Playback Sessions

Korby Lenker has made 10 albums, published a book, and created a TV pilot based on his life. But he still wrestles with self-doubt, failure, and the pain of the creative process.

In this conversation, Korby opens up about what it really means to be a lifelong artist — the brutal honesty, the pivots, the heartbreak, and the joy of making something meaningful in a world that often doesn’t care.

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

📍 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Korby Lenker

01:57 The Power of Storytelling

05:39 Influences and Inspirations

11:03 The Creative Process

15:49 Challenges and Discipline

24:47 Journey to Nashville

28:03 The Struggles and Freedom of Obscurity

28:52 Discovering New Skills and Passions

29:51 Navigating Pivots and Embracing Curiosity

31:40 The Journey of Creating a TV Pilot

42:49 Advice for Aspiring Creatives

47:33 The Importance of Meaning and Creativity

52:26 Musical Performance: Meet Me at the End of the World

56:23 Final Thoughts and Podcast Plug

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎙️Host: Spencer Handley

Guest: Korby Lenker

Executive Producers: Spencer Handley, Ben Montague

Production Manager and Design: Aly Jordan

Camera Operators: Richard Handley, Micah Mathewson

Audio Lead: Keith Cypert

Editors: Carl Reeverts, Clayton Hopkins

Korby’s Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MorseCodePodcast

#Korbylenker #playbacksessions #Spencerhandley

Guthrie Trapp is one of Nashville’s most respected guitarists, a player’s player with a cult following among musicians, producers, and legends. He’s performed and recorded with Emmylou Harris, John Oates, Jerry Douglas, and more.

But Guthrie’s story isn’t about fame, it’s about what it really takes to make a life in music.

In this deep and unfiltered episode, Guthrie shares the path that actually works: how to develop a voice, play over changes, survive in Nashville, and build a long-term career in music without burning out.

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

📍 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Guthrie Trap

01:19 Guthrie's Early Musical Journey

02:52 First Gigs and Early Influences

05:48 Learning and Growing as a Musician

08:57 Moving to Nashville and Making Connections

14:28 The Importance of Relationships in Music

17:04 Challenges and Milestones

21:27 Advice for Aspiring Musicians

25:54 Finding Your Path in Nashville

48:50 The Sheen of Working with Icons Wears Off

50:01 Say Yes to Opportunities

50:38 The Value of Experience Over Knowledge

53:37 The Importance of Basic Life Skills

54:14 The Joy of Playing with Friends

55:19 Overcoming the Fear of Judgment

01:00:08 The Role of Music Theory

01:30:19 The Nashville Music Community

01:38:57 Future Plans and Community Spirit

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎙️Host: Spencer Handley

Guest: Guthrie Trapp

Executive Producers: Spencer Handley, Ben Montague

Camera/Sound: Aly Jordan

Editors: Spencer Handley, Clayton Hopkins

#GuthrieTrapp #PlaybackPodcast #GuitarPodcast #SlideGuitar #FretboardMastery #NashvilleGuitarist #FeelOverFlash #ChordChanges #CreativeProcess #GuitarTone #GuitarPractice #Improvisation #MusicCareer #ToneChasing #AuthenticSound #MusicianMindset #HouseOfGrease #GuitarEducation

Critter Eldridge is a Grammy-winning guitarist, a founding member of Punch Brothers, and one of the most respected acoustic players alive. In this episode of Playback, Critter opens up about the night he bombed live on NPR — and how that failure became one of the most transformative moments of his life.

He shares stories about studying with Tony Rice, explains how self-teaching clashed with music school, and breaks down the mindset that fuels his most meaningful practice. Whether you’re a self-taught player, music theory skeptic, or someone chasing depth over flash — this is essential listening.

