I sat down with Daniel Donato at the lovely Russell Hotel in Nashville, and the resulting conversation was one of the most unique I’ve had here on Roadcase. Daniel is both a deep thinker and a truly talented musician, and in this interview we explore the metaphysics of live performance — and just what it means to explore the outer limits of both music and consciousness. Daniel also talks to me about his own experience and growth as an individual, and how his faith and a belief in a higher force (physical and otherwise) drives him and keeps him focused on the higher meaning of his what he views as his personal mission.

Daniel is super personable, fun, and really down for a great talk — we really go deep down the philosophical road together on this one — and I can’t wait for you to give this amazing interview a listen!!  Make sure to give a listen to Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country’s latest album, Horizons, and go check out these guys do their thing at a venue near you!!

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Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

05:05 The Importance of Presence in Performance

08:51 Reflections on Milestones and Achievements

13:02 The Journey of Growth and Experience

18:12 Spirituality and the Creative Process

22:23 The Role of the Artist in Society

27:34 The Collective Experience of Music

32:22 Personal Growth and Humility

37:12 Navigating the Music Industry

42:16 The Nature of Belief and Morality

47:06 Conclusion and Future Endeavors

52:16 Defining Cosmic Country

55:50 Creating a Unique Sound

01:03:24 The Journey of Self-Discovery

01:09:25 Surprises in the Music Industry

01:16:48 The Power of Dedicated Fans

01:20:09 Grassroots Community Building

01:26:13 Experiencing Live Music

01:35:56 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Shows  

01:40:15 Episode Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

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For more infomation on Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country click here

The Ryman Auditorium - https://ryman.com

South by Southwest Festival - https://www.sxsw.com

Daniel Base platform - click here

Mike Campbell's Book "Heartbreaker" click here

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

This week’s guest is my friend Mike Chadinha, Festival Director and co-founder of Northlands Music & Arts Festival which takes place June 19-21 in Swanzey, New Hampshire.  I’m a big fan of Northlands and I’m super psyched to welcome Mike to the show!!

Mike co-founded Northlands with his partner Seth McNally after enjoying success with the Drive-In Live shows in Swanzey during Covid. Mike and Seth ultimately joined up with co-owner and co-producer Jen Meyerhardt to form the key group that guides this uniquely independent, grass-roots and community-focused Festival. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, Northlands features headliners Dirty Heads, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, and The Disco Biscuits along with a slew of other amazing acts. 

Mike and I of course break down last year’s edition with plenty of amazing stories, and he talks to me about his background in music, including how he eventually partnered with Seth to book shows, mostly in the New England area. We discuss the hows and whys of festival organizing from the ground up — everything from booking, ticketing, food, camping, to porta-potties (so important!!), and to just what is behind the awesome vibe that makes this festival so special.

I learned a ton from this conversation, and I know you will too!!  

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Chapters:

00:00 Episode intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

04:29 Festival Reflections and Growth

11:29 Community and Vibe of the Festival

16:45 Camping Logistics and Regulations

19:43 Unique Festival Experiences and Challenges

27:12 Unexpected Events and Team Resilience

28:05 Unexpected Helicopter Landing at the Fair

30:52 Festival Success and Community Impact

31:49 Mike's Journey from Musician to Festival Organizer

34:45 Pivoting to Drive-In Shows During COVID

37:41 Transitioning to a Full-Fledged Festival

41:41 Planning and Logistics for the Upcoming Festival

44:33 Booking the Perfect Lineup

48:38 Creating a Unique Festival Experience

55:35 Appreciating the Hard Work Behind the Scenes

57:30 Festival Planning and Band Selection

59:04 The Journey of a Promoter

01:00:17 Teamwork and Community in Music Festivals

01:02:00 Navigating Competition in the Festival Scene

01:05:27 The Rewarding Experience of Live Music

01:06:14 Ticket Pricing and Economic Challenges

01:09:27 Financing Bands and Festival Operations

01:11:57 Concessions and Community Engagement

01:14:23 Sustainability Practices at Festivals

01:16:27 Wellness and Balance in Festival Life

01:21:22 Music Recommendations and Personal Favorites

01:26:00 Episode wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg

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For more infomation on Northlands Music & Arts Festival, click here

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

A big welcome back to Philip Lupton and Truett Heintzelman of Briscoe who return to the show this week. Briscoe’s phenomenal second full-length album, Heat of July, came out in September. Produced by Brad Cook, who assembled a folk-rock supergroup, the album features members of Houndmouth, Mipso and Bon Iver along with Andrew Marlin of Watchhouse and legend Phil Cook.

