Dzaki Sukarno | New Music, Touring Life & “Lone Star Without You”

Shayna Gee | Touring, Nashville's Reality & Why Being Yourself Wins

Shayna Gee joins the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast during CMA Fest 2026 for a conversation about life on the road, building an independent music career, and why authenticity is still the most valuable thing an artist can have. We talk about: * Moving from Los Angeles to Nashville * Releasing new music and preparing for a summer tour * Booking your own tours as an independent artist * Nashville's famous Broadway scene vs. the local dive bars * Why albums are making a comeback * Chicago's underrated food scene * The realities of surviving as an independent musician * Advice for young artists trying to find their voice If you're an independent artist, songwriter, or country music fan, this episode is packed with honest conversation and plenty of laughs. Follow Shayna Gee ▶ Website & Socials: https://www.shaynagee.com (Update if needed) ▶ Stream her latest music on your favorite platform. Subscribe for more conversations with independent artists from across the country. #Songwriter #Texas #NotNashvilleApproved #CountryMusic #IndependentMusic

Tori Forsyth | Australian Country Music, AI in Music & Her New Single

Australian country artist Tori Forsyth joins the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast during CMA Fest to talk about new music, touring the United States, the challenges facing Australia's live music scene, and why authenticity matters more than ever in the age of AI. Fresh off the release of her latest single "Guns and Little Girls," with another release, "Notice the Roses," on the way, Tori shares her journey from Queensland to Nashville and opens up about balancing ambition while avoiding burnout. In this episode we discuss: * The inspiration behind "Notice the Roses" * Australia's struggling live music scene * Touring through Kentucky and the United States * Moving toward a longer U.S. visa * AI-generated music and fake artists * Burnout and finding balance * Why live music matters now more than ever * Advice for the next generation of musicians If you're passionate about authentic songwriting and independent country music, this conversation is one you don't want to miss. 👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation. 💬 Comment below: Do you think AI will help or hurt the future of music? 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with independent artists, songwriters, and musicians from around the world. #LiveAndAmplified #ToriForsyth #CountryMusic #IndependentMusic

Tori Rose | "South of Southern," CMA Fest & Chasing Her Country Music Dreams

Country artist Tori Rose joins the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast during CMA Fest to talk about her latest single, life in Nashville, songwriting, and building momentum as one of country music's rising independent artists. Fresh off the release of her new single "South of Southern," Tori shares what's been keeping her busy, from performing iconic Nashville stages like Whiskey Jam and the Raised Rowdy Showcase to booking her first major festival appearance at Barefoot Country Music Fest. In this episode we discuss: * The story behind "South of Southern" * Songwriting in Nashville * Life after moving from Florida to Tennessee * Playing Whiskey Jam * Barefoot Country Music Fest * The challenges of co-writing * Life during CMA Fest * Advice for aspiring musicians If you love discovering independent country artists before they break through, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 👍 Like the video if you enjoyed the conversation. 💬 Comment below and let us know where you're watching from! 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with independent artists, songwriters, and musicians from across the country. #LiveAndAmplified #ToriRose #CountryMusic #IndependentMusic

Waylon Hanel | CMA Fest, Michigan Country, Recording in Nashville & His Wild Trump Rally Story

Country artist Waylon Hanel is back on the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast after more than two years, and this reunion is full of laughs, stories, and everything happening in his career. From building a full band in Michigan to recording new music in Nashville with producer Ken Royster, Waylon shares what life has been like since we last sat down together. We also dive into: His first CMA Fest experience Building a touring band in Michigan Recording new music in Nashville Mentorship from songwriter Bernie Nelson Playing festivals and casinos across Michigan His unforgettable experience singing the National Anthem before a campaign rally featuring Donald Trump Hunting, fishing, and life outdoors The story behind his new Stetson hat If you enjoy authentic country artists, behind-the-scenes stories from the road, and conversations that feel like two friends catching up, you'll love this episode. 👍 Like the video if you enjoyed the conversation. 💬 Comment below and let us know where you're watching from! 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with independent artists, songwriters, and musicians from across the country. #LiveAndAmplified #WaylonHanel #CountryMusic #IndependentMusic

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