Americana Curious

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**Americana Curious**

The podcast that unearths hidden Americana gems, shares untold stories from legends, and proves music still has the power to move us all.

If you believe Americana music can transform the world, you’re in the right place.

Too many overlook its raw beauty and power to connect, heal, and inspire. We spotlight the artists carrying that torch — unsung heroes writing the soundtrack to something bigger.

Each week, hosts Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz bring you intimate, entertaining conversations with artists changing the world one song at a time — like Old Crow Medicine Show, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, The Wood Brothers, American Aquarium, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and rising stars you’ll soon love.

You’ll discover:
• New music to love
• Hard-earned lessons from the road
• The stories behind your favorite songs
• Big inspiration — and a good laugh

Join us to celebrate the voices, values, and stories that keep Americana alive — and prove why music still matters.

Latest Episodes:

Sons of the East - 700 Million Streams and NO LABEL...with Nic Johnston Jun 15, 2025

Show notes

700 Million Streams. No Label - Sons of the East

🎶 They tracked a stolen tour bus with AirTags.

🎤 They played their hearts out in front of Bill Murray.

🩲 And yes… they lost a full cube of fresh undies on tour.

Sons of the East didn’t blow up overnight.

They built their global cult following the hard way:

No major label.

No viral gimmick.

Just killer harmonies, soulful songs, and relentless touring.

Nic Johnston dropped in on Americana Curious to share the wild ride from Aussie backyard jams to 300M+ streams and sing-alongs across Europe and North America.

🎧 Hear the truth about:

Building a band that lasts (and still likes each other)

Turning heartbreak into healing songs

How they recorded their new album Sons live, raw, and totally unfiltered

This is what it looks like to stay indie and go global.

🔥 Listen in. Get curious. Fall in love with the music.

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We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Youtube, Spotify and Apple.

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

Kelsey Waldon - Monkey’s Eyebrow to the Country Music Hall of Fame Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

From Monkey’s Eyebrow to the Country Music Hall of Fame

She learned to write songs before she learned to drive.

Raised in the swampy river bottoms of rural Kentucky—riding a John boat to her dad’s hunting lodge—Kelsey Waldon found her way from front porches and thumb-picked guitars to sharing stages with Willie Nelson and Tanya Tucker.

🎙 Signed to John Prine’s legendary Oh Boy Records

🎧 Played the Grand Ole Opry

✍️ Her handwritten lyrics now live in the Country Music Hall of Fame

But the climb wasn’t all spotlight and applause.

One night it’s a sold-out show at the Ryman.

The next? Five people in Houston.

Through it all, Kelsey kept going.

Because the songs wouldn’t let her quit.

Her latest album, Every Ghost, is her boldest yet—haunting, raw, and unshakably real.

🔥 A voice that won’t flinch.

🔥 A pen that won’t lie.

🔥 A sound rooted in the truth.

If you don’t know Kelsey Waldon yet…

You're in for a REAL TREAT!

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We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Youtube, Spotify and Apple.

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 Lone Bellow - Zach Williams, TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH: THE BIRTH OF THE LONE BELLOW 🎙️

What if heartbreak could spark healing?

This episode of Americana Curious is one for the soul. 🎧 We sit down with Zach Williams—frontman of The Lone Bellow—to uncover the raw story of how a life-altering accident became the catalyst for a musical movement.

💔 A broken neck.

🎸 A journal turned song.

🔥 A voice discovered in a Starbucks open mic.

🌆 A Brooklyn bond that became a band.

From writing his first songs while his wife recovered from paralysis, to packing out Bowery Ballroom before the debut album dropped, Zach shares how community, creativity, and courage built The Lone Bellow.

We talk family. We talk fire (literally). We talk Americana as the healing balm a generation is craving.

🎶 Harmonies that make you cry.

🎤 Live shows that feel like revival.

📺 A cabin show on Magnolia Network.

And why Americana music just might save us all.

🎙️ Tap the link in bio to hear the full episode and get inspired.

