So Rude Podcast

📄 Episode Description: What does it actually take for an independent artist to build an empire on their own terms? Welcome back to the So Rude Podcast. Today is a special one because we’re officially welcoming back one of the very few guests to return to the show for round two: the incredibly talented Nick Rich. The last time Nick was here, he was a soulful Nashville transplant dropping early sin...

📄 Episode Description: If you're an indie artist or songwriter, you’ve probably said the words, "I just need a manager." But when is the right time to actually start looking for help? On this episode of the So Rude Podcast , host Paige Ruderman is joined by Nashville industry staple Emily Kaiser. From her roots in a small Illinois town to shooting her shot to land high-profile internships working...

📄 Episode Description: Join your host, Paige Ruderman , for this solo chat where Paige gets candid about her recent travel, taking a break, questioning Nashville, the new podcast sponsor and more . 🔗 Links Mentioned: Working Order Guitars Instagram - New Podcast Sponsor!! Matt Steward's Episode - Linked Below Written by Paige Ruderman - Spotify Playlist Linked Below Written by Paige Ruderman...

📄 Episode Description: Hey everyone, and welcome back to the So Rude Podcast ! I’m your host, Paige Ruderman, and I’m so excited to welcome a very special guest to the show today who defines the word perseverance. Today, I’m joined by Mariano Mallia —a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and producer. Originally from my shared hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, Mariano’s journey to Music City is one...

📄 Episode Description: Hey everyone, and welcome back to the So Rude Podcast! I’m your host, Paige Ruderman, and I am beyond excited to kick off this brand-new episode with a guest who truly does it all. Today, I’m joined by Matt Steward —a Nashville-based luthier, professional guitar tech, and recording artist. Originally from California and raised in Phoenix, Matt’s journey took him from music...

📄 Episode Description: Join your host, Paige Ruderman , for the very last So Rude Podcast episode of 2025! This is a solo chat where Paige gets candid about the year's big changes. You'll hear the real reason the podcast shifted to a biweekly schedule—a personal journey involving a sudden and painful jaw injury that made talking a challenge. Paige also dives into a topic we all need to he...

📄 Episode Description: Welcome back to the So Rude Podcast ! This week, host Paige Ruderman is thrilled to welcome Nashville-based folk singer-songwriter and audio engineer, Laura Nickel ! Originally from Albany, NY, Laura is known for her descriptive lyrics and memorable melodies that fearlessly explore the complexities of the human experience. Her music is a raw, heart-felt reflection, encourag...

📄 Episode Description: Get ready for a double dose of fun, friendship, and fiery country music! Host Paige Ruderman welcomes her close friend and dynamic singer-songwriter, Mikki Zip , to the So Rude Podcast. Mikki, a genre-bending artist known for her electrifying stage presence and captivating mix of old-school country, rock-n-roll, and modern flair, sits down to share her unique journey. From...

📄 Episode Description: 🎤 Rock, Americana, Pop, and Sync Success with Jon Worthy Join host Paige Ruderman as she welcomes Nashville independent musician Jon Worthy ! With a signature sound blending Rock, Americana, and Pop (a "Nirvana meets The Lumineers" style), Jon has built an incredible career as a full-time artist and prolific songwriter. In this must-listen interview for aspiring...

📄 Episode Description: This is the biggest episode of So Rude Podcast yet! Host Paige Ruderman welcomes two legends of the Baltimore Ravens organization: Band President John Ziemann and Music Director Daniel Fake . For music lovers and songwriters , this is a must-listen masterclass on large-scale musical direction, community, and the power of tradition. We dive into the decades-long history of t...

📄 Episode Description: On this episode of the So Rude Podcast , host Paige Ruderman sits down with country singer-songwriter and founder of the Nashville writers round “Lyrics & Longnecks,” Olin Wallace , to dive into his journey from small-town Minnesota kid picking on his front porch to building one of the city’s go-to rounds for emerging artists. Before hosting stages across Middle Tenness...

📄 Episode Description: In this episode of the So Rude Podcast , host Paige Ruderman sits down with Nashville-based pop artist Kyra Morgan to talk about her journey into music, moving from Virginia to Tennessee to study her craft, and what it’s like being part of the thriving Nashville pop scene. Kyra shares how storytelling drives her songwriting, opening up about the themes of love, self-discove...

