Living in the Limelight

Emma Mowery (July 2024)

Emma Mowery has spent her whole life honing her sound through different eras of life and committing to her craft in order to unlock her most authentic artistic voice. Now settled in Nashville, Mowery is officially ready to introduce herself to the world. Somewhere in the venn diagram of pop-punk and singer-songwriter is Emma Mowery. Her personality noticeably shines through in her music, where she embraces storytelling balanced with her characteristic wit, playfulness, and sarcasm.  Check out her new release, “Control Freak,” on your favorite streaming service and, of course, in its entirety, at the end of this episode!  Let’s welcome Emma Mowery to Living in the Limelight.

Danny Spiro (June 2024)

With a diverse musical upbringing spanning country, rock, pop, red dirt, blues, and 90s rock, Danny Spiro showcases his unique take on country music through high-octane performances that captivate audiences with infectious enthusiasm, igniting the crowd. With his slightly rough-around-the-edges yet charismatic southern charm, this blue-collar musician is one you can't help but root for. Hailing from humble roots in Mobile, Alabama, and with aspirations to one day grace the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage, Danny made the bold move to Nashville, TN, to carve out his path to success. A defining moment at the age of 14 was witnessing an electrifying performance by a local band that had achieved success: 3 Doors Down. Feeling the pulsating energy of the venue and witnessing the intense engagement of the crowd left a lasting impression, igniting Danny's desire to evoke similar emotions in others. Teaming up with acclaimed drummer and producer Grady Saxman, whose credits include Luke Combs, Dustin Lynch, Trey Lewis, Muscadine Bloodline, Kassi Ashton, and Uncle Kracker, Danny is poised to make waves with his upcoming music. From intimate songwriter rounds where Danny showcases his storytelling prowess to being a sought-after performer on Nashville's famed Broadway strip, he dazzles audiences at renowned establishments such as Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa, Tootsies, Big Machine, Bus Call Showcase - Tin Roof Midtown, FGL House, Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson's, Kid Rock's, and Jason Aldean’s. And this is just the beginning. Excited to listen to Danny Spiro's music? Keep an ear out for his highly anticipated EP, slated for release later in 2024. In the meantime, check out his single "Ecstasy," available on all major streaming platforms.

Thomas Hinds (May 2024)

In a music industry aching for authenticity, Thomas Hinds is a hard-touring troubadour surviving on raw talent and a heartfelt folk-rock repertoire. His exquisite third full-length Where Do We Go From Here, recorded at Alabama’s legendary FAME Studios (Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding etc.), has him poised to gatecrash the mainstream. “I want people to get a sense of comfort from my music, knowing that they’re not alone,” he mulled during a roadside pit stop. “There’s always hope, and there’s beauty even in hard times.” Like most great artists, Hinds’ work is largely autobiographical. It’s simply him: his heart and his life experience laid bare. A songwriter since age 16, he put music on hold when he married young and prioritized parenthood. When the relationship fell apart, Hinds plunged into a dark chapter when only an ultra-prolific, pent-up return to songwriting kept him going. With his kids grown, Hinds began planning to become a full-time touring musician. Following warm receptions for his 2015 debut album Ghosts and Lamentations and follow-up EP Barbwire Bouquet, he hit the road in earnest in 2019 and soon was playing almost 150 shows a year. Noting that many of the wineries, distilleries, festivals, and house parties he plays were within a 5-hour radius of Atlanta, he gambled on a move from New Mexico to north Georgia. “I just stepped off the ledge and things just came together to make it happen,” Hinds recalls. “That was confirmation that I was doing the right thing.” Also an author, Hinds’ poetic soul infuses the blues-based Americana that scales new heights on Where Do We Go From Here, which he self-released in June 2023. Recorded with producer Spencer Coats at the storied FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, the album features an A-list band led by former Bonnie Raitt guitarist Will McFarlane and steel guitar from longtime Garth Brooks bandmate Bruce Bouton. “I often had the hair on my neck standing up or a tear in my eye, because I was listening to something that had been in my head for years, but I just couldn’t explain,” he recalled. Hinds is supporting Where Do We Go From Here with evocative video content, showcases at SXSW 2024 and, of course, more countless miles in his trusty van. As he converts fans one-by- one, show-by-show, his hard-fought career is already a success by its very existence. “I always want there to be a silver lining at the end of things,” he concluded, recalling an epiphanous evening drive. “I was in the southern Pennsylvania hills, windows down, in that golden light. And I’m thinking, man, I would never in a million years have imagined this!”

Mark Grundhoefer (May 2024)

For over 25 years, guitarist Mark Grundhoefer has been a professional musician playing in numerous bands, devoting countless hours of session work, and developing a full-time teaching studio. He resides in Atlanta, Georgia where he continues to perform, record, and educate. His solo music, which is available on all digital platforms, has been streamed more than 6 million times in over 170 countries. Mark's sound is a reflection of his southern roots and his classical and jazz studies.  He has a worldwide following of 60,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and about 30,000 on the other streaming services.  Check out his new project, created with his musical partner David Brimer, that is dropping on May 17th, called “In Technicolor.”

Faith Alene (April 2024)

Faith Alene is a teen singer, musician, and songwriter. She was born in Long Island, NY and currently resides in Central Florida’s East Coast. Faith has been singing and performing since elementary school.  She began theater at age 7 and voice at age 8. Her drive and determination has lead her to create her own path in life. Frequent trips to Broadway in NYC with her Grandfather only sparked her interests in vocals even more. Faith began in theater performing minor roles but quickly achieved the lead in countless shows including Adams Family, Pippin, Les Mis, Aladdin and many others. She continued to expand her skills and competed in local and state wide vocal competitions, where she performed live in front of large audiences and won first place multiple times. Faith was not only the lead vocalist in her church youth group, but was able to coordinate and organize logistics of song selection and musical composition. Over time, Faith began to fall in love with country and folk music. In 2021, she began writing her own songs and taught herself how to play the guitar. Faith is in the process of recording some of her favorite originals and excited to share them with you!  She currently performs at local restaurants and farmers markets in the area. Her music has a small town feel to reflect her love of nature and country life.  When not working on her music, you can find her shooting at the archery range, reading books, training on the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu mats or studying medicinal plants. She is a firm believer in Jesus and knows all her gifts, talents and opportunities she has been given come from Him. Faith is looking forward to recording her original music and performing at live events throughout the nation. For bookings, please visit www.faithalene.com [http://www.faithalenemusic.com] and send her a message.