Sisters In Song

 This was such a fun interviewand such a pleasure talking with Kolton Moore (of Kolton Moore and The Clever Few) from his home town-populaton 67! They have so much going a new single“Strawberry Thief” out TODAY, a new album “A Place That I Call Home” (available for pre-order now) out in September, and a fall tour kicking off soon! We chatted about how this new record differs from the others. Kolton called it a “grown up record”. We also chatted about how he got started in his career by taking a chance and entering a contest from a Texas radio station called “The Pickin’ Party” and how things have gone from there. Truly a greatconversation with a truly humble human being. 

Kolton Moore & The Clever Few have announced their sixth studio album A Place That I Call Home, due out September 26. Produced by GRAMMY-winner Matt Ross-Spang (JasonIsbell, Margo Price), the new album finds the band navigating adulthood while taking stock of hard-earned life lessons along the way.  

Recorded in full-band takes at Ross-Spang’s Memphis studio in less than five days, A Place That I Call Home captures Kolton Moore & The Clever Few's electrifying mix of rock, blue-collarstorytelling and Texas-sized country hooks. Lyrically, the songs here are mined from Moore’s personal experiences, from wild teenage nights and mental health journeys to the joys of fatherhood. The end result is an album about redefining the meaning of home from a road-warrior band that used to play 250 shows a year when they debuted in 2012. 

 Made up of frontman Kolton Moore and backed by lead guitarist Ryan Wilcox, bassist Matt Gumley, keys player Sam Jones and drummer Aaron Dowd, the band strikes the right balance between Southern grit and maturity on A Place That I Call Home. With almost 630,000 uniquemonthly listeners on Spotify alone, they’re now shining a light on their evolution without pulling any of the punches that have landed their music on TV shows like Yellowstone and American Idol. 

Be sure to check Kolton and the band out here: 

 We had so much to talk about with Sweet Megg, including her latest album “Never Been Home” and how it got its name. From starting as an opener on a ukelele to moving to France to study jazz music, to doing a Cirque de Soleil country music project, Sweet Megg has been a road warrior and storyteller! We had a great chat with her and learned so much about what makes Sweet Megg, well, Sweet Megg!    

 Sweet Megg is a dynamic vocalist and songwriter originally from New York City, now based in Nashville. She began her career at just 16 as a songwriter and has worn many hats since: whitewater raft guide, DIY anti-folk artist, Parisian and New York jazz singer, honky-tonk angel, and circus ringleader. 

Her diverse travels and experiences have imbued her music with rich history and boundless innovation. Her vocals are both expertly trained and refreshingly raw, making her sound relatable and captivating. 

 Megg’s music weaves together many threads of the American story—her Irish heritage, early blues training in high school, years immersed in the jazz world, explorations through the American South, inspiration from East Village poets, and the honky-tonk traditions of Nashville. The result is a sound that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern, offering a unique blend of old and new. 

Be sure to check her out here:  

 We were thrilled to get the chance to chat with Hillary Reynolds about her latest album “Changing Seasons” AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE AUGUST 8TH!!! 

We also talked about her single “Can’t Turn off My Mind” (which you can hear ON THIS EPISODE) and the “jukebox in her brain.” Hillary describes her music as “if Beatrix Potter and Jane Austen were musicians.”     

Originally from Appleton, Wisconsin, Reynolds has been living and songwriting in Los Angeles for several years. Her songs have been recorded by Little Big Town (“Next to You”) and Dani Rose (“Got It from My Mama”) and can be heard on hit television series Yellowstone and Loudermilk.Reynolds also curates and hosts house concerts and works with creatives in her hometown on projects to benefit The Trina Fund which supports women with breast cancer and was established by and named for her mother, who died of breast cancer in 2011. 

Be sure to check Hillary out here:  

 We really enjoyed talking with 13-year-old, rising country start Josie Sal on this episode. We talked to Josie about the unconventional start of her career (a bet from her dad), how she put here team together, her newest single “Fake Friends” and how she balances it all! 

