Dive Bar Music Club

Kim Ware tours and writes music with her solo project, The Good Graces, and in a band, Y'All'Re. Ware shares how she's balancing her work with writing, recording, and weekend touring. Sloane Spencer rants about music promotion companies sending AI pitches, and the importance of building real life community in music. We laugh about music fandom, fangirl encounters with musical heroes, and the moments that remind us why we love making and sharing music. Whether you're an artist, a dedicated listener, or simply love a great conversation, this episode offers an honest, entertaining look at creativity, connection, and the joy of music.

Pin Our Tastemaker Playlists

• Apple Music
• Tidal

Musicians and Venues Mentioned in this Episode

• Club 27 (Asheville)
• Common Market (Charlotte)
• Cobb Galleria
• Red Light Café (Atlanta)
• Snug Harbor (Charlotte)
• Star Bar (Atlanta)
• The EARL (Atlanta)

• The Avett Brothers
• Chickens and Pigs
• David Childers
• Jeff Evans
• Jeff Evans Porkestra
• Jerry Kee
• Kathleen Edwards
• Kim Ware
• Lydia Loveless
• Robert Childers
• Scott Roberts
• Tracy Clark
• Y'all're
• Yo La Tengo
• Yum Yum Tree

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to the Dive Bar Music Club Podcast
• 03:24 - Recording the New EP
• 11:21 - The Challenges of Independent Music Promotion
• 21:43 - The Vibrant Community of Music Scenes
• 30:01 - The Impact of Music: Personal Connections
• 35:39 - The Art of Expressing Appreciation
• 40:32 - Exploring Music Discovery in the Digital Age
• 48:25 - The Journey Through Music and Radio

The Regulars

• Kim Ware
• Sloane Spencer

Recommended If You Like

AI music promotion, Apple Music, Asheville music, Atlanta music scene, Bandcamp, Charlotte live music, Chapel Hill indie music, Common Market Charlotte, creative process, David Childers, DIY musicians, Dive Bar Music Club, EP recording, independent artists, independent music, indie music, live music, local music community, Lydia Loveless, music discovery, music podcast, music promotion, North Carolina music, podcast, record stores, singer-songwriter, Snug Harbor Charlotte, touring musicians, vinyl records, Y'All'Re, dive bar music club, 90s alt rock, emerging songwriters, indie music podcast, music community, live music experience, independent artists, music playlists, music industry insights, songwriting process, touring musicians, music recommendations, music festivals, local music scenes, vinyl records, bandcamp discoveries, music collaboration, songwriter interviews, music promotion, music and mental health

Recorded in the green room at the 40 Watt during AthFest, this episode of Dive Bar Music Club features members of Slightly Famous Somebodies and special guests sharing the albums, artists, and songs inspiring them right now. The conversation explores everything from Renaissance, Elf Power, PM Dawn, Nick Drake, and Mike Keneally to The Spinners, Frank Zappa, Sam Cooke, R.E.M., and The Allman Brothers Band, while diving into songwriting, rock operas, family musical legacies, podcasting, and Athens, Georgia's vibrant music community. If you love discovering overlooked artists, classic albums, progressive rock, soul, jazz, indie music, and behind-the-scenes festival conversations, this episode is packed with recommendations and stories for passionate music fans. True Athens fans know about JB, the Sausage Man with the Comeback Sauce.

Pin Our Tastemaker Playlists

• Apple Music
• Tidal

Musicians Mentioned in this Episode

• Al Green
• Aretha Franklin
• Boney James
• Brian Culbertson
• Christian Cordes (filmmaker)
• Elf Power
• Flournoy Holmes (artist)
• Frank Zappa
• Jonathan Spencer
• Kevn Kinney/Drivin n Cryin
• Laura Wiggins
• Mike Keneally
• Nick Drake
• NRBQ (New Rhythm and Blues Quartet)
• Paul Taylor
• PM Dawn
• R.E.M.
• Renaissance
• Sam Cooke
• Slightly Famous Somebodies
• Soul Occasion
• Steve Vai
• Stevie Wonder
• The Allman Brothers Band
• The Spinners
• Vaylor Trucks

The Regulars

• Sloane Spencer

Chapters

• 00:06 - Introducing the Dive Bar Music Club Podcast
• 01:04 - Introduction to Slightly Famous Somebodies
• 05:23 - Vaylor Trucks' New Podcast Season
• 07:15 - Green Room Antics
• 09:42 - Introducing JB the Sausage Man with the Comeback Sauce and His Personalities
• 11:01 - Introducing the Slightly Famous Somebodies

