Press Play Radio Conversations

Won The First Season of Nashville Star and Performed In A War Zone: Buddy Jewell

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:20:00 +0000

Country music still has storytellers who don’t just sing the songs—they live them. In this episode of Press Play Conversations, Buddy Jewell joins The Don and Tina to reflect on winning Nashville Star, the emotional truth behind “Help Pour Out the Rain,” touring war zones with the USO, and the new music he’s building completely on his own terms. It’s a conversation about faith, resilience, classic country roots, and why authenticity still matters in today’s streaming world.

Learn more about Buddy here:
https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/buddy-jewell

Send Buddy a note here:
https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/buddy-jewell

Morgan Myles: No Filters, the RAW Truth About Love & Music

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:43:00 +0000

Morgan Myles joins Press Play Radio Conversations to talk about the emotional journey behind her new album Laced, the real-life heartbreak that shaped it, and why she’ll never stop fighting for music with soul. From Muscle Shoals songwriting sessions to a powerful cover of “Sister Golden Hair,” Myles opens up about authenticity, resilience, and the importance of human connection in today’s music industry.

To learn more about Morgan: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/morgan-myles

To write Morgan a letter: https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/morgan-myles

She Wasn’t Trained… She Was POSSESSED! The Rise of Bec Lauder

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:26:00 +0000

Bec Lauder isn’t just making music — she’s channeling a whole mood, a whole movement, and a kind of ec opens up about The Vessel, the real-life heartbreak and self-discovery behind the songrock energy that feels both timeless and brand new. In this Press Play Conversations feature, Bs, her explosive rise from New York jam sessions to selling out shows in Paris, and the magic that keeps pushing her forward.

Raw, hypnotic, emotional, and electric, Bec Lauder and The Noise are tapping into something bigger than a moment — and this conversation proves she’s only getting started.

Learn more about Bec Lauder and The Noise here:
https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/bec-lauder

Send Bec a letter here:
https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/bec-lauder-and-the-noise

Autumn Academy Is What Happens When Music Stays HUMAN

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:16:00 +0000

What happens when real musicians collide with an artificial music world?

Autumn Academy isn’t here to play the algorithm — they’re here to feel something.

From raw songwriting and standout tracks to an unfiltered conversation about AI in music, this Press Play Conversation dives into what it actually means to create in 2026.

No shortcuts. No fake polish. Just a band chasing something honest.

Watch the full conversation and experience Autumn Academy for yourself.

Learn more: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/autumn-academy
Write them a letter: https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/autumn-academy

Steve Priest’s Final Blessing… The Sweet’s Emotional Comeback Will Leave You Speechless

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:18:00 +0000

The Sweet isn’t reliving the past — they’re rewriting the future. In this Press Play Conversations interview, Patrick Stone and Richie Onari sit down with The Don and Dean Baldwin to talk legacy, loss, and the fire behind their new single “Little Miracle.” From Steve Priest’s final blessing to four-part harmonies that still shake the walls, this is Sweet carrying the torch forward — louder, bolder, and unapologetically real.*

Learn more about Sweet’s music, tour dates, and more — at: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/the-sweet
Listen for “Little Miracle” now spinning on Press Play Radio.

Write a letter to The Sweet: https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/the-sweet

"I Witnessed Genius—and Its Fragility" Iconic Rock Journalist Steve Rosen Shares His Stories on PPRC # 6

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

The Last of the Liner-Note Guys

Written by Tina Houser

Steven Rosen didn’t become a music journalist chasing fame. He chased the room — that charged, quiet space where music stops being sound and becomes a person sitting across from you. On Press Play Radio Conversations, Rosen joins Don “The Don” Thatcher, SiriusXM veteran Dean Baldwin, and Press Play CEO Tina Houser for a sprawling, candid reflection on rock journalism, creative intimacy, and what we lost when everything became available all the time.

Rosen has written more than 700 articles for publications like Rolling Stone, Guitar Player, and Guitar World, and is the author of Tone Chaser, his deeply personal account of friendship and fracture with Edward Van Halen. But Rosen doesn’t talk like a man cataloging a résumé. He talks like someone still slightly stunned he was allowed inside the story at all.

The interview that lit the fuse

Rosen knew what he wanted to do the first time he ever interviewed an artist — Joe Cocker, in 1972. He was hitchhiking across the UK, calling publicists from London phone booths with nothing but nerve and curiosity. He admits he wasn’t ready. He admits the interview wasn’t great. But sitting across from Cocker — a man already etched into history by Woodstock — changed something.

“I knew I needed more of this,” Rosen says. Not success. Not status. The moment.

That instinct — chasing connection rather than proximity — is what carried Rosen forward.

Jeff Beck and the mercy that made a career

Every journalist has a nightmare. Rosen lived his early.

Interviewing Jeff Beck for Guitar Player, Rosen realized — after the conversation — that he’d never hit record. Thirty minutes gone. Career over, he thought.

Beck didn’t explode. He didn’t dismiss him. He told Rosen to come back the next day and do it again.

That second interview became Rosen’s first cover story.

It’s a small moment with a big echo: greatness doesn’t always need to flex. Sometimes it just opens the door again.

