We had an absolute blast hanging out with Luke Trimble and his bandmates during their visit to the Top Hill Recording Podcast—up there amongst the best hangs we've had in the studio. The laid-back energy, sharp senses of humor, and deep love for Appalachian music made for a great session.Hailing from Lawrence County and raised in Paintsville, Kentucky, Luke carries the weight of a rich musical legacy. Coming from the same small town that gave us legends like Loretta Lynn, Chris Stapleton, and Tyler Childers, Luke is the next in line to carry the torch—and trust us, he’s more than ready.With a voice that grabs your attention and lyrics that cut straight to the heart, Luke brings something truly special to the Appalachian and Americana music scenes. His songs balance raw emotion with vivid storytelling, painting a picture of life in Eastern Kentucky—where heartache and hope are part of the same landscape.Whether he’s performing solo or with his band, The Shake, Luke's authenticity shines through. He's got a rare mix of humility, grit, and undeniable talent. We can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next, and we’re proud to say we got to spend some time getting to know the man behind the music. Keep an eye on this one—Luke Trimble and The Shake is the real deal.

Zac Nolan & The Bourbon Boys are a five-piece folk/country band bringing a dynamic, high-energy sound to Louisville, KY, and the surrounding region. Led by Zac Nolan, The Bourbon Boys bring an undeniable passion for music that resonates with every listener. With a mix of traditional influences and fresh originality, Zac Nolan & The Bourbon Boys are carving out their place in Kentucky’s music scene.

Davey Allen is a versatile songwriter, musician, and artist. His work is deeply rooted in the vast American songbook. Allen has played music professionally for the past 20 years, the last six with Davey and The Midnights. The band formed on the west-side of Los Angeles, California in 2017. The group immediately set out to establish themselves as one of the hardest working Americana bands in Southern California. They’ve toured up and down the Western US coast, the deserts of the Southwest, the Rocky Mountains, the cornfields of the Midwest, and through the musical heartland of the US South. Since 2021 the band has called Indianapolis, Indiana home.Davey and The Midnights have shared the stage with acts such as Kelsey Waldon, Dale Watson, Jesse Daniel, Nikki Lane, TK and the Holy Know-Nothings, the Cordovas, Cristina Vane, Chris Pierce, Rob Leines, and Izaak Opatz. Their emotionally charged, high energy performances are not to be missed. Davey has also toured extensively as a solo artist and as keyboardist for rock hall of famer Eric Burdon. In addition, he has toured as a member of the San Francisco rock band The Stone Foxes. Davey is an advocate of many social causes and has previously donated a portion of his album sales to the Dolores Huerta Foundation and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Center.

Since they started making music together in 2023, Cincinnati-based trio Alex Kasznel & the Board of Directors have developed a sound some call "surprisingly un-whiny," a style they affectionately refer to as "pop punk for grownups." Their debut album Everything's Important & Nothing Matters was released in May of 2023, and was followed up by 2 EPs: 2023's Parachute and 2024's Board Music for Bored People.The Board of Directors are working hard to foster a stronger music scene in their hometown and surrounding areas, and are always eager for opportunities to reach a wider network of audiences and other bands alike to further that mission. They have played in cities across 15 states, and have self-produced The Company Picnic Music Festival. The DIY trio are known for their energetic and witty stage presence, and their catchy music and clever lyrics.The BoD finished out 2024 with a new EP release, and have more news coming from the Boardroom soon!

With a sound as unique as their name, Katie D and the Bluegills have quickly become a beloved fixture in the Louisville, Kentucky music scene. Their blend of whimsical charm and genre-defying jazz has earned them the affectionate monikers of Flea Market Jazz and Yard Sale Swing. At the heart of the band is the dynamic Katie Didit, a vocalist and bandleader who has long been celebrated for her musicianship and dedication to the local music community. Not only is Katie a sought-after performer, but she also plays a vital role as an ambassador for Louisville’s vibrant scene, hosting one of the area’s most well-loved open mics.Katie's distinct voice sets the tone for the band's genre-bending sound—a fusion of jazz, swing, blues, and whatever else feels right in the moment. Her band, The Bluegills, are a hand-picked collection of skilled players who each bring their own personality and flair to the stage. Michael Schrader, on keys, delivers sultry and playful riffs that set the mood, while Jake Reber’s upright bass lines lay down the groove with subtle complexity. Shannon Vetter, the band’s saxophonist, adds smooth, soulful melodies, while Mikey Miller on drums brings a driving beat that keeps things swinging.Together, Katie D and the Bluegills deliver a fresh take on classic styles, blending the old with the new in a way that feels like finding a hidden gem at a yard sale—unexpected, one-of-a-kind, and full of character. Whether they’re playing a lively local venue or hosting an intimate jam session, this group is constantly pushing the boundaries of what jazz can be, all while staying deeply rooted in the community they love. Catch them live, and you’ll soon understand why Katie D and the Bluegills are a Louisville musical treasure.

Nolia Noon, an emerging indie rock band from Louisville, Kentucky, draws from a rich palette of influences, spanning the soulful storytelling of Johnny Cash and BB King to the raw energy of Nirvana and Oasis. Formed in 2021, the group initially experimented with different names and lineups before solidifying its identity in July 2022 with its current members: drummer Nick Beach, bassist John Roach, and singer/guitarist Jared Foos.

Teddy Joe is a blues/folk singer-songwriter from Louisville, Kentucky, whose music serves as a beacon of hope and understanding. Through heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies, he confronts profound themes of addiction and mental illness—topics often left in the shadows. Driven by a mission to let others know they’re not alone, Teddy Joe crafts songs that resonate deeply with listeners, offering both solace and solidarity. His raw, authentic storytelling and emotive performances create a powerful connection, reminding us all of the healing power of music.