Surviving the Music Industry

Always down for a good time, even amidst a pandemic, songwriter/artist Niko Moon phones in to share how his Texas-Georgia roots influence his style of positive music. Even when critics and the world seem to be at odds. Fusing Atlanta hip hop with country lyrics, Niko shares his thoughts on criticism, what keeps him motivated during 2020, and new music.

John Davidson of The Brummies uses grooves and vibes to dictate the pulse of a room. With mixed feelings about the realness of releasing their newest album Automatic World and the current political/health climate, what's that beat like?

It only took one question for Joe Bonamassa to launch into today's climate of music and business. Just after the release of his newest album Royal Tea, the full tilt artist/guitarist had a lot to share in terms of politics, stimulus packages, and running his business in the fourth quarter of 2020. Brandon thinks that Joe sunk his teeth into the name of the show and ran with it as he shares even more about addictions to fame, securing an identity early, and criticism.

Timing is everything, and some days are better than others according to Cory Marks. Cory phones in from Canada to share the emotions of a 5-year project being delayed, and tours with Alice Cooper and Breaking Benjamin were derailed by Covid-19. Who I Am is Cory's latest album and shares some of his most personal moments from making the record. Can you write, "I shot a man in Reno...", and not live that moment in today's music?

We remember the conversation Brandon had with former guest Bryan Wayne. Bryan passed away on October 22nd, 2020 after a battle with ALS. In this past episode, Bryan shared some words to live by even when faced with the inevitable. He also shares some of his biggest cuts and biggest moments from his life. Brandon recorded this conversation from Big Kenny's (Big & Rich) private studio on May 7th, 2019.

Songwriter and artist Melody Federer remembers ghosting parties (when that was a thing), and the flags at Poncho's restaurants. Things do get serious when we tap into the end of relationships, and if they are worth fighting for even though you might sacrifice your health. The boundaries of family and entertainment, the release of her recent music ("This Town, "The Wonder Years"), and we wonder if "happy" songs are BS.

Stephen Babcock phones in from Buffalo, New York, and shares that the COVID climate of the city feels much different than most areas of the state. Not only the cultural climate is feeling the weight of the times. Stephen's emotions of social media, patience, and handling the hand that he's dealt with are impacting his music more than ever. Stephen shares his latest singles, "Bowery" and "Notting Hill", and if either sympathy or empathy impact more genuineness as an artist.

Luke Laird has a knack for connecting with artists with the song that they are meant to write that day. But for some reason, we couldn't connect the first go-round in this conversation. The Nashville hit songwriter releases his first and only album aptly named Music Row, which touches on some of the most inner and outer personal thoughts and experiences. The power of personal songs, faith, sobriety, and are there any more original ideas in music?

Terry McBride might have had the best Dazed and Confused life but under the surface, things might not have been alright, alright, alright. Now on the side of sobriety, Terry looks back at his childhood, co-writes with Brooks and Dunn, the rise and fall of McBride and The Ride, and shares the process of recording Rebels and Angels that will be available on October 23rd on all streaming platforms.

Husband and wife duo Ben and Emily of Carolina Story have released their second LP, Dandelion. A resilient flower that probably describes the band more than they know. From marriage and work identity crisis, being left of center for Nashville, financial woes, and the events that led up to writing the last song they thought they ever wrote.