👇 Drop a 🎧 if you’re listening. Tag someone who needs to hear this.

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We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Youtube, Spotify and Apple.

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

Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors- Americana Music that Heals and Unites May 06, 2025

Show notes

Drew Holcomb is more than just a musician—he’s a cultural force who has spent nearly two decades writing the soundtrack to our lives.

You need to know Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors now!

In this powerful episode of Americana Curious, Drew opens up about his journey from independent artist to community builder, while staying true to his voice.

Discover the man behind the music that has touched millions, from his early music to his latest album Memory Bank.

But what makes Drew Holcomb’s story most unique?

Well it’s not just about the music—he’s built an empire, founded a music festival, and even teamed up with sports legends like Peyton Manning to create a whiskey brand.

But at the heart of it all, Drew’s relentless pursuit of authenticity, collaboration, and creativity stands tall.

From heartwarming fan stories to collaborating with the best in the business, Drew gives a raw and unfiltered look into the highs, the lows, and the unexpected moments that shaped his career.

Ready for a deep dive into life on the road, the art of songwriting, and building a legacy? This episode is a must-listen.

Tune in for:

The untold story behind Drew’s viral kitchen covers during the pandemic

How to stay true to your voice while evolving as an artist

The dream collaboration Drew still hopes to make a reality.

And why Drew believes music can heal and unite—even in the toughest times

Don’t miss this candid conversation with Drew Holcomb—this is Americana at its finest.

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Discover Drew's music here: https://www.drewholcomb.com/

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We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Youtube, Spotify and Apple.

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

JD Clayton - Blue Sky Sundays Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Dirt Road Rising!

JD Clayton didn’t wait for permission. He wrote the songs, built the band, produced the album—and now he’s building a movement one dirt road and bass drop at a time.

Instead, he's ripping stages across America, self-producing records that slap you in the soul, and proving that roots music doesn’t have to play by the rules.

In this episode, we dive into the unpredictable rise of a Southern preacher’s grandson turned genre-blending Americana artist with a voice built for vinyl and a mindset built for the grind.

From late-night voice memos to full-blown anthems, JD pulls back the curtain on the chaos, pressure, and pure magic of making music on your own terms.

You'll discover:

The song that literally started in a rain-soaked car ride and now melts faces on tour

Why he produces his own albums—and the mental toll it takes

How a failed dinner date became the seed for a fan-favorite track.

And the moment he realized: "The cavalry isn’t coming. You have to be it."

Oh—and you’ll never hear Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason” the same way again. JD’s version shreds.

This episode is real, raw, and ridiculously fun. If you’re sick of polished PR stories and want the unfiltered truth of what it takes to make it in music today, JD brings it.

Plug in. Press play. And get ready to join the Clayton cult with us!

His new album Blue Sky Sundays is out now!

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Check out JD here: https://jdclaytonofficial.com/

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We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Spotify and Apple.

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

Susto's Justin Osborne - Susto String Band Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

Soulful Reckoning

Ever wondered how a band can bridge the gap between rock and roll energy and old-time Appalachian soul?

Justin Osborne, the driving force behind Susto, is doing just that. But there's a twist – a journey of self-discovery, a departure from the familiar, and a dive into the heart of Americana.

His story is one of transformation and a constant search for meaning.

From a background steeped in religion to finding a new spiritual connection through music, his path is both compelling and deeply human.

It's about navigating the complexities of faith, the pain of soul-searching, and the joy of finding your voice in a new community.

This interview peels back the layers of an artist who isn't afraid to explore his past while forging a new sound.

You'll Also Discover:

How a chance meeting can spark a musical revolution.

A surprising take on finding community outside of traditional structures.

The key to re-imagining your own work with fresh energy.

Why "confessional" songwriting can be both a burden and a release.

A blueprint for blending genres without losing your roots.

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Have you listened to Susto String Band yet?

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Check out them out here: https://www.sustoisreal.com/

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We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Spotify and Apple.