At just ten years old, Josie Sal took a dare from her father to sing in front of a crowd in Florida, sparking a passion for music that quickly transformed into a promising career. After her impromptu performance of “Dance Monkey” captivated the audience, Josie began taking vocal and guitar lessons and performing at venues across Pittsburgh and Florida. By age eleven,she had already shared the stage with stars like Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll and opened for country icons such as Riley Green and Aaron Tippin. 

 Josie has written and recorded multiple original songs, including her debut single, “On My Way,” and continues to make waves in the music industry. With performances at major events like Tootsie’s 64th Annual Birthday Bash and a nomination for Junior Artist of the Year at the 10th Annual Josie Music Awards, her star is rapidly rising. Known for her versatile repertoire that spans country to classic rock, Josie's energy and emotional connection with audiences make every performance unforgettable. 

 Be sure to check Josie out here: 

We really enjoyed learning about Mike Morrison’s new album “Missed the Boat” in this episode. Mike schooled us on jazz, saxophone music and we learned all about his projects including his first solo album “Missed the Boat” We also learned what a contrafact is! 

 Missed the Boat, the latest album from baritone saxophonist Mike Morrison, is now available on Lucky Buck Records. The album offers a fresh take on modern jazz, weaving together intricate melodies, deep grooves, and emotive improvisation in a powerful, highly personal release.Featuring an all-star lineup of Dallas-Fort Worth’s finest musicians, Missed the Boat is a collection of original compositions that reflects Morrison’s diverse influences and years of experience as a performer, educator, and sideman. 

 The release of Missed the Boat marks a significant step in Morrison’s career as a bandleader, showcasing his versatility not only as a performer but as a composer. His intricate arrangements and heartfelt solos bring a sense of depth to the music, making it a standout in the ever-evolving world of modern jazz. 

Missed the Boat is available now on all major streaming platforms and in vinyl format. With the support of Lucky Buck Records, Morrison is set to continue sharing his passion for jazz with theworld, bringing his unique voice and musical vision to listeners everywhere. 

 Be sure to check Mike out here: 

 We really geeked out over music and had such a great time talking with Mark about his move back to Port Angeles, Washington, dealing with the breakup of his band, and his new album “Company Man.” 

  Mark Fredson's musical journey spans more than two decades, marked by a dogged commitment to the pursuit of making music for music's sake. Hailing from Port Angeles, Washington, Fredson was just a sophomore in high school - when he signed his first record deal. As a frontman, songwriter, pianist, and producer, his body of work is vast, from the outlaw country of Margo Price's "Hurtin' (On the Bottle)," which he co-wrote with Price, to the theatrical pop anthems that have defined his solo career. But it's his latest album, Company Man, arriving in the Spring of 2025, that marks a a new chapter in Fredson's artistic evolution. The album explores the tension between chaotic beauty of youth and the mundane realities of growing older, all while refusing to let go of a life in service to music, even if it's sometimes more labor than love.Fredson's high-octane days as the frontman of the Nashville-by-way-of-Port Angeles band The Lonely H had their fair share of musical highlights, but it wasn't until he went solo that Fredson's true musical identity was solidified. After releasing his debut solo album, Going to the Movies, in 2020, Fredson followed up with two debauchery-fueled full-length efforts,2021's Nothing But Night and 2023's Outskirts. Now, with Company Man, he dives deeper into the internal l conflicts brought on by the pesky hands of time and the realities of makingends meet. Across its 10 lean tracks, Fredson reckons with the challenges of making art while spending over a decade working in the restaurant industry. Was it worth it? The album continues to pose this stubborn question, even if the answer remains elusive. 

 Be sure to check Mark out here: 

 We met Amelia at Folk Alliance in Montreal in February 2025 and it was great to catch up on her and learn more about her. 

We talked about her new single “Pretending to Read” and you can hear it on this episode!! We also talked about co-writing vs. solitary writing, the consumer as employee market, and Amelia’s interest and dedication to financial confidence for musicians! 

 AMELIA RAY IS THE INTERPRETER: part storyteller,part musician, and possible spy who has performed in 25 countries and speaks seven languages. Amelia’s unique perspective and songwriting ability inspires Cultural Cohesion – a celebration of our diversity and common understanding of our shared experience through music.   

