The Nashville Artist

In this episode, I sit down with Sierra Sevier. Sierra is a photographer and videographer with a keen eye for capturing concerts. Her journey into visual storytelling began through a love of live music and capturing the energy of concerts. Inspired by everything from Billie Eilish, disposable-camera aesthetics to the raw authenticity of Paul McCartney’s Beatles photography. Sierra’s work captures...

In this episode, I sit down with Tone Deaf, a fiercely dedicated music producer. From classical piano lessons in Vallejo, California to hearing Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, his path into music was set early. Tone’s days are disciplined: 6 AM runs, then hours of mixing, tweaking, and mastering tracks. His influences? Bay Area hip hop, Radiohead, Green Day —and a teenage pirate radio station that sparked...

In this milestone episode, BJ Barbee flips the mic and interviews me, Jordan Swafford — drummer, podcaster, and creator . I talk about my journey, from childhood curiosities like Star Wars and Batman to discovering rhythm and eventually drumming. My influences include Queen, Blink-182, Tool, and drummers like Travis Barker. I share how discipline, routine, and self-belief keep me grounded while ba...

In this engaging conversation, B.J. delves into his life as a multifaceted artist, tracing his journey from punk band drummer to accomplished visual creator. His work is shaped by diverse influences—from the raw energy of punk rock and the lyrical melancholy of Randy Newman, to the haunting visual worlds of Francis Bacon and Robert Motherwell . B.J.’s creative process is spontaneous yet deeply ref...

In this episode, I hang out with Nate Bradley to explore his multifaceted career in photography and music .Nate shares his journey, from photographing bands and creating album covers to producing ambient bedroom pop music. He sheds light on his creative processes and inspirations, including a memorable story about reshooting a botched film roll and providing free photos to support local businesses...

In this episode, I hang out with the multitalented Joel Barnett. He’s a painter, woodworker, drummer, and pro BMX rider—the first extreme athlete to join our roster of incredible artists! His insights span multiple industries.   In this episode, we dive into Joel's early roots in BMX, exploring wall riding, stalling, and other tricks. He shares his unique visualization techniques, crafting mod...

In this episode, I hang out with Sara Bug, the country queen herself. Her style is laid-back, introspective, jangly, beachy, swampy, and beautifully crafted. Sara has immense respect for the legendary Jimmy Buffett, and you’ll want to tune in to discover her favorite Buffett songs. These days, Sara focuses more on songwriting than practicing an instrument. She shares her routine of jotting down no...

In this episode, I hang out with the painting wonder Tony Sobota. Tony is obsessed with color theory and exploring deeper meanings in his work.  Coming from a creative family, Tony fondly remembers his father making furniture and his mother taking him to a Vincent Van Gogh exhibit, which sparked his interest in art. Growing up in the '80s, he loved building forts, drawing, and playing Ninja Turtle...

In this episode, I hang out with the talented Chris Peranich. Chris is not just a guitarist and singer; he’s also a passionate Pokémon enthusiast. In this episode, he shares how video games fuel his songwriting, with a dream of having one of his songs play during an epic chase scene in a game.   As a freelance musician, Chris collaborates with artists like Ritt Momney, Daniel Nunnalee, and Noah Po...

In this episode, I hang out with Nicki Ricci. Nicki is a multifaceted talent in the music industry. As a promoter, stage manager, merch manager, personal assistant, and DJ, Nicki embodies the essence of a true music business "hasher, dasher, slasher." She has collaborated with notable artists like Margo Price and Yellowcard. Nicki's journey began with her knack for selecting songs that resonated w...

In this episode, I hang out with Mighty Joe Nolan. Joe is a multifaceted singer/songwriter, painter, author, and guitarist. Joe’s recent book, *Nowville: The Untold History of Nashville’s Contemporary Art Scene*, explores the city’s art from the 1990s to 2015. Joe approaches writing about art with passion, focusing only on what excites him and avoiding pieces that don’t inspire him. He believes wr...

In this episode, I hang out with Billy!. Billy is a talented singer-songwriter, sardine connoisseur, and horror film enthusiast. Billy embraces intentional improvisation in his music, creating space for spontaneity and leading to beautiful outcomes. His songs embody themes of hope, love, and comfort, inviting listeners to let go and embrace the moment. Billy has a unique approach to understanding...

