Boys Only! Podcasting, Live Sound Fails, CMA Fest, and #NotNashvilleApproved

Lily Meola | From Maui to Nashville, Touring with Willie Nelson & Chasing Her Debut Album

Lily Meola joins the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast live from CMA Fest! From growing up on Maui and landing her first gig at just 10 years old, to sharing the stage with Willie Nelson and competing on America's Got Talent, Lily's journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, we talk about: • How Willie Nelson discovered her at a small café gig on Maui • Touring with Willie and life on the road • America's Got Talent and the opportunities that followed • Moving to Nashville full-time after years of commuting from Hawaii • Her upcoming debut album • Surf culture, skateboarding, unicycles, and fostering bunnies • The reality of being an independent touring artist Lily brings incredible authenticity, positivity, and talent to every stage she steps on, and this conversation is a perfect look behind the curtain at one of today's most exciting singer-songwriters. Subscribe for more interviews from CMA Fest and the best in independent music. #LilyMeola #WillieNelson #CMAFest #LiveAndAmplified #NotNashvilleApproved

Waka Flocka Flame | Country Music, Fatherhood & Why Hip Hop and Country Are the Same

Waka Flocka Flame joins the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast live from CMA Fest in Nashville! In this conversation, Waka opens up about his new music, his growing connection to country music, life in Georgia, the similarities between hip-hop and country culture, and the excitement of preparing for his first child. We also discuss: • Why country and hip-hop are more alike than people realize • His latest music and collaborations • Life outside the spotlight • CMA Fest experiences • Advice for young artists trying to build a career • The importance of learning from those who came before you This is a side of Waka Flocka Flame that fans don't always get to see—thoughtful, reflective, and focused on the future. 🎙️ Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast 📍 Recorded at CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share! #WakaFlockaFlame #CMAFest #CountryMusic #HipHop #LiveAndAmplified

HEMLOCK | Talks 30 Years of Touring, Europe Festivals & Metal's DIY Grind

HEMLOCK joins the Live and Amplified Podcast live from Roswell, New Mexico before another explosive show on their current tour. In this episode, the band talks about over 30 years of touring, preparing for their upcoming European festival run, life on the road in a converted school bus, surviving the music industry through changing times, building a dedicated fanbase, and why merchandise is more important than ever for independent artists. We also dive into stories from Roswell, touring overseas, metal culture, Christmas albums, and what keeps HEMLOCK motivated after decades of relentless touring. If you're a fan of heavy metal, DIY touring, independent music, and behind-the-scenes road stories, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Live and Amplified Podcast Hosted by Tom Kwiat Follow HEMLOCK: • Website: HemlockWorld.com • Instagram: @hemlockworld • Facebook: Hemlock World Follow Live and Amplified: • Instagram: @LiveNAMplified #Hemlock #HeavyMetal #MetalPodcast #LiveAndAmplified #TourLife #MetalBand #DIYMusic #RockPodcast #EuropeanTour #NotNashvilleApproved

Chanel West Coast | Gets Real About Country Music, Motherhood & Going Independent

Chanel West Coast joins Tom Kwiat on the Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast during CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee! Known for her success in hip hop, television, and entertainment, Chanel opens up about her transition into country music, the success of her independent single "Down to the Filter," and why creative freedom means everything to her. She also shares stories about her family roots, motherhood, life between Los Angeles and Nashville, and her plans for a debut country album. In this interview we discuss: • Why she chose country music • Life as an independent artist • Motherhood and personal growth • Nashville vs. Los Angeles • The future of her country music career • Advice for young musicians and women • Her upcoming debut country album Chanel also talks about the importance of following your heart, staying resilient through criticism, and embracing personal evolution as an artist and person. Subscribe for more artist interviews, music industry conversations, and exclusive coverage from CMA Fest 2026. 🎙️ Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TqxCTAKDdzulaHvq7mp4w [https://open.spotify.com/show/0TqxCTAKDdzulaHvq7mp4w]? Follow Live and Amplified: Instagram: @LiveNAMplified #ChanelWestCoast #CMAFest2026 #CountryMusic #LiveAndAmplified #IndieFusionPodcast #Nashville #IndependentArtist #DownToTheFilter

Boys Only! Podcasting, Live Sound Fails, CMA Fest, and #NotNashvilleApproved

No guest this time—just Tom Kwiat and Jeff Cabana hanging out for a classic "boys only" episode of the Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast! In this episode, the guys talk about: * Preparing for upcoming Musical Outlaw showcases * Live sound equipment upgrades and production challenges * Podcast growth and content strategy * CMA Fest plans and dream interviews * Building the #NotNashvilleApproved movement * Music gear, microphones, guitar strings, and emergency gig bags * Road stories, travel mishaps, and small-town adventures * The realities of being independent artists and promoters Whether you're a musician, songwriter, podcaster, or just enjoy hearing two friends talk shop, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories and plenty of laughs. 🎙️ Follow Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TqxCTAKDdzulaHvq7mp4w [https://open.spotify.com/show/0TqxCTAKDdzulaHvq7mp4w]? 📱 Follow us everywhere: @LiveNAMplified #NotNashvilleApproved #Songwriter #Texas #Podcast #IndependentMusic