Bri Bagwell joins us on the Live & Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast from The Liberty in Roswell, New Mexico!

We dive into life on the road, growing up in New Mexico, building a career in Texas music, the realities of touring, merch sales, social media struggles, fake accounts, songwriting, and the future of live music in an AI-driven world.

Bri also shares stories about Green Hall, New Braunfels, Whiskey the rescue dog, upcoming music releases, and why venues like The Liberty are so important for independent artists.

If you're a fan of Texas Country, Red Dirt, Americana, and independent music, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

🎙️ Topics Include:
• Growing up in Las Cruces, New Mexico
• Life as a touring artist
• New music and release strategies
• The importance of independent venues
• Texas Country and Red Dirt music
• Merch, streaming, and artist income
• Whiskey the rescue dog
• Social media challenges and fake accounts
• The future of live music

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

#BriBagwell #TexasCountry #RedDirtMusic #LiveAndAmplified

From Bowling Green, Kentucky to stages around the world, the legendary Nappy Roots join us live at CMA Fest 2026 for an unforgettable conversation about their journey, their influence on country rap, and why the connection between country music and hip-hop runs deeper than most people realize.

We dive into their early days at Western Kentucky University, the formation of Nappy Roots, their impact on Southern hip-hop, and how songs like "When We Ain't Have A Lot" continue to bridge the gap between country and rap audiences today.

The group also talks about performing at CMA Fest, working with Pink Beard, the evolution of music consumption, life on the road, and the lessons they've learned over more than two decades in the music industry.

If you're a fan of authentic storytelling, Southern culture, country rap, hip-hop history, and independent artists carving their own lane, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Live and Amplified Podcast
📍 Recorded at CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee

#NappyRoots #CMAFest #LiveAndAmplifie

Lily Meola joins the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast live from CMA Fest!

From growing up on Maui and landing her first gig at just 10 years old, to sharing the stage with Willie Nelson and competing on America's Got Talent, Lily's journey is anything but ordinary.

In this episode, we talk about:
• How Willie Nelson discovered her at a small café gig on Maui
• Touring with Willie and life on the road
• America's Got Talent and the opportunities that followed
• Moving to Nashville full-time after years of commuting from Hawaii
• Her upcoming debut album
• Surf culture, skateboarding, unicycles, and fostering bunnies
• The reality of being an independent touring artist

Lily brings incredible authenticity, positivity, and talent to every stage she steps on, and this conversation is a perfect look behind the curtain at one of today's most exciting singer-songwriters.

Subscribe for more interviews from CMA Fest and the best in independent music.

#LilyMeola #WillieNelson #CMAFest #LiveAndAmplified #NotNashvilleApproved

Waka Flocka Flame joins the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast live from CMA Fest in Nashville!

In this conversation, Waka opens up about his new music, his growing connection to country music, life in Georgia, the similarities between hip-hop and country culture, and the excitement of preparing for his first child.

We also discuss:
• Why country and hip-hop are more alike than people realize
• His latest music and collaborations
• Life outside the spotlight
• CMA Fest experiences
• Advice for young artists trying to build a career
• The importance of learning from those who came before you

This is a side of Waka Flocka Flame that fans don't always get to see—thoughtful, reflective, and focused on the future.

🎙️ Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast
📍 Recorded at CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee

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#WakaFlockaFlame #CMAFest #CountryMusic #HipHop #LiveAndAmplified

HEMLOCK joins the Live and Amplified Podcast live from Roswell, New Mexico before another explosive show on their current tour.

In this episode, the band talks about over 30 years of touring, preparing for their upcoming European festival run, life on the road in a converted school bus, surviving the music industry through changing times, building a dedicated fanbase, and why merchandise is more important than ever for independent artists.

We also dive into stories from Roswell, touring overseas, metal culture, Christmas albums, and what keeps HEMLOCK motivated after decades of relentless touring.

If you're a fan of heavy metal, DIY touring, independent music, and behind-the-scenes road stories, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Live and Amplified Podcast
Hosted by Tom Kwiat

Follow HEMLOCK:
• Website: HemlockWorld.com
• Instagram: @hemlockworld
• Facebook: Hemlock World

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• Instagram: @LiveNAMplified

#Hemlock #HeavyMetal #MetalPodcast #LiveAndAmplified #TourLife #MetalBand #DIYMusic #RockPodcast #EuropeanTour #NotNashvilleApproved

Chanel West Coast joins Tom Kwiat on the Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast during CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee!

Known for her success in hip hop, television, and entertainment, Chanel opens up about her transition into country music, the success of her independent single "Down to the Filter," and why creative freedom means everything to her. She also shares stories about her family roots, motherhood, life between Los Angeles and Nashville, and her plans for a debut country album.

In this interview we discuss:

• Why she chose country music
• Life as an independent artist
• Motherhood and personal growth
• Nashville vs. Los Angeles
• The future of her country music career
• Advice for young musicians and women
• Her upcoming debut country album

Chanel also talks about the importance of following your heart, staying resilient through criticism, and embracing personal evolution as an artist and person.

Subscribe for more artist interviews, music industry conversations, and exclusive coverage from CMA Fest 2026.

🎙️ Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast

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https://open.spotify.com/show/0TqxCTAKDdzulaHvq7mp4w?

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#ChanelWestCoast #CMAFest2026 #CountryMusic #LiveAndAmplified #IndieFusionPodcast #Nashville #IndependentArtist #DownToTheFilter

No guest this time—just Tom Kwiat and Jeff Cabana hanging out for a classic "boys only" episode of the Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast!

In this episode, the guys talk about:

• Preparing for upcoming Musical Outlaw showcases
• Live sound equipment upgrades and production challenges
• Podcast growth and content strategy
• CMA Fest plans and dream interviews
• Building the #NotNashvilleApproved movement
• Music gear, microphones, guitar strings, and emergency gig bags
• Road stories, travel mishaps, and small-town adventures
• The realities of being independent artists and promoters

Whether you're a musician, songwriter, podcaster, or just enjoy hearing two friends talk shop, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories and plenty of laughs.

🎙️ Follow Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0TqxCTAKDdzulaHvq7mp4w?

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@LiveNAMplified

#NotNashvilleApproved #Songwriter #Texas #Podcast #IndependentMusic

Texas singer-songwriter Amber Westerman joins Tom Kwiat on the Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast for a deep conversation about authenticity, mental health, creativity, and navigating the modern music industry.

Amber opens up about:

• Leaving Nashville and returning home to Texas
• The pressure of social media and “going viral”
• Why authenticity matters more than algorithms
• Burnout in the music industry
• Building her podcast The Authentic Heart
• Songwriting, wellness, and finding creative balance
• The difference between the Texas and Nashville music scenes

We also talk about podcasting, independent artistry, merch struggles, songwriter communities, and why long-form conversations still matter in today’s world.

🎶 Amber also discusses her new music, upcoming releases, and the inspiration behind songs like “Barefoot Days” and “Feel At All.”

👇 Follow Amber Westerman below and support independent music!

#AmberWesterman #Songwriter #Texas #NotNashvilleApproved #Podcast

Country artist Kenya Reese joins the Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast to talk about her powerful new single “Carry On Cowboy,” growing up between Illinois and Colorado, rodeo culture, social media in country music, and chasing her dream as an independent artist.

Kenya shares the emotional story behind “Carry On Cowboy,” inspired by her grandfather’s struggles as a rancher and the mental health crisis facing farmers and ranchers across America. She also talks about performing at the Premier Women’s Rodeo, building a music career independently, hunting in Colorado, and balancing authenticity with social media in today’s music industry.

If you love independent country music, rodeo culture, and real conversations with rising artists, this episode is for you.

Listen to the full Indie Fusion Podcast on Spotify:
Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast on Spotify

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Instagram: @LiveNAMplified

#KenyaReese #CountryMusic #IndieArtist #Rodeo #Texas #NotNashvilleApproved

What happens when real musicians collide with the AI music era? 🤠🎙️

On this episode of Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast, Tom Kwiat sits down with Texas country artist Guy Patrick to talk about the changing music industry, the reality of Spotify payouts, live music culture in Fort Worth & Dallas, songwriting, touring, AI-generated music, authenticity in country music, and why independent artists may have more power now than ever before.

Guy Patrick dives deep into:
🔥 The truth about wedding band life
🔥 Why small venues may be the future of live music
🔥 AI music vs REAL artistry
🔥 Spotify, merch sales & independent income
🔥 Texas country culture & Fort Worth music scene
🔥 Why imperfections make music human
🔥 Creative freedom in modern country music

If you care about songwriting, independent music, Texas country, outlaw country, or the future of live performance… this episode is for you.

🎧 Follow Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast on Spotify:
Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast

📲 Follow us everywhere: @LiveNAMplified

#NotNashvilleApproved