Americana Curious

Don't miss Bailey Bigger's Post-Show Inspiring Interview...

In this heartfelt episode, Americana artist Bailey Bigger opens up about the realities of life on the road.

As an independent musician, Bailey shares the often-overlooked challenges of touring—from sleepless nights on broken futons to the struggle of finding comfort in unfamiliar towns.

Yet, amidst the hardships, she brings an undeniable joy: connecting with fans in places she’s never been before. ❤️

We sat down with Bailey right after her show to dive into her journey, discussing her unique influences (hello, Joni Mitchell vibes!) and how her voice and artistry have evolved, drawing from her Memphis roots.

Her passion for creating music is truly inspiring.

🎸 Why listen?

This episode isn’t just for music fans—it’s for anyone chasing a dream.

Bailey’s commitment to her new album, Resurrection Fern, and her devotion to fans is powerful.

Join us for a raw and refreshing look at the life behind the songs. 🎙️

Learn more about Baily Bigger here: https://www.baileybigger.com/

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

The Down Home Americana Journey with Ryan Jennings of Teddy and the Rough Riders

Ready for an unforgettable ride through the heart of Americana? In this episode, we’re joined by Ryan Jennings, co-founder of Teddy and the Rough Riders, as he reveals the stories behind their unique twist on Americana music.

From attic jam sessions in Knoxville to the stage, Ryan brings us along on a journey of friendship, creativity, and collaboration that’s as refreshing as it is nostalgic.

Get ready to dive into the band's fusion of country, rock, and a dash of psychedelia, all captured in their latest album Down Home. Ryan gives us a peek behind the curtain of their band name—a nod to the dynamic duo spirit he shares with bandmate Jack—and sheds light on the deeper meaning behind their “honky tonk meets rock” vibe. Along the way, Rye's humor and honest reflections bring to life the trials and triumphs of navigating today’s music scene, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

With stories of late-night songwriting sessions, the grit of being named Austin’s best honky tonk group, and the unbreakable bond they’ve built through music, this episode is packed with the spirit of Americana that fans crave. Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or new to the genre, this conversation is a heartfelt invitation to explore the sounds and stories that shape the soul of American music.

You'll also Discover:

Where Country and Rock Meet Psychedelia.

The Band's Alter Ego in Harmony.

How They Break the Stereotypes.

Their Musical Journey.

Raw Rock Energy: Live from the Bar.

Their Songs Through Struggle & The Band’s Creative Dedication.

Learn more about Teddy and the Rough Riders here: https://teddyandtheroughriders.com/

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

🎶 Three Concerts That Transformed Our Lives 🎶

In this special episode of Americana Curious, we reveal the unforgettable concerts that transformed our lives.

From a legendary folk icon who redefined storytelling...

...to a larger-than-life rock band that filled stadiums with raw energy....

...and a surprise festival set that turned strangers into lifelong friends.

We share the moments that ignited our love for live music.

Along the way, you'll hear stories of:

...late-night singalongs

...boundary-pushing performances

...an emotional tribute to a beloved songwriter whose music became a source of comfort and healing.

Get ready to be pulled into the heart of these iconic concerts—and maybe reflect on the shows that shaped our own musical journey.

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

Make Your Own Scene like Steve Poltz..the most interesting person in every room.

He's a true pioneer who believes in forging your own musical destiny—and WOW, has he done just that!

Steve’s journey began with the underground sensation The Rugburns in San Diego, but he truly burst onto the scene when he co-wrote two tracks for Jewel’s diamond-certified debut, Pieces of You. Ever heard of the iconic hit “You Were Meant For Me”? That’s Steve you can spot in the video!

His 1998 solo debut, One Left Shoe, set the stage for a rich catalog filled with evocative lyrics and a blend of positivity and tragicomedy. This unique style has turned him into a live performance phenomenon, adored by fans at festivals like Byron Bay Bluesfest, High Sierra Music Festival, and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival—he even tied the knot on the Cayamo Cruise!

Steve’s collaborations read like a who's who of the music industry, working alongside talents like Jewel, Billy Strings, and the late Mojo Nixon. With over a dozen albums under his belt, he continues to earn critical acclaim from outlets like Rolling Stone and Billboard.

As Steve says, “Usually when these folks come over to my house in Nashville, we end up with something I love. I try not to overthink it—there are no rules. It’s kind of like fishing; you don’t catch anything if you don’t throw your rod in the water. I just try to be open to inspiration, mixed with a bit of perspiration and exasperation.”