Journalism as a “filter,” not a transcript

Dean Baldwin frames one of the night’s most important ideas: great music writing isn’t transcription — it’s filtration. Anyone can publish words now. What matters is perspective, the subtle shaping that lets readers feel the artist rather than just read them.

Rosen agrees. That “filter” became critical when writing Tone Chaser. Writing about Eddie Van Halen wasn’t just documenting a legend — it meant navigating friendship, decline, addiction, resentment, and love without turning vulnerability into spectacle.

Rosen waited 17 years after his relationship with Eddie ended before writing the book. The delay wasn’t caution. It was respect.

“The only way to understand Edward,” Rosen says, “was to include the fragile moments.”

When the pedestal cracks

Asked whether knowing artists personally ever kills the magic, Rosen doesn’t hedge.

“Yes,” he says.

By the early ’90s, Rosen felt Eddie change — becoming colder, harder, less kind. The reverence Rosen once carried faded into hurt and resentment. It wasn’t betrayal in the tabloid sense. It was something quieter and more painful: watching someone you loved become someone you no longer recognized.

Baldwin relates from the modern side — how befriending artists you once idolized alters the fan experience. You gain access. You lose mystery.

Rosen calls it “the great conundrum.” Journalism gives you backstage passes and free records — and quietly takes away the ritual that made them sacred.

Van Halen, heartbreak, and the path of least resistance

Rosen’s insights into Van Halen avoid the usual camps. David Lee Roth didn’t leave as a villain. Eddie didn’t rage as a cartoon tyrant. What Rosen heard was hurt — especially after 1984, when the band was at its commercial peak.

Eddie recognized Roth’s importance. He recognized Roth’s talent. And when Roth left, Eddie felt disrespected more than defeated.

One of the most revealing moments Rosen shares: Eddie asking him, seriously, to “go find me a singer.” Rosen thought it was a joke. It wasn’t.

Rosen believes Eddie later returned to Roth and Sammy Hagar not out of nostalgia, but necessity. Fans would accept only those two. Eddie, often overwhelmed by the machinery around him, chose the path of least resistance — even when it wasn’t artistically clean.

The internet flattened the gods

When the conversation turns to modern media, Rosen is blunt. Journalism has been democratized — and homogenized. Where magazines once needed writers and stories felt rare, now everything is available instantly, endlessly.

Mystique didn’t survive abundance.

“You can find eight million stories about Edward Van Halen online,” Rosen says. “And the more you know, the less legendary it feels.”

Back then, one great magazine piece mattered because it had to. Today, even Rolling Stone struggles to mean what it once did.

AI, imitation, and the missing human

Rosen doesn’t rail against technology — but AI crosses a line. He tells a story about hearing AI-generated theme music that sounded good enough to pass.

“That’s what scared me,” he says.

AI can mimic style. It cannot replicate experience. It wasn’t there. It didn’t live it.

As Don Thatcher puts it: standing in front of the Eiffel Tower is different than faking it with a green screen. Once you know it’s fake, the meaning disappears.

Why stories still matter

Late in the conversation, Baldwin invites Rosen to preserve his stories inside Mosaic, Press Play’s storytelling platform. Rosen’s response is quiet, grateful — not performative.

At this stage of life, Rosen isn’t chasing relevance. His bills are paid. His book is written. His archive exists — including an audiobook version of Tone Chaser that features Eddie Van Halen’s actual voice from rare interviews, letting listeners hear the difference between Interview Eddie and Conversation Eddie.

That distinction may be Rosen’s true legacy.

In a world drowning in content, Steven Rosen reminds us why rock music mattered in the first place:
Someone was there.
It really happened.
And the story still has a pulse.

Learn more about Steve Rosen by visiting his Mosaic Page: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/steve-rosen

Rock Icon Rick Hughes Finally Reveals Why He Walked Away From the Music Industry on PPRC Show 5

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:59:00 +0000

From Sword to Saints & Sinners, Canadian rock powerhouse Rick Hughes has never followed the rules—he’s followed the music. In this exclusive Press Play Radio interview, Rick opens up about his journey through the highs and lows of the industry, the grit behind the glory, and why his voice still echoes with purpose. Raw. Real. Unfiltered. Watch as Rick shares untold stories, musical insights, and his unwavering passion for the stage https://www.pressplayradio.com/videos.... Want more? Check out his full profile here: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/... Write a Letter To Rick! https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/ri...#RickHughes#Sword#SaintsAndSinners#PressPlayRadio#RockLegends#ArtistInterview#RealMusicLivesHere

Jeremy Calloway Knows When to Let the Music Speak

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:40:00 +0000

Written by Tina Houser

Some conversations don’t end — they fade out, like the last sustained chord of a song that hangs in the air just long enough to remind you why you were listening in the first place.

That’s the energy Jeremy Calloway brings to Press Play Radio Conversations. No overstatement. No forced mythology. Just a musician who knows who he is, where he’s been, and how to show up when the red light turns on.

As the episode winds down, Don — The Don — does what he does best: keeps it loose, keeps it human. There’s no grand goodbye, just gratitude and an open invitation. We’ll have you back. And you believe it. Because Calloway fits here — in a space built for artists who still respect the craft and the connection.

