American Blonde | Their New Sound, CMA Fest, Racing Cars & Staying True to Yourself

Dzaki Sukarno | New Music, Touring Life & “Lone Star Without You”

We are live from CMA Fest 2026 at Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee with another powerful episode of the Live & Amplified Podcast! This time, host Tom Kwiat catches up with returning guest Dzaki Sukarno to talk about his journey since the last time they met, life on the road, and what’s coming next in his career. Dzaki shares details about his brand new track “Lone Star Without You”, how it came together in the studio, and his growing touring schedule across New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and beyond. From El Paso to Carlsbad and future stops in Dallas and Laredo, Dzaki is keeping the grind alive while balancing life, music, and family. We also talk CMA Fest memories, the evolution of independent touring artists, and what it really takes to build momentum in today’s country and Americana music scene. If you love real conversations with independent artists making moves outside the Nashville machine, this one’s for you. 🎤 Guest: Dzaki Sukarno 🎧 Host: Tom Kwiat 📍 Live from CMA Fest – Music City Center, Nashville, TN 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more artist interviews and live podcast sessions from across the country!

Trey Calloway | CMA Fest, Touring the Carolinas, New Music & the Nashville Grind

Country artist Trey Calloway joins Live and Amplified from CMA Fest in Nashville for an honest conversation about life on the road, finding the right producer, touring across the Carolinas, and chasing the dream in Music City. Trey shares stories from his journey as an independent artist, working with legendary producer Phil O'Donnell, writing with hit songwriter Kent Blazy, and balancing life between Nashville and the Carolinas. From backstage stories featuring Neal McCoy, Mark Wills, John Berry, and Randy Travis to discussions about songwriting, touring, and staying true to yourself, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration for music fans and aspiring artists alike. Topics Covered: • CMA Fest 2026 • Trey Calloway's new EP • Working with Phil O'Donnell • Writing with Kent Blazy • Nashville vs. Carolina music scenes • Touring life and independent artists • Songwriting inspiration • Country music legends and influences • The reality of chasing a music career If you enjoy independent country music, Americana, Red Dirt, and conversations with the artists keeping real music alive, make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode. Follow Trey Calloway: Instagram: @TreyCallowayMusic Facebook: Trey Calloway Music Spotify: Trey Calloway Follow Live and Amplified: Website: Live and Amplified Podcast: Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast #TreyCalloway #CMAFest #CountryMusic #LiveAndAmplified #NotNashvilleApproved

Dave Fenley | Grand Ole Opry Debut, Texas Roots & Building a Brewery

Dave Fenley joins Live and Amplified from CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville for a conversation filled with Texas music, songwriting, Nashville life, great food, and major career milestones. Dave talks about growing up in Lufkin, Texas, making the move to Nashville, the evolution of the Texas music scene, and receiving the invitation to make his Grand Ole Opry debut. He also shares details about his new album, family life, and an exciting new brewery and music venue project in Marion, Illinois called Grain & Groove. Plus, the conversation takes a hilarious detour into breakfast tacos, Lone Star beer, Nashville hot chicken, Chicago pizza, and where to find the best hidden-gem restaurants in Music City. If you're a fan of authentic country music, great songwriting, and artists who stay true to their roots, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎙️ Guest: Dave Fenley 📍 Recorded during CMA Fest 2026 🎵 Hosted by Live and Amplified Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with independent artists, songwriters, and music industry professionals. #DaveFenley #CMAFest #LiveAndAmplified

Ana Cristina Cash | Bilingual Country Music & Upcoming Opry Collaborations

Ana Cristina Cash joins Live and Amplified at CMA Fest for an engaging conversation about her bilingual country album The Sunshine State, recording music in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and the creative process behind blending traditional country sounds with modern influences. Ana shares stories about working with her husband, John Carter Cash, at the legendary Cash Cabin Studio, upcoming collaborations with Grand Ole Opry members, performing at CMA Fest, and her excitement about making her debut at Billy Bob's Texas. We also discuss songwriting, staying true to your artistic vision, social media, and her advice for the next generation of musicians chasing their dreams. If you're a fan of country music, Americana, bilingual music, and authentic artist conversations, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎙️ Subscribe for more exclusive interviews from CMA Fest and independent artists from around the world. Follow Ana Cristina Cash: 📍 Website: anacristina.com 📍 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @anacristinacash #Songwriter #Texas #NotNashvilleApproved #CMAFest #CountryMusic

American Blonde | Their New Sound, CMA Fest, Racing Cars & Staying True to Yourself

Fresh off the excitement of CMA Fest, American Blonde joins us on the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast to talk about their evolution as a band, recording new music with their full band, and the inspiration behind their name change from Southern Halo to American Blonde. We dive into their Mississippi Delta roots, blending country, blues, and rock into their signature sound, life in Nashville, touring across the country, and the importance of creating authentic music that reflects who you really are. Plus, we talk about race cars, crocheting, old movies, Texas shows, and some hilarious new merch ideas involving blonde wigs! If you're a fan of authentic independent music, country rock, and artists forging their own path, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎵 Follow American Blonde for new music, tour dates, and upcoming releases. 🎙️ Subscribe to Live and Amplified for more interviews with independent artists, songwriters, and musicians from CMA Fest and beyond. #AmericanBlonde #CMAFest #NotNashvilleApproved