Dive Bar Music Club

Sloane Spencer
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Music Commentary

Dive Bar Music Club: low key, high taste happy hour for music nerds. Welcome to Dive Bar Music Club, your new favorite monthly hangout where deep music knowledge meets dive bar vibes. Each episode, a rotating cast of indie music lifers (record store owners, radio hosts, touring musicians, venue bookers, photographers, and more) grab a drink, hop online, and swap notes on the three albums they can’t stop spinning. It’s not a review show; it’s a conversation. A cozy, no-gatekeeping zone for the kind of people who make playlists for every mood, still buy records, and love to discover that one incredible band hiding in the liner notes. We’re heavy on new releases, but old favorites, hidden gems, and "how did I miss this?" moments are always on the table. Whether you work in music, live for your local scene, or just want cool friends to talk tunes with, Dive Bar Music Club is your invitation to pull up a stool, pour a drink, and nerd out. No VIP pass required.

  1. Jul 5

    Let's Get Weird, Sexy Disco Country Crooners, and GBBN (Good Band, Bad Name)

    This week's Dive Bar Music Club is a rabbit hole of garage rock side projects, forgotten lo-fi legends, Americana royalty, and gloriously oddball icons. The Regulars discuss everything from why some bands desperately need a new name to whether fans should let artists evolve, while swapping stories about tiny clubs, legendary live shows, and the strange magic of musicians who refuse to color inside the lines. Along the way, Swamp Dogg steals the conversation by being exactly as weird and wonderful as advertised, Tyler Childers sparks a thoughtful debate about artistic growth and rabid fanbases, and everyone accidentally proves that music nerds can spend ten minutes discussing an electronic duo's cassette track listing without a trace of irony, and somehow make it completely compelling. Pin Our Tastemaker Playlists Apple MusicTidal Musicians Featured in this Episode Kacey MusgravesAndrew SaDavid Rawlings/David Rawlings Machine/Dave RawlingsGillian WelchJack LoganOld 97s/Murray Hammond/Rhett MillerStyrofoam WinosWeird NightmareSwamp DoggTyler Childers/The Food Stamps FestivalsAmericanaFestAtlanta Film Festival Musicians & Bands & ReferencesBarry and Levon (The State sketch characters)Chris StapletonCindy LauperDaniel JohnstonDerek TrucksDylan LeBlancFlorrieGabe LeeGary U.S. BondsIron & WineJason Isbell/Jason Isbell and the 400 UnitJenny LewisJesse Welles (Tyler Childers band member)John PrineJon Spencer/Blues ExplosionJohnny Blue SkiesJohnny PaycheckKing MargoKraftwerkLavender CountryLindsey BuckinghamMetzMiranda LambertMJ LendermanNew OrderNeko CasePatrick HaggertyPeter BuckRatboysR.E.M.Rick RubinRilo KileyRyan DavisScott BaxendaleSlobberboneStarfuckerSturgill SimpsonSusan Tedeschi/Tedeschi Trucks BandThe PolliesThe ReplacementsVic ChesnuttW8ing4UFOsWednesdayYaz/Yazoo/Alison Moyet Record LabelsCapricorn RecordsMedium Cool RecordsNew West RecordsSub Pop RecordsTwin/Tone Records VenuesBlue Plate Special (WDVX performance series)Boyd's Jig & ReelCoca-Cola Amphitheater (Birmingham)Fantasyland Records (Atlanta)Pinhook (Durham)Red Rocks AmphitheatreThe Basement (Nashville)WDVX Radio The Regulars Nelson GullettCharles HaleAmanda MilesSloane Spencer Chapters 00:17 - Introducing the Guests02:36 - Exploring New Sounds: Weird Nightmare and Beyond07:59 - The Rise of Jack Logan18:44 - Traveling and Music Experiences21:50 - New Discoveries in Music and Memory28:42 - The Evolution of Tyler's Sound38:10 - Exploring New Sounds in Country Music44:21 - Reflections on Swamp Dog's Legacy46:36 - Exploring New and Established Artists52:51 - The Transition to New Music Discussions Recommended If You Like Dive Bar Music Club, music podcast, indie rock podcast, Americana podcast, alt-country podcast, roots music, new music discovery, music recommendations, playlist podcast, Tyler Childers, Kacey Musgraves, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, Swamp Dogg, Old 97's, Jack Logan, Weird Nightmare, Styrofoam Winos, Andrew Sa, John Spencer, John Spencer Blues Explosion, Jenny Lewis, Rilo Kiley, Jason Isbell, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, REM, Peter Buck, Peter Jesperson, The Replacements, Vic Chesnutt, Daniel Johnston, Iron & Wine, MJ Lenderman, Wednesday, Ratboys, Slobberbone, Sturgill Simpson, Johnny Blue Skies, Chris Stapleton, Lindsey Buckingham, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Patrick Haggerty, Lavender Country, Americana music, indie music, garage rock, power pop, lo-fi music, Southern rock, country music, record collecting, vinyl records, record stores, live music, concert reviews, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, AmericanaFest, WDVX, Sub Pop Records, New West Records, Twin/Tone Records, Medium Cool Records, dive bar music club, 90s alt rock, emerging songwriters, indie music podcast, music playlists, lo-fi music, garage rock, power pop, Weird Nightmare band, Jack Logan music, Americana music, country music, alternative country, record store culture, music discovery, passionate music discussions, underground music, music collaborations, concert experiences, music recommendations

