Roadcase Podcast

Josh Rosenberg

Roadcase brings you backstage, with long-form interviews featuring your favorite touring artists, performers, and the industry executives who help make it all happen. Delve into the creative process behind live shows and performances, and hear more about the influences, projects and stories of the musicians and professionals -- both on and off the stage. Roadcase strives to provide listeners with informative and entertaining insights into the mind of the artist, their unique perspectives towards touring, and the multitude of challenges faced by performers in today's live events world and beyond. 

  1. 10h ago

    Episode 314: Laid Back Country Picker Live from The Basement in Nashville

    Roadcase was back in Nashville where I interviewed @laidbackcountrypicker just before their show at The Basement last week, and I'm super excited to share this interview with you!!  Dave Prince and his wife Teresa (aka Honey, in hair curlers, moo-moo and sunglasses) are the self-described Hillbilly Power Duo that make up the remarkable story behind Laid Back Country Picker. Skilled lifelong musicians, both Dave and Honey are retired school teachers from Eastern Kentucky who have successfully forged a path in the music business after 25 years as educators. Their vibe is unmistakable, and forms the enduring charm beneath the surface of these serious country rockers.  Dave (with Honey, who is his curiously silent partner) talked to me about his background as he shared with me the stories that reflect a lifetime of performance both in the classroom and, most recently, on stage -- and shares with me the story of one special student of his, Tyler Childers, with whom Dave shares a special bond. This is a truly heartwarming story of reaching extraordinary success -- no matter at what point in life it may arrive. ======================================= Chapters: 00:00 - Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg 05:41 — Opening and setup 05:58 — Intro to Dave Prince and Honey 06:30 — Growing up in Eastern Kentucky 09:08 — Family poverty, bootlegging, and survival 11:48 — Childhood freedom, family, and country life 13:22 — First in the family to graduate high school and go to college 15:17 — Music dreams, cover bands, and paying the bills 16:35 — Moving toward original music and Luna and the Mountain Jets 18:21 — Teaching career and Teacher of the Year 18:50 — The teacher who changed everything 20:41 — Going back to school and starting teaching 22:15 — Meeting Tyler Childers in class 23:18 — Playing together and Tyler covering Luna songs 24:20 — Early gigs together and the Rhyming 25:52 — Red Rocks and the live recording 26:25 — The Laid Back Country Picker shirt and character 27:33 — Luck, preparation, and opportunity 29:46 — Playing a stadium show with Tyler 29:46 — Recording in Nashville and Tyler’s role 30:14 — Pandemic changes the band setup 30:59 — Honey’s stage outfit and the band identity 32:35 — Retirement and more time for music 41:19 — What’s next for Laid Back Country Picker 42:30 — Midwest dates with Driving and Crying 44:48 — How Australia happened by chance 46:04 — Australian crowds and musical influence 48:01 — “McGoffin County Cadillac” and the song that launched things 49:16 — “They Only Come Around” and Eastern Kentucky history 50:11 — Using LBJ archival footage in the video 51:00 — Closing thoughts and Episode Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg ======================================= For more information on Roadcase: https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com Or contact Roadcase by email:  info@roadcasepod.com Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

