In episode 66 of the Keep the Hotel Empty Show, we dive deep into the musical journey of Rohna with band members Luca and Nick. Luca, who handles drums and vocals, and Nick, who plays guitar, keyboards, and lead vocals, share their experiences growing up within the Hardcore scene. This vibrant subculture played a significant role in shaping their artistic identities and continues to influence their approach to music today. They reflect on the positive aspects of this upbringing, emphasizing the sense of community, resilience, and creative freedom it instilled in them. As they recount their band's roots, Luca and Nick provide insight into how these formative years have helped them manage Rohna with a collaborative spirit and an open mind towards musical exploration. The episode of KTHE further explores the dynamic between Luca and Nick as they discuss their shared vocal duties and mutual support in crafting their songs. They reveal how this partnership contributes to their broad musical style, which, while centered around alternative rock, fearlessly ventures into new sonic territories with each album. Luca and Nick share the band philosophy of not confining themselves to a single sound, instead embracing a diverse range of influences that keep their music fresh and innovative. Their passion for creating and performing is palpable, and their live shows are renowned for their energy and ability to connect with the audience. If you haven't experienced a Rohna concert, you're missing out on the chance to crowd surf to their infectious and spirited performances.

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In the 65th episode of the Keep the Hotel Empty podcast, we are thrilled to have Kellie O'Connell, a dedicated criminal defense attorney from Tampa, Florida, as our guest. From the age of 7, Kellie dreamed of becoming a defender of justice, inspired by her first-hand experiences with the judicial system's shortcomings. She shares her compelling journey of witnessing the profound impact of incarceration on families, which fueled her passion for ensuring justice is served fairly. Throughout the episode, Kellie reflects on her commitment to preventing unjust punishments and supporting those at their most vulnerable moments. Kellie's educational journey is nothing short of impressive. She graduated early from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and further honed her skills by interning at the Public Defender’s office for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. Her pursuit of justice led her to Stetson University College of Law, where she again graduated early with a Juris Doctor degree. Recognized for her leadership and advocacy, Kellie was awarded a prestigious scholarship for her dedication to protecting individual rights. Remarkably, she achieved partner status at her firm before turning 30, a testament to her exceptional talent and commitment. Join us as Kellie shares her insights and experiences, highlighting her unwavering dedication to defending those who need it most.

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In this exciting episode of "Keep the Hotel Empty," Brandon Kruk from Best Life Productions returns, bringing along his right-hand man, James. It's been a year since we last heard from Brandon, and in that time, the dynamic duo has transformed their burgeoning business into a formidable force in the live music scene. With a keen focus on capturing the raw energy of kinetic mosh pits and electrifying live performances, Brandon and James have honed their technical skills and signature style, allowing them to document these intense moments with random precision and artistry. Their journey over the past year has been one of exponential growth, culminating in a transition to larger regional tours and more significant shows. Brandon and James share with KTHE their experiences and insights about this incredible journey, emphasizing their passion and dedication to capturing authentic moments in their media. They discuss the challenges of adapting to bigger stages and the excitement of expanding their reach in the industry. With a shared vision for the future, the two are driven by a desire to continue evolving and pushing the boundaries of their craft. Their infectious enthusiasm and positive attitudes are palpable as they outline their goals for the upcoming year, including ambitions to further grow their audience and take on even larger projects. This episode is a testament to the power of collaboration, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of the documenting the ride.

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In this captivating episode of Keep the Hotel Empty, we welcome the dynamic Ashley Ljesvic, host of The Endurance Diaries podcast. Ashley brings her unique perspective as a lifelong athlete to the conversation, exploring how the spirit of competition extends beyond the sports arena into everyday life. She shares her personal journey of striving for excellence both within and outside of formal competition, offering listeners valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way. This episode of KTHE delves into the intricate dance between external challenges and internal battles, examining how our personal growth is often intertwined with the obstacles we face. Ashley’s infectious enthusiasm and dedication to helping others thrive shine through as she discusses the importance of honest self-reflection. Listeners will learn practical ways to embrace vulnerability and authenticity on their path to personal development. Through engaging stories and shared experiences, Ashley inspires us to push our boundaries and transform our perceived limitations into opportunities for growth. Tune in to discover how to harness the power of competition in all aspects of life and emerge stronger, more resilient, and ready to tackle whatever comes next.

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In episode 62 of "Keep the Hotel Empty," we sit down with Justin Banister, the passionate owner and operator of O&A Coffee and Supply. Justin's love affair with coffee began in his childhood, sharing steaming cups with his grandfather. While his early concoctions were laden with milk and sugar, his grandfather's preference for "black and boiling" set a powerful precedent. Over the years, Justin's palate and knowledge have expanded exponentially, yet the ritualistic enjoyment of coffee remains unchanged. For Justin, these moments represent the times he feels "truly alive," a testament to the profound impact of a simple cup of coffee. Justin's varied background, which includes journalism and private piloting, has informed his entrepreneurial journey with O&A. He envisioned a mobile coffee bar that would evolve into something much greater—a vision now realized with two storefronts, one on Main Street in Sarasota and another in the growing community of Lakewood Ranch. Additionally, Justin has established a roastery, which offers unique opportunities to source exceptional coffee from skilled producers worldwide. Specializing in small-batch craft coffee, O&A's offerings are a far cry from your average diner brew, though Justin acknowledges there’s a place for that too—specifically, in a Waffle House. Join us as we delve into Justin's journey and the coffee culture he continues to cultivate.

