Eighty Unplugged

West of the Ohio by Alyssa Hankey, performed live on this podcast episode. The lyrics and background of his original song are broken down and discussed. 

Read our blog post about Alyssa Hankey here: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/blog/

Chapters: 

(00:00) Introduction

We welcome Alyssa Hankey. She goes over what song she chose for the podcast.

(01:07) Alyssa Hankey Performs “West of the Ohio”

(04:30) Song Inspiration

Alyssa’s family history inspired her song.

(05:19) “Lyrics from the Ether”

Alyssa shares her view on songwriting.

(05:55) Identity through Music

(09:00) Lyric Breakdown

(09:18) Verse 1

(09:38) Family History

(10:14) Working-Class Stories

Why Alyssa Hankey highlights the stories of the working class.

(11:50) Chorus

(12:11) Restless Soul

Alyssa talks about wanting freedom and how she wants to live her life on her own terms, away from her family tradition and societal expectations. We talk about the opportunity of the current time.

(15:05) Drive, Virtue, & Deserved Success

Alyssa Hankey and her values in hard work and her roots. She goes over her thoughts on authenticity and putting the time in.

(17:19) Verse 2

(17:58) Family Inheritance

Alyssa Hankey talks about taking the opposites her ancestors never had and how she carries them with her.

(19:51) Painting a Picture

Alyssa talks about how her experience/inspiration as a music artist and visual artist overlap. We talk about applying visual art techniques to songwriting.

(22:21) Verse 3

(22:55) Generational Inheritance

How the actions of your ancestors are still alive in you and how there is lightness and darkness in everyone.

(24:34) Cinematic Songs

How Alyssa Hankey takes a screenwriter’s approach to writing songs. She shares her inspiration for storylines and characters.

(28:00) Effect of Vietnam

Alyssa Hankey shares her fascination with the late ’60s and how she sees similarities to our modern times.

(29:40) Advice for Songwriters

Alyssa Hankey shares her advice for perseverance and authenticity in songwriting.

(30:25) Alyssa Hankey’s 2026 Album 

Alyssa Hankey: 

Website: https://www.alyssahankey.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssahankey/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alyssahankeymusic 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alyssahankey2738 

Follows Eighty Unplugged: 

Website: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/ 

Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7dZBCEo3OdHl1bsAttsZ5U?si=df230186f2d54f21 

Live Music,Concert, Tiny Desk Concert, Singer, Song Writer, Podcast,  Acoustic Guitar, MTV Unplugged, Music, Music Commentary, Pennsylvania, Penn State, Happy Valley, Guitar, Acoustic, 80 Unplugged, Original Music, Abigail DuVall, Abigail Cuffee, AD Unplugged

80’s unplugged 

“Moment of Hope” by Eighty is performed live on this podcast episode. The lyrics and background of her original song are broken down and discussed. 

Read our blog post here: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/blog

Chapters: 

(00:00) Introduction

JJ & Eighty explain the song selection.

(01:10) “Moment of Hope” by Eighty (AD) 

Eighty performs her original song “Moment of Hope”  

(06:37) Inspiration & Background   

Eighty goes over how deep conversations inspired this song. 

(07:44) Song Title 

Why it’s called “Moment of Hope” 

(10:11) Lyric Break Down 

(11:07) “Wait just a second” 

How repetition is used in the song. 

(12:48) Verse 1 -2/2 

(13:27) Growing Pains 

Eighty and JJ talk about maturing in relationships with parents as a transition between childhood and adulthood. 

(16:39) Compromise 

How comprise can be the “Moment of Hope” 

(17:09) Chorus 

(17:19) Appreciating the Moments 

Life is lived in the small moments, how do we cherish them? 

(20:45) Guitar Inspiration 

How the lyrics inspired the instrumentation, and using silence in the music. 

(22:57) Positive Songwriting 

Eighty shares how this song was a turning point for her in her songwriting, where she started to embrace positivity. 

(23:55) Verse 2 - 1/2 

(24:13) Nostalgia 

Respecting where you are and being in the moment. 

(27:34) Breaking the Rules

How the lyrics “break the rules” 

(31:46) Verse 2 - 2/2

(33:40) Growth in Relationships  

Eighty talks about growth in relationships and the line between independence and familial guidance. 

(37:11) Advice for Songwriters 

(39:12) Outro

Follow Eighty Unplugged: 

Website: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/

Nothing But Love by Jason Olcese, front man of the band My Hero Zero, performed live on this podcast episode. The lyrics and background of his original song are broken down and discussed. 

Read our blog post about Jason here: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/blog

Chapters: 

(00:00) Introduction

Eighty welcomes Jason Olcese! 

