Mainstream country radio has no room for voices like Luke Tyler Shelton—and that’s exactly why his music matters.

In this episode of Americana Curious, Ben and Zach sit down with rising Americana artist Luke Tyler Shelton, whose debut album Blue Sky (produced by Shooter Jennings) is already winning over true music lovers.

From writing songs in parking lots to sharing the stage at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion, Luke’s story is proof that the future of country music isn’t on the radio—it’s in the raw, soulful spaces where authenticity lives.

🎶 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why Luke’s songs will never fit into the Nashville machine (and why that’s good news)
• The Laurel Canyon legends who shaped his sound (Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Gram Parsons)
• The moment Shooter Jennings and Jonathan Wilson jumped in to produce his debut
• How playing Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion became a career-defining moment
• Why Luke believes every song should hit hard enough to make you cry

If you’ve been craving real storytelling, timeless melodies, and music that still has a soul, this conversation will remind you why you fell in love with Americana in the first place.

👉 Discover Luke Tyler Shelton right now!

📌 Don’t miss future episodes featuring the hidden gems and legends of Americana. Subscribe, stay curious, and help us keep real music alive.

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Sammy Rae and The Friends didn’t just start a band—they sparked a movement. 🎤✨

In this unforgettable interview, Sammy Rae and The Friends reveal the wild story behind a tour bus breakdown that turned into something legendary…and the moment a single letter changed everything.

From sold-out shows at Red Rocks to creating a global community of belonging, Sammy Rae and The Friends share how their high-octane, genre-defying energy is inspiring fans around the world.

Watch now to discover why this band is something you have to see to believe.

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Go here to check out Sammy Rae & The Friends! https://www.sammyrae.com/

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👉 Subscribe for more powerful stories from the artists redefining music.

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From Dive Bars to John Mayer: The Last Revel’s Journey is Unbelievable!

Three musicians.

One relentless vision.

And a record that feels like the point of no return.

From Midwest dive bars to sharing stages with John Mayer, The Last Revel has always played like there’s something at stake.

But this time…it’s different.

They locked themselves away in a legendary studio.

They called in heroes to push them past their limits.

They bet everything on one album — the fastest, rawest, most unapologetic music they’ve ever made.

Curious how far a band will go when there’s no Plan B?

Press play.

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He didn’t chase the spotlight. He built a bonfire of truth—and let the crowd find him.

Ryan Necci never set out to be a full-time musician and songwriter.

He was a graphic designer. A weekend warrior.

Then life cracked wide open.

A brain tumor.

A rescue dog fighting cancer.

A marriage ending.

And through it all—songs poured out.

🎶 Songs that bruised like Springsteen.

🖤 Lyrics that cut like Isbell.

🔥 A growl that hits you in the gut like Stapleton.

One video. One verse. One million views later… the world started listening. And they haven’t stopped.

In this episode of Americana Curious, Ryan gets real about:

Turning heartbreak into harmony

Writing for Luke Grimes, Flatland Cavalry, and more

Why authenticity—not algorithms—is your superpower

How a raw Instagram clip resurrected a 10-year-old song

And the letting go that saved his life

If you’ve ever been told to chase trends or keep quiet about your pain—this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now. Get Americana Curious with Ryan Necci.

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700 Million Streams. No Label - Sons of the East

🎶 They tracked a stolen tour bus with AirTags.

🎤 They played their hearts out in front of Bill Murray.

🩲 And yes… they lost a full cube of fresh undies on tour.

Sons of the East didn’t blow up overnight.

They built their global cult following the hard way:

No major label.

No viral gimmick.

Just killer harmonies, soulful songs, and relentless touring.

Nic Johnston dropped in on Americana Curious to share the wild ride from Aussie backyard jams to 300M+ streams and sing-alongs across Europe and North America.

🎧 Hear the truth about:

Building a band that lasts (and still likes each other)

Turning heartbreak into healing songs

How they recorded their new album Sons live, raw, and totally unfiltered

This is what it looks like to stay indie and go global.

🔥 Listen in. Get curious. Fall in love with the music.

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From Monkey’s Eyebrow to the Country Music Hall of Fame

She learned to write songs before she learned to drive.

Raised in the swampy river bottoms of rural Kentucky—riding a John boat to her dad’s hunting lodge—Kelsey Waldon found her way from front porches and thumb-picked guitars to sharing stages with Willie Nelson and Tanya Tucker.

🎙 Signed to John Prine’s legendary Oh Boy Records

🎧 Played the Grand Ole Opry

✍️ Her handwritten lyrics now live in the Country Music Hall of Fame

But the climb wasn’t all spotlight and applause.

One night it’s a sold-out show at the Ryman.

The next? Five people in Houston.

Through it all, Kelsey kept going.

Because the songs wouldn’t let her quit.

