Top Hill Recording Podcast

The Top Hill Recording Podcast crew hangs out with future guest cohost Dusty Bo, catching up on the evolution of the program and other things.

trapkingkai is a LoFi/experimental hip-hop artist based out of Louisville, KY. kai is a fan favorite in his region as he combines a laid-back flow with honest wordplay and lyricism that gives his listeners a nostalgic 90's feel. His live performances are described as "energetic, powerful and fun to watch". Backing kai for this podcast is Louisville-based band, Church Friends.

Coda Battousai is a Louisville, Kentucky based Filipino artist. He has entertained others for the past 20 years, getting his first taste of life on the stage at a very young age. Coda is a multi-instrumentalist and plays most of the instruments on his recordings. Coda's music is an eclectic mix of indie, R&B, soul, neo-soul, and lo fi. He is active in the Louisville music scene performing as a trio that includes Sam Read on keys and Daimont Boyington on drums.

Singer/songwriter and pianist Ray Keys is a Louisville native who draws inspiration from many different genres, including jazz, folk, RnB, rock, gospel, and soul. Some of his influences include Alicia Keys, D'Angelo, Drake, Ariana Grande, Miguel, Alabama Shakes, and Brandi Carlile. This mix across genres allows Ray to write and express without boundaries to create vivid and relatable stories for his listeners. His first EP, Brown and Gold, details a journey through his experience and tells the emotional tale of being black in America. Since releasing his first EP, Ray has released a few singles, including Harder Days, Thin Spread Love, which featured the amazing Carly Johnson and Ben Sollee, and Come Back to Me, featuring Kiana Del of Kiana & the Sun Kings, a group of which Keys is also a part. Ray can also be seen with guitarist/vocalist Casey Powell and up-and-coming band Honeymack around the Louisville, Kentucky area. Ray just released his latest single Cocoa Butter Baby, an R&B love story with a slight Latin feel! Band members on the podcast: Ray Keys, vocals Kiana Del, vocals Jailynn Noel, electric bass Cyr Wilson, drum set CJ Cantrell, keyboard Casey Powell, electric guitar

LUX is a 4-piece Shoegaze/Alt Rock band from Louisville, Kentucky. Guitarists and vocalists Luke Owens and Chaz Owens are brothers who have been playing music together since early childhood. They were joined by friends Gavin Martinez (bass) and Blake Smith (drums) in August of 2021. Since then, LUX has released a single called Starspring, and a tree song EP called Dirty Mirrors, released in November of 2022. LUX has quickly built a loyal following in Louisville and is very excited to release some new music soon.

Nate Brooks is a writer, producer, and musician from Stanton, KY, at the foothills of Appalachia. The multi-instrumentalist embraces the DIY approach, building songs like structures with the help of friends around the state. The outcome is a blend of folk and indie rock, with introspective writing at the core of each song. His debut album, “Modern Mythology,” was released in October of 2021 and is soon to be followed by an album called “Picacho,” slated to be released in the Spring of 2023.

Nectar Valley is a young four-piece string band from Owensboro, Kentucky. The band formed from a passion for music and just picking around for fun, slowly evolving into what it has become today. Nectar Valley's own take on music has influences from Bluegrass, Folk, Psychedelic Rock, and Blues.

Vincent Gleeson is a singer-songwriter from Lexington Kentucky who plays an interesting mix of folk and jazz. Vincent primarily sings songs about the struggles of addiction, love, and poverty but also has some songs of happiness thrown in the mix. His influences include Nick Drake, Skip Spence, Coleman Hawkins, and Elliott Smith. Vincent honed his finger picking style through years of practicing ten hours per day, along with a three year stretch of busking five or six days a week.

Collins Black started off his music journey in Bedford, Kentucky under his given name Shawn Brandon. He began performing with family at church and around his local community from the age of five and as a soloist at school.  Collins taught himself guitar and began writing music at 16 and landed a record deal with Abbey Road Nashville by 19. After he was released in Nashville, he attended Eastern Kentucky University and acquired his Bachelors in Music Industry with a concentration in voice. After college he signed with Wire & Wood entertainment and Wings Model Management.  These short-lived endeavors inadvertently gave way to opportunities to appear on Blood on the Dancefloor's album "Evolution" as a writer & feature vocalist.  That album charted out at #1 on Billboard's electronic charts & #42 on Billboard's top 200 chart. His track Hollywood Tragedy was the editor's pick by AP magazine, and he went on to write and be a feature vocalist on three more Blood on the Dancefloor's albums appearing alongside artists like Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, Deuce of Hollywood Undead, and Jeffree Star. Collins also toured with the band as a background singer and feature vocalist nationally. After leaving the band he made a pivot and rebranded to his current stage name and finished top 5 on Shine Season 2, America's #1 short form competition singing series online.  After a few years of retirement, Collins is back full force.

Born, raised, and based in Eastern Kentucky, Bedford is heading to the national music scene with something new in their pockets and something vintage in their souls. This band is able to capture lightning - put it in a bottle - and share it with the world as a familiar yet, unique sound.  This unequivocal four-piece group has made it their personal mission to re-ignite the fiery passion of Rock, fused with a dose of Soul. Influenced by world-renowned artists since childhood, Bedford truly brings that "Sweet Old Sound" into the modern limelight. A true powerhouse band, Bedford's members (Sam May, Tristan Frazier, Trevor St John, and Kolby Swiney) all command the stage with not one or two, but FOUR powerful vocals, thundering drums, infectious bass-lines, and searing guitars. Bedford is the band that the world never knew it needed, but knows it wants. Keeping with recurrent themes in their lyrics and introducing the next hot sound - check out Bedford all over the surrounding states and beyond.  Bedford released their first album "Content" in 2018 with prominent tracks such as " Bone Orchard Blues " and " Thank You".  Followed in 2019 with their second record, "A Trip into The Sun" heavy cuts such as "Jump Into the Sun" and "The Castaway". While the entire music industry and community nearly ground to a halt with the COVID-19 Pandemic, Bedford utilized this time to re-focus and set their sights beyond the moon and stars. Currently in the progress of recording their upcoming self-titled record "Bedford", the band is pushing 'full steam ahead' into a bright future - and you don't want to miss out!

Andrew Wakefield is a songwriter, guitarist, and singer based in Asheville, NC with an eclectic catalogue of compositions ranging from guitar-driven bluegrass to folk, old-time, newgrass, rock, americana, and more. He is a contributing member of The Well Drinkers and former member of Supper Break and Cynefin. 
 Career highlights include performing at Merlefest, performing with Molly Tuttle, Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, members of Billy Strings, Town Mountain, Fireside Collective, Jim Lauderdale, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, George Clinton, Jeff Sipe among others, and playing lead electric guitar in Ween drummer Claude Coleman's outfit, Amandla. 
 With renewed focus on the solo project, a bluegrass-themed sophomore album is in the works and set for release in early 2023.

The Highlanders are a five-piece alternative band with a gritty roots sound, but don't consider themselves a country act anymore. "We definitely started playing standard country. We’re from Kentucky so we thought that’s what we had to play. As we kept progressing we finally were able to blend in a little bit of ourselves and our influences," said singer and guitarist Colin O’Daniel. The group first got together in 2018 and went from playing cover songs at their local pool, to playing all original music at medium venues, all while developing a serious buzz in Louisville and Lexington. Their debut album, Different in the Dark, was a strong roots rock session, while their 2022 self-titled album, “The Highlanders” is a much more modern approach, leaning into the “Louisville Indie” and alternative folk genre.

Along with meeting each other through different Louisville bands we had played with over the years, (The Last Origin, Blank Agenda, The Balrogs) 7 out of our 9 members met through attended the University of Louisville School of Music, studying everything from jazz drumming to orchestral conducting. John, Misaki, and William met through playing in the UofL symphony orchestra together while Kenny, Matt, Christian, and Sam met through playing in the UofL Jazz department. John and Kenny (having known eachother through TLO) had been kicking around different demos/concepts starting in late 2020 and eventually wanted to form the band that would realize all of these ideas. The band gradually grew over the course of 2021-2022 by inviting in mutual friends from the UofL school of Music as well as friends from other bands in the area. While we have spent much of the past two years writing, practicing, and recording, we’ve put together a unique live show that we can’t wait to perform.

Frankie Leo is a singer/songwriter who currently lives in Louisville, KY with his wife McKenzie and two boys, Rowan and Dawson. He grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Staunton Virginia where he started to write and record music in the study room of the house where he was raised. Since then, he has released a handful of records and songs, a few of which you can access online today on most streaming platforms. He writes songs about nature, family, faith and even stories about others and draws inspiration from artists like Jackson Browne, Chris Stapleton, John Denver, Billy Strings, The  Carpenters, Neil Young, and a lot of other stuff from the ‘70s.

Curb Records recording artist FILMORE made his major label debut in 2020 with the release of State I’m In. He has quickly amassed more than 245 million career streams. Prior to being signed, the Wildwood, Missouri native was the first independent artist to be featured on Spotify’s Hot Country cover. FILMORE’s catchy hooks and clever lyrics have since caught the attention of The New York Times, NBC’s “TODAY” show, The Bobby Bones Show, and Sirius XM’s “The Highway,” among other high-profile outlets. Moreover, the rising singer/songwriter has honed his electric live show by opening for acts such as Sam Hunt, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Lauren Alaina, and Pitbull; and rocked performances at Stagecoach, Watershed, CMA Fest, and Country Thunder.

Coot Crabtree's music is about heart and pain, and the joy of life lived along the rough edges and backpages of the Hoosier heartland.  He's a poet, he's a punk, he's a hillbilly, a hobo, a folk singer, an outlaw, a bluesman, and most of all, an acolyte of the great truth tellers from all corners of American roots music.  It's all in there in the mix, whether he's delivering one of his brilliant original songs, a famous number from the traditional songbook, or a cover of John Prine or Townes Van Zandt.  He may rip your heart out with the saddest songs you've ever heard, or he may crack you up with something hilarious, or he may get you clappin' and stompin' like a tent revival.  Either way, when you see Coot Crabtree perform, you know you're going to feel something real.

Cincinnati, Ohio: Where the south meets the Midwest. It’s also the best way to describe the music of Kentucky-born Singer/Songwriter Nicholas Johnson; Southern roots meets Midwest rust belt rock. On his first new album in two years, “Back Upstate” puts all of that on display by crafting a mix of heartbreakingly genuine songs and genre-bending rockers in the spirit of songwriting heroes like Tom Petty and Jeff Tweedy. “Back Upstate” (Ninja Jam Records, 2021) finds him revisiting his debut album “Upstate”. What began as a fun COVID concept, found legs and evolved into fully formed project. He enlisted the help of Producer and multi-instrumentalist, Rich Reuter, to help rearrange and re-record familiar songs in unfamiliar ways and adding a couple of new songs (“I’m a Ghost & “Nashville”). “Back Upstate” does some genre-hopping but it manages to find the sweet spot in each individual song to make it a cohesive album - it dips it’s toe in Brit Pop, Country, Bluegrass, and even a little Psychedelic Rock. In this new album Johnson shows off his evolution as a songwriter and ability to refine and polish old songs.

