Americana Curious

Don't miss Bailey Bigger's Post-Show Inspiring Interview...

In this heartfelt episode, Americana artist Bailey Bigger opens up about the realities of life on the road.

As an independent musician, Bailey shares the often-overlooked challenges of touring—from sleepless nights on broken futons to the struggle of finding comfort in unfamiliar towns.

Yet, amidst the hardships, she brings an undeniable joy: connecting with fans in places she’s never been before. ❤️

We sat down with Bailey right after her show to dive into her journey, discussing her unique influences (hello, Joni Mitchell vibes!) and how her voice and artistry have evolved, drawing from her Memphis roots.

Her passion for creating music is truly inspiring.

🎸 Why listen?

This episode isn’t just for music fans—it’s for anyone chasing a dream.

Bailey’s commitment to her new album, Resurrection Fern, and her devotion to fans is powerful.

Join us for a raw and refreshing look at the life behind the songs. 🎙️

Learn more about Baily Bigger here: https://www.baileybigger.com/

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

The Down Home Americana Journey with Ryan Jennings of Teddy and the Rough Riders

Ready for an unforgettable ride through the heart of Americana? In this episode, we’re joined by Ryan Jennings, co-founder of Teddy and the Rough Riders, as he reveals the stories behind their unique twist on Americana music.

From attic jam sessions in Knoxville to the stage, Ryan brings us along on a journey of friendship, creativity, and collaboration that’s as refreshing as it is nostalgic.

Get ready to dive into the band's fusion of country, rock, and a dash of psychedelia, all captured in their latest album Down Home. Ryan gives us a peek behind the curtain of their band name—a nod to the dynamic duo spirit he shares with bandmate Jack—and sheds light on the deeper meaning behind their “honky tonk meets rock” vibe. Along the way, Rye's humor and honest reflections bring to life the trials and triumphs of navigating today’s music scene, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

With stories of late-night songwriting sessions, the grit of being named Austin’s best honky tonk group, and the unbreakable bond they’ve built through music, this episode is packed with the spirit of Americana that fans crave. Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or new to the genre, this conversation is a heartfelt invitation to explore the sounds and stories that shape the soul of American music.

You'll also Discover:

Where Country and Rock Meet Psychedelia.

The Band's Alter Ego in Harmony.

How They Break the Stereotypes.

Their Musical Journey.

Raw Rock Energy: Live from the Bar.

Their Songs Through Struggle & The Band’s Creative Dedication.

Learn more about Teddy and the Rough Riders here: https://teddyandtheroughriders.com/

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

🎶 Three Concerts That Transformed Our Lives 🎶

In this special episode of Americana Curious, we reveal the unforgettable concerts that transformed our lives.

From a legendary folk icon who redefined storytelling...

...to a larger-than-life rock band that filled stadiums with raw energy....

...and a surprise festival set that turned strangers into lifelong friends.

We share the moments that ignited our love for live music.

Along the way, you'll hear stories of:

...late-night singalongs

...boundary-pushing performances

...an emotional tribute to a beloved songwriter whose music became a source of comfort and healing.

Get ready to be pulled into the heart of these iconic concerts—and maybe reflect on the shows that shaped our own musical journey.

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

Make Your Own Scene like Steve Poltz..the most interesting person in every room.

He's a true pioneer who believes in forging your own musical destiny—and WOW, has he done just that!

Steve’s journey began with the underground sensation The Rugburns in San Diego, but he truly burst onto the scene when he co-wrote two tracks for Jewel’s diamond-certified debut, Pieces of You. Ever heard of the iconic hit “You Were Meant For Me”? That’s Steve you can spot in the video!

His 1998 solo debut, One Left Shoe, set the stage for a rich catalog filled with evocative lyrics and a blend of positivity and tragicomedy. This unique style has turned him into a live performance phenomenon, adored by fans at festivals like Byron Bay Bluesfest, High Sierra Music Festival, and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival—he even tied the knot on the Cayamo Cruise!

Steve’s collaborations read like a who's who of the music industry, working alongside talents like Jewel, Billy Strings, and the late Mojo Nixon. With over a dozen albums under his belt, he continues to earn critical acclaim from outlets like Rolling Stone and Billboard.

As Steve says, “Usually when these folks come over to my house in Nashville, we end up with something I love. I try not to overthink it—there are no rules. It’s kind of like fishing; you don’t catch anything if you don’t throw your rod in the water. I just try to be open to inspiration, mixed with a bit of perspiration and exasperation.”

You’ll Also Discover

Steve’s Powerful Life Philosophy.