  2. Jun 26

    Happy Pride 2026! Music Gets Us Through Grief and Exciting Breaking News

    Happy Pride! Sloane Spencer catches up with music journalist and Rainbow Rodeo founder Rachel Cholst during a period of both profound loss and exciting professional growth. Rachel reflects on the unexpected death of a longtime friend, sharing how music, ritual, and community have helped her navigate grief, while also discussing major milestones including Rainbow Rodeo’s subscriber drive, plans to revive its podcast, and the news that SiriusXM’s Country Pride channel will become a permanent offering, with Rachel continuing as one of its voices. Along the way, the conversation explores the role of music in memory and healing, highlights emerging and established artists from the queer, indie, and Americana worlds, and touches on Rachel’s ongoing creative projects, including a comic book series (Kickstarter!). The result is a thoughtful, heartfelt discussion about loss, resilience, artistic community, and the ways music helps us make sense of life’s highs and lows. Pin Our Tastemaker Playlists Apple MusicTidal Musicians Featured This Episode Andrew SaMicah Schnabel and Vanessa Jean SpeckmanNorth IngallsVNV Nation Musicians Mentioned in Our Conversation Aaron Lee TasjanCall Me RitaFrank TurnerGorillazHC McEntireJeff RosenstockJason MolinaJimmy Eat WorldJohnson and Magnolia Electric CompanyKMFDMKim RicheyLake Street DiveLavender CountryMount MoriahPaisley FieldsPatrick HaggertyProcol HarumRammsteinRatboysTwo Cow Garage The Regulars Rachel CholstSloane Spencer Chapters 00:04 - Dealing with Loss03:43 - New Beginnings: The Rainbow Rodeo Fundraiser15:00 - Navigating the Landscape of Country Music and Sirius XM16:00 - The Influence of Holographic Performances26:24 - Navigating Grief and Music32:03 - Transition to New Music Discussions35:53 - The Impact of Social Media on Music Connections44:06 - Exploring Creative Passions Recommended If You Like podcast episode, music and grief, loss of a friend, songs about death, emotional music, coping with loss, music therapy, LGBTQ+ music, Rainbow Rodeo, indie music, country music, music recommendations, alt rock, mental health and music, professional growth in music, overcoming grief, personal stories in music, music playlists, artists to listen to, music community, Dive Bar Music Club podcast, Rachel Cholst, Rainbow Rodeo, queer country music, LGBTQ country artists, Country Pride SiriusXM, SiriusXM Country Pride, Pride Month music, independent music journalism, music podcast, Americana music, indie rock music, alternative country, queer musicians, Rainbow Rodeo magazine, music discovery, emerging artists, Andrew Sa, North Ingalls, Micah Schnabel, Vanessa Jean Speckman, Two Cow Garage, Lavender Country, Patrick Haggerty, Paisley Fields, Jeff Rosenstock, VNV Nation, Ratboys, Jason Molina, Johnson and Electric Company, grief and music, music and healing, friendship and loss, funeral songs, music memories, country music culture, independent artists, music reviews, no Depression magazine, queer country community, music journalism interview, underground music scene, DIY music culture, singer-songwriter podcast, Americana podcast, LGBTQ music media, indie music recommendations, Pride Month podcast, music fandom, artist interviews, music community, alternative music podcast

