He quit his actuary job, and now he's one of the busiest bass players in Central PA. On this episode of the Tone Tailors Podcast, we sit down with Liam Galiano: full-time session bassist, open mic host, and teacher, to talk about what it actually takes to make a living playing bass without ever leaving Lancaster.

Liam breaks down how he strings together income between hired-gun gigs, wedding bands (Bachelor Boys, Jordan Kahn Music Co.), his Stevie Nicks tribute band Nixon Time, teaching lessons, and BMI performance royalties most musicians don't even know they're leaving on the table. We also get into his two original projects: the instrumental solo work he releases as Liam Galiano, and All Groove, a rotating collaborative project where every song has a different lineup. Plus his (very firm) take on AI in music, and the on-stage malfunction that almost ruined a run opening for Blackberry Smoke.

In this episode:

• Why bass players are some of the most in-demand musicians locally
• How performance royalties (BMI) actually pay you
• Matching bass gear to the gig: wedding bass vs. tribute band vs. solo work
• The Lancaster, PA music scene right now
• Hosting open mics (find his full list below)
• Teaching guitar, bass & ukulele, and why guitar is the hardest to teach
• His philosophy on AI in music and songwriting

Chapters:0:00 Welcome Liam Galiano to the show0:56 From actuary to full-time bassist3:26 How performance royalties (BMI) actually work9:34 Matching bass gear to the gig16:31 Hosting open mics around Lancaster & Reading30:52 The pedal malfunction that almost ruined a Blackberry Smoke opening slot39:31 Inside his music: solo work & All Groove58:13 Where to find Liam & Tone Tailors shop info

Find Liam Galiano:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liamgaliano/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liamgalianoSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6CLKpwCurhzxSWCIsCRDZQYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@liamgalianoAll Groove: https://allgroovemusic.com/liam-galianoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@liamgalianoUpcoming shows: https://www.instagram.com/p/Db4nUBCFnvD/?img_index=1

Find us:🎸 Shop guitars, gear & more: https://shop.tonetailors.com🛠️ Instrument repairs, upgrades & lessons available in-store📍 Lancaster, PA

The Voice Season 28 finalist Aubrey Nicole joins the Tone Tailors Podcast! The Littlestown, PA native and Belmont University songwriting student takes us from singing in her small-town church choir to the finale stage of The Voice — landing on Team Reba, dueting with Reba McEntire on "Mary Did You Know," and finishing fourth in the nation.

We talk about why Nashville is the country music capital, her wild string of coincidences (including a CMA line encounter that changed everything), the songwriting process behind "One Lane," her brand-new collab with fellow Voice contestant Makenzie Phipps, the Post Malone country crossover debate, social media strategy for artists, and her dream of a Grand Ole Opry debut.🎵 Stream Aubrey Nicole:"One Lane" – https://open.spotify.com/track/1eqOEExFHk76S4DrF8FJAe?si=9742a48028fe4515"Send Me A Sign" (NEW) – https://open.spotify.com/track/0MpWcmL6HETi3QIOxcpNXd?si=2869936d53af4642"Devil Ain't in Hell" (with Makenzie Phipps) – https://open.spotify.com/track/05OCvwrI7kgOz6Tf5UWgpW?si=4cf9aea91cc54644Catch Aubrey live:July 25 – Summer Boots Festival (opening for The Band Perry, Stell Lefty & more)Aug 1 – York State Fair, Froggy Free StageAug 2 – Car Show (National Anthem)Aug 7 – Carroll County FairFollow Aubrey Nicole:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubrey_nicole_official/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aubrey_nicole_officialShop guitars, gear & lessons: https://shop.tonetailors.com⏱️ CHAPTERS0:00 – Intro1:01 – Singing since forever & the move to Nashville8:03 – Belmont University & switching to a songwriting major11:23 – Auditioning for The Voice20:20 – The blind audition, Team Reba & dueting with Reba McEntire29:16 – The finale, finishing fourth & life after The Voice34:27 – "Devil Ain't in Hell" with Makenzie Phipps & Central PA's music scene40:12 – "Wholesome country" & the Post Malone crossover debate52:30 – Goals: Grand Ole Opry, record deals & a CMA nomination1:02:04 – The social media blueprint for artists1:15:57 – Songwriting "One Lane," the jukebox story & upcoming shows