Philip and Truett are childhood friends — they’ve lived almost parallel lives, and they talk to me about the delicate balance that puts their personal lives at the forefront while continuing to tour endlessly. It’s a formula that they seek to perfect and we discuss how and why it’s working for them.

These guys are always down for a fun chat, and we chop it up with laughs and tons of fun stories from the road in this epic interview.

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Chapters: 

0:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

4:53 The Release of 'Heat of July' and ACL Festival Experience

7:41 Musical Roots and Influences

10:49 Admiration for The Avett Brothers

13:54 Collaboration with Brad Cook

16:51 The Evolution of Their Sound

19:40 Personal Growth and Marriage

22:49 Conclusion and Future Plans

26:00 Love Stories and Life Changes

32:17 Navigating Marriage and Music

39:04 Balancing Touring and Relationships

41:32 Songwriting on the Road

46:47 Exploring Current Events Through Music

53:47 Learning from the Greats

57:54 Evolving Performance and Audience Dynamics

1:03:41 Creative Progression and Musical Exploration

1:11:45 Anticipating Future Tours and New Music

1:17:02 Episode Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Zach Williams of The Lone Bellow is here!! The Lone Bellow’s new album, What A Time To Be Alive, is out there now — and is a wonderful celebration of togetherness, collaboration and the joy of music!!  

Zach talks to me about the ups and downs of putting this album together — from the positive vibes of a truly collaborative effort, to the lows of literally having it all almost taken away. We discuss the power of perseverance and how in the end, the hopefulness and determination of the band and support of their fans truly brought them to the finish line.

This is a wonderful conversation — Zach is full of great stories. We cover everything from family life to our favorite clothing designers to the myriad strategies everyone needs to survive in these difficult times. This one is a super fun listen.  Enjoy!!    

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Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

04:30 Reflections on Current Events and Personal Well-being

07:18 Experiences in Palm Beach and the Epstein Files

10:19 Navigating Parenting in Today's World

13:13 The Lone Bellow's Musical Evolution

16:23 Creating a Safe Space for Artistic Expression

19:13 The Joy of Collaboration and Authenticity

22:04 Recording Process and Jamming Sessions

25:12 Embracing Change in Musical Direction

28:12 The Impact of Influences on Songwriting

31:13 Conclusion and Future Endeavors

32:02 Breaking Free from Label Constraints

 35:39 The Power of Community Support

 39:54 Rebuilding After Loss

 50:00 Creative Struggles and Incremental Growth

 53:27 A New Generation's Perspective on Connection

 57:37 The Emotional Connection in Music

 01:02:17 Reflections on Collaboration and Influence

 01:05:08 Balancing Family Life and Music Career

 01:11:16 Navigating Parenting and Music Preferences

 01:14:08 Industry Challenges and Artist Integrity

 01:17:48 Hope Amidst Adversity

01:20:38 Episode Wrap-up and Closing Thoughts with Host Josh Rosenberg

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

The Happy Fits are on the show this week, and I’m really psyched to welcome founding member Calvin Langman along with his newest bandmate and my friend Raina Mullen to Roadcase for this awesome and super fun conversation. It was really great to catch up with them just after their epic European tour of late last year.

Despite some lineup changes over the last few years, things have settled in quite nicely for the band, and the success of their latest album, Lovesick, has solidified it all for this new crew!!

Calvin and Raina talk to me about what they each bring to the project both musically and personally, and how they’ve combined the best of their unique backgrounds and styles to continue to push the barriers of power pop — and we talk about just what makes their music so special. 

This interview is filled was tons of great stories from the road and from each of their personal lives — I can’t wait to share this one with you — so click on that link in the bio  now to give it a listen!!

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Chapters:

00:00 Epiosde Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

04:55 Introducing Calvin and Raina

07:54 Lollapalooza Experience and Band Dynamics

10:55 Transitioning Band Lineup and New Collaborations

14:52 Exploring Musical Influences and Styles

18:00 The Creative Process Behind 'Lovesick'

20:55 Navigating Personal and Professional Changes

24:56 Balancing Life and Music

27:55 Conclusion and Future Plans

28:18 Navigating Change and Growth

32:14 The Creative Process and New Beginnings

36:13 Musical Foundations and Early Influences

38:34 The Evolution of the Band and New Members

42:38 Touring Experiences and Audience Engagement

46:49 Memorable Moments from the European Tour

51:31 Life on the Road: Buses vs. Vans

53:47 The Grueling Reality of Touring

55:01 Cultural Differences in Touring: US vs Europe

57:58 Connecting with Fans: The Heart of the Experience

01:00:22 Songwriting: Personal Experiences and Vulnerability

01:05:10 The Unique Role of Cello in Rock Music

01:07:26 Future Endeavors: Balancing Creativity and Performance

01:14:30 Episode Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg

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For The Happy Fits tour dates click here

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I’m psyched to welcome Andy Hall of The Infamous Stringdusters to Roadcase!!  The Stringdusters are celebrating their 20th year as a band and they’ve got a new album, 20/20, coming out February 13 to mark this special occasion.