(00:39) “Nothing But Love” by Jason Olcese

Jason performs an exclusive, never-before-seen version of his song “Nothing But Love” He brings new life to the song with his loop pedal and electric presence! 

(05:30) Song Selection  

Jason explains why he chose to feature “Nothing But Love”  

(06:16) History with Looping  

Jason Olcese breaks down his history and interest in performing with a loop pedal. 

(08:04) Identity in Music 

Jason has had many stages of his artist journey & has played under various pseudonyms, Jason talks about his identity & evolution as a songwriter. 

(13:39) Lyric Break Down 

(14:05) Exploring Manhood  

Jason Olcese talks about his understanding, experiences and journey with manhood. He discusses accepting the reality of the world, realising his father’s humanity, & understanding cultural struggles. 

(20:42) Childhood vs Adulthood 

Jason talks about how to balance childhood creativity with matured productivity, and the cultural expectations on creativity. 

(24:55) Chorus  

(25:11) Feeling Misunderstood  

Jason talks about feeling “triggered” in a relationship & how it inspired the lyrics in the chorus. 

(28:32) Verse 2 

(29:02) Vulnerability & Acceptance 

Jason shares how he let himself be vulnerable in his songwriting, as he explores his thoughts & emotions with his music. 

(32:15) Advice for Songwriters 

Jason Olcese shares how to “write a bad song.”

(36:39) “Echoes of an Open Heart”  

“Echoes of an Open Heart” My Hero Zero’s 2024 Album featuring the song “Nothing But Love.” Jason talks about teaming up with John Baker to produce their newly released official music video for “Nothing But Love”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wx6yRCaKn4

(39:26) Outro 

Follow Jason Olcese : 

Website: https://www.myherozerolive.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonolcese/ 

 https://www.instagram.com/myherozerolive/

https://www.instagram.com/herohousestudios/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myherozerolive

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyHeroZero

Follows Eighty Unplugged: 

Website: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/ 

Nothing But Love by Jason Olcese, front man of the band My Hero Zero, performed live on this podcast episode. The lyrics and background of his original song are broken down and discussed. 

Read our blog post about Jason here: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/blog

Chapters: 

(00:00) Introduction

Eighty welcomes Jason Olcese! 

(00:39) “Nothing But Love” by Jason Olcese

Jason performs an exclusive, never-before-seen version of his song “Nothing But Love” He brings new life to the song with his loop pedal and electric presence! 

(05:30) Song Selection  

Jason explains why he chose to feature “Nothing But Love”  

(06:16) History with Looping  

Jason Olcese breaks down his history and interest in performing with a loop pedal. 

(08:04) Identity in Music 

Jason has had many stages of his artist journey & has played under various pseudonyms, Jason talks about his identity & evolution as a songwriter. 

(13:39) Lyric Break Down 

(14:05) Exploring Manhood  

Jason Olcese talks about his understanding, experiences and journey with manhood. He discusses accepting the reality of the world, realising his father’s humanity, & understanding cultural struggles. 

(20:42) Childhood vs Adulthood 

Jason talks about how to balance childhood creativity with matured productivity, and the cultural expectations on creativity. 

(24:55) Chorus  

(25:11) Feeling Misunderstood  

Jason talks about feeling “triggered” in a relationship & how it inspired the lyrics in the chorus. 

(28:32) Verse 2 

(29:02) Vulnerability & Acceptance 

Jason shares how he let himself be vulnerable in his songwriting, as he explores his thoughts & emotions with his music. 

(32:15) Advice for Songwriters 

Jason Olcese shares how to “write a bad song.”

(36:39) “Echoes of an Open Heart”  

“Echoes of an Open Heart” My Hero Zero’s 2024 Album featuring the song “Nothing But Love.” Jason talks about teaming up with John Baker to produce their newly released official music video for “Nothing But Love”

(39:26) Outro 

Jason Olscese : 

Website: https://www.myherozerolive.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonolcese/ 

 https://www.instagram.com/myherozerolive/

https://www.instagram.com/herohousestudios/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myherozerolive

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyHeroZero

Follows Eighty Unplugged: 

Website: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/ 

Muddy Waters by Eighty is performed live on this podcast episode. The lyrics and background of this original song is broken down and discussed. 

To read the full lyrics, or to read Eighty’s first-hand accounts of the story of her original song, check out the corresponding blog post.

Chapters: 

(00:00) Introduction

Eighty welcomes her husband, JJ Cuffee back.

(00:52) “Muddy Waters” by Eighty 

Eighty performs her original song “Muddy Waters”.

(03:51) Statement of Change

Premise of the song & the mindset it represents. 

(6:41) Current Impact  

Years after “Muddy Waters” was written, Eighty is still exploring the themes presented in it. 

