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. Paul Sidoti, Musician (Taylor Swift)

    2d ago

    Paul Sidoti, Musician (Taylor Swift)

    Rock mythology is fun, but what does a real working career look like after the posters come down? We’re joined by guitarist Paul Sidoti for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with the exact moment KISS flipped a switch in his five-year-old brain and stretches all the way to the day he can email his heroes and actually get a reply. Along the way, Paul shares what those early influences gave him: the drive to learn parts by ear, the hunger for great sound, and the patience to keep getting better even when nobody’s watching.  We dig into the gear and the craft in a way guitar players and music nerds will love. Paul breaks down why the EVH 5150 and 5150III amps became his workhorses, how he sets up clean, crunch, and lead tones for different styles, and why he still respects tools like the Tom Scholz Rockman from the early home-recording days. Then we jump into modern production with a deep look at Scarlet Sound Studio, his Carl Tatz-designed space in Nashville, including PhantomFocus tuning and why Dolby Atmos mixing is no longer optional for many streaming releases.  The best stories are personal: Debbie Gibson as a songwriting hero, Rick Springfield moments that hit even harder because his parents were there, and the “be ready” reality behind getting called for big stages, including his Brian Adams connection. We also talk about playing for the song, why players like Neil Schon are more influential than flashy gets-credit guitar culture admits, and how humility, family, and great mentors keep a career healthy.  If you enjoy conversations about classic rock, Nashville musicians, guitar tone, home studios, Dolby Atmos, and what it takes to stay joyful in the grind, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review so more listeners can find the show. Episode Links Paul Sidoti: https://www.paulsidoti.com/Carl Tatz: https://jayfranze.com/episode24/Bob Bullock: https://jayfranze.com/episode28/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 2m
  2. CMA Fest Recap

    4d ago

    CMA Fest Recap

    Nashville during CMA Fest is a choose-your-own-adventure where every decision has a cost: stand in a line, catch a set, make a meeting, or follow a last-minute invite that turns into the best story of the week. We take you with us from the “question of the day” energy to the real CMA Fest play-by-play, including what it’s like navigating Broadway crowds, building a schedule with the CMA Fest app, and still getting surprised by who walks into the room. We start strong with a private party at Third and Lindsley, where Daryl Worley brings the kind of storytelling and fan connection that reminds you why live country music still hits different. From there, we shift into the music industry side of Nashville with a studio visit to Matt McClure, a listen to Dolby Atmos, and a peek at how modern production can make a song feel immersive and physical. If you love gear, mixing, and how records get made, this part is for you. At Fanfare X in Music City Center, we reconnect with artists we’ve interviewed and talk about the meet and greet grind, the personalities that shine in person, and the frustrating reality that you can miss official performances when the weekend fills up with commitments. Then it’s off to The Local for a writers round featuring Josie Sal, followed by Trey Calloway lighting up the night with a full-band set that proves why Nashville musicians are built different. We wrap with Saturday honky tonk chaos, a standout fiddle moment at Legends Corner, studio talk with Bob Bullock, and the practical details for watching CMA Fest on TV and planning next year. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more fans of CMA Fest, Nashville, country music, and live music stories can find us. What was your favorite CMA Fest moment, or your must-see artist for next year? Episode Links Rocky Rose: https://jayfranze.com/episode8/Matt McClure: https://jayfranze.com/episode15/Chris Franz: https://jayfranze.com/episode27/Bob Bullock: https://jayfranze.com/episode28/Presley Tennant: https://jayfranze.com/episode50/Jason Hale: https://jayfranze.com/episode55/Josie Sal: https://jayfranze.com/episode100/Twist It: https://jayfranze.com/episode101/Dalila Mya: https://jayfranze.com/episode102/Trey Calloway: https://jayfranze.com/episode108/Blake Tyler: https://jayfranze.com/episode120/Mark Badolato: https://jayfranze.com/episode140/Stephanie Rabus: https://jayfranze.com/episode149/Mary Kutter: https://jayfranze.com/episode197/Lee Newton: https://jayfranze.com/episode198/Josie Sal: https://jayfranze.com/episode206/Jay Bragg: https://jayfranze.com/episode208/Kieran Robertson: https://jayfranze.com/episode209/Karen Waldrup: https://jayfranze.com/episode213/Stephen Quinn: https://jayfranze.com/episode216/The Dreamboats: https://jayfranze.com/episode217/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 9m
  3. The Dreamboats

    Jun 15

    The Dreamboats

    You can feel it when a band isn’t just playing songs, they’re building a world. Johnny from The Dreamboats joins us to explain how a modern rock and roll revival band takes 1950s and 1960s oldies covers and turns them into a full-throttle live performance people cannot stop filming. We talk about the real difference between touring Canada versus the United States, from endless drives between small markets to packed schedules across dense regions, and what it means to uproot your life and land in the California desert near Palm Springs to chase bigger stages. Johnny breaks down why the Dream Boats chose this sound in the first place, and it is more personal than “retro for retro’s sake.” Childhood movies, AM oldies radio, and a shared songbook led to a set that felt natural, then the band layered on choreography, comedy, and jaw-dropping stage moments. We get into why performance matters for ticket sales, how audiences remember feelings more than setlists, and how legendary rocker Ronnie Hawkins validated their approach as real entertainment, not background music. Then we go behind the curtain on music business strategy: a lean team, no manager, the grind of visas and finances, and a surprisingly unrock-and-roll 43-page business plan. Johnny shares their social media marketing workflow, what they post daily, and where they still want to improve at converting a live crowd into long-term fans with better calls to action and tools like QR codes. If you care about live music, band branding, and how to grow an audience without losing the fun, hit play, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review. Episode Links The Dreamboats: https://www.thedreamboatsband.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

    49 min
  4. Stephen Quinn

    Jun 10

    Stephen Quinn

    Three hours. That’s the kind of clock Nashville can put on a recording session, and it forces you to learn fast or get left behind. We sit down with country music recording artist Stephen Quinn to unpack what it really felt like to walk into a Nashville studio for the first time to cut “Get It Girl” with seasoned session musicians and a producer who actually cared about getting it right. If you’ve ever wondered how professionals can hear a song once, chart it, and deliver a finished track at speed, this conversation puts you in the room. We also dig into the role that rarely gets enough credit: the vocal coach. Stephen explains why he brings Velvet, his longtime coach and co-writer, into high-stakes sessions, how she balances technical corrections with creative choices, and why having the right ears in the room can make your vocals stronger and the entire recording process smoother. From work tapes recorded on iPhone voice memos to “living with the lyrics” before committing to production, we get specific about songwriting habits that help independent artists finish better songs. Then the story opens up. Stephen walks us through his American Idol journey, from pre-dawn cattle-call auditions to Hollywood Week at the Dolby Theater, including the nerves, the friendships, and the performance moments that stick. We talk about his patriotic song “Stand Up,” what “country” means as a way of life, and why audiences stand up when the message hits. Finally, he shares what it’s like to sing the national anthem at a Jacksonville Jaguars playoff game, why he keeps it traditional, and how local relationships helped land a Country Fest slot opening for Ashley Cook. If you enjoy honest artist conversations about Nashville recording, country songwriting, music video production, American Idol, and performing live, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. 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

    47 min
  5. Stephanie Rabus - 6/3/26

    Jun 3

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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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