Sounds From The Shed

Welcome to Sounds From The Shed, where we uncover the heart behind the music and the stories behind the voices. In this episode, we’re honored to welcome Alana Hil, a deeply authentic singer-songwriter whose genre-blending sound and fearless emotional honesty make her one of the most compelling voices rising today.

Meet Alana Hil

Alana Hil (born in Kentucky) is not your typical artist her journey is as multi-layered as her music. From singing gospel in her childhood church to studying Indian classical music in the Himalayas, Alana’s voice has been shaped by a lifetime of rich and varied experiences.  

Now based in Los Angeles, she writes and produces with a sound that weaves together soul, blues, country, R&B, and pop.   Rather than simply pick a genre, Alana crafts deeply personal stories about identity, trauma, mental health, and healing through her music.  

The Band & Her Creative Process

While Alana often performs solo, her recordings and live performances are enriched by collaborators who help bring out the emotional depth in her songs. One of her most significant creative partnerships has been with GR-ammy Award-winning producer Printz Board, known for his work with the Black Eyed Peas and John Legend.  

For her latest EP Diaries of a Common Woman, she also worked with producers Ryan Hadlock and Om’Mas Keith combining live instrumentation, soulful vocals, and cinematic production to build a soundscape that is intimate, raw, and resonant.  

Accolades & Impact

Here are some of Alana Hil’s remarkable achievements and recognitions so far:

•Her new single “Heartbleed Over Coffee” evokes emotional vulnerability, exploring mental turmoil and the anchor of love.  

•Her single “Love and Mental Breakdowns” has already surpassed 100,000 streams, a powerful testament to how her raw storytelling resonates with listeners.  

•In November 2025, she released her deeply personal EP Diaries of a Common Woman, which delves into her experiences with mental health including living with Borderline Personality Disorder as well as identity, resilience, and self-acceptance.  

•She has toured with Macy Gray, opening for her on multiple dates, helping to bring her soulful sound to broader audiences.  

•Her musical footprint spans the globe: she’s lived and recorded in places like Maui, Thailand, Bali, Mexico, and even studied in India infusing her music with global influence and spiritual depth.  

Why This Episode Matters

In this episode, Alana opens up about her lifelong relationship with music how she transformed pain into art, how travel and different cultures shaped her sound, and how creating Diaries of a Common Woman became a form of therapy and a way to connect deeply with others. We dive into her writing process, what it’s like to work with world-class producers, and why she believes music can be a compass in navigating mental health.

Pull up a chair in the shed, press play, and let Alana Hil’s soul-stirring journey and voice remind you why music matters sometimes because it saves us.

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🎙️ Podcast Description: Sounds From The Shed

Join us for an unfiltered journey into the heart of songwriting, storytelling and sound. Sounds From The Shed dives deep with artists who build something realraw sessions, reflective chats, and the gritty grace behind the craft.

In this episode, we’re honored to welcome Devin Burris an artist whose voice carries both soul and story, and whose path to this moment has been anything but ordinary.

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Meet Devin Burris

Devin Burris, hailing from Georgia, is a singer-songwriter whose musical roots stretch from Jazz and R&B into the rich terrain of country and pop.  

He made waves early: his song “When the Smoke Clears” earned him the title of Georgia’s most talented songwriter in the 2015 Country Showdown.  

His multi-instrumental chops guitar, piano, drums and trumpet helped him carve a unique sonic identity blending modern pop, rock, and traditional country.  

After a hiatus, Devin’s return with the single “Worth Remembering” showcases his growth, both personally and musically turning reflective lyrics into a resonant soundscape.  

Above all, his guiding compass remains: “God, Family, Music in that order.”  

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What we’ll explore

•How Devin turned early competition success into a songwriting mission.

•The evolution of his sound from jazz and R&B influence to his current pop-country voice.

•The hiatus, the comeback, and “Worth Remembering” why some songs mark more than just music, but milestones.

•The role of faith, family and personal journey in the songs he writes and the stories he tells.

•A live-in-the-shed style session: raw vocals, honest chat, behind-the-scenes creator talk.

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Tune in for this episode of Sounds From The Shed with Devin Burris. Whether you’re a songwriter, a listener curious about what’s behind the song, or you’re just in it for the good company and real talk this season brings you closer to the music, to the moment, and to the man behind the mic.

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🎙️ Welcome to Sounds From The Shed — where raw stories meet real sounds. In this episode, we’re thrilled to introduce our guest, Stacia Watkins, a powerhouse voice with Southern roots, a songwriter’s heart, and a stage presence that lights up Nashville.

