Brian Dunne joins the Southern Hang Podcast to discuss Fantastic Cat's acclaimed new album, Cat Out of Hell. We dive into the band's songwriting process, recording the album, life in a four-songwriter supergroup, touring, and Brian's experience working with Adam Duritz of Counting Crows. He also shares what's next for Fantastic Cat.

If you're a fan of Americana, folk rock, roots rock, and great songwriting, this conversation is for you.

During the interview, Brian reflects on Fantastic Cat's recent performance at Louisville's Waterfront, upcoming tour dates, and the band's incredibly passionate fanbase. He explains how he, Don DiLego, Mike Montali, and Anthony D'Amato came together as four established singer-songwriters inspired to create their own "Middle Brother"-style collaboration, and how the project gained momentum after the pandemic.

We also explore Brian's acclaimed solo career before taking a deep dive into Cat Out of Hell—and how the album has resonated with fans and critics alike.

If you enjoy conversations with musicians who care deeply about songwriting, collaboration, and the craft of making records, don't miss this episode.

Topics covered:

• Fantastic Cat's new album Cat Out of Hell
• Brian Dunne's songwriting process
• Recording and producing the album
• Working with Adam Duritz (Counting Crows)
• Brian's solo music
• Touring and live performances
• The origins of Fantastic Cat
• What's next for the band

A quick goodbye as the Southern Hang fellas take a break for the summer.  Neil wraps things up with one final #JaamoftheWeek, introducing John Shambles new album "Cabin Fever" as the jam of the summer.

Season 2 debuts in August.  See you soon!!!

The Southern Hang fellas welcome in Jude Redfield of the WDRB Weather Team to talk, well, what else, rain.  The entire Ohio Valley has been drenched with rain for the last several weeks, bringing out the old social media trope, "What is your favorite song with Rain in the title" or "what is your favorite song about rain" or even "what songs helps us drain out all of this rain".  You know the posts.  Now Southern Hang is tackling the subject and they brought in Emmy winning Meteorlogist Jude Redfield from WDRB.

The fellas first spend some time with Jude talking about what drew him to the weather, some of the best and worst things about being on the AM team.  They had to ask him about Motor Boat Mondays and how that fan favorite segment came to be.  

They then tackle the music...from CCR to Prince, to the Beatles, they build out the ultimate Rain playlist.  Then Neil camps out for awhile to talk about the David Simon TV Series, Treme, and the episode dedicated to John Hiatt's classic "Feels Like Rain".  

Welcome back to Southern Hang, the Self-Proclaimed Unofficial Official Podcast of Railbird '26.  In this episode we’re breaking down the heavy hitters (Tyler!) and hidden gems of the Sunday lineup at Railbird Festival 2026. Sunday we're expecting a bigger crowd from the Ella factor.  And how many artists will play their version of Jersey Giant?  Sam Barber Saturday?  Evan Honer Sunday?  Tyler himself?

🎙️ In This Episode:

• Tyler Childers: Nuff said.  
• Ella Langley: Analyzing the crazy popularity of Alabama’s newest country music powerhouse.  Hit songs, commercials, sold out shows...Railbird benefiting from those early contracts.
• Houndmouth: Better yet, forgo the choas of Ella and head to the Burl stage for the pride of New Albany and their indie-folk vibes. Neil talks about their evolution and why they remain one of the best live acts in the region.
• Zach Top: Bringing "90s country" back to the future.  Cotton dives into his traditionalist sound and why he’s the artist he can't wait to see.
• Nicholas Jamerson: The heart of the Kentucky local music scene and one of Neil's favorites.  And it doesn't get more baller than writing a kick ass love story about your Grandparents!!

Other artists discussed are Muscadine Bloodline, Shane Smith & the Saints, Shakey Graves, Margo Price, Evan Honer, Braxton Keith, The Creekers, Tyce Delk and Kashus Culpepper.  And then Sherm does an unexpected breakdown of up and comer Willow Avalon.

Welcome to Southern Hang, the self-proclaimed unofficial official podcast of Railbird Festival 2026. Day one at the Red Mile is a stacked mix of stadium-sized folk and gritty Appalachian soul. We’re breaking down the must-see sets and the heartbreak schedule conflicts that will have you sprinting between stages.

In this episode:

• Robert Earl Keen: Neil takes full advantage to profess his love and admiration for one of the best songwriters alive.
• Stephen Wilson Jr.: The man everyone is buzzing about. We dive into his self-proclaimed "Death Cab for Country" style and why his performance is the dark-horse set of the entire weekend.
• Sam Barber: The kids love him, do we?
• Ken Pomeroy: We cover why catching this set early is essential for fans of authentic, rising songwriting.

And of course the dreaded overlaps where you have to choose...

• Caamp vs. Robert Earl Keen: High-energy graspy-voice vs. a Texas songwriting legend. 
• John R. Miller vs. Colton Bowlin: Ky boy vs the up and comer
• The Wallflowers vs. Sons of Habit: Nostalgic 90s rock vibes vs. the 'boros best 
• Mt. Joy vs. Waylon Wyatt: Massive festival anthems vs. the young blood of country. 

The Self-Proclaimed Unnoficial Official Southern Hang Playlist of Railbird Saturday:  https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/southern-hang-pod-railbird-saturday/pl.u-pKALRsq40PB

You said: Can you please only discuss the artists performing on Saturday?

