Hops & Spirits: Bar Conversations

We sit down with indie-folk artist Hunter Metts to talk about his new EP A Crater Wide and the journey that took him from a musical childhood in Nashville to finding his artistic voice after American Idol. Hunter reflects on growing up in a creative family, stepping away from music to pursue software development, and the pull that kept bringing him back to songwriting.

He opens up about the emotional depth behind tracks like “Abielene” and “Blue Ridge Run,” his writing process, the artists who inspire him, and how a viral moment with his breakout single “Weathervane” changed everything. We also get into recording at The Blasting Room, playing multiple instruments on the EP, and the experience of wrapping his first headlining tour and hitting the road with James Bay.

Plus, Hunter shares what being on stage means to him, the stories behind his most personal songs, and what fans can expect heading into 2026.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Three Chord Bourbon Hard Pressed Tennessee Whiskey

We sit down with country trio Deltona — vocalist Ned Abernathy, guitarist Caleb Miller, and drummer Chris Deaton — to talk about their new single “Cared Enough to Cry” and the story behind how the three of them came together.

They share how growing up in Georgia, Tennessee, and Ohio shaped their musical roots, the night at the Bluebird Café that sparked the idea to form Deltona, and how they built an online following through covers before shifting into original music.

We dive into writing and creating “Cared Enough to Cry,” the inspiration behind “How To Not Help A Heartbreak,” the fun of filming the “Love Don’t Love Me” video, and how their mix of country tradition and high-energy performance defines their sound. They also talk songwriting, their approach on stage, and what fans can expect from them heading into 2026.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Three Chord Flipside Triple Wood

We chat with country artist Belles to talk about her new self-titled EP Belles, her holiday EP Bells on Belles, and the journey that took her from a musical family in Nebraska to a recording and publishing deal in Nashville. She opens up about growing up surrounded by musicians, performing in a mother-daughter duo, briefly stepping away to study chemistry, and what ultimately pulled her back to music full-time.

Belles dives into writing and co-writing every song on the EP, collaborating with Blake Wood on “Crazy As Me,” creating the “Ring on the Table” music video, and working with Sam Grow and John Gates in the studio. She also shares stories from the road, the lessons learned from touring, her love for both acoustic and full-band shows, and so much more.

Plus, she breaks down the inspiration behind her holiday EP, and what fans can expect from her heading into 2026.

Jonathan’s Drinking: El Mayor Tequila Extra Añejo (Bourbon Barrel Aged)

We catch up with country artist Creed Fisher as he returns to the show to talk about his new album Between Heaven and Hell and everything he’s been through since 2021. Creed opens up about recovering from last year’s brutal hit-and-run, the support he felt from fans, and how family — especially being a dad and Paw Paw — keeps him grounded.

He shares stories from growing up in West Texas, how football, the Army, and two decades in the oil fields shaped who he is today, and why carving his own path as an independent artist mattered long before signing with Average Joes. We get into the making of Between Heaven and Hell, the heart behind “Keep Those Wheels Rollin’,” covering Hank Jr., collaborating on “Wood Smoke,” and how real life always drives his songwriting.

Creed also talks road life, balancing the grind with family, what keeps him coming back to the stage, and what fans can expect heading into 2026.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Brothers Bond Bottled-in-Bond

We catch up with rising country artist Presley Tennant to talk about her new single “Let Lying Dogs Sleep” and how she’s carving out her place in the country scene.

From growing up in Norco, California — Horsetown U.S.A. — to getting her start on The Voice at 16, Presley reflects on her musical journey, creative growth, and how she’s learned to embrace “progress, not perfection.” She shares the story behind writing “Let Lying Dogs Sleep” with Trey Bruce, its connection to her sultry hit “Pick Your Poison,” and how real-life experiences continue to inspire her songs.

Presley also opens up about her viral Zach Bryan cover, her passion for helping animals through Riffs & Rescues, and what fans can expect heading into 2026.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Joseph Magnus Triple Cask (Sherry & Cognac Finish)

We sit down with Sean Monahan of the soulful trio Gale Bird to talk about the band’s latest singles — “Lookie Here,” “I Still Do,” and “Roses” — and how they’re carving out a sound rooted in honesty and heart.

Sean opens up about the band’s beginnings, the meaning behind the name Gale Bird, and how his partnership with Josh Gale helped shape their emotionally rich, genre-blending style. He shares how personal experiences fuel the songwriting process, the evolution behind “I Still Do” and “Roses,” and why performing live remains one of his favorite parts of being a musician.

Plus, we get into his love of soccer scarves, cheap cigars, and what’s next for Gale Bird heading into 2026.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Larrikin Rosewater

We sit down with Maggie Noelle and Ryan Allen of Magnolia Boulevard to talk about their long-awaited self-titled debut LP, Magnolia Boulevard, out November 28. From their Appalachian roots to their signature blend of rock, soul, and blues, they share how the band found its sound and stayed true to its vision.

Maggie and Ryan open up about the journey from small-town stages to national recognition, the lasting influence of co-founder Todd Copeland, and how a friendship with PRS Guitars founder Paul Reed Smith helped them grow. They dive into the inspiration behind songs like Devil You Know and More—and what fans can expect from their upcoming Friendsgiving Album Release Show at The Burl in Lexington.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Town Branch Overproof

We chat with Ashley Wineland, rising country star, about her latest single “Loving You Is Easy.” From her Arizona roots and love for the outdoors to launching her music career at just age 14, Ashley shares how her journey has shaped the authentic stories behind her songs.

She talks about writing an upbeat anthem that celebrates “love gone right,” collaborating with GRAMMY-nominated producer Marti Frederiksen, and reimagining Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” Ashley also opens up about her deep connection to veterans’ causes, the creative vision behind her “Tumbleweed” video, and what it’s like running her career completely independently — booking 60+ headline shows a year and building a devoted fanbase known as the Winelanders.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Woodinville Rye Port Finish

Singer-songwriter Chris Rafter talks about his debut album RAFTER and the stories behind songs like his breakout single “Havertown.” He shares how growing up in Philadelphia shaped his music, when he discovered his love for the guitar, and the moments that inspired him to pursue music as a career.

Chris opens up about recording RAFTER in two row houses, including one without plumbing, his decision to solo write the album, and how he balances staying true to his sound while experimenting and evolving. He also talks about assembling his band, what fans can expect from his live shows, and so much more.

Jonathan’s drinking: George Remus Bourbon

We chat with singer, guitarist, and road warrior Austin Meade to talk about his upcoming album Almost Famous, arriving November 7. From growing up the son of a Baptist preacher to teaching drums and eventually carving out his own lane in rock and country, Austin opens up about the stories, struggles, and humor behind his music.

He shares how Almost Famous became his most personal record yet — written and recorded between a Nashville garage and his own spare bedroom — diving into themes of ambition, burnout, and perseverance. We dig into the inspiration behind songs like the tongue-in-cheek title track “Almost Famous” and heartfelt tunes like “Honey Do Ya,” plus how his storytelling connects across albums from Black Sheep to Abstract Art of an Unstable Mind. Austin also reflects on life on the road, lessons from opening for ZZ Top and Godsmack, and how he’s learned to balance the grind with family life.

Jonathan's Drinking: Samuel Maverick Private Reserve