Tina, Press Play’s CEO and steady center, slips in with the kind of casual affirmation that says everything without saying too much. No polish needed. No performance required. This is what real conversations sound like when the walls come down and the music does the heavy lifting.

Then Jeremy steps to the mic.

Simple. Clean. Confident.

“Hey everybody, my name is Jeremy Calloway and you’re listening to Press Play Radio.”

And again — this time for Press Play Conversations — the delivery lands just as effortlessly. No hype. No strain. Just a voice that sounds like it belongs exactly where it is.

It’s a small moment, technically — a sign-off, a recording cue, a quiet perfect from Tina before the stop button is hit. But that’s where the truth lives. In the in-between. In the unscripted seconds where artists reveal themselves without realizing it.

Jeremy Calloway doesn’t chase the spotlight. He doesn’t need to. He shows up, says what matters, and lets the rest resonate.

And that’s what Press Play Conversations is really about — creating space for musicians to be heard, not marketed. To be present, not packaged.

The tape stops. The moment lingers.

And somewhere between “be safe out there” and “we’ll be back,” you’re already waiting for the next track to drop.

To learn more about Jeremy: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/jeremy-calloway

To write Jeremey a Letter: https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/jeremy-calloway

We Found The Most Chaotic Rock Band In Los Angeles: Los Frankies on PPRC # 3

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:11:00 +0000

Los Frankies: Fuzz, Freedom, and Love in a Dog Eat Dog City

Written by Tina Houser with a little help from AI

Los Angeles has always been a city of fragments—scenes stacked on scenes, sounds bleeding through alleyways, clubs, living rooms, and late-night conversations. Los Frankies don’t try to unify that chaos. They live inside it. The duo—Frankie Clark and Frankie Salazar—operate with the kind of effortless chemistry that only comes from years of shared stages, shared instincts, and shared survival. They aren’t chasing a revival or polishing a throwback. They’re documenting a life lived loud, close to the edge, and unapologetically honest.

You hear it immediately. There’s fuzz in the guitars, but it’s controlled. There’s punk energy, but it’s sharpened by restraint. The comparisons will come—The White Stripes, Chrissie Hynde, Jack White, Johnny Thunders—but Los Frankies never feel like a cosplay version of rock history. Instead, they sound like two people who understand exactly where they come from and don’t feel the need to explain it. Their music carries the confidence of artists who trust that the best idea wins, ego be damned.

Los Angeles looms large in their story, not as a fantasy but as a proving ground. It’s a “dog eat dog city,” as they put it—a place where ambition and isolation coexist, where freedom often looks like being a stray. That tension runs straight through “Dog City,” a track that kicks the door down with raw momentum and refuses to apologize for it. It’s a song that understands LA not as a dream factory, but as a place that chews you up unless you learn how to move fast, stay sharp, and protect your own.

The band itself was inevitable. Salazar was already building the project when Clark—producer, guitarist, frontwoman, and creative force in her own right—was pulled into the orbit. What started as background vocals and studio collaboration quickly turned into something more permanent. Clark, who began her musical life as a guitarist before stepping into the spotlight, found herself returning to her roots, while Salazar found a partner who could challenge, refine, and elevate the songs without diluting their bite. Together, they operate on a simple rule: serve the song first.

Influences are worn proudly, not hidden. Clark’s musical DNA runs through David Bowie’s theatrical fearlessness, the Ramones’ blunt-force minimalism, and the emotional clarity of Paramore—particularly Hayley Williams, whose evolution Clark feels she grew up alongside. Salazar’s compass points toward Bob Dylan’s songwriting arc, Lou Reed’s unsparing realism, and the angular cool of Julian Casablancas and The Strokes. None of it sounds academic. It sounds lived-in.

That lived-in quality shows up everywhere—especially in the stories behind the songs. “I’m On Drugs” isn’t a gimmick or a punchline; it’s a snapshot. A night in San Francisco. Old friends. Post Street and Polk. Chaos without mythology. Despite the title, it’s rooted more in observation than indulgence, proof that sometimes the best songs about excess are written by people standing just outside of it, watching closely.

What ties Los Frankies together most powerfully isn’t just sound—it’s experience. Vans. Floors. Half a couch in an overpriced LA living room. Long drives, borrowed spaces, and the kind of touring that teaches you how to really play, not just perform. They believe in the road, in earning it, in the slow burn of becoming a band that people don’t just listen to, but show up for. That belief feels increasingly rare in an era obsessed with overnight virality.

Ask them what success looks like and the answers are telling. It’s not charts or algorithms. It’s connection. It’s people in the crowd singing the words back—sometimes better than the band remembers them. It’s songs that become timestamps in someone else’s life. That’s the currency Los Frankies care about, and it’s one they’re quietly accumulating.

Their debut album arrives March 6, with another single just dropping February 6, and it promises range rather than repetition—ten tracks, one cover, moments of raw punch alongside longer, more expansive rock songs. Eclectic, unforced, and deeply personal, it sounds like the natural result of two artists who stopped worrying about whether something was derivative and started focusing on whether it felt true.

