Americana Curious

Newport Folk Festival is famous for the unexpected. You never quite know who might walk onstage. This year, Dave Matthews made his first-ever Newport appearance , joining a long tradition of unforgettable surprises that has included James Taylor, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton and more. In this episode of Americana Curious , Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz pull back the curtain on what really happens at Newport Folk Festival —the surprise guests, spontaneous collaborations, intimate aftershows, and the community of music lovers that makes Newport unlike any other festival. You'll hear what it was like when Dave Matthews suddenly appeared, why some of the world's biggest artists treat Newport differently, and why the festival sells out before a single artist is announced. Plus, Ben and Zach share some of their favorite Newport moments and explain why the real magic may not be the artists onstage at all— it's the people who come back year after year. Follow Americana Curious for more stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that make Americana music special.

How does a band from Hawaii become one of Americana's fastest-rising groups? In this episode of Americana Curious , Ben Fanning sits down backstage with Twin Fin just before their sold-out show at Charleston's Pour House for a candid conversation about the unlikely journey that brought them here. From Coast Guard careers and backyard jam sessions to building a loyal fan base across the country, the band shares how the spirit of aloha, deep friendships, and a passion for great songwriting have fueled their remarkable rise. You'll hear: Why Hawaii—not Nashville—became the perfect place to build a band How Twin Fin grew from local shows to sold-out venues across America The sacrifices and risks behind pursuing music full time The story behind their album Songs I Never Wrote Why creating unforgettable live experiences matters more than anything else Whether you're already a Twin Fin fan or discovering them for the first time, this conversation offers an authentic look at the people behind one of Americana's most exciting new bands. Americana Curious explores the artists, stories, festivals, and traditions shaping today's Americana music scene through in-depth conversations with the musicians creating it

What happens after you've already achieved the dream? Phillip Phillips captured America's heart by winning American Idol , releasing "Home" —the biggest-selling winner's single in the show's history—and touring alongside legends like John Mayer and Bruce Springsteen. But behind the success was a deeper journey: discovering that fame wasn't the finish line. In this episode of Americana Curious , hosts Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz sit down with Phillip for one of his most candid conversations yet. He shares why Home didn't initially feel like his own song, how becoming an independent artist allowed him to reclaim his music, and why fatherhood has completely transformed the way he defines success. Phillip also opens up about: The surprising truth behind recording "Home" Why owning his music became more important than chasing bigger fame Touring with John Mayer and sharing the stage with Bruce Springsteen How Dave Matthews shaped his unique guitar style Why he completely reimagines classic songs instead of simply covering them The balancing act of being an independent musician, husband, and father The stories behind his upcoming music, including songs inspired by his children Whether you've followed Phillip since American Idol or are just discovering his music, this conversation is an inspiring reminder that sometimes the greatest success comes after redefining what success really means. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why Phillip Phillips struggled to connect with "Home" at first • How he reclaimed ownership of his biggest songs • What touring with music legends taught him about performing • Why family changed his career priorities forever • How he's approaching songwriting differently than ever before • What success means to him today Chapters 00:00 – Intro 02:34 – Winning American Idol and the story behind "Home" 05:14 – The pressure after massive success 08:14 – Re-recording "Home" and owning his music 11:10 – Life as an independent artist 13:23 – Fatherhood changes everything 20:19 – Behind the scenes of American Idol 23:01 – The Masked Singer and reinventing songs 32:43 – Dave Matthews' influence 38:48 – Touring with John Mayer & Bruce Springsteen 43:00 – What success means today 🎙️ Subscribe to Americana Curious for authentic conversations with the artists shaping Americana, folk, roots, country, and independent music.