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In the latest episode of "Keep the Hotel Empty," we delve into the intricate world of expansive prog-rock with our special guests, the dynamic band Cruel Curses. Known for their hallmark long songs that can span nearly 40 minutes, Cruel Curses have carved out a unique niche in the music landscape with their innovative approach. At the heart of the band is Ryen, a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist whose journey began as a drummer idolizing legends like Dave Grohl. Ryen is the visionary force behind the band’s material, crafting complex compositions that defy conventional song structures. Joining Ryen, Jeff on bass brings these compositions to life with precision, executing bass parts that resonate in live performances. Meanwhile, Nick rounds out the core lineup with his guitar prowess, nurturing Ryen’s initial ideas into fully realized compositions and electrifying audiences on stage. The band’s creative process is as unique as their music, with each member playing a vital role in developing the signature style. Their pieces, described humorously as "Oops All Bridges," are a testament to their commitment to innovation, where no part ever repeats, creating a continuous musical journey for listeners. Despite their progressive nature, Cruel Curses maintain a great rock sensibility and familiarity that resonates with audiences. They offer a wide range of songs.The band truly thrives in live settings, believing that their music is best experienced in the raw, unfiltered energy of a performance. Tune in as we explore the minds and melodies of Cruel Curses, and discover the passion and precision that drive this extraordinary band.

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In this captivating episode of "Keep the Hotel Empty," listeners are invited into the enchanting world of Immortal Girlfriend, the dynamic synthwave duo hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Siblings Kevin and Will Bush share their unique artistic journeys, with Will originally pursuing visual arts while Kevin immersed himself in music. Together, they discuss the serendipitous convergence of their passions that gave birth to Immortal Girlfriend, a project that blends their individual talents into a harmonious whole. Through candid conversation, they reveal the strategic importance of securing sync rights and diversifying income streams to sustain their creative endeavors and thrive as modern artists. The duo also delves into the evolution of their live performances, enhanced by the addition of drummer Brian Dendy, which has added a new layer of dynamic energy to their shows. With an eye on the future, Kevin and Will express excitement about upcoming gigs and new recordings, promising fans an abundance of musical offerings. They reflect on how their sibling bond fortifies their creative process, allowing them to weather the storms of life together. A poignant moment arises as Will discusses his health scare, a life-altering experience that profoundly reshaped his outlook and artistic vision. Through resilience and familial support, Immortal Girlfriend continues to push boundaries, creating evocative soundscapes that resonate with audiences far and wide.

In this captivating episode of Keep the Hotel Empty, we welcome the dynamic members of Shy Blossom, a band that's capturing hearts with their vibrant energy and heartfelt music. Fronted by the exceptionally talented singer-songwriter Adriana McDonald, Shy Blossom is making waves in the music scene. Adriana shares her inspiring journey from performing solo to forming the band, recounting how she ambitiously learned up to 30 songs in a week to prepare for her early gigs. Her dedication and passion for music shine through as she discusses the evolution of her craft and the exciting new directions the band is taking. Listeners will also hear from guitarist Abel and drummer Julie, who bring their unique backgrounds and experiences to the conversation. Abel talks about his musical roots in Mexico and how they have influenced his style, while Julie reflects on her formative years at the School of Rock and how it shaped her approach to drumming. With one album under their belt, primarily a collaboration between Adriana and her producer, Shy Blossom is now solidifying as a full band. They are eagerly writing and preparing for their next recordings and performances, infusing their music with a fresh and invigorating rock spirit. This episode offers a glimpse into the band's creative process and the vibrant camaraderie that fuels their artistic journey.

In this exciting new episode of "Keep the Hotel Empty," we sit down with Danny and Elizabeth from the dynamic band House of I. Hailing from the vibrant, but limiting, Miami and now in the Tampa scene House of I has made a name for themselves with their unique blend of punk and pop rock influences. Danny, the guitarist and vocalist, and Elizabeth, the dynamic drummer, share their journey of shaping their distinct sound through countless live shows and evolving musical styles. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, Danny and Elizabeth have remained the steadfast core of the band, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Tune in as they delve into what it takes to stay flexible during tough times and how to go with the flow to keep moving forward. Danny and Elizabeth also discuss the creative freedom that comes with recording their own music, allowing them to fully embody the DIY rock 'n' roll spirit. Their story is a testament to their unyielding passion and commitment to their music, making this episode a must-listen for fans of authentic, independent artists. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with the heart and soul of House of I.

⁠In this exciting new episode of "Keep the Hotel Empty," we welcome back dear friend of the show, artist and drummer Brandon Thrift, for his highly anticipated second appearance. Brandon, the visionary behind the Spread Love movement, shares insights into how his art has evolved over the past year. He delves into the intricacies of branching out creatively, emphasizing the importance of growth and embracing the challenges that come with commissioned work. His journey is a testament to the power of persistence and the beauty of continually pushing one's boundaries.⁠ ⁠ But that's not all! Brandon also opens up about his dynamic drumming career, recounting his exhilarating experiences on stage with both Fiends and Cold Steel. He discusses his upcoming studio recording sessions with Cold Steel, shedding light on the creative process behind the scenes. Throughout the episode, Brandon's infectious energy and calm demeanor shine through, embodying his free-spirited approach to life. His remarkable strides in both the art and music worlds over the past year are truly inspirational, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking a dose of creativity and positivity.⁠

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