    59 min
  2. Jun 17

    Episode 313: Val Haller, Founder and Co-Producer, Winnetka Music Festival

    This week’s guest is Val Haller, Founder and Co-producer of Winnetka Music Festival, a local Chicago music fest celebrating its 10th Anniversary. The festival takes place this week, June 19-20 and features a stellar lineup with headliners Father John Misty, Trombone Shorty, Grace Potter and Futurebirds among other fantastic acts.  Throughout her career in music, Val has embodied a vibrant can-do spirit. She founded Val's List in 2007 which seeks to connect “busy adults” with new music from emerging artists. It uncovered a wonderful niche of music lovers who were looking for something new— and it was a massive success! She then morphed her passion into Living Room shows, which then ultimately became one of the most successful local Chicago festivals when she founded Winnetka Music Festival in 2017. Now partnered with Space Evanston, Val continues to foster emerging young artists and to that end, Val has founded the Just Listen Foundation to lend financial support to young touring artists. Val’s passion, enthusiasm, drive and commitment is truly inspiring. She talks to me about the key moments along the way, and what the future holds. I loved learning more about Val, and you will learn a ton from her experience and unique perspective on the music world. ======================================= Chapters: 00:00 - Episode intro with Host Josh Rosenberg  05:00 - Val's early career and motivation behind Val's List  10:00 - Impact of industry analysis and media features  11:00 - Transition from playlisting to live events  15:00 - Building community through house concerts  20:00 - Collaborations with booking agents and brands  25:00 - Insights on festival development and partnerships  30:00 - Logistical challenges and audience engagement strategies  35:00 - The inception and evolution of the Winnetka Music Festival  40:00 - Success stories of artists who grew through the festival  45:00 - The festival's setting, logistics, and community impact  50:00 - Safety, ticketing, and operational lessons learned  55:00 - Future plans including foundation and expanding support for artists  01:02:00 - Final thoughts on connecting artists and audiences through community events  01:06:00 - Closing remarks and thanks 01:08:08 - Episode wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg ======================================= For more information on Roadcase: https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com Or contact Roadcase by email:  info@roadcasepod.com Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

    1h 14m
  3. Jun 11

    Episode 312: Steve Poltz

    I'm thrilled to have the one and only Steve Poltz on the show this week!!  Steve Poltz represents everything that is special about the collective vibe that is live music. He is a storyteller, songwriter and musician traveling the globe, bringing good vibes and spreading the love wherever he may be. Known for his indie band The Rugburns, as well as for the mega-hit "You Were Meant For Me," which he co-wrote with legendary folk singer, Jewel, Steve revels in curiosity, love, comedy and self-reflection. A keen observer of life and the roads upon which we all travel, Steve's shows are a conversation in which he draws in fans and make everyone feel part of the show -- and it's an experience that you never forget.  In this intimate conversation, Steve and I explore his artistic journey -- sharing tons of stories and anecdotes only to discover that in many respects, we have lived almost parallel lives. It's a stunning revelation that I'm excited to share in the super special, one-of-a-kind interview.    ======================================= Chapters: 00:00:00 - Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg 00:05:40 - Welcome to Steve Poltz and recent travels 00:07:55 - How Australia and New Zealand are affecting his worldview 00:10:10 - The storytelling essence of his new album, released January 30th 00:12:30 - The spontaneous nature of his performances and no setlist approach 00:14:40 - Playing live vs. studio: raw, authentic sound of recent recordings 00:17:02 - Childhood musical influences and humorous storytelling traditions 00:19:40 - The cultural impact of funny songs from Jim Stafford to Loudon Wainwright 00:22:25 - The history of funny and rebellious music and their influence on him 00:25:00 - Growing up in Palm Springs and the early years of social life 00:27:35 - Connection between his Jewish heritage and his global perspective 00:30:05 - The state of current geopolitics, Israel, Palestine, and world history 00:32:40 - The significance of political studies and the complexities of truth 00:36:25 - The decentralization of information and media manipulation 00:39:55 - The unsettling rise of authoritarianism and the importance of accountability 00:43:05 - Personal stories involving health crises, stroke recovery, and mortality 00:47:10 - Travel tales from Istanbul and cityscapes around the world 00:50:30 - The influence of religion and history on personal and political views 00:55:40 - Community, love, and the role of music in uniting people 00:59:40 - How to navigate performance nerves and the art of engaging an audience 01:03:40 - Reflecting on the importance of honesty, authenticity, and staying true to oneself 01:09:40 - The humor in life’s darkest moments and the power of laughter 01:14:56 - Infiltration and magic in live performance: surprising and delighting audiences 01:19:06 - The journey of perseverance: saying yes, being consistent, and embracing risk 01:23:49 - The importance of self-awareness, the struggle to say no, and personal growth 01:28:09 - Living with purpose, the desire to make an impact, and facing mortality 01:32:40 - The creativity of humor, the boundaries of political correctness, and dark comedy 01:38:30 - Reflections on health, strokes, and the fleeting nature of life 01:42:40 - The unexpected connections and stories from traveling and performance legends 01:47:56 - The humorous and profound moments of vulnerability and resilience 01:50:40 - The power of irreverence, risk-taking, and living fully in the moment 01:54:40 - Closing thoughts, upcoming shows, and the enduring value of human connection ======================================= For more information on Roadcase: https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com Or contact Roadcase by email:  info@roadcasepod.com Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