In this episode, I hang out with Maggie Miles. Maggie is an alternative-indie artist with a passion for playing piano and guitar—and a love for all things Star Wars. Maggie draws inspiration from movement and explores deep themes of spirituality, as well as the feelings we often struggle to express. Her music is a heartfelt reflection of her commitment to her art, embracing both the pain and vulne...

In this episode, I hang out with Kameron Jane. Kameron is a multi-talented singer/songwriter and musician from the band Jane and the Killer Queens, who also happens to be a proud spider lover! 🕷️ Kameron is a complex artist, both enigmatic and unpredictable, which makes for an engaging conversation. Growing up, she often struggled to communicate with those around her. But through music, she found...

In this episode, I hang out with Flamgu. Flamgu is a versatile, visionary artist and painter who revels in "frolicking." Flamgu's art draws power from the dualities of reality, blending light and dark, feminine and masculine, in a mesmerizing dance. At the heart of Flamgu's process lies the anatomical heart, serving as an anchor point as her paintings flow and evolve, with ventri...

In this episode, I hang out with Savannah Toal. Savannah is a plant designer, businesswoman, and space curator who brings people’s plant dreams to life.   In this episode, you’ll learn Savannah’s strategies for decorating a room with different plants, including various potting techniques to spice up a space. She also shares her favorite plants - Dracaena Marginata and Dwarf Schefflera. Savannah pr...

In this episode, I hang out with the incredible Morgan Blanton. Morgan is an optimistic fashionista, stylist, and lover of all things Marvel. In this episode, you'll learn Morgan's methods for making an outfit interesting. She shares important lessons for navigating the Nashville scene, like not being too trusting and forgiving. Morgan also discusses one of the biggest fashion mistakes - j...

In this episode, I hang out with Quinton Kufahl. Quinton is an over-the-top drummer, singer, and devoted Batman and KISS fan. Quinton’s art blends his diverse inspirations, seamlessly mixing elements of KISS, Batman, and other passions into his noir-meets-action-hero band IDOL.  Quinton’s drumming journey began at age 5, and he’s recently been honing his rudiments, with a focus on doubles, paradid...

In this episode, I hang out with the passionate and comedic singer-songwriter Bryant Rikard.   Bryant draws major inspiration from Layne Staley of Alice In Chains. Hearing “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana as a kid was a pivotal moment that made him pick up the guitar the very next day. He opens up about the challenges of maintaining an authentic songwriting voice when writing daily. We dive in...

In this episode, I hang out with David Isenberg. David is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. David is a unique artist who defies genre classifications. While he performs regularly on the honky tonks of Broadway, he doesn’t consider himself a traditional country artist. Instead, he sees himself as an innovative, spiritual creative on a “sacred quest to kick down invisible doors” and bring people...

In this episode, I hang out with. Ryan Rado is a true renaissance man who is a musician, visual artist, painter, and the curator of the legendary Rock Wall Gallery. He opens up about the struggles he faced in his youth, and how his art became a lifeline, a way to make sense of it all. There’s this fascinating tension between his subconscious and conscious mind that fuels his creative process in pr...

In this episode, I hang out with Kendel Legore. Kendel is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter. She writes rock music with her band and grew up dancing ballet. Hear about her dog Nova and their daring escape attempts. She even wrote a song from the dog’s perspective. Discover her favorite venue, the East Room, and her go-to restaurant, Black Dynasty Ramen. Influences like Snail Mail, Slint, King Kr...

In this episode, I hang out with Sam Bernhardt! Sam is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and proud owner of two adorable cats, Dr. Pizza and Muffin. Join us as we learn about Sam’s musical journey.    He talks about the profound connection between his creativity and mental health. Sharing that he often finds solace in writing music during difficult times. Drawing inspiration from his friendships,...

In this episode, I hang out with Nickname Jos. Jos is an inquisitive experimental pop artist, producer, writer, multi-instrumentalist, and meditative Fortnite player.  Listen as Jos shares his artistic approach, collaborations with other artists, and his relentless pursuit of creativity in all aspects of life. Jos discusses the challenges artists face when entrusting their work to others and allow...

In this episode, I hang out with Jenny Crescuillo. Jenny is a studio artist whose passion lies in the captivating world of glass art, specializing in casting and cold work. Join us as we delve into her artistic journey and discover the fascinating processes behind coloring and shaping glass. Jenny's art is a true reflection of her exploration within the medium. Drawing inspiration from her bac...