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

Step behind the curtain with Jay as he sits down with the legendary William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys. In an intimate exchange, William shares his rich history with the band, encompassing the familial bonds among members and the recent transition with the addition of Ben Isaacs. But perhaps what's most striking is how he turned the silence of the pandemic into a symphony of creativity,...

Ever wonder how a rising country star finds his voice in the midst of a global pandemic? Matt Oakley joins Jay Franze, to share his tale of musical evolution, from the spark of creation during quarantine to harnessing the power of TikTok for skyrocketing fame. We reminisce about the soul-stirring narratives that thread through his songs, a testament to legends like Rascal Flatts, and the unexpecte...

Robert Schreiner: Critically Acclaimed Author (The Wolves and the Greyhounds) From the covert world of international espionage to the imaginative realms of historical fiction, Jay's friend and guest, former CIA agent turned author Robert Schreiner, reveals the serendipitous sparks that ignited his novel "The Wolves and the Greyhounds." Their heart-to-heart uncovers Bob's three-...

Join Jay Franze, as he pulls back the curtain on the world of live music with the incredible fiddler and vocalist Chelsea Parker, whose passion for performance is as captivating as her command of the strings. Feel the adrenaline of stepping on stage at Rock The Country, where Chelsea and her 'band fam' electrify 32,000 fans, and get an insider's look at the rituals that ground her a...

Step into the kaleidoscopic world of music with Keldamuzik, hip-hop artist turned EDM dynamo, as she shares her journey on shifting soundscapes in our latest podcast episode. The conversation with Kelda is an illuminating ride through the realms of creativity, as she spills the secrets behind her artistic evolution and the deep influences that propel her forward. From her homage to Michael Jackson...

Step behind the curtain of the live music scene with Jay Franze and the legendary sound mixer Bruce Reiter from Five Finger Death Punch. In a rare conversation, Bruce unveils his sonic journey, detailing his rise from modest beginnings to orchestrating the thunderous soundscapes for arena rock giants. He credits early mentors like Dave Natale for honing his craft, and offers an intimate look at th...

Strap in for a rollercoaster ride with the electrifying Garrett Landers, whose guitar riffs are as epic as his stories. We kick off with a laugh or two as Garrett spills the beans on his unexpected musical voyage, ignited by a mistaken upright bass and the legendary Sting. From his self-taught riffs to the thrill of his first band, it's a tale of rock ambition met with the rhythmic heartbeats...

As the sun casts its golden hue over Lake George, Jay's joined by James Rissacher, the 'fishing musician,' who weaves an enchanting melody among the lapping waves. Picture this: a skillful guitarist, a serene lake, and a boat - it's the setting where James shares his musical journey, from the disciplined halls of SUNY Fredonia to first chair classical guitarist, and beyond. His...

Embark on an auditory adventure with Dave Tough, a man whose life is a melody composed of jazz drum beats and executive decisions. As Jay's guest, Dave shares the symphony of his career, highlighting his transition from the rhythms of drumming to the boardrooms of the music industry's elite in Los Angeles. He offers us an intimate look at his evolution into a producing and engineering vi...

Jay sits with the captivating country recording artist Dariann Leigh. Hailing from the quaint town of Karlstad, MN, with a population of just 713, Dariann brings a unique blend of big-city beauty and small-town humility to the country music scene. Dariann shares her journey from listening to the timeless melodies of country music legends on static-filled radios and scratched CDs in her small Minne...

Get ready to dive into the world of music with the phenomenal singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist Danni Stefanetti on this week's episode of The Jay Franze Show! Hailing from Perth, Australia, and now making waves in L.A. and Palm Springs, Danni brings a unique blend of influences from Sheryl Crow to The Beatles, setting the stage for an unforgettable musical journey. Danni is no strange...

Welcome to a special episode of The Jay Franze Show, where we dive deep into the poignant story behind one of Vonray's most haunting tracks, "Drinkers Hour." Joining Jay Franze as a special co-host is Tiffany Mason, the host of Memories With a Beat, adding her unique perspective to the conversation. In this episode, we are honored to have Dave Rhea back on the show to share the powe...

