Her powerful vocal performances are complemented by lyrics that resonate with authenticity, drawing listeners into her emotional landscape.

In this interview with Gino D, Sarah shares her journey from a young music enthusiast to a bold songwriter, revealing the intimate stories that inspire her artistry. She opens up about the challenges she has faced in her music career and the profound connections she forms with her audience during performances.

Listeners will gain insight into her creative process, the influences that have shaped her sound, and the collaborative spirit she cherishes within her community. Sarah’s unique perspective on balancing artistry with the business side of music provides an inspiring glimpse into the life of an emerging artist.

As you listen, expect to be moved by Sarah’s passion, encouraged by her resilience, and inspired by her unwavering commitment to her craft. This conversation is an invitation to connect not just with her music, but with the very essence of what it means to be a storyteller through song.

We cannot wait to see Sarah hit the stage at this year’s Running of the Chihuahuas 16 coming up on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. 

Learn more about Sarah Mootz and follow her at SARAHMOOTZ.COM and on FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / YOUTUBE / TIKTOK / SPOTIFY

And please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area!

Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at [email protected]

Join us as Gino D sits down with Swayyvo, a talented hip-hop artist from Chattanooga, Tennessee, whose unique sound is reshaping the local music landscape.

Swayyvo merges elements of jazz, neo-soul, and 90s hip-hop to create a distinctive musical style that resonates with listeners.

In this interview, Swayyvo shares his journey into music, discussing the pivotal moments and influences that have shaped his career. He opens up about his creative process, and how the vibrant Chattanooga music scene has impacted his work.

You’ll also hear about his collaborations with major brands like the NBA and NFL, and his thoughts on the importance of live performance and audience connection. Swayyvo is also one of our Rising Star Performers this year at our Running of the Chihuahuas event coming up on Saturday, May 3rd.

And speaking of events… here’s the link to Swayyvo’s Aux Wars event taking place on April 25th!

Learn more about Swayyvo and follow him on INSTAGRAM / FACEBOOK / TIKTOK / SOUNDCLOUD / SPOTIFY

And please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area!

Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at [email protected]

The Proximity Playlist with Gino D is the Hits 96 podcast where we sit down with local Chattanooga artists who are shaking up the music scene and help tell their story.

On the most recent episode, Gino D welcomed CoRnBRED to the studio, a talented local musician from Rossville, Georgia, who’s been making waves with his unique blend of country, hip-hop, rock, and more.

With a sound that’s both deeply rooted in the heartland and unapologetically his, CoRnBRED is an artist who’s not afraid to tackle tough topics and tell the stories that need to be told. From his experiences growing up in the South to his thoughts on patriotism and community, CornBred’s music is a reflection of his values and his passion for performing.

CoRnBRED talks about his journey as an artist, his creative process, and what drives him to keep pushing the boundaries of what music can be.

Learn more about CoRnBRED and follow him on Instagram / Facebook / Youtube / Tik Tok / Spotify

And please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area!

Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at [email protected]

Welcome to The Proximity Playlist with Gino D, where we shine a spotlight on the incredible talent coming out of Chattanooga and its surrounding area.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to feature two dynamic hip-hop artists who are pushing boundaries and redefining the local music scene: Cinematic and KJ 423. They also brought along some special guests, 808 Tha Plugg and Cam.

With their unique styles and powerful narratives, they are not only making their mark in the hip-hop genre but also weaving together the stories and sounds that resonate with our community. Join us as we explore their musical journeys and their creative processes.

Get ready for an engaging conversation that delves deep into the heart of their music and culture.

Learn more about Cinematic and follow him on Instagram / Facebook / Youtube

Learn more about KJ 423 and follow him on Instagram / Facebook / Youtube / Spotify

And please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area!

Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at [email protected]

Get ready to dive into the world of Zan Dretti, an innovative musician, producer, and podcaster from Chattanooga. With a decade of experience under his belt, Zan is known for his unique blend of Hip Hop, R&B, Country, and Alternative/Rock music, all infused with raw emotion and storytelling that speaks to the heart.

In this episode of The Proximity Playlist with Gino D, Zan shares his journey from a hesitant rapper to a seasoned artist who thrives on spontaneity, creating music that resonates deeply with his audience. He discusses his upcoming project, “It’s Never Enough,” and reveals how diverse influences have shaped his sound. Plus, talks about his upcoming event in Atlanta and his podcast, The BIG Diamond Show.

Moreover, Zan emphasizes the importance of showcasing how artists can impact their surroundings positively. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation with the inspiring Zan Dretti.

Learn more about Zan Dretti and follow him on Instagram / Facebook / Youtube / Spotify

And please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area!

Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at [email protected]

Chattanooga’s music scene is a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse sounds and stories, and this week, The Proximity Playlist shines a spotlight on another of its most promising voices: PG Woods.

