Peach Jam Podcast

In this episode, Jeremy Powell speaks with singer-songwriter Kyla Simone, an inspiring artist who uses her platform to uplift and empower women in music. Originally from Silver Spring, Maryland, and now based in Conyers, Georgia, Kyla shares her journey, her musical style, and her mission with her organization, Girls and Guitars.

#### Key Topics Discussed:

- **Introduction to Kyla Simone:**

- Background as a singer-songwriter.

- Musical style described as “acoustic soul” with influences from R&B.

- **Representation in Music:**

- Kyla discusses the lack of visibility for women of color in acoustic music.

- Her own upbringing and how family influences shaped her musical journey.

- **Relocation to Georgia:**

- Decision to move for greater opportunities in Atlanta’s vibrant arts community.

- Emphasis on finding a supportive environment to pursue her ambitions.

- **Girls and Guitars:**

- Founded in 2016, Kyla's organization aims to create a supportive space for women musicians.

- Organizes showcases and workshops, fostering a sense of community among women in music.

- **Empowering Young Women:**

- Focus on mentorship and providing resources for aspiring female musicians.

- Plans to expand her initiatives to include younger girls, ensuring access regardless of financial constraints.

- **Music as a Healing Tool:**

- Discussion on the therapeutic power of music.

- Kyla reflects on her personal journey with self-esteem and confidence through music.

- **Future Aspirations:**

- Kyla envisions owning a venue and educational center to further her mission.

- Commitment to empowering women and girls to thrive in their artistic pursuits.

#### Featured Performances:

- Kyla shares snippets of her original songs throughout the episode, showcasing her talent and the emotional depth of her music.

#### Quotes:

- "Music has so much power. It’s a very powerful instrument."

- "I just want to see girls thrive... push past their circumstances."

#### Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Peach Jam Podcast, host Jeremy Powell sits down with Timothy Léon, a talented pop-soul artist from Camilla, Georgia. Timothy shares his journey from growing up in a small town to becoming a creative force in the music industry. He discusses his unique sound that blends pop, soul, R&B, and gospel influences, and reflects on the profound impact of his upbringing as a preacher's kid.

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#### Key Highlights:

- **Introduction to Camilla, Georgia**: Timothy describes his hometown as a tight-knit community with a rich cultural scene, despite its small size.

- **Musical Background**: Growing up in a musical family, Timothy's passion for music was nurtured from an early age, leading to a lifelong dream of becoming a performer.

- **The Influences of Family**: Timothy talks about his parents’ support in his artistic endeavors and how their backgrounds in ministry and music shaped his values.

- **SCAD Experience**: Timothy shares insights from his time at the Savannah College of Art and Design, emphasizing the importance of networking and collaboration in the creative process.

- **Creative Ventures**: In addition to music, Timothy has ventured into fashion, designing his own line of shoes inspired by his artistic journey and spiritual beliefs.

- **Vision for the Future**: Timothy expresses his desire to leave a lasting impact on the world, inspiring others from small towns to pursue their dreams and recognize their potential.

# Peach Jam Podcast: Episode with HeyDreamer

## Episode Summary

In this episode of the Peach Jam Podcast, host Jeremy Powell welcomes Melody Kiser and Dustin Williams of the Atlanta-based rock band HeyDreamer. They share their musical journeys, discuss the intricacies of the music industry, and delve into their podcast, "Sex, Drugs, and Disappointment." The conversation highlights their unique experiences, advice for emerging musicians, and the methodical approach they take to their music careers.

## Key Topics Discussed

- **Introduction to HeyDreamer**: Melody and Dustin introduce themselves and their band, emphasizing their diverse rock influences.

- **Musical Beginnings**: Melody shares her early experiences playing in bars at a young age, while Dustin discusses his journey to bass guitar at 13.

- **Podcast Insights**: They detail their podcast, which aims to provide relatable advice for musicians while sharing entertaining stories from their experiences.