  3. Jun 20

    Secretly Subversive Summer Sounds: New Tracks and Old Favorites with Nelson Gullett

    Today, Nelson Gullett and Sloane Spencer get into one of the best parts of being a music fan: the stories that songs create along the way. The tracks we love often become tied to specific moments, memories, and people, and that’s exactly where this conversation starts. This episode moves between reconsidering nostalgia and new music discovery. We talk about the lasting emotional pull of music from The Jayhawks via Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman, while also shining a light on newer favorites from River Shook and Ismay. Along the way, our guests, a retired radio programmer and current radio host, bring plenty of insight, unexpected stories, and a few moments that might have you rethinking what makes a song stick with us. Whether you’ve spent years exploring Americana, live for indie rock discoveries, or are simply looking for your next favorite artist, there’s something here for you. We’ll share the records we can’t stop playing, celebrate a few overlooked gems, and dig into why certain songs keep finding their way back into our lives. If Yaz, R.E.M., and American Aquarium are all in your rotation, this episode is for you. Pour yourself a drink, settle in, and join us for a Pride Month conversation about music, memory, and the thrill of finding something you can’t wait to play again. Pin Our Tastemaker Playlists Apple MusicTidal Focus Musicians for this Episode Blue MountainIsmay (Avery Hillman)The JayhawksRiver ShookVandoliersYaz/Yazoo Musicians, Bands, TV, Events, Record Labels, etc Mentioned Aldous HardingAmethyst KiahAmerican AquariumAndrew SaThe AmericansAmericana AwardsAmericanaFestBlake TallentBloodkinBloodshot RecordsBlue HighwayBlue RodeoBob DylanBob MouldCary HudsonChuck MeadDave Matthews BandDolly PartonDylan LeBlancEdery BazziniFleetwood MacGillian WelchThe GrooveHardly Strictly BluegrassHymn for HerIndia RameyIndigo GirlsIris DeMentJason NarducyJenni RoseJohn StirrattKathleen EdwardsKevin GordonLaurie StirrattLucinda WilliamsMandolin Orange/WatchhouseM.J. LendermanMichael ShannonMightmareMike MillsMike and the Moonpies/SilveradaMon RovîaNancies.orgNo DepressionOlivia WolfOtis GibbsPeter BuckPhoebe BridgersRadioheadRalph StanleyRatboysThe Reckless StrangersR.E.M.Red and the Paper FlowersSara BareillesSarah Shook and the DevilSarah Shook and the DisarmersScott MillerS.G. GoodmanSun VoltThomas Wolfe AuditoriumTrombone ShortyTyler ChildersU2WaxahatcheeWebb WilderWDVXWilcoWMOTWyatt EllisXXM Cross Country Venues & Recurring Events Mentioned40 Watt ClubBlue Plate Special Performance StageBlue Plate SpecialRecord Store DaySummer Nights Concert SeriesTennessee ShinesYee-Haw Brewing Co. The Regulars in this Episode Nelson GullettSloane Spencer Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Dive Bar Music Club Podcast06:18 - The Jayhawks and Their Lasting Impact19:16 - Discovering New Music: River Shook and Ismay23:33 - The Influence of Music and Poetry on Songwriting34:49 - Discovering New Music: The Journey of Vandoliers45:50 - The Importance of Integrity in Music Recommended If You Like Dive Bar Music Club, 90s alt rock, emerging songwriters, touring songwriters, Americana music, live music shows, WDVX Radio, summer concert series, Webb Wilder, bluegrass artists, music playlists, eclectic music, indie music recommendations, music discovery, Nashville music scene, local music scene, new music releases, music nerds, music interviews, music festivals, Dive Bar Music Club podcast, Americana music podcast, indie rock podcast, alternative country music, alt-country bands, Americana artists, music discovery podcast, new music recommendations, Waxahatchee, MJ Lenderman, The Jayhawks, Rainy Day Music, Blue Mountain band, River Shook, Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, Ismay, Half Truth album, AmericanaFest, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, WDVX Radio, Blue Plate Special, Knoxville music scene, Webb Wilder, Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch, Iris DeMent, Wilco, Son Volt, REM, Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Jason Narducy, Michael Shannon REM tour, Athens Georgia music, 40 Watt Club, Bloodshot Records, Vandoliers, Jenny Rose, American Aquarium, Kathleen Edwards, Tyler Childers, SG Goodman, Mon Rovîa, Ratboys, Amethyst Kiah, Wyatt Ellis, Dylan LeBlanc, indie folk music, roots music, bluegrass artists, singer-songwriter podcast, live music stories, music nostalgia, record collecting, Record Store Day, vinyl culture, music fandom, concert memories, underground music, independent artists, Southern music, Nashville music scene, Asheville concerts, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, folk music discussion, country rock, roots rock, music interviews, emerging artists, favorite albums, music recommendations 2026, best Americana albums, indie music discovery, alternative music culture, music nerd podcast, low-key high-taste music podcast

