Hops & Spirits: Bar Conversations

🎙️ Jay Webb, Alabama-born country singer-songwriter, joins us ahead of his upcoming album Where To Find Me, dropping July 25. We dive into his journey — from self-producing songs in his bedroom to racking up over 2 million fans and landing a publishing deal with Sony Music.

Jay opens up about how faith, family, and Southern roots shaped his life and sound. We talk about early inspiration from his grandmother’s cassette tapes, marrying his high school sweetheart, and blending influences from Johnny Cash to Juice WRLD into a sound that’s all his own. He also shares the story behind his powerful new single “One More Shot”, his viral breakout “Southern Girl,” and what fans can expect from his high-energy live shows and new music.

With a growing fanbase and authenticity at the core of his songs, Jay’s creating music for “real people with real problems”—and doing it all on his own terms.

🥃 Jonathan’s drink: J Mattingly 6YR Double Staved Kentucky Bourbon

🎸 Texas country artist and songwriter Grant Gilbert is back with us to talk about his new album, West of Fort Worth, out now. We catch up since our last chat in 2022 and dive into his journey — from growing up on a cattle ranch in small-town Santo, Texas, to building a music career with grit, heart, and a whole lot of hustle.Grant shares how early influences like Texas swing, Springsteen, and ‘80s country shaped his sound, how a cold-call gig at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop kickstarted things, and what it meant to earn a weekly residency at the legendary Blue Light in Lubbock. He reflects on songwriting, mentorship from Josh Abbott, and how the pandemic helped him rediscover his purpose.We also talk about the making of West of Fort Worth, why he co-wrote every track, and how songs like “Where Do Dreams Go” and “Drunk Since Dallas” mark a new chapter in his story.🥃 Jonathan’s drinking: Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde

🎶 Psychedelic folk-country duo MoonShroom — made up of Lily B Moonflower and Jake Keegan — join the show to talk about their debut album, Take a Trip, out now. We dive into their musical roots, the story behind forming MoonShroom in 2022, and how they crafted their signature “grassadelic twang” sound that blends rock, bluegrass, indie folk, and Americana.

Lily and Jake reflect on their unique upbringings in creative communities, the role of visual identity (yes, neon mushrooms included), and how their music is all about connection, joy, and artistic freedom. They also share the experience of recording the album live in Kansas City, the inspiration behind their single “Party on the Moon,” and what it’s like performing at festivals across the country.

From songwriting and dobro playing to high-energy shows and what’s next in 2025, MoonShroom brings a colorful, soulful presence to every stage — and this episode is no different.

🥃 Jonathan’s drink: Lexington Brewing Bourbon Barrel Tart Cherry Wheat

Country rocker Austin Snell joins us to talk about his latest single, Miles, and everything he’s been up to since dropping his debut album, Still Bleeding. We dive into life on and off the stage — from his Air Force days and first guitar, to growing up in Georgia, and how a few risks led him to a record deal and the Grand Ole Opry stage.

Austin shares the stories behind writing songs like “Excuse the Mess,” “Muddy Water Rockstar” (with Brantley Gilbert), and “Miles,” and opens up about how songwriting has become a personal outlet. We also chat about his favorite songs to perform, his journey to Nashville, and what fans can expect next.

🥃 Plus, Jonathan’s sipping on High N’ Wicked Bourbon during this episode.

The Ries Brothers — Charlie and Kevin Jordan — join the show to talk about their latest single, Golden Sun, featuring Nick Hexum of 311. We dive into their journey as brothers and bandmates, from playing Florida bars as teens to being discovered by the band Chicago, and how they’ve grown as artists along the way.The brothers share what it’s like collaborating with musical icons, navigating life on stage together, creating new music, and what’s coming next in their career.🥃 Plus, Jonathan’s sipping on Larrikin Bourbon Rosewater in this episode!

Country singer-songwriter Kolby Cooper joins the show to talk about his newest album, Love You, Goodnight, and his journey as one of country music’s rising stars. We cover everything from life on the road and being a young dad, to growing up in Texas, writing raw, emotional songs, and crafting break-up anthems while happily married. Kolby also gives us a look at what’s next for his music and career.Plus, Jonathan’s sipping on Minden Mill Rye Whiskey in this episode!👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more country music interviews and stories from your favorite artists!

Kentucky country artist Tyler Booth joins the show to talk about his upcoming EP, Downtown, dropping June 27. We dive into everything from his recent engagement and the story behind “Talkin’ White Trash,” to growing up in Kentucky, how a music scholarship changed his path, and what it’s been like traveling and building his career.Tyler also shares what fans can expect next and reflects on the moments that shaped his journey so far.🥃 Plus, Jonathan’s sipping on Kentucky Senator Bourbon John Edwards Release in this episode!

Country artist Randall King is now a proud papa and staying busy musically too. We chat with Randall about becoming a dad, whether he ever drew those four Uno cards, how life has changed, why he made Into the Neon Unplugged, his love of music, getting to travel, where he hopes to play, what's next and so much more.

Jonathan's Drinking: RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Chuckie Brown, country rocker and songwriter, just released his debut EP The Angels. We chat with Chuckie about the new EP, when he got into music, his hockey playing days, growing up in the Northeast, moving to LA, what's next and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: Wheel Horse Double Oak

Ian Munsick, country artist & songwriter, recently released his new album Eagle Feather. We chat with Ian about the new album, where the inspiration for the album came, writing/co-writing all but two songs, seeing his family grow, getting to play at Cheyenne Frontier Days and so much more.

Jonathan's Drinking: Wyoming Whiskey Double Cask