The What Podcast

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Exit 111 Five Years Later, Hangout Fest, and Hulaween Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

It's been five years since Exit 111 took place on our beloved Farm in Manchester, featuring heavy-hitting acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Def Leppard, and Guns N' Roses. Bryan Stone attended with Taco, while Barry made a visit to check it out. The hosts reflect on the festival's surprising gun policy and discuss how things have changed since then. Will Great Stage Park ever host another festival like this?

In more recent news, we explore Sand in My Boots, a new festival headlined by Morgan Wallen in Gulf Shores, AL, which replaces the long-running and beloved Hangout Festival. Hulaween is also on the horizon in Florida.

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Are you Ready to ROO? The What Podcast wants to send you to the Farm to experience a magical weekend of music, fun, and friendship at Bonnaroo! You'll witness round-the-clock entertainment from over 100 artists! We've got 4-day tickets and a camping pass for you and a guest. Visit thewhat.co/win for details.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:05:32) Exit 111

(00:24:43) CaveFest

(00:27:23) Hangout Fest

(00:38:05) Hulaween

(00:43:13) Outro

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CaveFest at The Caverns, Oct 10-11, 2026 | Get Tickets Here!
$20 off Hulaween 2026 GA 4-day passes with code THEWHATPODCAST
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Other music provided by Midist and used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at comments@thewhatpodcast.com or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Beyond South Star: Huntsville's Unique Vision for Cultivating a Music Scene Oct 16, 2024

Show notes

We conclude our coverage of South Star 2024 this week with an exclusive peek behind the curtain into how the festival came together in such a short period of time, and the long-term vision the city has for it. Despite the hurricane weather and Sunday's cancellation, the event was a huge success for the city. Matt Mandrella is Huntsville's Music Officer, quite possibly the first person in the country to hold a municipal position dedicated to developing and improving the musical culture for a city. "Huntsville is working to develop its music infrastructure, including attracting industry professionals and improving music education in schools," Matt tells us.

Matt also explains the reasons why Huntsville wanted to host a regional music festival, what commitments the city made when working with C3 Presents to bring the event to life, and the shockingly short timeline they had to complete it when the decision was made to move it up a year from 2025 to 2024. Beyond South Star though, Huntsville believes that music is a critical component to the city's growth and quality of life. Matt takes us on a deeper dive into the plans Huntsville has to bring in more artistic talent, including grants and incentives bands can receive for touring and creating music. It's a fascinating conversation behind the scenes you won't want to miss!

Donate to Hurricane Helene relief efforts here

Photo by: Evan Brown

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:11:54) Interview with Matt Mandrella

(01:09:26) Outro

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.
Other music provided by Midist and used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at comments@thewhatpodcast.com or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Music and Mud: Tom Morello's Epic South Star Performance with Jim Striker Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

We continue the South Star Festival conversation this week with Jim Striker, who ran bars and clubs in Chattanooga for over 20 years before getting into music promotion. Jim was there with his wife on Saturday for South Star, and shares his experience rocking out to Tom Morello despite the muddy and rainy weather.

Elsewhere in the episode, Bryan Stone tries to get Oasis tickets and we discuss the latest news about Chappell Roan cancelling some of her upcoming festival appearances and concerts amid her rising success.

Donate to Hurricane Helene relief efforts here

Photo by: Evan Brown

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:03:56) Recapping South Star

(00:15:08) Bryan's Oasis tickets

(00:19:11) Chappell Roan cancelling shows

(00:21:46) Interview with Jim Striker

(01:04:33) Outro

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.
Other music provided by Midist and used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at comments@thewhatpodcast.com or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

South Star to Couch Star – Hurricane Helene Brings Us Together for a Bonnaroo Reunion Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

Hurricane Helene has made a big impact on the Southeast, and while we're all grateful to be safe, our weekend took an unexpected turn. The inaugural South Star Festival in Huntsville, AL came and went, but it was shorter and muddier than we had planned. Despite the setbacks, was it worth the trip?

After Sunday's cancellation, we sat down with Daniel and Sharla, Evan Bonnaroo, Chloe, and Shaina to chat about 'Couch Star,' and reflect on how we felt lucky to have even one day of the festival—and even luckier to experience a mid-year Bonnaroo reunion.

Photo by: Evan Brown

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:10:46) Interview

(00:49:29) Outro

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.
Other music provided by Midist and used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at comments@thewhatpodcast.com or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Algorithms Are Hurting Music Festivals Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

It's the week of South Star Music Festival, and Barry and Bryan are gearing up to head to Huntsville, while Russ, unfortunately, has to miss out due to a wedding. To make matters worse, the news that Tom Morello is replacing Jane's Addiction only deepens his FOMO. Thanks to The What Podcast's roving correspondent Trevin, the trio also gets some insight into the Bourbon and Beyond festival, which took place this past weekend in Louisville, KY.

Finally, the episode dives into the heart of the discussion: how algorithms are reshaping the festival experience. Are festivalgoers still discovering new music at large events like Bonnaroo, or are they just attending for their favorite headliners?

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:02:19) South Star updates

(00:14:16) Bourbon and Beyond

(00:26:53) Algorithms are hurting music festivals

(00:52:06) Outro

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.
Other music provided by Midist and used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at comments@thewhatpodcast.com or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

South Star Picks, Pearl Jam in NYC, and Barry's New Look Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

The What Podcast is back after taking a couple of weeks off! What have we been up to? Find out how Bryan's trip to NYC to see Pearl Jam went, and why Barry is wearing those ridiculous sunglasses.