(7:59) Lyric Break Down 

(8:13) Battling Regret 

How regret can hold people back from moving forward, conning themselves into a cycle of failure. 

(11:25) Accepting & Moving On 

How “Dungeons and Dragons” the movie, teaches vengeance will hold you back. 

(14:18) Chorus  

Declaring a new perspective. 

(14:57) Story Behind the Name “Muddy Waters” 

Eighty references a quote from a Bob Dylan documentary. 

(15:44) Change How You Think 

Changing the way you think can affect your life, the people around you, & your view of failure. 

(20:45) Trying is Progressing 

Eighty’s return to music at open mics. How letting go of fear & trying will help you progress. 

(24:21) The Dead Canary Brewery Company 

Shoutout to The Dead Canary in Philipsburg, PA 

(25:41) David Bowie 

Lyrics inspired by David Bowie 

 (26:43) Second Verse 

(27:13) Not Letting People Affect You

Learning that other people's actions don’t need to dictate yours.  

(28:25) Stoicism

The value of being stoic. 

(30:35) Controlling Stress & Emotions 

Stress can have a physical effect. Eighty shares her story & the takeaway. 

(34:59) Friendly Enemies 

(37:00) Accepting Yourself 

Accepting yourself & your faults will help you to move forward. Not comparing your situation to others. 

(41:29) Life’s Not Fair 

(43:09) Grateful Struggles

The struggles you overcome can teach you great things.

(45:08) Single on Spotify 

 Releasing Eighty’s live performances from podcasts as singles. 

(46:10) Outro 

Our goal with the Eighty Unplugged Podcast is to create a space where songwriters from all levels of success and all backgrounds can discuss their art! We hope to grow into a community of musicians supporting each other's creations. And of course hear some great live music!  

Website: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eighty.unplugged

Live Music,Concert, Tiny Desk Concert, Singer, Song Writer, Podcast,  Acoustic Guitar, MTV Unplugged, Music, Music Commentary, Pennsylvania, Penn State, Happy Valley, Acoustic, 80 Unplugged, Original Music, Abigail DuVall, Abigail Cuffee, AD Unplugged, Auidotree

"The Ghost of Emmaline Bryn" by Coltt Winter Lepley is performed live on this podcast episode. The lyrics and background of his original song is broken down and discussed. 

To read the full lyrics, or to read Eighty’s first-hand accounts of the story of his original song, check out the corresponding blog post here!

Chapters: 

(00:00) Introduction

Eighty welcomes Coltt Winter Lepley as Eighty Unplugged’s first guest! 

(00:38) “The Ghost of Emmaline Bryn” by Coltt Winter Lepley 

Coltt performs his original song “The Ghost of Emmaline Bryn”.

(05:18) Coltt’s Guitar 

Coltt shares a story about his 1966 Gibson LG. 

(07:19) Background 

Coltt talks about how his family’s vacation to the graveyards & battlefields of the American Civil War shaped his love of history and how classic literary works by writers like Edgar Allen Poe inspired him as a songwriter

(10:11) Verse 1 

Coltt breaks down the lyrics the “The Ghost of Emmaline Bryn” 

(11:40) Folk Music Language

Coltt talks about the language used in folk music, how he has been influenced by Townes Van Zandt, Jean Ritchie, Woody Guthrie & other folk musicians and songs. 

(14:40) Chorus 

Coltt Winter Lepley talks about how he found the names “Emmaline” & “Bryn” on headstones at the Mumma Cemetery in Sharpsburg at Antietam Battlefield. 

(16:10) Creating a Character

Coltt Winter Lepley talks about how he creates a story and develops a character in his songs. 

(19:38) Verse 2 

Coltt Winter Lepley talks about furthering the story of “Emmaline Bryn,” how the story is not only a ghost story, but also a murder ballad.

(22:35) PA Influence 

Coltt Winter Lepley talks about how he wants to highlight the stories and people from Pennsylvania, how Pennsylvania history, folklore and legends have inspired him. 

(24:33) Verse 3 

Coltt Winter Lepley talks about how he subverts and modernizes the murder trope in this song. He references other songs that modernise the trope; “Caleb Meyer” by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, “Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks, and “I Ain't Playing Pretty Polly” by Dirk Powell. 

(26:39) Murder Ballad Trope

Coltt Winter Lepley talks about the tropes in country and folk music, how there are songs with common themes of murder, how there are true stories that reflect these tropes like the story of Polly Willaims, how the treatment of women in history can be reflected in the music of time. 