You’ll Also Discover

Steve’s Powerful Life Philosophy.

What He Learned Watching Springsteen on Broadway.

A Band that Influential in his Life.

The Original Alt Country.

Tech that Accelerated His Success.

The Legendary Rugburns.

How Weird Al and Steve Inspired Each Other.

A Collaboration that Surprised Him.

The Song that Got Him Kicked Out of Catholic Mass..

The Massive Hit He Wrote with Jewel.

How Having a Stroke on Stage Changed Him.

His Cathartic Music.

Steve’s Next Album.

How Steve Led Executives in a Song-Writing Workshop.

Learn more about Steve here: https://poltz.com/

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

Avry Truex, a rising star in the Americana music scene, shares the harrowing moment that launched his musical career.

You'll hear his unique journey from being a dedicated collegiate athlete to becoming a passionate songwriter and performer.

With an eclectic sound influenced by legends like John Prine and Sturgill Simpson, Avry emphasizes the importance of absorbing the good qualities from those around him.

His incredibly candid reflections on creativity, personal growth, and the challenges of navigating the music industry reveal a profound connection to his art.

You'll be intrigued by his thoughts on songwriting, including the impact of life experiences on his music.

Dive into this engaging conversation to discover how Avery's distinctive style and heartfelt lyrics are shaping his path in the world of Americana.

Avry’s debut album "Pine Tree Poetry," is slated for release this fall!

You'll also Discover:

The Powerful Idea a Coach Instilled in Him.

From Sports to Full Throttle Music.

Over 75 Unreleased Songs.

A HOT New England Americana Scene.

Sturgill Simpson Inspiration.

A Story Behind One of His Songs.

Pinetree Poetry.

The Moment that Changed His Life .

Learn more about Avry here: https://www.avrytruexmusic.com/

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

Harmony Over Hardship

Ashtyn Barbaree is known for her soul-stirring vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and electrifying performances.

She shares the tragedy that inspired songs on her new album plus the hope she derived from crafting and performing them.

You'll also here about her incredible career and music journey....and she's just getting started1

Ashtyn hails from Fayetteville, Arkansas/ Her journey kicked off with a bang when her self-titled debut EP was recorded at none other than John Prine’s Butcher Shoppe, which launched her on her first European tour in 2018! 

Fast forward to 2022, she dropped her first full-length album, Better Luck Next Time, recorded in Nashville, earning rave reviews across the board.

Ashtyn has toured relentlessly, sharing the stage with powerhouses like Jason Boland, William Clark Green, Arkansauce, and Adeem the Artist. 

And on October 25th, she’s releasing her brand-new album Sent Through The Ceiling, which promises a beautiful blend of self-discovery, resilience, and all the highs and lows life throws at us, inspired by the Ozarks and her own experiences.

With a unique mix of folk, rock, pop, and country, Ashtyn’s music is powerful, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her with us today. Let’s dive in!

You'll also discover...

Ashtyn’s Regular SIX-HOUR Gig at 12 Year’s Old!

The Action that Drove her Early Success.

The Cat Power Cover that Was her First Song to Play.

Her Biggest Influences.

How She Performed 300 Shows a Year in College…at Age 16!

A Story of Music Collaboration at AmericanaFest in Nashville.

Her Heartfelt Song Inspired from Tragedy.

 The Legendary Musician Who Walked In During Her Recording at John Prine’s Butcher Shoppe.

The Incredible Story of her First European Tour (for her first album)

How She Negotiated Contracts in Different Languages for Her Tour.

Rules for Phones at Shows

How to Help an Artist

NPR Inspired Songs

Learn more about Ashytn here: https://www.ashtynbarbaree.com/

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

Eli Waltz stays true to his artistic vision...

...and this drives a captivating conversation with this standout figure in the contemporary Americana scene.

Eli's had an extraordinary journey as a folk musician, shaped by a myriad of cultural influences.

He shares his transformative experiences as a working musician in China—where he didn’t just perform in bars and busk on the streets, but also absorbed a rich tapestry of musical traditions that would shape his distinctive sound.

Discover how he defines the essence of Americana music, championing raw, unfiltered performances that resonate deeply with both artists and audiences.

Eli's philosophy on music production is refreshing: he champions authenticity, preferring the spontaneity of live takes to the polish of studio recordings. With nods to legends like Bob Dylan, he passionately discusses the beauty of imperfections in folk music.

