The Rugged Revival Podcast | Home of the UK’s Country, Americana, and Roots Music Community.

The Rugged Revival

The Rugged Revival Podcast brings you laid-back, real conversations with country music artists, songwriters, and storytellers. We dive into their journeys, music, and everything in between—all while keeping it authentic, fun, and true to the rugged spirit we stand for. Follow us on social media and join our Facebook group to become part of the Rugged Revival community!

  1. 3d ago

    From Bluegrass Banjo to Honky Tonk: Jackie Straw on Music, Style & Reinvention

    From playing Scruggs-style banjo in an all-female bluegrass band to carving out her own lane in honky tonk music, Jackie Straw joins Camden for a candid conversation about her musical journey, performing live, and embracing fearless self-expression.Jackie shares how she transitioned from bluegrass to guitar, the challenges of being a solo performer, and what she's learned from years of playing Nashville's Broadway scene. The conversation also dives into her passion for fashion design, stage aesthetics, and how moving to California has inspired a bold new creative direction.If you love independent country music, honky tonk, Americana, bluegrass, and conversations with artists who are forging their own path, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction & Meeting Jackie Straw00:36 From Bluegrass Banjo to Honky Tonk Guitar03:03 Performing Live: Touring, Solo Shows & Nashville Stories06:42 Stage Style, Fashion & Creative Expression10:00 New Music, Touring Plans & Where to Follow Jackie#honkytonk #nashville #bluegrass Subscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si=30aabdaa220a4628Follow The Rugged Revival:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679Website: www.theruggedrevival.comEmail: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com

    From Bluegrass Banjo to Honky Tonk: Jackie Straw on Music, Style & Reinvention
  2. Jul 14

    Inside North Carolina's Appalachian Music Scene | Anna Victoria

    Anna Victoria joins Camden for an honest conversation about growing up in the mountains of North Carolina, discovering her voice as a songwriter and navigating life as an independent Country and Americana artist.We talk about learning to perform live, protecting her voice, finding confidence on stage, the influence of Appalachian music and artists such as Luke Combs, Sierra Ferrell and Dolly Parton, balancing music with motherhood, and the challenge of staying creative in a world driven by social media.It's a thoughtful conversation about music, family, creativity and staying true to yourself while building a career in independent music.Chapters00:00 – Introductions, Weaverville, childhood.02:00 – Singing, vocal health and beginning her musical journey.06:00 – The pandemic, booking gigs and developing as a live performer.09:00 – Coping with distractions, confidence and performing.12:00 – Appalachian influences, Luke Combs, Sierra Ferrell, Dolly Parton and mountain songwriting.15:00 – Family life, being a stay-at-home mum, social media and balancing music with everyday life.Subscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si=30aabdaa220a4628Follow The Rugged Revival:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679Website: www.theruggedrevival.comEmail: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com

    Inside North Carolina's Appalachian Music Scene | Anna Victoria
  3. Jul 9

    The Brothers Comatose: Ben Morrison on 18 Years of Music, Family & Touring

    Ben Morrison of The Brothers Comatose joins the Rugged Revival Podcast for an honest conversation about nearly two decades of building one of America's most respected bluegrass and Americana bands.We dive into what it really takes to keep a band together for 18 years, the realities of life on the road, songwriting, recording, balancing family life with touring, and why imposter syndrome never completely disappears—even after years of success. Ben also shares stories from The Brothers Comatose's journey, their connection to the bluegrass and Americana community, and what continues to inspire the band today.If you love bluegrass, Americana, roots music, folk, country, and behind-the-scenes conversations with the artists shaping the genre, you're in the right place!Chapters:00:00 Highlights00:36 Introduction02:00 Balancing Music & Fatherhood06:55 Growing Up in a Musical Family12:00 How The Brothers Comatose Have Lasted 18 Years18:00 Recording New Music & Touring Life25:15 Advice for Musicians31:30 Quick Fire Round39:40 Songwriting & Creative Process45:00 Imposter Syndrome & Defining Success49:45 What's Next for The Brothers Comatose?51:25 Final ThoughtsSubscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si=30aabdaa220a4628Follow The Rugged Revival:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679Website: www.theruggedrevival.comEmail: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com