Andy talks to me about the evolution of the band — their roots in progressive bluegrass, and how they all came together — and we go deep into that collaborative vibe that makes the Stringdusters so special. 

The Stringdusters is one of my favorite bands, and I’m delighted to have Andy on the show. You can check out this one by clicking on that link in the bio — and stay tuned for more special coverage of the Dusters coming up next week!  

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Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

00:04:15 Introducing Andy Hall

00:07:21 Post-Tour Recovery and Mental Decompression

00:10:22 Curating a Balanced Home Life

00:13:20 20th Anniversary Reflections and New Album Insights

00:16:06 Song Selection and Creative Process

00:19:12 The Dynamics of Band Collaboration

00:21:55 Navigating the Music Industry Changes

00:24:59 Business Strategies for Success

00:27:53 The Energy of Live Performances

00:31:11 Evolving Live Show Philosophy

00:38:16 The Evolution of Bluegrass Performance

00:45:13 Adapting to Different Performance Environments

00:48:17 The Journey to Mastering the Dobro

01:00:14 From Upstate New York to Bluegrass Stardom

01:06:51 The Evolution of Jamming and Collaboration

01:08:24 Living the Colorado Lifestyle

01:09:45 The Influence of Colorado on Bluegrass

01:10:30 Balancing City Life and Nature

01:11:49 Skiing Adventures and Local Favorites

01:13:38 The Intersection of Music and Skiing

01:15:36 Creating Music in Beautiful Settings

01:17:03 Exploring Themes of Struggle and Positivity in Music

01:23:15 The Impact of AI on Music Creation

01:30:32 The Joy of the Artistic Process

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I’m so excited to kick off Season 6 of Roadcase with Grammy winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and founding member of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, the one and only Jorma Kaukonen!!  Jorma was a true pioneer of the counter-culture era of psychedelic rock in the late 60s San Francisco music scene, and having him on the show is particularly relevant as we sadly just lost another music icon, Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead. 

I spoke to Jorma in November, thus prior to recent events, and he talked to me about his time in the early days in Palo Alto and Haight Asbury in San Francisco, the founding of Jefferson Airplane and his deep love of blues guitar. Jorma also spoke to me about his reflections on touring, and the historic shows of that period in music, having been one of the few artists to play all three landmark festivals, Monterey Pop, Woodstock and Altamont.

Jorma is intellectually curious — a lifelong learner — with a diverse cultural background of both Jewish and Finnish heritage, and having grown up in Pakistan, didn’t really learn of the burgeoning modern rock music wave, as it were, until his arrival in the States in 1955. This is a fascinating conversation with a true musical icon of amazing sensibility with a deep historical perspective and tons of mind-blowing stories!! 

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

2025 is quickly coming to a close and what an honor it was to sit down for an intimate conversation with Carl Broemel in his hometown of Nashville for the 300th episode of Roadcase!!  Carl is best known for his work in My Morning Jacket, and has released a series of notable solo projects over the past several decades. His upcoming album, Celestun, set for release on January 15, marks a continuation of his work with longtime collaborator Tyler Ramsey, formerly of Band of Horses.  In this landmark year, My Morning Jacket released both a new album, “IS,” and celebrated the 20th anniversary of the album “Z” in a year-long celebration of spectacular live performances.

Carl talked to me about how he sees the current state of the band, and he discusses with me exactly how he goes about continuing to feel refreshed and energized in this ever-changing musical landscape. Carl shares with me many of his “life hacks,” as we discuss the importance of being in the moment, and the unstoppable force of incremental growth in pushing forward towards one’s life goals, whatever they may be.

