Hops & Spirits: Bar Conversations

Country singer-songwriter CJ Solar talks about their new single “Black Label Blues,” the title track from the CJ Solar & The Old Souls forthcoming album. CJ reflects on his Louisiana roots, growing up in Baton Rouge, and the early influences that shaped his path—from starting a band with his brothers at age 10 to a life-changing trip to the Grand Ole Opry that sparked his love for songwriting. He also looks back on his rise in Nashville, including writing No. 1 hits for Morgan Wallen and Jameson Rodgers, and how those milestones helped define his career.

CJ dives into this new chapter with the Old Souls, embracing a more organic, vintage-inspired sound alongside collaborators like Steve Gorman and Jeffrey Steele. He shares the story behind “Black Label Blues” and discusses his partnership with Sugarfield Spirits on a special bourbon release tied to the project. Plus, he talks about returning home for a Baton Rouge show and bottle signing, hitting the road this summer, and what fans can expect next.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Sugarfield Black Label Blues Bourbon

Country rock band Cigarettes @ Sunset joins Bar Conversations to talk about their new EP Possum Rock and the journey from the Blue Ridge Mountains to life on the road. Featuring Garrett Dellinger, Wells Whitman, Sarah Vann, Ryland Bagbey, and Ethan Moore, the band reflects on how friendships formed in the Boone and Banner Elk, North Carolina area helped shape their sound, along with the mountain culture and musical influences. From “loitering” and making music together to landing a debut with Lost Highway Records, Cigarettes @ Sunset shares how their chemistry became the foundation for their growing success.

The band also dives into the making of Possum Rock, including tracks like Theresa, Old Bleached Hair, Leave You (If It’s the Right Thing To Do), and My Fix, exploring everything from rowdy heartbreak to deeply personal storytelling. They also talk about touring with Dexter and The Moonrocks, Ole 60, and heading overseas with Rainbow Kitten Surprise, plus what fans can expect from their high-energy live shows and what’s ahead in 2026.

Jonathan's Drinking: Southern Star Paragon Cask Strength

Country artist and songwriter Styles Haury joins Bar Conversations to talk about his upcoming 5 TO 9 EP, out May 15, and the journey that took him from blue-collar roots to Nashville success.

Raised between Northeast Ohio and North Carolina, Styles shares how family, faith and a strong work ethic shaped his path—from working as a union pipefitter to chasing music full-time, backed by the unforgettable sacrifice of his dad selling his Corvette to help fund the dream. He also reflects on his rise as a songwriter, including landing a No. 1 hit with Luke Bryan’s “Country On,” and how those moments helped define his career.

Styles also dives into the making of the 5 TO 9 EP, a project rooted in real life, fatherhood, and the grind between work and chasing purpose. He talks about collaborating with top producers Phil O’Donnell and Chris DeStefano, the meaning behind songs like Boxes and Broke Down In My Truck, and how becoming a dad reshaped his songwriting. Plus, he reflects on making his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, sharing the stage with artists like Dwight Yoakam, Darius Rucker, and Brantley Gilbert, and what fans can expect next in 2026.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Middle West Michelone Reserve Cask Strength

Country singer-songwriter Filmore joins Bar Conversations to talk about his latest album Atypical and the journey that’s defined his career in Nashville. Filmore reflects on growing up in Missouri, discovering music in an unexpected way, and eventually making the leap to Nashville in 2011—selling his Jeep to chase the dream. From his breakout hit Slower to building a fanbase one show at a time, he shares how saying “yes” to opportunities helped shape his path as an independent artist.

Filmore also dives into the making of Atypical, a deeply personal project featuring 21 songs written across more than a decade. He talks about blending genres through collaborations like “Yeehaw” with Pitbull, making his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, and becoming the first independent country artist featured on Spotify’s Hot Country cover. Plus, Filmore opens up about fatherhood, his creative process and what fans can expect next in 2026.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Stowloch Whiskey

Country singer-songwriter Ashland Craft joins Bar Conversations to talk about her latest album dive bar beauty queen, out now, along with newly released reimagined collaborations from the project. Ashland reflects on growing up in South Carolina, where a blue-collar upbringing and strong work ethic helped shape her authentic sound. From learning guitar by watching CMT to singing in church and playing local bars at just 17, she shares the early experiences that fueled her passion for music and ultimately led her to the national stage on The Voice, where she worked with Miley Cyrus.

