Recorded live in Nashville during AmericanaFest, this Ranch Sitdown finds Shayne Hollinger catching up with Jesse Daniel in the middle of one of the busiest and most exciting weeks on the Americana calendar. Jesse talks about playing songwriter rounds and showcases around town, the evolving spirit of AmericanaFest, and why this year felt especially meaningful for artists on the circuit.

Jesse opens up about what “Americana” really means to him, describing it as a wide-open umbrella for American roots music that blends country, blues, folk, rock, and everything in between. He shares insight into his latest music, including the powerful duet recorded with Charles Wesley Godwin, and explains why that song’s message about time, family, and intentional living continues to resonate so deeply with audiences.

The conversation dives into Jesse’s songwriting process, from writing instinctively when inspiration strikes to co-writing many of his songs with his fiancée. He reflects on growing up in a musical household in rural California, learning drums at a young age, playing punk and rock bands, and watching his father perform, moments that shaped his lifelong connection to music and the stage.

As the sitdown wraps, Jesse talks candidly about reaching a turning point as an artist: tuning out outside expectations, writing honestly for himself, and finding peace in making records on his own terms. It’s a thoughtful, grounded conversation about authenticity, growth, and staying true to your roots, both musically and personally.