Chase Wright on CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Cliff Dorsey at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Cooper Riley at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Cynthia Renee at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Dani-Elle Kleha at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Dawson Anderson at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

CMA Fest brought artists from all over the world to Nashville, and this episode features Canadian singer-songwriter Desirée  as she shares her journey, creative process, and why Nashville might just become her next home.

We dive into:

• Why CMA Fest is unlike any other music festival
• Desirée's upcoming album "Just For Now"
• Her new single "Chop Some Wood" and the accompanying line dance
• The evolution of music videos, visualizers, and lyric videos
• Vancouver vs. Nashville
• Building genuine fan connections through newsletters instead of relying solely on social media
• Artists inspiring her, including Mon Rovîa, Sierra Ferrell, and Laci Kaye Booth
• The realities of life as an independent musician

If you love discovering incredible independent artists before everyone else, this conversation is for you.

🎙️ Guest: Desirée

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#Songwriter #Texas #NotNashvilleApproved #CMAFest #IndependentMusic

Singer-songwriter Emma Forgette returns to the Live and Amplified Podcast during CMA Fest for an update on everything that's happened since her last appearance.

Emma talks about hosting a writers round at Nashville's Commodore, balancing life between Florida and Nashville, spending more time focused on songwriting, and what it's really like navigating co-writes with new people. She also shares how she's building her catalog of songs, preparing for new studio sessions, planning a future Texas tour, and staying grounded while chasing a career in country music.

The conversation wraps up with Emma sharing heartfelt advice for young artists about following the path they're meant to be on.

If you love discovering independent country artists before everyone else, this episode is for you.

🎙 In this episode:

• CMA Fest recap
• Songwriting and creative process
• Hosting writers rounds in Nashville
• Co-writing with new collaborators
• Florida vs. Nashville
• Touring and future Texas plans
• Building a songwriting catalog
• Advice for aspiring musicians

Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with independent artists from around the country.

#Songwriter #Texas #NotNashvilleApproved #CountryMusic #EmmaForgette

Can one songwriting contest change your entire career? For Gary Frost, it just might have.

In this episode of the Live & Amplified Indie-Fusion Podcast, host Tom Kwiat sits down with rising country artist Gary Frost live from CMA Fest in Nashville, Tennessee.

Gary shares his journey from New Jersey to Nashville, talks about signing his first artist development deal, releasing his upcoming self-titled debut album, and how winning both the Red Bull Jukebox Songwriting Contest and the USA Songwriting Contest helped launch his career to the next level.

They also dive into:
🎙️ Gary's upcoming single "Looking For A Reason"
🎸 Life as an independent country artist in Nashville
🏆 Winning major songwriting competitions
🚗 Touring the East Coast and future plans for Texas
🍕 New York vs. Chicago pizza (because every great podcast needs a food debate)
🔥 Advice for aspiring musicians trying to build a career in today's music industry

If you're an independent artist, songwriter, or country music fan looking for real conversations about the music business, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more interviews with independent artists, singer-songwriters, and music industry professionals.

🎧 Listen to the Live & Amplified Indie-Fusion Podcast
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

📲 Follow Live & Amplified
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveNAMPLIFIED
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/live_n_amplified
Substack: https://substack.com/@liveandamplified

#GaryFrost #CountryMusic #CMAFest #LiveAndAmplified #IndependentArtist #Songwriter #Nashville #CountryPodcast #SingerSongwriter #TexasMusic

What does it really take to build a country music career in Nashville?

In this episode of the Live and Amplified Indie-Fusion Podcast, Tom Kwiat sits down with Diamond Dixie during CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The sister duo talks about their journey from Orlando to Nashville, balancing constant touring, writing new music, filming music videos, surviving the independent music grind, and why it's important to enjoy the moment while always planning what's next.

They also dive into:

• Moving from Florida to Nashville
• Playing Carolina Country Music Fest
• Their upcoming EP and new singles
• Life on the road
• Music video production
• Fitness, reading, sourdough bread (yes, really)
• The mindset required to succeed in today's independent music industry

If you're an independent artist, songwriter, or country music fan, this conversation is packed with inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories.

🎵 Follow Diamond Dixie:
https://diamonddixie.com

🎙 Subscribe for more interviews with independent musicians, songwriters, and music industry professionals.

#NotNashvilleApproved #Texas #Songwriter #CountryMusic #IndependentMusic