What happens when hip-hop & hardcore energy collide with synth-driven beats?

In this episode, I’m joined by Jay Webster, frontman of Dallas-based band UnityTX, for a conversation about carving out a unique space in heavy music and staying true to the heart and soul of hip-hop.

We talk about their latest album, Somewhere In Between, how skateboarding first introduced him to music culture, and the full-circle moments that come with touring internationally. Jay also shares insights into the realities of building a modern band — from writing and recording music to managing social media and creating content in today’s internet-driven landscape.

We get into:
 🎸 How skateboarding shaped his work ethic and musical journey
 🌍 Touring Europe vs. the U.S. — and what makes international crowds unique
 🎤 The grind behind writing, recording, and promoting music independently
 📀 Favorite tracks from Somewhere In Between and the influences behind the album
🎧 Blending hip-hop, EDM, rock, and metal into UnityTX’s sound

If you’re drawn to artists forging their own path and pushing genre boundaries, this conversation is for you.

To learn more about UnityTX and find upcoming tour dates, visit their website and stream their music on Spotify.

--------------------

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

What happens when deeply personal songwriting creates a global fan community?

In this episode, I’m joined by UK indie-pop artist Dodie for a thoughtful conversation about songwriting, vulnerability, and the unique connection she’s built with her fans.

We talk about her latest album, Not For Lack Of Trying, and the chapter of life that shaped the record — a period she describes as trying to move forward through stagnancy and uncertainty.

Along the way, Dodie reflects on creativity, community, and what it’s like to share such personal music with a global audience.

We get into:

 🎶 How her YouTube beginnings helped shape the community around her music
💬 The powerful moment during her Atlanta show when a fan revealed one of her songs saved their life
🎥 The collaborative fan project behind the alternate version of “Darling, Angel, Baby”
📀 The story behind Not For Lack Of Trying and the season of life that inspired it
🚌 Life on the road — and why touring sometimes feels more like camping than luxury

If you enjoy honest songwriting and hearing how artists connect deeply with their audiences, this episode is for you.

To learn more about Dodie and follow her latest music and tour updates, visit her website, Spotify, and social media channels.

--------------------

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

Buddy Red is an Atlanta artist who’s not following the hip-hop lane many might expect as the son of Atlanta icon T.I. Instead, he’s carving out a guitar-driven blues-rock sound entirely his own.

In this episode, he shares the moment in 7th grade when discovering Prince’s self-produced debut album expanded his understanding of what was possible — and how that realization continues to shape the way he creates today.

We also talk about how his song “1958” evolved from a simple acoustic idea on the edge of his bed into a fully realized recording, built piece by piece, instrument by instrument.

We get into:

🎸 Picking up guitar as a teenager and accelerating fast
 🎧 Growing up in a music-centric household while searching for his own lane
 📀 Sitting on a vault of unreleased music and holding ideas for the right moment
 🎤 The meaning behind the name Buddy Red
 🔥 Why he wants listeners to leave with more questions than answers

If you’re drawn to artists defining themselves on their own terms, this conversation is for you.

Follow Buddy Red on his website and Instagram and stream his music on Spotify to keep up with his latest releases and upcoming performances.

--------------------

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

In this episode, I’m joined by Briscoe, the Austin-based folk-rock duo made up of Truett Heintzelman and Philip Lupton, for a thoughtful conversation about songwriting, touring, and growing into a life built around music.

We talk about their latest album, Heat of July, and how long drives, time spent on the road, and missing home shaped a record that unfolds like a series of lived-in moments. Briscoe also shares what it was like balancing college life while building a band, hitting the road immediately after graduation, and learning — sometimes the hard way — what touring really demands.

We get into:
 🎶 Writing songs inspired by real moments and the people you meet along the way
 📚 The unexpected book that sparked the story behind “Escuidilla”
🚌 The realities of early touring — from snow-covered roads to unforgettable fan connections
🎷 How a long-forgotten saxophone became a live-show staple
🎤 Opening for Dave Matthews Band at The Gorge and artists they dream of touring with next

If you love behind-the-scenes tour stories and discovering artists on the rise, this episode is for you.

To learn more about Briscoe and find upcoming tour dates, visit their website.

