The Jay Franze Show: Music - News | Reviews | Interviews

Jay Franze
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Music Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

The Jay Franze Show is your source for the latest music – news, reviews, and interviews, providing valuable insights and entertaining stories, stories you won’t find anywhere else. Hosted by industry veteran and master dry humorist Jay Franze, alongside his charismatic co-host, the effortlessly charming Tiffany Mason, this show delivers a fresh, non-traditional take on the world of music. Jay and Tiffany bring you behind the scenes with insider insights, untold stories, and candid conversations with seasoned artists, industry pros, and rising stars each week. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the information, or to be part of The Crew (their family), they’ve got you covered. You will be entertained, educated, and maybe even a little surprised, because nothing is off the table here.

  1. Stephanie Rabus - 6/3/26

    1d ago

    Stephanie Rabus - 6/3/26

    A leaky heart valve. A brand-new piece of medical tech called a Harmony valve. And a country singer who’s back on Broadway faster than most of us would return to the gym. We’re joined by Tennessee recording artist Stephanie Rabus, and she tells the full story, from being born with a serious heart murmur and having open-heart surgery at 11 to facing pulmonary regurgitation decades later and choosing a transcatheter pulmonic valve replacement instead of another long recovery. From there, we zoom out to the working-musician reality in Nashville. Stephanie breaks down what it’s like to gig on Broadway when there are no sick days and your income depends heavily on a tip jar that can swing wildly from night to night. We talk about fear, pacing yourself after surgery, and the mental toughness it takes to keep chasing a dream when the industry loves to tell you you’re “too old” or “too late.” We also get deep into the craft behind her new single “I Told Me So” (out May 15): the co-writing room, the emotion that comes from lived experience, and how a simple work tape can turn into a finished master with the right producer and world-class session players. Plus, we dig into vocal health and vocal production, including when pitch tools help, when they hurt, and what vocal therapy taught her about breathing, hydration, and staying consistent for the long haul. If you care about country music, Nashville songwriting, Broadway gigs, vocal health, or what “making it” really means today, you’ll get a lot out of this one. Subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. Episode Links Stephanie Rabus: https://stephanierabus.net/Scotty Simpson: https://jayfranze.com/episode3/Stephanie Rabus: https://jayfranze.com/episode149/Kieran Robertson: https://jayfranze.com/episode209/Karen Waldrup: https://jayfranze.com/episode213/Send us Fan Mail Support the show Links Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/JFS Countdowns/Playlists: https://jayfranze.com/playlists/Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranzeYouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranzeEverywhere: @jayfranzeServices Services: https://jayfranze.com/services/Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/Shout Outs High Mountain Breezes Music: https://highmountainbreezesmusic.com/VR Knives: https://www.facebook.com/VRKnives

    56 min
  2. ACM Award Recap, Bands That Had You From the Start, and Music News

    May 25

    ACM Award Recap, Bands That Had You From the Start, and Music News

    Ella Langley didn’t just have a good ACM Awards night, she turned it into a full-on statement. We’re breaking down the 61st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards from Las Vegas with Shania Twain hosting, Cody Johnson grabbing Entertainer of the Year, and a wave of winners that makes you ask what country music is rewarding right now. We talk through the biggest moments, the funniest bits, and the kinds of wins that feel like the format finally caught up to the fans. Then we zoom out into the bigger music industry trends behind the headlines. Why does “traditional country” suddenly feel like a flex again, and why does that make some Nashville decision-makers nervous? We also hit a fast music news run across country and rock, including reunion-tour culture, documentary buzz, and the ongoing fight for artist ownership after Avenged Sevenfold regains rights to key recordings. If you care about master recordings, catalog value, and creative control, you’ll want to hear this part. We keep it interactive with our question of the day: what artist or band had you hooked from the first time you heard them? From Ozzy to Journey to Live and a pile of listener answers, it turns into a real-time map of musical first loves. After that, we rip through the country and rock chart countdowns and finish with trivia night chaos as Tiffany tries to redeem herself against Mark. Subscribe so you don’t miss the next live hang, share this with a friend who argues about awards shows, and leave us a review. What’s the one artist who grabbed you on the very first listen? Episode Links Scotty Simpson: https://jayfranze.com/episode3/Lucy Franze: https://jayfranze.com/episode47/Mark Badolato: https://jayfranze.com/episode140/Stephanie Rabus: https://jayfranze.com/episode149/Kieran Robertson: https://jayfranze.com/episode209/Karen Waldrup: https://jayfranze.com/episode213/Send us Fan Mail Support the show Links Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/JFS Countdowns/Playlists: https://jayfranze.com/playlists/Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranzeYouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranzeEverywhere: @jayfranzeServices Services: https://jayfranze.com/services/Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/Shout Outs High Mountain Breezes Music: https://highmountainbreezesmusic.com/VR Knives: https://www.facebook.com/VRKnives

