues, sneaking into Dallas blues clubs as a teenager, and the musical influences that continue to shape his sound. He also looks back at his...

Rising singer-songwriter Kinsley joins Bar Conversations to talk about about her journey into music and the story behind her debut EP Learn to Live, which arrives September 25. Kinsley talks about growing up between California, Texas and Tennessee, her early love of poetry, discovering songwriting, and finding an audience through her intimate “Midnight Sessions” on YouTube. She also opens up about...

Matt Koziol is back on Bar Conversations for his second appearance on the show. The country artist and songwriter talks about growing up in New Jersey, Elvis’ influence, buying his first guitar for $10, and recording his first demo at 15. Matt also shares the advice from his junior high music teacher Reggie Turner that helped shape his approach to music and life. He discusses signing with Casual R...

Rising singer-songwriter Onoleigh joins the Bar Conversations to talk about her journey from a small town in Illinois and a career in social work to pursuing music full-time in Nashville. She shares the moment she decided to take the leap, her early days playing Broadway at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, her breakthrough 2025 EP First Rodeo, and the experiences that shaped her as an artist and songwrite...

Country singer-songwriter Dan Alley joins Bar Conversations to talk about his journey from growing up in a musical family in Ohio to becoming a Nashville songwriter and recording artist. Dan shares stories from playing local bars as a teenager, moving to Nashville, and learning from legendary songwriters like Dean Dillon and Brent Cobb. Dan also discusses writing hits for artists including Luke Br...

Nashville-based trio The Woods joins the Bar Conversations for a wide-ranging chat about music, friendship, songwriting, and the unlikely paths that brought Dan O'Rourke, Raquel Cole, and Leland Rooney together. Dan shares the wild story of winning a karaoke contest at a retirement community in Arizona before going on NBC's The Voice, while Leland and Raquel talk about their own journeys t...

Country singer-songwriter Danny Griego joins Bar Conversations for an incredible conversation about resilience, music and the life experiences that shaped his career. Danny shares the unbelievable story of being struck by lightning just before law school, how learning classical guitar became part of his recovery, and why his grandfather's Spanish guitar remains one of the most meaningful instr...

Diamond Dixie joins Bar Conversations to talk about their upcoming EP Time Well Wasted, arriving August 21, and the journey that has taken sisters Gabriela and Bianca LeDuc from growing up in Orlando to building a successful country music career together. The duo reflects on finding their musical foundation through their family, learning guitar from their dad, discovering their natural harmonies,...

Late Night Thoughts joins Bar Conversations to talk about their latest EP Coming Back Home, the friendship that sparked the folk-pop duo, and the journey that has taken them from college classmates to touring artists. Brian Amado-Rauch and Michael Harlow share stories from their early days releasing music, including their debut single “Sh*t Happens,” and how their sound and songwriting have evolve...

Country rock band Futurebirds joins Bar Conversations to talk about their new double album Far Out Country, with the full 18-song project arriving on vinyl June 5, Part I available now on streaming services, and Part II set for release later this year. Daniel “Womz” Womack and Thomas “Tojo” Johnson discuss the band's journey since forming in 2008, how the core group has remained together for n...

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Stephen Day joins Bar Conversations to talk about his latest single “Rock Bottom Baby,” his journey from Georgia to Nashville, and the experiences that have shaped his unique blend of music. Stephen reflects on growing up in a musical family, discovering his mother’s guitar, and finding inspiration in artists like John Mayer that sparked his passion for songwritin...

Country singer-songwriter Dave Fenley joins Bar Conversations to talk about his new album Rest Of My Life, the long road that led to the project, and the experiences that continue to shape both his music and personal life. Dave reflects on growing up between Texas and Canada, singing harmonies with his father after baseball games and in church, fronting a rock band during the grunge era, and event...

Country singer-songwriter and guitarist Landon Smith joins Bar Conversations to talk about his latest single “Lavender,” his rise from Georgia college bars to Nashville, and the experiences shaping his next chapter as an artist. Landon reflects on growing up in McDonough, playing in bands throughout middle and high school, and cutting his teeth performing frat parties at Georgia Southern Universit...

Country singer-songwriter Drake White returns to Bar Conversations to talk about his latest music, including the single “Tradition,” and his powerful documentary Ladder to the Sky: A Hunt’s the Healing Story. Drake reflects on his Alabama roots, family life, faith and the journey that has shaped both his music and mindset—from surviving a life-altering stroke in 2019 to becoming an advocate for br...

Country singer-songwriter CJ Solar talks about their new single “Black Label Blues,” the title track from the CJ Solar & The Old Souls forthcoming album. CJ reflects on his Louisiana roots, growing up in Baton Rouge, and the early influences that shaped his path—from starting a band with his brothers at age 10 to a life-changing trip to the Grand Ole Opry that sparked his love for songwriting....

Country rock band Cigarettes @ Sunset joins Bar Conversations to talk about their new EP Possum Rock and the journey from the Blue Ridge Mountains to life on the road. Featuring Garrett Dellinger, Wells Whitman, Sarah Vann, Ryland Bagbey, and Ethan Moore, the band reflects on how friendships formed in the Boone and Banner Elk, North Carolina area helped shape their sound, along with the mountain c...

Country artist and songwriter Styles Haury joins Bar Conversations to talk about his upcoming 5 TO 9 EP, out May 15, and the journey that took him from blue-collar roots to Nashville success. Raised between Northeast Ohio and North Carolina, Styles shares how family, faith and a strong work ethic shaped his path—from working as a union pipefitter to chasing music full-time, backed by the unforgett...

Country singer-songwriter Filmore joins Bar Conversations to talk about his latest album Atypical and the journey that’s defined his career in Nashville. Filmore reflects on growing up in Missouri, discovering music in an unexpected way, and eventually making the leap to Nashville in 2011—selling his Jeep to chase the dream. From his breakout hit Slower to building a fanbase one show at a time, he...

Country singer-songwriter Ashland Craft joins Bar Conversations to talk about her latest album dive bar beauty queen, out now, along with newly released reimagined collaborations from the project. Ashland reflects on growing up in South Carolina, where a blue-collar upbringing and strong work ethic helped shape her authentic sound. From learning guitar by watching CMT to singing in church and play...

Country singer-songwriter Leah Blevins joins Bar Conversations to talk about her new album All Dressed Up, out March 20, 2026, and the path that led her from Sandy Hook to Nashville. Leah reflects on growing up in a musical, faith-driven family in Eastern Kentucky, the early influences that shaped her sound, and the journey of embracing her natural voice after being told she was “too country.” She...

Country artist Austin Michael joins Bar Conversations to talk about his new album Lonestar, released March 6, and the milestone of making his Grand Ole Opry debut. Austin reflects on growing up on a ranch in Van Alstyne, where life revolved around rodeo, roping, hunting, and fishing. He shares how those Texas roots helped shape his identity and storytelling, the music he grew up listening to, and...

Country singer-songwriter Paul Cauthen joins Bar Conversations to talk about his upcoming fifth album Book of Paul, arriving April 3, 2026, and the life experiences that shaped the record. Paul reflects on growing up in East Texas, singing harmony in church without instruments, and learning from his grandfather—moments that helped develop the powerful “Big Velvet” voice fans know today. He also lo...

Country artist Savannah Dean Reeves joins Bar Conversations to talk about her latest single Get Me Everytime and the Kentucky roots that continue to shape her sound and stage presence. Savannah shares how her love of music began singing in the back seat with her mom, putting on ticketed “shows” with her pink childhood guitar, and eventually stepping onto real stages — from local dive bars to the K...