They started this band at 13 years old with no one taking them seriously — five years later, Vinyl Rush has a concept album about a soldier going to war, an award-show win, and a 20-date summer tour booked. On this episode of the Tone Tailors Podcast, drummer Nic, guitarist/vocalist Cody, and bassist/vocalist Dante sit down on the couch to talk their debut album Dead Luck, their hard line on AI in songwriting, the gear that gets them through a live set, and how three guys who met in middle school turned a band room hangout into a real touring act.We get into the story behind the band name, why they built an entire concept album instead of writing about "hanging out at the mall," their take on artists reinventing their sound, and what happens when money's no object on the Tone Tailors showroom floor.🎧 Listen to Dead Luck on all streaming platforms: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2p5DZA6cNQL63UwC4X18vl📸 Follow Vinyl Rush: https://www.instagram.com/vinyl_rush_/🛒 Shop the gear talked about in this episode: https://shop.tonetailors.com📍 Catch Vinyl Rush live at Legends Live this Saturday night! #VinylRush #ToneTailors #GuitarShop #IndieRock

This week on the Tone Tailors Podcast, I sit down with Dave Costarella and Loyd from Hand Up Partners to talk about one of the most unique community initiatives happening in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.==GET TICKETS TO THE JUNE 14th FUNDRAISER:Hand Up Partners Fundraiser ExtravaganzaPresented by Jimmy Juice & Tellus 360https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/hand-up-partners-fundraiser-extravaganza-2026-06-14-tellus360-lancaster-b2e064==Many people know Dave as the bandleader of DC & Co., a horn-powered rock and blues band that has been performing for more than 30 years. But for nearly a decade, Dave has also dedicated his life to helping Lancaster's homeless community through programs like My People On The Streets and Hand Up Partners.What started as a mission to provide support and build relationships with people experiencing homelessness has evolved into a program that empowers individuals through meaningful work, community involvement, and daily opportunities to earn income while helping beautify Lancaster's parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces.In this conversation, we discuss:• The origins of My People On The Streets• Why traditional approaches to homelessness often fall short• The creation of Hand Up Partners• How daily clean-up initiatives are changing lives• Restoring dignity, purpose, and self-worth• The challenges facing Lancaster's homeless population• Building stronger connections between housed and unhoused neighbors• Community partnerships and local support• The impact of music, storytelling, and advocacy• Dave's award-winning music video "Just Let Me Lay Down"Hand Up Partners has helped provide thousands of work opportunities while creating cleaner neighborhoods and stronger communities throughout Lancaster. More importantly, the organization focuses on seeing people as people first and helping them take meaningful steps toward long-term self-sufficiency.If you've ever wondered what effective community outreach looks like, this episode offers a powerful perspective from people doing the work every day.Learn more about Hand Up Partners:https://handuppartners.orgIf you enjoy conversations about music, community leaders, local business, and the people making a difference across Lancaster and Central Pennsylvania, be sure to subscribe and follow the podcast.#LancasterPA

