The Jay Franze Show: Music - News | Reviews | Interviews

Step behind the curtain of the music industry with Jay Franze and Tiffany Mason as they blend personal stories, industry expertise, and entertaining banter in this captivating episode. 

Jay shares a touching memory of introducing his family to rock band Hailstorm, revealing how lead singer Lizzy Hale made a special connection with his daughter that continued years later. The hosts then offer their unfiltered take on Hailstorm's new single "Darkness Always Wins," appreciating the band's talent while questioning the experimental direction of this particular track.

The conversation naturally flows through a landscape of music news, from Dave Grohl's surprise Coachella appearance to Billy Idol's collaboration with Avril Lavigne and Alice Cooper's reunion with his original band after five decades. Throughout these discussions, Jay's deep industry knowledge shines through, particularly when he breaks down what makes truly great music: the perfect combination of songwriting, performance, and production.

What truly sets this episode apart is the hosts' chemistry and willingness to get personal. Their "Question of the Day" segment asking for the best songs to "make whoopee to" generates hilarious responses from listeners, ranging from Nora Jones's romantic ballads to Metallica's aggressive "Enter Sandman." This playful interaction perfectly balances the more technical discussion where Jay explains different mixing philosophies, comparing the clean precision of engineers like Mike Shipley with the rawer "leave it all in" approach of others.

Whether you're a music industry professional, an aspiring artist, or simply someone who appreciates the stories behind the songs, this episode delivers entertainment, education, and inspiration. As Tiffany reminds us at the end: "Every track you love was once just an idea. Don't be afraid to chase yours."

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When a TikTok DM turns into a national radio opportunity, you know something special is happening. This episode features an exclusive conversation with Sara Higgins, drummer of the powerhouse rock trio Twist It, who shares the exhilarating moment their song "Dark Thoughts" was selected for SiriusXM Octane's Test Drive segment. Sarah takes us behind the scenes of their creative process, from collaborative songwriting to the technical challenges of crafting a drum pattern that complements their signature sound.

The conversation shifts to Coachella highlights, where Post Malone surprised audiences with a country-inspired performance and legendary Queen guitarist Brian May joined Benson Boone for "Bohemian Rhapsody" – sparking debate when younger festival-goers failed to recognize the rock icon. Jay and Tiffany also explore the Eagles' final Sphere residency shows in Las Vegas and upcoming music documentaries from Metallica and Depeche Mode.

Comedy takes center stage as the hosts dive into Nikki Glaser's fearless Golden Globes hosting, Bill Maher's unexpected White House visit with Donald Trump, and Jeff Dunham's controversial claims about cancel culture's decline. Meanwhile, an Australian comedian cancels her US tour over fears of backlash from Trump jokes, highlighting the ongoing tension between comedy and political sensitivities.

Throughout the episode, listeners share their current favorite songs, creating a fascinating snapshot of musical tastes ranging from classic rock anthems to contemporary country hits. Whether you're passionate about emerging rock bands, comedy trends, or simply discovering your next favorite song, this episode delivers authentic conversation that feels like catching up with friends who have all the inside entertainment industry scoop.

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"People listen with their eyes." This profound insight from Andy Gessner, owner and president of Hip Video Promo, sets the stage for a fascinating deep dive into the world of music video promotion and digital artist marketing. Drawing from his experience promoting over 4,800 music videos, Andy reveals how visual content has become the cornerstone of artist identity in today's digital landscape.

The conversation explores the delicate art of creative storytelling in music videos, with Andy advising artists to envision their perfect visual by going "to a dark room, close your eyes, listen to the song the way we used to." This approach helps artists translate their sonic vision into compelling visual narratives that connect with audiences on a deeper level. For independent artists concerned about limited budgets, Andy offers reassurance that smartphone-shot videos can find success on major platforms like MTV and BET Jams when paired with great music and authentic vision.

