Live and Amplified's Indie Fusion Podcast

Susie McCollum | Finding Her Sound, Navigating Chicago’s Music Scene, and Releasing “Abigail”In this episode of the Live and Amplified: IndieFusion Podcast, host Tom Kwiat sits down with New York–born, Chicago-based singer-songwriter Susie McCollum for a deep dive into her creative journey. 🌆🎶Susie shares how her roots in theater and storytelling influence her songwriting, what it’s like to buil...

Bandana Cheyenna joins the  Indiefusion Podcast  to share her incredible journey from Ohio to Nashville — and how a song she co-wrote, “Austin” by Dasha, became a breakout success that changed her life. In this episode, we talk about: 🎵 Writing hit songs and navigating Nashville’s creative grind 🚐 Living the nomad “van life” while chasing a songwriting dream 🌍 Her upcoming project  The Artist’s...

On this episode of the  Indiefusion Podcast , Tom Kwiat sits down with rising country artist  Olivia Harms  — fresh off Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton’s hit series  The Road . Olivia opens up about touring with her band  The Roadrunners , filming behind the scenes of  The Road , and how Gretchen Wilson pushed her out of her comfort zone. She also teases new music on the way for 2026, shares sto...

British singer-songwriter  Nia Nicholls  joins  Tom Kwiat  on the  IndieFusion Podcast  to talk about her bold new single  “I’m a Marionette” , the upcoming  theatrical EP , and her creative shift away from traditional country roots. Nia shares stories from her travels to Australia and Austria (where “I’m a Marionette” was inspired), what it’s like hosting radio shows across the UK, and how she’s...

Billie Jo Jones joins Tom Kwiat on the Indiefusion Podcast to talk about her new album Turquoise & Silver, her journey as a songwriter, and what it’s like competing on CBS’s The Road. From her emotional stories behind each song to balancing motherhood, touring, and TV, Billie Jo opens up about the reality of chasing dreams in country music. 🎶 Topics covered: Writing and recording Turquoise &a...

On this episode of the Indiefusion Podcast, host Tom Kwiat reconnects with country artist Terry McBride for a heartfelt conversation almost a year after their last chat. Terry talks about his upcoming hometown show in Lampasas, supporting the Lampasas Heritage Foundation, and shares stories from the road — including playing with Tracy Byrd and celebrating Tony Brown’s induction into the Country Mu...

In this episode of Indiefusion, Tom Kwiat sits down with Nashville-based singer-songwriter Stacy Antonel live from the Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival. Stacy opens up about her move from San Diego to Nashville, the changing soul of Music City, her love for Texas audiences, and the real struggles indie artists face—touring costs, finding producers, and keeping creativity alive. They also dive...

Gloria Anderson returns to the  Indiefusion Podcast  live from the  Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival  for a fun and candid conversation! In this episode, Gloria talks about: 🎸 Touring the country with the Nashville Road Show 🤠 Bringing Texas vibes to Nashville through her “Texas Two” showcase 🎶 Her upcoming  new single with Morgan Lee Powers 💿 The hustle of being an independent musician in...

Join host  Tom Kwiat  live from the  Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival  as he sits down with Austin-area artist  Meagan Tubb . They dive into her brand-new gospel-infused rock album, the vibrant local music scene, and why authenticity still matters in a world driven by AI. From Southern Rock influences to raising the next generation of songwriters, Meagan shares her journey, creative process,...

In this episode of the  IndieFusion Podcast , host  Tom Kwiat  sits down with  Ananda Murari  at the  Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival  for an inspiring conversation on creativity, connection, and the evolving role of songwriters in an AI-driven world. Ananda shares insights on the rich music scene in Michigan, his creative process, and why he believes songwriting is one of the last truly  hum...

Live from the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival, host  Tom Kwiat  sits down with Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and cellist  Sarah Clanton  for an inspiring, down-to-earth conversation about music, creativity, and life on the road. Sarah shares her journey from discovering the cello in Colorado to building a vibrant career in Nashville — blending pop, folk, and soul with her signature cha...