Recommended If You Like

Dive Bar Music Club, music podcast, 90s alt rock, emerging songwriters, indie music scene, alt rock bands, music recommendations, cult bands, music playlists, album reviews, music discussions, live music events, 70s R&B, British prog rock, soundcheck stories, music nerd culture, Slightly Famous Somebodies, Athens music scene, singer-songwriter interviews, music obsession, Jonathan Spencer, Laura Slade Wiggins, Vaylor Trucks, Sloane Spencer, sausage man with the comeback sauce, 40 watt club, athens, georgia, athens ga, allman brothers, Dive Bar Music Club, Slightly Famous Somebodies, AFF Fest, 40 Watt Club, Athens Georgia music, backstage podcast, music discovery, indie music podcast, progressive rock, psychedelic music, Renaissance band, Elf Power, Kevn Kinney, PM Dawn, Nick Drake, Pink Moon, Mike Keneally, Frank Zappa, The Spinners, soul music, R&B music, jazz recommendations, Boney James, Paul Taylor, Brian Culbertson, R.E.M., NRBQ, The Allman Brothers Band, Butch Trucks, Steve Vai, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, songwriting, rock opera, album recommendations, music interviews, festival podcast, live music, record collecting, alternative music, classic rock

Kevn Kinney of Drivin n Cryin joins Sloane Spencer from the green room at the fabulous 40 Watt club in Athens, Georgia during AthFest 2026. Dive Bar Music Club owes some of its origins to previous conversations with Kevn, who always shares thoughtfully who he has been working with and loves in music. We chat about everything from Drivin n Cryin's latest record made especially for their long-time fans to the intriguing sounds of up-and-coming artists. Kevn shares how his new songs resonate with long-time fans and how the "living tribute" series of 100 of his songs reinterpreted by other musicians brings a refreshing diversity to his own music and find new meaning in them, especially when performed by women. So grab your favorite drink, kick back, and join us as we chat about songwriting, a bit of breaking news, and a few cheeky anecdotes that’ll have you laughing all the way to the last call.

We also caught up with Dash Rip Rock and Slightly Famous Somebodies (an Athens-Atlanta supergroup) at AthFest.

Pin Our Tastemaker Playlists

• Apple Music
• Tidal

Musicians Featured in this Episode

• Drivin n Cryin
• Aaron Lee Tasjan
• Elizabeth Cook
• Ian Noe
• Todd Snider
• Sadler Vaden
• Anna Kramer
• David Ryan Harris
• Sixpence None the Richer (upcoming release!)
• Jonathan Spencer/Slightly Famous Somebodies

Musicians, Bands, and Related Topics

• Peter Buck
• Shooter Jennings
• Butch Walker
• Goody Mob
• Killer Mike
• Outkast

The Regulars

• Sloane Spencer

Chapters

• 00:08 - Introduction to the Dive Bar Music Club
• 01:05 - Dive Bar Music Club: Conversations with Musicians
• 05:32 - Exploring New Music and Cultural Connections
• 06:19 - The Importance of Disconnecting
• 10:18 - Exploring New Music and Collaborations
• 12:13 - The Dive Bar Music Club Podcast Wrap-Up

Recommended If You Like

Kevn Kinney, Drivin n Cryin, Dive Bar Music Club, Crushing Flowers, Kevn Kinney interview, Drivin N Cryin podcast, Atlanta music scene, songwriting, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Elizabeth Cook, Killer Mike, Sadler Vaden, Peter Buck, Todd Snider, David Ryan Harris, Sixpence None the Richer, indie rock, southern rock, Americana, alternative rock, music podcast, album interview, singer-songwriter, cover songs, new music recommendations, Atlanta musicians, music fans, music discovery, podcast interview, athfest, 40 watt club, Kevin Kinney, Driving and Crying, 90s alt rock, music podcast, emerging songwriters, music playlists, indie music scene, music recommendations, Atlanta music, music evolution, cult bands, songwriting insights, music interviews, new music releases, underground music, folk music

In this episode, Sloane catches up from the green room of the legendary Georgia Theatre in Athens, GA during AthFest, with Dash Rip Rock, who’s been hard at work on a collection of new songs that are already generating plenty of excitement, especially across Europe.

We dive into the story behind their latest album, A Song in Everyone, recorded at Bobby Matt Patton’s wonderfully eclectic studio in Mississippi, Dial Back Sound. It’s the kind of place that’s old, funky, and full of character, the perfect setting to capture the band’s unmistakable sound.

We reminisce about Sloane catching DRR back in the 688 days, talk about how the band has evolved over the years, and share a few laughs about life in the studio, including the occasional yacht rock soundtrack of Toto and Sting playing in the background while the creative magic happens.