⸻

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

📖 CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

00:17 Meet Chris Eldridge: Grammy Winner and Punch Brothers Member

01:45 The Birth of a Musician: Chris's Early Life and Influences

03:25 Discovering Tony Rice and the Acoustic Guitar

07:11 Self-Taught Journey and Musical Curiosity

09:40 Struggles with Music Theory and Overcoming Challenges

16:37 Tony Rice's Influence and Learning from the Masters

22:20 Mindful Practice and Musical Philosophy

25:49 A Pivotal Moment in Music

28:12 The Joe Pass Story

31:21 The Epic Fail and Its Lessons

38:35 Mindful Practice and Curiosity

44:09 Deconstructing Musical Problems

48:39 Right Hand Techniques and Influences

⸻

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎙️Host: Spencer Handley

Guest: Chris Eldridge

Executive Producers: Spencer Handley, Ben Montague

Production Manager and Design: Aly Jordan

Camera Operators: Micah Mathewson, Aly Jordan

Audio Lead: Keith Cypert

Editors: Mike Moore, Spencer Handley

⸻

#ChrisEldridge #PunchBrothers #TonyRice #AcousticGuitar #PlaybackPodcast #MindfulPractice #GuitarTechnique #MusicPhilosophy #GuitarTone #BluegrassGuitar #SelfTaughtMusician #GuitarWisdom #PracticeMistakes #CreativeGrowth #EgoInMusic #FretboardFluency #JulianLage #GuitarPodcast #AcousticMasterclass #NashvilleGuitarist #ToneOverSpeed #GuitarEducation #PlaybackSessions #CarterVintageGuitars

JD Simo has recorded with legends like Beyoncé, Stevie Nicks, and Jack White. He played every guitar note in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie. In this episode of Playback, JD delivers a raw and unfiltered masterclass on slide guitar tone, phrasing, improvisation, and the inner battle of finding your sound. Whether you’re into blues guitar, standard tuning slide, gear minimalism, or just want to learn from a deeply musical player—this one’s for you.

________

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

________

📍 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to JD Simo

01:19 JD's Early Musical Influences

05:48 Journey to Nashville

06:53 Mastering Slide Guitar

18:44 Developing a Unique Style

36:51 Balancing Practice and Performance

44:09 Musical Influences and Techniques

47:31 Gear and Tone Preferences

50:27 Guitar Models and Modifications

54:26 Musical Journey and Mentorship

57:25 Current Interests and Rabbit Holes

01:06:18 Desert Island Records

01:09:32 Future of Slide Guitar

01:12:58 Advice for Aspiring Slide Guitarists

01:16:25 Staying Connected and Final Thoughts

________

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎙️Host: Spencer Handley

Guest: JD Simo

Executive Producers: Spencer Handley, Ben Montague

Production Manager and Design: Aly Jordan

Camera Operators: Richard Handley, Micah Mathewson

Audio Lead: Keith Cypert

Editors: Carl Reeverts, Clayton Hopkins

#JDSimo #SlideGuitar #GuitarMasterclass #PlaybackPodcast #GuitarTone #StandardTuning #Improvisation #GuitarTechnique #VintageGear #GuitarNerd #HouseOfGrease #ElectricGuitar #GuitarPodcast #ModernBlues #GuitarPractice #PedalboardRig #NashvilleGuitarist #GearMinimalist #BluesGuitar #ToneChasing #CreativeProcess #GuitarEducation #AuthenticSound

Stan Cunningham wrote a song in his college dorm room at age 19… then quit music entirely. Five years later, that same song was picked up by Chris Brown, the night before the album dropped and went on to win a Grammy Award.

In this episode of Playback, Stan sits down to tell the unbelievable true story behind his Grammy-winning track, why he gave up on music, and what he’s learned about the art of songwriting, production, and staying in the game. Whether you’re a songwriter, producer, or just love powerful stories this one’s for you.

___________

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

__________

📍 Chapters:

00:00 Intro - A Dorm Room Song Wins a Grammy

01:25 Welcome to Playback & Meet Stan

02:10 Church Roots & $5 CDs at Age 7

04:22 Leaving School at 12 for Music

05:27 Writing the Grammy Song at USC

06:52 Quitting Music During the Pandemic

08:00 Why Stan Moved to Nashville

09:05 Starting Over on Social Media

10:49 The Reality of Making It in Music

12:23 Writing Great Songs with Friends

20:24 Getting Serious About Guitar

25:04 What Makes a Song Truly Great?