📄 Episode Description: On this episode of the So Rude Podcast , host Paige Ruderman sits down with indie-pop singer-songwriter Jay Putty to unpack the heart, hurt, and hope behind his most personal release yet: the Mountains and Valleys EP. From his small-town Indiana roots to building a career in Nashville’s songwriting scene, Jay shares how personal loss, mental health struggles, and a deep lov...

In this episode of the So Rude Podcast , host Paige Ruderman welcomes Ralston Wells — known to many as “Ralstofferson” or “Mr. Nashville” — for an inside look at the heartbeat of Nashville’s songwriting community. As a key figure behind Radio SoBro , a digital radio station dedicated to supporting independent artists and songwriters , Ralston shares his journey from his roots to becoming a fixture...

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Tyson James Roy joins The So Rude Podcast to share his journey from small-town Indiana to the heart of Music City. Known for his heartfelt lyrics, emotive vocals, and standout guitar work, Tyson opens up about his creative process , life as an independent artist , and the inspiration behind his newest single, “Find Me Now.” Host Paige Ruderman first met Tyson at t...

What does it really take to turn streams into revenue and followers into fans? Marketing expert Talia Solomon—former brand strategist for Pizza Hut, NBC, and WeightWatchers—joins So Rude to share her playbook for musicians who want to level up. From brand identity to audience psychology, we break down the marketing moves every artist needs to grow their presence and their paycheck. This one’s a mu...

In this episode of So Rude , we take a deep dive into Ed Sheeran’s song Old Phone , offering a full breakdown of the lyrics, emotional themes, and production choices behind his newest intimate track. We explore how Sheeran uses songwriting, structure, and subtle production to process grief, memory, and connection. Whether you're a fan of lyrical analysis, emotional storytelling, or detailed songcr...

Welcome back to the So Rude Podcast ! In this episode, host Paige Ruderman sits down with the incredibly talented Lisa Kacos — a Nashville-based music educator, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist . 🎺🥁🎹 Lisa shares her inspiring journey through the world of music, from mastering multiple instruments (trumpet, drums, and beyond) to teaching music theory, aural skills, and production at institu...

Struggling to write melodies that don’t sound like elevator music? In this episode, we break down the basics of crafting catchy, emotional, and memorable melodies—even if you’ve never written one before. Whether you’re a total beginner or just melody-challenged, we’ve got tips, tricks, and a little tough love to help you level up. 🎶 Because let’s be real… that loop you’ve been humming? It needs w...

From the bullpen to the bandstage — former Houston Astros pitcher Zachary Dando is now making waves as the frontman of the rising indie group Dando . On this episode of The So Rude Podcast , we dive into Zachary’s unexpected transition from professional baseball to the music industry , and how he found his voice through songwriting and collaboration. Zach shares how he teamed up with Heath and Eth...

In this episode, we sit down with Delaney Ann , a rising star in Texas Country Music and a talented signed songwriter making waves in the industry. From her deep Texas roots to landing a coveted songwriting deal , Delaney shares her journey as both an artist and a writer. We talk about her creative process, the challenges and rewards of balancing performing and songwriting , and what’s next for he...

What do Ella Langley, Chris Stapleton, and Daisy Jones & The Six have in common? They’re all on my current playlist! In this week’s episode of So Rude Podcast , I’m diving into the songs that have been on repeat, breaking down their lyrics, melodies, and production choices. Plus, I’ll share what I’m learning from these tracks as a songwriter—whether it’s storytelling techniques, vocal delivery...

On this episode of So Rude Podcast , we welcome the incredibly talented Allison Asarch , a rising country-pop artist with a passion for storytelling through music. From her early influences to finding her unique sound, Allison takes us behind the scenes of her artistic journey, sharing insights on songwriting, growth, and staying authentic in the industry. We dive into the making of her much-antic...

Life can throw us offbeat, leaving us feeling out of sync and stuck. In this episode of So Rude , I’m sharing my go-to steps for getting back in tune when life feels challenging. From shifting your mindset to simple daily habits, these tips will help you reset and regain your rhythm. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just need a little push, this episode is all about actionable steps to ge...

What makes a song timeless? In this episode of So Rude , we dive into the hits of today that could still be blasting through speakers 10-15 years from now. From Olivia Rodrigo’s raw emotions to Taylor Swift’s lyrical genius, Chappell Roan’s fresh anthems, and Morgan Wallen’s chart-topping country beats—these tracks have the staying power to become future classics. We'll also explore hidden gem...