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]

On this episode of The Proximity Playlist… Gino D gets together with Clay Masselle, the frontman of Strung Like A Horse.

With over 12 years in the local music scene, Strung Like A Horse has become a staple in Chattanooga, captivating audiences with their unique blend of Americana and Indie rock. Known for their engaging storytelling and rootsy instrumentation, the band has performed at most major festivals in the Scenic City, including Moon River and Riverbend.

In this episode, Clay shares insights into the band’s journey, the influences behind their signature sound, and what keeps their live shows bursting with energy and authenticity. Plus, they talk all about the band’s latest album, DIRT and you’ll hear all about their upcoming headlining performance at The Locals Only Music Festival on October 13th at the Barrelhouse Ballroom.

Join us for an enlightening conversation that celebrates the spirit of local music and the passion that keeps Strung Like A Horse riding high in the Scenic City.

Learn more about Strung Like A Horse at STRUNGLIKEAHORSE.COM and follow them on Facebook / Instagram / X / 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]

On this episode of The Proximity Playlist with Gino D, we welcome the boundary-pushing artist Hippie Jacques, also known as the Haitian Zombie.

Emerging from New York City and now thriving in Chattanooga, Hippie Jacques brings a fresh perspective to the local music scene. As a bilingual artist, he weaves together diverse genres and influences, creating a sound that transcends traditional boundaries. A key figure within the independent collective Genesis, his mission is clear: to elevate and empower fellow musicians while cultivating a supportive creative community.

In the conversation, Hippie opens up about his journey, sharing the highs and lows of pursuing a musical career. His candid insights into the challenges faced by artists in Chattanooga highlight his commitment to fostering a more inclusive artistic environment.

With a penchant for spontaneity and freestyling, Hippie’s tracks are both powerful and deeply relatable. Each song offers listeners an intimate glimpse into his world, capturing the raw emotions that define his art.

Join us as we dive into the sounds of Hippie Jacques, exploring the music that inspires him and the impact he hopes to make on the community.

Follow Hippie Jacques on all Social Media!

Instagram: @hippiejacques
Facebook: @hippiejacques
YouTube: @hippiejacques
Tiktok: @therealhippiejacques
Spotify: @hippiejacques

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]

For the latest episode of The Proximity Playlist, Gino D sits down with KZ Wavy, a gifted artist and producer based in Chattanooga. At just 31 years old, KZ has already made a significant impact in the indie and lo-fi music scene, amassing over 8 million streams on Spotify. With a commitment to sharing positive messages through his music, KZ is also the founder of “It’s Wavy Network,” a community designed to support independent artists on their musical journeys.

KZ Wavy is also set to take the stage this Saturday, September 7th, at the Barrelhouse Ballroom, where he’ll be opening for Chalk Dinosaur. This episode delves into KZ’s creative process, his mission to uplift fellow musicians, and what it means to connect with listeners on a deeper level. Don’t miss this engaging conversation, and make sure to catch KZ LIVE!

Follow KZ Wavy at KZWAVY.COM and on all Social Media!

Instagram: @kzwavy
Facebook: @itsofficialkz
YouTube: @keithzadig
Tiktok: @kzwavy

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]

Get ready to immerse yourself in the soulful world of LVNDR, a captivating neo-soul singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Chattanooga. In this episode of The Proximity Playlist, Gino D explores LVNDR’s unique artistry and the profound influences that have shaped her music.

Born to a classical music conductor, LVNDR was surrounded by rich musical traditions from an early age. Although her father’s strict guidelines meant her life revolved around piano practice, his passion ignited a fire within her that has led to her current success. With stories of harmonizing in the car and the memories of her father, LVNDR opens up about her journey as an artist and the depth of her emotional connection to music.

As LVNDR shares her experiences of collaborating with fellow musicians and her aspirations for the future, listeners will also discover the vibrant creative community thriving right here in Chattanooga. Join us for an inspiring conversation that showcases propelling local talent, as LVNDR reveals her vision and the innovative soundscape she’s bringing to life.

