Whether you’re a diehard 311 fan or just love hearing real stories from the road, this conversation is for you!  S.A. Martinez delivers insights, laughs, and inspiration from one of the most iconic voices of the 2000's.

We get into:

• 🎸 The evolution of 311’s sound and creative process
• 🍑 Why Atlanta feels like a second home for the band
• 🚐💥 Unforgettable tour stories (including a fiery RV incident)
• 🤘 The power of the 311 fan community
• 📝 Timeless advice for musicians

🎧 Follow and subscribe to Live Music Junkiez for more interviews, local concert tips, and behind-the-scenes music stories.

To find out where 311 is playing next, visit here.

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Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop! Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!

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What happens when you take a few soulful musicians, put them in a subway station, and let the groove lead the way? You get the California Honeydrops—a band that’s gone from busking in Oakland to lighting up stages across the country with their feel-good, dance-your-face-off sound.

In this episode, Ben Malament (drummer and co-founder) takes us inside the journey of the California Honeydrops. From their roots playing 'New Orleans R&B' on BART platforms to jamming with legends like Bonnie Raitt and Dr. John, this is a story about staying true to your sound, your people, and your joy.

We get into:
 🎶 Why they never use a setlist (and how that changes the vibe every night)
📣 How connecting with fans—on and off stage—is part of the mission
🎧 The making of their latest album Keep On Digging
💡 Real talk for emerging artists

If you’ve ever caught a Honeydrops show, you know it’s more than music—it’s a party. And if you haven’t? This episode will make you want to dance your way to the next one (which by the way is October 17, 2025 at Variety Playhouse!)

🎧 Follow and subscribe to Live Music Junkiez for more interviews, local concert tips, and behind-the-scenes music stories.

Keep up with the California Honeydrops at https://cahoneydrops.com/

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Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop! Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!

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In this episode, I catch up with Will and Rae from Atlanta’s rising eclectic rock band Rae & The Ragdolls—a group known for their genre-blending sound, heartfelt songwriting, and infectious energy on stage.

The duo opens up about the late-night ritual that inspired their dreamy track “Moon Tipper,” how they juggle college life with a packed tour schedule, and why they believe passion should always come before profit.

We get into:

 🌈 The band’s biggest musical inspirations (and a few unexpected ones)
 🎒 Balancing student life with band life—yes, finals and festivals
🔥  A behind-the-scenes look at the song they love performing most
✨ Advice for new artists: stay curious and just go for it

Stick around till the end for a live in-studio clip of “Moon Tipper.”

🎧 Follow and subscribe to Live Music Junkiez for more interviews, local concert tips, and behind-the-scenes music stories.

To see more from Rae & The Ragdolls, visit their website https://www.raeandtheragdolls.com/

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Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop! Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!

🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com
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📘 Facebook
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At 20 years old, Isabel LaRosa has already racked up over 2 billion streams and signed with RCA Records—all while staying true to her bold, emotional style. In this episode, we catch up right after the release of her debut album RAVEN and in the midst of her first headlining tour. Isabel shares how discovering YouTube (and Melanie Martinez) helped shape her sound, and opens up about the personal meaning behind her new song “Home.” We also get into staying grounded off-stage, how she handles social media feedback, and what’s coming next for this rising star. From real talk to inspiring moments, this convo’s packed with gems for fans and future creatives!

❝ it's just a matter of knowing what you want and staying true to what your core gut instinct is ❞

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Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop! Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!

🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com
📸 Instagram
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From chart-topping ballads to socially conscious anthems,⁠Five for Fighting (John Ondrasik)⁠ uses his music to spark conversation, inspire hope, and reflect the human experience. 

In this conversation, John opens up about the journey behind hits like “⁠Superman⁠” and “⁠100 Years⁠,” and the responsibility he feels as a songwriter in today’s world. From balancing creativity and advocacy to the role music plays in shaping culture, his insights are heartfelt and full of wisdom for artists and 'music junkiez'.

His latest passion project, the Music Matters Challenge, now in its second year, encourages the public to share what music means to them through short-form video. It’s a reminder that music doesn’t just entertain—it empowers and unites.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, this interview is a reminder of why music still matters.

❛❛If you're blessed enough to live your dream of having songs, people sing back to you, what you can do is use that to really shine the light on true heroes.❜❜

*** For more information on the Music Matters Challenge, and how you could win $10K (or $25K for your school), visit ⁠Let Music Fill My World ⁠. The deadline is May 30, 2025!

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Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop! Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!

🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com
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📺 YouTube

Three-time Grammy-nominated drummer Nate Smith takes us behind the kit to explore groove, growth, and the gift of listening. In this candid conversation, he opens up about how tuning into the music — and the moment — shapes everything from his sound to his creative choices.

He shares stories from his journey (including how an email from Brittany Howard’s manager turned into a dream gig), the artists he’s still hoping to collaborate with, and why 'the Pocket' is that magic space where timing, energy, and musical connection all align.

If you’re a musician, a creative, or someone chasing rhythm in your own life — this one’s for you.

❝ I always tell drummers that your instrument is actually your ears. That's, that's actually your instrument. The way that you play is indicative of the way that you listen.❞

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Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop! Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!

🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com
📸 Instagram
📘 Facebook
📺 YouTube

Tarriona “Tank” Ball takes us on a journey through poetry, purpose, and performance. In this candid conversation, she opens up about manifestation, evolving from poet to musician, and the moments — wild, weird, and wonderful — that have shaped her as an artist.

She shares tour stories (including one involving losing clothing along the interstate), advice for up-and-coming creatives, and who she’d love to hit the road with next.

If you’re an artist, a dreamer, or just obsessed with the craft — this one’s for you.

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Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop! Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!

🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com
📸 Instagram
📘 Facebook
📺 YouTube