One of the most valuable takeaways is Andy's "60-day grind" strategy for maintaining momentum through social media. He emphasizes the critical balance between music content and personality posts, noting that showing your human side transforms casual listeners into super fans. "Show folks that you're a human person... a lot of people will like your music, but if you're not afraid to show folks who is the real artist, they're going to like you too." This approach builds the thousand dedicated super fans that can sustain an artist's career.

The episode also features fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, including Andy's experience promoting Johnny Cash's iconic "Hurt" video and his early work with Five Finger Death Punch. These anecdotes illustrate how recognizing potential and advocating persistently for artists can lead to career-defining moments in music marketing.

Whether you're an independent artist looking to promote your music or simply curious about how the visual side of the music industry works, this conversation offers invaluable insights into creating authentic connections with audiences in today's digital landscape. What music marketing strategies are you implementing to build your super fan community?

Episode Links

• HIP Video Promo: https://www.hipvideopromo.com/

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"Who is the greatest female vocalist of all time?" This seemingly simple question ignites a passionate, tournament-style debate between hosts Jay and Tiffany as they evaluate vocal legends across genres and generations. From Whitney Houston's power to Celine Dion's sophistication, from Ann Wilson's rock prowess to Pat Benatar's versatility, the hosts and audience construct an impromptu bracket to crown an ultimate vocal champion.

Between spirited arguments for their favorites, Jay shares a heartwarming story about taking his young daughter backstage at a Brooks & Dunn concert, where she experienced the magic behind the spectacle - sitting at the drum kit, watching sound checks, and meeting studio musicians who rarely get the spotlight. This behind-the-curtain glimpse exemplifies the show's unique insider perspective on the entertainment industry.

The conversation weaves through current music news, including detailed CMA Award predictions and analysis of Morgan Wallen's controversial Saturday Night Live exit. Jay and Tiffany offer entertaining takes on Post Malone's country crossover success and Carrie Underwood's Vegas residency milestone, balancing industry knowledge with their trademark humor.

The episode culminates in a final vocal showdown that might surprise you, reminding listeners why human voices connect with us on such a profound level. Whether you're a music industry professional or simply a passionate fan, this episode delivers both entertainment and unexpected insights into what makes a voice truly unforgettable.

Want to join the conversation? Connect with us at jayfranzycom and let us know who YOU think deserves the vocal crown!

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What does it truly mean to live with a character? Matt Drago, the breakout star of "Somewhere in Montana," takes us deep into the transformative journey of method acting in this candid conversation about artistic sacrifice and unexpected opportunity.

Drago shares the remarkable story behind landing his "role of a lifetime" opposite Graham McTavish and Michelle Hurd—a full circle moment that began when he helped another struggling artist years earlier. With refreshing vulnerability, he details his approach to character immersion: losing 25 pounds, creating character journals, and assembling cross-genre playlists that help him emotionally align with his roles. "When you've got a cast and crew like we had on Somewhere in Montana, and you just get the space to live and breathe in the character for a long amount of time, it's a very joyful experience," Drago reflects.

The conversation reveals how Drago's lifelong martial arts practice (Okinawan Shorin-ryu) provides the disciplined foundation for his acting work. This parallel path helps him maintain centeredness during career uncertainties and the emotional roller coaster of pursuing acting without industry connections. His journey from closing New York City bars at 4 AM to filming pivotal scenes in Montana barns illustrates the persistence required when following artistic dreams.

Perhaps most moving are Drago's reflections on artistic mentorship and the family formed during production. From breakfast conversations with McTavish to sunset heart-to-hearts with Hurd, these relationships transcended the project itself. "Matt, you are an actor, don't forget that," Hurd told him in a moment of doubt—words that continue to sustain him. His gratitude extends equally to the crews who transform creative visions into reality: "Crews are what make films great."

Ready to discover the magic of "Somewhere in Montana" and the actor bringing Fabian to life? Follow Matt Drago on Instagram @mattdrago or visit mattdrago.com to learn where his journey leads next.

