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

Rachael Fahim | on CMA Fest, Touring with Jordan Davis & Bringing Australian Country to Nashville

Australian country artist Rachael Fahim joins us at CMA Fest 2026 for her very first CMA Fest interview! We dive into her journey from Sydney, Australia to Nashville, her experience touring with Jordan Davis, the release of her debut album Who You Are, and the differences between the Australian and American country music scenes. Rachael also shares valuable advice for independent artists, discussing the importance of understanding the business side of the music industry while building a successful music career. If you're a fan of country music, independent artists, songwriting, and behind-the-scenes music industry conversations, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎙️ Live and Amplified: Indie Fusion Podcast 🎵 Featuring: Rachael Fahim 📍 Recorded at CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee Subscribe for more artist interviews, songwriter stories, and independent music conversations. #Songwriter #Texas #NotNashvilleApproved #CMAFest #CountryMusic

Ashland Craft | New Music, Texas Country, AI Music & Dive Bar Beauty Queen

Ashland Craft joins the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast at CMA Fest 2026! We talk about her latest album Dive Bar Beauty Queen, the upcoming deluxe edition, life in Nashville, growing up in South Carolina, her love for Texas Country, favorite artists, songwriting, Willie Nelson, and the growing impact of AI in music. Ashland also shares why authentic songwriting matters more than ever and gives fans a glimpse into what's coming next. If you're a fan of real country music, Red Dirt, and honest songwriting, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎙️ Recorded live during CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville. Subscribe for more interviews with independent artists, country stars, songwriters, and music industry insiders. #AshlandCraft #CMAFest #TexasCountry #RedDirt #LiveAndAmplified

Bri Bagwell | Texas Music, Touring Life, New Music & Why Live Music Matters

Bri Bagwell joins us on the Live & Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast from The Liberty in Roswell, New Mexico! We dive into life on the road, growing up in New Mexico, building a career in Texas music, the realities of touring, merch sales, social media struggles, fake accounts, songwriting, and the future of live music in an AI-driven world. Bri also shares stories about Green Hall, New Braunfels, Whiskey the rescue dog, upcoming music releases, and why venues like The Liberty are so important for independent artists. If you're a fan of Texas Country, Red Dirt, Americana, and independent music, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 🎙️ Topics Include: • Growing up in Las Cruces, New Mexico • Life as a touring artist • New music and release strategies • The importance of independent venues • Texas Country and Red Dirt music • Merch, streaming, and artist income • Whiskey the rescue dog • Social media challenges and fake accounts • The future of live music Subscribe for more interviews with independent artists, songwriters, and music industry professionals. #BriBagwell #TexasCountry #RedDirtMusic #LiveAndAmplified

Nappy Roots | How Kentucky Created a Hip-Hop Legacy & Country Rap Movement

From Bowling Green, Kentucky to stages around the world, the legendary Nappy Roots join us live at CMA Fest 2026 for an unforgettable conversation about their journey, their influence on country rap, and why the connection between country music and hip-hop runs deeper than most people realize. We dive into their early days at Western Kentucky University, the formation of Nappy Roots, their impact on Southern hip-hop, and how songs like "When We Ain't Have A Lot" continue to bridge the gap between country and rap audiences today. The group also talks about performing at CMA Fest, working with Pink Beard, the evolution of music consumption, life on the road, and the lessons they've learned over more than two decades in the music industry. If you're a fan of authentic storytelling, Southern culture, country rap, hip-hop history, and independent artists carving their own lane, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Live and Amplified Podcast 📍 Recorded at CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee #NappyRoots #CMAFest #LiveAndAmplifie

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