Season 6 Episode 185: Interview with Ismay

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

Season 6 Episode 181: Interview with Jaime Lynch of OG8

We had a wonderful chat with Jaime Lynch lead singer of the band OG8 about their latest two singles “WOMAN” and “Change” and their upcoming album that they are in the studio working on right now!  We also talk a little bit about the upas and downs of the music business and how OG8 keeps it all together working out of several different cities.    OG8 is made up of:  JAIME LYNCH, SONGWRITER & VOCALISTTROY WILLIVER, SONGWRITER & GUITARISTPHIL BAKER, BASS GUITARGEORGE MITCHELL, KEYSMICHAEL UNDERWOOD, DRUMS/PERCUSSIONRENATO CARANTO, SAXDREW CANULETTE, PRODUCER & ENGINEERMARK LEVINSON, GODFATHER   Original 8 (OG8) is a collective of powerhouse musicians redefining the landscape of rock and roll. Comprised of seasoned veterans this emerging supergroup is primed to take the industry by storm. Known affectionately as OG8, their origin story is rooted in decades of musical collaboration, friendship and a shared ideological belief system of love of music over pursuit of ego.    In early 2023, Troy Williver’s search for an iconic vocalist led him to Jaime Lynch, a remarkable talent on the brink of stardom. Recommended by a friend, Williver flew to Las Vegas to vet an upcoming performance in person. Within seconds of taking the stage, it was undeniable…she was the one. Lynch’s powerhouse vocals and electric presence captivated the audience and solidified her as the missing piece needed to cement OG8’s status as a collective force. In addition to her vocal abilities, her impressive resume includes a stint with the Pussycat Dolls and a Las Vegas residency.    OG8’s additional bandmates share undeniable talent, in addition to a foundation of friendship, in various collaborations spanning decades. Drummer Michael Underwood brings intuitive timing and a knack for infusing subtle emotive elements into rhythm, while Renato Caranto, legendarysaxophone player, expertly adds a festive layer of jazz to the mix. George Mitchell, keyboard virtuoso, infuses soulful twists into the melodies as bassist extraordinaire Phil Baker expertly stretches the sonic canvas upon which the music dances. Sound engineer Drew Canulette meticulously crafts the sonic landscape of OG8.    Friendship and kindred spirit-based artistry between Williver and Lynch brought the band’s vision to life through powerful co-writing sessions combining Williver’s guitar style with Lynch’s soulful vocals. In the studio, the band infused their talent and specific skill sets toelevate each song to its greatest potential.    Effortlessly blending elements of funk, jazz and blues representative of each member’s individual style, their debut album OG8 brings forth a reimagined form of rock and roll that resonates with the soul and serves the greater good. With every song, the members of OG8 aim to uplift,inspire and unite listeners, creating a legacy of transcendence, healing and hope.    Check them out here:    * Website: OG8music.com  * FB: OG8official  * IG: OG8_original8 andjaimelynch  * YouTube: OG8-ORIGINAL8