Do bigger venues create bigger experiences—or do they take us further away from the music? In this episode of Americana Curious , Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz debate whether arenas have changed the live music experience for the worse and share the intimate venues that have left the biggest impression on them. From Charleston's beloved Pour House and Nashville's legendary Robert's Western World to First Avenue in Minneapolis, Red Rocks, the Ryman Auditorium, and hidden gems you've probably never heard of, they explore why some venues create unforgettable nights while others simply host concerts. Along the way, they share stories about seeing artists like John Prine, Brandi Carlile, Charlie Crockett, American Aquarium, Mount Joy, Hiss Golden Messenger, Mason Jennings, and many more—and explain why discovering music in small venues may be one of the best investments any music fan can make. In this episode you'll discover: Why small venues often create deeper connections between artists and audiences The independent venues every Americana fan should visit How outdoor venues transform the live music experience Bucket-list music destinations across America Why supporting local venues helps keep live music alive for future generations Whether you're planning your next concert road trip or simply looking for your next favorite venue, this episode will inspire you to get closer to the music—and stay curious. Also follow us and join the conversation on Instagram and YouTube.

How does an artist find a voice that feels unmistakably their own—and write songs that hold both hope and heartbreak at the same time? In this episode of Americana Curious, hosts Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz sit down with MC Taylor, singer, songwriter, producer, and bandleader of Hiss Golden Messenger. Across more than a dozen studio albums and a Grammy-nominated career, MC has become one of the defining voices in modern Americana. But finding that voice took years of searching, experimenting, and learning to trust his own instincts. MC shares the story behind Hiss Golden Messenger, explains how fatherhood transformed both his songwriting and his leadership as an artist, and reflects on why his music explores spirit without offering easy answers. He also discusses the power of intimate live music, the importance of community, and why songs can communicate emotions that conversations often cannot. Chapters: 00:00 - Why it took years to find his voice 02:05 - The turning point that led to Hiss Golden Messenger 03:34 - Finally creating the sound he'd been chasing 04:44 - The meaning behind the name Hiss Golden Messenger 06:56 - Why his music is about spirit—not religion 09:29 - Faith, hope, and rejecting beliefs used as weapons 10:41 - How he writes hopeful songs during difficult times 15:01 - The meaning behind I'm People 17:25 - Why music can say what conversations can't 19:48 - The punk shows that changed his life forever 22:43 - Why collaboration matters in Americana music 27:47 - How becoming a father helped him find his voice 32:23 - The questions driving his songwriting today 35:00 - The future of independent live music and house shows 39:23 - What legacy he hopes Hiss Golden Messenger leaves behind Hiss Golden Messenger is the musical project of MC Taylor, whose blend of folk, rock, country, soul, and spiritual storytelling has earned a Grammy nomination and made him one of the most respected voices in Americana. Through more than a dozen acclaimed albums, he has built a career defined by authenticity, emotional depth, and a relentless commitment to creating timeless music. Check out Hiss Golden Messenger's latest album, I'm People , and catch them on tour. 🔔 Support the Podcast If you love conversations with the artists shaping Americana music, be sure to like this video, leave a comment, and subscribe to the channel. Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Follow Americana Curious on Instagram: @AmericanaCurious #HissGoldenMessenger #MCTaylor #AmericanaMusic #SingerSongwriter #FolkMusic #RootsMusic #MusicPodcast #AmericanaCurious

How does an independent band stay true to its roots, resist industry pressure, and survive for over three decades? In this episode of Americana Curious , hosts Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz sit down with Willy Braun, frontman and lead singer of the legendary country-rock band Reckless Kelly. Long before sold-out shows and a devoted following, the band survived by pooling "Band Bucks," sleeping on bar floors, and driving a banged-up $1,500 Suburban. Willie opens up about their early days playing seven nights a week in Austin, getting a stamp of approval from icons like Joe Ely and Robert Earl Keen, and why they famously walked away from major Nashville labels who wanted them to "smooth out" their sound. In this episode, we dive into: The "Band Bucks" Days: Surviving poverty and keeping a band together when you have no money to fight over. The TikTok Trap: Willie’s brutally honest advice to young musicians on why mastering your craft matters more than chasing viral moments. Alternate Roots: The story behind their new album and why they decided to re-record their classic crowd-pleasers. On Stage with Heroes: What it's really like to transition from a childhood fan to becoming the official backing band for Steve Earle and Joe Ely. Grab a cold one and get ready to get Americana curious! Connect with Reckless Kelly: Check out the new album Alternate Roots Grab tickets to the Braun Brothers Reunion Festival Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please take 30 seconds to follow the show on Spotify, rate us, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help more music lovers discover the power of Americana!