    1h 5m
  3. Karen Waldrup

    May 20

    Karen Waldrup

    One great co-write can change a career, but only if you understand what actually happened in the room. We sit down with Louisiana country music recording artist Karen Waldrop to get specific about the songwriting process behind “Me Again,” including what it was like writing with hit writer Danny Wells, how the melody and structure came together, and why the best collaborators know when to lead and when to get out of the way. If you’re a songwriter, an indie artist, or just a listener who loves the story behind the song, this conversation is packed with real craft, not mythology. From songwriting we move into the studio, where Karen shares what she learned working with producer Garth Fundis and what it takes to track a record in iconic Nashville spaces like Sound Emporium, Soundstage, and BMG Studio A. We also talk about making music that holds up in 2026 listening environments, including Dolby Atmos mixing for immersive audio and why she’s pushing for the best possible sound. Karen breaks down a bold independent artist strategy too: touring songs before releasing the full project, using real-time audience reaction to guide what comes next. The emotional center is her new release “Keeping the Faith,” a hopeful country song rooted in belief, prayer, and the decision to keep moving even when life hits hard. Karen opens up about going through divorce while finishing a positive record she calls “No Way Back,” why honesty with fans matters, and how her community showed up through a Mother’s Day video built from fan-submitted photos and stories. We also zoom out to the bigger legacy she cares about most: her long-term charity work supporting Haiti through homes, clean water, and music-driven fundraising. Subscribe for more artist interviews, share this with a friend who loves country music storytelling, and leave a review if you want more conversations like this. What helps you keep the faith when the plan falls apart? Episode Links Karen Waldrup: https://karenwaldrup.com/Send us Fan Mail Support the show Links Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/JFS Countdowns/Playlists: https://jayfranze.com/playlists/Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranzeYouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranzeEverywhere: @jayfranzeServices Services: https://jayfranze.com/services/Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/Shout Outs High Mountain Breezes Music: https://highmountainbreezesmusic.com/VR Knives: https://www.facebook.com/VRKnives

    55 min
  4. Albums That Used to Be Considered Metal, Opening Acts That Stole the Show, and Music News

    May 18

    Albums That Used to Be Considered Metal, Opening Acts That Stole the Show, and Music News

    You know that feeling when the “opening act” walks onstage and suddenly the headliner has a problem? We chase that exact moment from every angle, starting with a listener question that turns into a pile of concert stories, strong opinions, and a few names that surprised us. If you’ve ever left a show talking more about the first band than the main one, you’re going to have a list by the time we’re done. We also rewind the genre clock with a fun argument about 1970s rock albums that used to be considered metal. Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Aerosmith, Van Halen and more become a jumping-off point for what “heavy metal” meant back then versus what it means now, from guitar tone and rhythm to vocal intensity and attitude. It’s part music history, part “prove it” debate, and it explains why genre labels keep shifting with culture. From there we hit music industry news and charts across country and rock: ACM Awards chatter, festival legacy moments, Luke Combs continuing to stack wins, and why certain artists keep breaking through even when the market feels crowded. We also open the mailbag on topics fans actually care about, like fake industry news, bought streams, fake sold-out shows, influencer numbers, and whether artists lose mystique by being “accessible” online 24/7. We close with a feel-good highlight from Rascaloosa, a songwriter festival built around community and the J Fund, plus what it’s like hearing the stories behind the songs while supporting a real cause. Subscribe for more, share this with a concert buddy, and leave a review with the opening act that stole your best show. Episode Links Rocky Rose: https://jayfranze.com/episode8/Chris Franz: https://jayfranze.com/episode27/Jason Hale: https://jayfranze.com/episode55/Dalila Mya: https://jayfranze.com/episode102/Trey Calloway: https://jayfranze.com/episode108/Mark Badolato: https://jayfranze.com/episode140/Stephanie Rabus: https://jayfranze.com/episode149/Mary Kutter: https://jayfranze.com/episode197/Jay Bragg: https://jayfranze.com/episode208/Kieran Robertson: https://jayfranze.com/episode209/Send us Fan Mail Support the show Links Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/JFS Countdowns/Playlists: https://jayfranze.com/playlists/Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranzeYouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranzeEverywhere: @jayfranzeServices Services: https://jayfranze.com/services/Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/Shout Outs High Mountain Breezes Music: https://highmountainbreezesmusic.com/VR Knives: https://www.facebook.com/VRKnives