So pour yourself a drink, settle in, and join us as we explore the stories behind the songs in another low-key, high-taste happy hour for music nerds.

Pin Our Tastemaker Playlists

• Apple Music
• Tidal

Musicians Featured in this Episode

• Bobby Matt Patton
• Bill Davis (Dash Rip Rock founder)
• Butthole Surfers
• Dash Rip Rock
• Dexateens
• Drunken Prayer
• Eric "Roscoe" Ambel (referred to as "Roscoe" and "Eric Campbell/Amble" in the transcript; misspoken and corrected to be Eric Ambel)
• Lilly Hiatt

Musicians, Bands, Festivals, and Ships

• AthFest (festival)
• HeAthens Fest (festival)
• Dan Baird
• Dave Barbe
• Dial Back Sound (studio/label)
• Drive-By Truckers
• Fat Possum (studio referenced as the former Fat Possum studio)
• Georgia Theatre
• Henry Barbe
• Hurray for the Riff Raff
• Lance Bangs
• Led Zeppelin
• Mammoth Records
• Mary Lee Kortes
• Metroplex (Atlanta venue)
• Mitch Easter
• Mojo Nixon (referred to simply as "Mojo")
• Morgan (of Drunken Prayer; surname not stated)
• Rob Reiner
• Rolling Stones
• Shinyribs
• Spain (mentioned as a touring market, not a venue/person)
• Steely Dan
• Sting
• Sunny Sweeney
• Supersuckers
• The Deslondes
• The Nick (venue in Birmingham, AL)
• The Outlaw Country Cruise
• The Whole Truth and Nothing Butt: The Story of the Butthole Surfers (documentary)
• Tom Petty/Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (referenced as "the Heartbreakers")
• Toto
• Warner Hodges
• 688 Club (referred to as "688" and "688 Presents")
• 688 Presents (record, concert promotion series)

The Regulars

• Sloane Spencer

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introducing Dash Rip Rock
• 01:22 - New Music
• 05:03 - Musical Connections and Band Origins
• 07:02 - The Impact of Music on Creativity
• 08:35 - European Audiences
• 11:27 - The Return to Familiar Stages

Recommended If You Like

Dive Bar Music Club, 90s alt rock, emerging songwriters, cult band favorites, music playlists, indie music culture, music nerds podcast, recording studio stories, Athens music scene, Dash Rip Rock, Drive By Truckers, European music audiences, zine making, metal music photography, folk music nostalgia, new album releases, music collaborations, yacht rock, Butthole Surfers, live music venues, Dash Rip Rock, Dash Rip Rock interview, A Song in Everyone, Bobby Matt Patten, Dial Back Sound, Drive-By Truckers, ATHFest, Athens music festival, Georgia Theatre, Southern rock, roots rock, Americana music, alt-country, cowpunk, rock and roll, Mississippi recording studio, Water Valley Mississippi, Dexateens, Drunken Prayer, Mitch Easter, Tom Petty, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Butthole Surfers, Led Zeppelin, Steely Dan, Toto, Sting, Warner Hodges, Dan Baird, Supersuckers, Lily Hiatt, Sunny Sweeney, Shinyribs, Hooray for the Riff Raff, Outlaw Country Cruise, Mammoth Records, 688 Club Atlanta, The Knick, independent rock music, new rock album, music podcast, artist interview, album recording, Southern music, Athens Georgia music scene, Europe tour, underground rock, cult rock band

This week's Dive Bar Music Club is a rabbit hole of garage rock side projects, forgotten lo-fi legends, Americana royalty, and gloriously oddball icons. The Regulars discuss everything from why some bands desperately need a new name to whether fans should let artists evolve, while swapping stories about tiny clubs, legendary live shows, and the strange magic of musicians who refuse to color inside the lines. Along the way, Swamp Dogg steals the conversation by being exactly as weird and wonderful as advertised, Tyler Childers sparks a thoughtful debate about artistic growth and rabid fanbases, and everyone accidentally proves that music nerds can spend ten minutes discussing an electronic duo's cassette track listing without a trace of irony, and somehow make it completely compelling.