This week on the Tone Tailors Podcast, I sit down with Lancaster musician Alex Hart to talk about the local music scene, songwriting, recording, touring, Guitar Hero, social media, and the reality of being a working musician in 2026.Alex is involved in several projects across Central Pennsylvania, including Still Flow, Samaritan Snare, AARDVAARK, and their solo work. Throughout the conversation, we talk about how they first picked up a guitar, the journey from learning riffs in middle school to performing throughout the region, and why staying involved in multiple bands keeps them creatively inspired.Follow & Listen Alex Hart's Music: https://www.instagram.com/alexhartpark/Follow & Listen to Stillflow: https://www.instagram.com/stillflowband/Follow & Listen to Samaritan Snare: https://www.instagram.com/samaritansnare/Follow & Listen to AARDVAARK:https://www.instagram.com/aardvaarkjams/We spend time discussing Alex’s recently released solo single, “Lip Stain,” a vulnerable and personal song that explores heartbreak, healing, and self-reflection. Alex shares what it was like stepping into the role of lead vocalist after years of focusing primarily on guitar and why releasing solo material feels completely different from performing in a band.We also dive into the inner workings of Samaritan Snare, the creative chemistry between band members, and how collaboration helps everyone push each other to become better musicians. Alex explains how Lancaster’s music scene has become one of the most supportive and interconnected communities they’ve experienced, with artists constantly helping one another, sharing opportunities, and building something bigger than themselves.Along the way, we discuss:• The state of Lancaster’s music scene in 2026• Why musicians should attend shows even when they’re not performing• Recording music with friends and keeping the process fun• Social media, promotion, and being the public face of a band• Burnout, balancing music with work, and creative obsession• Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and whether they actually helped create musicians• Why rock music isn’t dead despite what people say• Post Malone’s impact on modern music• Fish at The Sphere• Unique venues and unconventional places to perform• The challenges of building an audience todayAlex also gives updates on what’s next for Still Flow, including an upcoming EP that the band has spent years carefully crafting and preparing for release. We also talk about upcoming plans for Samaritan Snare, new music in the works, and future performances with AARDVAARK.If you’re a musician, songwriter, producer, or simply someone who loves discovering the people shaping Lancaster’s music community, this episode is for you.Follow Alex Hart and check out:🎸 Still Flow🎸 Samaritan Snare🎸 AARDVAARK🎸 Lip StainSubscribe for more conversations with the musicians, venue owners, producers, engineers, and creators helping make Central Pennsylvania one of the most interesting music scenes in the country.

This week on the Tone Tailors Podcast, Levi sits down with local guitar builder and luthier Will Shea, founder of Shea Guitars right here in Central Pennsylvania. From learning the craft through guitar factories and luthier school to building fully handmade instruments in his own shop, Will breaks down what really goes into creating boutique guitars from scratch. We get into everything from tonewoods and neck profiles to roasted woods, hand-oiled finishes, custom pickups, and the reality of building guitars one at a time. Will also shares the story behind his signature horseshoe crab logo, his philosophy on craftsmanship, and why customer relationships matter just as much as the instrument itself. Topics in this episode include:🎸 Will’s path from New Jersey to full-time guitar building🎸 The difference between handmade and “homemade” guitars🎸 Why boutique guitars feel different🎸 Roasted woods and tone science🎸 Building guitars without CNC shortcuts🎸 The realities of social media for creators and builders🎸 AI, creativity, and where things are headed🎸 The process behind Shea GuitarsIf you’ve ever wondered what separates a handcrafted instrument from something coming off a production line, or if you’ve ever dreamed of building your own guitar, this is a fun one.Check out Shea Guitars:https://sheaguitars.comStop by Tone Tailors:https://tonetailors.com📍 Tone Tailors | Lancaster, PA#ToneTailors #SheaGuitars #GuitarPodcast #Luthier #BoutiqueGuitars

This week on the Tone Tailors Podcast, I sit down in the shop with Matt Hostetter for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations we’ve had so far. If you’ve spent any time around live music in Lancaster County, there’s a good chance Matt’s had something to do with it whether through Zoetropolis, The Quiet Riders, WWJD, Sugar Tank/Here, Hear Studios, or his work with Music For Everyone.We get deep into what it actually takes to build a creative life while balancing business ownership, family, touring, recording, and trying to keep local music culture alive in a world fighting harder than ever for people’s attention. Matt talks about going from working in finance to helping build Zoetropolis into one of the most unique venues in Central PA, and why the venue became much more than just a movie theater or restaurant.Follow Matt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt.hostetter/Follow Zoetropolis:https://www.instagram.com/zoetropolis/Follow The Quiet Riders: https://www.instagram.com/thequietriders/Follow WWJD: https://www.instagram.com/wwjd_band/Follow Music for Everyone: https://www.instagram.com/mfelancaster/A huge part of this episode focuses on the current state of live music. We talk about why getting people through the door has become one of the hardest parts of running shows, how social media has changed audience behavior, and why even major touring artists are struggling to sell tickets right now. Matt shares what he’s learned booking shows over the years, why smaller venues may actually become more important moving forward, and why artists need to stop thinking only like musicians and start thinking like business owners.We also get into his own musical journey with The Quiet Riders and WWJD, his favorite guitars and pedals, recording music in garages versus professional studios, and some incredible stories from the early Lancaster music scene including snowstorm shows at Telus and hosting bands he personally idolized at Zoetropolis.Toward the end, the conversation takes a turn into something bigger. We talk about AI music, streaming culture, shortened attention spans, and whether younger generations are losing touch with the human side of music and creativity. Matt’s perspective as both a musician and the Chairman of Music For Everyone makes this part of the conversation especially important. We discuss why music education still matters, why in-person experiences matter more than ever, and why imperfection is often what makes music actually feel real.This episode is part music podcast, part business conversation, part philosophy discussion, and honestly just two guys trying to figure out where creativity and live art fit into the future.If you care about Lancaster music, independent venues, live shows, creativity, or just hearing how people are building meaningful things locally, you’ll enjoy this one.