    1h 17m
  5. Nearly Perfect 80s Rock Albums, Most Unique 70s and 80s Sound, and Music News

    May 11

    Nearly Perfect 80s Rock Albums, Most Unique 70s and 80s Sound, and Music News

    Nearly perfect albums are a trap and we walked straight into it. We go down a punchy list of 1980s rock staples and actually argue the hard part: what makes a classic rock record feel flawless from top to bottom, and what makes it feel “too polished” even when the songs are huge. From Back In Black to Appetite For Destruction to Purple Rain, we swap favorites, call out the moments where bands start chasing the mainstream, and talk about how producers and the 80s studio sound shaped what we still hear today. Then we hit the headlines with music news that’s equal parts heartfelt and nerdy. We talk about Dolly Parton stepping away from her Las Vegas residency for health reasons, the growing wave of big releases and comebacks, and the live music trend that sent us spiraling: metal shows inside caves. If you’ve ever wondered how acoustics, reflective surfaces, and a room full of bodies change a mix after soundcheck, we break it down in plain English. We also bring the community into the driver’s seat with the question of the day: what 70s or 80s artist had a completely unique sound? The crew drops everything from Bowie and Hendrix to Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, Run-DMC, and more. Add current country and rock charts, a quick 2001 time capsule on radio and CDs, and a mailbag on branding and “too polished” artists, and you’ve got a full hour of music podcast conversation that feels like hanging with real fans. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review, then tell us your one truly unique artist pick. Episode Links Chris Franz: https://jayfranze.com/episode27/Dalila Mya: https://jayfranze.com/episode102/Alyxx: https://jayfranze.com/episode123/Gina Fritz: https://jayfranze.com/episode137/Mark Badolato: https://jayfranze.com/episode140/Stephanie Rabus: https://jayfranze.com/episode149/MacKenzie Leigh: https://jayfranze.com/episode153/Kieran Robertson: https://jayfranze.com/episode209/Send us Fan Mail Support the show Links Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/JFS Countdowns/Playlists: https://jayfranze.com/playlists/Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranzeYouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranzeEverywhere: @jayfranzeServices Services: https://jayfranze.com/services/Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/Shout Outs High Mountain Breezes Music: https://highmountainbreezesmusic.com/VR Knives: https://www.facebook.com/VRKnives

    1h 12m
  6. ACM Awards Picks, Best Drummer, and Music News

    May 6

    ACM Awards Picks, Best Drummer, and Music News

    The ACM Awards are coming, and we’re not treating it like background noise. We lay out what to expect from the show in Las Vegas, how to watch on Amazon Prime, and what it means that Shania Twain is hosting for the first time. Then we make our ACM predictions with zero fluff, debating what “Entertainer of the Year” should actually reward, and why the new-vs-established “rivalry” narrative feels more like marketing than reality.  From there we hit the week’s music news with an eye for what matters: Morgan Wallen teasing a new era, Luke Combs setting huge concert attendance records, and the constant push toward genre blending across country, rock, and everything in between. We also talk about why certain artists thrive right now through touring, streaming, and fan engagement, and how that shifts the industry’s gatekeeping.  Then we dive into our question of the day: who is the best drummer of all time? We explain what to listen for as a non-drummer, read listener picks, and argue our way to a final ranking that’s guaranteed to spark comments. We wrap with charts, birthdays, and a mailbag packed with practical music industry advice, including what to do after a TikTok blow-up, streams vs ticket sales, and how to handle gear failure in a high-pressure studio session.  Subscribe for more, share this with a friend who will argue with our drummer list, and leave a review with your pick for best drummer of all time. Episode Links Jim Cristaldi: https://jayfranze.com/episode27/Bob Bullock: https://jayfranze.com/episode28/Dalila Mya: https://jayfranze.com/episode102/Mark Badolato: https://jayfranze.com/episode140/Stephanie Rabus: https://jayfranze.com/episode149/Send us Fan Mail Support the show Links Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/JFS Countdowns/Playlists: https://jayfranze.com/playlists/Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranzeYouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranzeEverywhere: @jayfranzeServices Services: https://jayfranze.com/services/Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/Shout Outs High Mountain Breezes Music: https://highmountainbreezesmusic.com/VR Knives: https://www.facebook.com/VRKnives

