Live and Amplified's Indie Fusion Podcast

Australian country artist  Tori Forsyth  joins the  Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast  during CMA Fest to talk about new music, touring the United States, the challenges facing Australia's live music scene, and why authenticity matters more than ever in the age of AI. Fresh off the release of her latest single  "Guns and Little Girls,"  with another release,  "Notice the R...

Country artist  Tori Rose  joins the  Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast  during CMA Fest to talk about her latest single, life in Nashville, songwriting, and building momentum as one of country music's rising independent artists. Fresh off the release of her new single  "South of Southern,"  Tori shares what's been keeping her busy, from performing iconic Nashville stages l...

Country artist Waylon Hanel is back on the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast after more than two years, and this reunion is full of laughs, stories, and everything happening in his career. From building a full band in Michigan to recording new music in Nashville with producer Ken Royster, Waylon shares what life has been like since we last sat down together. We also dive into: His first CMA...

Country artist Gracee Shriver joins the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast during CMA Fest to talk about her debut EP, life in Nashville, touring, and the inspiration behind one of the most fun country projects of the summer. Originally from Oklahoma and now based full-time in Nashville after graduating from Belmont University, Gracee shares the story behind her debut EP "Pretty Psycho,&...

Fresh off an exciting performance at  CMA Fest , rising country artist  Erin Kinsey  joins the  Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast  to talk about new music, her Texas roots, life in Nashville, and what's next in her rapidly growing career. In this episode, Erin shares the story behind performing her new duet with  Dillon Marlowe  live for the first time, discusses upcoming music arriving...

Country singer-songwriter  Byrdie Wilson  joins  Live and Amplified  during CMA Fest for an inspiring conversation about her newest music, life on the road, and the journey that's shaping her career. Byrdie talks about the success of her latest single  "Saving,"  previews her upcoming release  "Redneck Enough,"  and shares what it was like hearing fans sing her songs back t...

Some of the best independent songwriters in Texas took the stage at the Musical Outlaw Showcase in Lorena, Texas for an evening of original music and honest conversations. In this episode of Live and Amplified, we feature performances and interviews with:Featuring:Brant HayworthAlton Ray Lilly MilfordJimmy ZapataHear the stories behind the songs, the inspiration that drives these artists, and what...

We are live from  CMA Fest 2026 at Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee  with another powerful episode of the  Live & Amplified Podcast ! This time, host Tom Kwiat catches up with returning guest  Dzaki Sukarno  to talk about his journey since the last time they met, life on the road, and what’s coming next in his career. Dzaki shares details about his brand new track  “Lone Star Without...

Country artist Trey Calloway joins Live and Amplified from CMA Fest in Nashville for an honest conversation about life on the road, finding the right producer, touring across the Carolinas, and chasing the dream in Music City. Trey shares stories from his journey as an independent artist, working with legendary producer Phil O'Donnell, writing with hit songwriter Kent Blazy, and balancing life...

Dave Fenley joins Live and Amplified from CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville for a conversation filled with Texas music, songwriting, Nashville life, great food, and major career milestones. Dave talks about growing up in Lufkin, Texas, making the move to Nashville, the evolution of the Texas music scene, and receiving the invitation to make his Grand Ole Opry debut. He also shares details about his new a...

Ana Cristina Cash joins Live and Amplified at CMA Fest for an engaging conversation about her bilingual country album  The Sunshine State , recording music in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and the creative process behind blending traditional country sounds with modern influences. Ana shares stories about working with her husband, John Carter Cash, at the legendary Cash Cabin Studio, upcoming c...

Fresh off the excitement of CMA Fest, American Blonde joins us on the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast to talk about their evolution as a band, recording new music with their full band, and the inspiration behind their name change from Southern Halo to American Blonde. We dive into their Mississippi Delta roots, blending country, blues, and rock into their signature sound, life in Nashville...