Dan, Neil, and Brad discuss dedication, commitment, performance anxiety, confidence, competition, and other parallels between athletics and music performance.  Dan Zlotnick has been called the “Americana voice of Westchester [County, NY]”.  He writes songs that make any stage feel like your living room. A former independent minor league baseball player, Dan turned to music full-time in 2016 upon the release of his self-titled debut EP. He has built a passionate audience with his subsequent releases, tireless performing, and an earnest drive towards meaningful connections with listeners. Whether he is playing on stages like Tarrytown Music Hall, Paramount Hudson Valley, Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, or in front of the fireplace at an intimate house concert, Dan’s clever lyrics and heartfelt storytelling leave audience members feeling like they have a new friend.  For more information, visit www.DanZlotnick.com.

Dusty Bo drops by Top Hill to chat about his latest tours. The Kentucky bred Alt-Rock artist delivers passionate performance with edgy riffs, vocal prowess and blues-charged guitar solos. For Dusty, the choice has always been to never stop the pursuit of exploring the terrain in which he expresses best. With influences such as Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and Lynyrd Skynyrd he possesses the heart of a lifer that shines through in his delivery.

Adrian grew up in a single parent household in Anderson, California, a small Northern California valley town. He always knew music was his passion in life. Adrian met his father for the first time at the age of 13 and suddenly understood where he got his drive for music. He went home after that meeting, taught himself guitar, and started writing songs. He grew up on hearing Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Elvis. As he got older, he started listening to artists like Sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childers. These influences changed his entire writing style.  Adrian played his first bar at the age of 16. Later that same year, he started opening for the house cover band doing hour sets. At 17, the bar gave Adrian his own spot and he was playing 3 hour sets full of covers and originals. He started to hone his sound after the age of 18, falling in love with Americana and Appalachian music. At 21, he moved to Louisville, Kentucky to get his career started opening for artist like Mitchell TenPenny, Thompson Square, and Caylee Hammack, all before releasing his first song. His first song “Drugs, Words, and Feelings”, released Feb 29, 2020, came to him in a dream and was recorded in a semi-truck reefer trailer with a group of friends that wanted to help him out.  Since moving to Louisville he has been working heavily in the studio to release an album and an EP.

Oliver Sayani is a singer songwriter, guitarist, and musician who has carved his unique style out of Appalachian music, jazz and rock n roll. A member of the Heartland Songwriters Association of Kentucky, he has written over 70 songs, recorded multi-instrumentally on several albums, including 3 albums of his original music while managing and fronting the band Blind Feline. In addition he has composed and recorded on other mediums such as short film “Girl in the Red Dress” and Pulitzer Prize winning poetry album “Songs of Bloody Harlan” by Kentucky Poet Laureate Lee Pennington. He has played close to two hundred shows across Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Georgia in the past four years including performances on Red Barn Radio, Central Park Amphitheater, and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. A graduate of the University of Louisville Jazz program under award winning guitar instructor Craig Wagner, he honed his ears and skills across genres and techniques such as various fingerpicking and flat picking styles in jazz and bluegrass music. His sultry and twangy voice is the ideal medium to deliver meaningful storylines through haunting and lazy melodies wrapped in catchy songs with classic feels. Now pursuing a Masters in Fine Arts at Middle Tennessee State University, he’s studying recording while working as a freelance musician, session player and guitar instructor.

From trio to duo; from being Southern Halo to becoming American Blonde, the Morris sisters have stuck together through thick and thin. With recent rebranding, they are casting off any preconceived notions as to who they should be and are fully embracing who they are - a powerhouse of talent; invigorated, motivated and fully realized. There were several catalysts behind this transformation, but Nata and Tinka decided to reassess their commitment to the band and what they wanted for their futures. After a lot of soul-searching and reflection, the two knew their best path forward lay in their shared past. Their truest love was for the raw, edgier sounds of their musical roots - and it was calling them home. A new producer, artist and songwriter Cliff Downs, was brought in and things started to gel. As children of the Mississippi Delta, the siblings were raised surrounded by the blues-oriented music of the region. The sounds of The Eagles, B.B. King, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, Elvis, Stevie Nicks and more echoed through their home, and the extensive live music scene drew them like magnets to festivals, fairs and fish fries where music was front and center. Entertainers since their pre-teen years, the Morris sisters have literally lived their lives in the spotlight....and loved every minute of it. Their determination and talent earned them a slot competing in the 2014 Texaco Country Showdown, which led to the immediate release of their first EP (produced by Alabama’s Jeff Cook). Two well-received CDs, released in 2015 and 2018 (produced by hit songwriters Gerald O’ Brien and Catt Gravitt) followed. As Southern Halo, they landed three Top 25 hits on the MusicRow Country Breakout Chart with “Anything Is Possible,” “I Think Too Much” and “Don’t Let Another Day Go By.” They toured throughout the U.S. and the U.K., sharing the stage with acts ranging from Maren Morris to Dionne Warwick and making a name for themselves as up-and-coming Pop/Country darlings. With a new name, a new outlook, and a new album, American Blonde is shaking off any strictures of the past and jumping headfirst into the future.

The Musical Imprint embodies the magic of music with the science of brain connectivity in book form. It was inspired by the connection between two seemingly unrelated women: Melissa Bollea Rowe, a songwriter and publisher from Nashville and Dr. Sarah Allen, a Neuropsychologist and speaker from New Jersey. Put them together, and you have stories based on the science and emotion of music - a musical imprint. In this coffee table compilation of stories, the authors portray their personal connection to songs that directed the course of their lives, connected them to loves, fixed their broken hearts, helped them heal, and helped them find their purpose. As brain science shows, our memories are formed best through significant emotional experiences. This expertly crafted book takes you on an emotional journey making you feel all the highs and lows of the authors, helping you find your own connection and truth through their stories.

Jacob Head is a Louisville-based multi-instrumentalist, performer, teacher, worship leader, and board-certified music therapist. His abilities in music stem from a young age when he was gifted a set of drums for Christmas. Jacob began learning the violin at the age of 9 and continued to pursue music through the keyboard, guitar, mandolin, and various other stringed instruments. He began leading worship at LifeBridge Christian Church in 2009 while forming the Compass Quartet later that same year. He has taught a variety of instruments at Maxwell’s House of Music since 2016 and has released three albums since 2019. Jacob currently stays busy with over 20 students, a couple of music therapy clients, and a busy home life with wife Kara, son Christopher, and baby brother on the way.

Dylan Weber-Owens is an instrumental folk guitarist from Louisville, KY. Blending techniques and motifs from various guitar styles new and old, he brings forward a mixture that feels at once fresh and careworn, impish and melancholic. By connecting with his audience, their triumphs and troubles, Weber-Owens ultimately hopes that his wordless music can resonate in a way that makes people feel more in touch with their own complex experience.

TVLO is a three piece Prog Pop band from Louisville KY. Dan Dilamarter sings lead and plays guitar. Gregg Rochman plays bass and sings. Jonathan Schwartz is the drummer. Dan writes the songs and the band works on the arrangements together covering a wide range of folk, prog, funk, jazz and rock rhythms that feature some gymnastic vocal harmonies. TVLO is ambitious, heartfelt, and lyric driven, without any intention to match a preconceived genre… the goal is joy… oh, and good songs!

Hailing from Southern Indiana, Elements of Sound draws inspiration from rock, folk, pop, blues and hip hop. Justin Miller started with acoustic guitar and beatboxing on the streets of Louisville, Kentucky before moving to looping and becoming a multi-instrumentalist. The heart of The Elements of Sound is a three piece band consisting of Noel Calilung on bass and Nate King on drums. Justin often joins forces with other local bands and talent in the Kentuckiana area, contributing to a rich collaborative culture among the local music community. Since 2017 Justin Miller and The Elements of Sound have been cutting their teeth at grassroots festivals, events and weekly bar shows. You can catch them nearly every weekend in the Louisville and Southern Indiana area.

Jack J Hutchinson is a London based blues rock guitarist and songwriter. Described by Classic Rock Magazine as “a real rock contender”, he has toured internationally, sharing stages with acts such as ZZ Top, Bad Company, Kris Barras Band and Blackberry Smoke. Jack recently released his new 4 track ‘What Doesn’t Kill You’ EP mixed by legendary producer Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin). The EP follows is his critically acclaimed album ‘The Hammer Falls’ which was released earlier this year via Earache Records Digital Distribution, with Planet Rock saying “Jack’s gritty, honest take on blues rock comes with a flourish of biker steel”. What the press have been saying… “Tough, immediate and rockin’. Hutchinson was born to sing soul and blues.” (Classic Rock Magazine) “Growling vocals combine with raunch ‘n’ roll acoustic and electric guitars. It’s a heck of a debut and definitely a name to watch out for.” (Guitarist Magazine) “One of the strongest debuts from a British artist this year.” (Planet Rock) This summer saw the heavy blues-rock axe slinger play his first USA solo shows at the world renowned NAMM festival in Southern California. In October he starts a run of UK dates in support of the EP, featuring new venues he has not played before. Always serving up an engaging live show, the tour will be a highlight of the year for gig-goers.

Debuting in 2022, Spinoza is comprised of long-time collaborators, Brodie Hillegas (multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer) and Austin Miller (writer, drums, and percussion). Spinoza's first single, "10 Spaces" (released on April 29, 2022) is described by Brodie as "a classic, Bill-Withers-esque love ballad, mixed with a narrative that focuses on a twisted outsider's unhealthy ideals of love"; mixed in with some confessional lines about real-life struggles in the realm of addiction and love. The song's music video features a dark, masked figure, that would go on to become somewhat of a mascot for the band, celebrating what he believes is a beautiful ceremony of consecration with his corpse bride. Spinoza's newest single, "This Red Cloak", follows a narrator coming to terms with regrettable past decisions while simultaneously coming to terms with current toxicities that are tempting the narrator to fall back into times that are best forgotten. Airy synths, dreamy guitars, and layered sounds take control as the listener journeys through the narrators mind.

In the words of Chenille O' Keel:   "Kevin Bois and Christopher DeRome; two men working at the same local diner. Kevin was a short haired food runner and Christopher something else. Back then Bois wielded a white fender. One wintery afternoon, Kevin showed up on Christopher's porch. The two have  been playing together for many years. Sometimes It screams with a thunder that might make you want to step back from the stage; a southern, heavy rock, Led Zeppelin meets your mama with a full sized band. Sometimes the children can sit in the room while a dog lays in the corner. Their music is poetic and floats between the landscapes of imaginary flow. The pretty, almost precious lyrics are complemented by appropriately baroque, psychedelic-tinged guitar; the songs of Valley Christopher also has another project called Chenille O' Keel. To say it is different than Valley would be an understatement. Check it out. Kevin has another project called a young family. Don’t call him! It’s late."

Greg Tripure is a native Kentuckiana artist who is a founding member (rhythm guitar and backing vocalist) of Sub-Urban Situation. Tripure has always written songs on the side for himself, but it was not until that pandemic that he started to branch out and perform solo shows online and eventually back in front of people. With over 20 years of songwriting experience, Greg draws from multiple influences from various genres, but mostly always sticking close to the Folk/Americana /R&B styles. Greg is in the process of recording his first solo album and is looking forward to the project evolving organically while working with various musicians from around the area. Aside from his love of writing and performing music, his greatest loves are his wife, Fernanda, and his two children.