Los Frankies aren’t hiding who they are, onstage or off. They’re a band, they’re collaborators, they’re partners in life, and they’re very much of this moment—standing at the intersection of punk spirit, classic rock lineage, and modern disillusionment. In a music landscape crowded with noise, they’re choosing honesty, volume, and connection. And that choice feels radical again.

To learn more about Los Frankies, visit their Mosaic page at:
https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/los-frankies

Write the Los Frankies a Letter!

https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/los-frankies

The Viral Singer Who’s Bringing Back REAL Pop Music: Reeve Stimpson PPRC Show # 2

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 22:48:00 +0000

Reeve Stimpson isn't chasing the '80s revival—he is the revival. With big hooks, slick visuals, and an emotional honesty that hits like a Bryan Adams chorus, Reeve opens up about his viral rise, nostalgic roots, and bold vision for the future of pop. Watch as he talks “One Night Stand,” kitchen TikToks, and why this isn’t a gimmick—it’s a movement. Learn more About Reeve at: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/... Write Reeve a Letter! https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/re...#ReeveStimpson#viralvideo#viralvideos#synthpop#retropop#80srevival#newpopmusic Ask

Inside the Mind of Firehouse’s Bill Leverty: Ballads, Guitar Tone & Decades in Rock on PPRC Show # 1

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 03:05:00 +0000

Firehouse guitarist and songwriter Bill Leverty joins Press Play Radio Conversations for a wide-ranging, deeply human discussion on ballads, guitar tone, imperfection in music, and what still matters after decades on the road. From the emotional discipline behind rock’s most enduring love songs to the difference between technical perfection and real feeling, Leverty reflects on the craft, the collaborators, and the moments that continue to shape his sound.

To learn more about Bill Leverty and Firehouse, visit:

https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/firehouse

Write Bill a Letter:

https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/bill-leverty-of-firehouse

Voodoo Moonshine: Jeff Losawyer (Guitars) Believes Music Independence Is Best

Wed, 21 May 2025 18:53:00 +0000

Voodoo Moonshine is an incredible rock band from the South. Jeff Losawyer is the riff master in the band and each song grooves in the rock pocket like the rest. Jeff talks about the need to be independent at a time when "A record deal is not a record deal". Jeff talks about the perils of the music business while writing and performing incredible music. We also talk about their phenomenal lead vocalist Pedro.

Ava Paige Is A Singer/Songwriter Who Gained A New Perspective On Life When She Was Close To Death on FM 2.0 Conversations

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Ava Paige has been through so much and she is not even 21 yet. She has been a fighter since the day she was born so cancer did not stand a chance when it tried to take on Ava. Ava joined the show and talked about her battles and triumphs, as well as the time when she was REALLY young to approach Kelly Clarkson at a restaurant and as her to do karaoke of which Kelly agreed. Years later, Kelly would have Ava on her show.

Juliana Hatfield: We Have Loved Her Music From The 90s To Now And We Talk About Her Songs! on FM 2.0 Conversations

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 01:50:00 +0000

Juliana Hatfield has been a staple in our catalogue of music from the 90s to now. We dig into her originals and her incredible covers of The Police, ELO, and Olivia Newton John songs. We also talk about people being muses.

Kellii Scott: The Incredible Drummer From The Space Rock Band FAILURE

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 03:17:00 +0000

The Don had the opportunity to interview Kellii Scott a few years ago on his old "The Don's Hit List Show". This interview is now in FM 2.0: Forever Music. Kellii is the incredible drummer of the band FAILURE. Every since The Don and Grizz bought the album "Fantastic Planet" they were hooked. Kellii went deep in this interview on the drum parts for several of their outstanding songs.

Craig Wedren (Shudder To Think) Goes Deep With Us On Several Of His Songs

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Craig Wedren is one of a kind in the truest sense. He has an incredible unique vocal style and his lyrics are so involved that he can give a 30 minute explanation of the origin of one line verse in a song. We get deep on several Shudder To Think songs as well as Craig's originals. This was such an incredible experience.

Joe Bouchard (Founding member Blue Öyster Cult ex-bassist) Talks Reaper, Godzilla and More! FM 2.0 Conversations

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000

This was Joe's first visit with FM 2.0's The Don and Grizz and what an interview this was! This occurred during the height of the pandemic and Joe got candid about many of the great Blue Öyster Cult songs! The longevity of Don't Fear The Reaper, The iconic rock superstar who was walking by the studio when they were recording "Godzilla" and he liked it so much he had to walk into the studio.

Jordan Rainer: The Interview She Did With Us Before She Became A Smash Hit On NBC's "The Voice" FM 2.0 Conversations

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Earlier in 2023, Jordan Rainer came onto the "Deans Of Nashville" (which has now been rebranded as FM 2.0: Forever Music). We got to know the artist and person named Jordan Rainer.
Jordan joined us for some deep dives into her music and some laughs. One of the highlights happened when we got into her song "Damn Sandwich" which she co-wrote with Matt Wynn · Bill Anderson · Bobby Tomberlin

Dead By Wednesday Rises From The Wasteland on FM 2.0 Conversations

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Esteban Alvarez - Vocals and Dave Sharpe - Guitars of the band Dead By Wednesday joined us and we dove in the band's music. We got into the care that Esteban as to take with his vocals because he was destroying his voice when he first started singing. Dave talks about the riffs he creates. We also get into not eating before a concert when you have to perform.

