Honky Tonk Heroes

Bill Taylor is a singer/songwriter hailing from the hollers of eastern Kentucky. With one EP and a handful of singles available for streaming, Bill Taylor and the Appalachian Heatherns (Yes spelled Heatherns) are fresh onto the Appalachian music scene. With his set at the renowned Laurel Cove Music Festival, Bill is continuing to catch the attention of folks in the region and beyond. In this episode, Bill and I discuss his life growing up as a part of the Pentecostal Church, his time spent on a reality TV show, and the experience of the Laurel Cove Music Festival. Huge thanks to Bill for joining me on the show, and to all of you for listening!

Bill Taylor and the Appalachian Heatherns Website- https://www.theappalachianheatherns.com/
Powell River Sessions- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1hQUOVResRSMDpguQPSzw
Intro/Outro song- "Honky Tonk Heroes" by Waylon Jennings

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

Colby Acuff has made quite a name for himself in the independent country scene over the past four years. From the pines of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Colby has shared stages with artists like 49 Winchester, Turnpike Troubadours, and Flatland Cavalry to name a few. He is currently on a headlining tour across the country, while opening for Luke Combs on his stadium tour as well. He recently released a single titled "Scared of the Dark," a taste of the new project Colby has been working on, all of which we discuss in this episode. Huge thanks to Colby for coming on the show, and to all of you for listening!

Intro/Outro song: Honky Tonk Heroes by Waylon Jennings
Powell River Sessions: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1hQUOVResRSMDpguQPSzw
Colby Acuff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colby_acuff/ 

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

Lillian Hackett is a 17 year old singer/songwriter out of northern Virginia. Lillian recently released her debut single, titled "Tennessee," which she also preformed on her recent appearance on the TV Show American Idol.  At the dawn of her career, Lillian and I sat down to discuss her music, her appearance on American Idol, and a multitude of other subjects. Thanks to all of you for listening and to Lillian for joining me!

Intro/Outro Song- "Honky Tonk Heroes" by Waylon Jennings
Lillian Hackett Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/lillianhackettmusic/
HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

Benjamin Tod is one of the most established names in the Americana scene. A singer/songwriter currently residing in Kentucky, he has seen success not only through his solo work, but with his group 'Lost Dog Street Band' as well. The band is releasing their first record in over 2 years on April 26th titled 'Survived.' We talk about that new project, his time spent hoping trains, his friendships with artists like Jesse Daniel, and much more on this episode. Huge thanks to Benjamin for coming on the show, and to all of you for listening!

Powell River Sessions- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1hQUOVResRSMDpguQPSzw
Benjamin Tod Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/benjamintodmusic/
Intro/Outro Song- “Honky Tonk Heroes” by Waylon Jennings

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

Tris Munsick is a country artist who grew up ranching and playing music near the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming.  He started out playing in a family band called "The Munsick Boys" which consisted of him, his father, and his two brothers, Ian and Sam. Tris eventually started his own band which has several projects available for streaming and just released a single titled "Quicksand." He has shared stages with artists such as Cody Johnson, Casey Donahew, and Marty Stuart. Huge thank you to Tris for joining me on the show this week, and to all of you for listening!

Powell River Sessions- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1hQUOVResRSMDpguQPSzw
Tris Munsick and the Innocents Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/tminnocents/
Intro/Outro Song- “Honky Tonk Heroes” by Waylon Jennings

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

Returning for his second appearance on the Honky Tonk Heroes Podcast, Sterling Drake and I sat down last week to discuss his new EP 'Jericho Sessions' amongst other things. Sterling has been punchin cows and picking tunes for a good while now and just recently took home the Ameripolitan award for Honky Tonk Male of the Year. He also has an upcoming tour through Europe that kicks off next week in Iceland. Sterling and I discuss everything above and so much more in this episode. Thanks to Sterling for joining me and thanks to all of you for listening!

Powell River Sessions
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1hQUOVResRSMDpguQPSzw
Sterling Drake Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/sterlingxdrake/?hl=en 
Intro/Outro Song- “Honky Tonk Heroes” by Waylon Jennings

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

Danno Simpson is a country music singer/songwriter out of  Colorado. He has been releasing music since 2020 and currently has 3 singles along with an EP in his catalog. The most recent release of Danno's is titled "A Hard Rain in Bozeman" which we discuss in the episode. He has opened for artists such as: The Steel Woods, 49 Winchester, and Drayton Farley to name a few.  Huge thanks to Danno for coming on the podcast and thanks to all of you for listening!

