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. 6d ago

    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

    55 min

  2. 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

    53 min

  3. 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

    37 min
  4. Sad Songs Happy Hour, That Bar Is in Hell, Mental Health, and Disabled Joy

    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

    56 min
  5. Record Store Day, Public Radio, and Music Loose Associations

    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

    52 min

  6. 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

    55 min

  7. Mar 20

    Welcome to the Amen Corner, R.E.M. Megafans, and Are Microtonal Instrumentals Even Better with a Gummy?

    Summary Grab a stool at the Dive Bar Music Club, where host Sloane Spencer and Regulars Charles Hale and Nelson Gullett share their low-key, high-taste music selections. This week’s happy hour for music nerds dives deep into the miracle of the Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy's Life's Rich Pageant R.E.M. tour, where even Bobcat Goldthwait's opening set brought joy, much to their surprise. Between Charles’s treasure trove of new vinyl finds, ranging from the haunting Magnolia and Johnson Electric Co. 7" to the garage-rock grit of the Flamin' Groovies, and Nelson’s essential preview of the Big Ears Festival featuring lap-style guitar creative Yasmin Williams, the episode is a masterclass in crate-digging. It’s a passionate, defense of the weird, the instrumental, and the feel-good oldies that make being a music obsessive worth the effort. Catch Our Tastemaker Playlists Apple MusicTidal Bands Featured in Episode 5 Angine de PoitrineBeulahThe CureCure for ParanoiaFlamin' GrooviesGwenifer RaymondHaley Heynderickx and Max Garcia ConoverMagnolia & Johnson Electric Co.Yasmin Williams ft Dom Flemons Venues and Festivals Mentioned The 40 Watt Club, Athens, GABig Ears Festival, Knoxville, TNBijou Theatre, Knoxville, TNBonnaroo, Manchester, TNCat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NCTennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN The Regulars Nelson GullettCharles HaleSloane Spencer Musicians, Photographers, and Other Cool People and Places Mentioned Adam SmithAlvin Youngblood HartAmerican AquariumAmethyst KiahApples in StereoArooj AftabBackslidersBen NicholsBeulahBilly Allen and the PolliesBlind Boys of AlabamaThe Carolina Chocolate DropsCharles Wesley GodwinChocolate GeniusChris PorterChris ThileDarrell ScottThe Devil Makes ThreeThe GlandsMJ LendermanJason MolinaJason NarducyJay FarrarJim DickinsonJim JamesJohn ZornJohnny Blue Skies (Sturgill Simpson)Ken PomeroyLuther DickinsonMadison CunninghamMagnolia Electric Co.Marc RibotMichael ShannonMolina and JohnsonNels ClineNeutral Milk HotelNew MultitudesNirvanaPatti SmithR.E.M.Reggie WattsSam AmidonScott AvettSturgill SimpsonSun Ra ArkestraSunny WarTatiana HargreavesThe 400...

    51 min

  8. Mar 5

    We Love a Good Cemetery, Mispronouncing Swedish Names, and Biker Bars in a Good Way

    Summary This week, Amanda Miles, Sloane Spencer, and Kim Ware settle in for a deeper conversation about the music getting us through the mess of current American politics. We start by talking about the long history of music and creativity in protest movements, sparked by Ann Powers’ article about where all the protest songs have gone lately, and whether they’ve actually disappeared or just taken new forms. From there, we trade the songs currently living on repeat in our headphones. A theme quickly emerges: comfort. The kind of music that steadies you when everything feels beyond us. Think the emotional pull of Jason Isbell, the warm, lived-in sound of Waxahatchee, and the storytelling power that artists like Tyler Childers and Courtney Marie Andrews bring to the table. Along the way we talk about that tricky balance in our listening habits right now, when you want music that lets you feel the anger, but also something that softens the edges of the day. Pour yourself something good, settle in, and join us for a thoughtful, easy-going conversation full of sharp observations, a few laughs, and plenty of appreciation for the songs helping us cope, reset, and stay connected. Catch Our Tastemaker Playlists Apple MusicTidal Bands Featured in Episode 4 Courtney Marie AndrewsAmanda BergmanTyler ChildersJason IsbellDina OgonWaxahatchee Venues and Festivals Mentioned Fest, Gainesville, FLShoals Fest, Muscle Shoals, ALThe Cave, Chapel Hill, NCCoca Cola Amphitheater, Birmingham, ALNeighborhood Theatre, Charlotte, NCOrange Peel, Asheville, NCRadio Room, Greenville, SCRed Rocks, Morrison, COTribbles, Piedmont, SC The Regulars Amanda MilesSloane SpencerKim Ware Musicians & More Also Mentioned in this Episode The Ann Powers article about protest musicHealing AppalachiaAmanda ShiresAngel OlsenDavid ChildersDillon FenceDrive-By TruckersJPhono1Michael Cera PalinMJ LendermanMartha Davis (The Motels)My Chemical RomanceRage Against the MachineRickie Lee JonesStereoLabTedeschi Trucks BandTift Merritt indie music podcast, music nerd podcast, underground music podcast, music roundtable podcast, best new indie bands, independent music podcast, music discovery podcast, alternative music podcast, podcast for music lovers, dive bar music podcast, low key music podcast, deep cut music discussion, music tastemakers podcast, music festival discoveries, music zine culture, DIY music scene, touring musician stories, hidden gem bands, vinyl collector podcast, music conversations podcast, , dive bar music club, 90s alt rock, emerging songwriters, indie americana music, protest music today, creativity in music, comfort music, vinyl records, music recommendations, Jason Isbell, Waxahachee, Tyler Childers, music playlists, live music experiences, female musicians, songwriting process, music festivals, music and mental health, southern roots music, music industry insights

    49 min
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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
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Sloane Spencer
  • Show Website
    Dive Bar Music Club