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
Bred in the kennels of Louisville, Kentucky, LUCYTHEDOG emerges as the brainchild of musical kindred spirits Sam Hall and Tim Spayd. Formed in 2022, their collaboration was a cosmic connection of sonic soulmates. Their sound? Well, they're not quite ready to slap a label on it just yet. But one thing's for sure: it's groovy, it rocks, and it's unmistakably LUCYTHEDOG. With only a handful of shows under their belt, this dynamic duo is already making waves with their infectious energy and undeniable chemistry. LUCYTHEDOG has big plans. They're on a mission to grace your ears with their creations month after month, with high hopes for a full-length record in the near future. Why do they do it? They do it because they love it. Their passion for music is palpable in every riff, every beat, every lyric. And just like their namesake, LUCYTHEDOG is available to adopt – so why not take a chance on this musical mutt and let their tunes into your life? Join the pack and follow the journey of LUCYTHEDOG. After all, as they say, SOMOSLUCYTHEDOG – we are LUCYTHEDOG.
Joe Piano is a folk trio from Louisville, Kentucky, anchored by the musical prowess of songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Jesse Weber-Owens. Joining Jesse are fellow multi-instrumentalist Jean Christopher-Gorce and Louisville Orchestra violist Jon "Jonny" Mueller. Jesse's musical journey began at the age of nine when he discovered his perfect pitch and keen ear while learning the guitar. Since then, his appetite for musical exploration has known no bounds, leading him to master a diverse array of instruments, including the cello, banjo, mandolin, and piano. Joe Piano initially served as Jesse's solo project and a means of navigating life with hallucinatory schizophrenia. Despite grappling with schizophrenia and other mental health challenges, Jesse's passion for music remains undiminished, serving as both a driving force and a wellspring of creativity. With a staggering collection of unreleased tracks numbering in the hundreds and a catalog of over a thousand songs, Jesse often finds himself hallucinating melodies before transcribing them to paper. Transitioning towards a more collaborative, band-oriented approach to his music, Jesse has retired his solo identity as Joe Piano while retaining the name for the trio. At the core of Jesse's music lies a palpable sincerity, with his lyrics and melodies offering a window into his world. He generously invites listeners to explore his reality in their own personal way, guided by an unwavering authenticity emanating from the depths of his being.
Bradley McKinney, a skilled piano and saxophone artist based in Louisville, Kentucky, draws inspiration from a diverse range of genres such as rock & roll, jazz, hip-hop, blues, country, and classical music. His musical journey commenced at the age of 7 when he started playing the piano, and a few years later, he embarked on saxophone lessons. Throughout his high school years, Bradley showcased his musical prowess in various settings, participating in Marching Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Concert and Symphonic Bands, as well as contributing to his district's KMEA and All County programs. Upon graduating from high school, Bradley pursued his passion for jazz music and history at The University of Louisville (UofL). During his time at UofL, he engaged in diverse musical experiences, playing in the school's Marching Band, Jazz Ensembles, and various small jazz combos. Notable performances included collaborations with acclaimed musicians like Adam Nussbaum and Doc Severinsen. Bradley further enriched his musical education by studying in Bogota, Colombia, and attending Master Classes conducted by Bill Evans, David Becker, Mark Colby, and Don Braden. During this period, Bradley began making a name for himself as both a saxophone player and a solo pianist, captivating audiences in and around the Louisville area. Following his graduation from the Music School at UofL, he became the keyboard player for the Adrian Taylor Band and briefly contributed to Louisville's Grateful Dead cover band, Shiny and the Breeze. Currently, Bradley serves as the keyboard player for TOP SHELF in Louisville. Beyond his band engagements, Bradley continues to thrive as a solo pianist, enchanting audiences at prestigious venues including French Lick and West Baden Springs in Indiana, as well as The Seelbach Hotel, The Pandennis Club, and The Omni Hotel in Louisville.
Discover the origins of Limestone, which started in 2016 as an unnamed musical experiment by InSub Beckley and Jeff Westenhofer. With no specific goal other than bringing musicians together to see what magic would unfold, the indie rock project officially took on the name Limestone in November 2017. Join us on this podcast journey as we unravel the band's musical evolution. In the band's early days as a rock quartet, Limestone crafted a sound rooted in alt-rock, drawing inspiration from blues and punk. Their initial rock quartet phase resulted in the singles "Changing Ways" (December 2019) and "Never No Problem" (September 2021). Since 2022, the addition of violin and trumpet has transformed Limestone into a dynamic 6-piece ensemble, steering their sound towards lush pop with hints of folk and brass band influences. Dive into the band's journey of songwriting, culminating in their inaugural public performance in Louisville, Kentucky in December 2017. Join us as we unravel the rich tapestry of Limestone's musical narrative, from humble beginnings to the vibrant soundscape they've become today.
Welcome to the world of Taylor Katherine, a captivating singer/songwriter from Louisville, Kentucky. Taylor's journey began with a strong foundation as a classically trained vocalist, honing her skills at Georgetown College in Kentucky. Originally from Frankfort, Kentucky, Taylor made her move to Louisville in 2018, immersing herself in the vibrant local music scene. Her musical pursuits took an unexpected turn when the pandemic hit, leading to a loss of her service industry job. In the midst of uncertainty, Taylor found solace in learning to play ukulele and delving into the world of songwriting. Taylor Katherine's resilience and creativity bore fruit as she crafted her own songs, using her unique perspective to address both the beautiful and not-so-beautiful facets of life. Her music, a poignant reflection of universal experiences, quickly resonated with audiences. Taylor's soulful voice and relatable songwriting became a beacon of connection during challenging times. Adding another layer to her artistic journey, Taylor joined forces with Eric Condon and Richard Chandler to form the Taylor Katherine Trio. Together, they bring a dynamic fusion of talent that enhances Taylor's distinctive sound. In the heart of Kentucky, Taylor Katherine is swiftly gaining attention and amassing a dedicated fanbase. Her ability to encapsulate the essence of life's highs and lows in her music makes her a rising star in the regional music scene. Join us on a melodic adventure as we explore the enchanting world of the Taylor Katherine Trio.