    1h 45m
  4. May 27

    Episode 311: Boy Golden

    Boy Golden is my guest on Roadcase this week!!  Liam Duncan, the brains at the heart of Boy Golden, is a Winnepeg–based artist whose uniquely insightful and thoroughly thought-provoking new album, Best of Our Possible Lives, has brought him critical acclaim and an Americana Awards nomination in the Best Emerging Artist category.  Liam is a genuine and earnest student of the human bonds we all share and he talks to me about his life in terms of acceptance, free-will, empathy, and how these all combine to shape us into what we are and what we have the potential to become. This was a truly enlightening conversation that I can’t wait for you to hear. ================================= Chapters: 00:00 Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg 03:50 -  Liam's latest tour update 06:05 - The dynamics of touring with Kat and band development 07:50 - Behind the recording of Best of Our Possible Lives and collaborating with LA-based producers 09:27 - Inspiration drawn from philosophy and mythology in songwriting 13:13 - Exploring the meaning of "possible lives" and existential reflections 15:55 - Acceptance, gratitude, and the human condition 17:18 - Empathy, kindness, and understanding others' backgrounds 19:17 - The storytelling power of music and narrative art 21:43 - Personal growth, recasting the past, and the hero's journey 22:57 - Living in the present versus reflecting on history 24:14 - Songwriting as a blend of experience, fiction, and emotion 26:50 - Sharing stories through music: mythology and cultural myths 27:55 - The influence of legendary artists and tenacity 30:24 - The universality of storytelling across cultures 30:56 - Reading and translating indigenous oral traditions 31:28 - The importance of reading aloud and editing 33:17 - The impact of spoken word versus written text 35:35 - Experimental music, noise, and embracing abstraction 37:18 - Listening: lyrics, groove, and the impact of musical delivery 38:45 - How music rewards multiple listening levels 39:50 - Liam’s Winnipeg roots and folk festival experiences 41:51 - Returning home during the pandemic and local music scenes 42:51 - When Liam knew he wanted to pursue music as a career 43:41 - The songwriting floodgate opened post-breakup 44:11 - The future of music careers amid touring costs 45:29 - Producing music at home and the DIY spirit 46:25 - Excitement for Telluride and bluegrass festivals 47:43 - The magic of bluegrass and improvisation 49:09 - Neil Francis, instrument exploration, and musical growth 50:08 - Closing remarks on future plans and upcoming performances ================================= For more information on Roadcase: https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com Or contact Roadcase by email:  info@roadcasepod.com Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

