The Jay Franze Show: Music - News | Reviews | Interviews

Nashville's legendary CMA Fest vibrates through this episode as Jay and Tiffany take you behind closed doors of country music's biggest gathering. Far more than just concerts and fan experiences, we unpack the fascinating ecosystem that forms when hundreds of thousands descend on Music City. Walking Broadway's musical gauntlet creates a sensory experience like no other—stepping from...

Step into the musical time machine with Jay Franze and co-host Tiffany Mason as they navigate through fascinating moments in music history, from Kenny Rogers and Dottie West topping charts in 1978 to The Monkees winning an Emmy that same decade. Their infectious camaraderie and playful banter create the perfect backdrop for music industry insights you won't find anywhere else. The heart of th...

What happens when a Broadway performer steps away from the stage for a decade to raise children, then reemerges as a recording artist? In this candid conversation, Ann Kittredge reveals the unexpected twists in her artistic journey from theater to acclaimed vocalist. The heart of Kittredge's approach lies in her commitment to storytelling above all else. "I don't ever want it to be...

Ever wondered what connects Journey concerts, floating in salt pods, and country music birthdays? This episode takes you on a journey through music history and personal stories that will have you nodding along and laughing out loud. We kick things off with a nostalgic dive into our first concert experiences – Jay's being Journey with Billy Squire opening (complete with the unexpected secondha...

What happens when a 19-year-old vocalist joins forces with seasoned musicians spanning six decades of life experience? In this riveting conversation with Awaiting Abigail, we discover how musical chemistry transcends age barriers and conventional wisdom. The Dallas-Fort Worth hard rock band shares their remarkable origin story - from guitarist James finding vocalist Abby through a "musician d...

The battle for creative ownership takes center stage in this revealing episode as we unpack Five Finger Death Punch's decision to re-record their entire catalog after their record label sold their music without consultation. This Taylor Swift-esque move highlights the ongoing tension between artists and the business machinery that often controls their art. We dive into the fascinating world o...

Ever wonder which album you'd bring if stranded on a desert island forever? In this captivating episode of The Jay Franze Show, Jay and Tiffany dive deep into this musical thought experiment, revealing not just their own picks but fielding an avalanche of passionate responses from listeners. Journey's "Escape," Madonna's "Like a Prayer," and multiple Taylor Swift...

The invisible art of music production takes center stage in this fascinating deep dive with Jay, Tiffany, and special guest Mark, who brings decades of musical knowledge to the conversation. What begins with nostalgic recollections of sneaking backstage at a David Lee Roth concert evolves into a masterclass on what makes truly great music tick. The trio explores the meticulous methods of legendary...

What happens when Arizona's rugged landscapes and life's harshest challenges shape a country music artist's authentic voice? In this captivating conversation, Shari Rowe takes us behind the curtain of her musical journey, revealing how personal tragedy transformed into creative resilience. Shari opens up about recording at Nashville's renowned Ruckus Room studio with producer J...

Ever wonder what it's like to stand backstage with rock legends? Jay takes us on a nostalgic journey to his youth when he and "Long-Haired Mark" watched Van Halen perform from the side stage during the Monsters of Rock tour. These personal memories frame a fascinating discussion about how band relationships evolve – and sometimes dissolve – over time, with Van Halen's members u...

The struggle between head and heart shapes every artist's journey, but for rock vocalist Gina Fritz, this internal battle birthed "Chemicals" – a powerful anthem about perseverance in today's complex music landscape. When faced with the exhaustion of simultaneously playing creative and businesswoman, Fritz chose to follow her passion despite the uncertainty. Fritz draws inspira...

Step behind the curtain of the music industry with Jay Franze and Tiffany Mason as they blend personal stories, industry expertise, and entertaining banter in this captivating episode.  Jay shares a touching memory of introducing his family to rock band Hailstorm, revealing how lead singer Lizzy Hale made a special connection with his daughter that continued years later. The hosts then offer their...