Celebrate with us as we hit a major milestone in the world of music discovery and intimate live performances! Welcome to the 200th episode of the Top Hill Recording Podcast, where every note is a testament to raw talent and genuine artistry. From our humble beginnings in a bedroom that evolved into Top Hill Recording Studio, hosts Brad Weston and Neil Johnstone have been on a journey to spotlight extraordinary musicians. Nestled atop a picturesque hill in the heart of the Jefferson Memorial Forest in Fairdale, Kentucky, Top Hill Recording Studio is not just a place; it's a haven for creativity. The mission? To provide a high-quality public platform for showcasing the remarkable talents of musicians. After the soul-stirring, live, one mic, one take performances, Brad and Neil dive deep into the creative minds of their guests with insightful interviews. Learn about the inspiration, challenges, and triumphs behind the music. Join our music-loving community as the Top Hill Recording team (Brad Weston, Neil Johnstone, Brent West, Earl Bowman, and Spencer Corbin) marks this incredible milestone. Our community is a haven for artists who share a passion for musical expression. Join us on YouTube for "One Shot One Mic One Song", where each artist lays it all on the line, performing original live songs with just one microphone, in one take. Our weekly podcast is published everywhere you listen at noon eastern time every Friday. Thank you for being a part of this musical journey since our launch in December 2019. Here's to 200 episodes, countless unforgettable performances, and the limitless power of a single microphone capturing the essence of each song, each artist, in one beautiful take. Tune in to the 200th episode and experience the magic of Top Hill Recording – where every episode is a testament to the boundless creativity that thrives in the heart of our region.
Trevor and Trenton Jenkins, collectively known as The Jenkin Twins, hail from Irvine, Kentucky and have dedicated years to crafting a sort of "Cosmic Americana" that nods to contemporary indie while paying homage to golden-age pioneers like Bruce Springsteen, the Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, and Roy Orbison.
Top Hill sits down with Mark Roberts of The Monarch in Louisville, Kentucky. The Monarch stands as a nonprofit nexus for creativity, a social haven, and a valuable resource center nestled in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. It serves as a dynamic community hub, embracing artists, musicians, and music enthusiasts alike. The one-of-a-kind co-working venue and intimate listening room form a secure haven where musicians can not only craft, collaborate, and showcase their talents but also foster personal and artistic growth. Providing writing spaces, rehearsal areas, and performance venues, along with communal tools of the trade, the Monarch extends assistance programs to bolster the local artistic community. Dedicated artist members and patron supporters are forging a resilient, interconnected, and lively creative network. The tangible manifestation is a welcoming space offering artist members convenient, at-will key-card entry into an atmosphere charged with creative vigor, fueled by the presence of like-minded peers and patrons. The Monarch community shares a common passion for original music and the creators behind it. Both artist and patron members gain entry to some of the most enchanting musical experiences the city has to offer. Louisville boasts an extraordinary wealth of musical talent, and The Monarch plays a pivotal role in amplifying the city's sonic landscape. By facilitating connections between artists and the audiences that propel their growth, the Monarch contributes immensely to the harmonious resonance of Louisville, Kentucky.
Lexington, Kentucky-based singer/songwriter Kyle Ayres goes by the name Buck the Taxidermist. The inception of this musical project occurred in 2015 when Kyle, then performing with a string band, felt a compelling need to capture his personal musical expressions. Buck the Taxidermist emerged from fragments of songs that had been simmering in Kyle's mind for years. Whether performing with a band, featuring a rotating lineup of Kentucky friends, or going solo, Kyle's creative direction draws inspiration from a mix of contemporary and vintage influences. His musical palette encompasses the modern sounds of The War on Drugs, Wilco, and Dr. Dog, as well as the timeless melodies of classic songwriters like Townes Van Zandt, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, and Neil Young. The outcome of this fusion varies, reflecting the ebb and flow of Kyle's creative process.
Sydney Sleadd is a singer/songwriter from Louisville, Kentucky. She has been writing and performing on and off since 2011 and was formerly known as "Alabama Brown" before deciding to switch from a stage name to her real name. She released one EP under Alabama Brown in 2012, and another under Sydney Sleadd in 2016. She released 2 new singles and is back in the studio working on a full length album.
Sydney is a self-taught musician who first learned piano as a child and then guitar in her early 20's. She started writing songs in her teen years as a way to process difficult emotions and make sense of the world around her. She has a storytelling style of writing, and her songs range from diary entries to musings about life. Her music is hard to classify in a single genre as she weaves folk, grunge, soul, and outlaw country throughout her discography. She is known for her clever lyrics, unique playing style, and powerhouse vocals. Sydney has been featured in Louisville Music News, on Great Day Live, and Cumberland Country Music. She hosted a "Ladies of Louisville" music in the round at Lettersong for 2 years bringing lesser known local female artists into the spotlight. She has played at many prominent local venues including ZanzaBar, Hard Rock Cafe, the Rudyard Kipling, Odeon, and opened for Lydia Loveless at Uncle Slayton's. She performed at The Moon and Stars Festival for her second year and recently opened for Australian band "MANE" at The Monarch.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