Episode Links

• Matt Drago: https://mattdrago.com/

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Music's rich tapestry unfolds as we travel through time on this episode, celebrating the birthdays of legends like Marvin Gaye (born 1939) and Emmylou Harris (1947), while uncovering fascinating historical moments in the entertainment world. Remember when Mariah Carey signed that jaw-dropping $60 million Virgin Records deal in 2001? We break down why this watershed moment matters and how it shaped the industry we know today.

The conversation heats up when we dive into today's breaking music news - from Miranda Lambert's game-changing partnership with Republic Records and independent powerhouse Big Loud, to Linkin Park's bold resurrection featuring new female vocalist Emily Armstrong. Their sold-out LA show marks a dramatic new chapter after the heartbreaking loss of Chester Bennington. Meanwhile, Green Day celebrates the 20th anniversary of "American Idiot" with unreleased tracks that prove some music deserves a second chance to be heard.

Our listeners light up the chat when we pose our question of the day: who's the greatest male vocalist of all time? The passionate debate spans genres and generations - from Steve Perry's unmatched range to Frank Sinatra's impeccable phrasing, from Freddie Mercury's theatrical power to the raw emotion of Chris Cornell. Jay shares fascinating insider knowledge about vinyl record production, explaining how physical limitations influenced which songs appeared where on albums, and why bass-heavy tracks needed special consideration.

Whether you're a music history buff, industry insider, or simply love great conversation about entertainment, this episode delivers stories you won't hear anywhere else. Join our community at jayfranze.com where the conversation continues long after the mics go silent. Subscribe now and become part of the behind-the-curtain experience that only The Jay Franze Show provides.

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What happens when raw talent meets determination? Dalton Hicks, a rising country music artist from South Carolina, joins us for a heartfelt conversation that traces his musical journey from his great-grandmother's piano to Nashville's recording studios.

Dalton opens up about the profound influence his grandmother Olga had on his musical beginnings, sharing how her passion for piano sparked his own love for music. When she passed away, he channeled that connection into creating songs that would make her proud. This relationship forms the emotional foundation for his authentic approach to songwriting.

We dive deep into Dalton's creative process, exploring how he crafts songs independently—starting with lyrics and developing melodies that feel true to his experiences. Unlike many Nashville artists, he writes alone, allowing his genuine voice to shine through in every track. His latest release is approaching an impressive 400,000 streams without promotional investment, a testament to the authentic connection he's building with listeners.

The conversation takes us to Nashville, where Dalton recorded at the now-demolished Omni studio with renowned producer Bill McDermott. Working alongside session musicians who've played for country's biggest names marked a pivotal moment in his career. Now with professional management behind him after being discovered on Instagram, Dalton candidly discusses navigating the business side of music while staying true to his artistic vision.

What stands out most is Dalton's mission to inspire through music. "I want to be the person to bring the moments out of the gutter. I want to inspire people to get out of the gutter and have a happy life," he explains with genuine conviction. His desire to be more than "just another country singer" reflects his commitment to creating meaningful art that resonates beyond typical genre conventions.

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What happens when a drummer catches fire mid-performance? Jay and Tiffany kick off with the startling news of Journey's drummer Dean Castronovo's fiery mishap during "Don't Stop Believing," which prompts a surprisingly unsympathetic reaction and an exploration of the physical demands placed on drummers.

The conversation shifts to serious territory as Tiffany shares updates about Jay brothers' close call with California wildfires, highlighting the human impact behind headline news. This personal connection bridges seamlessly into entertainment industry updates, where the duo dissects Luke Bryan's Rodeo Houston honors, Morgan Wallen's chart dominance, and Lainey Wilson's ambitious global tour. Through these discussions, Jay offers rare insider perspectives on how touring actually works for different genres of musicians—country artists strategically planning weekend shows while rock bands grind through 200+ performances yearly.