We also take the time to make our picks for South Star Festival, coming up soon in Huntsville, AL. Note that we recorded this before the news broke that Jane's Addiction was cancelling the rest of their tour. At this point, a replacement has not been announced yet. Finally, we look ahead to some upcoming events and the start of the Bonnaroo 2025 rumor season!

Join the Discord, follow Lord Taco on Twitch, and subscribe to the StoneOnAir Podcast!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:06:11) What Russ has been up to

(00:10:59) South Star picks

(00:22:55) Warped Tour coming back

(00:24:18) Happy Birthday Barry

(00:26:21) Bryan's trip to NYC

(00:37:47) Bryan's trip to the caverns

(00:39:59) Wrapping up and looking ahead

(00:42:18) Outro

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.
Other music provided by Midist and used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at comments@thewhatpodcast.com or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Bonnaroo 2025 News and Speculation Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

It's "last call" before The What Podcast takes a short break, so the crew gathers to tie up a few loose ends. No special guests, no topics, just Bryan, Barry, and Russ. But first, Barry has a little news to break about the first confirmed booking for Bonnaroo 2025. It's still too early for rumors and speculation, but Childish Gambino is making the rounds as a potential headliner. We don't think that's likely, despite what other people are reporting. What are our other thoughts on the Bonnaroo lineup for 2025?

We then shift gears and look at the rise of EDM in the festival scene, as jam bands are on the decline. Plus, destination concerts and cruises are here. Would you consider going on a cruise to see your favorite artist perform? Finally, we look ahead at other events like South Star in Huntsville, and Burning Man in Nevada, happening as we speak. And Bryan leaves for NYC soon to see Pearl Jam again.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:16) Breaking Bonnaroo 2025 News

(00:09:46) Speculating on Bonnaroo 2025

(00:19:20) EDM is up, jam is down

(00:23:18) Future show plans

(00:24:50) Childish Gambino

(00:27:39) Cruise events

(00:38:25) Burning Man

(00:41:44) Bryan headed to NYC

(00:44:52) Outro

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.
Other music provided by Midist and used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at comments@thewhatpodcast.com or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Behind the Scenes of South Star Festival with Cory Smith of C3 Presents Aug 21, 2024

Show notes

We take a short break from Bonnaroo this week and finally dive into the upcoming South Star Festival in Huntsville, featuring an exclusive interview with Cory Smith, the marketing manager at C3 Presents. Cory, who has experience working on major festivals like Bonnaroo and Railbird, shares his insights on the challenges and excitement of organizing a new festival.

Cory discusses everything from site selection to ensuring a top-notch fan experience, including amenities like flushable toilets and the walkability of the festival grounds. In addition to South Star, we also talk about his band, Boot Scootin' Boogie Nights, that played Bonnaroo this year.

Listen to this episode of The What Podcast here or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen.

Talk Bonnaroo and other festivals with us! Join the Discord

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:06:08) Interview with Cory Smith

(00:43:11) Outro

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.
Other music provided by Midist and used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at comments@thewhatpodcast.com or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Bonnaroo First-Timers: Abbey's Tips for an Unforgettable Experience Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

Imagine preparing for your first trip to Bonnaroo, only to have your wristband stolen before it arrives. That’s exactly what happened to our guest this week, Abbey Sugrue. Rather than letting this setback ruin her festival experience, Abbey turned to the Reddit community for help and reached out to The What Podcast for additional advice and we awarded her a package of Bonnaroo memorabilia from Barry's basement.

Not only was Abbey's first Bonnaroo a success, it gave her a new perspective on life, making it more than just a music festival. Hear her story and her tips for first-timers that will help you max out your experience as well. Plus, Barry, Bryan, and Taco kick things off with the latest festival updates, including the recent soggy experience at Elements Festival in Pennsylvania and what's happening at Outside Lands in California.

Listen to this episode of The What Podcast here or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen.

Talk Bonnaroo and other festivals with us! Join the Discord

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:02:14) Elements Festival

(00:12:14) Friends in a band

(00:17:54) Outside Lands

(00:19:10) Pod Business

(00:21:18) Interview with Abbey

(01:04:37) Outro

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.
Other music provided by Midist and used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at comments@thewhatpodcast.com or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Chappell Roan at Lollapalooza and Major Festival Updates Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

While Bonnaroo news is light this week, the festival scene up north is buzzing. Lollapalooza lit up Chicago, and Montreal's Osheaga was equally vibrant. The crew is amazed by Chappell Roan's skyrocketing success in the pop world, as she wowed crowds at both festivals alongside artists like Noah Kahan, Green Day, and Reneé Rapp.

Closer to home, Chattanooga is set to host a new Bluegrass festival for the next three years, and Bryan and Barry delve into this exciting development for the city. They also explore Huntsville's South Star and discuss some lineup changes at next month's Bourbon and Beyond. Finally, they look ahead to key dates for Bonnaroo 2025.

Listen to this episode of The What Podcast here or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen.

Talk Bonnaroo and other festivals with us! Join the Discord

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:02:27) New Albums

(00:13:27) New bluegrass festival coming to Chattanooga

(00:30:39) Lollapalooza

(00:36:59) Osheaga

(00:40:20) Upcoming lineup changes

(00:45:51) South Star

(00:49:00) Bonnaroo Dates

(00:51:34) Outro

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.
Other music provided by Midist and used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at comments@thewhatpodcast.com or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

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