What happens when a musician completely rejects the corporate machine? In this episode of Americana Curious, Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz sit down with singer-songwriter Mason Jennings to discuss his incredible 30-year independent career. Mason opens up about why he walked away from major label record deals, what it was really like working with (and turning down) Rick Rubin, his fun connection to Prince, and his internal battle with crippling agoraphobia and panic attacks on tour. Whether you are an independent musician navigating the modern landscape of Soundcloud and AI or a fan of real, raw, road-worn music, this conversation explores what it truly means to protect your creative spirit at all costs. 💡 STUFF WE TALKED ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE: • Turning down a million-dollar major label deal • The truth about working with Rick Rubin (and the pitch-black Warner Bros meeting) • How EMDR therapy helped Mason overcome agoraphobia • The night Prince played air guitar to his songs at First Avenue • How AI, Soundcloud, and streaming are shifting the value of music • The stories behind "Rebecca Deville" and his new album Dark Wings Chapters: 00:00 – Why Mason Jennings turned down Rick Rubin 02:15 – The wild night Rick Rubin turned off the lights at Warner Bros 04:30 – Surviving crippling agoraphobia and panic attacks on tour 07:10 – The secret story behind "Rebecca Deville" 09:45 – When Prince watched Mason from the box seats 11:50 – How AI and Soundcloud are shifting the future of the music industry ----- As a gift to listeners, Zach has curated 7 MUST LISTEN Mason Jennings songs here . ----- Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz host Americana Curious, a podcast spotlighting the unsung heroes of Americana music. This show features deep-dive music interviews with legendary independent artists, uncovering the hard-earned lessons, songwriting secrets, and real-world struggles behind your favorite acoustic, folk, and rock-infused songs 👉 SUPPORT THE SHOW: Follow the show and rate us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and leave a review on Apple to help more people discover the power of Americana #AmericanaMusic #MasonJennings #RickRubin #Songwriting #IndependentArtist #MusicPodcast #AmericanaCurious #Prince

What can leaders learn from Bruce Springsteen? A lot more than you might think. In this special crossover episode from the Lead the Team podcast , Ben sits down with Andy Freed—CEO, author, and a devoted Springsteen fan who has attended nearly 100 Bruce Springsteen concerts. Over the years, Andy noticed something remarkable: many of the leadership lessons taught in boardrooms are being demonstrated night after night on stage by Bruce and the E Street Band. From how he acknowledges his band members to how he commands attention for three hours, Springsteen has built one of the most enduring cultures in music. In this conversation, you'll hear: Why Bruce makes every band member feel like the most important person in the room The leadership lesson hidden in his end-of-show ritual How great communicators think about their audience first Why repetition is essential for leading change What leaders can learn from Bruce's setlists, storytelling, and stage presence How collective experiences create stronger teams and communities Why intentionality may be the most underrated leadership skill Whether you're a lifelong Springsteen fan, a music lover, or someone trying to lead people more effectively, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what it means to inspire others.

Some artists sound polished. Some artists sound real. The rare ones give you both. I caught up with backstage at the Charleston Pour House right before she took the stage — you can hear the traffic outside, the crowd starting to buzz, and the energy building before the show. At just 25 years old, Bella is writing songs with an emotional honesty and depth that feels timeless. We talked about emotional restlessness, life between places, quietly commanding a room, and how heartbreak and searching have shaped her songwriting. She also opened up about evolving beyond her bluegrass roots while staying true to the music that raised her. Bella’s upcoming album A Sign in the Weather is going to connect with a lot of people. This conversation made it obvious why her shows are selling out across the country right now.