Cracking the code of what it means to be human, Ray has written compositions like “Ana no potable” – a song in Spanish in the voice of a disgruntled constituent to a lousy mayor –, “Dream” – a tribute to musicals dedicated to anyone who’s ever pursued their passions – and “Hambone Says” – a performance piece that uses a contemporary past aesthetic to explore U.S.racial and music history, and which won the Global Film Exhibition 2024 Best Music Video award. Her newest single, “Pretending to Read,” sees our protagonist covertly people-watching on the subway while using a book as a clever disguise for her true intentions. 

Check Amelia out here: 

Website: ameliaray.net 

 We met these amazing humans at Folk Alliance in Montreal back in February 2025 and had an awesome time catching up with them and learning all about them! We talked about thenew EP in the works, their self-sanctioned writing retreats, and how they work together to make such beautiful music! 

 The Close is Shannon Walker, Lori J Rowton and James McKinney, a collective of introspective lyricists known for their genre-blending melodies and stellar harmonies. Their music firstgained attention with the release of their EP Hello Heart in 2019. Since then, they have been compared to ‘a mesmerizing wall of sound coming straight at you’ with their harmonies and captivating live performances. The full band consists of some of the most innovative, technically solid and creative players in Nashville: Dylan Stansberry on drums, Kenny Sayne on electric, andMikel Urdy on percussion.  

​ The Close’s music is a fusion of various genres, including Americana, contemporary folk, roots, and country, all infused with a commercial pop sensibility. This unique blend allows them tocreate a sound that is both familiar and fresh, appealing to a wide range of listeners.  

​One of the defining characteristics of The Close is their ability to establish an intimateconnection with their audience. Their live performances are not only dynamic but also deeply personal, creating a sense of closeness between the artists and the listeners. This musical connection evokes emotions and creates a profound impact on their audiences.    

Check them out here: 

 We had a great time talking with KC Johns on this episode! KC told us about growing up at the Rodeo, learning guitar from her grandpa and growing into her vulnerability insongwriting!  

 Born in Memphis, Tennessee and raised in Hernando, Mississippi, a small town along the Tennessee-Mississippi line, KC was surrounded by music for as long as she can remember. Named after KC and the Sunshine Band and raised on the greats like Led Zeppelin, StevieNicks, and Sheryl Crow. “My mom is a championship barrel racer, and my stepdadwas a bull rider,” she recalls. Although the energy of the rodeo was intoxicating for a young KC, so was making music.  

So, by 17, with her acoustic guitar, KC and her mom headed to Nashville to make her dreams of becoming a recording artist a reality. “I just took my guitar and started hitting all the clubs on Broadway asking people if I could sing on stage,” KC adds. One thing led to another, and ultimately, she landed an offer to work on Carnival Cruise Lines as a cruise ship performer.  

 Having discovered and honed her stage legs at such a young age, KC was featured in Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors” at Dollywood. However, the recording/touring artist life was calling once again, so KC took another leap of faith. “I moved to Nashville on a whim,”she explains. “I had nowhere to stay. I just packed up all my stuff and took a chance, sleeping on friends’ couches and singing on Broadway again. Before I knew it, I started meeting incredible and influential people.” She made her way up the mainstream ladder opening for artists like Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Randy Houser, Trailer Choir and Morgan Wade. KC’s now playing fairs, festivals and venues around the country.  

Check KC out here: 

 We had an amazing interview live from backstage before Chad’s gig on this episode. We talked about the Omaha music scene, the hardest part about being a musician, his two bands and his solo work!   

Saxophonist Chad Stoner has been lifting and inspiring audiences for over three decades. Chad’s musical “voice” is a soulful expression of his gospel, R&B, jazz, and world influences.  

An Omaha, NE native, Chad has been a festival favorite at Omaha’s Jazz On The Green, The Omaha Riverfront Jazz & Blues Festival, The Omaha Blues, Jazz, and Gospel Festival, the Breckenridge Jazz Festival, and The LOVAM Music & Arts Festival.   

 Chad's debut recording 'i know it's You' was enthusiastically received and continues to reach new audiences. Additionally, over 50 recording projects include Chad's unmistakable voice as a soloist and featured artist. Currently, his own Chad Stoner Band and his neo-vintage organtrio Juke Butter are enjoying ever-increasing concert, festival, and club success. 

 Check Chad out here: