On the Record with Live Music Junkiez

Five-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and vocalist Esperanza Spalding has spent her career redefining the boundaries of jazz, improvisation, and creative expression. In this episode, we dive into a thoughtful conversation about the deeper purpose of music, artistic freedom, collaboration, and the philosophies that continue to shape her journey. Esperanza reflects on the power of music as a t...

In this episode, I’m joined by 11-time GRAMMY-winning bassist and bandleader Christian McBride for a conversation about his journey through jazz, mentorship, and building a lasting career in music. We talk about his early start—picking up the bass at age nine, learning from his father, and quickly finding his place in the jazz world. From there, Christian shares what it was like stepping into the...

In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Joy of Cannons for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, resilience, and the journey behind their latest album, Everything Glows . We talk about how the band has stayed true to their sound from the very beginning, what it took to build a career independently, and the turning points that shaped their evolution over more than a decade. Michelle also shar...

Grammy and Latin Grammy-nominated  Cimafunk  is bringing Afro-Cuban funk to the global stage — blending deep musical roots with an energy that turns every performance into a full-body experience. In this episode, we talk about his creative process, the influences that shape his sound, and how he’s built a style that connects cultures through rhythm and groove. From spontaneous songwriting moments...

What happens when hip-hop & hardcore energy collide with synth-driven beats? In this episode, I’m joined by Jay Webster, frontman of Dallas-based band UnityTX, for a conversation about carving out a unique space in heavy music and staying true to the heart and soul of hip-hop. We talk about their latest album, Somewhere In Between , how skateboarding first introduced him to music culture, and...

What happens when deeply personal songwriting creates a global fan community? In this episode, I’m joined by UK indie-pop artist Dodie for a thoughtful conversation about songwriting, vulnerability, and the unique connection she’s built with her fans. We talk about her latest album, Not For Lack Of Trying , and the chapter of life that shaped the record — a period she describes as trying to move f...

Buddy Red is an Atlanta artist who’s not following the hip-hop lane many might expect as the son of Atlanta icon T.I. Instead, he’s carving out a guitar-driven blues-rock sound entirely his own. In this episode, he shares the moment in 7th grade when discovering Prince’s self-produced debut album expanded his understanding of what was possible — and how that realization continues to shape the way...

In this episode, I’m joined by Briscoe , the Austin-based folk-rock duo made up of Truett Heintzelman and Philip Lupton, for a thoughtful conversation about songwriting, touring, and growing into a life built around music. We talk about their latest album, Heat of July , and how long drives, time spent on the road, and missing home shaped a record that unfolds like a series of lived-in moments. Br...

In this episode, I’m joined by Oliver Wood of the Grammy-nominated band The Wood Brothers for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about music, connection, and creativity . We talk about the band’s latest album, Puff of Smoke , what it feels like stepping onstage for the very first show of a tour , and how Oliver’s early years in Atlanta’s music scene — from blues clubs to deep musical commu...

What happens when a band turns raw emotion and reckless energy into three decades of relentless, unapologetic rock?  That’s the story of Five Eight, Athens’ underground pop-punk heroes. In this episode, Five Eight frontman Mike Mantione gets real about life on the road, the power of connection, and why weirdness might just be the key to longevity. From wild ‘90s tours (yes, there were naked shows...

Get ready to meet Cat Ridgeway , an award-winning singer-songwriter from Orlando, Florida, whose powerhouse vocals and storytelling have lit up stages across the country. I’ve seen her perform live a few times, and trust me — her energy is absolutely contagious! In this episode, we dive into her path from open mics to major festivals like Okeechobee Music Festival , what she’s learned about songwr...

Blending Irish folk traditions with rock ‘n’ roll energy, The Muckers have become a staple of Atlanta’s live music scene. Their rowdy, heartfelt shows keep fans coming back for more, whether it’s at a neighborhood pub or a packed festival stage. Join Jeff and Ty as they share the highs, chaos, and laughs of touring and performing. We get into:  🍀 The origins of The Muckers (yes, Craigslist is inv...

Whether you’re a diehard 311 fan or just love hearing real stories from the road, this conversation is for you!  S.A. Martinez delivers insights, laughs, and inspiration from one of the most iconic voices of the 2000's. We get into: 🎸 The evolution of 311’s sound and creative process 🍑 Why Atlanta feels like a second home for the band 🚐💥 Unforgettable tour stories (including a fiery RV in...

What happens when you take a few soulful musicians, put them in a subway station, and let the groove lead the way? You get the California Honeydrops—a band that’s gone from busking in Oakland to lighting up stages across the country with their feel-good, dance-your-face-off sound. In this episode, Ben Malament (drummer and co-founder) takes us inside the journey of the California Honeydrops. From...

In this episode, I catch up with Will and Rae from Atlanta’s rising eclectic rock band Rae & The Ragdolls —a group known for their genre-blending sound, heartfelt songwriting, and infectious energy on stage. The duo opens up about the late-night ritual that inspired their dreamy track “Moon Tipper,” how they juggle college life with a packed tour schedule, and why they believe passion should a...

At 20 years old, Isabel LaRosa has already racked up over 2 billion streams and signed with RCA Records—all while staying true to her bold, emotional style . In this episode, we catch up right after the release of her debut album RAVEN and in the midst of her first headlining tour. Isabel shares how discovering YouTube (and Melanie Martinez) helped shape her sound, and opens up about the personal...

From chart-topping ballads to socially conscious anthems, ⁠ Five for Fighting (John Ondrasik) ⁠ uses his music to spark conversation, inspire hope, and reflect the human experience.  In this conversation, John opens up about the journey behind hits like “ ⁠ Superman ⁠ ” and “ ⁠ 100 Years ⁠ ,” and the responsibility he feels as a songwriter in today’s world. From balancing creativity and advocacy t...

Three-time Grammy-nominated drummer Nate Smith takes us behind the kit to explore groove, growth, and the gift of listening . In this candid conversation, he opens up about how tuning into the music — and the moment — shapes everything from his sound to his creative choices. He shares stories from his journey (including how an email from Brittany Howard’s manager turned into a dream gig), the arti...

Tarriona “Tank” Ball takes us on a journey through poetry, purpose, and performance. In this candid conversation, she opens up about manifestation, evolving from poet to musician , and the moments — wild, weird, and wonderful — that have shaped her as an artist. She shares tour stories (including one involving losing clothing along the interstate), advice for up-and-coming creatives, and who she’d...