Winyah had 3 songs. Then they got the call to play Bonnaroo. No album. Just a deadline. So they did what most people won’t: They locked in. Slept on couches. Finished an entire record in weeks. Fast forward— They’re opening High Water Festival in Charleston… stepping on stage in front of 15,000.. And here’s what surprised me most: They’re playing the long game. → Eating clean on tour → Running between shows → Thinking about how they’ll still perform at 50 Because they’ve seen how this story ends for bands that don’t. And then this moment hit: One of them even walked away from big corporate finance job... to do this. “This is a lot more fun.” That’s the tradeoff. Security vs. story. Comfort vs. calling. So— If the call came for you… would you be ready?

What does Taj Mahal understand about music… that most artists still miss today? How did his approach to sound end up influencing Bob Marley? What does it actually mean to feel music instead of just hearing it? And what have we lost… now that music has become something we just consume? In this episode, Taj Mahal—five-time Grammy winner and one of the architects of modern Americana—shares a radically different way of thinking about music, connection, and culture. From growing up surrounded by gospel, jazz, and radio… to shaping a sound that would ripple across generations… This is a conversation about music. AND why that matters more than ever. Ben and Zach have been talking about this interview ever since! Taj doesn’t just talk about music...he lives it. And somewhere along the way, it made us rethink how we listen… not just to songs, but to everything around us. We hope it does the same for you. If it does—share it with someone who needs to hear it!

What happens when your dream falls apart… right in the middle of a pizza shift? John-Robert was closing at work when he got the call… he’d been dropped by his label. Most artists don’t come back from that. He moved home to Virginia… built a studio. and started making music nonstop. No label. No plan B. No guarantees. Today, his music has millions of streams around the world. But the real story isn’t just the success… it’s the life behind it. And this one was just a BLAST! John-Robert is hilarious, self-aware, and completely himself. We laughed a lot. We went off of fun tangents And you can feel how much he genuinely loves music, people, and the ride he’s on. That’s what makes this episode different. In this episode of Americana Curious, John-Robert, Ben and Zach get into: The moment everything fell apart Why living life fully matters more than writing songs The scrappy rebuild that changed everything Opening for Liam Gallagher (OASIS) and playing a free show in the park right after What it actually takes to make it as an independent artist And a moment that just feel real, funny, and raw. If you’ve ever chased something… lost it… and had to rebuild from scratch — this one’s for you. 🎧 Follow Americana Curious for more real stories from artists living the music.

MORGXN, the Americana artist who just redefined what the Heartland means, joins Ben and Zach on Americana Curious for a conversation that you'll never forget. Early in his career, he was told he’d never make it in Nashville as an openly gay artist. So he left. But something pulled him back. Instead of abandoning the music… he decided to reclaim something bigger. The Heartland. Not as a place owned by a genre or a stereotype but as a place that BELONGS TO EVERYONE. Along the way, he’s collaborated with Sara Bareilles and Walk the Moon, and even had a moment where Billie Eilish credited one of his songs as inspiration. But the most powerful moment in our conversation was this: “The heartland is everybody — white, black, gay, straight… the heartland is everybody.” And then he did something even more unexpected… He bought a farm outside Nashville. discovered 760 pawpaw trees on land the previous owner said was “dead”, and started building a life rooted in music, food, and community. It turns out the Heartland isn’t just a place. It’s a story we’re ALL STILL WRITING TOGETHER! Ever been told you didn’t belong somewhere… and later realized you were meant to redefine it?