Meet Stacia Watkins

Born and raised in Valdosta, Georgia, Stacia was performing at fairs, festivals and yes, even funerals from the age of four.   What started as a small-town dream evolved into a move to Atlanta, then Nashville, where her songwriting took off. Her first solo song, “I Believe,” landed her in the Top 32 of the CMT Unsigned Artist Competition.  

Her voice captured attention fast. In just her first week in Nashville, she was named the “BestBuy Artist to Watch” on the Billy Block show on 103.3 Nash FM.   Within two months, she took the stage at the iconic Bluebird Café.  

Stacia signed with Halestorm Publishing (founded by songwriter T.W. Hale) and was hand-picked to perform alongside ‎Jennifer Nettles in New York City for the ABC show Duets.   Her song “Rain Forever” debuted in a major market, and her debut EP I Ain’t The Middle Of The Road not only charted but took her on a promotional tour in the U.K. and Ireland.  

Why you’ll want to listen

On this episode of Sounds From The Shed, we go beyond the music and dive into the story: how Stacia turned early performance gigs into songwriting opportunities, how she broke into one of music’s most competitive cities, and how she’s now crafting songs not just for herself but for others. Whether you’re drawn to her raw vocal power, her Southern charm, or her unwavering grit, this conversation reveals the heart behind the art.

So tune in for insight, inspiration, and maybe a few chords of story that will stick with you long after the episode ends.

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Welcome to Sounds From The Shed the podcast that dives into the heart of country and Southern-roots music, bringing you the stories behind the songs, the soul behind the stage-lights. In this episode, we’re proud to host Skyelor Anderson, an emerging country artist whose blend of soul, gospel and country is carving out a distinct voice in the music scene.

Meet Skyelor Anderson

Born in Memphis, Tennessee 1994, and raised in Southaven, Mississippi, Skyelor discovered his love for music in church and through a deep back-catalogue of soul and R&B legends like The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and Lionel Richie, before being drawn into country music.  

His story took a leap forward when, as a teenager, he auditioned for the first season of The X Factor (US): during his audition, the backing track cut out, but Skyelor kept singing acapella and impressed the judges enough to make it into the live rounds.  

Since then, Skyelor has become known for his high-energy shows in Nashville, his tasteful fusion of country storytelling with gospel and soul inflections, and his ability to connect with the audience whether playing solo acoustic or full band.  

The Band & Live Presence

While Skyelor performs as a solo songwriter and singer, his live shows are often backed by a full band that brings the fire and emotion of his music to life. Whether he’s playing an intimate acoustic set or a full house stage with band behind him, his performances thrive on that union of personal story + explosive energy.

He also holds a regular residency at Chief’s on Broadway in Nashville, and co-hosts the “Outsiders Round” writer-night there both underscoring his place as a working Nashville artist building his craft and community.  

Accolades & Key Highlights

Here are some of the standout achievements in his career to date:
 • He placed in the Top 8 of the men’s division on The X Factor (USA) when he was 16.  
 • In 2018, he received recognition at the Tennessee Music Awards, earning awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year (per his profile on Bandsintown) following his relocation to Nashville.  
 • He opened for major country acts like Jamey Johnson, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi and others.  
 • He connects to the diversity conversation in country music: despite facing industry obstacles, he has publicly spoken about the importance of representation in the genre and made his debut at CMA Fest, achieving a long-held goal of his.  

Why This Episode Matters

In this edition of Sounds From The Shed, Skyelor opens up about the journey: from singing in church and auditioning on national television, to carving a niche in Nashville, writing songs rooted in faith, soul and everyday life, and assembling the band and live show capable of backing up his ambitions. You’ll hear his reflections on perseverance, identity, musical fusion, and what country music means to him beyond boots and trucks.

Tune in, sit back, and let Skyelor Anderson’s story and music transport you into the shed where stories are told, guitars are tuned, and a genuine voice stands up to be heard.

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Show Title: Sounds From The Shed

Featured Guest: Derrick Flowers Georgia-based country artist known for blending classic country storytelling with soulful vocals and contemporary production

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Episode Overview

In this episode, we sit down with Derrick Flowers, a rising independent country singer and songwriter who bridges emotional honesty with musical finesse. Hailing from Georgia, Derrick brings heartfelt lyrics, vintage country flavor, and a modern edge to his music balancing raw vulnerability with strong melodic hooks.

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🌟 Accolades & Career Highlights

•Known for standout tracks like “Pour Me One” and “Hit The Floor”, which reveal his ability to move between intimate ballads and up-tempo, crowd-energizing songs.  