    The Brothers Comatose: Ben Morrison on 18 Years of Music, Family & Touring
  4. Jul 7

    Pat Reedy on Busking, Nashville & Building a Country Music Career

    Pat Reedy joins Camden to discuss leaving construction behind for country music, busking in New Orleans, life in Nashville, songwriting, touring and building a career without compromising authenticity.Originally from Chicago and now based in Nashville, Pat shares his journey from working construction jobs to becoming a full-time touring musician. We discuss learning music on the streets of New Orleans, the realities of touring, recording new music, balancing family life with a music career and why staying true to yourself matters more than chasing trends.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:00:39 Growing Up in Chicago00:02:06 Learning Guitar in New Orleans00:02:37 Busking on the Streets00:05:20 Building a Following in New Orleans00:06:45 The Realities of Touring00:08:58 Discovering Country Music00:11:58 Music After the Pandemic00:13:55 Dream Touring Destinations00:16:31 Stage Style & Authenticity00:17:05 Leaving Construction Behind00:18:45 Moving to Nashville00:20:40 New Album, Touring Plans & Family Life00:22:10 Where to Find Pat ReedySubscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si=30aabdaa220a4628Follow The Rugged Revival:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679Website: www.theruggedrevival.comEmail: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com

    Pat Reedy on Busking, Nashville & Building a Country Music Career
  5. Jun 23

    Keeping Traditional Folk Music Alive in Nashville | Mike Tod Podcast

    Mike Tod joins Camden to discuss traditional folk music, Canadian roots, life in Nashville, forgotten songs, unusual instruments and why preserving musical history still matters today.Originally from Canada and now based in Nashville, Mike explores the stories behind traditional songs, the connections between folk music around the world and how old music continues to influence modern artists. We also discuss his unique "Crankenstein" instrument, musical curiosity, collecting songs from the past and the importance of keeping traditions alive for future generations.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:00:30 Growing Up in Canada00:02:20 Discovering Music & The Crankenstein00:04:10 The Story Behind The Crankenstein00:05:20 Drones, Folk Traditions & Ancient Music00:08:10 Learning Guitar & Performing Original Songs00:09:40 Accessing Traditional Music in the Digital Age00:11:20 Researching Music History00:12:10 Playing The Crankenstein Live00:14:00 Creating Atmospheric Sounds & Live Performance00:16:00 Traditional Songs & Musical Origins00:17:50 The Artists Influencing Mike Today00:19:20 Studying Philosophy & Creative Thinking00:22:00 Horror, Heavy Music & Folk Culture00:24:00 Scottish Heritage & Family History00:27:10 Final ThoughtsSubscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si=30aabdaa220a4628Follow The Rugged Revival:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679Website: www.theruggedrevival.comEmail: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com

    Keeping Traditional Folk Music Alive in Nashville | Mike Tod Podcast
  6. Jun 18

    "I'd Still Make Music If Nobody Listened" | Joe Stamm on Touring, Songwriting & Country Music

    Joe Stamm of the Joe Stamm Band joins the Rugged Revival Podcast for a conversation about songwriting, touring, independent country music, recording albums, and building a loyal fanbase from the ground up.In this episode, Joe discusses life on the road, the realities of being an independent artist, working on multiple recording projects at once, and why songwriting remains the driving force behind everything he does. He also shares insights into his creative process, growing up in Central Illinois, musical influences like Chris Knight, Eric Church, Blackberry Smoke, and Charles Wesley Godwin, and his thoughts on AI-generated music and the future of streaming platforms.Whether you're a fan of Americana, country rock, Red Dirt country, singer-songwriters, or independent artists carving their own path, this conversation offers a genuine look behind the curtain of modern country music.Chapters:00:00 Joe Stamm's Reality: No Sick Days & Why He Keeps Making Music00:42 Introduction to Joe Stamm & The Joe Stam Band01:35 Social Media, Humour & Connecting with Fans02:18 Touring, Illness & Cancelling Shows04:15 Touring Across America05:54 Why Joe Wants to Tour Europe06:43 Working on Three Albums at Once09:30 Recording Music & Finding a Creative Workflow12:20 Funding Records & Building a Fanbase14:50 The "Joe Stamm Man" Merch Idea16:20 Growing Up in Central Illinois18:55 The Midwest Music Scene20:55 Musical Influences & Discovering Country Music23:15 Napster, Streaming & Finding New Artists24:00 AI Music & Spotify's Challenges26:45 Defining the Joe Stam Band Sound30:10 Writing Lyrics That Matter32:55 Quick Fire Round37:20 Joe's Songwriting Process Explained40:25 Where Song Ideas Come From43:30 Perfectionism, Editing & Finishing Songs44:05 Songs Joe Is Most Proud Of47:55 What's Next for Joe Stamm?50:00 Where to Find Joe Online51:50 Final Toast & Closing ThoughtsSubscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si=30aabdaa220a4628Follow The Rugged Revival:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679Website: www.theruggedrevival.comEmail: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com