Some songs don’t just play; They mark seasons of your life. And you don’t realize it until years later. These are the Americana songs that shaped who we (Ben and Zach) have become. As you'll hear it's not because they were chart-toppers or because everyone else loved them... ...it's because they found us at a very specific moment. A long drive after a hard loss. A tiny club when you felt invisible. A lyric that said what you couldn’t say out loud. That’s the part we don’t talk about enough! We analyze strategy. We debate business models. We optimize everything. But songs? They bypass ALL logic. They attach themselves to your identity. When you look back, you realize certain bands didn’t just soundtrack your life, they helped AUTHOR IT. We can trace chapters of our own growth to specific records. Certain risks we took. Certain conversations we had. Certain seasons we survived. It’s wild how an honest lyric can do what no book ever could. The real question becomes isn’t whether music changes us. It’s this... Are we CHOOSING the songs and bands that shape us… Or are we passively letting whatever’s loudest do the shaping? What if the music you surround yourself with is determining the leader, parent, and partner you become?

There are voices that impress you. And then there are voices that feel like they’ve been EARNED. Al Nicol’s voice carries the high lonesome ache of Bill Monroe, the raw vulnerability of early Bon Iver, and the spiritual sway of Neil Young’s Harvest era. But what makes it unforgettable isn’t tone it’s the absolute TRUTH. In this episode of Americana Curious, Al opens up about masculinity, mortality, anxiety, and the years he spent “on the sidelines of life.” He shares how confronting severe athletic anorexia and the pressure of silent expectations became the breakthrough that unlocked his upper register and ultimately led to Only Hoping, recorded with MC Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger. This is a story about breaking OUT OF THE CAGE. About groove over perfection. About self-acceptance over self-punishment. About how pain, when faced honestly, can become art of the highest caliber. If you care about songwriting… I f you listen to albums front to back… If you believe music can change someone’s life… You’re in the right place for this powerful interview with Al Nicol Question: If someone feels like they’re still on the sidelines of their own life… what would you tell them?

Emily Scott Robinson isn’t chasing hits....She’s writing for your funeral. It's not dark...It's called powerful depth! In our conversation, Emily shares with us that she wants to write songs that are singable 40 years from now. Not viral...Not trending this weekend...Not forgotten next month. FORTY YEARS The industry rewards noise. Speed. Algorithms. “Content.” But Emily Scott Robinson is building something much harder: ...Songs people sing in churches. ...Songs people sing at funerals. ...Songs people sing when life breaks open. One of her songs (written in the chaos of 2020) took on a life beyond her. It's become something people carried into their hardest moments. Most artists are building for applause. Very few are building for legacy. There’s a difference between: • Attention and impact • Output and endurance • Scale and staying power Emily made a choice. She’s not trying to win the moment; She’s trying to outlast it. That question doesn’t just apply to music. It applies to all of us. Are you building something people will still carry when you’re not in the room anymore? Or are you just chasing what performs well this quarter?

20 YEARS. 0 LABELS. 1 PLATINUM RECORD. 💿🔥 Most bands don’t make it past year five. They call it the “Valley of Death” because 95% of indie artists don’t make it out alive. But The Band of Heathens just crossed 20 years, went Platinum, and they never signed the lease to a major label. How did they do it? 1️⃣ Surviving the Crossroads: At year six, the band almost folded. They had to ask: “Is the soul of the band intact enough to keep going?”. They chose the music over the exit ramp. 2️⃣ The "Lifer" Mentality: Success wasn't a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow—it was the ability to make one record, tour it, and pay for the next one. 3️⃣ Organic Growth: Their platinum hit didn't come from a million-dollar marketing budget. It took 14 years of organic, slow-burn growth where the music took on a life of its own in bars and cover sets across the world. They aren’t chasing fame. They’re chasing the TRUTH! 🎧 Listen to the full story of how Ed and Gordy built their own ecosystem and why they’re still “high on their own supply.”