•His sound is praised for blending classic country instrumentation (twangy guitars, storytelling lyricism) with modern country production striking a balance that appeals to both traditional country fans and those who enjoy contemporary style.  

•Released recent single “Slow Down” (Aug 1, 2025), showing continuing momentum and commitment to releasing new music.  

•Active performer, with live shows in venues across Georgia, earning a reputation for engaging performances and bringing energy to the stage.  

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🎧 What You’ll Hear in the Conversation

•Derrick’s background: what drew him into country music, his influences, and how growing up in Georgia shaped his voice and stories

•The creative process behind his songs like “Pour Me One” and “Hit The Floor” how he writes, what he aims to communicate, and what inspires him emotionally and musically

•How he approaches blending classic country elements and modern production without losing authenticity

•Stories from the road: performing live, what it’s like connecting with audiences in intimate venues vs larger settings

•What “Slow Down” means in his current trajectory how he sees his growth as an artist, what his goals are for his music, and where he hopes to go from here

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🎵 Why This Episode Matters

If you appreciate country music that feels real, grounded, and emotionally clear Derrick Flowers embodies that. Whether you relate to heartbreak, celebration, loss, or hope, his songs connect. This episode gives insight into not just the music, but the person behind it: the hustle, the heart, and the faith in the craft.

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Show Title: Sounds From The Shed

Guest: Aaron Brown – Independent country singer-songwriter from Southeast Georgia

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Episode Overview

In this episode, we welcome Aaron Brown, a rising country artist with deep roots in small-town Georgia and a sound that bridges traditional storytelling with modern influences. Known for delivering raw emotion, grit, and vulnerability in his music, Aaron is steadily carving a path as an independent force in the country world.

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🌟 Accolades & Career Highlights

•Aaron hails from a small town in Southeast Georgia and is building momentum with a growing fanbase.  

•On Spotify, he reaches hundreds of monthly listeners while maintaining an intimate connection with his audience.  

•His Instagram presence announces new singles like “He Never Let Go”, showing his ongoing creative output and collaborative spirit.  

•On SoundCloud, Aaron’s catalog includes recent tracks such as “You Still Live On In Me (feat. Adam Cunningham)”, “Sober Man (feat. Adam Cunningham)”, “Sunshine Like a Friend (feat. James Kocian)”, and “Say To Me (feat. Chris Forry)”.  

•On Apple Music, his latest singles include “Feed the Flame” (2025) and “What Are We?”, along with earlier singles like “See You Tonight” and “Breaking My Heart”.  

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📌 What You’ll Hear in the Conversation

•Aaron’s journey from his Georgia roots to pursuing music full time how his upbringing shaped his artistic voice

•His songwriting inspirations: blending traditional country storytelling with personal emotion and modern sonic touches

•The stories behind his recent releases how songs like “He Never Let Go”, “Feed the Flame”, or “See You Tonight” came to life

•His collaborative process: working with producers, co-writers, featured artists (as seen in his SoundCloud tracks)

•The challenges and opportunities of being independent: promoting music, engaging fans, balancing creative control with exposure

•His aspirations moving forward what his next releases, shows, or goals look like

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🎵 Why This Episode Matters

Aaron Brown represents the heart of independent country music: artist-driven, emotionally open, and building authentic connections. For listeners who appreciate voices that are rising from the ground up grounded in real life, emotion, and hard work this episode is a must.

Tune in for a heartfelt, honest conversation with Aaron Brown on Sounds From The Shed, where country music is more than a genre it’s a story waiting to be told.

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Show Title: Sounds From The Shed

Featured Artist: Megan Mullins Owen country singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, dynamic performer based in Nashville

Episode Overview

This episode you’ll get to know Megan Mullins Owen, whose roots run deep in country, bluegrass, and a lifetime of performance. From her early years growing up in a musical family to releasing full-length albums like Unbridled and her more recent Tennessee Queen, Megan blends traditional country instrumentation with honest songwriting and a vocal style that’s both strong and emotionally resonant.

 Accolades & Career Highlights

•Megan started very young: by age 3 she won the Indiana State Fair Showmanship Award at the State Fiddle Championship.  

•At age 14, she performed on the Grand Ole Opry with her brother Marcus.  

•She plays many instruments fiddle, mandolin, guitar, piano among them which gives richness and texture to her recordings and live shows.  

•She’s released Unbridled (2023), a full 13-song collection she wrote or co-wrote in part, that mixes energetic up-tempo country with reflective ballads.  