- **Wild Industry Stories**: Melody recounts a terrifying gig where she performed on a forklift 50 feet in the air, and Dustin shares mishaps from his first tour with the Vans Warped Tour.

- **Strategic Career Moves**: Melody talks about her music business education and how it influences their decision-making, while both discuss the importance of being intentional with their gigs.

- **Social Media in Music**: They reflect on the role of social media in promoting their music and staying connected with fans.

## Guest Bios

- **Melody Kiser**: A guitarist and vocalist with a deep background in music, currently pursuing her master's in music business at Berklee.

- **Dustin Williams**: A bassist with nearly two decades of experience, Dustin has played in various bands and brings a wealth of knowledge from the music scene.

## Notable Quotes

- "It's like an addiction to the artist... Nothing else makes me feel that good." – Dustin Williams

- "We try not to pigeonhole ourselves into something." – Melody Kiser

- "The music industry at certain levels is so much like just the Wild West." – Melody Kiser

## Music Featured

- Live performances by HeyDreamer recorded at GPB studios.

## Resources

- Follow HeyDreamer on social media for updates on their music and performances.

- Check out their podcast, "Sex, Drugs, and Disappointment," for more musician insights and stories.

## Next Episode Preview

Join us next week as we chat with country singer Cole Goodwin from Pooler, Georgia.

## Call to Action

Support live local music and independent record stores in your area! Don't forget to leave a rating and review for the Peach Jam Podcast.

# Peach Jam Podcast: Bonus Episode with Tinsley Ellis

**Episode Overview:**

In this special bonus episode of the Peach Jam Podcast, host Jeremy Powell sits down with Atlanta blues legend Tinsley Ellis. Known as a “musician’s musician,” Ellis shares his rich history in the blues scene, his journey through music, and the stories behind his latest stripped-down acoustic album.

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### Episode Highlights:

- **Early Inspirations**: Tinsley reminisces about his first blues experiences, including a memorable concert by B.B. King, and how that shaped his perception of blues musicians as warm and approachable.

- **Musical Journey**: Starting his career in the 1970s while attending Emory University, Tinsley discusses his evolution from hard rock and blues to a more acoustic folk style.

- **Collaborations**: He highlights his work with renowned artists like the Allman Brothers and Eddie Nine Volt, mentioning a special track they collaborated on for his new album.

- **The Power of the National Steel Guitar**: Tinsley describes his 1937 National steel guitar, its origins in Hawaiian music, and its significance in his performances.

- **Storytelling in Music**: The importance of storytelling in his shows is emphasized, as Tinsley often shares anecdotes from his encounters with blues legends.

- **New Album Insights**: Tinsley talks about the creative process behind his latest album, recorded in a stripped-down format, and how it showcases the raw essence of his music.

- **Vinyl Revival**: He mentions the album’s availability in various formats, including colored vinyl, appealing to both new and traditional audiences.

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### Notable Quotes:

- “I got the idea that all blues musicians must be really friendly people.” – Tinsley Ellis

- “I was always keeping Georgia as a home base.” – Tinsley Ellis

- “There’s never been a better time for listeners.” – Tinsley Ellis on the music industry today.

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### Listen & Support:

- **Watch**: Check out the video of this interview and Tinsley’s live performance on the GPB YouTube page.

- **Support Local Music**: We encourage listeners to find and support live local music and independent record stores in their area.

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### Connect with Us:

- **Follow Us**: Stay updated by following the Peach Jam Podcast on Instagram.

- **Recommendations**: Have a suggestion for a future episode? Email us at [email protected].

## Episode Summary

In this special bonus episode of the Peach Jam Podcast, host Jeremy Powell reconnects with Eddie 9V, an artist known for his vibrant Southern soul music. Since their last conversation in February 2023, Eddie has had an eventful year, including extensive touring across Europe, a wedding in Greece, and the release of new music. Tune in as they reminisce about Eddie's whirlwind year, discuss his recent performances, and share a few laughs along the way.

