The Livewire with Branden Lee

For the milestone 50th episode of The Livewire , Branden Lee welcomes acclaimed singer-songwriter Shawn James for an in-depth conversation recorded via Zoom. Shawn reflects on his connection to the Northwest Arkansas music scene, the experiences that have shaped his career, and the freedom that comes with being an independent artist. He also shares the inspiration behind his powerful new album, Pa...

This week on The Livewire , I'm joined by Scott Manamon Jr., frontman of the Northwest Arkansas Metal/Hardcore band More Weight. We sat down at Rendezvous Junction Brewery to talk about the band's upcoming Local Showcase at Ozark Music Hall, the strength of the local music scene, and why community matters more than genres. Scott shares how More Weight has built genuine connections throughout North...

This week on The Livewire, Branden Lee sits down with Northwest Arkansas music veteran Jennifer Baker. Known for her powerful vocals and longtime presence in the local music scene, Jennifer shares stories from decades of performing, the evolution of live music in NWA, and what continues to inspire her passion for entertaining audiences. The conversation also highlights her upcoming July performanc...

This week on The Livewire , Branden sits down with Northwest Arkansas folk acoustic artist Jen Cole for a heartfelt conversation about music, community, and the power of showing up for others. A familiar face at local open mic nights and community events, Jen shares her journey as a songwriter, the stories behind her music, and what keeps her connected to the local scene. We also talk about volunt...

On this episode of The Livewire, Branden Lee revisits a timely and important conversation with Chef Justin Malonson of To The Table NWA. As Northwest Arkansas adjusts to the recent closure of Meals on Wheels, many families and individuals are searching for resources and support. Justin shares the mission behind To The Table NWA, the organization's efforts to fight food insecurity, and how the comm...

Episode 45 of The Livewire with Branden takes listeners behind the scenes with Little Rock alternative rock band Raney as they prepare for a major milestone—their very first live performance at White Water Tavern on Saturday, June 6th. Just days before taking the stage, Branden sits down with guitarist Dustin Raney and keyboardist Jay Calhoun to discuss the band's brand-new single, the creative pr...

On The Livewire with Branden this week, Northwest Arkansas rock band Spare The Dead, fresh off their big LOCAL X SHOWCASE at West End and their song landing in regular rotation on THE X. Their lead singer, Daren and guitarist, Zack Zooms with Branden to talk about the local music scene, their rise in popularity, chaotic live shows, musical influences, favorite local bands, and what’s next for the...

On this episode of The Livewire Podcast, Branden catches up with Cory and Chad from Northwest Arkansas rock band Red Echo ahead of their appearance at the Local X Showcase at West End in Fayetteville this Friday night. Having known the band for well over a decade, Branden talks with the guys about their comeback to the local music scene, the evolution of Red Echo, and the release of brand-new musi...

On this episode of The Livewire with Branden, Branden catches up with comedian, writer, actress, and podcast host Whitney Cummings for a real, hilarious, and honest conversation about comedy, motherhood, relationships, touring, and staying authentic in today’s world. Whitney opens up about balancing life on the road while raising a child, the evolution of stand-up comedy, podcast culture, and why...

On this episode of The Livewire with Branden we feature a special conversation with Vaden Todd Lewis of Toadies, recorded while he was calling from his tour bus on their way to Fayetteville on the release day of his brand-new album, The Charmer! Branden and Vaden dive into the creative process behind the new music, life on the road, the legacy of the Toadies, and how alternative rock continues to...

Mini Derby Week is here, and Branden Lee is getting you ready for one of Rogers’ most exciting events. In this episode, Branden previews the Mini Derby with Equestrian Bridges, featuring thrilling miniature horse races, a lively crowd, and a full Kentucky Derby watch party. You’ll hear highlights from his interview with Kelsey Phillips, sharing how the event comes together and the real impact it h...

Episode 39 of The Livewire with Branden features Sarah Slaton, lead singer of Edison, whose roots in Northwest Arkansas meet a global life on the road. Known for balancing her role as a touring manager for world-class acts with fronting her own band, Slaton brings a rare perspective to the conversation. We dive into her journey, the grind behind the scenes, and the passion that fuels her artistry....

THE LIVEWIRE is back with another electric episode that plugs you straight into real conversations with artists shaping the culture in your world and in NWA. In this episode, Branden welcomes back reggae artist Rochelle Bradshaw for her second appearance on the show, as she gears up for her second major release. This time, she’s dropping a new album with her Arkansas band, Rochelle Bradshaw &...

Episode 36 of The Livewire with Branden features pianist Jon Shorter, a familiar name to longtime listeners and a standout performer with deep roots in Fayetteville’s music scene. From rocking the stage at George's Majestic Lounge to now performing for packed, high-energy crowds across Australia and 3 other continents, Jon’s journey is nothing short of incredible. In this episode, we catch up on w...

Episode 35 of The Livewire with Branden features Sean Bing, bassist for Fightdream, in a laid-back conversation recorded at City Park in Fayetteville. We shine a light on the often-overlooked role of the bassist while diving into Sean’s influences, his approach to playing, and what it takes to hold down the foundation of a band. A passionate supporter of the Northwest Arkansas music scene, Sean sh...

Episode 34 of The Livewire with Branden features Bentonville-based musician Robert Kipness, a multi-talented artist bringing a fresh, roots-inspired sound to the show—highlighted by haunting lyrics layered over banjo, a style we haven’t explored before. Robert talks about performing at open mics, recording his music, and the creative process that keeps him evolving. He also shares his deep appreci...

pisode 33 of The Livewire with Branden features Kelcey Phillips, Communications Director at Equestrian Bridges, a nonprofit dedicated to changing lives through the healing power of horses. Kelcey shares the heart behind the organization, how their programs impact individuals and families, and what makes their mission so unique in Northwest Arkansas. We also dive into the excitement surrounding the...

On Episode 32 of The Livewire with Branden Lee , we connect with rising Little Rock rock band Way Away for a fun and energetic conversation with the entire band via Zoom. They join Branden to debut brand new music and talk about the creative spark behind their sound. The band dives into their musical influences, the edge behind their haunting vocals, and what it’s like coming up in the vibrant Lit...

Episode 31 of The Livewire with Branden features William Alexander, frontman of Senses Divide and solo artist William "Don Alejandro" Alexander, also creating under Natural State of Mind . Branden met William at his Rogers home practice space — the creative ground zero where ideas are written, refined, and shaped before heading into a professional studio to record. The conversation dives into song...

Episode 30 of The Livewire with Branden features RANEY — a rising alternative rock band built on real friendship, shared influences, and undeniable chemistry. Branden sits down with Dustin, Caleb, and Cliff to talk about how the band came together and how late-night writing sessions turned into their debut release, Healing . The conversation dives into their creative process, the emotion behind th...

On the latest episode of LIVEWIRE, I sit down with someone who knows me better than anyone—my partner in life and the mother of my child, Sarah Angela. A musician who spent over a decade touring the country in multiple bands, Sarah shares stories from the road, the songs that shaped her, and the artists who influenced her sound. We also dive into her evolution into photography, creative inspiratio...

Episode 28 of The Livewire features stand-up comedian Kendrea James. Based in Northwest Arkansas and performing across the country, Kendrea joins Branden Lee for a fun, unfiltered conversation about the NWA comedy scene, her favorite local comics, and life on the road. Branden even attempts to convince her to steal another comedian’s joke — purely hypothetical, of course — and Kendrea fires back w...

Episode 27 of The Livewire with Branden welcomes back fan-favorite musician Benjamin Del Shreve for a feel-good, soul-fueling conversation. Benjamin talks about his involvement with To The Table and Executive Chef, Justin Malonson , supporting Feeding NWA, and why showing up for your community matters now more than ever. We dig into his solo writing and acoustic process, how songs come together in...

Episode 26 of The Livewire with Branden features Quinn Landrum of Rocket Coma , musician, artist, and owner of The Smoothie Q’s in Fayetteville — a beloved local hangout for creatives. Quinn talks about recording his latest album with a true music legend, the stories behind those sessions, and how they shaped his sound and vision. We dive into his art-inclusive smoothie shop that doubles as a comm...

On this episode of The Livewire with Branden, he sits down with Madaline Collins and Jonathan Wilkerson , formerly of the band Screamer, to talk music, evolution, and their recent move from Memphis to Northwest Arkansas . Recorded at local musician and artist hub The Smoothie Q’s on Garland in Fayetteville , the conversation dives into a new life after the band, creative rebirth, and finding commu...