Ace Monroe is a rock n' roll band consisting of Robbie Dylan (lead vocals), Josh Alfano (lead guitar), Jack Kaiser (rhythm guitar, vocals), Jonathan Tatooles (drums), and Erik McIntyre (bass). With their old-school approach to songwriting and performing, Ace Monroe embraces the bluesy rawness found in 70's rock n' roll bands such as Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, The Faces, and Led Zeppelin. The band has collectively pooled their extensive live and studio experience into writing and performing original music with unrivaled passion and electrifying energy. Ace Monroe is dedicated to furthering the sound that made them want to create music in the first place.

It’s pretty hard to not have a good time when Revelry graces the stage. Their tag line “Hell Yeah” says it all!  Revelry brings a confidence and swagger to the table, beckoning back to some of the greatest sounds that ever emerged from rock music from the 70’s forward. This band will make your ears hum with their own classically appealing flavor of Southern rock.  Revelry was founded in 2019 after the band met at a local show in their hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. There to see their future guitarist Redd Byrdd Howell’s band The Redd Byrdd Project, lead singer Zack Montgomery, guitarist J Whorley, and bassist Dane Lovvorn began to get acquainted over a bottle of Jack Daniels. After the show, J introduced the guys to Redd Byrdd, and they all started jamming. Revelry was born! Redd Byrdd and J have been best friends since they were 10-years-old and grew up learning guitar together. Ever since, the two have remained inseparable. Still young and full of endless potential, Revelry is bound to impress.

Lonesome Holler is a progressive jamgrass band located in Central Kentucky. They add a new sound to well-known bluegrass classics and also create modern originals that will leave you ready for more.

Noble Hobo brings the perfect blend of sweet and savory dark-folk and blues. Fronted by songwriter and musician, Skyler Jenkins, this “one-man” band is occasionally accompanied by a rotating collective of traveling musicians. Refreshingly honest and introspective, his sound never falls short of a gripping experience. Inspiration for Skyler's music is drawn from years of rambling, train-hopping, hitchhiking and wandering around the United States telling stories of love and loss; grief and acceptance; hopelessness, sorrow, and success. Now living back in Detroit, his music still carries the same thrilling turbulence of adventure and is quickly rising to be a well-known name in dark-folk music.

The melodic songs of experimental folk artist Jack Keyes capture his contentment with being himself in the present moment while holding a somber reverence for the past. The resulting music is soothing and intimate with an undercurrent of raw darkness. Keyes’ newly released album Dissolving in Dusk is a 10-track exploration of the impermanence of natural beauty and its reflection in the small moments of the day. Keyes’ fingerpicked guitar and whispered vocals recall Nick Drake, Elliott Smith, and Sufjan Stevens. In his sophomore album, Keyes has further found his confidence and voice, and has branched out in his instrumental experimentation. The penultimate track, The Moon is Too High (The Song), captures these production choices, with low-pitched electric guitars and a vocal sampler adding a unique twist to the folk genre. After releasing his first full-length album, “The Moon is Too High” in March 2021, Keyes has carved out a niche in the online DIY scene and in his hometown in Louisville, Kentucky. He has contributed songs to compilation albums for the influential bedroom label Z Tapes, and has been featured in a benefit album for Ukraine by Bughead Records. In Louisville, he has had songs featured on local NPR affiliate WFPK, and performs frequently at classic venues in town such as Kaiju and the Flamingo Lounge.

trapkingkai is a LoFi/experimental hip-hop artist based out of Louisville, KY. The KnR signee is quickly becoming a fan favorite in his region as he combines a laid-back flow with honest wordplay and lyricism that gives his listeners a nostalgic 90's feel. His live performances are described as "energetic, powerful and fun to watch". Joining kai is Blase Groody, a Louisville based saxophone player and music producer.

Having been involved in recording projects and performing for a variety of regional and national artists including Still Holler, Nicholas Jamerson (Sundy Best), Tiffany Williams, Britton Patrick Morgan, Hillhouse, and Mama Said String Band, Taylor is no stranger to the regional music scene. Taylor Shuck is a Nashville based banjoist, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist that has been performing on stages far and wide since 2006. Steeped in bluegrass tradition, as well as having pursued a degree in classical guitar and composition, he had the realization that his passion for music comes from the communication created by blending genres and getting to find the most impactful way to say something through his music. Taylor’s influences in bluegrass, classical, folk, and jazz music meld together into a unique style that continues to grow and be influenced by music from all walks of life and parts of the world. Some of the artists that Taylor is most heavily inspired by include Bela Fleck, Bob Dylan, John Coltrane, Emily King, Maurice Ravel, Matt Menefee (Cadillac Sky), Edgar Meyer, John Prine, Joni Mitchell, Allison Brown, and Crooked Still. He is very excited for his debut album release which will be slated for January of 2023! When not performing, Taylor loves to share the culture of Kentucky’s folk music by teaching at the Louisville Folk School, drinking tea, and cooking for his friends.

Zeno Jones takes the old-style blues – delta, river, hill country- and sets them on fire with Kentucky moonshine. After recording and showcasing a more traditional, self-titled country blues album in 2011, Jones returns to the roots revivalist scene with a suitcase drum and an overflow of voltage in his guitar strings. Zeno is the winner of Louisville’s 2021 KBS Blues Challenge and semi-finalist for the 2022 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

After a last minute cancellation, Neil and Brad invite friends, Brent West and Lee Donohue, to the studio. Conversation touches on learning music, goals, songwriting, bonfire jams, recognizing and respecting progress in playing, Marcus King, The Ryman Auditorium, studio plugins, cataloging songs, memorizing lyrics, friendship, making an album, and more. Plus, two previously unheard original songs. All this in one hour.

Brandon Baumann is a singer, song writer, and voice actor who hasn’t let up on the throttle for nearly two decades. Brandon has toured the country with his band Diamond Lane, selling out clubs all over Los Angeles, releasing half a dozen albums, and rocking festival stages. His musical journey started in Seattle, cutting his teeth on Alice in Chains, Nirvana, and Soundgarden. After a lifetime in a band, it was a natural evolution for Baumann to take the risk of pursuing his own endeavors. His debut solo album “Manifestation” arrived 1/31/20 and is easily his most personal and introspective collection of songs to date. 2021 found Baumann releasing a series of more-experimental-leaning singles, such as "Lightning". 2022 finds Baumann returning to his true rock roots, releasing his first cover song ever -- an ambitious imagining of Audioslave's "Like a Stone".

George Stearman grew up in the hills of South Louisville, Kentucky. He loves 80's rock, but his natural country music voice led him down the country music path. George started singing around the house at the same time he learned to talk and considers himself, in his words, "a singer and wanna be songwriter". Like a lot of musicians, George balances a 9 to 5 and a family with kids, with a love of playing live music. You can find him on a barroom stage in Louisville several nights a month.

Quite Literally is a swing inspired folk band that captures a “speakeasy” feel. Upbeat music that gathers influences from 40’s Jazz, early blues and roots music, they bring forth a fun and fresh outlook on modern songwriting. A picturesque ensemble, driven by powerful lyrics and decorated with quick-witted instrumentation.

Full Disclosure is an alternative, psychedelic, progressive rock band, from Louisville, KY. August Kingsley (keys), Lance Oliphant (guitar), and Matthew Oney (bass), Mason Beard (vocals), and Luke Stanton (drums) started out playing cover shows in 2018. The band quickly began writing original content and playing shows in the thriving Louisville music scene. They released their first singles Entropy and The Tide in 2019, and began carefully crafting their first full album, and took the the lockdown of 2020 as a chance to finally record the record. Following two years of anticipation, the band released their debut LP, Elucidity in July 2021. The album touches on a wide range of stylistic approaches, making it hard to define, but fully embodies the uniquely accessible psychedelic sound of the band.

Scott T. Smith is a folk/soul singer/songwriter originally from Hurricane, West Virginia, but currently calls Louisville, Kentucky home. Being from West Virginia, he has a deep love for traditional folk music and bluegrass, but in a household where he grew up listening to the soul and R&B greats from past generations, the two worlds collide in his music and in his personality.

Kevin Niehoff is a 23 year-old singer/songwriter from Louisville, KY. With influences from his family, Kevin spent his early childhood listening to classic acts such as The Beatles and more contemporary artists like John Mayer. After rediscovering his appreciation for Mayer in high school, Kevin started learning guitar and writing songs. Following his enrollment at the University of Louisville, Kevin started his performing career playing solo shows at and around campus. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and being a solo artist, Kevin honed his producing skills out of necessity. He now records and produces all of his music out of his home studio. Kevin released his debut album "Degrees of Separation" in February, and will be releasing at least another album and EP in 2022.

Darlington Pairs (and Loop Island Hermit Club) is a self described "song machine made of humans that started working in 2016 or so and seems less and less horrified all the time. It has so many songs!" The fact that the band's name is taken from a multi-transistor electronics configuration, along with the fact that the group also performs as alter-ego Loop Island Hermit Club, provides a glimpse into the beautifully creative mind of front man Skyler Bready. Darlington Pairs (and Loop Island Hermit Club) takes the listener on a unique sonic adventure. Found on Instagram or other platforms at @darlingtonpairs, Darlington Pairs (and Loop Island Hermit Club) is Skyler Bready, Bert Owens, and Fiona Palensky. New releases are imminent.

Stuart Wicke is a singer/songwriter from Louisville, KY. He pairs thoughtful lyrics, like those of Patty Griffin and Paul Simon, with the careful orchestration of indie rock bands such as Pedro the Lion, Dawes, and Starflyer 59. He has released four albums and two EPs as the Stuart Wicke Band. His new record, "We Never Had Tomorrow Anyway", was recorded in the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. The lyrics oscillate between acerbic frustration and cautious optimism. "We Never Had Tomorrow Anyway" was released April 29, 2022.

Jordan Blase is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Louisville, Kentucky. Through song, her lush, velvety voice boasts melodies of an earlier era. Introspective, honest, and intimately vulnerable, her music calls to the deepest, most sacred parts of us all. Melodically, she rides a smooth, melancholy wave that blends elements of jazz, R&B, and sultry soul, creating a truly timeless and unique sonic experience. Jordan and her band have been blazing local stages, and are set to release her debut project, an EP titled “PYRO” summer of 2022.

Evan McMillian is a singer/songwriter based out of California, KY. Evan didn't pick up a guitar until after he graduated high school in 2018. In a short period of time, he has garnered a lot of attention writing and singing songs about personal experiences and stories that he has picked up along the way. His debut EP, One Way or Another, was released on March 26.

When physicist Dr. David Tieri moved to Louisville for a job at the local university, he crossed paths with two kindred spirits who shared his love of music, rock climbing and the Grateful Dead. The trio soon became The Houdell Hollers, a name David picked up from his Eastern Kentucky grandpa. The Houdell Hollers are a self-described "blues folk surf psychedelic rock jam band". The Houdell Hollers' have evolved from individual bedroom musicians to a band of public performers. These band mates also love throwback recording methods and vintage recording gear, with plans to record a lot of their original material in 2022.