  4. Jun 5

    Not Another Cranky White Guy, Your Album Cover Sucks, and Pink Floyd vs Rolling Stones?

    This week on Dive Bar Music Club, we dive into the eclectic songs we've been listening to lately, and how we find new music. We're kicking it off with Kim Ware's recent tour and the joy of discovering music that truly resonates with us. Chad Cochran pulls back the curtain on album cover art and reminds us of his mental health series, I Didn't Want to Tell You, at Woodyfest and Nelsonville Music Festival. Charles Hale brings his distinct perspective as a record store owner to new music from old bands, and as we explore the fine line between artistic expression and marketability in album art. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s explore what we've been spinning on our playlists! Pin Our Tastemaker PlaylistsApple MusicTidal Musicians & Bands Mentioned6 String Drag (Rob Keller, Kenny Roby)Aldous HardingMike D (Beastie Boys)Clydie KingJesca HoopLily MillerMod LangRolling StonesTiwayo(Above on this episode's playlists)Adrianne Lenker (Big Thief)Ben NicholsBig StarBig ThiefBlack KeysBlack PumasBraidBob DylanThe CarsDamien JuradoDe La SoulDetroit CobrasFiona AppleJ Phono 1Jerry KeeJohn HarrisonKathleen EdwardsIron & WineJourneyLeith RossLeon BridgesLynyrd SkynyrdMerry ClaytonMetzNight RangerPaul McCartneyPhil SpectorPink FloydRainer MariaRay CharlesSad PlanetsSam BeamScott MillerSteely DanSuperchunkTom WaitsV-RoysWeird NightmareWoody GuthrieXTCY'All'ReYum Yum Tree Events, Festivals, Media & OrganizationsNelsonville Music FestivalNew Orleans Jazz FestRecord Store DaySaturday Night LiveTheme StockWoody Guthrie Folk Festival Venues, Labels, Stores & Publications40 Watt ClubBlue Note RecordsDriver 8 Records (Sign up for the vinyl record club here.)Nine Bullets music blogSub Pop Places MentionedAthens, GAAtlanta, GAAustin, TXChapel Hill, NCCharlotte, NCClemson, SCColumbus, OHDetroit, MIFort Collins, CONew Orleans, LAOkemah, OKParis, FranceWilmington, NC The Regulars in this Episode Chad CochranCharles HaleSloane SpencerKim Ware Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Dive Bar Music Club04:19 - Exploring New Tunes and Tour Tales10:48 - Navigating New Music Discovery17:40 - Discovering New Music23:46 - Exploring New Musical Influences32:24 - Exploring New Music Discoveries36:28 - The Discovery of Clyde King42:54 - Album Art and Creative Processes46:45 - The Art of Album Covers Recommended If You Like Dive Bar Music Club, music podcast, 90s alt rock, emerging songwriters, indie music recommendations, music discovery, live music performances, record store culture, music industry insights, singer-songwriter tours, album artwork design, music playlists, music trends, underground music scene, folk music, alternative music, music collaborations, music interviews, music nerds, new music releases, artist interviews, Dive Bar Music Club podcast, music discovery podcast, indie music recommendations, new music podcast, alternative music podcast, underground music scene, record store owner recommendations, finding new music, music nerd podcast, album cover art discussion, vinyl records, record collecting, independent musicians, singer songwriter podcast, touring musician stories, music festival photography, Nelsonville Music Festival, Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, record of the month club, Dryland Records, music algorithms, Spotify alternatives, Tidal music recommendations, NTS Radio, XMU radio, music curation, indie folk music, indie rock music, power pop revival, soul music recommendations, modern soul artists, French soul music, Tiwayo, Damien Jurado, Lily Miller, Jesca Hoop, Aldous Harding, Mod Lang, Six String Drag, Clydie King, Rolling Stones new music, Mike D solo project, Beastie Boys legacy, Ryan Adams problematic, Superchunk, Reiner Maria, Braid, Big Star influence, The Cars influence, The Kinks influence, XTC discussion, Fiona Apple comparisons, Leon Bridges fans, Black Pumas producer, Tom Waits connections, Iron and Wine collaboration, music blog culture, Nine Bullets music blog, Chapel Hill music scene, Athens Georgia music scene, Carolina music scene, Detroit rock bands, independent record labels, Sub Pop Records, album artwork design, vinyl culture, crate digging, hidden music gems, overlooked musicians, session singers, Clydie King background vocals, Bob Dylan collaborators, Phil Spector era musicians, Sweet Home Alabama background vocals, Exile on Main St discussion, music recommendation roundtable, best new indie music, music podcast for record collectors, discovering underground artists, favorite albums of the month, music fandom and nostalgia, classic rock debate, Pink Floyd discussion, Paul McCartney discussion, Saturday Night Live music guests, New Orleans Jazz Fest discussion, music discovery in the streaming era