Her latest album, Every Ghost, is her boldest yet—haunting, raw, and unshakably real.

🔥 A voice that won’t flinch.

🔥 A pen that won’t lie.

🔥 A sound rooted in the truth.

If you don’t know Kelsey Waldon yet…

You're in for a REAL TREAT!

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TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH: THE BIRTH OF THE LONE BELLOW 🎙️

What if heartbreak could spark healing?

This episode of Americana Curious is one for the soul. 🎧 We sit down with Zach Williams—frontman of The Lone Bellow—to uncover the raw story of how a life-altering accident became the catalyst for a musical movement.

💔 A broken neck.

🎸 A journal turned song.

🔥 A voice discovered in a Starbucks open mic.

🌆 A Brooklyn bond that became a band.

From writing his first songs while his wife recovered from paralysis, to packing out Bowery Ballroom before the debut album dropped, Zach shares how community, creativity, and courage built The Lone Bellow.

We talk family. We talk fire (literally). We talk Americana as the healing balm a generation is craving.

🎶 Harmonies that make you cry.

🎤 Live shows that feel like revival.

📺 A cabin show on Magnolia Network.

And why Americana music just might save us all.

🎙️ Tap the link in bio to hear the full episode and get inspired.

👇 Drop a 🎧 if you’re listening. Tag someone who needs to hear this.

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AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

Drew Holcomb is more than just a musician—he’s a cultural force who has spent nearly two decades writing the soundtrack to our lives.

You need to know Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors now!

In this powerful episode of Americana Curious, Drew opens up about his journey from independent artist to community builder, while staying true to his voice.

Discover the man behind the music that has touched millions, from his early music to his latest album Memory Bank.

But what makes Drew Holcomb’s story most unique?

Well it’s not just about the music—he’s built an empire, founded a music festival, and even teamed up with sports legends like Peyton Manning to create a whiskey brand.

But at the heart of it all, Drew’s relentless pursuit of authenticity, collaboration, and creativity stands tall.

From heartwarming fan stories to collaborating with the best in the business, Drew gives a raw and unfiltered look into the highs, the lows, and the unexpected moments that shaped his career.

Ready for a deep dive into life on the road, the art of songwriting, and building a legacy? This episode is a must-listen.

Tune in for:

The untold story behind Drew’s viral kitchen covers during the pandemic

How to stay true to your voice while evolving as an artist

The dream collaboration Drew still hopes to make a reality.

And why Drew believes music can heal and unite—even in the toughest times

Don’t miss this candid conversation with Drew Holcomb—this is Americana at its finest.

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Discover Drew's music here: https://www.drewholcomb.com/

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Dirt Road Rising!

JD Clayton didn’t wait for permission. He wrote the songs, built the band, produced the album—and now he’s building a movement one dirt road and bass drop at a time.

Instead, he's ripping stages across America, self-producing records that slap you in the soul, and proving that roots music doesn’t have to play by the rules.

In this episode, we dive into the unpredictable rise of a Southern preacher’s grandson turned genre-blending Americana artist with a voice built for vinyl and a mindset built for the grind.

From late-night voice memos to full-blown anthems, JD pulls back the curtain on the chaos, pressure, and pure magic of making music on your own terms.

You'll discover:

The song that literally started in a rain-soaked car ride and now melts faces on tour

Why he produces his own albums—and the mental toll it takes

How a failed dinner date became the seed for a fan-favorite track.

And the moment he realized: "The cavalry isn’t coming. You have to be it."

Oh—and you’ll never hear Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason” the same way again. JD’s version shreds.

This episode is real, raw, and ridiculously fun. If you’re sick of polished PR stories and want the unfiltered truth of what it takes to make it in music today, JD brings it.

Plug in. Press play. And get ready to join the Clayton cult with us!

His new album Blue Sky Sundays is out now!

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Check out JD here: https://jdclaytonofficial.com/

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Soulful Reckoning

Ever wondered how a band can bridge the gap between rock and roll energy and old-time Appalachian soul?

Justin Osborne, the driving force behind Susto, is doing just that. But there's a twist – a journey of self-discovery, a departure from the familiar, and a dive into the heart of Americana.

His story is one of transformation and a constant search for meaning.

From a background steeped in religion to finding a new spiritual connection through music, his path is both compelling and deeply human.

It's about navigating the complexities of faith, the pain of soul-searching, and the joy of finding your voice in a new community.

This interview peels back the layers of an artist who isn't afraid to explore his past while forging a new sound.

You'll Also Discover:

How a chance meeting can spark a musical revolution.

A surprising take on finding community outside of traditional structures.

The key to re-imagining your own work with fresh energy.

Why "confessional" songwriting can be both a burden and a release.

A blueprint for blending genres without losing your roots.

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Have you listened to Susto String Band yet?

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Check out them out here: https://www.sustoisreal.com/

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AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious