Hops & Spirits: Bar Conversations

Country singer-songwriter Dan Alley joins Bar Conversations to talk about his journey from growing up in a musical family in Ohio to becoming a Nashville songwriter and recording artist. Dan shares stories from playing local bars as a teenager, moving to Nashville, and learning from legendary songwriters like Dean Dillon and Brent Cobb.

Dan also discusses writing hits for artists including Luke Bryan, Hudson Westbrook, Lainey Wilson, Jon Pardi, and Luke Combs, and what it means to finally step into the spotlight with his debut album Keepin’ On, arriving September 4. The album explores deeply personal themes including family, fatherhood, sobriety, and perseverance.

Plus, Dan talks about working with producer Lukas Scott, collaborating with Mae Estes, balancing songwriting with performing, and what fans can expect as he launches this next chapter of his career.

Jonathan's Drinking: Old Elk 10 YR Bourbon

Nashville-based trio The Woods joins the Bar Conversations for a wide-ranging chat about music, friendship, songwriting, and the unlikely paths that brought Dan O'Rourke, Raquel Cole, and Leland Rooney together. Dan shares the wild story of winning a karaoke contest at a retirement community in Arizona before going on NBC's The Voice, while Leland and Raquel talk about their own journeys through Nashville and what drew them to build something together as a band. The trio also discusses forming The Woods during the COVID lockdowns, their three-part harmonies, musical influences, growing up in different parts of North America, and the story behind their name.

The Woods also take us inside their latest single “Same Boat,” the making of its music video, and their upcoming song “Break It.” They discuss their love of putting their own spin on cover songs, balancing multiple lead singers and guitarists, Dan's background as a history major and its influence on their songwriting, and what's next for the band. From Nashville residencies and touring with Tim McGraw to The All-Star Nashville Road Show, the trio reflects on life onstage and what makes performing together special.

Jonathan's Drinking: Bardstown Cascadia Garryana Oak

Country singer-songwriter Danny Griego joins Bar Conversations for an incredible conversation about resilience, music and the life experiences that shaped his career. Danny shares the unbelievable story of being struck by lightning just before law school, how learning classical guitar became part of his recovery, and why his grandfather's Spanish guitar remains one of the most meaningful instruments in his life. He also reflects on owning Matt's Saloon in Prescott, paying his dues in Nashville, and the rich Southwestern heritage that influences his music.

Danny also dives into his latest music, including the success of "Angelina" and what's next with the upcoming "Give It To Me Straight (Just Like Texas Whiskey)." Beyond music, Danny discusses founding Freedom Horse Ranch, supporting veterans and first responders through equine-assisted therapy, and the powerful stories behind songs like "Twenty Two" and "Lady Liberty."

Jonathan's Drinking: Still Austin Cask Strength Bourbon

Diamond Dixie joins Bar Conversations to talk about their upcoming EP Time Well Wasted, arriving August 21, and the journey that has taken sisters Gabriela and Bianca LeDuc from growing up in Orlando to building a successful country music career together. The duo reflects on finding their musical foundation through their family, learning guitar from their dad, discovering their natural harmonies, and the 2015 Nashville trip that became a turning point in their path as artists. They also share what it’s like balancing life as sisters, bandmates, and best friends while continuing to grow their sound and fanbase.Gabriela and Bianca dive into the making of Time Well Wasted, including the stories and real-life moments behind songs like “Bad Habits,” “Ain’t Enough Bars,” and “Made A Liar.” They discuss their collaborative songwriting process, leaning into specific personal details to create relatable songs, and how their live performances helped shape this new project. Plus, Diamond Dixie talks about growing their audience, winning Ole Red’s Battle of the Bands, opening for artists like Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker, performing at CMA Fest, the “show must go on” mentality, and what fans can expect throughout 2026.Jonathan’s Drinking: Brothers Bond Regenerative Grain

Late Night Thoughts joins Bar Conversations to talk about their latest EP Coming Back Home, the friendship that sparked the folk-pop duo, and the journey that has taken them from college classmates to touring artists. Brian Amado-Rauch and Michael Harlow share stories from their early days releasing music, including their debut single “Sh*t Happens,” and how their sound and songwriting have evolved over the years.

