Middle Class Rock Star

summary

In this episode, Matt Combs shares his journey from a Nashville session musician to a solo artist, exploring the creative process, the importance of authenticity, and the fascinating world of Tartini tones. Discover insights on following your excitement, embracing vulnerability, and the magic of music as a universal language.

KEY TOPICS:

-Matt Combs' transition from session musician to solo artist

-The creative process behind the 'Fifty Years of Clown School' record

-The significance of Tartini tones and universal frequencies in music

-The importance of authenticity and vulnerability in artistic expression

-The role of playfulness and humor in music and life

-Insights on navigating the music industry and staying true to oneself

-The influence of family and early musical experiences

-The impact of health challenges and life lessons on creativity

-Innovative promotion strategies and live performance concepts

-The interconnectedness of music, science, and spirituality

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe, or write a review!

IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY WAY, I'M NOW ON PATREON! Please note: new Patreon members get to pick a cover song for me to record especially for them! www.patreon.com/andysydow

Guest Links:

https://www.instagram.com/combsmattstrings/

Episode Music:

Original music by Andy Sydow

Contact me: [email protected] (or) [email protected]

Philip Bowen is not just a great musician and songwriter, he's also a skilled business person. With a social media following in the millions and session credits including Noah Kahn, Bowen recently gave up his full time job to support his family with full time music.

From Google Overview:

"Philip Bowen is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from West Virginia whose music is inspired by his Appalachian roots. He plays the fiddle, violin, guitar, keys, and mandolin, and has been playing the fiddle since he was four years old. Bowen's music is known for its uplifting spirit and soul-hugging tunes. He's received praise from Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, and Whiskey Riff, and has been featured on NPR's "Mountain Stage" and Americanafest."

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe, or write a review!

IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY WAY, I'M NOW ON PATREON! Please note: new Patreon members get to pick a cover song for me to record especially for them! www.patreon.com/andysydow

Guest Links:

https://www.philipbowenmusic.com/

Episode Music:

Original music by Andy Sydow

Contact me: [email protected] (or) [email protected]

In this episode, singer-songwriter Abigayle Oakley shares her journey through evolving her artist name, navigating the music industry as an independent artist, and balancing content creation with artistry. We discuss the impact of technology like AI, strategies for remote collaboration, and her recent successes, including winning the Kerrville Folk Festival. As of the airing of this episode, Oakley is a contestant in Season 29 of NBC's The Voice. Her blind audition earned an INSTANT three-chair turn, where she made the decision to join team Kelly Clarkson.

Key Topics:

The story behind Abigayle changing her artist name from Kompst to Oakley and the emotional journey involved

Challenges and strategies in re-releasing music with new branding and digital logistics

Insights on co-writing versus solo songwriting, and how collaboration impacts the creative process

The influence of growing up in Vegas and early musical experiences

How her education at Belmont shaped her songwriting and industry

understanding

The significance of music contests like Kerrville Folk Festival and touring opportunities

Balancing social media content creation and audience engagement without burnout

Thoughts on AI's role in music production, copyright concerns, and industry implications

Navigating the music industry’s economic realities and her shift towards prioritizing creative fulfillment

The importance of community, both in festivals and in songwriting circles, for artistic growth

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe, or write a review!

IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY WAY, I'M NOW ON PATREON! Please note: new Patreon members get to pick a cover song for me to record especially for them! www.patreon.com/andysydow

Guest Links:

https://www.abigayleoakley.com/

Episode Music:

Original music by Andy Sydow

Contact me: [email protected] (or) [email protected]

#music #songwriting #touring #promotion #community #thevoice #abigayleoakley #teamkelly #originalmusic #indieartist #musicbusiness

In this episode, Andy Sydow interviews Nikki Gauthier, the artistic and creative director at the Acorn Center for the Performing Arts. They discuss the importance of community building through music, the unique role of the Acorn Theater in fostering local talent, and Nikki's journey from education to the arts. The conversation also delves into the challenges and strategies of booking in the music industry.

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe, or write a review!

IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY WAY, I'M NOW ON PATREON! Please note: new Patreon members get to pick a cover song for me to record especially for them! www.patreon.com/andysydow

Guest Links:

https://www.acornlive.org/

https://www.facebook.com/share/1GDfMpdzUQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Episode Music:

Original music by Andy Sydow

Contact me: [email protected] (or) [email protected]

#music #songwriting #touring #promotion #community #musicvenue #tributeband #originalmusic #indieartist #musicbusiness

Jackson Emmer returns to Middle Class Rock Star (previously featured on episode 112) to discuss his latest album, 'Battle Hymn of the Early Riser' - exploring themes of parenting, songwriting, and the balance between family life and touring. He shares insights into his creative process, the importance of co-writing, and the emotional impact of music. The discussion also touches on promotion strategies for indie artists, Spotify, the evolving music industry landscape, and the potential impact of AI on creativity. Throughout, Jackson expresses gratitude for his audience and the opportunity to create meaningful music.

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe, or write a review!

IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY WAY, I'M NOW ON PATREON! Please note: new Patreon members get to pick a cover song for me to record especially for them! www.patreon.com/andysydow

Guest Links:

https://www.jacksonemmer.com/

Episode Music:

Original music by Andy Sydow

Contact me: [email protected] (or) [email protected]

#music #songwriting #touring #promotion #ai #indieartist #spotify #musicbusiness

This episode was done in front of an audience as a part of a panel at SWRFA (Southwest Regional Folk Alliance) conference in Austin, TX.

This week, I sit down with legendary Texas singer-songwriter Bob Livingston — founding member of The Lost Gonzo Band and a central figure in the Austin “Cosmic Cowboy” movement.

Bob shares vivid stories from his decades on the road with Jerry Jeff Walker, Michael Martin Murphey, and the Austin outlaw country scene. We talk about his adventures as a world traveler and cultural ambassador, and the way he continues to blend Texas songwriting with global influences.

In a special moment, Bob also reads an excerpt from his forthcoming book, Gypsy Alibi: A Gonzo Memoir — giving us a taste of the humor, honesty, and wild tales that have defined his career.

Whether you know him from Viva Terlingua, his award-winning solo records (Gypsy Alibi, Up the Flatland Stairs), or his cross-cultural projects (Cowboys & Indians), Bob Livingston embodies the spirit of Texas music: rooted in storytelling, but unafraid to wander.

IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY WAY, I'M NOW ON PATREON! Please note: new Patreon members get to pick a cover song for me to record especially for them! www.patreon.com/andysydow

🔗 Guest Links:

boblivingstonmusic.com

Episode Music:

Original music by Andy Sydow

Contact me: [email protected] (or) [email protected]

My music and upcoming shows: andysydow.com

#cosmicamericana #cosmiccountry #countrymusic #texascountrymusic #musicpodcast

This episode stemmed from Andy’s viral video about the difference between a gig and a show, which sparked a wider conversation about how musicians define success and stand out in today’s music industry.

In this engaging 48-minute conversation, Andy Sydow and Johnny Fiaconni dig into the realities of the modern music industry. They explore the balance between cover gigs and original shows, the role of intentionality, and the strategies musicians can use to stand out in an increasingly noisy landscape.

From the challenges of touring and relocating, to the importance of branding and building a strong online presence, the conversation offers honest insights and practical takeaways for musicians at every stage of their careers.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Consistency in posting builds a strong online presence.

Moving to a new location can open unexpected opportunities.

Balancing gigs and personal life is crucial for long-term success.

A memorable brand (like a signature item) helps you stand out.

Quality over quantity elevates a band’s status.

Social media is essential for discovery today.

Intentionality in music cuts through the industry noise.

Performing in new markets is an investment in future success.

Feedback from diverse sources drives improvement.

Niche markets reward unique branding.

🗂️ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & Background

10:00 – The Move to California

20:00 – Balancing Gigs and Personal Life

30:00 – The Importance of Branding

40:00 – Social Media & Music Discovery

50:00 – Intentionality in Music

1:00:00 – Touring & New Markets

1:10:00 – Feedback & Growth

💬 Sound Bites

“Consistency is key to online success.”

“Opportunities arise from unexpected moves.”

“Balance gigs with personal life for success.”

“Branding makes you memorable.”

“Intentionality cuts through industry noise.”

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe, or write a review!

IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY WAY, I'M NOW ON PATREON! Please note: new Patreon members get to pick a cover song for me to record especially for them! www.patreon.com/andysydow

Guest Links:

Johnny Instagram: @johnnyfiacconi

Johnny YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnnyFiacconi

Band Instagram: @thedreamboats

Band Website: https://www.thedreamboatsband.com

Episode Music:

Original music by Andy Sydow

Contact me: [email protected] (or) [email protected]

This week, I chat with Nashville’s own Zach Allen - a multi‑Grammy-winning recording engineer, producer, and mix engineer whose credits span Americana, blues, rock, country, and beyond. With nearly 20 years in the music industry, Zach brings a rare blend of technical mastery, creative sensitivity, and a studio presence that helps artists realize their vision.

Some highlights of our conversation include:

• His journey from graduating Full Sail University and interning at The Tracking Room and eventually becoming the head engineer of the studio.

• Working on award-winning projects including engineering Grammy-winning albums for legends like Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, and Christone Kingfish Ingram

• Philosophy on vocal production

• Thoughts on AI in the music industry

• Helpful tips for recording a live show

Whether you’re an aspiring artist, indie producer, or just music-curious, this episode offers a rare inside look at the mind and methods of someone who’s helped shape some of the most compelling recordings coming out of Nashville.

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe, or write a review!

IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY WAY, I'M NOW ON PATREON! Please note: new Patreon members get to pick a cover song for me to record especially for them! www.patreon.com/andysydow

Guest Links:

https://zachallenaudio.com/

Episode Music:

Original music by Andy Sydow

Contact me: [email protected] (or) [email protected]

This week, I’m joined by bluegrass virtuoso Martin Gilmore - a powerhouse songwriter and performer who’s had a banner year, taking home top honors at the Kerrville, Telluride Troubadour, and Folks Fest songwriting contests.

In this episode, we dig into:

• The impacts of entering and winning songwriting contests

• The impact of Billy Strings on the bluegrass and Americana world

• How Spotify has reshaped the landscape for independent artists

• A live guitar demo where Martin breaks down beginner, intermediate, and advanced bluegrass rhythm styles

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe, or write a review!

IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY WAY, I'M NOW ON PATREON! Please note: new Patreon members get to pick a cover song for me to record especially for them! www.patreon.com/andysydow

Guest Links:

https://www.martingilmore.com/

Episode Music:

Original music by Andy Sydow

Contact me: [email protected] (or) [email protected]

Music has a way of attaching itself to moments in our lives. A song can instantly transport us back to a place, a person, or a feeling — becoming part of our own personal soundtrack.

In this special episode, I reflect on how Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” became permanently linked in my memory not just to Ozzy, but to Colorado Rockies legend Larry Walker. When Walker stepped to the plate at Coors Field in the 90s, “Crazy Train” echoed through the ballpark — fusing music and baseball into one unforgettable soundscape of childhood summers in Denver.

We trace the story from Ozzy’s final live performance and passing in 2025, through Larry Walker’s journey from Canadian hockey hopeful to Rockies MVP, to the history of walk-up songs in Major League Baseball. Along the way, we explore how music has always been woven into the game, from “Tessie” and the 1903 Boston Americans to the stadium anthems that defined the modern era.

This episode is part memoir, part baseball history, and part reflection on the universal power of music to connect us across time, place, and emotion.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Ozzy Osbourne’s Blizzard of Ozz (1980)

• Larry Walker, Colorado Rockies outfielder (1995–2004)

• The May 21, 1996 Rockies vs. Pirates game at Coors Field

• The history of walk-up songs in Major League Baseball

• “Tessie” and the Royal Rooters, 1903 World Series

• Books:

• Lawrence S. Ritter – The Glory of Their Times

• Bob Ryan – When Boston Won the World Series

• Mike Vaccaro – The First Fall Classic

Resources

• Baseball Reference: baseball-reference.com

• SABR (Society for American Baseball Research): sabr.org

• Baseball Almanac: baseball-almanac.com

• Purple Row (Colorado Rockies coverage): purplerow.com

• Lawrence S. Ritter – The Glory of Their Times

• Bob Ryan – When Boston Won the World Series

• Mike Vaccaro – The First Fall Classic

#musicpodcast #ozzyosbourne #larrywalker #baseball #baseballpodcast