The Nashville Artist

In this episode, I hang out with Louie Real Deal. Louie creates one-of-a-kind fashion pieces that border on the absurd and the effortlessly cool. By hand-painting his designs directly onto clothing, he turns everyday pieces into wearable art, drawing from old-school graffiti, comic books, early Versace, and American pop culture.

You can often find Louie out on the town or skateboarding down Gallatin Road. He has a knack for finding the coolest places and putting himself right in the middle of the action.

In our conversation, Louie opens up about his restless creative journey, his dreams of illustration, filmmaking, acting, and skateboarding, and how he eventually found something that felt completely natural: painting on clothes.

We also talk about fashion, art, business, authenticity, and losing his father to cancer. That experience pushed Louie to embrace a simple philosophy: life is short, so go for it.

His message to artists is just as simple: stay authentic, keep creating, and pay attention when people respond to your work. Then keep going. Enjoy the podcast episode!

Louie: @louierealdeal

Art: @averyishungry

Music: @lucyfromtheinternet

Follow: @thenashvilleartistpodcast

@jordanswafford92

In this episode, I hang out with Louie Real Deal. Louie creates one-of-a-kind fashion pieces that border on the absurd and the effortlessly cool. By hand-painting his designs directly onto clothing, he turns everyday pieces into wearable art, drawing from old-school graffiti, comic books, early Versace, and American pop culture.

You can often find Louie out on the town or skateboarding down Gallatin Road. He has a knack for finding the coolest places and putting himself right in the middle of the action.

In our conversation, Louie opens up about his restless creative journey, his dreams of illustration, filmmaking, acting, and skateboarding, and how he eventually found something that felt completely natural: painting on clothes.

We also talk about fashion, art, business, authenticity, and losing his father to cancer. That experience pushed Louie to embrace a simple philosophy: life is short, so go for it.

His message to artists is just as simple: stay authentic, keep creating, and pay attention when people respond to your work. Then keep going. Enjoy the podcast episode!

Louie: @louierealdeal
Art: @averyishungry
Music: @lucyfromtheinternet

Follow: @thenashvilleartistpodcast
@jordanswafford92

In this episode, I sit down with Sierra Sevier. Sierra is a photographer and videographer with a keen eye for capturing concerts.

Her journey into visual storytelling began through a love of live music and capturing the energy of concerts. Inspired by everything from Billie Eilish, disposable-camera aesthetics to the raw authenticity of Paul McCartney’s Beatles photography. Sierra’s work captures emotion, imperfection, and human connection. 

She reflects on discovering music photography through Hippo Campus, joining Pleaser Magazine, and developing a style built around film textures, experimental lighting, flash, and thermal visuals. 

We also talk about creative risk, freelancing, leaving the financial stability of a 9-5, and why supporting artists through prints, photo books, and physical media still matters. 

This episode is all about observation, storytelling, and capturing moments that feel alive. Enjoy!

Sierra: 

@sierrasevier 

@pleasermag

Art:

@averyishungry 

Music:

@lucyfromtheinternet 

Follow

@thenashvilleartistpodcast 

@jordanswafford92 

In this episode, I sit down with Tone Deaf, a fiercely dedicated music producer. From classical piano lessons in Vallejo, California to hearing Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, his path into music was set early.

Tone’s days are disciplined: 6 AM runs, then hours of mixing, tweaking, and mastering tracks. His influences? Bay Area hip hop, Radiohead, Green Day —and a teenage pirate radio station that sparked a lifelong obsession with sound.

We dive into his evolution from analog to digital, his signature heavy low end and punchy drums, and his time in Nashville. Plus, wild stories from working with Green Day and Briston Maroney, including the infamous moment he created a Green Day sample while being whipped by dominatrixes.

Tone’s philosophy is simple: make high-quality music, stay consistent, and always stay true to your vision.

Tone Deaf:

@tonedefmakesrecords 

Art:

@averyishungry 

Music:

@lucyfromtheinternet 

Follow:

@thenashvilleartistpodcast 

@jordanswafford92 

In this milestone episode, BJ Barbee flips the mic and interviews me, Jordan Swafford — drummer, podcaster, and creator . I talk about my journey, from childhood curiosities like Star Wars and Batman to discovering rhythm and eventually drumming. My influences include Queen, Blink-182, Tool, and drummers like Travis Barker.

I share how discipline, routine, and self-belief keep me grounded while balancing music, podcasting, and entrepreneurship. Since 2021, this podcast has grown into a platform where artists can share their struggles, triumphs, and lessons.

For me, it all comes back to resilience, curiosity, and staying true to your vision — even when others don’t understand it.

Episode 100 — enjoy!

Jordan:

@jordanswafford92 

@thenashvilleartistpodcast 

@swafford_detailing 

BJ:

@brotherjamesbarbee 

Art:

@averyishungry 

Music:

@lucyfromtheinternet 

Follow for more!

In this engaging conversation, B.J. delves into his life as a multifaceted artist, tracing his journey from punk band drummer to accomplished visual creator. His work is shaped by diverse influences—from the raw energy of punk rock and the lyrical melancholy of Randy Newman, to the haunting visual worlds of Francis Bacon and Robert Motherwell .

