Americana Curious

Latest Episodes:

Madison Hughes - The Viral Voice Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

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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Follow Americana Curious on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious?

TROUSDALE - POWER HARMONY Jul 30, 2024

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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/

Oliver Hazard's Mike Belazis - Loudest Three Piece You’ve Ever Heard Jul 22, 2024

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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/

American Aquarium's BJ Barham - Burners and Heart Breakers Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

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/

Leon Majcen - Gulfcoast Guitar, Flyrods, and Heartfelt Lyrics Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

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

Jack McKeon - Life's Soundtrack. No Judgement. No Preaching. Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

Music with No Judgement or Preaching.

Jack McKeon's, A Nashville-based singer-songwriter with an honest, plainspoken vocal, an eclectic-roots sound and a knack for bringing crystalline characters to life without the moral judgement.

You''ll hear how he crafts such incredible music grounded in the power of observation, humanity, and connection

First inspired by literary music icons from Hank Williams and Guy Clark to Tom T. Hall and John Hartford.

You can find Jack performing all over Nashville and beyond.

He was chosen to perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame in the Songwriter Round for their Acoustic Guitar Project.

Recently he was selected as one of the 24 finalists for the prestigious Grassy Hill New Folk contest at the legendary Kerrville Folk Fest. He joined a long list of great writers that have previously held this honor, including Lyle Lovett, Caroline Spence and Steve Earle.

Jack’s debut album titled Talking to Strangers was released on June 21st.

10 mesmerizing songs landing in the sweet spot between country, bluegrass and folk rock. With literary lyricism and easy going vocals, Jack embraces the comfort of Appalachian soul.

You’ll Also Discover…

The Mason Via Playlist Where We Discovered Jack’s Song.

They Day He Quit His Job and Moved to Nashville.

The Nashville Diner that Inspires His Song Writing.

What Happened to Him an 18-Day Music Festival.

What It’s Like Playing to 400-Person Silent Audience.

The Biggest Misconception About His Music.

Why He Selected Dee’s in Nashville for His Album Release.

The Legacy He’d Like to Leave.

Find Jack here: https://jackmckeonmusic.com/

Jordan Foley - The Growl of Americana Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

A Growl that You'll Never Forget

Jordan Foley is a singer-songwriter in the folk-Americana realm based in Orlando, Fl. Jordan packs a punch with his growling voice and heavy-hand acoustic rhythm and can be found playing all over the Central Florida area and beyond!

Jordan’s music has been described by Creative Loafing as “a special brand of Americana for admires of bands like American Aquarium, Lucero and Ryan Bingham.

Jordan's debut album, Give to Get a Day, was released in 2018. The album includes originals like See You Letter and Clouds. In 2020 he also released originals ‘Sing me a Love song’ and ‘The thought of me and you’.

In 2022 Jordan, along with Tyler Hood formed Jordan Foley and the Wheelhouse. In 2023 they released a self titled EP of wonderfully crafted original Americana songs produced by local legend Thomas Wynn.

As well as touring on his own and with the band, Jordan has recently opened for The Wallflowers, Five for Fighting, JD McPherson, William Eliot Whitmore and Colby Acuff.

You'll also Discover;

The Life-Changing Standing Ovation.

A Song Born at Beef O'Brady's.

5 Bands that inspired Him.

How an Improvised Moment Sparked an Incredible Song.

The Facebook Group that Became a Powerful Brand.

Colorful Stories Behind See You Letter, The Last Dance, and Arguing in a Restaurant.

Jordan's Website: jordanfoleymusic.com

Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube: @jfoleyandthewheelhouse

Band Profile on Spotify: Jordan Foley & The Wheelhouse

Solo Profile on Spotify: Jordan Foley

Palmyra's Sasha Landon - Lush Harmony & Brilliant Song Writing Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

Palmyra - Do You Like Lush Harmony & Brilliant Song Writing? Then this is your band!

Get inspired by Palmyra's Sasha Landon, who shares the incredible stories by their songs and what fuels their music mission.

It's high-energy Americana at it's finest1

A trio that also includes Teddy Chipouras and Mānoa Bell, all hailing from Virginia.=

One things for sure...