Expect to hear engaging anecdotes that highlight the challenges and triumphs he’s encountered along his musical path, all while exploring the emotional depth woven into his songwriting.

We also touche on Eli's musical inspirations, from the profound impact of Townes Van Zandt to the philosophical echoes of the Beat poets.

One particularly intriguing moment revolves around his song “Tibetan Bones,” which draws from a transformative travel experience in Tibet, revealing how personal journeys fuel powerful artistic expression.

Plus, don’t miss the surprise twist: an unexpected endorsement from Paul McCartney that highlights the serendipitous nature of artistic recognition and connection.

This is a heartfelt exploration of staying true to your artistic vision and the inspiration that surrounds us all. This is a must-listen for fans of Americana and folk music—trust us, you won’t want to miss it!

You’ll Also Discover

Busking in China

A Melting Point of Music

Eli’s Favorite Cover to Play 

How Managing a Cocktail Bar Influences his Music

What Sir Paul McCartney said about Eli’s Music

Why He Prefers Live Performances for Albums

The Eli Waltz Legacy

An Incredible HARMONICA JAM

Learn more about Eli here: https://www.eliwaltz.com/

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

Ghost Hounds are putting blues rock back on the map.

Their style of blues inspired rock proves the genre is not only alive but thriving for the next generation of rock fans.

Having just wrapped up touring with the Rolling Stones, you'll hear their stories from the road and the incredible background.

They have released four studio albums to date.

They've also supported legendary acts including ZZ Top, Garth Brooks, Guns N Roses, and Bob Seger on tour.

Here you'll hear directly from lead singer SAVNT and guitarist Tyler Chiarelli and discover:

Behind-the-scenes of their most recent music video.

What you can expect from a Ghost Hounds live show.

The Lead Singer Workout Routine

Work-Life Balance on the Road

How SAVNT Performed a 90-Minute Set after only three weeks with the Band!

What it's like Opening for the Rolling Stones.

How to Manifest Your Dreams.

A Misconception about the Band.

How to Command Energy with the Music.

Soul Inspiration from Patty Griffin.

Learn more about Ghost Hounds here: https://www.ghosthounds.com/

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

Humor and Heart

John Craigie is “A Modern-Day Troubadour” in the vein of Woody Guthrie, and blends comedic storytelling reminiscent of Mitch Hedberg with the spirit of musical legends like John Prine, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and Bob Dylan.

Born in Los Angeles and a UC Santa Cruz grad with a math degree, Craigie started playing local shows in Santa Cruz, leading to his 2009 breakthrough album Montana Tale. Known for captivating live performances, he's shared stages with Jack Johnson, Gregory Alan Isakov, and the Avett Brothers.

With nine studio albums, multiple live and cover records under his belt, Craigie just released another live album, Greatest Hits… Just Kidding… Live – No Hits out right now!

You'll also discover:

His Epic Newport Beatles Jam.

Finding Your Roadside Inspiration.

Craigie's Music, Unfiltered.

How He Creates the Crowd Connection.

His Pre-Show Ritual.

A Secret for Crafting a Comedic Song.

The Roadside Recording with Langhorne Slim.

A John Craigie Essential.

Learn more about Craigie here: https://johncraigie.com/

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

Pure Power Americana

Griffin William Sherry, former frontman of The Ghost of Paul Revere, returns with an electrifying solo debut that’s as raw and passionate as it is inspiring.

Rooted in the rugged landscapes of New England, Griffin’s new album blends modern catharsis with the timeless soul of American myth. His signature style fuses Folk, Americana, and Rock & Roll, creating music that is visceral, heartfelt, and unapologetically loud.

Griffin first captured our hearts as co-founder of The Ghost of Paul Revere, an independent band that soared to success with acclaimed releases, sold-out tours, and millions of streams. He built a music festival, graced national television, and spent 17 years writing songs that resonated with fans across the country.

Now, with Hundred Mile Wilderness set to release on September 20th, Griffin embarks on a bold new chapter. His solo debut is a testament to his growth as an artist, and the album promises to deliver the same fire and authenticity that have defined his career. Get ready for a powerhouse tour in support of this transformative record!

