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
Genevieve Skittone, known by her stage name GELEXAIDA, is a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist originally from the Chicago suburbs. Influenced by chart-topping pop, rock, and R&B artists, she always dreamed of a career in the entertainment industry, despite struggling with stage fright. Her love for writing was sparked in a junior high poetry class, where she discovered a talent for storytelling and began to envision sharing her work on a larger stage.
In 2018, she made her first mark in the music industry by co-writing and releasing tracks with artists like KRTR, Astrobound, and G2. The following year, GELEXAIDA released her debut EP, "Press Play", which she both wrote and co-produced, marking her official emergence as a solo artist.
We're saying a temporary farewell to our first-ever Top Hill Recording intern, Tennessee-based singer-songwriter Max Donohue. Max, influenced by artists like Lizzy McAlpine, Noah Kahan, and Ryan Beatty, recently released his album "Growing Pains", offering a deeply personal look into the mind of a 19-year-old. Thank you, Max, for your time and contributions with us! Plus, cohost Earl Bowman shares two of his rarely performed original songs in this special episode.
Cait Justice is an Appalachian girl with a guitar and a heart full of music. Hailing from the hills of Eastern Kentucky, Cait’s musical journey began in church as a child, where her passion for singing first took root. Over the years, she’s honed her craft as a folk/Americana singer-songwriter, using music as a powerful outlet for self-expression and as a means to do what she loves most—connecting with people. Cait’s soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics capture the spirit of her Appalachian roots, making her a true storyteller of the human experience.
Born in Kentucky to a British expat, Nick Teale combines the soulful storytelling of classic Americana with the compositional and experimental mentality of British art-rock. Although primarily a solo acoustic artist, Teale also has a full band, in both cases tackling everything from folk and Americana to rock, metal, blues, jazz, and hip-hop. Teale’s eclectic musical palate is the culmination of a life rich in musical experiences–from his parents’ CDs of Handel, Pat Metheny, Lucinda Williams, and the Clash to his high school obsession with Led Zeppelin and prog rock, all the way through to his forays into Middle Eastern music as a grad student at UT-Austin. Teale’s music has been featured in publications from his native Louisville to South America and Europe, and his songs have played over airwaves in Knoxville, Fort Collins, Asheville, Fredonia, and beyond! In 2023, Teale earned an honorable mention in Songdoor’s International Songwriting Contest for his song Drive You Home, which will feature on his album “Glitterfingers” releasing soon!
Overlook is a band of four lifelong friends: Sam Bellavance (Bass), Carson Bull (Vocals/Guitars), Colin Christenson (Drums), and Jim Haines (Guitar). Formed in 2016 while they were still in high school in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the group bonded over a shared love for the classic rock their dads played and the alt rock that dominated local radio stations. During high school, they performed hundreds of shows across northeast Indiana and recorded multiple albums. After graduating, they initially went their separate ways for college, but the pandemic brought them all back to Fort Wayne. Realizing their passion for music was stronger than ever, they decided to drop out of college, move to Nashville, and chase their dreams together. Now, they live in the same house, play covers downtown to make ends meet, and are fully committed to making their band a success.
John Thomas Moore is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter hailing from Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Since releasing his debut EP, Salt River Blues, in 2022, Moore has continued to impress with three singles in 2023—Seventeen, Not Like You Care, and Lyin' in My Head—showcasing his versatility across Americana to rock and roll genres. Moore performs with an acoustic ensemble that includes lead guitar, standup bass, and cajón, though his solo shows are equally compelling and known for energizing crowds. His passion for music was ignited in church, and he began writing songs during the Covid-19 pandemic. Moore has graced stages across Kentucky, performing at venues such as Austin City Saloon, Proud Mary BBQ, Talon Winery, and many others. In 2023, he headlined the Pioneer Days festival at Fort Harrods State Park in Harrodsburg and captivated a sold-out audience at the Origin Hotel during Keeneland’s Spring Meet. He also served as the headlining musician for the Rugged Red Half Marathon in the Red River Gorge. Described by a recent fan as "Waylon Jennings in a Buddy Holly body", Moore is a rising talent to watch. Catch him at a venue near you.