  5. May 20

    Albino Skunk Music Festival with King Margo and Aaron Lee Tasjan

    From backstage conversations to festival magic, Sloane Spencer dives headfirst into Albino Skunk Music Festival, a music fan's family reunion. While this marks the final spring edition of the beloved festival, the fall music weekends continue. Celebrate reinvention, community, and the evolving sound of Americana and roots music. This episode spotlights both legendary festival staples and exciting new voices, including breakout duo King Margo, who join Sloane backstage to talk about creative growth, finding their sound, and the thrill of releasing fresh music into the world. Then, singer-songwriter Aaron Lee Tasjan opens up about the highs surrounding his latest album and the personal challenges shaping his journey through grief and sobriety, offering equal parts wisdom, honesty, and heart. Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and spend some time where the songs are loud, the stories run deep, and music feels like home. Catch Our Tastemaker Playlists Apple MusicTidal Musicians, Bands, Venues, and Festivals Mentioned Aaron Lee TasjanKing Margo (Rachel Coats and Lucciana Costa)Albino Skunk Music Festival Americana FestBuddy MillerDarrell ScottDave JacquesDrivin N CryinGabe LeeHayley WilliamsJason EadyJen GundermanJeff SipeJimmy BowlandJohn FullbrightJohn PrineJustin AmaralKevn KinneyKim RicheyLarkin PoeMargaret GlaspyMax AbramsProcol HarumRoger Alan NicholsSheryl CrowSiriusXM Outlaw CountrySteve DawsonSturgill SimpsonSusan WernerThe MavericksThe WallflowersTodd SniderTom PettyVan DarienWarren Zanes Chapters 00:20 - Sloane Spencer: The Final Spring Edition of Skunk Fest01:16 - King Margo: Exploring New Sounds12:20 - Music and Inspiration: The Creative Process19:53 - Aaron Lee Tasjan: Navigating Grief and Creativity29:04 - The Journey of 'Science Friction' Recommended If You Like Albino Skunk Music Festival, Dive Bar Music Club podcast, Sloane Spencer, King Margo, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Americana music podcast, roots music festival, bluegrass music festival, indie music podcast, South Carolina music festival, live music interviews, backstage artist interview, Americana artists, folk music podcast, Red Dirt music, Texas country music, Jason Eady, Gabe Lee, Darrell Scott, Jeff Sipe, Nashville musicians, independent music artists, women in Americana music, King Margo new music, Waters Rise album, Game Over single, Tinfoil Profiteers, Roger Alan Nichols, Larkin Poe producer, music discovery podcast, singer songwriter interview, Aaron Lee Tasjan Get Over It Underdog, Science Friction song, SiriusXM Outlaw Country, independent musicians, touring musicians, music festival culture, live music community, East Nashville music scene, Americana Fest, music merch culture, indie record release, podcast for music nerds, low key high taste happy hour, festival backstage conversations, roots rock artists, folk Americana scene, Southern music podcast, emerging Americana artists, music storytelling podcast, dive bar music club, music festival, Albino Skunk Music Fest, South Carolina music festivals, Darrell Scott, King Margot, Jason Eady, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Americana music, music discovery, indie music, music interviews, festival experiences, songwriting process, artist collaborations, music promotion, live music, female musicians, music production, pre-order album Support to Tip Jar

  6. May 5

    Sad Songs Happy Hour, That Bar Is in Hell, Mental Health, and Disabled Joy