This week we delve into the remarkable journey of recording artist Stephen DiJoseph. Jay Franze sits down with Stephen to unravel the serendipitous events that led to his collaboration with Deko Entertainment, a record label just ten miles from his home. It all started on a Wednesday evening at John and Peters. At this iconic New Hope music venue, Stephen was drawn to the invitational band's...

We delve deep into the captivating world of voice acting with the esteemed Tony Scott. With a career spanning radio and voiceover, Tony's dulcet tones have graced the airwaves for years, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Tony shares insights into his craft from the comfort of his home studio, equipped with top-tier gear. His voice, described as warm, trustworthy, and conversational,...

This week we dive deep into the captivating world of broadcasting with two legendary personalities, Steve Kass and Deb Morais. Steve and Deb, renowned radio and TV hosts, bring decades of experience and insight, making this episode an absolute must-listen for anyone passionate about media and communication. Join us as we explore the secrets behind their enduring success in the industry, from their...

Jill Winter joins Jay Franze on a riveting episode of The Jay Franze Show. Renowned as the host of "The Jill Winter Show" on Rhythm 105.9 FM and the former internet sensation "Winter On The Radio," Jill Winter brings her multifaceted talents to the forefront. Jill Winter has carved a niche for herself in the industry with a knack for radio presenting, multi-instrumentalism, son...

Esteemed filmmaker and visionary storyteller John Wayne S. III, affectionately known as JW, takes center stage to unravel the mysteries behind crafting compelling narratives that leave an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Jay Franze delves into JW's illustrious entertainment industry career spanning over two decades, from his humble beginnings as a production assistant on George Tillman&...

Jay Franze sits down with Jason Hale, a seasoned touring musician whose roots run deep in the heart of Kentucky. Hailing from Isonville, a town nestled between the hometowns of country legends Keith Whitley and Ricky Skaggs, Jason's journey through music spans an impressive three decades. From strumming his first chords at age 10 to joining local bands at 12, Jason's passion for music ig...

Tyler shares his journey from the pages of literature to the captivating world of filmmaking. With an MFA from Hamline University and a wealth of experience from institutions like the New York Film Academy and Minnesota State University Moorhead, Tyler's creative arsenal is formidable. His short stories have graced numerous publications, showcasing his prowess with words, while his award-winn...

Jay Franze sits down with the legendary Dave Jackson, a pioneer in podcasting. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Dave has witnessed and actively shaped this medium's evolution. From his humble beginnings in 2005 to his recent induction into the Academy of Podcasters Hall of Fame, Dave's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Dave shares his wealth of knowledge and experience, of...

Jay Franze sits down with Aaron Chalcraft and Drew Phillips, the dynamic duo behind the soul-stirring melodies and powerful lyrics of Big Mood, Columbus, OH-based Americana rock band as they delve into the journey of writing and recording their highly anticipated debut record. In this captivating conversation, listeners will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind Bi...

Nismah, a seasoned songwriter, music producer, and visionary entrepreneur from Western Massachusetts, brings fresh air to the traditional music industry. With a 17-year career adorned with over 200 sync licensing placements in major films and TV shows like Love is Blind, Dancing with the Stars, and NASCAR, Nismah is a trailblazer in the industry. In this episode, Nismah sits down with Jay Franze t...

Hailing from the horse town of Norco, California, Presley's journey from a standout performance on The Voice at just 16 years old to becoming a dubbed "vocal powerhouse" by Taste of Country is nothing short of extraordinary. In this captivating episode, Jay Franze delves into Presley's unique blend of California ease and traditional country roots that define her distinctive Cal...

Join us on The Jay Franze Show as we dive into the intriguing world of The Dead Rock Stars with authors Jay Watson and Kyle Wiltshire. Imagine a reality where famous rock stars, believed to have met untimely deaths, are alive and well—working as secret agents. In their novel, Cole Denton, a tech genius, unravels this clandestine world and faces a mission to save the world from an imminent threat....

Join us on The Jay Franze Show as we dive into the extraordinary world of drumming with the legendary Paul Leim. Like Paul, few musicians have mastered the art of seamlessly transitioning between records, motion pictures, live performances, and television. In this episode, we explore Paul's illustrious career, spanning collaborations with iconic artists such as John Williams, Doc Severinsen,...