Americana Curious

Latest Episodes:

Andrew Sa | Who Gets to Belong in Americana Music? Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Sa grew up obsessed with Patsy Cline. Today, he’s challenging one of country music’s oldest assumptions: who gets to belong.

The Chicago country artist’s debut album, American Rough, blends the sounds of classic country with deeply personal songs about love, masculinity, identity, and belonging. And Andrew isn’t asking permission to be part of the genre: “I’m not separate and I’m not different and I belong there.”

Andrew joins Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz to share the childhood story behind his connection to sad country songs, how Rufus Wainwright gave him “permission to have this dream,” and the unforgettable moment Lavender Country’s Patrick Haggerty grabbed him by the shoulders and told him, “I see you now.”

They also dig into the meaning behind American Rough, building bridges through music, where queer country fits within Americana, and Andrew’s upcoming opportunity to honor John Prine at the Chicago Theatre.

It’s a conversation about finding your voice, claiming your place, and why the best country music can make room for more stories...not fewer.

Neil Young Called Me: The Remarkable Story of Chris Pierce Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Chris Pierce was playing a corporate gig in a dark corner where nobody was listening when his phone rang. The caller represented Neil Young, and Neil wanted Chris to open his tour.

But Chris’s fight for music started decades earlier.

At 15, he suddenly lost his hearing. Surgery restored about 50% in one ear, and Chris made a choice that has defined his life and career: keep fighting for the thing he loves.

Chris joins Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz on Americana Curious to share that journey, along with the childhood experience that shaped the fighting spirit in his songs, the unforgettable Newport Folk Festival ovation that brought him to tears, and what he learned sharing stages with Neil Young, B.B. King, Seal and Steve Earle.

Chris also takes us inside his new album, Songs for the Heavy Hearted, including “First Day of School,” “A Soft Place to Land,” and the deeply personal story behind recording “Two Angels” with Steve Earle.

It’s a conversation about music, resilience, purpose, generosity, and refusing to surrender to fear.

Follow Americana Curious for more conversations with the artists, songwriters and unsung heroes shaping Americana music.

Newport Folk Festival - What REALLY Happens Aug 23, 2026

Show notes

Newport Folk Festival is famous for the unexpected. You never quite know who might walk onstage.

This year, Dave Matthews made his first-ever Newport appearance, joining a long tradition of unforgettable surprises that has included James Taylor, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton and more.

In this episode of Americana Curious, Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz pull back the curtain on what really happens at Newport Folk Festival—the surprise guests, spontaneous collaborations, intimate aftershows, and the community of music lovers that makes Newport unlike any other festival.

You'll hear what it was like when Dave Matthews suddenly appeared, why some of the world's biggest artists treat Newport differently, and why the festival sells out before a single artist is announced.

Plus, Ben and Zach share some of their favorite Newport moments and explain why the real magic may not be the artists onstage at all—it's the people who come back year after year.

Follow Americana Curious for more stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that make Americana music special.

Twin Fin | How Hawaii Created One of Americana's Fastest-Rising Bands Aug 16, 2026

Show notes

How does a band from Hawaii become one of Americana's fastest-rising groups?

In this episode of Americana Curious, Ben Fanning sits down backstage with Twin Fin just before their sold-out show at Charleston's Pour House for a candid conversation about the unlikely journey that brought them here.

From Coast Guard careers and backyard jam sessions to building a loyal fan base across the country, the band shares how the spirit of aloha, deep friendships, and a passion for great songwriting have fueled their remarkable rise.

You'll hear:

Why Hawaii—not Nashville—became the perfect place to build a band
How Twin Fin grew from local shows to sold-out venues across America
The sacrifices and risks behind pursuing music full time
The story behind their album Songs I Never Wrote
Why creating unforgettable live experiences matters more than anything else

Whether you're already a Twin Fin fan or discovering them for the first time, this conversation offers an authentic look at the people behind one of Americana's most exciting new bands.

Americana Curious explores the artists, stories, festivals, and traditions shaping today's Americana music scene through in-depth conversations with the musicians creating it

How Phillip Phillips Found Success Beyond American Idol Aug 09, 2026

Show notes

What happens after you've already achieved the dream?

Phillip Phillips captured America's heart by winning American Idol, releasing "Home"—the biggest-selling winner's single in the show's history—and touring alongside legends like John Mayer and Bruce Springsteen. But behind the success was a deeper journey: discovering that fame wasn't the finish line.

In this episode of Americana Curious, hosts Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz sit down with Phillip for one of his most candid conversations yet. He shares why Home didn't initially feel like his own song, how becoming an independent artist allowed him to reclaim his music, and why fatherhood has completely transformed the way he defines success.