Singer-songwriter and saxophonist  Sophie Seng  joins  Tom Kwiat  live from the  Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival to talk about her journey from California to Austin, the inspiration behind her music, and how she balances her solo project with playing in multiple bands. They dive into topics like: Why Sophie chose Austin over Nashville How live music is thriving in the age of AI The evolution...

Support JD Graham: https://open.spotify.com/artist/77VM2InhV5flSTAfolr3fB?si=3D6NKku8QLicELEvImDRqA Check out The Festival: https://www.destinationdrippingsprings.com/p/events/dripping-springs-songwriters-festival Check out Hudsons on Mercer: https://www.hudsonsonmercer.com On this episode of the IndieFusion Podcast, host Tom Kwiat sits down with the incredible JD Graham — a songwriter whose journ...

In this episode of the IndieFusion Podcast, Tom Kwiat sits down with country rap legend Colt Ford for a raw, inspiring conversation about survival, reinvention, and staying true to real musicianship. Colt opens up about the accident that nearly took his life, his year-long recovery, and how it completely changed his voice, mindset, and approach to music. He talks about dropping over 130 pounds, ge...

Country outlaw  Creed Fisher  joins host  Tom Kwiat  on the  IndieFusion Podcast  for a raw, unfiltered conversation about his upcoming album, his Texas roots, and life as one of country music’s hardest-working artists. From golf tournaments with  Jamey Johnson  and  Ron White , to releasing  four albums in a single year , Creed opens up about creativity, balance, and what it really takes to live...

Australian artist  Hannah Crossrose  joins Tom Kwiat on this episode of the  IndieFusion Podcast  to talk about her powerful new single  “Fading Light” , the inspiration behind changing her stage name, and her evolution into the alt-country scene. Hannah opens up about finding creative balance, studying hypnotherapy, and how her personal growth is shaping her artistry. If you love authentic conver...

In this episode of  IndieFusion Podcast , host  Tom Kwiat  sits down with Texas singer-songwriter  Dustin Brown  live from  InaJam 2025  to talk about the grind of running a grassroots music festival, the ups and downs of the indie music scene, and how his latest album unexpectedly blew up—landing him on the same chart as Willie Nelson. They dive into everything from the reality of festival life,...

Cameron Smith | In a Jam Down by the River

Ethan Pacheco & Joel Allen | In a Jam Down by the River

Billy Hartman | In a Jam Down by the River 2025

Back Row King | In a Jam Down by the River 2025 Back Row King joins Tom Kwiat live from  InnerJam 2025  for a laid-back and honest conversation about songwriting, staying independent, and keeping music fun. From his latest studio sessions in Fort Worth to life in Hutto, TX — Back Row King shares what it’s like balancing creative freedom, day jobs, and the drive to keep making music. They also look...

On this episode of the  Live and Amplified IndieFusion Podcast , we sit down with  Marsha Craft  — a singer-songwriter who traded in her paintbrush and film sets of Los Angeles for guitars and river jams in Austin, TX. Marsha shares her creative evolution from theatrical stage design and music video production to writing heartfelt songs that connect with audiences on a deep level. We talk about th...

Singer-songwriter  Katie Mae  joins us live at  In a Jam Down by the River 2025  to talk about her journey from punk rock frontwoman to leading her Americana-country project,  Katie Mae & The Lubrication . We dive into her new solo EP — born from a songwriter residency in Bisbee, AZ — her creative process, balancing music and teaching, and how Arizona’s music scene continues to evolve. 🎧 List...

In this episode of the  Indiefusion Podcast , recorded live at  Inner Jam Down by the River 2025 , we sit down with  Wheeler and the Wounded  to talk about life, songwriting, and staying creative while juggling family, teaching, and music. Wheeler opens up about the challenges of managing a full plate—four kids, teaching, and chasing the dream—while still finding time to write, record, and release...

Singer-songwriter  John Cico  joins us live at  In a Jam Down by the River 2025  to talk about his new album release, Lafayette’s evolving music scene, and the surprising comeback of  vinyl and cassettes . From the energy of intimate river stage shows to backyard crawfish boils, this conversation dives deep into the  heart of Louisiana’s creativity, culture, and community . We also get real about...