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 Wood Brothers, Oliver Wood - Music as Medicine Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

Americana Rawness Rules

Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers, a cornerstone of modern Americana for two decades, reveals the surprising shift in their songwriting that keeps their sound soulful and timeless.

The acclaimed band, beloved by critics and fans alike, has carved a unique path.

But how did they maintain their signature sound while navigating the pressures of bigger venues and broader appeal?

Discover the power of "less is more" and the magic of brotherly telepathy that fuels their captivating performances.

Learn how they balance intimacy and impact, on stage and in the studio and the importance of a great sound man.

You'll also Discover:

-When Subtlety Beats the Spectacle on the Road

-The Surprising Lesson from Bill Murray

-The Power of Music as Medicine

-How to Embrace Your Inner Dork

What's your favorite Wood Brothers song and why?

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Check out the music from Oliver Wood: https://www.oliverwoodmusic.com/

And! The Wood Brothers: https://www.thewoodbros.com/

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We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Spotify and Apple.

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

She Returns from War - Make Your Own Magic, Live Your Own Truth Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

She Returns From War

Singer-songwriter Hunter Park, known for her moniker She Returns From War, embodies the spirit of the modern South.

With a voice that carries both tenderness and raw power, she's captivating audiences and challenging the status quo. 🎤 But what does it mean to return from war as a musician? 🤔

Hunter's journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and embracing her true identity in a conservative environment.

Her music explores themes of overcoming adversity, finding strength within, and creating a community of acceptance.

But what was it like for her to finally take the stage at one one biggest stages in the Southeast after years of waiting?

🎤 And how has her experience in the South shaped her music and message? 🎵

You'll Also Discover:

The Meaning Behind She Returns From War
Hunter's Experience at High Water Festival
How to Create a Better South
The Power of Embracing Your Identity
A Blueprint for Building a Supportive Community

What does the name "She Returns From War" mean to you? 🤔 Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇

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Check out the music from She Returns from War: https://www.instagram.com/shereturnsfromwar/

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We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Spotify and Apple.

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

Paul McDonald - Unleash the Voice Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

True Voice

What does it mean to truly own your voice?

Paul McDonald's journey isn't just a career arc; it's a testament to the unwavering spirit of an artist who refused to be defined by anyone else's expectations.

From the dizzying heights of an epic finish on American Idol to the soulful depths of his own creation, he walked away from the machine and built something real and powerful.

This isn't just about music; it's about the courage to rewrite your own story, the grit to overcome setbacks, and the unwavering belief in your artistic vision.

If you've ever dared to dream of creating on your own terms, prepare to be inspired.

You'll Also Discover:

How to Find Your Voice

A Strategy for Starting Over

Why Intention Matters

A Step to Building Community

The Key to Sustainable Success

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What's one thing you've learned your career?

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Check out Paul's Music here: https://www.thepaulmcdonald.com/

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We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Spotify and Apple.

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

Fancy Gap - Craziest. Collab. Ever. Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Craziest. Collab. Ever.

Stu McLamb and Charles Crossingham of Fancy Gap, share the secrets behind their incredible album and how it became like the musical "Brady Bunch".

During the summer of 2020, when the world was in lockdown, Stu and Charles found themselves with a unique opportunity.

They decided to reach out to some of their musical heroes, including Sharon Van Etten, Adam Lazzara of Taking Back Sunday, and Rami Jaffee of the Foo Fighters.

To their surprise, these renowned artists added their artistry collaboration...

...and the result was a stunning debut album that has been hailed as a modern Americana masterpiece.

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How did they pull it off?

What was it like working with such iconic figures?

What's next for this dynamic duo? Listen and find out...

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You'll Also Discover:

How to Turn Isolation into Inspiration

The Strategy Behind Their Dream Collaborations

Why Fancy Gap Chose Their Unique Name

A Step to Balancing Accessibility and Artistry

The Surprising Truth About Their Next Album

=> Have you checked out their album yet?

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Learn more about Fancy Gap now: https://fancygap.com/

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We'd love to hear from you. Please share a review on Spotify and Apple.

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

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