LVNDR will also be one of the many local performers for the Locals Only Music Festival on October 12th and 13th.

Follow LVNDR on all Social Media!

Instagram: @i.am.lvndr
Facebook: @iamlvndr
YouTube: @iamlvndr
Spotify: @iamlvndr

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]

This week's episode of The Proximity Playlist is a "Performance Bonus Episode" featuring the one and only... Knox, who is performing August 23rd in Chattanooga at the Barrelhouse Ballroom. 

Knox has been making waves since his first headline tour, I’m So Good At Being Alone, and Gino D caught up with him via ZOOM, as he prepares for his highly anticipated return to Chattanooga.

You might remember Knox from our Galentine’s Day event at Barrelhouse Ballroom, where he performed an intimate acoustic set and promised to come back with the full band—and now that’s happening again on August 23rd at the same venue, as part of his VARSITY TOUR!

In the interview above, they talk about everything from Knox’s journey since Galentine’s Day, to the excitement of playing major festivals like Hang Out Fest and Lollapalooza. Knox also shares stories behind his NEW fan-favorite track “TREADMILL,” gives us the scoop on his recent collaboration with Hardy, and hints at some exciting new projects in the near future.

Check out video of this interview and the music videos for TREADMILL and Hardy’s HAPPY HOUR featuring Knox at hits96.com.

Follow Knox at MUSICBYKNOX.COM and on Social Media: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TIKTOK / YOUTUBE 

To purchase tickets for Knox’s show coming up on August 23rd to go BARRELHOUSEBALLROOM.COM

On this episode of The Proximity Playlist, Gino D gets to know Justice4000— a Chattanooga-based hip hop artist whose music defies expectations. Originally from East Lake and now rooted in East Ridge, Justice4000 is making waves with a sound that's truly his own. At just 26 years old, he’s crafted a musical universe where listeners can find everything from intense hard-hitting bars to emotional tracks that resonate deeply.

Justice4000’s journey began with a childhood passion for music, inspired by his uncle and a close circle of friends. Over the years, he’s grown from collaborating in groups to establishing his own brand, Badluk, and pushing the boundaries of his sound. His influences range from rap legends like 50 Cent and Tupac to pioneers like Tech N9ne and Three 6 Mafia, and his music reflects a blend of life experiences and creative expression.

In this podcast, you’ll hear about his upcoming album, Revenge Of The Rockstar, a project that marks the next phase in his musical evolution. Beyond the music, Justice4000 is deeply connected to the Chattanooga community.

Follow Justice4000 at JUSTICE4000.COM and on all Social Media!

Instagram: @justice4000rockstar
Facebook: @justice4000
YouTube: @justice4000
Spotify: @justice4000

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]

On this episode of The Proximity Playlist, Gino D sits down with Jason Lyles.

Hailing from Orchard Knob, Jason brings an infectious positivity and a unique blend of genres to the music world. Growing up in North Georgia, Jason's love for music was sparked by cherished moments listening to vinyl records with his mom. This early exposure to diverse sounds has influenced his distinctive style, which fuses rock, pop, alternative, and Americana.

Jason’s journey from high school bands to solo acoustic performances in coffee houses has led to the release of six albums. Recently, he’s been rocking the stage with his full band at popular Chattanooga venues such as Puckett’s and Barrelhouse Ballroom.

His songs cover a wide range of themes, from relationships to societal issues, always aiming to inspire and entertain.

Kick back, relax, and enjoy the interview to learn more about his journey and to listen to a few of Jason's songs as well...

Follow Jason Lyles at JASONLYLESMUSIC.COM and on all Social Media!

Instagram: @jasonlylesmusic
TikTok: @jasonlylesmusic
Facebook: @jasonlylesmusic
YouTube: @jasonlylesmusic
Spotify: @jasonlylesmusic

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]