    Amanda Miles and Chad Cochran bring sonically disparate, but thematically similar, music to Dive Bar Music Club. We end up with some deep conversation about taking care of our mental health and how that impacts the music community. The playlist moves through love, loss, and nostalgia. Amanda shares her latest Jason Isbell obsession, Chad leans into indie rock and some 90s throwbacks, and together we talk about how music becomes a lifeline during tough times. Amanda shares a bit about her progressive blindness, how it impacts her when going to see bands and venues lack accessibility, and teases an upcoming feature regarding her diagnosis in Bodies of Opinion. Catch Our Tastemaker Playlists Apple Music Tidal Bands and Musicians Featured in Episode 8 Willow Avalon w/ Jason IsbellElla LangleyThe Afghan WhigsLuke Combs w/ Alison KraussPaul McCartneyArcwelder Mental Health Resources If you need immediate support, call or text 988 in the USA for connection to a trained volunteer who can help. NAMINuci's SpaceYour state occupational health or vocational rehabilitation officeMusic Health AllianceMusiCaresSims FoundationHAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians) The Regulars Chad CochranAmanda MilesSloane Spencer Musicians, Venues, Events, and Themes Referenced in This Episode Alan JacksonAppalachian State UniversityAthensAtlantaBodies of OpinionBrian Lee BrownBirminghamBowling GreenChicagoCoca-Cola AmphitheaterDave GrohlDavid ByrneFaith HillGarth BrooksJack WhiteJim WhiteLaughing HyenasLive NationLinda RonstadtLuaka BopMadison Square GardenMartina McBrideMinneapolisMiranda LambertNational Independent Venue Association (NIVA)Nelsonville Music FestivalNew Disabled SouthOhioOkemahPatrick KeelerRaconteursRed Rocks AmphitheatreReba McEntireRingo StarrRyman AuditoriumSteve AlbiniTabernacleTedeschi Trucks BandThem Crooked VulturesTouch and Go RecordsTopher BrownTyler ChildersVince GillWhite StripesWoody Guthrie Folk FestivalWynonna Judd Recommended If You Like dive bar music club, music podcast, 90s alt rock, emerging songwriters, Jason Isbell, Luke Combs, Alison Krauss, Ella Langley, mental health and music, concert photography, music festivals, country music scene, music recommendations, indie music, music accessibility, songwriter interviews, music playlists, music discussions, Americana music, music industry insights, Dive Bar Music Club podcast, music podcast 2026, indie music discussion, 90s alt rock nostalgia, indie rock playlist, Americana music podcast, country music deep dive, Jason Isbell fans, Willow Avalon Cardinal Sin, Luke Combs Alison Krauss duet, Ella Langley cover songs, Toby Keith cover reinterpretation, music and mental health, music as therapy, emotional connection to music, nostalgic music themes, love and loss songs, sad music playlist, songwriting and storytelling, emerging artists 2025, indie folk and synth folk, Icelandic folk music, live music culture, concert photography, music festivals 2026, backstage photography, touring musicians life, TikTok music discovery, viral music trends, album recommendations podcast, Paul McCartney new music, Afghan Whigs comeback, Arc Welder band, college rock revival, 90s music revival, alternative rock discussion, music community podcast, disabled joy and music, accessibility in live music venues, mental health in music industry, musicians mental health advocacy, music and identity, podcast music recommendations, discovering new artists, genre-blending playlists, music nerd culture