In this episode of the Southern Hang Podcast, we’re diving deep into the Day 1 lineup for Railbird Festival 2026. Saturday at Red Mile is set to be a massive kickoff, blending indie-folk anthems with legendary songwriting. We’re walking you through the schedule so you can plan your day from the first gates to the final encore. [1, 2]
🎙️ Saturday Artist Breakdown:

• The Lumineers: Closing out the night on the Limestone Stage. We talk about their return to Kentucky and why their stadium-sized folk is the perfect fit for a Saturday night headliner.
• Caamp: Taking over the Elkhorn Stage just before the headliners. We discuss the Ohio trio's meteoric rise and why their live energy is a "don't miss" for folk-rock fans.
• Mt. Joy: Bringing their signature atmospheric sound to the Limestone Stage. We preview their set and why they’ve become a staple for the modern festival scene.
• Robert Earl Keen: A masterclass in Texas songwriting. We highlight the legend’s set on the Burl Stage and why he’s a massive get for this year’s lineup.
• The Wallflowers: Bringing a dose of 90s rock to the afternoon. We talk Jakob Dylan and the hits that are sure to have the Limestone Stage crowd singing along.
• Stephen Wilson Jr.: One of the most unique voices in the "Death Cab for Country" space. We break down why his Elkhorn Stage performance is a top pick for the "artists on the rise" category.
• Watchhouse: The duo formerly known as Mandolin Orange. We discuss the beautiful, intricate strings they’ll bring to the Elkhorn Stage to set the mood for the evening.
• Sam Barber: Discussing the viral sensation's transition to the big stage and why his raw, powerful vocals are a perfect afternoon vibe for Saturday.
• John R. Miller & Ken Pomeroy: Highlighting the early-day sets you need to show up for to support the songwriters keeping the genre’s roots alive. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

This week, the fellas tackle the #WouldYouRather social media trend.

The conversation starts out easy enough with a few simple debates...the Mountains vs. the Beach or the Ocean vs the Pool. 

Things go off the rails quickly when they have to choose between life’s biggest headaches: Avoid Red Lights or Avoid Lines?  Fight 1 horse sized duck or 100 duck sized horses?  

Join the crew as they break down the logic (and lack thereof) behind their picks. It’s a hilarious deep dive into the preferences that define us, with plenty of Southern Hang banter along the way.

Finally, Neil brings back the #JaamOfTheWeek segment with a track from an amazing band he just discovered merely days from there Rock and Roll Hall of Fame eligibility.

Southern Hang Pod Playlist

In honor of a May the 4th episode drop date,  the fellas are headed to a galaxy far, far away. This week, we’re diving deep into the Skywalker Saga and beyond—covering everything from the nostalgia (and toys!) of the Original Trilogy to the much maligned Prequels.

But we aren’t stopping at the movies. We’re breaking down the heart and soul of the franchise found in The Clone Wars and Rebels, discussing how these stories shaped the Star Wars we know today. To make sure we don't get our parsecs mixed up, we’re joined by our resident Jedi Master and Star Wars expert, Jamie Kneisler, who helps us navigate the lore of the galaxy.

Whether you're a scruffy-looking nerf herder or a high-ranking Imperial, this is one hang you won’t want to miss. May the Force be with you!

It’s Derby Week in Southern Hang country! The fellas are joined by legendary trainer Kenny McPeek, fresh off his historic 2024 Oaks/Derby sweep.

 Kenny shares his journey from the University of Kentucky to the winner's circle and pulls back the curtain on the "big board" he uses to manage his elite stable. We also dive into his love for music—specifically his friendship with JJ Grey, meeting at Bourbon & Beyond, and the success of the horse named in his honor.

To wrap it up, we take a tour of the Churchill Downs backside to meet his latest contender, Right to Party, hanging out in the stall of Derby winner Mystic Dan. Plus: are we actually manifesting a Beastie Boys cameo for the Derby Day walkover? Tune in to find out! 

This week, the Southern Hang fellas dive deep into the #SawItLive trend taking over social media to revisit the most electric concert memories of their lives.  Who provided the best first concert experience?  The Boss?  Willie?  Poison?

From the core memory of that very first show to the raw energy of intimate solo sets, rowdy festivals, and sold-out arenas—we’re covering it all. From the Louisville Palace to the farm at Bonnaroo, we discuss why there’s simply no substitute for the magic of live music and how a single Lollapalooza performance can stick with you forever. So, hold up those lighters (or is it cell phone flashlights now?!) and join the fellas for a trip down live music memory lane.

What’s it like to find out you inspired the likes of Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl? Yes, that Kurt Cobain.  Yes, that Dave Grohl.  Nirvana.  Foo Fighters.  And an entire generation of punk rockers.  This week, we’re joined by the legendary Peter Searcy. We trace his journey from the DIY punk roots of Squirrel Bait establishing the Louisville Scene in the 80s, through the alt-rock era of Big Wheel and Starbilly. Peter talks about working with Steve Albini and going into the studio to record with Homestead Records.  Peter opens up about his transition to a solo artist, his current role behind the scenes with Yacht Rock Revue, and what fans can expect from his latest musical chapter: Guilty Birds.