With their intoxicating blend of rock, metal and pop hooks,  South Yorkshire based five-piece Dead Romantic exploded onto the scene in 2021  with debut single ‘Yesterday’ which amassed over 1.5 million YouTube views and over  a quarter of a million streams on Spotify.  Their searing second and third singles ‘Kissed With a Lie’ and ‘Fight Me’ continued  the trend to generate over 4.5 million views and half a million Spotify streams  combined.  Having already hit top 10 on Kerrang! TV and top 20 on Kerrang! Radio, Dead  Romantic are creating quite a buzz in the rock/metal scene and have swiftly become  one of the most exciting new bands coming out of the UK. Their forthcoming album ‘Voices’, produced by multi-platinum record producer and guitarist Mike Krompass, which features collaborations with Zakk Cervini (Yungblud, Bring Me The Horizon, Architects), Emmy winner and six time Grammy Nominated songwriter Steve Diamond (Orianthi, Eric Clapton) & mastered by Tim Turan (Bullet for my Valentine, Bring Me The Horizon) will be released in 2022.

Loz Campbell is a fierce, incendiary front woman/guitarist hailing from Yorkshire UK. Known for prowling the stage with her sultry, alluring vocals and spicy guitar riffs, Loz offers a modern take on alternative rock that will have heads swaying in heavy grooves that are familiar, yet unique. Loz and her bandmates, Steve Pickles (bass) and Tom Kirby (drums), are amassing quite a fanbase built on banger songs and fiery live shows.

Producing a Kind Generation (PAKG) is a Louisville-based alternative rock four piece, self-described as "post trap garage punk funk". PAKG is "Dre" Smith (vocals, guitar), "Pinky" Clay (guitar), "Ace" Holmes (bass), and Kym Williams (drums). The group has been making music together as part of a larger collective for more than a decade. In 2018, they decided to form PAKG and have quickly garnered a loyal following. Their music is built upon emotion-laden lyrics of lived experiences combined with tasteful musicianship and soulful vocal delivery.

Ellie Ruth’s music draws breath from the multitude of experiences she’s had as a working multi-instrumentalist. Born and raised in Kentucky, her path as a string player weaves bluegrass/old time with classical and contemporary style and gives her the unique voice of her violin/viola playing. Having spent time cutting teeth within the Kentucky music scene as well as performing nationally and internationally, Ellie’s original music sways between sentimentality of her home place and a yearning for something new.

The Bad Day Blues Band was our guest back on episode 52. The group has since dropped Blues Band from the name. They are back for Top Hill Recording Podcast's "5 from......" series. The Bad Day exploded onto the scene in 2017, playing Times Square in New York City with double Grammy Award winner Delbert McClinton. This was followed by two critically acclaimed performances at The Isle Of Wight Festival in 2018 and 2019. The Bad Day Blues Band has wowed audiences at many of the UK’s major festivals and has garnered glowing reviews from BBC Radio 2, Bassplayer Magazine, Planet Rock, Record Box Reviews, London Live TV, and many more. Winner of the Digital Blues Awards Best New Blues Band 2019, they have played alongside artists such as The Killers, Kirk Fletcher, Ben Poole, The Manic Street Preachers, Starsailor, Badly Drawn Boy, Delbert McClinton, George Ezra, Sheryl Crow and many, many others. The Bad Day Blues Band has amassed a dedicated fanbase and are in the process of releasing a new concept album.  The featured 5 songs: 1. Table by the Wall 2. The Hustler 3. Hurricane 4. Luna Rooms 5. Devil's Lullaby

With a deep understanding of songwriting as a method for storytelling, Glory Daze creates lyric-driven, cinematic folk tunes that play out like a soundtrack for late nights and long drives.

First active musically as a teenager in Louisville’s underground hardcore scene, Rinehart's first band Flight Nineteen played with seminal underground acts like At The Drive In, Joan of Arc, Avail & By The Grace of God. His first solo album “Memories Are Hunting Horns," released in 2010 under the pseudonym “Saredren Wells”, featured a new and very different direction, situating him alongside off-kilter folk artists like Daniel Johnston, & Bonnie “Prince” Billy. He toured briefly following the release, sharing the stage with fellow troubadours Steve Gunn & famed queer folk artist Ed Askew. Relocating to NYC, Rinehart co-founded both The Body Actualized Center, a DIY arts space in Brooklyn, and the "New Age Boy Band" 'Splash', whom he toured the US with in the Summer of 2012 (supporting the band Friends). Turning his attention back to solo work in 2013, Rinehart released “The Funeral Home Sessions,” a 3-song EP of tributes to Fugazi's Ian Mackaye, Neil Young, & folk legend Elizabeth Cotten. In 2015 Rinehart released "Nothing/Everything,” his most ambitious work to date. A 15-song double album LP (released on LA's Buddyhead Records), “Nothing/Everything” highlighted his chameleon-like talent for genre hopping. In turn melancholy and magnanimous, a deft synthesis of all of his previous projects, “Everything” improved on the old while hinting at something new. In recent years he's released a slew of singles including "Protect", "Death Time" (Feat. Charles), "Off On A Roll With The Soul", "Interdimensional Nonconversational Inconsequential Love", "They Say" & "Sight Unseen", and 2 EP's ('Have Fun Idiot' & 'The Funeral Home Sessions').  He's currently gearing up to release another EP ('Finite Jest') later this year.

Young Romantics is an alternative rock band formed in Bowling Green, KY, in early 2017 when high school friends and Louisville natives Matt Porter (drums) and Griffin Fletcher (vocals) started making music together while studying at Western Kentucky University. The duo began by recording in Porter’s Honda Accord and Fletcher’s bedroom closet with a $100 audio interface, releasing two self-produced EPs to SoundCloud between November 2017 and January 2018. With the addition of guitarist Mitchell Manuel and bassist Gerek Patrick in late 2018, the band began playing shows across the state and writing original material, releasing its debut studio EP, "In Case You Feel the Same," in August 2019. After bassist Gabriel Rogers joined the group in early 2020, the band gravitated toward a brand of alternative rock rooted in R&B. From Fletcher's soulful vocals, Manuel's inclination toward hip-hop-like melodies to Rogers' love of '90s underground rap, Young Romantics seeks to write and perform music that is passionate and felt. This is present throughout the band's sophomore effort, "In Case You Don't," (Aug. 27, 2021) an album guided by its unfiltered, self-reflective lyricism.

Andrew Shockley, AKA Delafaye, started recording on a gifted eight track recorder in middle school. Several years down the road, he released his self-recorded, self-produced debut EP "The Hilltop" with, in his own words, "zero expectations". The lead single for "The Hilltop" EP, "Time and Money" (which he recorded on an iPhone) quickly garnered a great deal of attention resulting in regular playlist rotation on the radio, being signed to Street Mission Records, and supporting San Fermin, Cory Brannan, Blank Range, Arlie and many others. "Time and Money" also gained Delafaye a nomination for Singer-Songwriter of the Year at the Louisville Music Awards. "Time and Money" currently has over 1.5 million listens on Spotify alone.  Constantly creating, Delafaye has spent the last year re-establishing his roots in his new Indiana home. Moving to a new house, and more importantly taking with him his home studio (Beechwood Studios) which forms at integral part of his home life, he crafted a brand-new batch of songs that are laced with the melancholy synonymous with Delafaye’s sound. ‘Dog Day’ is the latest in a recent run of singles from his Beechwood sessions.

Villa Mure is a husband/wife alt/psych songwriting team from Louisville, KY. Rooted as much in 70’s progressive rock as 90's alternative and cultivated by the eclectic "Louisville Indie" music scene, Villa Mure’s music is anchored on the chemistry of textural, flowing guitar work and driving, melodic bass. The group creates an atmosphere that recalls the psychedelic, but presents itself in the simplicity of the tried and true rock n’ roll power trio, with grooving instrumentals intertwined with lyrics intended to speak to one's inner voice. Villa Mure has shared the stage with regional and national acts such as Christone Kingfish Ingram, and Black Mountain, and have shared festival lineups with All Them Witches, Blackfoot Gypsies, and Cedric Burnside Project. Villa Mure performs across the region at venues of all sizes, from basements and living rooms, to large concert halls and amphitheaters.

Mixing elements of R&B and soul with their jazz roots, Kiana & the Sun Kings make music that is modern yet timeless, energetic yet contemplative. Their ultimate goal is to create music that is equal in complexity and simplicity, crafting sounds for the jazz player and casual listener alike. The Sun Kings were founded by vocalist Kiana Del as she was searching for a hot group to play her senior recital at Bellarmine University. From there, Del realized the chemistry radiating from the group and decided to take Kiana & the Sun Kings on the road. The Sun Kings can be found entertaining in local eateries, cocktail lounges, music festivals, jazz clubs, and other places in Louisville, Kentucky's thriving music scene. The collective influences of the group include John Coltrane, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Thelonious Monk, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Count Basie, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and even modern players such as Esperanza Spalding, Kamasi Washington, Jon Batiste, and Robert Glasper.

Founded in July 2016 by Kentucky songwriter Billy Swayze, Thunder Sound Studio quickly became one of Kentucky’s premiere destination studios. Thunder Sound is a fully equipped analog and digital complex in the Franklin, Kentucky countryside, just 45 minutes north of Nashville recording studios and Music Row. Seth Pedigo, affectionately called "Paramount Pedigo" by Swayze, is one of many creative humans in the Thunder Sound family. Seth joins us to discuss the special people, such as Billy Swayze and Tiger Merritt, that were the driving force in what is Thunder Sound Studio. From the tape machine in Nat King Cole’s studio to a console which recorded Johnny Cash and many legends, Thunder Sound has incredible karma and a positive, exploratory vibe.  The compound also includes a 3,000 sq. ft. outdoor performance venue and bar; a 3,000 sq. ft. rehearsal hall and 1,800 sq. ft. Hotel California living facility with living room, three bedrooms, cable TV, laundry, kitchen and shower. Also available is a 3,500 sq. ft. luxury log home with three bedrooms where guests can enjoy fishing, hiking trails and total privacy. Combined with creative people focused and dedicated to helping artists find their sound and the 16,000 sq. ft. facility set on 100 beautiful acres at your disposal, Thunder Sound is an incredible destination recording studio.

Neil and Brad reflect on two years of the Top Hill Recording Podcast and nine months of One Shot One Mic One Song. They also discuss what they would like to see in the future.

The Highlanders Band got its start when co-founders Colin O’Daniel, Sam Olshansky, and Sam Coryell played a show for their employer's summer music concert on a whim. From there, they went on to recruit soulful keyboardist Beck O’Daniel (Colin's brother), as well as lead guitarist Jake McKean and drummer Conner Goldsmith. The six man group built quite a following, filling bars and taverns with family, friends, fans, and music lovers. The Highlanders Band spent a year as a college cover band before deciding it was time to venture more into original music. They released the singles “Whiskey Dreams” and “Get Back” in 2019. After receiving a positive response to their first releases and having an additional year to develop as a band, they released their first full length album, "Different in the Dark", in late 2020. The Highlanders Band is yet another genre-defying Louisville, Kentucky band that can best be described as "Louisville Indie". The Highlanders Band currently plays in the Louisville and surrounding areas as a five-piece. 

Carl Stuck is a songwriter and musician from Louisville, Ky. A staple on the Louisville music scene for years, he is currently involved in multiple musical projects including a solo acoustic based project under his own name and a rock project called Splintered Mind with fellow Louisvillian Phil Bright. During the COVID shutdown, Carl ran a nightly Facebook Live series for 368 straight nights! He has also used his guitar, bass, mandolin, and percussion skills as a live player sharing the stage with national artists as diverse as Randy Owen of country supergroup Alabama, members of Poison, Warrant, Night Ranger and others as well as for Louisville original acts such as the electronic Velvet Saints, and the country Bryan Fox Band.