    55 min
  5. May 13

    Episode 310: Cory Wong

    I’m super excited to talk to Cory Wong for this week’s episode!!  Cory is a Grammy-nominated guitarist, composer and producer recognized for his extensive collaborations across the musical spectrum — and best known for his amazing rhythm guitar playing in his bands Vulfpeck and Fearless Flyers. He recently released a new album with his Cory Wong Band project entitled Lost in the Wonder — and it's yet another shining example of his unique blend of funk, jazz, and rock. In this awesome conversation, Cory and I talk about his recent trip to South America where he was blown away by the fans. For someone renowned for his super energetic live performances and infectious enthusiasm, he was in awe of the power of the crowd energy there. We also discuss his various takes on the jam world, how he has always leaned toward improvisation in his own work, and how his truly refreshing sense of gratitude to share the gift of live music with his fans has become the life-force behind his creative endeavors. ============================== Chapters: 0:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg 03:34 - Cory Wong’s musical ethos 03:45 - Wong’s recent performances and festival experiences 04:45 - Behind the scenes of standout live moments at Northlands 05:21 - The art of guiding improvisation in large bands 06:10 - Balancing meticulous arrangements with spontaneous exploration 06:51 - Techniques for band leading and cueing during jams 07:12 - Structuring live jams within song frameworks 08:17 - Surprising band members with spontaneous solos 08:58 - Managing risk and vulnerability during live improvisation 09:47 - The importance of respecting musical duty and community 10:15 - Cory Wong’s diverse catalog and live repertoire 10:46 - Navigating audience expectations and hits in different settings 13:32 - The influence of jam band culture on Wong’s style 13:50 - The contrast between Vulfpeck’s structured approach and Wong’s improvisational style 15:46 - Early musical influences and Minneapolis scene 18:15 - The origins of Vulfpeck and the jam ethos 20:19 - The role of spontaneity in band cohesion and creativity 24:09 - The impact of global audiences, from Dublin to Buenos Aires 29:59 - Crowd energy and chanting in international shows 33:26 - The collective human experience in live music performances 36:21 - The significance of authentic, imperfect moments in the age of AI 40:19 - Innovative projects like the sleep app experiment and streaming hacks 45:20 - The role of AI in music and visual arts—opportunity vs. threat 48:10 - Ethical considerations and thresholds with generative AI tools 50:33 - The importance of live human connection in an AI-driven world 53:52 - Embracing humanity in performance and creative evolution 55:28 - Mentoring and guiding young artists amidst technological changes 56:17 - The future of live music, ticket sales, and artist resilience 57:11 - Upcoming tours, festivals, and personal projects in Europe 58:00 - Episode Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg ============================== Resources: Corey Wong Vulfpeck - Official WebsiteFearless Flyers - Official SiteWeather Report - Iconic Fusion BandAI and Music - Articles on Generative AI For more information on Roadcase: https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com Or contact Roadcase by email:  info@roadcasepod.com Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

    1h 5m
  6. Apr 29

    Episode 309: Tom Hamilton Live from The Basement in Nashville

    I'm so psyched to welcome everyone to this debut episode of Roadcase Live from The Basement in Nashville!!  For this inaugural interview, Tom Hamilton and I sit down prior to his set to talk about his creative life with Joe Russo's Almost Dead (JRAD) as well as the variety of other projects he's been involved with over his almost 30-year career. Tom also talks to me about his new solo project and his stellar new album, I'm Your Vampire.  Big shoutout to Joe Lentini -- co-producer of Roadcase Live and the Talent Buyer at The Basement. Also big thanks to everyone at Another Planet Entertainment for helping to make this live show happen.  ============================= Chapters: 00:00 -- Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg 03:50 – Introducing Tom Hamilton and Roadcase Live from The Basement  05:33 – The Significance of the Solo Album  09:13 – Collaborative Spirit in Music Creation  13:12 – Improvisation and Artistic Growth  17:17 – Playing with Legends: The J-Rad Experience  21:06 – The Influence of Early Musical Training  24:57 – Future of Dead & Company and Legacy  26:08 – Legacy and Continuation of the Grateful Dead  30:16 – Personal Stories and Anecdotes with Bob Weir 34:06 – The New Album: Personal Reflections and Themes  36:11 – Navigating Current Challenges and Personal Struggles  41:45 – The Journey to Artistic Identity  43:55 -- Episode Wrap-Up with Host Josh Rosenberg ============================= For more information on Roadcase: https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com Or contact Roadcase by email:  info@roadcasepod.com Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

    51 min
  7. Apr 16

    Episode 308: Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist of The Band of Heathens