•Her newest album (as of May 2025), Tennessee Queen, shows her continuing evolution as an artist in country music.  

•Her song “He Breaks Things” released in 2022 was praised as one of her strongest, showcasing her ability to combine vivid storytelling, emotional vocals, and her signature fiddle presence.  

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📌 What You’ll Hear in the Conversation

•Megan’s early beginnings: learning instruments almost since infancy, growing up performing with family, and early stage experiences that shaped her.

•How her multi-instrumental skills influence both her songwriting and live performance including how fiddle, mandolin, and acoustic elements feature in her work.

•Insights into Unbridled and Tennessee Queen — what inspired these albums, what she hopes listeners take away, and how she balances uptempo and ballad songs.

•The story behind “He Breaks Things” — the lyrical themes, how she approached conveying hurt, resilience, and honesty in that song.

•Her perspective on independence in the country music world: what it means to create from personal truth, maintain artistry, and engage with her audience in 2025.

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🎵 Why This Episode Matters

If you love country music that feels real, rooted, and deeply felt Megan Mullins Owen is one of those voices that bridges traditional sounds and modern emotion. Her journey shows what it takes to stay true to musical identity, and her songs carry moments that many listeners will recognize in their own stories.

Tune in for a conversation full of heart, craft, and hard-earned wisdom with Megan Mullins Owen on Sounds From The Shed — where music is more than a sound, it’s a story.

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Episode Overview

In this episode, we sit down with Kimo Forrest, a seasoned independent country artist whose sound blends heartfelt storytelling with classic country roots. With a musical journey spanning nearly 20 years as a writer and performer, Kimo brings perspective, grit, and authenticity to his craft.

Over the years, he’s carved out a steady presence in the independent scene releasing singles, writing for others, and touring with a DIY spirit. He’s also had exposure via Apple Music, where songs like “Callin’ Me Back”, “Love Won’t Lie”, and “Down Home Country Christmas” stand among his notable tracks.  

On his Facebook page, he mentions touring with “Alabama Live in 2025,” making stops in places like Modesto and Friant, California, and aligning with brands such as HeadRush, Warm Audio, D’Addario, and Acreman Guitars evidence of his active touring life and gear partnerships.  

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Accolades & Career Highlights

•Nearly 20 years in music as an independent writer and artist, steadily building catalog and presence.  

•Music available on major platforms, with standout songs including “Callin’ Me Back (feat. Kimo Forrest)” and “Love Won’t Lie”.  

•Seasonal / niche tracks such as “Down Home Country Christmas”, adding variety and depth to his repertoire.  

•Touring activity with well-known acts and involvement in live performance circuits, especially through independent venues and festival-style runs.  

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What You’ll Hear

•Kimo’s personal story: how he got started, what’s kept him going in the independent space, and lessons from nearly two decades of songwriting

•His perspective on balancing creative freedom with the business side: releasing singles, licensing, partnerships, and the grind of touring

•The inspirations behind his songs what themes he returns to, how he writes, and how life experiences translate into lyric and melody

•Behind-the-scenes stories from the road on the 2025 “Alabama Live” tour and gear/endorsement relationships

•Thoughts on staying relevant as an indie artist in a streaming-first landscape, and what’s next for him in music

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Why This Episode Matters

Kimo Forrest’s journey is a compelling example of independent artistry: consistent, persistent, and creative outside the mainstream spotlight. If you’re interested in honest conversations about making music, touring, and growing an audience from the ground up, this episode delivers.

Join us for a revealing, unfiltered talk with Kimo Forrest on Sounds From The Shed, where passion, perseverance, and country storytelling take center stage.

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Show Title: Sounds From The Shed

Guest Artist: Chris Molitor Nashville-based songwriter, producer, and coach

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🎙️ Episode Overview

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Molitor, a multi-talented independent artist rooted in Nashville’s vibrant songwriter community. With 20 years of experience in the music industry as a writer, performer, manager, producer, and coach Chris has carved out a unique path bridging artistry and mentorship  .

Born in the American Midwest and raised on a large wooded country property, Chris blends folk-inflected storytelling with cinematic lyricism. His music centers on evocative melodies and honest emotion, drawing listeners into moments where “hopes and fears collide”  .

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🌟 Accolades & Career Highlights

•Over two decades in Nashville’s music scene, wearing many hats: songwriting, artist development, production, and coaching emerging talent  .

•Songs and licensing placements with nationally recognized brands, including Nike, Jeep, Keurig, REI, and Williams Sonoma  .