Paul Crosby (Former Drummer Of Hit Rock Band Saliva) Is Now In Coldwards With His Two Sons on FM 2.0 Conversations

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 12:43:00 +0000

Paul Crosby was the drummer in the huge rock band Saliva and now he has made music a true family affair. His two sons Zac (Vocals/Electronics) and Sean (Vocals/Guitar) allowed their dad in the band (haha) along with Richie Hey on bass and Michael Friese on guitar. We get into the song "Flatline" which Paul and his songs wrote about Paul's bandmate and musical brother Wayne Swinny.

Bryan Ruby Shares His Love For Baseball Through Country Music on FM 2.0 Conversations

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Former professional baseball player turned country artist Bryan Ruby joined us and we focused on moments in his EP "Diamonds Are Forever". We also featured 2 of his new Christmas songs.

Bryan Ruby is a rising country music artist and trailblazing professional baseball player in Nashville, Tennessee. As a songwriter, Bryan has penned songs that have appeared on the Texas Country Top 50 chart and the iTunes Country Top 25 (#16)

Mike Fits (Guitars) Of The Rock Band Bad Marriage Comes Up With Some Tasty Riffs on FM 2.0 Conversations

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Mike Fits (Guitars) of the rock band Bad Marriage joined us and we talked about how good Mike is at coming up with Riffs. We also featured their ballad "Antidote" which is absolutely incredible and would be amazing as a duet with Mr. Big. We also talked about for Tesla guitarist Tommy Skeoch joining the band.

Kevin Galloway Of Uncle Lucius Takes Pride In Making Music For LPs From Beginning To End on FM 2.0 Conversations

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 23:00:00 +0000

Kevin Galloway joined us we discussed their latest release "Like It's The Last One Left" and we discussed "Taking In The View" from "The Light" album. Kevin talk about inspiration from reading.

Hear The Full Interview We Had With JD Graham That Tik Tok Blocked on FM 2.0 Conversation w Dean Baldwin and Don Thatcher

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 20:48:00 +0000

JD Graham is a singer songwriter who has struggled with the devil in the form of substance abuse since he was 11 years old. He has served time in prison, incarcerated for vehicular manslaughter, and close to his own death many times. This is the story of someone who has battled his demons and won. He used his time in prison to help other inmates learn an instrument. He taught over 800 prisoners how to play an instrument.

Wade Hayes Is A 90s Country Music Chart Topper Who Is Rising Again

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

90's Country Chart topper Wade Hayes joined us and we talk about his experiences of becoming an overnight sensation in country music and the feeling of being overwhelmed. We talked about how the 90s sound is making a comeback in modern country.

Wade Hayes has always paid homage to the traditional country music of his roots while establishing his own legacy in the genre.

FM 2.0 Conversations w/ Mary McGuinness Has A Guardian Angel That Inspired Double Vision

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 09:00:00 +0000

We talked to Mary about touring with Kenny Loggins. We also talked about her opening for Donovan and spending time with him. She even said that Donovan sat in the front row to watch her perform. Then we get into her cover of "If" by Bread and it is truly amazing! Then we talk about her song "Gonna Feel It Again" she wrote during the pandemic. We also get into how she reminds us vocals of Karen Carpenter.

Little Texas Bassist Duane Propes Talks About Their Hit Country Songs on FM 2.0 Conversations

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Founding member and bassist of the great country rock band Little Texas in Duane Propes joined us to talk about the last tribute covers done by well known artists. For example Eli Young Band and George do a cover of "Amy's Back In Austin". Neal McCoy recently did a cover of "First Time For Everything" and many great Texas artists did "God Bless Texas". Soon, "What Might Have Been" will be covered and that will be amazing.

Taylon Hope Is A Singer Songwriter Who Believes In Love And The Symbolism Of The Picket Fence on FM 2.0 Conversations

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Young rising country star Taylon Hope has been on the various programs we have hosted and now she makes her debut on the official FM 2.0: Forever Music. Taylon joins us and we play her song "Picket Fence" in its entirety and the symbolism behind the song. We also talk about her version of "Silent Night" which is the definition of heavenly.

Rick Lang Is A Grammy Nominated Songwriter In Bluegrass and Gospel Music With 12 Plus #1 Songs on FM 2.0 Conversations

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

A native of New Hampshire, Grammy nominated songwriter Rick Lang has become well known in the Bluegrass community and beyond. His songs have been covered by some of the most renowned artists in Bluegrass music, Gospel and even the Jazz world. Well over 100 song cuts to his credit, including several album title tracks, over a dozen #1s, and the number keeps growing each year.

Townsend Is the OK In brOKen And We Dub Her A Lyrical Gymnast on FM 2.0 Conversations

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

"I'm still broken, but I'm ok" - Townsend. This is the theme of the interview with the great singer songwriter Townsend. We get into her song "Let's Sneak Out" from 'brOKen'. Dean makes a realization that Townsend has a famous actress doppelganger. Then we get into her song "Don't Make Me Choose". The Don brings up a comparison to The Beatles "Don't Let Me Down".

Rob Wolf: Could He Vocally Be The Next Vince Gill? on FM 2.0 Conversations

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 04:05:00 +0000

Rob Wolf is a rising country artist that has been on variations of our show through the years. He now comes onto FM 2.0: Forever Music to talk about his latest music. We collectively feel that Rob Wolf vocally is the next Vince Gill. We also encourage Rob to try and add yodeling to his future recordings.

Don Dokken Is No Longer Waiting For Heaven To Come Down: Full Candid Interview on FM 2.0 Conversations

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 03:55:00 +0000

We know Don Dokken has the man with the vibrato in the band Dokken. At the very beginning of the interview Dean asks Don (Do you consider yourself a guitar player first or a vocalist first?) - Don give an incredible answer here. We get into the sound which is associated to Dokken and its consistency
We then get into one of the greatest rock ballads of all time “Alone Again”

Taproot's Stephen Richards Contemplates If Life Is But A Dream As Well As His Favourite Song on FM 2.0 Conversations

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Stephen Richards of the alternative metal band TAPROOT joined the show and we talked about their recent performance of their huge hit "Poems" in Madison, WI. We talked about how there are bands that will not play their big songs and Stephen responds with "Why wouldn't we play them?". Stephen talks about the release of "SC\SSRS" which took over 6 years to complete.

Pistols At Dawn: Billboard Rock TOP 40 Band Finds Their New Lead Vocalist on Tik Tok on FM 2.0 Conversations

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 02:00:00 +0000

When get into the story of Pistols At Dawn when the founding member drummer Adam was searching for a new frontman for his band. The female creative director for the band discovered Jon on Tik Tok because not only could he sing but she also thought he was 'hot' and the rest as they is history. The entire band joins the call and we also learn the story of Will James who is the lead guitarist and how he was brought into the band.

Allie Colleen Is A Great Friend To The Show And Returns For O Holy Night on FM 2.0 Conversations

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Allie Colleen is a huge friend to the show and she returns once again to talk about her Christmas song release with Jay Allen of the classic "O Holy Night". We also talk about animal rescues. Allie catches us up on what she has been up to lately. The conversation then leads into being an independent artist vs. an arist on a label. Allie gives her honest opinion about herself.

Joe Vitale (The Eagles, Joe Walsh, Crosby Stills & Nash) Gives Us A Backstage Pass on FM 2.0 conversations

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Joe Vitale has recorded, toured and performed with the Eagles, Joe Walsh, Crosby Stills & Nash and many more. Joe's book: "Backstage Pass" is available at https://www.joevitaleondrums.com/. Joe joined the show for the first time with more visits to follow. On this backstage pass, we get into the songwriting process for the song "Pretty Maids All In A Row" from the "Hotel California" album which is The Don's favorite song from the Eagles. Dean asks Joe about the order of instruments that he learned. Joe also talks about his flute playing. Joe talks about the over involvement labels can have in the songwriting process. We get into writing and performing of the song "Life's Been Good" by Joe Walsh. Joe talks about a moment that occurred during the performance of "Those Shoes" by the Eagles and what Don Henley had to say to him. Joe gets into the infamous moment on stage that disrupted the Eagles.

Malachi Jaggers Had His Tuesday Afternoon Moody Blues Turn Into Tuesday Night With Us on FM 2.0 Conversations

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 23:00:00 +0000

Americana Artist, Malachi Jaggers is sharing a fun and lighthearted brand-new music video for his latest single Too Soon. The song is available on all streaming platforms. The video made its premiere on the Deans of Nashville and FM 2.0.

Malachi also played a goosebump inducing live version of "Tuesday Afternoon" by The Moody Blues! He also did a Neil Young cover.

Lilly Moss Sings To The World That Cowgirls Don't Cry on FM 2.0 Conversations

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 22:00:00 +0000

Billie Eilish is one of her biggest influences, and Lilly Moss takes this and uses it to influence her music. Lilly's music can go from country to pop to a variety of genres. "I just sit down in a room and close my eyes to the music" and this is when the lyrics will come spilling out. We get into her songs "Cowgirls Don't Cry" and "Knees" as well as a song called "Flowers".

Jay Allen (Country Rock Star From NBC's The Voice) Believes There Is No Present Like The Time on FM 2.0 Conversations

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 21:00:00 +0000

Jay Allen returned to the show we start the conversation about our mutual affection for Allie Colleen. We talk about the duet they are doing together for the Holiday/Christmas season. Jay talks about the process of getting his current band together. We talk about the beauty of showing grace to people and give some a second and third chance. Then we get into his song "No Present Like The Time". Jay talks about introducing his sister to Chris Daughtry. People compare Jay in appearance to Adam Levine of Maroon 5. Then we get into his song "Heart Ain't Gonna Break Itself".