What He Learned Watching Springsteen on Broadway.

A Band that Influential in his Life.

The Original Alt Country.

Tech that Accelerated His Success.

The Legendary Rugburns.

How Weird Al and Steve Inspired Each Other.

A Collaboration that Surprised Him.

The Song that Got Him Kicked Out of Catholic Mass..

The Massive Hit He Wrote with Jewel.

How Having a Stroke on Stage Changed Him.

His Cathartic Music.

Steve’s Next Album.

How Steve Led Executives in a Song-Writing Workshop.

Learn more about Steve here: https://poltz.com/

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

Avry Truex, a rising star in the Americana music scene, shares the harrowing moment that launched his musical career.

You'll hear his unique journey from being a dedicated collegiate athlete to becoming a passionate songwriter and performer.

With an eclectic sound influenced by legends like John Prine and Sturgill Simpson, Avry emphasizes the importance of absorbing the good qualities from those around him.

His incredibly candid reflections on creativity, personal growth, and the challenges of navigating the music industry reveal a profound connection to his art.

You'll be intrigued by his thoughts on songwriting, including the impact of life experiences on his music.

Dive into this engaging conversation to discover how Avery's distinctive style and heartfelt lyrics are shaping his path in the world of Americana.

Avry’s debut album "Pine Tree Poetry," is slated for release this fall!

You'll also Discover:

The Powerful Idea a Coach Instilled in Him.

From Sports to Full Throttle Music.

Over 75 Unreleased Songs.

A HOT New England Americana Scene.

Sturgill Simpson Inspiration.

A Story Behind One of His Songs.

Pinetree Poetry.

The Moment that Changed His Life .

Learn more about Avry here: https://www.avrytruexmusic.com/

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

Harmony Over Hardship

Ashtyn Barbaree is known for her soul-stirring vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and electrifying performances.

She shares the tragedy that inspired songs on her new album plus the hope she derived from crafting and performing them.

You'll also here about her incredible career and music journey....and she's just getting started1

Ashtyn hails from Fayetteville, Arkansas/ Her journey kicked off with a bang when her self-titled debut EP was recorded at none other than John Prine’s Butcher Shoppe, which launched her on her first European tour in 2018! 

Fast forward to 2022, she dropped her first full-length album, Better Luck Next Time, recorded in Nashville, earning rave reviews across the board.

Ashtyn has toured relentlessly, sharing the stage with powerhouses like Jason Boland, William Clark Green, Arkansauce, and Adeem the Artist. 

And on October 25th, she’s releasing her brand-new album Sent Through The Ceiling, which promises a beautiful blend of self-discovery, resilience, and all the highs and lows life throws at us, inspired by the Ozarks and her own experiences.

With a unique mix of folk, rock, pop, and country, Ashtyn’s music is powerful, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her with us today. Let’s dive in!

You'll also discover...

Ashtyn’s Regular SIX-HOUR Gig at 12 Year’s Old!

The Action that Drove her Early Success.

The Cat Power Cover that Was her First Song to Play.

Her Biggest Influences.

How She Performed 300 Shows a Year in College…at Age 16!

A Story of Music Collaboration at AmericanaFest in Nashville.

Her Heartfelt Song Inspired from Tragedy.

 The Legendary Musician Who Walked In During Her Recording at John Prine’s Butcher Shoppe.

The Incredible Story of her First European Tour (for her first album)

How She Negotiated Contracts in Different Languages for Her Tour.

Rules for Phones at Shows

How to Help an Artist

NPR Inspired Songs

Learn more about Ashytn here: https://www.ashtynbarbaree.com/

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

Eli Waltz stays true to his artistic vision...

...and this drives a captivating conversation with this standout figure in the contemporary Americana scene.

Eli's had an extraordinary journey as a folk musician, shaped by a myriad of cultural influences.

He shares his transformative experiences as a working musician in China—where he didn’t just perform in bars and busk on the streets, but also absorbed a rich tapestry of musical traditions that would shape his distinctive sound.

Discover how he defines the essence of Americana music, championing raw, unfiltered performances that resonate deeply with both artists and audiences.

Eli's philosophy on music production is refreshing: he champions authenticity, preferring the spontaneity of live takes to the polish of studio recordings. With nods to legends like Bob Dylan, he passionately discusses the beauty of imperfections in folk music.

Expect to hear engaging anecdotes that highlight the challenges and triumphs he’s encountered along his musical path, all while exploring the emotional depth woven into his songwriting.

We also touche on Eli's musical inspirations, from the profound impact of Townes Van Zandt to the philosophical echoes of the Beat poets.

One particularly intriguing moment revolves around his song “Tibetan Bones,” which draws from a transformative travel experience in Tibet, revealing how personal journeys fuel powerful artistic expression.

Plus, don’t miss the surprise twist: an unexpected endorsement from Paul McCartney that highlights the serendipitous nature of artistic recognition and connection.

This is a heartfelt exploration of staying true to your artistic vision and the inspiration that surrounds us all. This is a must-listen for fans of Americana and folk music—trust us, you won’t want to miss it!

You’ll Also Discover

Busking in China

A Melting Point of Music

Eli’s Favorite Cover to Play 

How Managing a Cocktail Bar Influences his Music

What Sir Paul McCartney said about Eli’s Music

Why He Prefers Live Performances for Albums

The Eli Waltz Legacy

An Incredible HARMONICA JAM

Learn more about Eli here: https://www.eliwaltz.com/

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

Ghost Hounds are putting blues rock back on the map.

Their style of blues inspired rock proves the genre is not only alive but thriving for the next generation of rock fans.

Having just wrapped up touring with the Rolling Stones, you'll hear their stories from the road and the incredible background.

They have released four studio albums to date.

They've also supported legendary acts including ZZ Top, Garth Brooks, Guns N Roses, and Bob Seger on tour.

Here you'll hear directly from lead singer SAVNT and guitarist Tyler Chiarelli and discover:

Behind-the-scenes of their most recent music video.

What you can expect from a Ghost Hounds live show.

The Lead Singer Workout Routine

Work-Life Balance on the Road

How SAVNT Performed a 90-Minute Set after only three weeks with the Band!

What it's like Opening for the Rolling Stones.

How to Manifest Your Dreams.

A Misconception about the Band.

How to Command Energy with the Music.

Soul Inspiration from Patty Griffin.

Learn more about Ghost Hounds here: https://www.ghosthounds.com/

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

Humor and Heart

John Craigie is “A Modern-Day Troubadour” in the vein of Woody Guthrie, and blends comedic storytelling reminiscent of Mitch Hedberg with the spirit of musical legends like John Prine, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and Bob Dylan.

Born in Los Angeles and a UC Santa Cruz grad with a math degree, Craigie started playing local shows in Santa Cruz, leading to his 2009 breakthrough album Montana Tale. Known for captivating live performances, he's shared stages with Jack Johnson, Gregory Alan Isakov, and the Avett Brothers.

With nine studio albums, multiple live and cover records under his belt, Craigie just released another live album, Greatest Hits… Just Kidding… Live – No Hits out right now!

You'll also discover:

His Epic Newport Beatles Jam.

Finding Your Roadside Inspiration.

Craigie's Music, Unfiltered.

How He Creates the Crowd Connection.

His Pre-Show Ritual.

A Secret for Crafting a Comedic Song.

The Roadside Recording with Langhorne Slim.

A John Craigie Essential.

Learn more about Craigie here: https://johncraigie.com/

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

Pure Power Americana

Griffin William Sherry, former frontman of The Ghost of Paul Revere, returns with an electrifying solo debut that’s as raw and passionate as it is inspiring.

Rooted in the rugged landscapes of New England, Griffin’s new album blends modern catharsis with the timeless soul of American myth. His signature style fuses Folk, Americana, and Rock & Roll, creating music that is visceral, heartfelt, and unapologetically loud.

Griffin first captured our hearts as co-founder of The Ghost of Paul Revere, an independent band that soared to success with acclaimed releases, sold-out tours, and millions of streams. He built a music festival, graced national television, and spent 17 years writing songs that resonated with fans across the country.

Now, with Hundred Mile Wilderness set to release on September 20th, Griffin embarks on a bold new chapter. His solo debut is a testament to his growth as an artist, and the album promises to deliver the same fire and authenticity that have defined his career. Get ready for a powerhouse tour in support of this transformative record!

What You’ll Discover…

The Story Behind Writing the Maine State Ballad

Two Years to Write One Song

Defining “Holler Folk” Music

The Album that Inspired Him at an Early Age

The Secret Pop Up Show

How He Maintains HIGH ENERGY On Stage

The Power of Creating in Nashville

A Colorful Song from the Road

Best Dive Restaurants on Tour

What It’s Like Opening for Trampled by Turtles

“Rye or Die” Whiskey

Surprising Maine Trivia

The Band Inspiring Him Now

Learn more about Griffin and his music here: https://www.griffinwilliamsherry.com/

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