Count It Off!

In this episode of Count It Off, we sit down with the unstoppable Erica Sunshine Lee — a powerhouse singer-songwriter known as the Georgia Gypsy. From her small-town Southern roots to touring across the globe, Erica’s journey is fueled by grit, passion, and a love for telling stories through song.

She’s earned #1 chart-topping songs, penned heartfelt ballads, rowdy anthems, and everything in between, earning fans worldwide with her fearless honesty and undeniable stage presence. In this conversation, Erica opens up about life on the road, the inspirations behind her songs, and what it really takes to carve out an independent career in today’s music industry.

Whether you’re chasing your own creative dreams or just love a good story wrapped in melody, this episode will leave you inspired to count it off and dive in.

✨ Listen now and join the ride with Erica Sunshine Lee.

🎹 Count It Off Ep 28: Funk, Faith & Purple Keys with Tommy Barbarella

This week we’re hanging out with the one and only Tommy Barbarella — keyboardist, composer, and longtime member of Prince’s legendary New Power Generation. We dig into what it was like holding down the keys for one of the greatest artists of all time, the magic (and madness) of life on tour, and how Tommy found his own sound outside the Purple universe.

We’ll hear how Tommy has expanded to composing and scoring everything from orchestral works, commercial videos and even an epic Super Bowl ad.

From Twin Cities beginnings to the biggest stages in the world, Tommy shares stories that are equal parts funny, wild, and inspiring. We talk about the pressure of keeping up with Prince’s genius, what it takes to survive in the music industry, and how collaboration fuels his creativity to this day.

If you love Prince, music history, or just want to hear some behind-the-scenes stories from the guy who helped shape the soundtrack of a generation, this one’s for you.

Welcome to Count It Off, the podcast where we shine a light on the stories behind the music that moves us. Today, we're counting it off with none other than Kensie Coppin — a powerhouse singer-songwriter who made her Grand Ole Opry debut at just 11 years old. With a voice that cuts deep and a rich alto tone that commands every lyric, Kensie has earned three #1 singles on the Texas charts and built a name rooted in heart, grit, and undeniable talent. From center stage to the writing room, she’s blazing her own trail in country music — and we’re here for the ride.

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Friedman, President of the Trop Rock Music Association (TRMA) — a nationwide network uniting artists, venues, fans, and radio stations passionate about tropical rock. Mark shares his insights into the vibrant world of Trop Rock, its grassroots growth, the passionate fan base, and how the TRMA fosters connection and recognition within the genre.

We dive into the evolution of Trop Rock music, its cultural roots, and the role of the association in supporting emerging talent, organizing events, and amplifying the genre across the U.S. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just discovering the sound of saltwater-soaked tunes and island vibes, this episode offers a front-row seat to the movement keeping the music alive and the mission of the ParrotHeads to “Keep the Party Going” in remembrance of Jimmy Buffett.

🌴 Tune in for stories, rhythms, and community straight from the heart of Trop Rock.

In this episode, we meet with Billy Alcorn, owner of the Nashville road case company supplying gear for some of the biggest names in music like Metallica, Justin Timberlake, Chris Stapleton and Eric Church. We learn about his roots in Walnut Grove, MN (birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder and home of Little House On the Prairie), explore his years behind the wheel of Phil Vassar’s tours and we get to hear some of the songs they wrote. It’s a fascinating dive into how custom gear and production like Alcorn Custom Cases builds plays a key role in making the big shows all happen.

🎧 Tune in for stories, music talk, some country humor and a look at what it takes to bring legends to the stage.

This week, we’re diving deep into the purple legacy with a true pioneer of the Minneapolis Sound: Matt "Dr. Fink" Prince. As the longtime keyboardist for Prince and an original member of The Revolution, Dr. Fink was a key architect of the sonic landscapes behind some of Prince’s most groundbreaking work — from *Dirty Mind* and *1999* to *Purple Rain* and beyond.

In this candid conversation, Matt shares firsthand stories from the studio and the stage: what it was like to collaborate with Prince at the peak of his creative powers, how The Revolution came together, and the moments that defined an era. We talk about the iconic look (yes, the scrubs), cool tales of the live shows (including opening for the Rolling Stones), the evolution of Prince’s sound, and what it meant to be part of a musical movement that broke boundaries across genre, race, and style.

Whether you're a die-hard Prince fan or just curious about one of the most influential bands in pop music history, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and behind-the-scenes details you won’t hear anywhere else.

Scottish-born Callum Kerr has a great double-fisted career going... he's starred in seasons 2-6 of the Netflix series Virgin River and acted in 12 other shows and now, he's making his Grand Ole Opry debut with his soulful, gritty voice and A-list production. We talk about his life in Edinburgh Scotland, his acting career but mostly about his enthusiasm for a debut album, produced by Dann and David Huff. They just don't come any better and I know you'll love his relaxed personality and Scottish brogue. Don't miss this one!

Country station BOB-FM is a rare example of independent playlists and down-home personalities. Neil Freeman joins us to talk about his rise from small market radio to one of the top-rated stations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul market. They also are one of the few country stations that love to play homegrown artists. Learn what they look for in submissions and how they give back to the community as well.

Join us as we chat with Andy Peake and hear about his long history as the timekeeper for some of the best artists we've known, from Delbert McClinton to Nicolette Larson, Lee Roy Parnell to Don Williams and more. We cover some of the challenges as an independent recording artist as well. He's got history in Boulder, Gainesville and the past 35 years in Nashville. Hang out with us!

From Music City comes a slayin' hard rocker who's seen it all, from the hair band heyday of LA in the early 80s to his current gig at possibly the #1 recording studio in Nashville. Mike has a great love for his heroes - Richie Blackmore, Eddie Van Halen and more. We'll also talk about his new book "Tennessee Metal" and more. Grab a coffee and join us for some cool guitar instrumentals and tales of the Roxy and the Rainbow Room. Recommended!