    Sad Songs Happy Hour, That Bar Is in Hell, Mental Health, and Disabled Joy

  7. Apr 20

    Record Store Day, Public Radio, and Music Loose Associations

    We’re big fans of public radio and festivals for music discovery. Charles Hale and Nelson Gullett had a small world radio-meets-real-life Big Ears connection. Public radio keeps new music alive and thriving, even as the federal government slashed budgets and extremist subcultures try to wield power over art. Driver 8 Records gears up for Record Store Day and launches a vinyl record club. Sloane Spencer continues to float her musical loose associations, this time sharing, "If Randy Newman, Leon Russell, and Levon Helm hung out listening to the Beatles, this might be the song they wrote." So pour yourself something nice, slide into the booth, and get ready for a mix of good stories and the kind of musical rabbit holes you’ll be glad you fell into. Catch Our Tastemaker Playlists Apple MusicTidal Bands Featured in Episode 7 FleaJesse Ed DavisKathleen EdwardsKruangbinLeon BridgesThe MontvalesNeko CaseSilver SkylarksYagody Support Your Local Public Radio Station WDVX KRFC Record Store Day & Driver 8 Records' Record Club Driver 8 Records The Regulars Nelson GullettCharles HaleSloane Spencer Musicians, Festivals, Venues, and Events Mentioned in this Episode Albert KingAmelia DayAnna ButtersAngine de PoitrineArlo GuthrieBarley's KnoxvilleBlack PumasBlind Boys of AlabamaBloodshot BillBob DylanBrennan WedlBugs BunnyButch HancockCarolina Chocolate DropsCharles MingusCharlie SniderChris StapletonChris ThileChristopher Paul StellingColin CrippsDriver 8 RecordsDr. JohnDuane AllmanGrant AldenGrateful DeadGwenifer RaymondHaley HeynderickxInternational AnthemJason IsbellJeff ParkerJimmy Dale GilmoreJohn LennonKaoru WatanabeKasey MusgravesKatie CrutchfieldKen PomeroyLeon RussellLevon HelmLucinda WilliamsMarket Square, Knoxville, TNMichael StipeMJ LendermanNick CaveNo DepressionNonesuch RecordsPeter BuckR.E.M.Randy NewmanRed Hot Chili PeppersRichard ThompsonSmoking Dave and the Primo DopesSturgill SimpsonTaj MahalThe BeatlesThe SteelDriversTodd SniderTom PettyThom YorkeTortoiseBig Ears FestivalThirty TigersTyler ChildersWaxahatcheeWDVXWREKKRFCWu Fei Recommended If You Like dive bar music club podcast, music discovery podcast, public radio music, indie music podcast, alternative rock discussion, 90s alt rock fans, eclectic music playlist, underground music scene, college radio influence, music nerd community, songwriter interviews podcast, record store culture, vinyl collecting community, record store day events, independent record stores, emerging artists spotlight, live music festivals USA, Big Ears Festival Knoxville, Americana music scene, folk and bluegrass artists, experimental music performances, Ukrainian folk band modern, jazz fusion discussion, Flea trumpet album, avant garde jazz artists, Kathleen Edwards music, Americana singer songwriter, Waxahatchee influence, indie folk duos, music recommendations podcast, album deep dives, music storytelling songs, public radio funding importance, listener supported radio, music community building, local music scenes USA, Texas indie soul music, Khruangbin style vibes, Leon Bridges collaboration, new music discovery 2026, public radio music discovery, Dive Bar Music Club, 90s alt rock, Knoxville music festival, Big Ears Festival, emerging touring songwriters, eclectic music, music playlists, public radio funding, local music scene, music obsession, record store culture, independent radio stations, music community, music recommendations, exploration of new music, artist interviews, vinyl records, music nerds, music events