What You’ll Discover…

The Story Behind Writing the Maine State Ballad

Two Years to Write One Song

Defining “Holler Folk” Music

The Album that Inspired Him at an Early Age

The Secret Pop Up Show

How He Maintains HIGH ENERGY On Stage

The Power of Creating in Nashville

A Colorful Song from the Road

Best Dive Restaurants on Tour

What It’s Like Opening for Trampled by Turtles

“Rye or Die” Whiskey

Surprising Maine Trivia

The Band Inspiring Him Now

Learn more about Griffin and his music here: https://www.griffinwilliamsherry.com/

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

A 24 Karat Connection

Dive into the captivating story of Golden Everything, the husband-wife duo of Jackie Berkley and Zach Schmidt, whose genuine connection powerfully shines through in their music.

You'll hear how a happy accident led to the creation of their debut album, "Sweet Old World," and the unique process that allowed them to find their distinct sound.

Then you'll uncover the struggles and growth that defined their musical collaboration, along with the role models who sparked their creativity and shaped their path.

Get a glimpse into the personal stories and emotions that have shaped their songwriting, and learn about their exciting plans for the future, including a new addition to their family.

This interview offers a heartwarming and insightful look into the lives and artistry of Golden Everything.

SWEET OLD WORLD, the debut album from GOLDEN EVERYTHING, will be available in September 13th 

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You’ll Also Discover:

The Moment They Discover the Golden Everything Sound.

A Love Story at Santa's Pub.

Creating Magic as a Married Duo.

Lessons Learned from Shovels & Rope.

The Art of Open Book Songwriting.

What They Wish Fans Knew.

Opening for Langhorne Slim: Their Story.

Inside Their Post-Show Ritual.

Playing the Newport: Folk Festival.

Learn more about Golden Everything here: https://www.zachschmidtmusic.com/

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0YVNiG96LiXLu5LRUEtWlC

Listen on Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/golden-everything/1729501230

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

Loss, Love, and Loneliness

Get inspired by Bob Sumner. Who melds those "3 L's" into a powerful Countrypolitan Album coming soon called called Some Place To Rest Easy.

It’s a mix of country and ambient music that combines the classic sound of Randy Travis with the heartfelt lyrics of Big Thief’s Adrienne Lenker, blending old and new styles.

Bob’s goal is simple: bring something real.

Whether it’s lifting your spirits or making you think, Bob's music make a difference.

Tune in to hear more about his amazing journey and his new album!

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Bob grew up in a small town called White Rock, British Columbia, just a hop across the border from the U.S.

Bob’s musical journey started with his family. His grandpa was a jazz guitarist who played gigs on the side, and his mom grew up playing gospel music on the piano.

But the biggest influence on Bob was his brother. Together, they were known as the Sumner Brothers and made music for over 20 years, always trying new things and pushing boundaries.

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You'll also discover:

The Sounds of Countrypolitan Music, Explained.

The Intense Story Behind his Music.

How a Fun Dance Went Viral.

The Feedback and Insights He Receives from his Audience.

Origin of “Dublin Blues”.

The Rules of Playing the Bluebird Cafe.

A Colorful Road Trip Story.

Bob Sumner Festival Lineup.

Learn more about Bob here: https://bobsumnermusic.com/

Jamgrass Psychedelic Energy!

INTO THE FOG -- This psychedelic jamgrass band from Raleigh, North Carolina, is redefining the newgrass scene with timeless songwriting, tight harmonies, and progressive instrumentation.

With Winston Mitchell on mandolin, Derek Lane on bass, and Connor Kozlosky on guitar—all sharing vocal duties—their sound is a powerful blend of bluegrass, funk, and everything in between.

Their live shows are legendary, showcasing their instrumental prowess and pushing the boundaries of the genre. They’ve opened for icons like Sam Bush and Keller and The Keels, and they’re gearing up for the release of their third studio album, Carolina Moon, OUT NOW!

You'll also discover:

A wild story from the road.

The mysterious instrument in their songs.

The secret behind an epic jam.

The story behind “Carolina Calling,” “Sore Loser,” and “Hoagie’s Voyage”.

Get ready to dive into the musical world of Into the Fog—where every note tells a story and every show is an experience. 🌙🎸

Learn more about Into The Fog here; https://intothefogmusic.com

And....

Don't forget to follow Americana Curious over on Instagram where you'll find highlights, outtakes, and giveaways!

https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

RUSTIC AND RIGHTEOUS

Joshua Quimby, a 23-year-old folk singer-songwriter redefining Americana music, emerges from the serene woods of eastern Connecticut

Now thriving in Nashville, Tennessee, Joshua fuses powerhouse vocals, raw, emotive lyrics, and masterful folk-blues guitar into a sound that's both timeless and trailblazing.