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

04:05 Reflecting on a Year of Music and Growth

06:59 The Spiritual Connection in Music

09:59 The Creative Process Behind 'Is' and 'Z'

12:49 The Live Performance Experience

15:47 Navigating the Challenges of Touring

18:49 The Influence of Family and Background

21:54 The Journey of Self-Discovery in Music

24:45 The Importance of Incremental Growth

27:31 Finding Balance in a Chaotic World

30:43 The Joy of Collaboration and Connection

33:33 Exploring New Horizons in Music and Life

54:25 Resonating with the Crowd

58:09 The Power of Community and Incremental Growth

59:21 Navigating Stardom and Popularity

01:04:17 The Challenges of Modern Music Promotion

01:04:30 Maintaining Humility in Success

01:10:04 The Emotional Connection to Music

01:13:08 The Journey of Finding Your Place in Music

01:20:39 Exploring the Dynamics of Band Relationships

01:22:38 The Solo Experience and Personal Growth

01:25:21 Stripping Down to Basics in Music

01:31:04 Reflections on Spirituality and Music

01:18:33 The Solo Experience and Personal Growth

01:21:16 Stripping Down to Basics in Music

01:26:59 Reflections on Spirituality and Music

01:38:34 Episode Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

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For Carl Broemel and Tyler Ramsey tour dates, click here

We discussed the book Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman: Click here

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I’m excited to be back in Chicago after an EPIC European holiday and Joe Funk  of Kitchen Dwellers is back for a second round with me on Roadcase for this week’s episode!  

Joe’s always down for a fun conversation, and he not only talks to me about his growing family, but also about the impact of Kitchen Dwellers steady rise over the past decade of grinding it out on the road, and how band member roles are constantly changing and evolving… in a good way. The Dwellers latest album, Seven Devils, is an intriguing ode to Dante’s Inferno — a concept album that ultimately found its conceptual direction pulled — literally — from the depths of Hell. It’s a heady concept that only a heady band such as the Dwellers could have pulled off, and they nailed it.

It’s always fun to have Joe on the show — he’s smart, personable, and very much aware of his own role and how it’s evolved over time. The Dwellers are out on the road this Winter and coming to a Western ski town near you, so go check out this extraordinary (and trippy) band of brothers!!

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Episode Chapters: 

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

04:27 Technical Challenges and Introductions

07:28 Parenthood and Personal Growth

10:25 Life on the Road and Family Dynamics

13:30 Nature and Environment

16:35 Transitioning in Music Career

19:21 Creative Processes and Challenges

22:25 Inspiration and Life Events

27:37 Maintaining Emotional Connections Through Technology

29:16 The Journey of Growth in Music

30:10 Taking Risks for Production Quality

31:47 The Benefits of a Steady Climb

33:18 The Challenges of Sudden Fame

34:35 Investing in Future Success

36:37 Creative Collaboration in Music

39:48 The Evolution of Improvisation

44:09 Conceptualizing the New Album

48:57 Differences in Album Production Styles

53:15 Navigating the Balance of Jamming and Structure

56:21 The Unique Charm of Bluegrass Bands

56:37 Pine Creek: A Growing Music Venue

1:00:18 Themed Performances and Creative Shows

01:04:28 Meal Prepping and Culinary Adventures

01:07:51 New Music and Upcoming Projects

01:10:52 Episode Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

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For Kitchen Dwellers tour dates, click here

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Jano Rix is on Roadcase this week, and I couldn’t be more psyched to share this amazing interview. Jano has been behind the drum kit in The Wood Brothers now for almost 15 years, and his magical drumming, percussion, keys, and vocals add that critical third dimension to the trio’s wonderful musical exploration that is at the heart of The Wood Brothers unique sound. The band’s sonic journey continues with their latest album Puff of Smoke, which came out August 1.  

Jano comes by his musical talent quite honestly — his Dad, noted drummer Luther Rix, had Jano playing drums by the time he was only 3 or 4 years old. And now, Jano and his Dad have together released an album, Legacy Vol. 1, with their new collab project, RIX. It’s a delightful album with the heartwarming story of a father, a son, and their lifelong shared musical connection. For Jano, this album was a long time coming.

Jano also talks to me about how the hand of fate brought him to The Wood Brothers and we discuss what it means to join the band that he once adored as a fan — how  discovering their music was a true revelation for him. And he describes to me that when he got the call from Oliver, he had truly found his musical home. It’s a serendipitous and fateful path that led Jano to this current place, and it’s an amazing story. 

Jano is kind, funny, and full of wonderful surprises, and you won’t want to miss this epic and unique story!!   

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Episode Chapters:

Episode Intro with Josh Rosenberg

Introduction to Jano Rix

Musical Influences and Early Life

Joining The Wood Brothers

The Creation of the Shittar

Touring Experiences

Collaborations and New Projects

The Creative Process

Live Performances and Their Impact

The Evolution of The Wood Brothers

Conclusion and Reflections

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For The Wood Brothers tour dates, click here

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer