MJ Show Podcast

I loved speaking with Muscadine Bloodline's Charlie and Gary, true friends who finish each other’s sentences in the same way they harmonize in their songs; seamlessly!  

What I love most about this duo is how well they have combined their diverse musical influences into a unique style that instantly grabs your attention, especially when you hear one of their songs on country radio, as was the case with “Dead On Arrival” from their Dispatch to 16th Ave album (2022) and “Me On You,” from their NEW album, Teenage Dixie (Feb 24)! After putting both songs in rotation, I received countless texts and messages asking about them. As an MD who loves to take chances on different songs in style and subject matter, a listener response like that feels like hitting the jackpot!   

Their new album is a “collection of stories and experiences in South Alabama.” I cannot WAIT to dive in and be taken to a place I’ve never been!   

“When you stop chasing what’s popular and just start chasing what makes you happy the real magic happens.” - Muscadine Bloodline  

Teenage Dixie by Muscadine Bloodline:  https://music.apple.com/ca/album/teenage-dixie/1661081868

This was the first time Brett Kissel and I had the opportunity to chat. Based on this conversation, it will not be the last, and the next time it’ll be a more extended discussion; it’s necessary.  In the short amount of time we did have this time around, Brett instantly demonstrated how and why he’s achieved longevity in such a challenging industry: his enthusiasm and passion for his work, as well as the gratitude he feels for the lessons, the challenges, and the people who have supported him through it all. 

It was beautiful to watch and listen to Brett share his excitement for his most ambitious collection thus far in his decade-long career; The Compass Project. There are four installments/albums, all being released this year (2023); the first, titled South Album, is available now.  There are many motivational speakers around the globe. Then there’s Brett, a motivational singer and songwriter who inspires through music and doesn’t take the opportunity he’s been given to do so for granted! - MJ  

The Compass Project - South Album available here: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/the-compass-project-south-album/1658197466 

Check out "Watch It" video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkKLaFH3i-U

With the release of "The Wolves," "Too Much of a Good Thing," and the announcement of her upcoming 'Crashlanded' album (Nov 4, 2022), MJ speaks with Madeline Edwards about growing up in California and Texas, her family, and the different styles of music she listened to as a child. They also talk about country music, the genres that have shaped its sound throughout history, and why Madeline feels her jazz, gospel, and soul influences naturally led to country.  

Watch the official visualizer for “The Wolves” here: https://youtu.be/ckDGd6g4FHk 

Watch "Too Much Of A Good Thing" (Official Music Video) here: https://youtu.be/eflm0CROfgE 

Pre-order/pre-save 'Crashlanded' album here: https://madelineedwards.lnk.to/preord...

MJ spoke with Canadian artist, JOSH ROSS, before the 2022 CCMA Awards and Country Music Week in Calgary. Josh shared his excitement about being a SiriusXM Top of the Country Contest finalist, and his CCMA Rising Star award nomination. He also shares some of his musical tastes that has influenced and shaped his diverse sound, and the direction he believes he'll go in moving forward in his career! 

Listen to 'On A Different Night' here!

"If you have ever been in a toxic/abusive relationship (or not sure if you're in one right now), my hope is that this conversation with @Ila Barker brings you clarity and peace!" -MJ  

MJ and Manitoba artist, Ila Barker, talk about what makes her a special soul, while diving into a powerful and enlightening conversation about toxic and abusive relationships, leaving them, and the growth process afterwards. For Ila, that process led to the singles "Intuition," her recently released song "25," and her upcoming full-length project out in the fall.  Watch the "25" video here:  https://youtu.be/O3MLTpn3uMs

MJ speaks with Tom and Jason from Winnipeg's Petric about their new single, Night Up. The brothers also share their excitement about the Turn The Night Up Tour, which hits the road in the fall (2022) and features special guests Jerry Sereda and Jason Kirkness.

Watch the "Night Up" video here.

Turn The Night Up Tour details & tickets here. 

MJ speaks with Canadian artist, Nate Haller, about his recent CCMA Rising Star nomination (2022), his debut Top 10 single (Lightning In A Bottle), working with The Reklaws, and his most recent single, "Ain't Like Me." Nate shares the embarrassing and adorable moment he met his girlfriend, Jocelyn, that inspired the recording and release of the new single.  

MJ Show Podcast

MJ speaks with Kip Moore ahead of his Winnipeg show at The Burton Cummings Theatre on Jul 25 (2022)! Kip talks about relationships, love, and the inspiration behind "Dirt Road," "She's Mine," and "Southpaw," from his 2020 album, Wild World. He also shares the deeper meaning of "Last Shot," and how it led to writing the most personal song he's ever written, "Payin' Hard."    

NEW song "Fire on Wheels" available now!

MJ Show Podcast  

MJ caught up with Canadian country artist, Sacha, shortly after being announced as a SiriusXM/CCMA Top of the Country contest semi-finalist. Sacha has since been named 1 of 3 finalists (July 5). Sacha shares why she fell in love with country music, growing up in a small town, and what her success thus far in the industry means to her and anyone pursuing a dream.

MJ speaks with singer/songwriter from the rural North Georgia mountains, Jacob Bryant, about his experience and struggle with addiction, the loss of his mom in 2010, and how pursuing a career in country music became both a way for him to heal and make his mother proud. His latest album, Bar Stool Preacher, came out in January this year (2022) and is a project that reflects his growth as a person and an artist. First, however, MJ and Jacob dive into and chat about his 2019 debut album, #PracticeWhatIPreach.