Ben and Zach pull back the curtain on the albums that defined the last year and the artists poised to explode in 2026. From hard-working storytellers out of North Carolina to "super groups" creating interplanetary harmonies, this conversation isn't about a random "best of" list... ...it’s about the JEWELS and POWERHOUSE ALBUMS records that stayed on repeat. Why You Need to Listen: - The "Sonic Bloom": Discover why one artist’s live show was nicknamed a "sonic boom" and which sister-duo is currently "melting faces" with electric slide guitar. - Breaking New Ground: Ben and Zach dive into the "chaotic and erratic" sounds of a band pushing the genre's boundaries, proving that Americana is far from stuck in the past. - The Legacy & The Future: Hear the moving tribute to a legend who recently passed, and get the first look at a debut album from a former child soldier whose story and voice are described as "interplanetary." - The "Bite List": Find out which icon is pushing balances further than ever after a life-changing trip to India. Americana music is grounded in storytelling, and as the hosts remind us, "thoughts become things." Whether it's the strategic touring of rising stars or the prolific writing of veteran road warriors, these are the voices keeping the genre's heart beating. "We are here to spread the wealth, spread the word, and make Americana really sing high... and make it your favorite genre." Listen now to find your next favorite artist and LEAD YOUR COMMUNITY BY SHARING THESE ARTISTS WITH THEM!

The industry wanted virality. She wanted honesty. Guess who won? She walked away from the band, the marriage, the map — and somehow walked straight into her true voice. Nikki Bluhm didn’t plan the reinvention. She didn’t chase the algorithm. She didn’t engineer a “moment.” She just told the truth. This is a woman whose band once went viral… in a van . Millions and millions of people watched something recorded on an iPhone, mixed by flipping mics and shuffling bandmates between seats. But her rebirth didn’t happen in front of millions. It happened in a quiet little studio called Rancho Deluxe , built on a piece of land where artists walk in, breathe out, and finally relax enough to create something real. Nikki left everything familiar behind — the band, the tour life, the relationship, the identity she’d built for a decade. She moved 2,000 miles for a fresh start. Recorded with people who didn’t know her pain. And rebuilt her artistic compass from the inside out. Because here’s the truth she discovered: 👉 You don’t need chaos to make great art. 👉 You don’t need drama to write something that matters. 👉 You don’t need to go viral to be real. You need presence. You need honesty. You need soul. And Rancho Deluxe became the ground where she reclaimed all three. If you’ve ever felt crushed by the pressure to “perform” online… If the noise, the speed, the expectations have ever made you forget why you started… If you’re longing for something more grounded, more human, more you … Nikki’s story will feel like fresh air. 🎙️ Subscribe now to Americana Curious. Real art. Real stories. Real soul. Let’s get Americana Curious.

Jake Owen iis a platinum-selling artist with ten #1 hits, a Breakthrough Artist of the Year winner, and one of the most recognizable voices in modern country. You know him from “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Beachin’,” and “American Country Love Song.” But after two decades at the top, Jake Owen did something most artists never dare to do - he reinvented everything. He stepped away from what was comfortable, bet on himself, and made the most honest music of his life. In this powerful conversation, Jake opens up about taking risks, trusting his gut, and creating from a place of truth instead of expectation. We talk about breaking free from Nashville’s major-label system, teaming up with Shooter Jennings, and rediscovering the joy of making music that feels good again. This might be one of the most vulnerable and revealing conversations we’ve ever had on Americana Curious. It’s a reminder that music can still move people — and sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is choose authenticity over approval. 🎧 You’ll Hear Jake Share: 🎵 Why he needed to trust himself again after 20 years of success 🔥 How he found the courage to take creative risks 🤝 The unexpected story behind his partnership with Shooter Jennings 💔 What a moment with his daughter taught him about pride, identity, and purpose 🎸 Why letting the music lead — not the business — changed everything This isn’t a comeback story. It’s a coming-home story. A reminder that reinvention isn’t starting over — it’s stepping into who you really are. And if you’ve ever felt torn between success and your soul… Jake’s words will hit you right in the heart. 🎧 From Ben & Zach We started Americana Curious because we believe real music still matters. Too many overlook the artists carrying the torch for truth, connection, and heart — so every week, we bring you their stories. Thanks for being here, for caring about the songs that still mean something. If this episode moves you, share it with a friend who needs a reminder that it’s never too late to start over. 🎙 Subscribe for more stories that prove Americana is alive and well.