This week on the Tone Tailors Podcast, Levi sits down with Logan Ressler of Samaritan Snare for one of the deepest conversations we’ve had yet about music, creativity, recording, AI, social media, and what it actually takes to survive as an artist in 2026. Follow, Listen, & Support Logan & His Work: https://linktr.ee/loganresslerLogan wears a lot of hats. He’s a freelance engineer, producer, educator, guitarist, bassist, and part of the Lancaster-based band Samaritan Snare. He also runs a solo project called Misery Merchant while mentoring the next generation of engineers at a university studio. We talk about why smaller venues sometimes create better experiences than packed clubs, how Central PA’s music scene compares to larger markets, and why some artists would rather connect deeply with 40 people than halfway with 400. Logan breaks down the band’s philosophy of “less is more” when it comes to gigging, why they avoid oversaturation, and how intentional they are with every show they play. The conversation then turns into a full deep dive on modern music culture. We get into TikTok attention spans, shorter songs, second-screen syndrome, content creation pressure, and why artists now have to become influencers just to survive. Levi and Logan also debate AI-generated music, Suno, authenticity in art, and whether technology is helping or slowly replacing creativity altogether. We also get extremely nerdy about bass tone, production workflow, studio recording, virtual amps, modern mixing, and why “fix it later” is one of the worst mindsets in music production. Logan shares how Samaritan Snare records across professional studios, home setups, and rehearsal spaces while still maintaining a high-end sound. If you’re a musician, producer, engineer, content creator, or just someone trying to understand where music is heading next, this episode is for you.Follow, Listen, & Support Logan & His Work: https://linktr.ee/loganressler

This week I sat down with Zach, better known as Dr. Nyce, for a really fun conversation about music, education, performance, and what it actually takes to build a life around being an artist.Learn More about & Listen to Dr. Nyce: Website: https://doctornyce.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.nyce/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnycepianoSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1SYK5c7OqphkmLBsFSCFQ8Upcoming Shows: https://www.facebook.com/drnycepiano/eventsWe got into the story behind the name Dr. Nyce, how his mom’s old vanity plate somehow became a full-circle moment, and how that path eventually led him to earning not one, not two, but three degrees in music. Zach breaks down his background in piano performance, his doctorate in musical arts, and why formal music education mattered to him even in a world where a lot of artists feel like college just is not the path for them.We also talked about the difference between academic study and real-world gigging, what he learned from pushing through intense contemporary music programs, and how that shaped the way he hears, plays, and interprets music now. It was a great look at how discipline, theory, and experience can all come together without killing the creative side of being an artist.Of course, we also got into his dueling pianos show, how it works, what makes it different, and why it has been connecting so well with crowds around Central PA and beyond. Zach explains the all-request format, the crowd interaction, the musicianship behind it, and how he and his partner built something that stands out in a crowded live music world.On top of that, we talked about social media for musicians, the Central Pennsylvania music scene, what venues still get wrong about booking live talent, the balance between solo work and paying gigs, his original music, his recent Central Pennsylvania Music Award win, and why recognition can be motivating without becoming the whole reason you create.If you’re a musician, a creative, or just somebody who loves hearing how artists actually make this all work, this is a great episode for you.Make sure you check out Dr. Nyce’s music, follow his upcoming shows, and keep an eye out for new releases including his upcoming Beatles piano tribute and more original music on the way this summer.And as always, if you need guitars, pedals, accessories, recording gear, keyboards, or anything else music related, make sure you stop by Tone Tailors in downtown Lancaster or shop online.Let me know if you want tags too, and I’ll knock those out next.