Andrea Vasquez Is An Overthinker Like The Rest Of Us on FM 2.0 Conversations

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Andrea Vasquez is a rising star in the country music scene and wears her Latin American roots on her sleeve. She talks about her latest trip to Italy. Dean asks her about Latin background in her country music. Regional Mexican music, Tejano music, and country music are very similar. The differences are in the instrumentation and we get into a conversation about this. We also talk about great Selena and how the passing of Selena impacted Latin families. We dig into her songs "Overthink" and "Hangover"

Lawrence Gowan With The Legendary Band Styx Are Heading To Vegas in Early 2024! Full Interview on FM 2.0 Conversations

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Lawrence Gowan (Vocals/Keyboards) of Styx joined the show for a lively music conversation. We talk about the song he released as GOWAN and the song "Moonlight Desires" and how Jon Anderson of YES became part of the song.

Steve Hackett Is One Of The Most Influential Guitarists To Other Influential Guitarists on FM 2.0 Conversations

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 18:00:00 +0000

We started the show talking about how Alex Lifeson of RUSH credited Steve Hackett as one of his biggest influences. Steve talks about how he feels when he listed as an influence. Steve, Don and Dean talk about musical influences in general and how the future looks for music. We talk about his latest tour. Dean then asks Steve about what was happening when he left Genesis and Steve is very candid in his response.

Exile: A Million Miles Later This Legendary Hit Making Band Is Still Going Strong on FM 2.0 Conversations

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0000

Sonny LeMaire (Bass, Vocals, Songwriter) and Steve Goetzman (Drums) of the legendary hit making band EXILE joined us and we once again had a fantastic conversation. The previous guest we had on is #1 songwriter for Garth Brooks in Kent Blazy. Sonny and Steve share stories of Kent. We talk about the longevity of the band over the years when the vast majority bands fall apart or become dysfunctional.

Mic Michaeli: Keyboardist Of The Influential Rock Band EUROPE Celebrates 40 Years Of Music w FM 2.0 Conversations

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Mic Michaeli is the Keyboardist of the influential rock band Europe and the band is celebrating 40 years of music! We talk to Mic about his impact on keyboards on hair/glam rock in the 80s with "The Final Countdown". We also talk about his writing process for the song "Carrie" which he co-wrote with Joey Tempest.

Kent Blazy From Garth Brooks To The Beatles (This Episode Dedicated To Kim Williams) on FM 2.0 Conversations

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Kent Blazy joined the show and one of the topics was focused around the late Kim Williams. Kim did many writing sessions with Kent Blazy and Garth Brooks and they were all dear friends. Kim passed away in 2015 but his loss is still felt by Kent and Garth. Kent shared stories of Kim including writing "Ain't Going Down 'Til The Sun Comes Up" together with Garth.

Mark Taylor: Young Hit Songwriter Who Wears His Love Of 90s Country Music Influence On His Sleeve on FM 2.0 Conversations

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Mark Taylor is writing modern country songs with a 90s country style influence. We pointed out the fact that when he speaks, he could be a hard rock/metal act with his powerful gravelly speaking voice. We get into his song "Remember The Party" with the added questions, "Were you really even there?". We want this to become a line dancing craze. "Dust Off That Dirt" is another song of Mark's we dig into.

David Adam Byrnes Is Surviving 'The Wild West' Of The Music Business Billy The Kid Style on FM 2.0 Conversations

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Country Artist David Adam Byrnes joined the show to talk about his music. We discussed is feature in People magazine in regards to his recent wedding. We talked about the Nashville music scene and moving to Texas to stake a claim in country music from there. David Adam Byrnes talk about what he believes the term "I'm your Huckleberry" means. You will need to research on your own to get the true meaning of the phrase.

Adam Shoenfeld (Tim McGraw's touring guitarist) Holds On To The Breadcrumbs Of Hope w FM 2.0 Conversations

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Seven-time Academy of Country of Music Guitarist of the Year nominee Adam Shoenfeld remains one of Nashville’s most trusted studio musicians - having recorded with Luke Combs, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Dolly Parton, Luke Bryan, and Florida Georgia Line, to name a few - balancing his session work with his role as a member of McGraw’s touring band.

Brett Kissel: The Compass Project Is Moving This Country Superstar In All Directions: FM 2.0 Conversations

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Brett Kissel is the middle of his 4 album concept called "The Compass Project". Each album will be titled "East", "West", "South", and "North". Brett joined us to talk about some of the songs created for this project. We talk about the song "Our Home" which he wrote about his homeland of Canada. We played the clip of his performance from the CCMA's where he knocked it out of the park.

Girls Next Door: These Chart Toppers Return After a 30 Year Hiatus! on FM 2.0 Conversations

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Vocal quartet, Girls Next Door, came onto the country music scene strong during the mid 80s. Cindy, Diane, Doris and Tammy knew one another while performing in the live shows at Opryland Music Park. They joined Dean and The Don with magical moments that took place during the interview. For example, after playing a clip of their song they picked it up LIVE and sang acapella and it sounded like we were all in heaven.

Bryan Bassett Of Foghat and Wild Cherry: Playing That Funky Music Is Not A Slow Ride on FM 2.0 Conversations

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Bryan Bassett joined The Don, Dean, and Stormy to talk about the latest release from Foghat. Bryan talks about the genesis of the song "Play That Funky Music" and how it changed his music career for the better. We get into rock guitar players who are heavily influenced by funk. Bryan talks about being a part of Foghat and his close relationship with "Lonesome" Dave Peverette and Dave's closing words regarding carrying on the music

Wendy Dio Interview: Ronnie's Dreams Will Never Die on FM 2.0 Conversations

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Ronnie James Dio's widow Wendy join us to talk about the release of the Dio documentary on DVD/Blu-Ray called, 'DIO: Dreamers Never Die'. We get into Ronnie's love of classical music. Wendy still feeling Ronnie's presence in her life and the special trumpet he would play since he was 5 years old. Wendy got a laugh on how Dean woke up his wife when he saw a special moment in the Dio documentary.