Inspired by legends like Bob Dylan, Hank Williams Sr., and John Prine, he channels their spirit while forging his own path.

His music is a potent blend of tradition and originality, delivered with a gravelly, impassioned voice that pulls you into his vivid, introspective world.

Joshua’s latest album, Back Home, released in May 2024, showcases his exceptional talent with a collection of folk and Americana tracks that are both haunting and exhilarating.

Get ready to experience his spellbinding live performances too as he's on tour RIGHT NOW, bringing his compelling stories and unwavering passion to audiences across the U.S.

You’ll Also Discover:

The story behind His Incredible voice.

How got the Americana bug in New England.

Playing guitar at 10 years old.

A colorful story from the road.

How to pick an opener.

A misconception people have about Joshua’s music

Cannabis, tattoos, and high Life.

The first song he ever strummed.

Where his creative energy comes from.

Trucker Hat Collection...YES!

13 artists influencing him now.

“Dad” Metal

His dream collaboration

The moment he became a full-time musician

Joshua’s favorite Nashville music venue.

Learn more about Josh's music and tour here: https://www.joshuaquimby.com/

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The Funky Allman Masterpiece

DEVON ALLMAN, the fierce songwriter, guitarist, and bandleader, shares the incredible story and inspiration behind his new album Miami Moon, a fresh perspective on music, and road tales from his epic career...

-Three solo albums.

-Founding member of The Allman Betts Band that includes the sons of three founding members of the Allman Brothers Band – Devon Allman (son of Gregg Allman), Duane Betts (son of Dickey Betts), and Berry Duane Oakley (son of Berry Oakley).

-A recent WORLD RECORD for fastest time to play a concert in each 50 states by successfully performing 50 shows in 49 days!

-Founder and bandleader of the Honeytribe.

-The Royal Southern Brotherhood, a blues rock supergroup.

WOW! 

You'll also discover:

The epic story behind his world record tour!

His new approach to songwriting on Miami Moon.

The Curtis Mayfield inspiration and his favorite song.

How he assembled a funk dream team.

The colorful story behind "White Horse."

Recording at a legendary studio for his new album.

The irreplaceable power of live music.

The story behind his dog's name.

The most powerful live-music venue and fans.

A secluded must-visit venue in Norway.

Balancing the Allman Brothers legacy with his own career.

The "5-Headed Beast" of music.

A memorable Opry moment with Maggie Rose.

How a voice memo shaped his new album.

Learn more about Devon here: https://devonallmanproject.com/

Subscribe to the Podcast and Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious/

The Viral Voice

Madison Hughes is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse in the Americana music scene, firmly rooted in Nashville.

Her career has already seen incredible moments, including a sensational three-chair turn on The Voice with her stunning rendition of Bob Dylan’s classic, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”

She also took the internet by storm with her electrifying cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark,” which amassed an impressive 8 million views on Instagram.

Her single, “You or the Whiskey,” also earned a coveted spot on Billboard’s “7 Must-Hear Country Songs,” highlighting her growing influence in the industry.

In 2024, she released her critically acclaimed EP, Goodbye to Neverland, and is set to continue her rise with an eagerly anticipated album dropping this Fall.

Billboard raves about Hughes, noting, “Florida native Hughes’ delightfully husky voice is underpinned by an understated, yet hook-driven melody, offering high hit potential.”

You'll Also Discover:

Recording an Album After "The Voice" Triumph

Crafting an Unforgettable Covers Album.

Duet with AC Alumni Jack McKeon.

The Power of Crossing Musical Genres.

Opening the NFL Season with the National Anthem.

Thriving at Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

Bold Career Risks and Rewards.

The Madison Hughes Music Festival.

Inside the Music Business.

Her First Festival at Age 14.

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Learn More About Madison Here: https://madisonhughes.com/

Follow Madison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious?igsh=NGVlazN0OHQ2dGtx&utm_source=qr

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POWER HARMONY

Trousdale is a powerful female band consisting of Quinn D’Andrea, Georgia Greene, and Lauren Jones. Based in Los Angeles, Trousdale was founded during their time at the University of Southern California's Popular Music program.

Their melodic and heartfelt harmonies are often compared to The Chicks and The Staves, but the girls draw inspiration from a wide array of music, including Crosby Stills and Nash, Kacey Musgraves and HAIM. 

Driven by their passion to empower young women, Trousdale is committed to making quality music that spreads a message of self-acceptance and love. 

Their debut album Out Of My Mind came out in September 2023 with a deluxe edition recently released.