•Featured on Marmoset Music Staff Picks, showcasing Chris’s distinctive folk-meets-indie aesthetic a style built on the simplicity of Midwestern life and open-road wanderlust  .

•Spotify artist with releases like “The Dusk” (a four-song EP launched in October 2018), featuring emotionally resonant tracks such as “Love Gives Chase,” “Precious,” and “Untie Your Heart”  .

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📌 What You’ll Hear

•Chris’s personal journey from Midwest childhood to the songwriter circles of Nashville

•Reflections on nearly two decades of collaboration and growth in music both behind the scenes and on stage

•Deep dive into his creative process: blending lyrical storytelling with cinematic soundscapes

•Discussion of his work placing songs in national advertising campaigns and the craft behind writing for sync placements

•Insights on coaching and mentorship in Nashville how he nurtures artists both in the booth and on social platforms like TikTok and Instagram

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🎵 Why This Conversation Matters

If you’re curious about the intersection of songwriting, production, coaching, and placement licensing even outside mainstream stardom Chris Molitor’s career is a masterclass in musical independence. His journey exemplifies how to build a sustainable, creative life in music on your own terms.

Don’t miss this candid, inspiring conversation with Nashville’s own Chris Molitor where songwriting meets storytelling, and voice meets vision.

🎙️ Sounds From The Shed – New Episode! 🎶

This week, I’m joined by Chris Molitor, a dynamic singer-songwriter and producer from Nashville whose music has been making waves across genres. With millions of streams, charting singles, and a reputation for blending heartfelt storytelling with modern country and pop influences, Chris is proving to be one of the most exciting independent artists on the rise.

We’ll dive into his journey, his creative process, and the stories behind the songs that connect so deeply with listeners. You won’t want to miss this one!

👉 Watch the full video on YouTube at @LloydCarterMusic or catch the audio on your favorite podcast platform.

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Show Title: Sounds From The Shed

Featured Guest: Lance Farlow – South Georgia–based independent singer-songwriter blending country, roots, and southern blues

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🎙️ Episode Overview

In this episode, we host Lance Farlow, a dynamic performer rooted in the musical traditions of the Deep South. Based in Thomasville, Georgia, Lance is known for an expressive style that seamlessly weaves roots, country, and southern blues into heartfelt, soulful storytelling  .

With a distinctive voice drawing comparisons to Stevie Ray Vaughan’s fiery guitar tone and Townes Van Zandt’s lyrical depth, Lance shines whether he’s leading a full band or commanding an intimate writer’s-round  .

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🌟 Accolades & Career Highlights

•Released debut album Faith and Peril in January 2025, marking his arrival as a powerful new voice in independent country music  .

•An active touring artist across the Southeast, with performances at events such as the Legend Music Festival (Thomasville, GA) and regular appearances at regional venues and songwriter circles  .

•Featured on Georgia Songbirds, where he shared his background as a former Marine, first responder (paramedic/firefighter), and storyteller, offering listeners insight into his life journey and musical perspective  .

•Building a growing fanbase via active presence on Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, reflecting an indie-artist DIY spirit and connection to the South Georgia music scene  .

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📌 What You’ll Hear

•Lance’s journey from Marine and first responder to singer-songwriter, and how those chapters shape his music

•Reflections on crafting songs that merge gritty blues riffs with lyrical honesty and southern storytelling

•Insights on life on the road in the Southeast: performing festivals like Legend Music Fest and intimate songwriter rounds

•Behind the scenes on Faith and Peril what drives his writing, the themes he explores, and what to expect in his upcoming sophomore release later in 2025

•How Lance balances the independence of DIY music-making with aspirations for greater reach and connection

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🎵 Why This Conversation Matters

If you appreciate country music with grit, soul, and authenticity rooted in real life, Lance Farlow’s story will resonate. His perspective from the frontline of service to the center stage of regional venues reflects the heart of independent artistry.

Join us for a candid, deeply felt conversation with Lance Farlow on Sounds From The Shed, where Southern roots, resilience, and songwriting intersect in powerful ways.

🎙️ Sounds From The Shed – New Episode! 🎶

This week, I’m sitting down with Lance Farlow, a talented country music singer-songwriter from South Georgia who’s quickly carving out his place in the scene. With a sound rooted in small-town stories and a voice that carries both grit and heart, Lance’s music speaks straight to the soul of country fans.

We’ll talk about his journey, his influences, and the stories behind the songs that make him one of South Georgia’s rising artists to watch.

👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube at @LloydCarterMusic or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

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