Powell River Sessions- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1hQUOVResRSMDpguQPSzw
Danno Simpson Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/dannosimpsonmusic/?hl=en
Intro/Outro Song- “Honky Tonk Heroes” by Waylon Jennings

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

Kevin Romeo and Matt Bakken are currently directing a film titled Where Ya Been? The Odyssey and Elegy of Luke Bell. The film covers the life of Luke Bell, a country artist who met an untimely death in 2022 at the age of 32. Luke earned a reputation as a mysterious guitar picker whose music still brings forth memories of Hank Williams Sr and Merle Haggard. We discuss what they have learned about Luke through the process of creating the film, discuss unreleased music from Luke, and look forward to what is coming in regards to the film's release. Thank you to all of you for listening and supporting the show!

Powell River Sessions-
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1hQUOVResRSMDpguQPSzw
Where Ya Been? Website- https://www.whereyabeenfilm.com/

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

Julia DiGrazia is a jack of all trades when it comes to music. Whether it is fiddle, guitar, banjo, or vocals, Julia has a natural talent for anything related to music. Originally from the desert of Phoenix, Arizona, Julia now calls Nashville home and plays music full-time throughout the Music City. Julia plays fiddle in Evan Honer’s band and has a solo career, currently with two singles to her name. She recently co-released three songs with Evan on a single titled “Someone You Don’t Know.” She and Evan are about to start a national tour, with Julia opening a few shows as a solo artist. Julia and I discuss everything from her journey in music to her time spent in Hawaii, and we even get into a little bit about Shark Week. Thanks to all of you for listening and Julia for joining the show.

Powell River Sessions- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1hQUOVResRSMDpguQPSzw
Julia DiGrazia Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/juliadigrazmusic/ 
Intro/Outro Song- “Honky Tonk Heroes” by Waylon Jennings

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

Zach Russell is a singer/songwriter out of Eastern Tennessee, who recently released his debut studio album, titled “Where the Flowers Meet the Dew.” Zach has been involved with music for a while, and even toured with Tyler Childers selling merch, which we discuss in the episode. For fans of Tyler, or other Appalachian artists like him, Zach’s music will be right up your alley. Zach and I discuss his new album, get a little deep talking about reincarnation, and discuss Appalachia a long with what it means to Zach to call it home. Thanks to Zach for joining the show, and to all of you for listening! 

Powell River Sessions- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1hQUOVResRSMDpguQPSzw
Zach Russell Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/itszachrussell/?hl=en 
Intro/Outro Song- “Honky Tonk Heroes” by Waylon Jennings

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

This week I sat down with country singer/songwriter, Victoria Bailey. Victoria has a solid catalog of music available for streaming at the moment, including 2 full length studio albums. Her most recent release, “A Cowgirl Rides On,” was released back in October and brings a very traditional country sound, blending elements of bluegrass and gospel. Victoria and I talk about her music, her career as a teacher, and the solace horse riding brings her, amongst other subjects.  Huge thanks to Victoria for joining the show, and to all of you for listening!

Powell River Sessions- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1hQUOVResRSMDpguQPSzw
Victoria Bailey Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/victoriabaileymusic/
Intro/Outro Song- “Honky Tonk Heroes” by Waylon Jennings

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

This episode was recorded at the inaugural Dreamy Draw Festival in Scottsdale, AZ. A few weeks ago, I sat down with Ryan Young, fiddle player for Trampled By Turtles. Ryan and I discussed everything from how he got involved with the band, what it was like to be on tour with Zach Bryan, and how Ryan learned to play fiddle in a unique way as supposed to most. Ryan has been with the band since 2006 and has traveled all over the world with Trampled By Turtles. Huge thanks to Ryan for joining the show, and to all of you for listening!

Powell River Sessions- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1hQUOVResRSMDpguQPSzw
Ryan Young Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/ryanmfyoung/
Trampled By Turtles Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/tbtduluth/
Intro/Outro Song- “Honky Tonk Heroes” by Waylon Jennings

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

Recorded at the first ever Dreamy Draw Festival, in Scottsdale, AZ, JD Clayton and I sat down for a discussion. JD is an Arkansas born singer/songwriter, who’s style blends elements of southern rock, country, and soul. He has been releasing music since 2018, but didn’t release his first full length album until earlier this year. He is currently touring that new album, which is titled “Long Way From Home.” In this episode, we discuss JD’s new album in the works, talk about when he opened for Hank Jr, and even get into a little bit of duck hunting, amongst other subjects. Thanks to Dreamy Draw and everyone involved for making this episode possible. Also, thanks to JD Clayton, and all of you for supporting!