Pin Our Tastemaker Playlists

• Apple Music
• Tidal

Musicians Featured in this Episode

• Kacey Musgraves
• Andrew Sa
• David Rawlings/David Rawlings Machine/Dave Rawlings
• Gillian Welch
• Jack Logan
• Old 97s/Murray Hammond/Rhett Miller
• Styrofoam Winos
• Weird Nightmare
• Swamp Dogg
• Tyler Childers/The Food Stamps

• AmericanaFest
• Atlanta Film Festival

• Barry and Levon (The State sketch characters)
• Chris Stapleton
• Cindy Lauper
• Daniel Johnston
• Derek Trucks
• Dylan LeBlanc
• Florrie
• Gabe Lee
• Gary U.S. Bonds
• Iron & Wine
• Jason Isbell/Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
• Jenny Lewis
• Jesse Welles (Tyler Childers band member)
• John Prine
• Jon Spencer/Blues Explosion
• Johnny Blue Skies
• Johnny Paycheck
• King Margo
• Kraftwerk
• Lavender Country
• Lindsey Buckingham
• Metz
• Miranda Lambert
• MJ Lenderman
• New Order
• Neko Case
• Patrick Haggerty
• Peter Buck
• Ratboys
• R.E.M.
• Rick Rubin
• Rilo Kiley
• Ryan Davis
• Scott Baxendale
• Slobberbone
• Starfucker
• Sturgill Simpson
• Susan Tedeschi/Tedeschi Trucks Band
• The Pollies
• The Replacements
• Vic Chesnutt
• W8ing4UFOs
• Wednesday
• Yaz/Yazoo/Alison Moyet

• Capricorn Records
• Medium Cool Records
• New West Records
• Sub Pop Records
• Twin/Tone Records

• Blue Plate Special (WDVX performance series)
• Boyd's Jig & Reel
• Coca-Cola Amphitheater (Birmingham)
• Fantasyland Records (Atlanta)
• Pinhook (Durham)
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre
• The Basement (Nashville)
• WDVX Radio

The Regulars

• Nelson Gullett
• Charles Hale
• Amanda Miles
• Sloane Spencer

Chapters

• 00:17 - Introducing the Guests
• 02:36 - Exploring New Sounds: Weird Nightmare and Beyond
• 07:59 - The Rise of Jack Logan
• 18:44 - Traveling and Music Experiences
• 21:50 - New Discoveries in Music and Memory
• 28:42 - The Evolution of Tyler's Sound
• 38:10 - Exploring New Sounds in Country Music
• 44:21 - Reflections on Swamp Dog's Legacy
• 46:36 - Exploring New and Established Artists
• 52:51 - The Transition to New Music Discussions

Recommended If You Like

Dive Bar Music Club, music podcast, indie rock podcast, Americana podcast, alt-country podcast, roots music, new music discovery, music recommendations, playlist podcast, Tyler Childers, Kacey Musgraves, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, Swamp Dogg, Old 97's, Jack Logan, Weird Nightmare, Styrofoam Winos, Andrew Sa, John Spencer, John Spencer Blues Explosion, Jenny Lewis, Rilo Kiley, Jason Isbell, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, REM, Peter Buck, Peter Jesperson, The Replacements, Vic Chesnutt, Daniel Johnston, Iron & Wine, MJ Lenderman, Wednesday, Ratboys, Slobberbone, Sturgill Simpson, Johnny Blue Skies, Chris Stapleton, Lindsey Buckingham, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Patrick Haggerty, Lavender Country, Americana music, indie music, garage rock, power pop, lo-fi music, Southern rock, country music, record collecting, vinyl records, record stores, live music, concert reviews, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, AmericanaFest, WDVX, Sub Pop Records, New West Records, Twin/Tone Records, Medium Cool Records, dive bar music club, 90s alt rock, emerging songwriters, indie music podcast, music playlists, lo-fi music, garage rock, power pop, Weird Nightmare band, Jack Logan music, Americana music, country music, alternative country, record store culture, music discovery, passionate music discussions, underground music, music collaborations, concert experiences, music recommendations

Happy Pride! Sloane Spencer catches up with music journalist and Rainbow Rodeo founder Rachel Cholst during a period of both profound loss and exciting professional growth. Rachel reflects on the unexpected death of a longtime friend, sharing how music, ritual, and community have helped her navigate grief, while also discussing major milestones including Rainbow Rodeo’s subscriber drive, plans to revive its podcast, and the news that SiriusXM’s Country Pride channel will become a permanent offering, with Rachel continuing as one of its voices. Along the way, the conversation explores the role of music in memory and healing, highlights emerging and established artists from the queer, indie, and Americana worlds, and touches on Rachel’s ongoing creative projects, including a comic book series (Kickstarter!). The result is a thoughtful, heartfelt discussion about loss, resilience, artistic community, and the ways music helps us make sense of life’s highs and lows.