(30:15) PA Paranormal Legends 

Coltt Winter Lepley talks about how he is influenced by Pennsylvania legends, ghost stories, and folklore, how campfire stories inspired him to be a storyteller, how Pennsylvania has a rich history of witches and the “magic of the Pennsylvania Dutch”. 

(32:25) Ghost Stories 

Coltt Winter Lepley and Eighty exchange ghost stories.

(37:23) Books 

Coltt Winter Lepley tells us what he is currently reading. 

(38:34) Artist in Bedford PA 

Coltt Winter Lepley talks about his mentor, Kevin Kutz, a Bedford artist, how Kevin has shared his artist wisdom. Coltt Winter Lepley also talks about the art scene in his community. 

(41:10) Coltt’s Album 

Coltt Winter Lepley talks about his album that will be released July 11, recorded at The Allegheny High’s Al Torrence at Music Garden Studios, He shouts out the fellow his Pennsylvania musicians that were apart of the album creation; Amico Demuzio, Joe Pinchotti III, Nate Cratanzarite, Al Torrence, Justin Long, and Alan Getto. 

(46:18) Outro 

Check Out Coltt Winter Lepley: 

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Learn more about podcast

Website: eightyunplugged.com

Instagram: @eightyunplugged

Facebook: Eighty Unplugged 

"Wasting Time" by Eighty is performed live on this podcast episode. The lyrics and background of the original song is broken down and discussed.

To read the full lyrics, or to read more about the story of her original song, and more check out the corresponding blog post where.

Blog Post: www.eightyunplugged.com/episodes/episode3

Chapters

(00:00) Intro

(00:49) Song "Wasting Time"

(04:32) Song Background

(10:56) Lyric Break Down

(42:25) Outro

Our goal with the Eighty Unplugged Podcast is to create a space where songwriters from all levels of success and all backgrounds can discuss their art! We hope to grow into a community of musicians supporting each other's creations. And of course hear some great live music!

If you like this podcast please like, comment and subscribe. We are excited to see where this project goes and hope you will come along for the journey!

Visit our website:

https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/

Follow on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eighty-Unplugged-Podcast/61573332849196/

Eighty Unplugged is dedicated to the craft of songwriting and songwriters. Inspired by MTV Unplugged and Tiny Desk Concert, we invite artists to perform a stripped-down version of one of their creations. Afterward, we sit down with the artist to explore the creative process behind their song. Our aim is to highlight musicians from all backgrounds and stages of their journey.

All In Due Time by Eighty is performed live on this podcast episode. The lyrics and background of the original song is broken down and discussed. To read the full lyrics, or to read more about the story of her original song, and more check out the corresponding blog post. 

Episode 2 Blog Post: www.eightyunplugged.com/episodes/episode2 

Chapters

(00:00) Intro

(00:42 ) "All In Due Time" by Eighty

(04:50) Song Background 

(09:20) Lyric Break Down

(17:54). Outro

Our goal with the Eighty Unplugged Podcast is to create a space where songwriters from all levels of success and all backgrounds can discuss their art! We hope to grow into a community of musicians supporting each other's creations. And of course hear some great live music!  

If you like this podcast please rate, comment and follow. We are excited to see where this project goes and hope you will come along for the journey! 

Visit eightyunplugged.com

Follow on Instagram

Follow on FaceBook

Eighty Unplugged is dedicated to the craft of songwriting and songwriters. Inspired by MTV Unplugged and Tiny Desk Concert, we invite artists to perform a stripped-down version of one of their creations. Afterward, we sit down with the artist to explore the creative process behind their song. Our aim is to highlight musicians from all backgrounds and stages of their journey.

Eighty Unplugged is a music commentary podcast exploring the journey of songwriters! 

Our goal is to create a space where songwriters from all levels of success and all backgrounds can discuss their art. We hope to grow into a community of musicians supporting each other's creations. And of course hear some great live music!  

In this episode the podcast host, Eighty performs an original song titled “Expectations”. After the song is played live, Eighty and her co-host, JJ Cuffee discuss the themes and lyrics. 

If you like this podcast please rate the show, comment, and follow. We are excited to see where this project goes and hope you will come along for the journey! 

Chapters

(00:00) Intro

(00:32) Live Music "Expectations"

(04:00) Song Background

(06:30) Lyric Break Down

(25:58) Outro

Learn more about the episode in our blog post: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/episodes/episode1expectations

Visit our website: 

https://www.eightyunplugged.com/

Follow on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/eightyunplugged/

Eighty Unplugged is dedicated to the craft of songwriting and songwriters. Inspired by MTV Unplugged and Tiny Desk Concert, we invite artists to perform a stripped-down version of one of their creations. Afterward, we sit down with the artist to explore the creative process behind their song. Our aim is to highlight musicians from all backgrounds and stages of their journey.