    Longtime friends and collaborators Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist, co-founders of The Band of Heathens, are on the show this week!!  Ed and Gordy have a special bond that goes beyond music, and are celebrating their 20 years as a band with their latest album Country Sides. These guys are all about authenticity. DIY to their core, they talk to me about how the band reflects the true indie spirit of the Austin TX scene, a vibe which remains the guiding force behind not only everything they do but also what they are now able to forego. Ed and Gordy are super reflective about these past two decades of music, and we dig deep into the amazing bond they have with their fanbase built through legendary phenomenal live shows and years of touring. This is an interview you don’t want to miss — click on the link in the bio now to give it a listen!!   =================================== Chapters: 00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg 03:50 Introducing 20 Years of The Band of Heathens  06:00 Celebrating chart success and independence  09:15 The DIY ethos and owning their catalog  13:01 The role of community radio and local venues  15:55 Origins from Austin’s songwriters scene  19:15 The influence of Austin’s musical melting pot  23:59 Building a band and navigating collaboration  27:12 The importance of respect and friendship in the band  31:26 Maintaining fun and fun as a core value  36:34 Musical influences: from The Beatles to Willie Nelson  40:32 The art of creating and improvising live performances  46:05 Evolving setlists and audience engagement 48:11 The impact of pandemic and renewed appreciation for touring  54:12 The surprise of longevity and gratitude  59:38 Approaches to trust, last-minute changes, and overthinking  1:04:39 Family, parenthood, and balancing life on the road  1:10:25 Technology’s role in connection and communication  1:14:34 Reflecting on old venues and new horizons in Austin  1:19:03 Final thoughts on the scene’s evolution and future  =================================== For more information on Roadcase: https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com Or contact Roadcase by email:  info@roadcasepod.com Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

    1h 22m
  8. Apr 1

    Episode 307: Daniel Donato

    I sat down with Daniel Donato at the lovely Russell Hotel in Nashville, and the resulting conversation was one of the most unique I’ve had here on Roadcase. Daniel is both a deep thinker and a truly talented musician, and in this interview we explore the metaphysics of live performance — and just what it means to explore the outer limits of both music and consciousness. Daniel also talks to me about his own experience and growth as an individual, and how his faith and a belief in a higher force (physical and otherwise) drives him and keeps him focused on the higher meaning of his what he views as his personal mission. Daniel is super personable, fun, and really down for a great talk — we really go deep down the philosophical road together on this one — and I can’t wait for you to give this amazing interview a listen!!  Make sure to give a listen to Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country’s latest album, Horizons, and go check out these guys do their thing at a venue near you!! =================================== Chapters: 00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg 05:05 The Importance of Presence in Performance 08:51 Reflections on Milestones and Achievements 13:02 The Journey of Growth and Experience 18:12 Spirituality and the Creative Process 22:23 The Role of the Artist in Society 27:34 The Collective Experience of Music 32:22 Personal Growth and Humility 37:12 Navigating the Music Industry 42:16 The Nature of Belief and Morality 47:06 Conclusion and Future Endeavors 52:16 Defining Cosmic Country 55:50 Creating a Unique Sound 01:03:24 The Journey of Self-Discovery 01:09:25 Surprises in the Music Industry 01:16:48 The Power of Dedicated Fans 01:20:09 Grassroots Community Building 01:26:13 Experiencing Live Music 01:35:56 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Shows   01:40:15 Episode Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg =================================== For more infomation on Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country click here The Ryman Auditorium - https://ryman.com South by Southwest Festival - https://www.sxsw.com Daniel Base platform - click here Mike Campbell's Book "Heartbreaker" click here =================================== For more information on Roadcase: https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com Or contact Roadcase by email:  info@roadcasepod.com Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

    1h 47m
4.4
out of 5
54 Ratings

About

Roadcase brings you backstage, with long-form interviews featuring your favorite touring artists, performers, and the industry executives who help make it all happen. Delve into the creative process behind live shows and performances, and hear more about the influences, projects and stories of the musicians and professionals -- both on and off the stage. Roadcase strives to provide listeners with informative and entertaining insights into the mind of the artist, their unique perspectives towards touring, and the multitude of challenges faced by performers in today's live events world and beyond. 

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