Pin Our Tastemaker Playlists

• Apple Music
• Tidal

Musicians Featured This Episode

• Andrew Sa
• Micah Schnabel and Vanessa Jean Speckman
• North Ingalls
• VNV Nation

Musicians Mentioned in Our Conversation

• Aaron Lee Tasjan
• Call Me Rita
• Frank Turner
• Gorillaz
• HC McEntire
• Jeff Rosenstock
• Jason Molina
• Jimmy Eat World
• Johnson and Magnolia Electric Company
• KMFDM
• Kim Richey
• Lake Street Dive
• Lavender Country
• Mount Moriah
• Paisley Fields
• Patrick Haggerty
• Procol Harum
• Rammstein
• Ratboys
• Two Cow Garage

The Regulars

• Rachel Cholst
• Sloane Spencer

Chapters

• 00:04 - Dealing with Loss
• 03:43 - New Beginnings: The Rainbow Rodeo Fundraiser
• 15:00 - Navigating the Landscape of Country Music and Sirius XM
• 16:00 - The Influence of Holographic Performances
• 26:24 - Navigating Grief and Music
• 32:03 - Transition to New Music Discussions
• 35:53 - The Impact of Social Media on Music Connections
• 44:06 - Exploring Creative Passions

Recommended If You Like

podcast episode, music and grief, loss of a friend, songs about death, emotional music, coping with loss, music therapy, LGBTQ+ music, Rainbow Rodeo, indie music, country music, music recommendations, alt rock, mental health and music, professional growth in music, overcoming grief, personal stories in music, music playlists, artists to listen to, music community, Dive Bar Music Club podcast, Rachel Cholst, Rainbow Rodeo, queer country music, LGBTQ country artists, Country Pride SiriusXM, SiriusXM Country Pride, Pride Month music, independent music journalism, music podcast, Americana music, indie rock music, alternative country, queer musicians, Rainbow Rodeo magazine, music discovery, emerging artists, Andrew Sa, North Ingalls, Micah Schnabel, Vanessa Jean Speckman, Two Cow Garage, Lavender Country, Patrick Haggerty, Paisley Fields, Jeff Rosenstock, VNV Nation, Ratboys, Jason Molina, Johnson and Electric Company, grief and music, music and healing, friendship and loss, funeral songs, music memories, country music culture, independent artists, music reviews, no Depression magazine, queer country community, music journalism interview, underground music scene, DIY music culture, singer-songwriter podcast, Americana podcast, LGBTQ music media, indie music recommendations, Pride Month podcast, music fandom, artist interviews, music community, alternative music podcast

Today, Nelson Gullett and Sloane Spencer get into one of the best parts of being a music fan: the stories that songs create along the way. The tracks we love often become tied to specific moments, memories, and people, and that’s exactly where this conversation starts.

This episode moves between reconsidering nostalgia and new music discovery. We talk about the lasting emotional pull of music from The Jayhawks via Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman, while also shining a light on newer favorites from River Shook and Ismay. Along the way, our guests, a retired radio programmer and current radio host, bring plenty of insight, unexpected stories, and a few moments that might have you rethinking what makes a song stick with us.

Whether you’ve spent years exploring Americana, live for indie rock discoveries, or are simply looking for your next favorite artist, there’s something here for you. We’ll share the records we can’t stop playing, celebrate a few overlooked gems, and dig into why certain songs keep finding their way back into our lives. If Yaz, R.E.M., and American Aquarium are all in your rotation, this episode is for you.

Pour yourself a drink, settle in, and join us for a Pride Month conversation about music, memory, and the thrill of finding something you can’t wait to play again.

Pin Our Tastemaker Playlists

• Apple Music
• Tidal

Focus Musicians for this Episode

• Blue Mountain
• Ismay (Avery Hillman)
• The Jayhawks
• River Shook
• Vandoliers
• Yaz/Yazoo

Musicians, Bands, TV, Events, Record Labels, etc Mentioned

• Aldous Harding
• Amethyst Kiah
• American Aquarium
• Andrew Sa
• The Americans
• Americana Awards
• AmericanaFest
• Blake Tallent
• Bloodkin
• Bloodshot Records
• Blue Highway
• Blue Rodeo
• Bob Dylan
• Bob Mould
• Cary Hudson
• Chuck Mead
• Dave Matthews Band
• Dolly Parton
• Dylan LeBlanc
• Edery Bazzini
• Fleetwood Mac
• Gillian Welch
• The Groove
• Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
• Hymn for Her
• India Ramey
• Indigo Girls
• Iris DeMent
• Jason Narducy
• Jenni Rose
• John Stirratt
• Kathleen Edwards
• Kevin Gordon
• Laurie Stirratt
• Lucinda Williams
• Mandolin Orange/Watchhouse
• M.J. Lenderman
• Michael Shannon
• Mightmare
• Mike Mills
• Mike and the Moonpies/Silverada
• Mon Rovîa
• Nancies.org
• No Depression
• Olivia Wolf
• Otis Gibbs
• Peter Buck
• Phoebe Bridgers
• Radiohead
• Ralph Stanley
• Ratboys
• The Reckless Strangers
• R.E.M.
• Red and the Paper Flowers
• Sara Bareilles
• Sarah Shook and the Devil
• Sarah Shook and the Disarmers
• Scott Miller
• S.G. Goodman
• Sun Volt
• Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
• Trombone Shorty
• Tyler Childers
• U2
• Waxahatchee
• Webb Wilder
• WDVX
• Wilco
• WMOT
• Wyatt Ellis
• X
• XM Cross Country