    "I'd Still Make Music If Nobody Listened" | Joe Stamm on Touring, Songwriting & Country Music
  7. Jun 10

    Virginia's Appalachian Red Dirt Country Voice | Jacob Paul Allen

    Jacob Paul Allen is a Country Music and Appalachian Red Dirt artist from rural Virginia, known for his authentic storytelling and unique sound.Jacob Paul Allen's music is a blend of Country, rock, and Americana, inspired by artists such as Turnpike Troubadours and Randy Rogers. Growing up in a small town in Virginia, Allen's music is deeply rooted in his rural upbringing and personal experiences. In this episode, Allen shares his story of finding his voice as an artist and navigating the music industry as an independent musician. He also discusses the challenges of staying true to his authentic sound in a industry dominated by AI-generated music.Allen's music is a reflection of his genuine and down-to-earth personality, and his passion for storytelling is evident in every song. With a full band and a string of upcoming shows, Allen is an artist on the rise, and this episode is a must-listen for fans of Country and Americana music.Chapters:02:08 Introduction to Jacob Paul Allen12:11 Influences and early music experiences20:12 Navigating the music industry as an independent artist26:59 Staying true to his authentic sound33:41 Upcoming shows and projects41:35 The importance of storytelling in musichttps://jacobpaulallen.com/https://www.facebook.com/jacobpaulallenmusichttps://www.instagram.com/jacobpaulallen/Subscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music! Follow The Rugged Revival:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679Website: www.theruggedrevival.comEmail: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com

    Virginia's Appalachian Red Dirt Country Voice | Jacob Paul Allen
  8. Jun 9

    Alex Williams on Texas Country and Cosmic Country Influences

    Get ready to discover the cosmic country sound of Alex Williams, a singer-songwriter from small town Indiana who is making waves in the music scene with his unique blend of Texas country and 70s cosmic influences.Alex Williams' journey to becoming a musician began when he started playing guitar at the age of 7. He grew up in a small town in Indiana, where he was influenced by the sounds of old country music and later discovered the works of Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. As he grew older, Alex Williams began to develop his own unique sound, which blends the storytelling of country music with the cosmic influences of 70s rock. He has released a new EP with 5 songs, including older and newer tracks, and is excited to share his music with the world. In this episode, Alex Williams sits down with Camden to talk about his music, his influences, and his journey to becoming a performer. From his early days playing daytime gigs at Tootsie's to his current status as a rising star in the country music scene, Alex Williams' story is one of passion, dedication, and a willingness to take risks.If you enjoy artists like Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, and Willie Nelson, you'll love the music of Alex Williams.00:00 Introduction to Alex Williams01:01 Alex Williams starts playing guitar at 7 years old09:04 Playing daytime gigs at Tootsie's and learning old country music10:05 Influence of Texas country and 70s cosmic country on Alex Williams' music14:07 Alex Williams' transition from a reserved person to a stage performer18:11 Release of new EP with 5 songs, including older and newer trackshttps://alexwilliamsofficial.com/https://www.instagram.com/alexwilliamsofficial/Subscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si=30aabdaa220a4628Follow The Rugged Revival:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679Website: www.theruggedrevival.comEmail: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com

    Alex Williams on Texas Country and Cosmic Country Influences

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Rugged Revival Podcast brings you laid-back, real conversations with country music artists, songwriters, and storytellers. We dive into their journeys, music, and everything in between—all while keeping it authentic, fun, and true to the rugged spirit we stand for. Follow us on social media and join our Facebook group to become part of the Rugged Revival community!