Season 6 Episode 186: Interview with Gina Zo

Season 6 Episode 186: Interview with Gina Zo

From dancing on her bed with a microphone at 5-years-old to pop-rock heavy-hitter, Gina Zo is a ray of sunshine! We chat about her time on “The Voice,” how she writes a song, and co-writing in Los Angeles. And of course, we talked about her latest release, the deluxe version of her album “Burn Me Into Something Better” (released September 2025).     Gina Zo is a rock-pop singers songwriter and powerhouse vocalist celebrated for her fearless authenticity and raw, emotional storytelling. Originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia and now based in Los Angeles, she is carving out a distinct place as one of the most compelling voices in modern rock-pop.    In late September 2025, Gina released her highly anticipated debut album, Burn Me Into Something Better— searing, vulnerable exploration of transformation, heartbreak, and rebirth. The record was featured on EARMILK, which awarded it a 9/10 review and praised its unfiltered honesty: “What makes Burn Me Into Something Better stand out, though, is its refusal to sanitize. These songs aren’t neatly packaged pop; they’re jagged, raw, and proudly messy, mirroring the real-life transformations that shaped them. It’s a record that validates every stumble as part of the climb, every scar as part of the story.”    Now based in Los Angeles, Gina finds balance in cooking from scratch, reading murder mysteries, and walking around the Silver Lake Reservoir. With Burn Me Into Something Better ushering in her defining era, Dirty Habits setting the tone, and her holiday songs showcasing her versatility, Gina Zo stands at the forefront of a new generation of rock-pop artists—bold, untamed, and unapologetically real.  Be sure to check Gina out here:  * Website: ginazomusic.com [https://www.ginazomusic.com/]  * IG: _ginazo_  * FB: Gina Zo  * TikTok: Gina Zo  * YouTube: Gina_Zo

Season 6 Episode 185: Interview with Ismay

We had the best time chatting with Avery Hellman—Ismay—about how ranching and how that was the segway into their music career. We talk about re-writing folk songs, the Woollystar music festival (curated by Avery), and of course Ismay’s latest album “Half Truth”  Avery Hellman has been a rancher, an alt-country musician, and, always, a dreamer. But they recently found themself once more while looking for Lucinda Williams. In 2023, Hellman was hard at work on an album, podcast, and documentary [http://www.findinglucinda.com/] delving into the psyche of the country singer-songwriter when they discovered how much poetry played into Williams’ general talents. “That was a really big shift for me,” Hellman says. “I was like, ‘Well, why don’t I learn how to write poetry?’” Add another job to that resume.    In 2026 Avery helped to launch Fossil Records [http://www.fossilrecordsco.com/] with Margo Cilker, an indie label whose aim is to capture the expression drawn from seasons of work on ranches and in rural outposts.  Currently, Avery is based in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. ISMAY also curates a music festival called Woollystar [https://www.woollystar.com/].    Be sure to check Ismay out here:   * Website: ismaymusic.com  * Bandcamp: Ismay  * YouTube: Ismay  * Instagram: Ismaymusic  * FB: Ismay  * Fossil Records: fossilrecords.com  *  Woollystar: Woollystar.com

Season 6: Episode 184: Interview with Brooke and Darin Aldridge

Brooke and Darin called in to chat from the road on the way to play Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. We talked about their brand new gospel album, “Soul Condition,” how they make a great writing team, still getting jitters and the Nashville numbering system.    Acclaimed bluegrass and gospel duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge return with theirhighly anticipated new 11-song album which arrived earlier this year, showcasing the soaring harmonies, heartfelt performances, and authentic storytelling that have made them one of the most beloved husband-and-wife teams in contemporary bluegrass, traditional country, and Christian music. The project includes special guest appearances from Grand Ole Opry Members, Sonia Isaacs and Becky Isaacs, along with the legendary John Cowan of New Grass Revival and The Doobie Brothers. Hailing from the mountains of North Carolina, Darin and Brooke continue to blend world-class musicianship, award-winning vocals, and a deep Christian faith into music that honors bluegrass and Southern gospel traditions while connecting with audiencesacross generation.     Be sure to check them out here:  * Website:Darinandbrookealdridge.com  * IG: darinandbrookealdridge  * FB: Darin & Brooke Aldridge  * TikTok: darinandbrookealdridge  * YouTube: darinandbrooke

Season 6 Episode 183: Interview with Amber Westerman

From farming in Hawaii to writing songs, Amber Westerman is the real deal! We chatted with her about her start about her experiences being an artist in Nashville and in Austin, the hardest part about being a career musician, and keeping her dream alive!    From the limestone hills of Marble Falls, Texas to the musical heartbeat of Nashville, TN, Amber Westerman embodies the essence of modern Americana music with a reimagined flare. Her musical journey ignited on the volcanic shores of Hawaii's Big Island, where she discovered her voice as a storyteller amidst a vibrant artistic community, shared her first time on stagewith roots music mainstay Mishka, and developed a sound that is uniquely her own.    Westerman is further delving into her Americana roots, crafting songs that bridge the gap between modern folk sensibilities and the timeless art of country storytelling. In an industry often focused on trends, she remains steadfast in her mission: making music that helps listeners feel more present in their lives and their hearts.    Be sure to check Amber out here:  * Website: amberwestermanmusic.com  * TikTok: Amber.westerman.music  * IG: Amberwesterman  * YouTube: Amber Westerman  * Facebook: Amber Westerman

Season 6 Episode 182: Interview with Ryan Dart

We loved talking with Ryan Dart about his new album “Love Don’t Break you” AVAILABLEEVERYWHERE! We even got to see the vinyl before it was released, and yes, we totally geeked out over it!   We chatted about his start as a music engineer and how he became a fulltime musician, how he uses music to process all of the things in his life, and his greatest addiction—songwriting!  Ryan Dart is a Colorado-based Americana songwriter, farmer, and father whose new album, If Love Don’t Break You,released May 1, 2026. Rooted in love, loss, and hard-earned wisdom, Dart’s music reflects a life shaped by the land and the road, drawing influence from Dylan, Cash, Townes Van Zandt, Tom Waits, and classic rhythm and blues. Raised below the poverty line in western Arkansas, he brings lived experience and emotional honesty to every song. Featuring an all-star cast including Richard Bowden, Nate Barnes, and members of Elephant Revival, If Love Don’t Break You is Dart’s most personal and fully realized work to date.    Be sure to check Ryan out here:  * FB: Ryan Dart  * IG: Ryandartmusic  * YouTube: dartryandart  * Website: Ryandartmusic.com