• 40 Watt Club
• Blue Plate Special Performance Stage
• Blue Plate Special
• Record Store Day
• Summer Nights Concert Series
• Tennessee Shines
• Yee-Haw Brewing Co.

The Regulars in this Episode

• Nelson Gullett
• Sloane Spencer

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to the Dive Bar Music Club Podcast
• 06:18 - The Jayhawks and Their Lasting Impact
• 19:16 - Discovering New Music: River Shook and Ismay
• 23:33 - The Influence of Music and Poetry on Songwriting
• 34:49 - Discovering New Music: The Journey of Vandoliers
• 45:50 - The Importance of Integrity in Music

Recommended If You Like

Dive Bar Music Club, 90s alt rock, emerging songwriters, touring songwriters, Americana music, live music shows, WDVX Radio, summer concert series, Webb Wilder, bluegrass artists, music playlists, eclectic music, indie music recommendations, music discovery, Nashville music scene, local music scene, new music releases, music nerds, music interviews, music festivals, Dive Bar Music Club podcast, Americana music podcast, indie rock podcast, alternative country music, alt-country bands, Americana artists, music discovery podcast, new music recommendations, Waxahatchee, MJ Lenderman, The Jayhawks, Rainy Day Music, Blue Mountain band, River Shook, Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, Ismay, Half Truth album, AmericanaFest, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, WDVX Radio, Blue Plate Special, Knoxville music scene, Webb Wilder, Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch, Iris DeMent, Wilco, Son Volt, REM, Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Jason Narducy, Michael Shannon REM tour, Athens Georgia music, 40 Watt Club, Bloodshot Records, Vandoliers, Jenny Rose, American Aquarium, Kathleen Edwards, Tyler Childers, SG Goodman, Mon Rovîa, Ratboys, Amethyst Kiah, Wyatt Ellis, Dylan LeBlanc, indie folk music, roots music, bluegrass artists, singer-songwriter podcast, live music stories, music nostalgia, record collecting, Record Store Day, vinyl culture, music fandom, concert memories, underground music, independent artists, Southern music, Nashville music scene, Asheville concerts, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, folk music discussion, country rock, roots rock, music interviews, emerging artists, favorite albums, music recommendations 2026, best Americana albums, indie music discovery, alternative music culture, music nerd podcast, low-key high-taste music podcast

This week on Dive Bar Music Club, we dive into the eclectic songs we've been listening to lately, and how we find new music. We're kicking it off with Kim Ware's recent tour and the joy of discovering music that truly resonates with us. Chad Cochran pulls back the curtain on album cover art and reminds us of his mental health series, I Didn't Want to Tell You, at Woodyfest and Nelsonville Music Festival. Charles Hale brings his distinct perspective as a record store owner to new music from old bands, and as we explore the fine line between artistic expression and marketability in album art. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s explore what we've been spinning on our playlists!

• Apple Music
• Tidal

• 6 String Drag (Rob Keller, Kenny Roby)
• Aldous Harding
• Mike D (Beastie Boys)
• Clydie King
• Jesca Hoop
• Lily Miller
• Mod Lang
• Rolling Stones
• Tiwayo
• (Above on this episode's playlists)
• Adrianne Lenker (Big Thief)
• Ben Nichols
• Big Star
• Big Thief
• Black Keys
• Black Pumas
• Braid
• Bob Dylan
• The Cars
• Damien Jurado
• De La Soul
• Detroit Cobras
• Fiona Apple
• J Phono 1
• Jerry Kee
• John Harrison
• Kathleen Edwards
• Iron & Wine
• Journey
• Leith Ross
• Leon Bridges
• Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Merry Clayton
• Metz
• Night Ranger
• Paul McCartney
• Phil Spector
• Pink Floyd
• Rainer Maria
• Ray Charles
• Sad Planets
• Sam Beam
• Scott Miller
• Steely Dan
• Superchunk
• Tom Waits
• V-Roys
• Weird Nightmare
• Woody Guthrie
• XTC
• Y'All'Re
• Yum Yum Tree

