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

Gracee Shriver | Her Debut EP "Pretty Psycho," Nashville & Life After Belmont

Country artist Gracee Shriver joins the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast during CMA Fest to talk about her debut EP, life in Nashville, touring, and the inspiration behind one of the most fun country projects of the summer. Originally from Oklahoma and now based full-time in Nashville after graduating from Belmont University, Gracee shares the story behind her debut EP "Pretty Psycho," how sorority life inspired one of its songs, and why she wanted to create an album that feels like rolling the windows down on a summer road trip. In this episode we discuss: The making of Pretty Psycho Life after Belmont University Touring throughout the summer Headlining ThunderFest Growing up in Oklahoma Nashville songwriting Favorite road trip stops in Texas Advice for young musicians If you're a fan of fun, energetic country music and want to discover one of Nashville's rising artists, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation. 💬 Leave a comment telling us which song from Pretty Psycho is your favorite. 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with independent artists, songwriters, and musicians from across the country. #LiveAndAmplified #GraceeShriver #CountryMusic #IndependentMusic

Erin Kinsey | CMA Fest, New Music with Dillon Marlowe & Her Texas Roots

Fresh off an exciting performance at CMA Fest, rising country artist Erin Kinsey joins the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast to talk about new music, her Texas roots, life in Nashville, and what's next in her rapidly growing career. In this episode, Erin shares the story behind performing her new duet with Dillon Marlowe live for the first time, discusses upcoming music arriving this fall, and reflects on the journey from growing up near Rockwall, Texas, to becoming one of Nashville's most exciting young artists. We also discuss: * Performing on the Dr Pepper Stage during CMA Fest * Life as an independent artist in Nashville * Touring and upcoming international shows * Growing up in Texas * Songwriting and recording in Music City * Baking sourdough and life outside of music * Advice for aspiring musicians If you enjoy discovering the next generation of country music stars, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 👍 Like this video 💬 Comment with your favorite Erin Kinsey song. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with independent artists, songwriters, and musicians from across the country. Follow Erin Kinsey: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & more: @ErinKinseyTX #LiveAndAmplified #ErinKinsey #CountryMusic #IndependentMusic

Byrdie Wilson | New Music, CMA Fest, Songwriter Rounds & Overcoming a Cleft Palate

Country singer-songwriter Byrdie Wilson joins Live and Amplified during CMA Fest for an inspiring conversation about her newest music, life on the road, and the journey that's shaping her career. Byrdie talks about the success of her latest single "Saving," previews her upcoming release "Redneck Enough," and shares what it was like hearing fans sing her songs back to her during CMA Fest. We also dive into: * Her monthly songwriter rounds in Nashville * Why Redneck Riviera feels like home * Building connections in Music City * Touring and balancing life on the road * Becoming a Brand Ambassador for Operation Smile * Growing up with a cleft palate and overcoming the challenges of singing, speaking, and performing * The importance of perseverance and inspiring others If you love discovering independent country artists and hearing the stories behind the music, this episode is for you. 👍 Like the video 💬 Leave a comment letting us know your favorite Byrdie Wilson song. 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with independent artists, songwriters, and musicians from across the country. Follow Byrdie Wilson: Website: https://byrdiewilson.com [https://byrdiewilson.com/] #LiveAndAmplified #ByrdieWilson #CountryMusic #Songwriter #IndependentMusic

Musical Outlaw Showcase | Big's Mayberry Tavern in Lorena, TX

Some of the best independent songwriters in Texas took the stage at the Musical Outlaw Showcase in Lorena, Texas for an evening of original music and honest conversations.In this episode of Live and Amplified, we feature performances and interviews with:Featuring:Brant HayworthAlton Ray Lilly MilfordJimmy ZapataHear the stories behind the songs, the inspiration that drives these artists, and what it's like building a career in the Texas independent music scene.If you're a fan of Texas Country, Red Dirt, Americana, singer-songwriters, and authentic independent music, this showcase is for you.👍 Like the video if you enjoyed these performances.💬 Leave a comment letting us know which songwriter or song was your favorite.🔔 Subscribe for more exclusive performances, interviews, and independent music from artists you need to know.

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!