    1h 18m
  7. Kieran Robertson, Musician (Geoff Tate’s Operation Mindcrime)

    May 4

    Kieran Robertson, Musician (Geoff Tate’s Operation Mindcrime)

    You know that moment when you realize the thing you’ve worshipped as a fan is now your actual job? That’s where this conversation with guitarist and recording artist Kieran Robinson begins, and it only gets wilder from there. We talk through how a young musician goes from growing up on Queensrÿche and classic rock to performing alongside Geoff Tate, learning songs with serious technical weight, and walking the tightrope between confidence and imposter syndrome. We get into the real mechanics of making a legacy project work. Kieran explains how he approaches writing and demo-building for Mindcrime III, why the goal is to keep the music in the same sonic universe as Operation: Mindcrime, and what happens when Geoff takes a draft and transforms it with melody, synths, and arrangement choices. If you’re into songwriting, producing, or progressive metal composition, you’ll hear a practical workflow you can steal, plus the mindset required when the fanbase knows every note and expects the music to be played with respect. Then we shift to the live world: the iconic Viper Room night, the nerves of performing in front of other pros, and why playing Mindcrime feels more like theatre than a standard rock set. Kieran also shares what touring really looks like, from dividing time with Faster Pussycat to the unglamorous truths of backstage riders, band pranks, and recording on the road with portable studios in hotel rooms. We wrap with gratitude, perspective, and the reminder that rock is still a community built on craft, feel, and showing up ready. Subscribe for more interviews, share this with a friend who loves heavy music, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. Episode Links Geoff Tate: https://www.geofftate.com/Send us Fan Mail Support the show Links Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/JFS Countdowns/Playlists: https://jayfranze.com/playlists/Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranzeYouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranzeEverywhere: @jayfranzeServices Services: https://jayfranze.com/services/Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/Shout Outs High Mountain Breezes Music: https://highmountainbreezesmusic.com/VR Knives: https://www.facebook.com/VRKnives

    31 min
  8. Jay Bragg

    May 4

    Jay Bragg

    Broadway looks like a dream from the sidewalk, but the reality is closer to a high-speed stress test. We sit down with Nashville performer and “View From Nashville” creator Jay Bragg to get honest about what’s happening on Lower Broadway right now, why tourism shifts are rattling working players, and how new entertainment districts could stretch an already thin scene even further. Jay breaks down why Broadway can be an elite boot camp for stagecraft while still becoming a trap that quietly rewires artists into tip-driven cover machines. We also zoom out to the country music industry and the future of Music Row. Labels don’t break stars the way they used to, TikTok and social media momentum act like prerequisites, and signing a deal can feel less like validation and more like taking on a bank loan with strings attached. Jay shares why independence can be the smarter path when you know your definition of success, keep overhead low, and build skills that let you steer your own career instead of handing the wheel to someone else. Then we tackle the hard topic: AI music. From Suno-assisted “work tapes” to producers replacing session parts, we talk about what gets disrupted, what still counts as ethical tool use, and why trust with fans is so fragile. Jay also explains how getting knocked off a long-running Broadway gig pushed him to create New Vaudeville, a modern reboot of a family lineage that AI can’t replicate. Subscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review if it helps you see Nashville and the music business differently. What part of today’s industry feels most broken to you right now? Episode Links Jay Bragg: https://www.jaybragg.com/Send us Fan Mail Support the show Links Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/JFS Countdowns/Playlists: https://jayfranze.com/playlists/Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranzeYouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranzeEverywhere: @jayfranzeServices Services: https://jayfranze.com/services/Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/Shout Outs High Mountain Breezes Music: https://highmountainbreezesmusic.com/VR Knives: https://www.facebook.com/VRKnives

    53 min
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5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

The Jay Franze Show is your source for the latest music – news, reviews, and interviews, providing valuable insights and entertaining stories, stories you won’t find anywhere else. Hosted by industry veteran and master dry humorist Jay Franze, alongside his charismatic co-host, the effortlessly charming Tiffany Mason, this show delivers a fresh, non-traditional take on the world of music. Jay and Tiffany bring you behind the scenes with insider insights, untold stories, and candid conversations with seasoned artists, industry pros, and rising stars each week. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the information, or to be part of The Crew (their family), they’ve got you covered. You will be entertained, educated, and maybe even a little surprised, because nothing is off the table here.

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