• Nelsonville Music Festival
• New Orleans Jazz Fest
• Record Store Day
• Saturday Night Live
• Theme Stock
• Woody Guthrie Folk Festival

• 40 Watt Club
• Blue Note Records
• Driver 8 Records (Sign up for the vinyl record club here.)
• Nine Bullets music blog
• Sub Pop

• Athens, GA
• Atlanta, GA
• Austin, TX
• Chapel Hill, NC
• Charlotte, NC
• Clemson, SC
• Columbus, OH
• Detroit, MI
• Fort Collins, CO
• New Orleans, LA
• Okemah, OK
• Paris, France
• Wilmington, NC

The Regulars in this Episode

• Chad Cochran
• Charles Hale
• Sloane Spencer
• Kim Ware

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to the Dive Bar Music Club
• 04:19 - Exploring New Tunes and Tour Tales
• 10:48 - Navigating New Music Discovery
• 17:40 - Discovering New Music
• 23:46 - Exploring New Musical Influences
• 32:24 - Exploring New Music Discoveries
• 36:28 - The Discovery of Clyde King
• 42:54 - Album Art and Creative Processes
• 46:45 - The Art of Album Covers

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Dive Bar Music Club, music podcast, 90s alt rock, emerging songwriters, indie music recommendations, music discovery, live music performances, record store culture, music industry insights, singer-songwriter tours, album artwork design, music playlists, music trends, underground music scene, folk music, alternative music, music collaborations, music interviews, music nerds, new music releases, artist interviews, Dive Bar Music Club podcast, music discovery podcast, indie music recommendations, new music podcast, alternative music podcast, underground music scene, record store owner recommendations, finding new music, music nerd podcast, album cover art discussion, vinyl records, record collecting, independent musicians, singer songwriter podcast, touring musician stories, music festival photography, Nelsonville Music Festival, Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, record of the month club, Dryland Records, music algorithms, Spotify alternatives, Tidal music recommendations, NTS Radio, XMU radio, music curation, indie folk music, indie rock music, power pop revival, soul music recommendations, modern soul artists, French soul music, Tiwayo, Damien Jurado, Lily Miller, Jesca Hoop, Aldous Harding, Mod Lang, Six String Drag, Clydie King, Rolling Stones new music, Mike D solo project, Beastie Boys legacy, Ryan Adams problematic, Superchunk, Reiner Maria, Braid, Big Star influence, The Cars influence, The Kinks influence, XTC discussion, Fiona Apple comparisons, Leon Bridges fans, Black Pumas producer, Tom Waits connections, Iron and Wine collaboration, music blog culture, Nine Bullets music blog, Chapel Hill music scene, Athens Georgia music scene, Carolina music scene, Detroit rock bands, independent record labels, Sub Pop Records, album artwork design, vinyl culture, crate digging, hidden music gems, overlooked musicians, session singers, Clydie King background vocals, Bob Dylan collaborators, Phil Spector era musicians, Sweet Home Alabama background vocals, Exile on Main St discussion, music recommendation roundtable, best new indie music, music podcast for record collectors, discovering underground artists, favorite albums of the month, music fandom and nostalgia, classic rock debate, Pink Floyd discussion, Paul McCartney discussion, Saturday Night Live music guests, New Orleans Jazz Fest discussion, music discovery in the streaming era

From backstage conversations to festival magic, Sloane Spencer dives headfirst into Albino Skunk Music Festival, a music fan's family reunion. While this marks the final spring edition of the beloved festival, the fall music weekends continue. Celebrate reinvention, community, and the evolving sound of Americana and roots music.

This episode spotlights both legendary festival staples and exciting new voices, including breakout duo King Margo, who join Sloane backstage to talk about creative growth, finding their sound, and the thrill of releasing fresh music into the world. Then, singer-songwriter Aaron Lee Tasjan opens up about the highs surrounding his latest album and the personal challenges shaping his journey through grief and sobriety, offering equal parts wisdom, honesty, and heart.

Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and spend some time where the songs are loud, the stories run deep, and music feels like home.