With an unrestricted freedom of musical expression that is self-described as "Denim psych", Dinero Romero, from Louisville, Kentucky is ready to show everyone the far-out sonic landscape they have up their sleeves. Made up of members of several well-known Louisville acts (The Last Origin, Blind Feline, Brewing Pines, and Punkin), this 7 piece, denim-clad, supergroup is ready to explode onto the scene with their fuzzed out guitars, 60's inspired keys, and a thumping rhythm section anchored with double drummers. Citing musical inspiration from the likes of Frank Zappa, Herbie Hancock, King Gizzard, Grateful Dead and Piero Umiliani, this band ties together musical complexity with an explosive stage show from beginning to end.

Dusty Bo, our guest from Season 4 - Episode 51, is back for our "5 From....." series. From the Episode 51 description - "Dusty Bo is a Louisville, Kentucky alt-rock artist with what many would consider a charmed musical history. Years ago, Dusty packed his bags and moved to Los Angeles with his band. In L.A., he experienced "the dream" of recording at Sunset Sound and NRG Studios, touring the globe, and packing recognizable venues such as the Viper Room, the Troubadour, and The Whiskey A GoGo. However, Dusty wasn't happy and decided in 2017 to leave the band and venture out on his own. Now back in Kentucky and on the solo route, Dusty Bo has built quite a following. With great vocals, great guitar, and musical diversity, you'll never get bored." The featured 5 songs: 1. No One Else 2. The Red 3. Words Don't Mean Much 4. Ready 5. Life of Love

Blind Feline, our guests from way back at Episode 22, join us once again in the studio to kick off the first of the Top Hill Recording Podcast "5 from...." series. "5 from....." will showcase 5 songs from the podcast guest(s), with discussion. From the Episode 22 podcast description - "Louisville's Blind Feline is a unique and versatile group of talented musicians that can't be described with one musical genre......let's go with funky psychedelic country rock with jazz influences and a blue-grass flair." The 5 songs in this podcast: 1. Wildwood Flowers 2. Goldmine 3. Record Player 4. Mountain Chief 5. Rain Like Hell

Day Cruise is the musical brainchild of Lochlann Gallaher and Cody Hofmans. The group came from the humble beginnings of Lochlann's mom's basement in 2017. In late 2018 they dropped their first single “Galore”. Less than a month later they released their first EP “Scrambled”. Then came three additional singles - “Clink”, “Deluge”, and “Loopty Loop”. Following the production and release of these singles, the duo decided to expand to a full band. Cody and Lochlann brought on Sam Butler on trumpet, Kendrick Beltran on bass (sometimes saxophone), Lance Oliphant on lead guitar and Seth Willauer on drums to form the current lineup of Day Cruise. In addition to rapping and singing, Lochlann Gallaher plays a keytar synthesizer and Cody Hofmans plays rhythm guitar. The group has been rehearsing and reworking material to fit the new, funky, live sound. You can find them gigging around the Louisville, Kentucky area.

Nick Hill began as the solo project "Phourist". Wanting to expand his sound, he brought on the "Photons". Lineup changes over several years have led to the Louisville, KY foursome of Nick (vocals, keys, guitar), Andrew Critchelow (guitar, synth), Jailynn Lake-Noel (bass), and Scott Boice (drums). Together they are Phourist and the Photons, known for non-linear songcraft, winding musical passages, and adventurous arrangements flanking undeniable pop-rock hooks. 

Mama Said String Band is four-piece collection of songwriters - Katie Didit (bass), David O’Neal (violin), Kaitlen Farmer (guitar), and Taylor Shuck (banjo). Based out of Louisville, KY and established in 2016, Mama Said String Band brings a refreshing reinvention to sounds once forgotten. Individually, each member’s background spans multiple cultures, genres, and styles. Together, they draw influences from Bluegrass, Folk and Americana while focusing on vocal harmonies and contemporary instrumentation to build an eclectic, eurythmic melody and tactfully delivered message.

A groovy rock band from Louisville, KY with a knack for both catchy hooks and deep improvisation. Mr. Please brings a new sound fusing fresh, danceable songs with jams that range from funky to ethereal.

Teddy Joe is a folk/blues artist from Louisville, KY. He writes songs about mental illness and addiction. Teddy hopes his music increases awareness and helps those struggling realize that they are not alone.

Nikolai Stevens is a folk singer/songwriter from California based out of Nashville, TN. He's worked as a mountain guide and EMT while pursuing music as a means of self-reflection and artistic expression. In 2020 he released his debut EP, "Orchard Ave", a collection of his first songs ranging from fictional stories like "'68 Camaro" to deeper personal cuts like "Prodigal Son". His next album, "Just In Case", is a concept album set to release November 26th, 2021, with single "Velvet Glove" coming out on October 16th, 2021, and single "I Want to Know" coming out November 3rd.

Davey Allen is a versatile songwriter, musician, and artist. His work is deeply rooted in the vast American songbook. Though his family migrated north from rural Tennessee in the 1950’s, Allen’s music retains a southern quality and grit. Davey has toured extensively as a solo artist and as keyboardist for rock hall of famer Eric Burdon. In addition, he has toured as a member of the Stone Foxes and Johnzo West + The Wayward Souls. Allen also fronts Davey and The Midnights. Corey Dawson is the bassist for Davey and The Midnights. Corey also has solo projects of his own.

Routine Caffeine, based in Louisville, Kentucky, are new on the scene with their soft, sweet, yet femme fatale attitude. Two gals from Michigan meet two gals from Kentucky to offer up an indie rock sound as unique as the women that craft it. They are currently working on an EP that is set to release early 2022 via To-Go Records. Their first single, "Pennies in the Garden", has received high praise from publications like New Commute, WFPK 502tunes, and Grlsplain. New Commute describes the song as "spiraling, locked groove guitar riffs that perpetuate into a multicolored dreamcloud of lazing surf rock."

Brady Evan with Brady Evan and the Blue Collar Rebellion is from Southern Indiana. He prides himself on bringing traditional country music to a new generation of country music lovers.

Love Tractor is a band from Athens, Georgia, founded in the spring of 1980 by guitarists Mark Cline, Mike Richmond and bassist Armistead Wellford, students at the University of Georgia. Mark and his friends were self-described misfits at UGA's art school. The art school comprised 200 of the 35,000 or so students. This close knit group entertained themselves with raucous house parties where music was provided by some of the musically inclined in their visual art school circle. Little did they know that they were creating what would become the center of alternative college rock in the early 80's. This unintentional "movement" as small circle of close friends produced the likes of, not only Love Tractor, but R.E.M., The B-52s, and Pylon. Love Tractor is returning with re-releases of their ground-breaking, classic 1982 instrumental album.

Elk Hound is primarily the work of Louisville-based singer/songwriter Andrew Iafrate and the many musicians in his orbit. They draw influences from many corners of American traditions.....rock, folk, blues, and country, with feet planted firmly in the DIY ethos of their punk-rock forebears. They are currently working on a follow-up record to their 2020 EP “The Hated Sun.” Hear more at elk-hound.bandcamp.com and @elk__hound on Instagram.

Jeremy Pinnell, a country singer/songwriter from Northern Kentucky, is a soft-spoken man whose music is making big noise with country music fans. Raised from humble beginnings of singing in church and learning the guitar from his father, his craft quickly made heads turn and rooms fall silent. Jeremy released his debut album, "OH/KY" in 2015. "OH/KY" tells the story of his life after leaving home at 17 with brutal honesty. In 2017, Jeremy released "Ties of Blood and Affection" and his newest project "Goodbye LA" is scheduled to be released in full on October 1, 2021. "Goodbye LA" taps into the deep roots of old-time country sound with a new edge. Jeremy's songs take the listener on a journey through the joys and sorrows of being human.

Jay Skaggs is a Kentucky born and based songwriter. His songs are influenced by bluegrass, grunge, punk, country and more. True to his roots, Jay provides the listener with a glimpse into his identity and lived experiences through his songs. Jay's style hits the heart and he is steadily building a loyal fan base. You can find a few of his videos here and there on the internet and his songs at jayskaggs.bandcamp.com. He assures us there is much more to come. Give him a follow on Instagram and look for him soon in your town as he sets out on a regional tour. 

The electric Casey Powell is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, vocalist, and creative director from Louisville, Kentucky. Though he is passionate about many artistic endeavors, his love is his Stratocaster. Casey built his chops fronting the family band Powell before evolving into the dynamic solo artist he is today. He stays involved in many projects, including production and sound design for psychedelic-indie group Spooky Diamonds. An avid practice advocate, Casey has teamed up with some of the heaviest hitting musicians in the Louisville region to bring listeners an eclectic blend of pop, groove, rock, funk, and psychedelia to make experimental fusion. His debut album "Auxygen" is currently in production with the release date to be announced.

What do you get when you mix an inexperienced singer/songwriter, a Craigslist band ad, and a rhythm section that jumps onstage......uninvited......at a wedding party. In this case, you get outstanding songs! Meet The Hill Figs.

Small Time Napoleon (STN) is the combination of new ideas and old sounds. Their interest in the jazz standards of the swing-era shine through in their voices, writing, and playing, while their ear for new sounds and ideas constantly drives them forward. STN was born in the spring of 2013 after Dan Hardin and Jeff Thomas sought to expand their sound beyond an acoustic duo. Dave Neill (bass) and Zack Kennedy (drums) complete the foursome, with each member's input contributing to unique, rock-solid, and timeless music.

Zach Longoria set out in 2013 to assemble a band of like-minded musicians capable of creating great sounds. The result was The Zach Longoria Project (ZLP). ZLP is an 11-member band from Louisville rooted in R&B with interwoven elements of jazz and a touch of old-school-this-and-that......the recipe for what they like to call "Kentucky Fried Soul". More recently, Zach has been recording in collaboration with Casey Powell as Unusual Heat.

Anne Gauthier is the Chief Engineer/Producer at La La Land Sound in Louisville, Kentucky. La La Land is an analog/digital based recording studio built around a 40 channel vintage Trident board. With a full array of classic analog gear, a comfortable, dreamy environment to create in, and a 2500 square foot tracking room with 3 isolation booths, it is a perfect environment to create, explore, and record any dream album. La La Land has been home to many local and national recording artists – My Morning Jacket, Ray Lamontagne, Horse Feathers and Basia Bulat among others. Anne is originally from Montreal, Canada. She got her musical start playing drums at 15, eventually touring internationally with electronic act TR/ST after years of national tours with Canadian acts. These days, she spends most of her time in the studio recording, producing and sharing the magic of record making with artists like Murder By Death, Bonnie Prince Billy, GRLwood, Joan Shelley, Strand of Oaks, By the Grace of God, and Rachel Grimes. She has also worked on albums by Ray Lamontagne, Jake Shears, Emma Ruth Rundle and White Reaper. Anne has worked with and learned from producers Kevin Ratterman, Jim James and Glyn Johns. Anne loves all styles of music: rock, country, experimental, pop, hip hop, and everything in between. She is always excited to help musicians craft and share their vision, whether new or established acts. Her production style has been called organic and intimate.

Luke Powers has written, recorded and performed with touring bands locally, nationally and internationally since 2008. Luke's musical influences are as varied as his style and genre-blurring background. He first learned to play gospel in church at age 12. Soon, his musical journey led him to punk rock house shows in Southern Indiana, then indie rock on the stages of Brooklyn. He further evolved with southern rock on the Sunset Strip and finally to country in the roadside honky-tonks of Southern Georgia. Luke has given up the "hired-gun" lifestyle to focus on his calling as a singer/songwriter, creating honest Americana music. His live performances are a combination of artful storytelling and skillful guitar. Luke's first solo record, "Wolf in the Woods", was self-released in 2016. He recently recorded "Time to Shine" in Nashville featuring musicians from Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Black Crowes, and Sheryl Crow. 

Mark Fleshman is a Louisville, Kentucky musician originally from Ashland, Kentucky. Mark's musical journey has has taken him through many genres and directions and continues to evolve. He is currently in a trio called The Mark Fleshman Band with Austin Reynolds and Tommy Sugrue. The Mark Fleshman Band recently released some country tunes and are currently recording a new project that will have a new rock sound.

Tyler Lance Walker Gill is a country singer/songwriter from Bullitt County, Kentucky. He is a self-described "honky tonk evangelist, spreading the gospel of country music to any barroom that’ll have him". TLWG spent much of his formative years at a country music jamboree in Mt. Washington, Kentucky where his mother would often sing. This experience, unknowingly to him, embedded country roots deep in his soul to later resurface in the TLWG sound we hear today. TLWG cut his teeth playing covers before venturing into writing original music and putting together some of the best local talent, including Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Michael Cleveland, Aaron Biebelhauser, Todd Hildreth, John Clay, and members of Nellie Pearl, for his first studio album. TLWG is currently in the studio hammering out new material that will be sure to provide us with more of his signature earworm hooks. Prepare your liver and bring your dancing shoes for some hella' good party songs for party people!

Rocking stages since 2014, Sons of Liberty are the UK's own original Hard Southern Rock Band, drawn together by a shared love of the incredible music of the Southern States of America. Sons of Liberty's first release was their 2018 debut EP "Shinola", 5 tracks of hard hitting southern rock'n'roll.  The follow up "Aged in Oak" was released later that year, stepping things up a notch and featuring the single "Damned If You Do" which was voted #4 EP of The Year by New Wave Of Classic Rock. In 2019, the band wrote and recorded their LP Animism. Sons will be releasing and their new album, "Aces and Eights", on Friday June 18. Aces was recorded at Momentum Studios and produced by Josiah J Manning. Sons of Liberty is building quite a following and has a jam-packed touring schedule in the coming months.

James Stapleton and Mark Roberts are just regular dudes who love and support musicians and the music community by hosting unique experiences at their homes. James hosts concerts at "The Barn" at his home in Simpsonville, Kentucky. Mark offers the living room of his home for "Live at Long Run" in Louisville, Kentucky. Both provide wonderfully intimate music shows unlike any coffeehouse, club, or concert hall. If you haven't attended a home concert, the connection between the listener and the performer(s) at these events will be difficult to understand. James and Mark make their events known through social media. Money is collected at the event, with 100% going to the performer. There is no profit motive for the hosts, only the desire to share what they have built with others. Guests are asked to make a minimum donation to the performer and bring a dish for a "pot luck". Do you love music? Do you want to experience a memorable, unconventional music event? Become a part of the "house concert" community.

J Lee and The Hoodoo Skulls, from Surrey UK, were formed when lead singer J Lee Barratt had a yearning to make a traditional rock 'n roll/blues album. J Lee has been around roots music all his life and this foundation led to a love of roots and blues music. Fronted by J Lee, with Harun Kotch (lead guitarist and co-writer/producer), Wayne Riches (drums) and Mike Hartnett (bass), J Lee and the Hoodoo Skulls create a sound so punchy you'll forget that they come from the UK. Gutsy, edgy, and raw are just some of the words that have been used to describe their sound. Their latest album, Beggars Soul, is a bluesy, roots album littered with rocking riffs, sassy brass and a gripping vintage sound from recording sessions at The Old Chapel, a recording studio in an actual church in Chichester UK. Lo-Fi riff laden gutsy rock with powerful vocals that you can dance to? Fifties rock 'n roll sensibilities with added modern anthemic spice? That’ll be J Lee and The Hoodoo Skulls.

If John Prine, Merle Travis, and Chris Stapleton had a baby that was raised in Seattle by Chris Cornell, you might get something like the 23 year old singer-songwriter Peyton Boling. Peyton is creating melodic noise out of Mortons Gap, KY. Dev Hovis is from the band Possum Junction. Possum Junction is a self-described "outlaw folkternative roots band" comprised of a unique collective of musicians from Southern Indiana and Kentucky offering a genuine and fresh take on Roots/Americana. Peyton and Dev recently joined forces and have committed to music fulltime. Visit One Shot One Mic One Song on YouTube to hear these artists recorded live with a minimalist one mic approach from the past.

Caitlin Koch is a Nashville-based retro soul artist, singer & songwriter best known for her performances as the singing rugby coach on Simon Cowell's production, The X Factor USA. After stunning audiences worldwide with her soulful rendition of "Stop In The Name Of Love" by The Supremes, Caitlin would go on to tour nationally under Abdul Inc. (Paula Abdul). ​Caitlin has shared stages with Pat Benatar, Grace Potter, The Goo Goo Dolls, Gavin DeGraw, Cassadee Pope, The B52's, Blood Sweat & Tears, Bo Bice, Colt Ford, Danielle Bradbery, Avril Lavigne, Paula Abdul, Derek St. Holmes, Lance Diamond, Lauren Alaina, Brantley Gilbert, Tears for Fears, Matt Giraud, The Scintas, T. Graham Brown, and others. ​Caitlin relocated to Nashville, TN from her hometown Buffalo, NY in order to pursue music as an Independent Artist. In 2017, Caitlin embarked on her first international headlining tour to promote the EP "I Am", which she co-wrote, self-produced, and recorded in Nashville, TN & Muscle Shoals, AL. The tour consisted of nine countries in two months and put Caitlin on stage at The O2 Arena in London UK on three separate occasions with the likes of Reba, Maren Morris, and Cassadee Pope. ​Look for new releases from Caitlin Koch in 2021

Top Hill Recording and Zebulon and Company crossed paths on Instagram. Zeb Tuck is just a random dude who has a deep passion for music and creating. He is a singer/songwriter and guitar player whose primary goal in music is gratification. Whether music takes him anywhere beyond personal fulfillment and fun is not important to Zeb. He has, in his words, "managed to wrangle a band of world class humans and musicians" to record and release two singles with more in the making. Where will Zeb's music take him? Who knows......and Zeb doesn't care. He's enjoying and appreciating every step of the journey! Visit "One Shot One Mic One Song" on YouTube to hear this artist recorded live with a minimalist one mic approach from the past.

Guitarist, Singer, and Songwriter Alastair Greene has been a mainstay of the Southern California music scene for three decades. Following a 2018 live album that celebrated the 20th anniversary of his noteworthy Alastair Greene Band, the singer-songwriter/guitarist returns with an inspired solo collection, "The New World Blues".  A much in-demand guitarist and vocalist, Greene has traveled the world, touring with the legendary Alan Parsons Live Project from 2010 – 2017, as well as stints with Starship featuring Mickey Thomas and, most recently, Blues Music Award-winner Sugaray Rayford.  His work with Parsons, in particular, sparked a conversation with renowned multi-instrumentalist and producer Tab Benoit at a Las Vegas blues festival.  In 2019, Greene signed with Benoit’s Whiskey Bayou Records label. Alastair headed to Benoit’s Houma, Louisiana studio outside New Orleans to track The New World Blues.  With Benoit, on drums, and bassist Corey Duplechin, the three formed a classic power trio, recording nearly the entire album live in the studio.  Featuring funky, swampy grooves and flights of muscular guitar, Greene delivers an album stirred by touchstones such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, yet perhaps most often guided by the roadmap of Gov’t Mule and that band’s synthesis of The Allman Brothers Band’s improvisational firepower and the raw, stripped-down electric Blues-rock of Cream.

Aaron Bibelhauser is a singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist from Louisville, KY. In addition to writing songs recorded by award winning bluegrass artists including Balsam Range, Del McCoury Band, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, and Dale Ann Bradley, he's taken first place in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest and earned a nomination for the IBMA's prestigious Song Of The Year Award. An accomplished solo recording artist, radio broadcaster, producer, and session player, Bibelhauser also fronts the Kentucky based bluegrass band, Relic (with his twin brother Adam), and recently joined forces with other accomplished Bluegrass artists to form the band Wolfpen Branch. Visit "One Shot One Mic One Song" on YouTube to hear this artist recorded live with a minimalist one mic approach from the past.

Longtime best friends Keagan Cross (Vocals/Guitar), John Peters (Drums), and Ricky Stone (Bass) are the Illinois based Americana/Blues rock band The Lovelorn. Formed during the pandemic year of 2020, The Lovelorn have created a sound that feels familiar, but is all their own. Catchy riffs with memorable choruses and imagery filled lyrics, The Lovelorn have found a way to incorporate the ways of old for a modern audience. Back woodsy blues vibes with a modern twist, The Lovelorn have been striving to breathe new life in the genre with their refreshing perspective. With their debut album: "May You Find Worth In The Waking World" out now, this Springfield, IL outfit has already begun taking the right steps in making their mark in the music world.

Los Angeles based Radio Ritual is singer Juan Carlos Sanchez, guitarists Burton Car and Mac Perez, drummer Eduardo Baldo, and bassist Tinu Cer. This group of Argentine, Spanish, Brazilian, and Mexican-American musicians came together by chance and aspire to be advocates for change. Guitarist Burton Car talks to us about Radio Ritual's unique rock which is purposeful and aims to champion every-day people while highlighting relevant humanitarian issues. The band stayed busy during the pandemic shut down. Look for their singles, videos, and live performances on streaming/video/social platforms.

Neil's bandmate and mentee, Spencer Corbin, discusses his experience at the Bryan Galloup School of Guitar Building and Repair. Spencer was a student in the school's Masters Program where Master Luthier Bryan Galloup teaches the most advanced topics in modern Lutherie. The Master Program is 24 weeks (960+ hours) of full-time guitar making in the Galloup shop. After six months of intense training, Spencer has a solid understanding of what it takes to make a living in guitar building and repair.