They’ve been featured on NPR Live Sessions and at Bonnaroo.

You'll Discover:

The Moment the Powerful Harmony of Trousdale Came Together.

The Real School of Rock.

What It’s Like Playing Bonnaroo.

Writing with Natalie Hemby.

Why Go to Nashville to Write.

How they Became Great Musical Collaborators..

The Story Behind their Hit “If I’m Honest”, “Always Joni”, and "Do Re Me".

Heartbreak and Joni Mitchell..

The DELUXE Album..

Performing Fleetwood Mac to the MAX..

THE Trousdale Music Festival.

Learn more here: https://www.trousdalemusic.com/

LOUDEST THREE PIECE YOU'VE EVER HEARD

Get inspired by Mike Belazis from the incredible band OLIVER HAZARD…..

They are a Waterville, OH indie-folk trio and it's the digital age’s version of classic band myth making. 

One member of the band came home to Ohio after leading camping trips in California and decided to make an album with two childhood friends. 

They won a Facebook raffle to record one song at a studio. Instead, they played their whole album straight through once, resulting in their debut LP 34 N River (2018) 

The band consists of ​​Michael Belazis (vocals, guitar), Nate Miner (vocals, keys) and Devin East (vocals, guitar) – all singers, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, who share an organic connection in the craft — sensibilities that yield music that's harmonic, haunting and also ambitious and surprising.

You'll discover...

How a Contest Lead to an EPIC Album.

The Surprising Way the Name Oliver Hazard Helped Grow their Audience.

The Amazing Story of Realizing a Dream to Kick Off Newport Folk Festival.

The Cult Conversation Among Oliver Hazard Fans.

Why They Refused to Play Music Venues Initially.

100+ Living Room Concerts, and How This Built a Fan Base.

A Big Misconception People Have About Their Music.

What It’s Like Curating Your Own Music Festival.

The Colorful Stories Behind “The Flood” and “Ballerina”.

What is “Americana”.

The Oliver Hazard Legacy

Learn more here: https://www.olihazard.com/

Burners and Heart Breakers

American Aquarium's BJ Barham, prolific songwriter, legendary live performer, and fierce band leader, shares a powerful and inspirational message in his interview on Americana Curious.

The band formed in 2006 in Raleigh, North Carolina, and BJ derived the band's name from the Wilco song, “I am trying to break your heart”. 

They’ve released 9 studio albums including their critically acclaimed  Burn. Flicker. Die produced by Jason Isbell and Lamentations produced by Shooter Jennings. 

Their 10th studio album, again teaming up with Shooter Jennings, The Fear of Standing Still comes out July 26th.

You'll also discover:

Why he declined his first invitation to the Opry.

What It's like playing The Ryman…TWICE.

The key to writing a powerful set list.

A song twist that will break your heart.

What he learned from staying hours after shows to meet fans.

How he inspired THIS podcast.

The magic of working with Shooter Jennings. 

The secret benefit from launching multiple albums during the Pandemic.

How to raise the next generation of Americana fans.

Find American Aquarium and BJ Barham here: http://www.americanaquarium.com/

Gulf Coast Guitar, Flyrods, and Heartfelt Lyrics

While Leon Majcen grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida, he’s the son of Bosnian war refugees who fled their homeland in search of a better life for their children.

From a young age, Leon was drawn to the power of storytelling through music, particularly the work of artists like Townes Van Zandt, John Prine, Bob Dylan, and Guy Clark.

He played local bars in high school, then went to school at NYU where he also played shows.

Then he made his way back to Florida to the commercial fishing docks and then made the jump to Nashville. 

Since arriving in Nashville, Leon has continued to develop his unique blend of Americana, folk, and country music, drawing on his experiences and his love of the outdoors to craft songs that are both poignant and powerful. 

With his heartfelt lyrics, soulful voice, and deft guitar work, Leon has built a strong following in Music City and beyond. 

He released his self-titled album is now out.. Loaded up with a guitar and a couple fly rods, Leon travels around the country sharing his songs and stories, looking for the next great fishing spot along the way.

You’ll Discover:

How he Found John Prine.

What It was Like Playing Open Mics at Age 11.

Zach’s Tattoo.

The Story behind World Gone Buy and Mangrove Shores.

How Fishing Inspires Music.

The Art of Creating Timeless Music..

Carp Fishing in Texas.

Leon Goes Electric.

Learn more about Leon and his music here: https://leonmajcen.com/home