Brian and Michael also dive into the making of Coming Back Home, discussing the inspiration behind the project, the stories woven throughout the songs, and tracks like “White Water.” Along the way, they talk about maintaining a strong friendship while navigating the music industry, Michael’s unique talent for balancing objects on his face, the personality-driven content that has connected them with fans online, and what life has been like after wrapping up a tour with The 502s. Plus, the duo shares their favorite songs to perform live, dream venues still on their bucket list, and what fans can expect from Late Night Thoughts throughout 2026.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Bardstown Bourbon Rye

Country rock band Futurebirds joins Bar Conversations to talk about their new double album Far Out Country, with the full 18-song project arriving on vinyl June 5, Part I available now on streaming services, and Part II set for release later this year. Daniel “Womz” Womack and Thomas “Tojo” Johnson discuss the band's journey since forming in 2008, how the core group has remained together for nearly two decades, the story behind the Futurebirds name, and the musical influences that helped shape the band’s sound.Womz and Tojo also dive into the making of Far Out Country, the unique vinyl-first release strategy, and why they view the album’s two halves as different perspectives of the same project. They talk about balancing life as family men with the demands of touring, the collaborative songwriting process within the band, and what fans can expect from the upcoming Far Out Country Tour. Plus, they share stories from the road, discuss favorite venues to play, reveal their current favorite songs to perform live, and preview what’s ahead for Futurebirds in 2026.Jonathan’s Drinking: 15 STARS Triple Cask II

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Stephen Day joins Bar Conversations to talk about his latest single “Rock Bottom Baby,” his journey from Georgia to Nashville, and the experiences that have shaped his unique blend of music. Stephen reflects on growing up in a musical family, discovering his mother’s guitar, and finding inspiration in artists like John Mayer that sparked his passion for songwriting. He also shares stories from his early days at Belmont University, releasing music while still in college, and navigating the challenges of building a career through years of touring, sleeping on floors, and chasing opportunities wherever they appeared.

Stephen also dives into the creative process behind his album Gold Mine, including writing dozens of songs before narrowing the project to its final tracklist. He discusses collaborating with artists and friends like Allen Stone and Stephen Sanchez, the inspiration behind “Rock Bottom Baby,” and what fans can expect from the next chapter of his music. Plus, Stephen talks about bringing a full-band energy to the stage, his favorite songs to perform live, upcoming festival appearances, and what the rest of 2026 has in store.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Shortbarrel Rye 101

Country singer-songwriter Dave Fenley joins Bar Conversations to talk about his new album Rest Of My Life, the long road that led to the project, and the experiences that continue to shape both his music and personal life.

Dave reflects on growing up between Texas and Canada, singing harmonies with his father after baseball games and in church, fronting a rock band during the grunge era, and eventually leaving college behind to chase music full-time. He also shares stories from his appearances on America’s Got Talent and The Voice, how a broken guitar string at Whiskey Jam unexpectedly led to touring with Miranda Lambert, and the impact those moments had on his career.

Dave also dives into the making of Rest Of My Life, his first full-length album in 15 years, including the songwriting process behind tracks like “Waiting For,” “Pretty Face,” and the heartfelt title track inspired by fatherhood and family life. He talks about life as a husband and girl dad, his growing love for bourbon, upcoming projects tied to whiskey, and what it means to prepare for his Grand Ole Opry debut. Plus, Dave opens up about touring across Canada, connecting with fans beyond language barriers, what he loves most about performing live, and what fans can expect next.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Rare Character Single Barrel Series

Country singer-songwriter and guitarist Landon Smith joins Bar Conversations to talk about his latest single “Lavender,” his rise from Georgia college bars to Nashville, and the experiences shaping his next chapter as an artist. Landon reflects on growing up in McDonough, playing in bands throughout middle and high school, and cutting his teeth performing frat parties at Georgia Southern University. He also shares how a viral TikTok moment with “If You Want Me Tonight” changed everything and ultimately led him to pursue music full-time in Music City.

Landon also dives into the evolution of his sound, from recording songs on an iPad with GarageBand to working with GRAMMY-winning producer Dave Cobb. He talks about the storytelling behind songs like “Pawn Shop Collectibles” and “Lavender,” including how an unexpected inspiration from Fergie helped shape one of the track’s emotional moments. Plus, Landon opens up about songwriting, touring with artists like Riley Green, Ella Langley, and Gavin Adcock, what he loves most about performing live, and what fans can expect next.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Larrikin Bourbon Rosewater

Country singer-songwriter Drake White returns to Bar Conversations to talk about his latest music, including the single “Tradition,” and his powerful documentary Ladder to the Sky: A Hunt’s the Healing Story. Drake reflects on his Alabama roots, family life, faith and the journey that has shaped both his music and mindset—from surviving a life-altering stroke in 2019 to becoming an advocate for brain health and recovery. He opens up about choosing to live as “the victor,” the emotional inspiration behind his documentary, and how hunting, healing, and music all became deeply connected during his recovery process.

Drake also dives into his recent music, including the soulful energy behind “Tradition,” the boundary-pushing sound of “Nights on Fire,” and the release of Scattered, Smothered, Covered. He discusses touring with Riley Green, the brotherhood they’ve built on the road, and the continued growth of his annual Benefit For The Brain fundraiser supporting stroke recovery, veterans with PTSD, and children’s brain health. Plus, Drake talks about partnering with Three Chord Bourbon on “The Spirit of the Storyteller” bourbon, life on stage these days, and what fans can expect next.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Three Chord Strange Collab