Phillip also opens up about:

The surprising truth behind recording "Home"
Why owning his music became more important than chasing bigger fame
Touring with John Mayer and sharing the stage with Bruce Springsteen
How Dave Matthews shaped his unique guitar style
Why he completely reimagines classic songs instead of simply covering them
The balancing act of being an independent musician, husband, and father
The stories behind his upcoming music, including songs inspired by his children

Whether you've followed Phillip since American Idol or are just discovering his music, this conversation is an inspiring reminder that sometimes the greatest success comes after redefining what success really means.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why Phillip Phillips struggled to connect with "Home" at first

• How he reclaimed ownership of his biggest songs

• What touring with music legends taught him about performing

• Why family changed his career priorities forever

• How he's approaching songwriting differently than ever before

• What success means to him today

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

02:34 – Winning American Idol and the story behind "Home"

05:14 – The pressure after massive success

08:14 – Re-recording "Home" and owning his music

11:10 – Life as an independent artist

13:23 – Fatherhood changes everything

20:19 – Behind the scenes of American Idol

23:01 – The Masked Singer and reinventing songs

32:43 – Dave Matthews' influence

38:48 – Touring with John Mayer & Bruce Springsteen

43:00 – What success means today

🎙️ Subscribe to Americana Curious for authentic conversations with the artists shaping Americana, folk, roots, country, and independent music.

Where Does Live Music Still Feel Personal? Aug 02, 2026

Show notes

Do bigger venues create bigger experiences—or do they take us further away from the music?

In this episode of Americana Curious, Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz debate whether arenas have changed the live music experience for the worse and share the intimate venues that have left the biggest impression on them.

From Charleston's beloved Pour House and Nashville's legendary Robert's Western World to First Avenue in Minneapolis, Red Rocks, the Ryman Auditorium, and hidden gems you've probably never heard of, they explore why some venues create unforgettable nights while others simply host concerts.

Along the way, they share stories about seeing artists like John Prine, Brandi Carlile, Charlie Crockett, American Aquarium, Mount Joy, Hiss Golden Messenger, Mason Jennings, and many more—and explain why discovering music in small venues may be one of the best investments any music fan can make.

In this episode you'll discover:

Why small venues often create deeper connections between artists and audiences
The independent venues every Americana fan should visit
How outdoor venues transform the live music experience
Bucket-list music destinations across America
Why supporting local venues helps keep live music alive for future generations

Whether you're planning your next concert road trip or simply looking for your next favorite venue, this episode will inspire you to get closer to the music—and stay curious.

Also follow us and join the conversation on Instagram and YouTube.

Hiss Golden Messenger | How MC Taylor Found His Voice Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

How does an artist find a voice that feels unmistakably their own—and write songs that hold both hope and heartbreak at the same time?

In this episode of Americana Curious, hosts Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz sit down with MC Taylor, singer, songwriter, producer, and bandleader of Hiss Golden Messenger.

Across more than a dozen studio albums and a Grammy-nominated career, MC has become one of the defining voices in modern Americana. But finding that voice took years of searching, experimenting, and learning to trust his own instincts.

MC shares the story behind Hiss Golden Messenger, explains how fatherhood transformed both his songwriting and his leadership as an artist, and reflects on why his music explores spirit without offering easy answers. He also discusses the power of intimate live music, the importance of community, and why songs can communicate emotions that conversations often cannot.

Chapters:

00:00 - Why it took years to find his voice

02:05 - The turning point that led to Hiss Golden Messenger

03:34 - Finally creating the sound he'd been chasing

04:44 - The meaning behind the name Hiss Golden Messenger

06:56 - Why his music is about spirit—not religion

09:29 - Faith, hope, and rejecting beliefs used as weapons

10:41 - How he writes hopeful songs during difficult times

15:01 - The meaning behind I'm People

17:25 - Why music can say what conversations can't

19:48 - The punk shows that changed his life forever

22:43 - Why collaboration matters in Americana music

27:47 - How becoming a father helped him find his voice

32:23 - The questions driving his songwriting today

35:00 - The future of independent live music and house shows

39:23 - What legacy he hopes Hiss Golden Messenger leaves behind

Hiss Golden Messenger is the musical project of MC Taylor, whose blend of folk, rock, country, soul, and spiritual storytelling has earned a Grammy nomination and made him one of the most respected voices in Americana. Through more than a dozen acclaimed albums, he has built a career defined by authenticity, emotional depth, and a relentless commitment to creating timeless music.

Check out Hiss Golden Messenger's latest album, I'm People, and catch them on tour.

🔔 Support the Podcast

If you love conversations with the artists shaping Americana music, be sure to like this video, leave a comment, and subscribe to the channel.

Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Follow Americana Curious on Instagram: @AmericanaCurious

#HissGoldenMessenger #MCTaylor #AmericanaMusic #SingerSongwriter #FolkMusic #RootsMusic #MusicPodcast #AmericanaCurious

Reckless Kelly: They Rejected Nashville to Build a 30-Year Indie Career | Willy Braun Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

How does an independent band stay true to its roots, resist industry pressure, and survive for over three decades?

In this episode of Americana Curious, hosts Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz sit down with Willy Braun, frontman and lead singer of the legendary country-rock band Reckless Kelly.

Long before sold-out shows and a devoted following, the band survived by pooling "Band Bucks," sleeping on bar floors, and driving a banged-up $1,500 Suburban.

Willie opens up about their early days playing seven nights a week in Austin, getting a stamp of approval from icons like Joe Ely and Robert Earl Keen, and why they famously walked away from major Nashville labels who wanted them to "smooth out" their sound.

In this episode, we dive into:

The "Band Bucks" Days: Surviving poverty and keeping a band together when you have no money to fight over.
The TikTok Trap: Willie’s brutally honest advice to young musicians on why mastering your craft matters more than chasing viral moments.
Alternate Roots: The story behind their new album and why they decided to re-record their classic crowd-pleasers.
On Stage with Heroes: What it's really like to transition from a childhood fan to becoming the official backing band for Steve Earle and Joe Ely.

Grab a cold one and get ready to get Americana curious!

Connect with Reckless Kelly:

Check out the new album Alternate Roots
Grab tickets to the Braun Brothers Reunion Festival

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please take 30 seconds to follow the show on Spotify, rate us, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help more music lovers discover the power of Americana!

Mason Jennings: Turning Down Rick Rubin, Battling Agoraphobia, and Chasing Truth Over Fame Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a musician completely rejects the corporate machine?

In this episode of Americana Curious, Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz sit down with singer-songwriter Mason Jennings to discuss his incredible 30-year independent career.

Mason opens up about why he walked away from major label record deals, what it was really like working with (and turning down) Rick Rubin, his fun connection to Prince, and his internal battle with crippling agoraphobia and panic attacks on tour.

Whether you are an independent musician navigating the modern landscape of Soundcloud and AI or a fan of real, raw, road-worn music, this conversation explores what it truly means to protect your creative spirit at all costs.

💡 STUFF WE TALKED ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:

• Turning down a million-dollar major label deal

• The truth about working with Rick Rubin (and the pitch-black Warner Bros meeting)

• How EMDR therapy helped Mason overcome agoraphobia

• The night Prince played air guitar to his songs at First Avenue

• How AI, Soundcloud, and streaming are shifting the value of music

• The stories behind "Rebecca Deville" and his new album Dark Wings

Chapters:

00:00 – Why Mason Jennings turned down Rick Rubin

02:15 – The wild night Rick Rubin turned off the lights at Warner Bros

04:30 – Surviving crippling agoraphobia and panic attacks on tour

07:10 – The secret story behind "Rebecca Deville"

09:45 – When Prince watched Mason from the box seats

11:50 – How AI and Soundcloud are shifting the future of the music industry

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As a gift to listeners, Zach has curated 7 MUST LISTEN Mason Jennings songs here.

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Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz host Americana Curious, a podcast spotlighting the unsung heroes of Americana music. This show features deep-dive music interviews with legendary independent artists, uncovering the hard-earned lessons, songwriting secrets, and real-world struggles behind your favorite acoustic, folk, and rock-infused songs

👉 SUPPORT THE SHOW: Follow the show and rate us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and leave a review on Apple to help more people discover the power of Americana #AmericanaMusic

#MasonJennings #RickRubin #Songwriting #IndependentArtist #MusicPodcast #AmericanaCurious #Prince

What Bruce Springsteen Teaches About Leadership, Community, and the E Street Band | Andy Freed Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

What can leaders learn from Bruce Springsteen?

A lot more than you might think.

In this special crossover episode from the Lead the Team podcast, Ben sits down with Andy Freed—CEO, author, and a devoted Springsteen fan who has attended nearly 100 Bruce Springsteen concerts.

Over the years, Andy noticed something remarkable: many of the leadership lessons taught in boardrooms are being demonstrated night after night on stage by Bruce and the E Street Band.

From how he acknowledges his band members to how he commands attention for three hours, Springsteen has built one of the most enduring cultures in music.

In this conversation, you'll hear:

Why Bruce makes every band member feel like the most important person in the room
The leadership lesson hidden in his end-of-show ritual
How great communicators think about their audience first
Why repetition is essential for leading change
What leaders can learn from Bruce's setlists, storytelling, and stage presence
How collective experiences create stronger teams and communities
Why intentionality may be the most underrated leadership skill

Whether you're a lifelong Springsteen fan, a music lover, or someone trying to lead people more effectively, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what it means to inspire others.

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