Australian country artist Rachael Fahim joins us at CMA Fest 2026 for her very first CMA Fest interview! We dive into her journey from Sydney, Australia to Nashville, her experience touring with Jordan Davis, the release of her debut album  Who You Are , and the differences between the Australian and American country music scenes. Rachael also shares valuable advice for independent artists, discus...

Ashland Craft joins the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast at CMA Fest 2026! We talk about her latest album  Dive Bar Beauty Queen , the upcoming deluxe edition, life in Nashville, growing up in South Carolina, her love for Texas Country, favorite artists, songwriting, Willie Nelson, and the growing impact of AI in music. Ashland also shares why authentic songwriting matters more than ever an...

Bri Bagwell joins us on the Live & Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast from The Liberty in Roswell, New Mexico! We dive into life on the road, growing up in New Mexico, building a career in Texas music, the realities of touring, merch sales, social media struggles, fake accounts, songwriting, and the future of live music in an AI-driven world. Bri also shares stories about Green Hall, New Braunfels...

From Bowling Green, Kentucky to stages around the world, the legendary Nappy Roots join us live at CMA Fest 2026 for an unforgettable conversation about their journey, their influence on country rap, and why the connection between country music and hip-hop runs deeper than most people realize. We dive into their early days at Western Kentucky University, the formation of Nappy Roots, their impact...

Lily Meola joins the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast live from CMA Fest! From growing up on Maui and landing her first gig at just 10 years old, to sharing the stage with Willie Nelson and competing on America's Got Talent, Lily's journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, we talk about: • How Willie Nelson discovered her at a small café gig on Maui • Touring with Willie an...

Waka Flocka Flame joins the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast live from CMA Fest in Nashville! In this conversation, Waka opens up about his new music, his growing connection to country music, life in Georgia, the similarities between hip-hop and country culture, and the excitement of preparing for his first child. We also discuss: • Why country and hip-hop are more alike than people realize...

HEMLOCK joins the Live and Amplified Podcast live from Roswell, New Mexico before another explosive show on their current tour. In this episode, the band talks about over 30 years of touring, preparing for their upcoming European festival run, life on the road in a converted school bus, surviving the music industry through changing times, building a dedicated fanbase, and why merchandise is more i...

Chanel West Coast joins Tom Kwiat on the Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast during CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee! Known for her success in hip hop, television, and entertainment, Chanel opens up about her transition into country music, the success of her independent single "Down to the Filter," and why creative freedom means everything to her. She also shares stories about her family...

No guest this time—just Tom Kwiat and Jeff Cabana hanging out for a classic "boys only" episode of the Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast! In this episode, the guys talk about: Preparing for upcoming Musical Outlaw showcases Live sound equipment upgrades and production challenges Podcast growth and content strategy CMA Fest plans and dream interviews Building the #NotNashvilleAppro...

Texas singer-songwriter Amber Westerman joins Tom Kwiat on the Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast for a deep conversation about authenticity, mental health, creativity, and navigating the modern music industry. Amber opens up about: Leaving Nashville and returning home to Texas The pressure of social media and “going viral” Why authenticity matters more than algorithms Burnout in the music i...

Country artist Kenya Reese joins the Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast to talk about her powerful new single “Carry On Cowboy,” growing up between Illinois and Colorado, rodeo culture, social media in country music, and chasing her dream as an independent artist. Kenya shares the emotional story behind “Carry On Cowboy,” inspired by her grandfather’s struggles as a rancher and the mental he...

What happens when real musicians collide with the AI music era? 🤠🎙️ On this episode of Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast, Tom Kwiat sits down with Texas country artist Guy Patrick to talk about the changing music industry, the reality of Spotify payouts, live music culture in Fort Worth & Dallas, songwriting, touring, AI-generated music, authenticity in country music, and why independe...

Leavin Page Town joins the Indie Fusion Podcast to talk about their journey from Minnesota to Texas, life on the road, and why REAL storytelling still matters in country music. From touring through West Texas and playing iconic listening rooms to recording new music and navigating the rise of AI in the industry—this episode dives deep into what it means to stay authentic as independent artists. We...