Acid Tongue has been touring the world and espousing a timeless rock & roll sound with a DIY mentality since 2015. The touring band features a rotating roster of musicians from around the globe (with members based in Seattle, Paris, New York, London, Mexico City, Los Angeles, & Austin) lending fresh ears to the setlist for an ever-evolving live experience. Employing nostalgic riffs lifted straight from a forgotten jukebox and razor-sharp lyrics delivered in a childish croon, Guy Keltner has built a large catalogue of material in a short period of time. Dismayed by their hometown of Seattle’s "devolution into a squeaky-clean tech bubble",  Keltner & Ian Cunningham formed a partnership to elevate their soul-drenched compositions beyond a suffocating local music scene. Their debut EP, I Died Dreaming (2015) garnered the attention of both the iconic Seattle radio station KEXP and a hyper-alert British audience— landing the band opening slots for the likes of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, De La Soul, Ariel Pink, and Pacific Northwest legends The Sonics. In the years to follow, the band set their sights on the global horizon—releasing their sophomore EP Beautiful Disaster (recorded in a London basement) in 2016, a handful of singles & cassette-only releases, and Guy’s autobiographical ode to his time living in New York City: 2019’s The Night We Broke Our Lease EP (recorded at a friend’s home studio in Brooklyn). In 2016, Keltner and Cunningham co-founded their own record label, Freakout Records, with fellow Seattle music patron, Skyler Locatelli, and in 2017, released the band’s debut LP, Babies. The album’s singles, “Humpty Dumpty” & “If I Really Loved Her”, received substantial airplay and attention from college radio, playlists, and the underground indie-rock world. When the world is released from Covid-19, Acid Tongue will resume touring across the United States, Europe, Canada, & Mexico, spreading their gospel of cynicism and emotional catharsis to an increasingly wider audience. Acid Tongue’s sophomore full-length album Bullies, released March 13, 2020, finds them fully-formed with a mature sound; synthesizing commentary on millennial culture, bruised relationships and broken dreams, painted against the backdrop of high energy, hard-rocking soul songs that could only be the product of our modern era. HAVE FUN WITH THE TONGUE

Todd Whitener and his longtime bandmates, Jesse Vest and Matt Taul from Days of the New and Tantric, have joined forces with Donald Carpenter to build a new supergroup called Blisskrieg. Todd bought his first guitar from a pawn shop in his hometown of Louisville, KY in 1992 and by 1995 was playing with Jesse, Matt, and Travis Meeks in Platinum Award winning Days of the New......while still teenagers. After Days, Todd, Jesse and Matt founded Tantric and continued to maintain contact over the years. Todd later connected with Donald Carpenter in a series of events that could not have been planned and could not have worked out any better. Todd and Donald then invited Jesse and Matt into the mix and now we have Blisskrieg. Hear the story and listen to the music! You’ll be glad you did!

Jas Morris is a Guitarist Magazine "Guitarist of the Year" award winner. In 2013 his band Firekind won the Global Battle of the Bands competition in Thailand. The band consists of brothers Jas (vocals, guitar), Dan Morris (bass, keys) and Robin Shute (drums). Jas and Firekind were playing around 2-300 shows a year all over Europe before the Covid-19 shut down. They have supported Calvin Harris, Feeder, Wishbone Ash, Walter Trout, Tinie Tempah, Reef, Toploader, Texas and many others. Firekind’s debut album “What I Have Found is Already Lost” was recorded at the Hollywood based studio of legendary producer Alain Johannes (Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, and Chris Cornell......to name a few). Jas is an Official Seth Baccus Guitars artist. Jas and his bandmates live in Devon, United Kingdom.

Tyler Boone grew up in the Lowcountry of Charleston, SC. starting his music career in the small club rock scene. Recognized in 2017 as the runner-up to Darius Rucker for the Best Musician and Vocalist of Charleston, Tyler slowly started playing major music venues and opening for artists such as Sheryl Crow, The Avett Brothers, Sublime with Rome, Christopher Cross, Hootie and the Blowfish, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Silversun Pickups, Robert Randolph, Will Hoge, Canadian songwriter Donovan Woods, Platinum selling artist Edwin McCain, Zach Myers of Shinedown, The Revivalists, The Marcus King Band, Sean McConnell, Dr. John, Rayland Baxter, American Idol Winners David Cook & Lee DeWyze and others. Tyler is also an official Taylor Guitars endorsed artist. He has recently signed with Tom Sarig (Lou Reed, The Gaslight Anthem, Violent Femmes, CAKE, and others) and  his label Antifragile Music. In addition to the music business, Tyler is also the owner and creator of "Homegrown" Boone's Bourbon. Boone's Bourbon was named "The Top 6 Bourbons in the World" by Forbes Magazine, Double Gold winner at the 2020 New York International Spirits competition, and Gold Award at the Proof Awards (Las Vegas). As if music and bourbon isn't enough to keep Tyler busy, he also is the co-founder of Artist Formula. Artist Formula offers "a la carte" services to artists to assist them with increasing their presence and influence in the music industry.

Brett Ralph is the owner of Surface Noise, a record/book store and art gallery in Louisville, KY. Brett's life experiences are an eclectic, complex mix of Southern working-class culture, punk rock, Buddhism, academia, athletics, literature, activism.....and much, much more, which makes him quite the interesting dude. We cover a lot in this one hour conversation!

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Derek Day infuses rock, R&B, soul, punk and pop as he engages and captivates the audience with high-energy musical theatrics. His lead guitar skills are a perfect accompaniment to his burning, gritty, soulful contralto vocals. Derek is a self-taught guitarists who honed his amazing skills through performing on the streets of Santa Monica since he was 13. A few months after releasing his first solo EP in Summer 2016, he opened for the final days of Steve Vai's 25th Anniversary tour of the Passion And Warfare album. This quick success launched a snowball that led to performing at NAMM, the Sundance Film Festival and, by the spring of 2017, opening up for Living Colour. As the buzz of the new LA phenom rippled through the music world, Derek opened for Ted Nugent on the "Rocking' America Again" tour, performed with Vernon Reid and Corey Glover for the Chuck Berry Tribute, released his single FACE ME which includes performances from Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai/Slash), Rodger Carter (John 5/Rick Springfield) and Paul Trudeau (Billy Idol/Lifehouse), was officially endorsed by Fender, opened again for Living Colour on the "Shade in the USA" tour, opened for Steel Panther, headlined numerous shows in the LA gig scene, again played NAMM for VocoPro, Vocal Eze and Fender, toured Sweden and England including The Byline Festival, opened for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators at the Palladium, performed with Steve Vai, Vernon Reid and Moby in a charity event that was viewed by 850,000 people worldwide........and more!!! Then COVID shut everything down. Along with the music world, Top Hill Recording can't wait to see where things go for this talented young guitarist and vocalist when things open again!

The Bad Day Blues Band exploded onto the scene in 2017, playing Times Square in New York City with double Grammy Award winner Delbert McClinton. This was followed by two critically acclaimed performances at The Isle Of Wight Festival in 2018 and 2019. The Bad Day Blues Band has wowed audiences at many of the UK’s major festivals and has garnered glowing reviews from BBC Radio 2, Bassplayer Magazine, Planet Rock, Record Box Reviews, London Live TV, and many more. Winner of the Digital Blues Awards Best New Blues Band 2019, they have played alongside artists such as The Killers, Kirk Fletcher, Ben Poole, The Manic Street Preachers, Starsailor, Badly Drawn Boy, Delbert McClinton, George Ezra, Sheryl Crow and many, many others. The Bad Day Blues Band has amassed a dedicated fanbase and are unleashing their debut studio album, recorded at Abbey Road!

Dusty Bo is a Louisville, Kentucky alt-rock artist with what many would consider a charmed musical history. Years ago, Dusty packed his bags and moved to Los Angeles with his band. In L.A., he experienced "the dream" of recording at Sunset Sound and NRG Studios, touring the globe, and packing recognizable venues such as the Viper Room, the Troubadour, and The Whiskey A GoGo. However, Dusty wasn't happy and decided in 2017 to leave the band and venture out on his own. Now back in Kentucky and on the solo route, Dusty Bo has built quite a following. With great vocals, great guitar, and musical diversity, you'll never get bored. New music available now and much more coming soon. Visit "One Shot One Mic One Song" on YouTube to hear this artist recorded live with a minimalist one mic approach from the past.

Going back to Season One for this Bonus Episode featuring a project from the Clavis Isley Band, Ruby Jewel (2000). The Clavis Isley Band was Sharon, Andy, Cheryl, and Ron Weston along with drummer Clavis Isley, who has never missed a beat. 1. Ruby Jewel  2. Too Much Like Elvis  3. I Saw the Devil Tonight  4. Wasted  5. It's Only Make Believe

Fabrizio Grossi is an Italian-American bass player, producer and record industry consultant known for his vast array of talents and his long list of collaborations. As a producer and mixer, Fabrizio’s list of collaborations covers legendary names like Leslie West, Billy F. Gibbons, George Clinton & P. Funk, Alice Cooper, Steve Vai, Warren Haynes, Slash, Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, Steve Lukather, Eric Gales, Zakk Wylde, Gary Clark Jr, Ice T and many, many more. And as bass player, he has appeared on countless recordings and live performances featuring the likes of Steve Vai, Robben Ford, Walter Trout, Billy F. Gibbons, Nina Hagen, John 5, Slash, Leslie West, Gilby Clarke, Neal Schon, Joe Bonamassa and too many more to list. Fab's name and talents are also linked to feature movies and TV shows music like the WWF Women of Wrestling (FOX), Mary and Kate Olsen (ABC), Las Vegas (NBC) or along with Chad Smith and John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers) for the Sony Picture Shaft, featuring Jamie Foxx. Fab is currently developing, recording and performing with his own solo project Fab’s Soul Garage Experience alongside Stephen Perkins ,and several other LA’s music treasures such as soul prince Diimon Meeks & guitar sensation Derek Day, while keeping busy producing blues-rock-soul & alternative projects like Eric Gales feat. Gary Clark Jr, Aaron Keylock, Susan Santos, and many other independent artists.

Bob D'Antoni is Chief Barrel Officer for Four Gate Whiskey Company. Four Gate blends the highest quality whiskey available and collaborates on each batch with the barrel experts at Kelvin Cooperage to produce new, unique, and exciting batches of barrel-finished craft American Whiskey for bourbon and whiskey connoisseurs. Four Gate is quickly collecting awards, including  "2020 Barrel Finished Whiskey of the Year".

Neil reconnects with another Voodoo Symphony bandmate, Steve Morgan. Steve talks about becoming a bass player by default, the great times during college with Neil and Voodoo, his extensive vinyl collection, and more.

Dave Wilson is a Louisville, Kentucky musician. He is in two very different bands with very different approaches to writing, recording, and performing music. Dave talks with Neil and Brad about both bands and his path to where he is today.

Nick Dittmeier is a singer-songwriter from Southern Indiana. He’s released two solo EP’s, “Extra Better” in 2013 and “Light of Day” in 2014. With the support of his backing/touring band, The Sawdusters, he has released two full length albums, “Midwest Heart/ Southern Blues” in 2016 and “All Damn Day” in 2018. These albums are gritty collections of songs, full of characters who were developed while staring over the dash of a beat up tour van, cruising through towns all over the South and Midwest. His newest release, “Companion (Extended Edition)”, features a four song studio collection from 2019 on Side A. Side B, titled “Alive From a Barbershop in Southern Indiana” is a live acoustic listening room set.

Boone Froggett is lead vocalist and guitarist for Kentucky band, OTIS. OTIS has built quite of collection of fans, including ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons who gives this glowing endorsement, " The OTIS disc is stunning. Fine singing, authentically talented harp work, sweet guitar tones... all around enjoyable listening. Done burned it into the hard drive...!"

MojoThunder is a four-piece rock band from Kentucky. They blend high-energy rock with southern harmony, for an engaging sound they’ve dubbed as “Southern-Alternative.” Their first LP “Hymns from the Electric Church” will be available on all streaming services Spring 2021. Mojo has made quite an impact in a relatively short period of time. Keep this band on your radar in 2021!