B.J.’s creative process is spontaneous yet deeply reflective, with an emphasis on producing honest and spiritually resonant work. Despite facing major challenges, including a life-altering back injury, he continues to nurture his artistic passion through painting, music, and exploring new mediums.

This episode also highlights his belief in the interconnectedness of all artistic expression, the importance of community, and the discipline needed to stay true to one’s creative voice. B.J.’s advice to aspiring artists is simple but powerful: create what feels true, and let joy guide the work. Enjoy! 

💬 Drop a comment if something resonates.

🔁 Share with a fellow artist who needs this.

B.J.:

@brotherjamesbarbee 

Art:

@averyishungry 

Music:

@lucyfromtheinternet 

Follow

@thenashvilleartistpodcast 

@jordanswafford92 

In this episode, I hang out with Nate Bradley to explore his multifaceted career in photography and music .Nate shares his journey, from photographing bands and creating album covers to producing ambient bedroom pop music. He sheds light on his creative processes and inspirations, including a memorable story about reshooting a botched film roll and providing free photos to support local businesses .Throughout our conversation, Nate emphasizes the importance of showing up for oneself, seeking authenticity, and nurturing meaningful connections within the Nashville arts scene . He believes in capturing real, unrepeatable moments and shares his cautious optimism about technological advances like AI, along with his views on global and social issues .Filled with humor and stories—from humble gigs to profound realizations—this episode offers a comprehensive look at Nate’s artistic philosophy and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way. Enjoy! Nate:@natebbradley @textbookinternet Art:@averyishungry Music: @lucyfromtheinternet Follow:@thenashvilleartistpodcast @jordanswafford92

In this episode, I hang out with the multitalented Joel Barnett. He’s a painter, woodworker, drummer, and pro BMX rider—the first extreme athlete to join our roster of incredible artists! His insights span multiple industries.  

In this episode, we dive into Joel's early roots in BMX, exploring wall riding, stalling, and other tricks. He shares his unique visualization techniques, crafting models of skateparks and ramps from wood and cardboard to practice with tech decks and finger bikes. After injuries, he learned to manifest tricks on these handmade models, studying the physics needed to execute them in real life. 

A compelling moment arises when Joel reflects on his mantra: “What does right now need?” This phrase helps him stay grounded amidst his busy life.

We also delve into the lore of “Porter Trails,” a mystical spot in East Nashville where massive dirt jumps were built for an unforgettable BMX experience. For Joel and fellow Nashville riders, these dirt mounds were not just jumps; they were sculptures crafted through hard work.

Joel’s abstract art showcases textures and colors that create relief patterns, emphasizing the importance of letting action guide the process. Enjoy!

Joel:

@joel_barnett 

@losingthelight 

@feverdreamspace 

@solasbrand 

@aberdeenstudio 

Art:

@averyishungry 

Music:

@lucyfromtheinternet 

Follow:

@thenashvilleartistpodcast 

@jordanswafford92 

Follow and review for more content!

In this episode, I hang out with Sara Bug, the country queen herself. Her style is laid-back, introspective, jangly, beachy, swampy, and beautifully crafted. Sara has immense respect for the legendary Jimmy Buffett, and you’ll want to tune in to discover her favorite Buffett songs.

These days, Sara focuses more on songwriting than practicing an instrument. She shares her routine of jotting down notes for song ideas and skillfully compiling them. Then, she picks up her guitar to weave everything together, treating her writing like journaling or poetry.

Sara emphasizes that music is more than just creativity; it’s also a business. The work outside of music is crucial for building a viable career. Her advice for aspiring artists? Set clear goals and avoid chasing fads that can lead to your downfall.

Having grown as an individual, Sara talks about quitting partying and drinking, replacing those habits with reading her Bible and getting closer to God. Her songwriting reflects her personal experiences, capturing everything from love to heartbreak. Enjoy!

Sara: 

@sarabugofficial 

Art:

@averyishungry 

Music:

@lucyfromtheinternet 

Follow:

@thenashvilleartistpodcast 

@jordanswafford92 

In this episode, I hang out with the painting wonder Tony Sobota. Tony is obsessed with color theory and exploring deeper meanings in his work. 

Coming from a creative family, Tony fondly remembers his father making furniture and his mother taking him to a Vincent Van Gogh exhibit, which sparked his interest in art. Growing up in the '80s, he loved building forts, drawing, and playing Ninja Turtles on Nintendo.

Influenced by Norman Rockwell, Tony discusses how seeing a photograph and then the painting evokes different feelings. He shares his journey of dropping out of grad school and making a living drawing caricatures, treating them as a business rather than fine art.

Tony emphasizes the importance of not wasting time, especially in your 20s, and how deadlines boost productivity. He also reveals that his favorite painter is Salvador Dalí. Ultimately, he believes making the best art is about showing up, treating each piece like a journal entry. Enjoy!

Tony:

@tonysobota 

@botaface 

Art:

@averyishungry 

Music:

@lucyfromtheinternet 

Follow:

@thenashvilleartistpodcast 

@jordanswafford92