**Briscoe will be in Atlanta on February 20 at Terminal West — a great chance to catch these songs live!

--------------------

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

In this episode, I’m joined by Oliver Wood of the Grammy-nominated band The Wood Brothers for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about music, connection, and creativity.

We talk about the band’s latest album, Puff of Smoke, what it feels like stepping onstage for the very first show of a tour, and how Oliver’s early years in Atlanta’s music scene — from blues clubs to deep musical community — helped shape the artist he is today. Oliver also reflects on reconnecting with his brother through music, the evolution of The Wood Brothers over 20 years, and why staying open is at the heart of both life and art.

We get into:
🎶 The making of Puff of Smoke and trusting instinct in the studio
🧠 Mindfulness, presence, and letting go — themes woven throughout the music
🎸 Oliver’s early days in Atlanta and the mentors who encouraged him to sing and write
👬 Reuniting with his brother and building The Wood Brothers from a side project into a lifelong band
🚌 What really changes from the first night of a tour to the last — and why those moments matter
❤️ Why music is ultimately about connection, community, and showing up for one another

If you love thoughtful songwriting, honest conversations, and music that meets you where you are, this episode is for you.

To learn more about The Wood Brothers and find upcoming tour dates, visit their website.

--------------------

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

What happens when a band turns raw emotion and reckless energy into three decades of relentless, unapologetic rock?  That’s the story of Five Eight, Athens’ underground pop-punk heroes.

In this episode, Five Eight frontman Mike Mantione gets real about life on the road, the power of connection, and why weirdness might just be the key to longevity. From wild ‘90s tours (yes, there were naked shows 😳) to sharing the stage with R.E.M., Mike opens up about the band’s evolution, the moments that shaped their sound, and what keeps the fire alive decades later.

We get into:
🎥 How the band’s documentary (Weirdo) came to life after years in the vault
🚐 Life on the road with R.E.M.
🎸 Why every show has its own energy — and no setlist is ever safe
🔥 The chaos, freedom, and philosophy of live performance
💭 Their new single, “I’m Alone” — why being lonely isn’t always a bad thing
💡 Mike’s advice for young artists: stay real, stay fearless, and give it everything

If you’ve ever been to a sweaty, loud, unforgettable show — or dreamed of going — this one’s for you.

To find out where Five Eight is playing next, visit their website.

--------------------

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

Get ready to meet Cat Ridgeway, an award-winning singer-songwriter from Orlando, Florida, whose powerhouse vocals and storytelling have lit up stages across the country. I’ve seen her perform live a few times, and trust me — her energy is absolutely contagious!

In this episode, we dive into her path from open mics to major festivals like Okeechobee Music Festival, what she’s learned about songwriting and self-belief, and the full-circle story that ties her to the Grateful Dead in the most unexpected way.

We get into:
🎶 The wild, unplanned story behind “Giving You Up” (and why the lyrics almost didn’t exist)
👨‍👩‍👧 How her family helped spark her love for music—starting with her brother’s foot
💀 The unexpected Grateful Dead connection that changed her career
💡 Finding meaning in lyrics that weren’t planned, but felt right
📱 Why learning every part of the music business helps artists stay in control
🔥 Real talk on staying creative, confident, and true to your sound

🎶 If you’ve ever chased a dream, written from the heart, or lost yourself in a live show—this episode is for you.

--------------------

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

Blending Irish folk traditions with rock ‘n’ roll energy, The Muckers have become a staple of Atlanta’s live music scene. Their rowdy, heartfelt shows keep fans coming back for more, whether it’s at a neighborhood pub or a packed festival stage.

Join Jeff and Ty as they share the highs, chaos, and laughs of touring and performing.

We get into:
 🍀 The origins of The Muckers (yes, Craigslist is involved)
 🚐 Adventures (and misadventures) from touring across the U.S.
 🌞 What it’s like playing a midnight set under Alaska’s never-ending sun
 💡 Why showing up and being kind matters just as much as talent

If you’ve ever seen The Muckers live, you know it’s more than a show—it’s a party. And if you haven’t? This episode will make you want to grab a ticket and experience the ride for yourself.  Visit http://culturepunkatl.com/ to see where they're playing next.

--------------------

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

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.

--------------------

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

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/

--------------------

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