## Key Highlights

- **Eddie's Wedding Adventure**: Eddie shares the story of his wedding atop a mountain in Greece, officiated by Chad Mason, his bandmate, and how the couple had to hike two miles to get there amidst summer heat.

- **European Tour Insights**: Eddie talks about his recent tours in Europe, including stops in Germany, Belgium, and Greece, and how a decade of hard work led to these opportunities.

- **Memorable Performances**: Eddie reflects on performing at iconic venues like the Tabernacle in Atlanta and touring with Grace Potter.

- **New Music**: The episode features a live performance of "Halo Redemption," a new track by Eddie 9V, and a preview of his upcoming album.

- **Life on the Road**: Insights into the challenges and joys of being a working musician, including hilarious stories about traveling and performing internationally.

- **Upcoming Projects**: Eddie hints at new music in 2024 and plans for a major American tour.

## Guest Links

- **Eddie 9V**: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/eddie9v) | [Website](http://eddie9v.com)

- **Peach Jam Podcast**: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/peachjampodcast) | [GPB](https://www.gpb.org)

## Music Featured

- **Halo Redemption** (Live Performance)

- **Saratoga** (Live Performance)

## Takeaways

- **Dedication Pays Off**: Eddie emphasizes the importance of hard work and persistence in achieving success as an independent artist.

- **Cherishing the Journey**: Both Eddie and Jeremy highlight the significance of personal experiences, such as marriage and travel, in shaping a musician's life.

### Peach Jam Podcast Episode Show Notes: Lloyd Buchanan

**Episode Title:** Connecting Souls: Lloyd Buchanan's Musical Journey

**Host:** Jeremy Powell

**Guest:** Lloyd Buchanan, Rock and Roll Organist & Music Minister

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**Episode Overview:**

In this episode of the Peach Jam Podcast, host Jeremy Powell sits down with Lloyd Buchanan, a versatile rock and roll organist and music minister from Columbus, Georgia. Lloyd shares his inspiring journey from a childhood filled with music to becoming an in-demand musician, while also emphasizing the importance of community and spirituality in his craft.

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**Key Highlights:**

- **Introduction to Lloyd Buchanan:**

- Originating from Manchester, Georgia, Lloyd discusses his early musical influences, particularly his mother, who was an amazing singer.

- **Musical Beginnings:**

- Lloyd reflects on singing in church from a young age and discovering his passion for playing the piano when his church got rid of an old acoustic piano.

- **Educational Journey:**

- He attended LaGrange College, where he learned music theory and developed his skills as a bandleader, collaborating with talented musicians.

- **Columbus Music Scene:**

- Lloyd describes Columbus as a "hidden gem" for music, highlighting its soulful and church-oriented atmosphere. He emphasizes the importance of community connections in fostering local talent.

- **Professional Achievements:**

- Lloyd has collaborated with renowned artists such as Brittany Howard, Joe, and Tom Jones, sharing memorable experiences like performing on the BBC with Tom Jones.

- **Daily Life as a Musician:**

- He discusses balancing his career as a musician with his responsibilities as a father, emphasizing his role as a connector in the music industry.

- **Personal Reflections:**

- Lloyd shares emotional moments, particularly how he pays tribute to his late mother through music and the legacy he wishes to honor.

- **Favorite Church Song:**

- He reveals that “My Tribute” by Andre Crouch is his favorite church song to play, as it holds deep personal significance.

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**Musical Performances:**

Catch the complete musical performances from Lloyd Buchanan on the GPB YouTube page.

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**Final Thoughts:**

Jeremy Powell wraps up the season by encouraging listeners to support live local music and independent record stores. He invites suggestions for artists to feature in the next season of the podcast.

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**Connect with Us:**

- Follow us on Instagram: [@PeachJamPodcast](https://instagram.com/peachjampodcast)

- Find more content on GPB TV and YouTube.