Ashland also dives into the making of dive bar beauty queen, including writing or co-writing nearly every track and taking a more hands-on role in shaping the record’s sound. She talks about standout songs like Kick Rocks Cowboy and the story behind the title track, plus her recent collaborations with Chase Rice, Ashley McBryde, and Mae Estes. She also reflects on making her debut at the legendary Grand Ole Opry, touring internationally, and her mission to create music that feels like a friend to her fans—along with what’s ahead in 2026.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Rare Character 2026 Rye Batch 1

Country singer-songwriter Leah Blevins joins Bar Conversations to talk about her new album All Dressed Up, out March 20, 2026, and the path that led her from Sandy Hook to Nashville. Leah reflects on growing up in a musical, faith-driven family in Eastern Kentucky, the early influences that shaped her sound, and the journey of embracing her natural voice after being told she was “too country.”

She also dives into the making of All Dressed Up, working with Dan Auerbach at Easy Eye Sound to create a more honest and fully realized record. Leah shares insight into the emotion behind songs like Lonely and Diggin’ in the Coal, her growth as a songwriter, and what’s next in 2026.

Jonathan's Drinking: Kentucky Senator Bourbon Release 6

Country artist Austin Michael joins Bar Conversations to talk about his new album Lonestar, released March 6, and the milestone of making his Grand Ole Opry debut. Austin reflects on growing up on a ranch in Van Alstyne, where life revolved around rodeo, roping, hunting, and fishing. He shares how those Texas roots helped shape his identity and storytelling, the music he grew up listening to, and the unexpected moment when a video posted online led to a life-changing invitation from American Idol—including the viral moment where he roped Katy Perry off the shoulders of Luke Bryan.

Austin also dives into the making of Lonestar, a deeply personal record about coming of age, chasing dreams, and staying true to his roots. He talks about writing or co-writing all 13 tracks, including songs like Back On A Barstool, Hard Earned Heartache, Whiskey On A Wildfire, and Cowboys Don’t Act Like That, and working with collaborator Sergio Sanchez. Along the way, he shares lessons learned from touring with artists like Justin Moore, Chris Young, and Randy Houser, what the Opry debut means to him, and what fans can expect next.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Green River Wheated Bourbon

Country singer-songwriter Paul Cauthen joins Bar Conversations to talk about his upcoming fifth album Book of Paul, arriving April 3, 2026, and the life experiences that shaped the record. Paul reflects on growing up in East Texas, singing harmony in church without instruments, and learning from his grandfather—moments that helped develop the powerful “Big Velvet” voice fans know today. He also looks back at cutting his teeth in the Austin music scene with Sons of Fathers before launching a solo career that has produced albums like My Gospel, Room 41, Country Coming Down, and Black on Black.

Paul also dives into the making of Book of Paul, including writing most of the album himself, recording with a new production team, and the story behind the fiery single Texas Swagger. He talks about collaborating with artists like Jake Worthington and Delaney Ramsdell, celebrating a GOLD record with Shaboozey on Last Of My Kind, and what it means to keep betting on himself in the music industry. Plus, Paul opens up about becoming a father soon, life on the road, and what fans can expect from his next chapter in 2026.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Larrikin Bottled-in-Bond

Country artist Savannah Dean Reeves joins Bar Conversations to talk about her latest single Get Me Everytime and the Kentucky roots that continue to shape her sound and stage presence. Savannah shares how her love of music began singing in the back seat with her mom, putting on ticketed “shows” with her pink childhood guitar, and eventually stepping onto real stages — from local dive bars to the Kentucky State Fair.

Savannah also opens up about pre-show rituals, her signature cowboy hats, songwriting inspiration, and what fans might be surprised to learn about her when she’s offstage. She dives into the journey of bringing Get Me Everytime to life, working closely with producer Matt McQueen, winning several honors and what's next.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Bardstown Bourbon Rye

Country singer-songwriter Claudia Hoyser joins Bar Conversations to talk about her new album Before The Dawn, her journey from growing up in New York to building an independent career with more than 120 million views, and how a breakthrough moment with her song No Matter What It Costs changed everything. She shares how her musical family shaped her sound, why moving to Nashville pushed her creatively, and how losing her voice after opening for Keith Urban inspired the deeply personal themes of burnout, healing, and honesty woven throughout the record. Claudia also opens up about co-writing the album with her fiancé Ryan Hurley, whose guitar work helped create the project’s intimate sonic identity.

Beyond music, Claudia dives into her entrepreneurial side, including how a hidden moka pot game in her viral “Hoyser Country Monday” videos sparked Hoyser Country Coffee, and how her whiskey brand Hoyser Country Drunken Bean partnered with Centerfire Distillery. She reflects on sharing stages with icons like Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, and Willie Nelson, explains her songwriting process, reveals what songs she loves performing most, and previews what fans can expect from her next chapter in 2026.

Jonathan’s Enjoying: Hoyser Country Drunken Bean