    Record Store Day, Public Radio, and Music Loose Associations

  8. Apr 5

    Protest Folk to Trap Beats to Bedroom Pop and WTF Taylor?

    This week on Dive Bar Music Club, we roll straight into our ever-evolving music discovery, joined by: Caitlin Cary, Amanda Miles, Kim Ware, Sloane Spencer, and Rachel Cholst. We kick things off with a surprise protest song from Caitlin, collaborating with Chris Stamey, on a track sharing the words on the Statue of Liberty. From there, the conversation opens up into a mixtape of current obsessions, weaving from the dreamy introspection of Leith Ross to the throwback swagger of T.I. Along the way, there’s laughter, a little friendly debate about "super double deluxe" reissues (we're rolling our eyes at you, Taylor), and plenty of real talk about why music hits so deeply. So pour yourself something good, pull up a chair, and join us for a lively exchange of songs, stories, and the shared thrill of finding your next favorite song. Catch Our Tastemaker Playlists Apple MusicTidal Bands Featured in Episode 6 Courtney BarnettDuke EllingtonIdaWill JohnsonJohnny Blue Skies/Sturgill Simpson (vinyl/CD only)Jon LindsayKendra MorrisRatboysLeith RossT.I. The Regulars Caitlin CaryRachel CholstAmanda MilesSloane SpencerKim Ware Musicians, Photographers, and Other Cool People and Places Mentioned Benji HughesBoy GoldenBrian WrightChris StameyJason IsbellJason MolinaKurt VileLudacrisMagnolia Electric CompanyNew OrderNorth Carolina Music Love ArmyOutKastPete SeegerWren CarpenterTaylor SwiftThe ReplacementsTom Petty and the HeartbreakersWidespread PanicYum Yum Tree Recommended If You Like dive bar music club, 90s alt rock, music podcast, emerging songwriters, cult band favorites, music playlists, protest music, singer-songwriter interviews, indie music recommendations, new music discovery, vinyl records, comfort music, live music discussions, music industry insights, alternative music culture, music nerds, music collaborations, music photography, zine culture, music trends

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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Dive Bar Music Club: low key, high taste happy hour for music nerds. Welcome to Dive Bar Music Club, your new favorite monthly hangout where deep music knowledge meets dive bar vibes. Each episode, a rotating cast of indie music lifers (record store owners, radio hosts, touring musicians, venue bookers, photographers, and more) grab a drink, hop online, and swap notes on the three albums they can’t stop spinning. It’s not a review show; it’s a conversation. A cozy, no-gatekeeping zone for the kind of people who make playlists for every mood, still buy records, and love to discover that one incredible band hiding in the liner notes. We’re heavy on new releases, but old favorites, hidden gems, and "how did I miss this?" moments are always on the table. Whether you work in music, live for your local scene, or just want cool friends to talk tunes with, Dive Bar Music Club is your invitation to pull up a stool, pour a drink, and nerd out. No VIP pass required.

Information

  • Creator
    Sloane Spencer
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Sloane Spencer
  • Show Website
    Dive Bar Music Club

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