36:34 Behind the Scenes of ‘Kryptonite’

__________

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

🎥 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎙️Host: Spencer Handley

Guests: Stan Cunningham

Executive Producers: Spencer Handley, Ben Montague

Production Manager and Design: Aly Jordan

Video: Richard Handley, Micah

Audio Lead: Keith Cypert

Editors: Mike Moore, Clayton Hopkins

#StanCunningham #GrammyWinner #ChrisBrown #DormRoomDemo #SongwritingTips #MusicProducer #SongwriterInterview #PlaybackPodcast #HowToWriteASong #MusicIndustry #BehindTheMusic #StudioSession #MusicPodcast #GrammyStory #GuitarPodcast #BedroomProducer #DAWworkflow #MusicDocumentary #CreativeProcess #MusicCareer

Billy Strings sits down with his teacher Robb to break down one of the toughest bluegrass tunes ever written. In the process they break down the playing of Tony Rice -- from tone to touch, to the subtle moves that redefined acoustic guitar. If you’re a flatpicker, this is essential viewing.

____________________

Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

______________________

0:00 - Intro

1:45 - Winterhawk Recording 1990

7:56 - Theory Breakdown of Fishscale

11:57 - Billy and Robb Play Fishscale

16:55 - Tony's Technique Influence on Billy

30:17 - Billy and Robb Play Bye Bye Blues

___________________

Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

________________

Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

Host: Spencer Handley

Guest: Billy Strings & Rob Cappelletto

Editor: Carl Reeverts

Executive Producer: Spencer Handley

Camera/Sound: Mitch Goudy

#BillyStrings #TonyRice #Flatpicking #Playpacksessions #GuitarTone #AcousticGuitar #DocWatson #BluegrassGuitar #Grisman #GuitarNerd #VintageGear #GuitarPodcast #vintageguitar  #guitar #guitarist #guitarlesson #SpencerHandley #Rob Cappalletto

Molly Tuttle joins Playback Sessions for a conversation about finding her voice, pushing past fear, and redefining modern bluegrass guitar. From early influences to Grammy-winning success, Molly shares the mindset and creativity that shaped her unique sound.

____________________

🚀 Book a Free Skills Assessment with Sonora.

https://www.learnwithsonora.com/skills-assessment

👇 Want to go deeper? Join the Playback Sessions community for tabs, breakdowns, and more.

https://www.skool.com/playback-community-9570

⏱️ Free Tool for looping videos on YouTube and Instagram

https://looper.sonoraintensive.com/

______________________

00:00 – Intro

03:10 – Early Musical Influences

06:20 – Learning Guitar Young

10:05 – Bluegrass Roots & Family

14:10 – Discovering Her Own Style

18:35 – The Challenge of Flatpicking

23:10 – Finding Confidence on Stage

27:50 – Writing Songs That Matter

32:30 – Recording Breakthrough Albums

36:45 – Winning the IBMA Awards

40:20 – Pushing Bluegrass Forward

44:10 – Touring & Building a Band

48:05 – Creative Risks in Music

52:40 – Advice to Young Musicians

57:10 – Closing Performance

___________________

🎸 Follow Playback Sessions on socials:

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playbacksessions/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playbacksessions

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Playback-Sessions

-Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playbacksessionspodcast

-Spotify: @ Playback Sessions Podcast

________________

📍 Filmed live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.

🎥 Host: Spencer Handley

Guest: Molly Tuttle

Editor: Carl Reeverts

Executive Producer: Spencer Handley

Camera/Sound: Mitch Goudy

#MollyTuttle #PlaybackSessions #Bluegrass #Flatpicking #AcousticGuitar #WomenInMusic #BluegrassGuitar #GuitarPodcast #MusicInterview #ModernBluegrass