In this interview with host Gino D, PG Woods takes listeners on a journey through his musical evolution, from his roots in a large, musically-inclined family to his current status as a rising artist with a unique perspective.

More than just a collection of  tunes, PG Woods’ music is a reflection of his experiences, his struggles, and his triumphs. He blends raw emotion with skillfully crafted melodies, creating songs that resonate with authenticity and depth.  PG shares his insights on songwriting, his artistic influences, and his aspirations for the future.

The Proximity Playlist isn’t just an interview; it’s an exploration of the creative process, the power of music to connect us, and the unwavering spirit of a local artists making their mark. Prepare to be inspired as PG Woods shares his story and offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of his music.

Learn more about PG Woods and follow him on Instagram / Youtube / Spotify

And please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area!

Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at [email protected]

Welcome to The Proximity Playlist, where we explore the stories behind the local music from the Chattanooga area.

Today, we invite you to join us for a conversation between Gino D and the remarkable artist… Kindora.

Kindora is not just an artist; she’s a beacon of creativity hailing from Chattanooga. For over 11 years, she’s been weaving her life experiences into captivating pop melodies that resonate deeply with her audience. Known for her unique sound that blends elements of early 2000’s pop and emo, she’s a breath of fresh air in today’s music landscape.

In this interview, you’ll hear Kindora discuss her musical journey, the challenges she’s faced, and her heartfelt approach to songwriting. With accolades including features with Hello Kitty, Fortnite, and HBO, Kindora’s story is one of not only talent, but passion for her craft.

So prepare to be inspired as Gino D and Kindora dive into all things music, creativity, and the powerful effects of songwriting!

Learn more about Kindora and follow her on Facebook / Instagram / Youtube / Spotify

And please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area!

Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at [email protected]

Welcome back to The Proximity Playlist!

We have a special treat for you as we kick off Season 2! Today we dive into an illuminating conversation with the talented Afro-Appalachian Folk artist, Mon Rovîa. Hailing from Liberia and now based in Chattanooga, Mon’s music is a heartfelt exploration of themes such as redemption, transformation, and the healing power of love.

In our interview, we discuss his latest EP, Act 4: Atonement, and the personal journey that inspired it. Mon shares insights into his creative process, the significance of vulnerability in his work, and the bright future ahead of him as an artist.

To learn more about Mon Rovia go to MONROVIABOY.COM and follow him on Instagram, Tik Tok, Youtube, Facebook, and Spotify!

Get ready to discover the soulful sounds of Yassriyah, an emerging singer-songwriter with deep roots in the Chattanooga community. Born in Chattanooga and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Yassriyah has carved out her artistic identity in the heart of East Brainerd.

As the eldest in a large family with 11 siblings, she brings a rich tapestry of experiences to her music, drawing inspiration from both personal struggles and the world around her. Yassriyah’s musical journey began in her childhood, where she found solace in writing and singing at church.

After navigating a tumultuous relationship with music throughout her life, she has now embraced her passion wholeheartedly. Her new EP, I Am Yassriyah, showcases her evolution as an artist and features songs that resonate with themes of love, pain, and the grace she finds in life.

Although she is still gaining a foothold in the local music scene, Yassriyah has already performed at notable venues such as Barrelhouse Ballroom. She believes in the transformative power of music and hopes to offer her audience an experience filled with love, comfort, and a sense of freedom in their own journeys.

Join us in this episode of The Proximity Playlist as we delve into Yassriyah’s journey, her creative process grounded in prayer and honesty, and her ambitions for the future. Listen in as she shares her story and music.

Learn more about Yassriyah and follow her on Facebook / Instagram / Youtube / Spotify

And please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area!

Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at [email protected]

Prepare for an engaging adventure in this episode of The Proximity Playlist, where we delve into the music and stories of the spirited band Behold the Brave!

Based in the lively downtown area of Chattanooga, this group has carved out a unique niche for themselves, growing from their roots in church music to creating dynamic, original songs that showcase their collective creativity. 

In this episode, we discuss how their musical journey began in a supportive environment, allowing them to hone their skills and discover their own voices as artists. Their lively performances have earned them a devoted following, often described as a blend of high-energy house parties filled with good vibes and a deep sense of community.

You'll hear them share their thoughts on the local music scene's growth, their experiences at beloved venues like JJ’s Bohemia, and insights into their creative process, which is anything but formulaic. With ongoing writing projects on the horizon and an upcoming performance at the Locals Only Music Festival at Barrelhouse Ballroom on October 13th, their passion for music is as infectious as ever.

Join us as we take you behind the curtain, revealing the inspirations and the milestones they've achieved along the way. Get ready to experience Behold The Brave—let’s dive in!

Learn more about Behold The Brave and follow them on Facebook / Instagram / Youtube / Spotify

And please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area and make sure to follow along on Instagram!

Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at [email protected]