Joe Hermes, one of the hottest new acts in the Rock Country scene, is an Illinois native and former defensive lineman known for his edgy vocal textures and high-energy performances. Driven by his faith, family, and belief in the American Dream, Hermes brings a blend of "gunpowder country" to his music, influenced by Metallica, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith, and Bon Jovi. His sound is characterized by intense, soulful vocals and raw, honest lyrics. Hermes made his official debut in 2020 with the EP "SOULS WITH STONES," produced by renowned music producer Buddy Hyatt. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID shutdown, Hermes focused on songwriting, collaborating with Grammy-winning songwriter/producer/manager Dale Oliver. In 2023, he released his full-length CD, "ROCKIN’ A COUNTRY TOWN," co-produced with Oliver. The album features original songs written alongside Dan Couch and Big Vinny Hickerson, including tracks like "Stronger Than Whiskey," "SkyFall," and "Used To Be Me," which reached No. 46 on the MusicRow Country Breakout Chart. Hermes has quickly gained support from country radio, fans, and his peers. Over three years, he has shared the stage with top country artists such as David Nail, Ward Davis, Craig Campbell, Kolby Cooper, and Kinsey Rose from The Voice. He has also established a presence in the Rock 'n Roll arena, opening for acts like Uncle Kracker, Black Stone Cherry, Head East, Jackyl, and Lita Ford. With a unique blend of grit and determination, Joe Hermes is carving out his own path in the music industry, ready to ROCK A COUNTRY TOWN.
Shannon Vetter is a superb songwriter and multi-instrumentalist born in Maysville, Kentucky, and currently based in the Louisville area. Renowned for versatility, Shannon plays saxophone, guitar, keys, percussion, mandolin, and clarinet—essentially anything that makes music. Supported by an exceptional cast of local musicians—including Scott T. Smith, Chris Rodahaffer (Bonnie “Prince” Billy/Roadie), Anna Blanton (Arianna Barton & The Bourbon Britches/Jericho Woods), Todd Hildreth (Todd Hildreth Trio/Squeeze-bot), and Ryan Nottingham (Bad Ass Brass)—Shannon released the sophomore album "Holding Pattern" in March 2024. Shannon's musical journey features collaborations with a plethora of bands such as Zu Zu Ya Ya, Mr. Please, Vezl, Big Atomic, Solid Rock'it Boosters, Quite Literally, and Gideon’s Rifle. Shannon's current band, The Sleepless Pilgrims, showcases an all-star team of Louisville, Kentucky musicians: Anna Blanton on fiddle, Steve Sturgill on guitar, Billy Lease on drums, Ben Vogelpohl on bass, and Shannon alternating between guitar and saxophone. The Sleepless Pilgrims deliver a high-energy performance, blending Americana, folk rock, blues, and southern music into a unique Kentucky sound that captivates audiences.
Feral Vices, a dynamic two-piece alternative rock band from Louisville, Kentucky, has carved out a unique sonic identity. Influenced by a diverse array of bands such as Queens of the Stone Age, Refused, The Jesus Lizard, and The Dillinger Escape Plan, lead singer and guitarist Alexander Hoagland, along with drummer Justin Cottner, deliver a fresh and distinctive sound in the realm of two-piece bands. Relentlessly touring and consistently releasing new music, this prolific duo has shared the stage with acts like Four Year Strong, Microwave, and Save Face. Their track "Mass Produce Your Revolution" was featured in the end credits of the Scott Adkins and Ray Stevenson film "Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday". With their innovative style and relentless drive, Feral Vices is a band to watch closely.
Eclectric is a rock quartet from Louisville, formed in December 2022 at Bellarmine University. The band features Lance Oliphant on guitar, Micah Davisson on bass, Matthew Seelye on guitar, and Lucas Wheatley on drums, with all three members sharing vocal duties. Known for their powerful songs that blend lyrical vulnerability with musical excellence, Eclectric captivates audiences with their engaging stage presence. Their sound merges vintage psychedelia with modern rock, creating a unique and compelling experience. Their debut single, "Tryna Care for You," is now available on streaming platforms.
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