When a TikTok DM turns into a national radio opportunity, you know something special is happening. This episode features an exclusive conversation with Sara Higgins, drummer of the powerhouse rock trio Twist It, who shares the exhilarating moment their song "Dark Thoughts" was selected for SiriusXM Octane's Test Drive segment. Sarah takes us behind the scenes of their creative proce...

"People listen with their eyes." This profound insight from Andy Gessner, owner and president of Hip Video Promo, sets the stage for a fascinating deep dive into the world of music video promotion and digital artist marketing. Drawing from his experience promoting over 4,800 music videos, Andy reveals how visual content has become the cornerstone of artist identity in today's digita...

"Who is the greatest female vocalist of all time?" This seemingly simple question ignites a passionate, tournament-style debate between hosts Jay and Tiffany as they evaluate vocal legends across genres and generations. From Whitney Houston's power to Celine Dion's sophistication, from Ann Wilson's rock prowess to Pat Benatar's versatility, the hosts and audience cons...

What does it truly mean to live with a character? Matt Drago, the breakout star of "Somewhere in Montana," takes us deep into the transformative journey of method acting in this candid conversation about artistic sacrifice and unexpected opportunity. Drago shares the remarkable story behind landing his "role of a lifetime" opposite Graham McTavish and Michelle Hurd—a full circl...

Music's rich tapestry unfolds as we travel through time on this episode, celebrating the birthdays of legends like Marvin Gaye (born 1939) and Emmylou Harris (1947), while uncovering fascinating historical moments in the entertainment world. Remember when Mariah Carey signed that jaw-dropping $60 million Virgin Records deal in 2001? We break down why this watershed moment matters and how it s...

What happens when raw talent meets determination? Dalton Hicks, a rising country music artist from South Carolina, joins us for a heartfelt conversation that traces his musical journey from his great-grandmother's piano to Nashville's recording studios. Dalton opens up about the profound influence his grandmother Olga had on his musical beginnings, sharing how her passion for piano spark...

What happens when a drummer catches fire mid-performance? Jay and Tiffany kick off with the startling news of Journey's drummer Dean Castronovo's fiery mishap during "Don't Stop Believing," which prompts a surprisingly unsympathetic reaction and an exploration of the physical demands placed on drummers. The conversation shifts to serious territory as Tiffany shares updates...

Connor Daly brings fresh perspective to Nashville's music scene as an Americana artist who made the leap from Virginia to Music City just eight months ago. Despite being relatively new to the area, he's already conquered some of Nashville's most revered songwriter venues, including the legendary Bluebird Cafe. The contrast between these iconic venues reveals much about Nashville&apo...

Remember that moment when an unlikely rock star stepped onto a country music stage and left everyone stunned? Jay Franze takes us behind the scenes of Eric Church's memorable CMA Awards performance with Lzzy Hale, sharing his firsthand experience as Church's security detail during those early career days. This intimate glimpse into the music industry showcases the fascinating cultural di...

What makes a two-person band sound like a full ensemble? We dive deep into the world of Sirsy, a remarkable musical duo where the vocalist plays drums standing while singing, and the bassist creates rhythm with foot pedals. Tiffany shares her experience seeing them live in Daytona Beach during Bike Week, while Jay reveals his personal connection to the band from their early days. Music history tak...

Through grief comes purpose. When Kaden Collins lost his grandmother to cancer on Valentine's Day 2020, he transformed his pain into something powerful – a platform where independent musicians could share their stories and build community. "We can't get anywhere without each other," Collins explains, his passion for connection evident throughout our conversation. The journey fr...

Dive into the vibrant world of music and entertainment with the latest episode of The Jay Franze Show, where hosts Jay Franze and Tiffany Mason share stories from their unique experiences in the industry. This episode shines a light on the meaningful yet often under-discussed aspects of pursuing a career in music. From high school dreams and aspirations that filled the air with creativity to the h...

Join us in this dynamic episode as we dive deep into the life of rising rock artist Alyxx, who is on the brink of something monumental - her performance at the Inkcarceration Festival. Discover the journey that brought her from a theater background and girl group experiences to carving out her unique identity in the rock scene. With her infectious energy and passion for music, Alyxx shares her exc...