Stay ConnectedWhether you write music, record music, play music…….or just LOVE music, this podcast is for you!
Note: Mix equal parts Top Hill Recording Podcast and bourbon.
Visit “One Shot One Mic One Song” on YouTube to hear artists from this podcast recorded live with a minimalist one mic approach from the past.
Copyright: © Brad Weston/Neil Johnstone
LUCYTHEDOG is a Louisville, Kentucky band with a blended sound of their own.
Max Donohue is an emerging singer-songwriter blending the melodic appeal of indie-pop with the energy and authenticity of indie-rock. His EP Mixed Signals reflects the influence of artists such as Harry Styles, Noah Kahan, and indie band The Moss, while showcasing Donohue’s own developing sound and songwriting identity. With a focus on memorable melodies, contemporary production, and emotionally engaging songs, Mixed Signals establishes Donohue as an artist to watch within the evolving indie music landscape.
Jarley Yung is a band from Lexington, Kentucky that plays hard rock and blues rock. The band consists of guitarist Miles James, drummer Jack James, and bassist Hilliard "Gentry" Needham.
Kai Muhammad is a singer in Louisville, KY known for his soulful vocals, engaging stage presence, and versatile repertoire spanning R&B, soul, gospel, jazz, and contemporary music. His passion for connecting with audiences and delivering authentic performances has made him a standout voice in the local music community.
Nashville, Tennessee-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Ian Abel brings a powerful, stripped-down approach to the Top Hill Recording Podcast with his solo acoustic performances. Known as the frontman of the Ian Abel Band, Abel has built a reputation for blending heartfelt songwriting with dynamic guitar work that ranges from intimate and soulful to energetic and commanding.
An international award-winning guitarist, Ian gained widespread recognition when the Ian Abel Band’s breakout track “Shoes” was licensed by All Elite Wrestling for the Cody and Dustin Rhodes promo featured at the inaugural Double or Nothing pay-per-view. The video earned a nomination for Best Song/Score in a Trailer at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
Ian has toured as lead guitarist for T. Graham Brown and has shared stages with artists including Dillon Carmichael, Canadian trio The Heels, and Australian artist Brittany Elise. His music has been featured on Spotify and Apple Music and praised by outlets such as 91.9 WFPK, which described his sound as “an expansive, stadium-ready rock sound.”
As a solo acoustic performer, Abel offers a more personal side of his music — delivering emotionally driven originals, engaging storytelling, and reimagined versions of his rock-driven catalog with raw authenticity and skilled musicianship. He has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and iconic venues including the Troubadour, Whisky a Go Go, and Viper Room, captivating audiences with performances that showcase both his technical ability and heartfelt songwriting.
Midday Mayday is a Louisville-based punk/metalcore band delivering crushing riffs, chaotic energy, and just the right amount of self-awareness. Describing themselves as “a very professional and serious band that plays our serious songs with professionalism and seriousness,” the group blends heavy breakdowns with an unmistakable sense of humor that keeps crowds guessing. Equal parts aggression and satire, Midday Mayday feels like the soundtrack to your older brother’s burned CD collection — loud enough to shake the walls and sharp enough to leave a mark. Whether they’re tearing through a packed basement show or a local venue stage, Midday Mayday proves that being your older brother’s favorite band is still a title worth fighting for.
Formed in 2020, this young four-piece has quickly built a reputation for sounding far beyond their years. The lineup features Zach Yates on guitar, Shawn Blu holding down the bass, Andrew Barnes on vocals, and Max Comings behind the drums—each bringing a distinct musical voice despite their age.Their sound is a melting pot of American roots and classic styles, blending elements of rock, blues, soul, jazz, funk, country, and folk into something that feels both fresh and familiar. There’s a timeless quality to their music—listeners often find echoes of legendary acts woven into their sound, yet never in a way that feels derivative.The band leans fully into that old-school spirit. From their look to their musicianship, they channel the energy of a different era, delivering performances with a level of confidence and authenticity that’s rare for a group this young. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s a genuine connection to the craft.
We are Cowboy Preachers Club - A group of friends from Louisville, KY bringing together psychedelic, Americana, and even Midwest-Emo flavors in a kaleidoscopic gumbo that still feels at home on a back porch.Songs are long-simmered in a home-studio until the taste is just right—about the strangeness of love, the fiery hope behind loss, and the strength it takes to leave misery behind you, coughing in the dust.Join the club!
Materializing from Louisville, KY, After You Left channels the raw emotion of bands like Title Fight and Joyce Manor while delivering a versatile range of musicality. From slow and somber to melodic and dancey, all the way to hard and heavy, After You Left isn’t afraid to challenge their sound while staying true to the core of their music, which is raw, unfiltered emotion. Founded in 2025, the band features frontman and vocalist Zaq Wilcher, bassist Jared Lewis, drummer Justin Watkins, lead guitarist Ben Michels, and rhythm guitarist Jacob Doss. On the surface, an After You Left show is high-energy and fun, but beneath that energy lies deep emotional expression, with heartfelt vocals and lyrics layered with unique harmonies, catchy guitar riffs, and a solid rhythmic foundation. After You Left brings honesty, passion, and intensity to every stage they step on, creating an experience that connects deeply with anyone who listens.
Adrian Taylor, born Sacramento and raised in Anderson, CA, is a self-taught guitarist who began writing lyrics at the age of 14. By 16, he was performing in local bars, and at 21, he relocated to Louisville, KY, to explore new musical opportunities. Since moving to Louisville, Adrian has opened for several Nashville recording artists, including Thompson Square, Kip Moore, Nikko Moon, and Mitchell Tenpenny.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