The heart of the episode emerges when they pose a seemingly simple question: "Who's your favorite one-hit wonder?" What follows is a joyous musical archeology expedition through songs that defined generations despite their creators never recapturing that lightning in a bottle. From Tommy Two-Tone's "867-5309/Jenny" (a phone number impossible to forget) to Los Del Rio's "Macarena" (still appearing at cheerleading events decades later), the conversation becomes a celebration of musical persistence beyond commercial success. Listeners eagerly contribute their own suggestions, creating a communal tapestry of songs that briefly dominated airwaves but permanently imprinted on our cultural consciousness.

Between discussions of comedians on the rise and personal updates about family achievements, the episode captures the show's essence: authentic conversation that seamlessly blends entertainment industry insights with relatable human moments. Whether you're nostalgic for songs you haven't thought about in years or curious about how the entertainment world really works, this episode delivers with warmth, humor and unexpected depth.

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Connor Daly brings fresh perspective to Nashville's music scene as an Americana artist who made the leap from Virginia to Music City just eight months ago. Despite being relatively new to the area, he's already conquered some of Nashville's most revered songwriter venues, including the legendary Bluebird Cafe.

The contrast between these iconic venues reveals much about Nashville's songwriting culture. As Connor explains, "The Bluebird felt very casual... like I was playing in a living room somewhere," noting how the venue's unassuming strip mall location belies its worldwide fame. Meanwhile, The Listening Room placed him under bright lights on an actual stage—both experiences offering different creative energies while sharing an audience that truly listens to the lyrics.

Connor's debut album "Colors Fade" showcases his songwriting talents developed long before his Nashville move. Recorded across prestigious studios including Reba McEntire's Starstruck and the renowned Castle Studios, the album represents years of creative development. His songwriting process offers fascinating insight into how songs naturally evolve: "I like to start out with just playing chords... start humming a melody... try not to think too hard, try to leave my brain out of it and just start thinking of words and feelings that the melodies are bringing out."

Nashville has introduced Connor to the collaborative art of co-writing after years of creating alone in Virginia. This adjustment highlights the relationship-like dynamics between songwriters who must find creative chemistry. His duet "Fake One Tear" with Mary Heather Hickman demonstrates how social media connections can lead to meaningful artistic collaborations in today's music industry.

Ready to discover an authentic voice in Americana music? Follow Connor Daly Music on all social platforms and visit connordalymusic.com to stay updated on new releases and performances as his Nashville journey continues to unfold.

Episode Links

• Connor Daly: https://connordalymusic.com/

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Remember that moment when an unlikely rock star stepped onto a country music stage and left everyone stunned? Jay Franze takes us behind the scenes of Eric Church's memorable CMA Awards performance with Lzzy Hale, sharing his firsthand experience as Church's security detail during those early career days. This intimate glimpse into the music industry showcases the fascinating cultural divides between rock and country audiences that still exist today.

Music news takes center stage as we explore Iron Maiden's creative approach to memorabilia – transforming their iconic "Ed Force One" Boeing 747 into collectibles for dedicated fans. We also dive into Rascal Flatts' upcoming album featuring an impressive lineup of collaborations, Queen's potential new music using archived Freddie Mercury recordings, and intriguing Radiohead reunion rumors that have fans buzzing with anticipation.

The heart of our conversation revolves around breakup songs – those emotional anthems that help us through heartache and healing. From Jay's surprisingly aggressive pick (Five Finger Death Punch's "Burn MF") to Tiffany's more introspective choice (Jewel's "You Were Meant For Me"), our listeners share an incredible range of songs that got them through tough times. Each selection reveals something deeply personal about how we process relationship endings.

In a surprising twist, Jay reveals his past as a stand-up comedian in Vegas, leading to discussions about comedy festivals, performance styles, and why crowd work might not be the best approach for newcomers. His insights on comedy parallel our music conversations – both art forms require perfect timing, emotional authenticity, and that indefinable quality that connects with an audience.

What's your healing soundtrack? Join our conversation and share the breakup song that got you through your darkest moments by visiting jayfranze.com or connecting with us on social media.

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