Shady Deal Auto Sales- www.shadydealautosales.com
Powell River Sessions- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1hQUOVResRSMDpguQPSzw
JD Clayton Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jdclaytonofficial/ 
Intro/Outro Song- “Honky Tonk Heroes” by Waylon Jennings

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

This week I sat down with Caden Glover, a bluesy southern rock/country artist from Union, West Virginia. Caden currently has a single and an EP out for streaming. His EP, titled “The Cabin Session,” is full of raw, original songs, with a very southern feel to them. Caden made an appearance on American Idol earlier this year, which we talk about in this episode. Caden and I also discuss his video session with RadioWV, his old Jeep Cherokee, and gain a little insight into the production of his EP. Keep an eye out for some new music very soon from Caden. Thanks to Caden for joining the show, and for all of your support!

Shady Deal Auto Sales- www.shadydealautosales.com
Powell River Sessions-https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1hQUOVResRSMDpguQPSzw
Caden Glover Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/_cadenglover/ 
Intro/Outro Song- “Honky Tonk Heroes” by Waylon Jennings

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

This week I talked to Sterling Drake, a ranch hand in Montana and country artist. Sterling is 3 years into his solo music career, and is off to a strong start. He has several EP’s and singles currently streaming, all with a very traditional sound to them. He will be releasing a live EP, recorded at The Station Inn in Nashville, on November 10th. Sterling and I discuss western land conservation, grizzly bear encounters in Montana, and talk about various aspects of country music. Huge thanks to Sterling for coming onto the show, and to all of you for listening!

Shady Deal Auto Sales- www.shadydealautosales.com
Powell River Sessions-https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1hQUOVResRSMDpguQPSzw
Sterling Drake Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/sterlingxdrake/
Dreamy Draw Festival- https://dreamydrawfest.com 
Intro/Outro Song- “Honky Tonk Heroes” by Waylon Jennings

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

I sat down with Jesse Daniel before his show in Tucson, AZ last week. Jesse is a country music artist from Ben Lomond, California, who has a style of music similar to artists like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. Jesse currently has 3 studio albums and several singles available for streaming. His most recent release was a live album, recorded in Santa Cruz, CA at The Catalyst. Jesse and I discuss that album, hunting and fishing, and various other subjects throughout the episode.  Thank you to Jesse for coming on the show, and to all of you for listening, hope you enjoy!


Shady Deal Auto Sales- www.shadydealautosales.com
Intro/Outro song- "Honky Tonk Heroes"- Waylon Jennings
Jesse's Website- https://www.jessedanielmusic.com/ 

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

I sat down with Logan Moore and Riley Kerns from the Low Water Bridge Band this past week. They released "Siren of the Shenandoah" last Friday, the first track off of their up coming album "Back To The Valley," which will be released on November 17th. Logan is the lead singer of the band while Riley beats the drums and handles production in the studio. The guys and I discuss everything from the band's new sound to beekeeping, and even delve a little into hunting and fishing in this episode. Huge thanks to Logan and Riley for coming on the show, and to all of you guys for your support! 

Intro Song- "Honky Tonk Heroes" by Waylon Jennings 
Shady Deal Auto Sales- www.shadydealautosales.com 

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

Jimbo Valentine is a graphic designer/artist who has created over 1800 gig posters, 50 album layouts, and countless merch designs for tons of Appalachian musicians. Jimbo has done work for guys like Daniel Cain, Logan Halstead, Arlo McKinley, Drew Cable, and most notably Tyler Childers. He designed the album cover and layout for Purgatory and The Red Barn Radio albums for Childers, and the cover of Dark Black Coal for Logan Halstead to name a few of the many incredible pieces Jimbo has released over the years. We discuss the Healing Appalachia Festival, the growing opiod addiction problem in the US, and his relationship with Tyler Childers among a few other subjects. Thank you so much to Jimbo for joining, and to all of you for listening!

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

I sat down with Micah Howard, a "southern grunge" artist out of eastern Tennessee. Micah is a Marine Corps veteran and currently works as a fly fishing guide a long side his music career. He released "Cherokee Boy," his debut album, in 2019 and most recently put out a single titled "Ballad of the Chilhowee Hermit," in July.  Micah and I discussed the Marines, stoicism, and his music amongst other subjects. Thank you so much to Micah for joining the show and to all of you for listening!

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/

In this episode, Marine Corps veteran and country music/southern rock artist Justin Jeansonne and I sit down for a chat. Justin is a new addition to La Honda Records, the label that is home to artists like Colter Wall and Vincent Neil Emerson. With La Honda, Justin just put out a new southern rock style single, titled "Alabama Groove," on September 12th. Justin and I talk about everything from his new single, to his time in the Marines, and even dive into a little bit about Primitive Bowhunting, which Justin frequently takes part in. He seems to be the perfect blend of hippie and cowboy, and is sure to find even more success in the very near future. Thanks to Justin for joining, and to all of you for listening!

HTH Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/honky.tonk.heroes/
HTH Merch- https://honkytonkheroespod.com/