Music Only Bonus Episode. Kentucky duo of singer/songwriter Jondra Nicole Adkins and fiddler Blakeley Burger perform "Hotel Song" and "Coyote" live during Top Hill Recording Podcast Episode 40 at Top Hill Recording Studio. 

Brooks Ritter debuted Stereo of Steel August 26, 2016 and is currently in the process of releasing a new EP, Ghost Come To Life. Ritter is a Louisville, Kentucky native musician, and his music ranges from “soul to roots music, with a little indie-rock.” Ritter has toured with various bands including Sara Watkins from Nickel Creek, Greg Laswell, Anderson East, Zella Day, Ben Sollee, and others. Visit "One Shot One Mic One Song" on YouTube to hear this artist recorded live with a minimalist one mic approach from the past.

Music only bonus episode. Check out Jeff Donohue's Christmas Classics.

Gemma is a Kentucky-based band of five friends since middle school who create lush, ethereal, dreamy soundscapes that span tranquil to ominous and has been coined by the band as "Freedom Lake Rock".

Southern Governor is a rock and roll band with a distinctive sound that might be described as heavy, crunchy southern rock with a gritty, grungy cherry on top. From the backwoods of Gainesboro, Virginia, this trio of Galanis brothers provides a monstrously wonderful wall of sound.

Jondra Nicole grew up in the ruggedly scenic Appalachian Mountains before venturing away from Eastern Kentucky. Jondra just released "Drown It Out", a 5 song EP that successfully paints lyrical pictures of her travels through life, both the ups and the downs. Jondra and her fiddle player, Blakeley Burger, not only talk music with Brad and Neil, but they also record a few live songs. Visit "One Shot One Mic One Song" on YouTube to hear this artist recorded live with a minimalist one mic approach from the past.

After picking up a guitar at the age of 10, Trey Hensley quickly took the bluegrass world by storm. Through the years, Trey has had the opportunity to perform with the likes of Marty Stuart, Earl Scruggs, Johnny and June Carter Cash, Charlie Daniels, Steve Wariner, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs, Blue Highway, J.D. Crowe and many others. He was recently nominated for the 2020 International Bluegrass Guitar Player of the Year.

Brecken Miles was a top ten finalist in the 2018 Nash Next Competition. He has shared the stage with Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Luke Combs, Cam, Blake Shelton, Phil Vassar, Big & Rich, Justin Moore, and most recently, Chris Janson.

Jeff Donohue, Top Hill Recording's friend and neighbor, wears many hats but music is his love. Jeff drops by the studio to kill some time with Neil and Brad.

Based in Houston, Roots From The Clay is Texas’ fast-rising Roots Reggae band. RFTC was conceived in May 2017 by Jamaican duo Jermaine “Songo” Wilson and wife Dr. Aria A. Wilson. Their music confronts real-world issues. Racial equality, poverty, and relationships are honestly examined through pulsing reggae beats. RFTC’s influences come from Jamaican Roots, Lovers' Rock and Dancehall Reggae music.

Rickey "Dolla" Green is gaining fans at an astounding rate and making a positive impact on many. His lyrics reflect his life and are delivered with raw emotion. Dolla is a versatile rapper who can touch every sentiment from pain to party!

Stephen Allen Davis is back to share more of his experience, expertise, and stories, including songwriting collaboratively vs. solo and selling your songs. Also, stories from Stephen Allen's experiences with George Jones, Joe Cocker, and Tammy Wynette. 

Ed Rice is an artist and woodworker, focused on Lutherie, operating as Tóir Guitars. Lutherie is the making of wooden stringed musical instruments, such as guitars, mandolins and ukuleles. Focused on Acoustic Guitars and Ukueles, Ed trained under Master Luthier Harry Fleishman in Sebastopol, Ca. Additionally, Ed’s style has been influenced by another internationally known Luthier, Jeffrey Yong, of Kuala Lumpur. Ed has a passion for exotic woods in his instruments, such as Indian Rosewood, Monkeypod, KOA and others.

Three songs recorded live during the Top Hill Recording Podcast - Shadwick Wilde episode: Easy Rider When All of This is Over Gardener's Blues

Quickie EP (1999) Tied to the Tracks Walking on a Wire Downtown Pinky Thing Let Me Breathe My Own Way

Stephen Allen Davis wrote what would become his first hit song when he was 17 years old. Percy Sledge recorded Stephen Allen's song “Take Time to Know Her” and it soon soared up the charts. Since then Stephen Allen has had over 400 songs recorded by various artists (including Joe Cocker, Meat Loaf, Tammy Wynette, Reba McEntire, Barbara Mandrell, Jo Dee Messina, Charlie Rich, and more), received 18 BMI awards, been nominated twice for Grammys and has three Million Air Performance Award songs to his name. Stephen Allen's ORIGINAL DEMO OF " TAKE THE TIME TO KNOW HER" is included in this episode.

Frank Green has a reputation as one of the most proficient bassist in the region. Now, his focus is guitar and vocals with original band Silkwood Showers. Frank talks with Neil and Brad about his journey and his latest project, The Great Depression.

Shadwick Wilde grew up in San Francisco, Havana, and Amsterdam, before settling in Kentucky at age 16 with his mother, an activist, poet, and filmmaker. At 18, Wilde dropped out of school to tour as a guitarist-for-hire in various hardcore-punk bands, including Dischord Records legacy act Iron Cross. He has toured Europe twice and criss-crossed North America ad nauseam. In late 2019, Wilde was introduced to drummer/producer Ken Coomer (Wilco, Uncle Tupelo), who invited him to come and record at his Cartoon Moon studios in Nashville, with an all-star band.  After the first sessions were delayed by a tornado, and the make-up dates by a pandemic, Forever Home was completed in June 2020.

Brad and Neil talk about completing the first set of songs recorded and released from Top Hill Recording Studio. Not only do they discuss the recording, editing, and mixing process, but also the steps to get a song released on streaming services. This episode is a step-by-step guide to taking your music from a concept to a released song.

Neil reconnects with Chris Floyd, a Voodoo Symphony band mate from his college days at the University of Kentucky.

Robert Henry is bringing back country music's traditional roots. He recently released the EP "In the Works" which includes the 2020 World Songwriting Awards "Best Traditional Country Song", Storm the Gates. Robert joins Brad and Neil remotely from the 2020 Sturgis Bike Rally.

1. All American Girl; 2. This is Life; 3. Walking on Razorblades; 4. Jake Bickell; 5. Loaded Loser

Rhyme Partners is an award winning music publishing company based in Nashville. Founder Melissa Bollea Rowe discusses songwriting, brand marketing, career coaching, professional development, and more.

At a young age, his grandfather introduced him to old school funk, soul and R & B. Now, Musick Harris turns out great baby-makin' music with that 90's vibe everyone loves. Musick talks with Neil and Brad about his current project and more.

Turn3 is an original Rock/Roots/Soul/Country band from Louisville, Kentucky. Chris and Chad's life experiences as musicians, fathers and husbands are poured into the music Turn3 creates. The end result is something very authentic. 

Three Sharon Smith Weston songs that show why she was on fire in the 60's

Can you successfully start a band, write songs, play shows, and record an album in a short period of time with no experience? ........ABSOLUTELY! Brad and Neil talk with Brad's cousins and former Sooner or Later band mates.

Louisville's Blind Feline is a unique and versatile group of talented musicians that can't be described with one musical genre......let's go with funky psychedelic country rock with jazz influences and a blue-grass flair. Ollie and Matt discuss the band's new EP (Cicadas), origin of the band name, songwriting, and much more. Visit "One Shot One Mic One Song" on YouTube to hear this artist recorded live with a minimalist one mic approach from the past.

Jenny Webb and her band, Diamonds and Whiskey, have seen their popularity soar recently with the release of Heartbreak Queen.  With rave reviews and airplay across the globe, Nashville Music Guide called Heartbreak Queen the best rocking country album of the year. Diamonds and Whiskey can be described as alt-country with a swampy rock twist.

Louisville original band, Johnstone, released Rocket on July 4, 2020. Written by Neil Johnstone. Recorded and Produced at Top Hill Recording Studio.

Did you know that the guitar intro on AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" uses a B mixolydian scale? Melanie Scofield and Patrick Denney visit Top Hill Recording Podcast to discuss School of Rock. School of Rock takes a non-traditional approach to music education by teaching technique and theory through classic songs students love, combining one-on-one instruction with group rehearsals and live performances.

Looking for a stellar musical performance you and your guests can dance and sing to? Wax Factory and Full Contact Karaoke members, Ryan Murphy and Tony Clark, discuss what it takes to be one of the hottest tickets for entertainment events.

Jyn Yates is a music teacher, a writer, a renowned drummer, a radio personality, an LBGTQ leader, a lover of the arts, a music producer, and more! 

Johnstone is an original band from Louisville, KY whose lead singer is also co-host of the Top Hill Recording Podcast. This show was recorded at The Odeon in Louisville, KY.

Sharon Smith Weston tells her story for the first time. A remarkable ride from cutting a demo for a local label to becoming one of the hottest new country stars, selling over 25,000 records in less than a month for Dot Records, in the short span of 18 months. Then......leaving it all for love.

Neil and Brad discuss Episodes 8 - 15.  A H-U-G-E thank you to everyone for a successful Season One! See you soon with Season 2!

Jeni Carr is a gifted singer, songwriter, and performer. Her music has given her the opportunity to perform on stages big and small and share the spotlight with some of the nation’s most noted country artists.

Phil Bright, the owner of Louisville Recording Company, has been recording and producing music projects since 2001.  He is an outstanding guitarist and a talented arranger, music writer, and audio engineer.

How much can be packed into one life? Andy Weston talks about his 60+ years in music, theater, and literature.

Jeremy Sharfe is never idle......but he sits down with Neil and Brad long enough to discuss songwriting, playing live music, recording in Nashville, and more!

Ian Truax talks about his band, Acquainted Strangers, and the genre coined "Louisville Alternative"

Larry Bond started The Misfits in the 60's and most recently played percussion in Ode 2 the Gnu.

Brent West talks music and shares several of his original creations......for the first time EVER!

Spencer Corbin, Neil's protege and our youngest guest to date on the podcast, talks with Brad and Neil about rocking with dad, attending performing arts schools, upcoming college, and more.

Neil and Brad explore the impossible question, "What are you three favorite songs?". Also, progress with the podcast and recording studio.

Roger Higdon has played music in Louisville, KY and the surrounding area for nearly 40 years. Roger joins Neil and Brad to discuss his musical trek from the early "lessons" with his dad to his current band, The Wilson Brothers.

Neil and Brad record a Toeupu Liu original, Loa's Song, during the podcast recording.

Toe joins Neil and Brad to discuss his musical journey from early life to college, piano to guitar, opera to pop, University of Kentucky to Belmont, and much more

Neil shares an honest discussion of ego and how his musical perspective has evolved over time

Neil and Brad discuss music with Brad's dad, Ron......life stories, the forgotten music history of Lebanon, KY, the recording of There She Goes, and more.

Top Hill Recording Episode 1 introduces the listener to Brad and Neil as they explore the songwriting process, playing live music, and recording music.