Catch Our Tastemaker Playlists

• Apple Music
• Tidal

Musicians, Bands, Venues, and Festivals Mentioned

• Aaron Lee Tasjan
• King Margo (Rachel Coats and Lucciana Costa)
• Albino Skunk Music Festival

• Americana Fest
• Buddy Miller
• Darrell Scott
• Dave Jacques
• Drivin N Cryin
• Gabe Lee
• Hayley Williams
• Jason Eady
• Jen Gunderman
• Jeff Sipe
• Jimmy Bowland
• John Fullbright
• John Prine
• Justin Amaral
• Kevn Kinney
• Kim Richey
• Larkin Poe
• Margaret Glaspy
• Max Abrams
• Procol Harum
• Roger Alan Nichols
• Sheryl Crow
• SiriusXM Outlaw Country
• Steve Dawson
• Sturgill Simpson
• Susan Werner
• The Mavericks
• The Wallflowers
• Todd Snider
• Tom Petty
• Van Darien
• Warren Zanes

Chapters

• 00:20 - Sloane Spencer: The Final Spring Edition of Skunk Fest
• 01:16 - King Margo: Exploring New Sounds
• 12:20 - Music and Inspiration: The Creative Process
• 19:53 - Aaron Lee Tasjan: Navigating Grief and Creativity
• 29:04 - The Journey of 'Science Friction'

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Albino Skunk Music Festival, Dive Bar Music Club podcast, Sloane Spencer, King Margo, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Americana music podcast, roots music festival, bluegrass music festival, indie music podcast, South Carolina music festival, live music interviews, backstage artist interview, Americana artists, folk music podcast, Red Dirt music, Texas country music, Jason Eady, Gabe Lee, Darrell Scott, Jeff Sipe, Nashville musicians, independent music artists, women in Americana music, King Margo new music, Waters Rise album, Game Over single, Tinfoil Profiteers, Roger Alan Nichols, Larkin Poe producer, music discovery podcast, singer songwriter interview, Aaron Lee Tasjan Get Over It Underdog, Science Friction song, SiriusXM Outlaw Country, independent musicians, touring musicians, music festival culture, live music community, East Nashville music scene, Americana Fest, music merch culture, indie record release, podcast for music nerds, low key high taste happy hour, festival backstage conversations, roots rock artists, folk Americana scene, Southern music podcast, emerging Americana artists, music storytelling podcast, dive bar music club, music festival, Albino Skunk Music Fest, South Carolina music festivals, Darrell Scott, King Margot, Jason Eady, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Americana music, music discovery, indie music, music interviews, festival experiences, songwriting process, artist collaborations, music promotion, live music, female musicians, music production, pre-order album

Support to Tip Jar

Amanda Miles and Chad Cochran bring sonically disparate, but thematically similar, music to Dive Bar Music Club. We end up with some deep conversation about taking care of our mental health and how that impacts the music community. The playlist moves through love, loss, and nostalgia. Amanda shares her latest Jason Isbell obsession, Chad leans into indie rock and some 90s throwbacks, and together we talk about how music becomes a lifeline during tough times. Amanda shares a bit about her progressive blindness, how it impacts her when going to see bands and venues lack accessibility, and teases an upcoming feature regarding her diagnosis in Bodies of Opinion.

Catch Our Tastemaker Playlists

• Apple Music
• Tidal

Bands and Musicians Featured in Episode 8

• Willow Avalon w/ Jason Isbell
• Ella Langley
• The Afghan Whigs
• Luke Combs w/ Alison Krauss
• Paul McCartney
• Arcwelder

Mental Health Resources

If you need immediate support, call or text 988 in the USA for connection to a trained volunteer who can help.

• NAMI
• Nuci's Space
• Your state occupational health or vocational rehabilitation office
• Music Health Alliance
• MusiCares
• Sims Foundation
• HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians)

The Regulars

• Chad Cochran
• Amanda Miles
• Sloane Spencer

Musicians, Venues, Events, and Themes Referenced in This Episode

• Alan Jackson
• Appalachian State University
• Athens
• Atlanta
• Bodies of Opinion
• Brian Lee Brown
• Birmingham
• Bowling Green
• Chicago
• Coca-Cola Amphitheater
• Dave Grohl
• David Byrne
• Faith Hill
• Garth Brooks
• Jack White
• Jim White
• Laughing Hyenas
• Live Nation
• Linda Ronstadt
• Luaka Bop
• Madison Square Garden
• Martina McBride
• Minneapolis
• Miranda Lambert
• National Independent Venue Association (NIVA)
• Nelsonville Music Festival
• New Disabled South
• Ohio
• Okemah
• Patrick Keeler
• Raconteurs
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre
• Reba McEntire
• Ringo Starr
• Ryman Auditorium
• Steve Albini
• Tabernacle
• Tedeschi Trucks Band
• Them Crooked Vultures
• Touch and Go Records
• Topher Brown
• Tyler Childers
• Vince Gill
• White Stripes
• Woody Guthrie Folk Festival
• Wynonna Judd

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