Palmyra's star is rising!

They've supported Watchhouse, Mipso, and Illiterate Light, and received honors and recognition from the historic Newport Folk Festival, American Songwriter, The Boston Globe, NPR, Under The Radar Magazine, Americanafest, and Merlefest.

Robin Hilton at All Songs Considered says, “This is a band you know would be killer live”...

and we've seen them twice, it's 100% correct!

You'll also discover:

Their Unique Experience Performing Twice at the Newport Folk Festival (And Why They'll be Performing There this Year Again on an Even Bigger Stage)

The Secrets of A Music Stage Completely Powered by Bikes.

The Reaction They Get Singing, "We aren't dead yet, but we're not far from it!"

The Moment Ben (our co-host) met Sasha in a Newport Food Line.

The Colorful Stories Behind "Happy Pills", "Bella Donna", and "Shape I'm In"

Behind the Scenes of the NPR Tiny-Desk Competition

Mental Health and Song Writing

Advice for Under-represented Groups in Music

AND an INCREDIBLE TUNE recorded for the show at the end of this EPISODE!!!

Listen now on the Americana Curious Podcast!

Discover more about Palmyra here:

https://www.palmyratheband.com/

Jack Browning - The Picasso of Americana Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

The Picasso of Americana

Jack Browning is a phenomenal musician, songwriter, and painter, whose work captures the essence of Americana legends.

Hailing from the UK, Browning was captivated by Americana music and has never looked back.

In his late teens, he toured and played alongside music icons such as Jeff Beck, Joss Stone, and Gregory Porter.

Now, he's released his debut album, "Red Eye Radio," a masterful exploration of life on the road, the grit of construction work, the struggles of mental health, and the timeless human urge to explore and wander.

Recently, Browning toured with the exceptional Willi Carlisle.

But his talents don't stop at music. As an incredible painter, he created the album cover for The White Buffalo and has painted portraits of numerous revered artists, including Charlie Crockett, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Sierra Ferrell, John Prine, and Zach Bryan.

Jack Browning truly embodies the spirit of Americana, merging music and visual art in a way that few can.

You'll also discover...

How a kid from the UK found his way to Americana inspiration.

Why he was reluctant to record his music.

The drive behind his first song.

What happened when me met Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top.

What he learned touring with Jeff Beck and Gregory Porter.

The stories behind his incredible songs Dog Tired and Kerosene.

A inspired moment when touring with Willi Carlisle.

How he's preparing for his first US Tour.

Painting album covers.

The analytics of who listens to his music.

The legacy he hopes to leave.

BONUS TRACK: Jack shares and incredible RAW Bootleg.

Find Jack Here:

Website: https://jackbrowning.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackbrowningartistmusician/

X: https://x.com/jackbrowningart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackbrowningartistmusician/

Mason Via - From Old Crow Medicine Show to Solo Success Jun 02, 2024

Show notes

Grammy-nominated Mason Via has had an incredible journey that includes touring for years with Old Crow Medicine Show as its youngest member.

He's also released his original album New Horizons that’s taken Americana scene by storm, and he's listed by NPR as one of the top 10 bluegrass artists thriving in modern Nashville.

You can also find his songwriting on Molly Tuttle’s Grammy-winning album, Golden Highway, and on Del McCoury’s grammy nominated album, Almost Proud.

He has toured and performed in 47 of the 50 U.S. states, along with sections of Canada, Ireland, The United Kingdom, and The Netherlands.

Some other highlights include: Red Rocks, The Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium, the O2 Arena in London, and the Eagles Stadium opening for Luke Combs.

He’s also shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Sierra Ferrell, Steve Earle, Turnpike Troubadours, Keb' Mo', Margo Price, Allison Russell, and Shovels & Rope.

You'll also discover...

The wild party in West Virginia he played right before our interview.

His first show with Old Crow Medicine Show.

What It's like strumming Wagon Wheel in Front of Thousands.

The Lesson He Learned on American Idol.

His Legacy.

A Rollicking Boot-Leg Tune for the Americana Curious Nation.

Learn more about Mason now:

http://www.masonvia.com/