Brian Vander Ark Of The Verve Pipe: A Fun and Fascinating Interview on FM 2.0 Conversations

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

The Verve Pipe lit up the alternative rock world in 1996 with their album 'Villains' which contained the HUGE hit song "The Freshman" which recently became a viral trend on Tik Tok. We dig into that album as well as the influences of music on Brian including early Genesis. Brian also talks about how times are different when it comes to street teams. We also dig into their David Bowie cover of "Life On Mars?"

Fall Of Envy Is Not Left For Dead on FM 2.0 Conversations

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

The Hard Rock band Fall of Envy returns with vocalist/lyricist Michael Baker and Lead Guitarist/Songwriter Tommy Harrington. We dig into songs from their debut album "Poetic Rage" that we did not cover in the first interview. We also get into their latest single "Left For Dead".

Orlando Mendez: The Cuban Cowboy Who Went Far On NBC's 'The Voice' Now Has New Incredible Music on FM 2.0 Conversations

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Orlando's unique journey from a childhood dreamer to becoming the "Cuban Cowboy" is a testament to his unwavering determination and a love for storytelling through music. Hailing from Miami, Orlando's roots are steeped in his Cuban heritage, infusing his music with a distinctive blend of cultural richness and contemporary country sound.

Country Legend Neal McCoy Has Country In His Heart With R & B In His Soul on FM 2.0 Conversations

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Neal McCoy has released fifteen studio albums on various labels and has released 34 singles to country radio.In 1993, Neal McCoy broke through with the back-to-back number 1 singles “No Doubt About It” and “Wink” from his platinum-certified album No Doubt About It. His commercial success continued into the late 1990s with two more platinum albums, a gold album, and six more Top Ten hits.

Andy Pursell Has A Shocking Music Career That All Began With A Downed Power Line: FM 2.0 Conversations

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Andy Pursell joins the show for a second time and we deep dive into his incredible song "The Right Amount of Wrong" and the new music video. We also get into how a downed power line led to his country music career. The men and women that work on the powerlines are truly unsung heroes and we get into this and more.

Platinum Selling Songwriter Jennifer Adan on FM 2.0 Conversations

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 03:42:00 +0000

The music journey for Jennifer Adan began in San Mateo, California, when she was ten years old. During a fifth-grade history class, Jennifer secretly wrote her first song unaware that it could lead to a career. Jennifer now celebrates the success of a two-week number-one hit song "She Wouldn’t Be Gone" for Blake Shelton, which has recently gone platinum.

Glenn Hughes: The Legendary Bassist of Deep Purple Always Likes To Change: FM 2.0 Conversations

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 03:14:00 +0000

Glenn Hughes is the iconic bassist of bands like Deep Purple, but he is touted by the great Stevie Wonder as one of his favorite vocalists. Glenn joined us and we discussed his amazing vocals which started in Trapeze to his time with Deep Purple. Glenn also shared stories about Stevie Wonder and being David Bowie's roommate. We discuss songs from his current set list and Glenn shares amazing stories. We also ask him, is there anyone he has yet to collaborate with and we all unanimously requested Vernon Reid. Maybe the universe will allow that to happen one day. Glenn also discusses how he constantly likes to change.

Iconic Guitarist Trevor Rabin Interview: From YES to RIO in 34 Years: FM 2.0 Conversations

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 23:44:00 +0000

Trevor Rabin is a guitar playing icon. From his tremendous solo work, to YES, to over 50 film scores, Trevor Rabin never rests. Trevor joined The Don and Dean Baldwin to talk about his new solo effort in over 34 years titled 'Rio' which also happens to be the name of his cherished granddaughter. Trevor talks about the true backstory to '90125' on whether it was intended to be a YES album or not. What were the forces that drove the iconic album to become a YES album. We got into his classical music influences as his father was a conductor with the symphony orchestra in South Africa for over 17 years. We got into how Trevor's mind NEVER stop creating to where his wide understands the cues and sets up him up properly. We talk about his over 50 film scores and the creative process in that undertaking. There is so much more to this discussion that it is definitively worth the listen.

Glen Phillips of Toad The Wet Sprocket And He Has All You Want: FM 2.0 Conversations

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 11:07:00 +0000

Glen Phillips of the iconic band Toad The Wet Sprocket joined us and we dove into the recently released LP "All You Want". We discussed the songs "I Will Not Take These Things For Granted", "Crazy Life", "Crowing", "Windmills", "Transient Whales" and more. Dean Baldwin joined in on the conversation which talked about bridges in a song, the influence of Toad The Wet Sprocket on the 90s of being thrust into the pre-grunge / post-grunge unique lane of their own style. We also got into dealing with divorce and starting a new life. Creative ways to write songs, and so much more!