Country Fried Rock

Sloane Spencer

Music Uncovered, a Podcast from 2009-2020

  1. APR 10

    From Banjo to Band: Drew Carman of Corduroy Road Unplugged

    From the Country Fried Rock archives in 2012: Drew Carman from Corduroy Road drops by to chat about the band’s evolution and the power of personal connections in music. He kicks things off by musing on how social media, while a handy tool for spreading the word, can’t hold a candle to those face-to-face encounters that build real relationships and loyal fans. They dig into the nitty-gritty of hitting the road full-time, the ups and downs of touring, and how fresh lineup changes have brought new energy and creativity to their sound. From busking in Knoxville to jamming with pals at festivals, every story is tinged with a sense of community and the joy of making music. Buckle up, because this episode is packed with insight and good vibes, all served up with a side of witty banter! Takeaways Creating music is all about the connections you make with people, not just social media.Drew Carman emphasizes the importance of personal interactions over digital connections to build a loyal fanbase.They share how busking in places like Knoxville can be a lucrative way to earn money while touring.The evolution of Corduroy Road's lineup brought fresh influences and new musical styles to their sound.Drew reflects on how touring keeps them grounded and connected to their roots as musicians.The band’s decision to keep their name after lineup changes underscores their commitment to growth and continuity. Chapters 00:14 - Introducing Drew Carman of Corduroy Road04:17 - The Evolution of a Musician11:15 - The Evolution of Corduroy Road17:30 - Reflections on Touring and Festivals23:12 - Connecting Through Music Mentioned in this Episode Corduroy RoadMark CunninghamAthensEaster IslandJohn KeaneNuci's SpacePale FaceIan ThomasPackway Handle BandHoly Ghost Tent RevivalReverend Peyton's Big BandSteep Canyon RangersFullTonesSteve SotoTwisted Hearts Recommended If You Like country fried rock, Corduroy Road, Drew Carman interview, indie music podcast, Athens music scene, social media for musicians, touring musicians, busking experiences, music creativity, songwriting inspiration, regional music festivals, live music connections, band evolution, music publicity strategies, music industry insights, building a fanbase, acoustic music influences, old time music, musician mental health, grassroots music promotion Mentioned in this episode: Don't Click Those Old Links! These podcast episodes are from 2009-2020. Links are probably dead. Half these places do not exist any more.

    29 min
  2. APR 10

    Festival Frenzy: Life on the Road with Greensky Bluegrass

    From our archives in 2012: Anders Beck of Green Sky Bluegrass joins this episode of Country Fried Rock for an engaging and insightful conversation about life on the road and the artistry behind his music. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the demands and rewards of touring, sharing how the band consistently performs 150 to 200 shows each year while connecting with diverse audiences through the festival circuit. Beck also reflects on his musical beginnings, crediting his parents for inspiring his passion and recalling the pivotal moment he discovered the dobro at a bluegrass festival, an experience that set him on his current path. The discussion delves into the band’s creative approach, highlighting the role of improvisation in their live performances and how it naturally shapes their songwriting process. This episode delivers a thoughtful and relaxed exploration of musicianship, creativity, and the unique energy that comes from making music together on stage. Chapters 00:09 - Introduction to Green Sky Bluegrass02:56 - The Journey into Bluegrass Music06:05 - The Evolution of Bluegrass: Embracing New Influences13:12 - Joining the Band: A Journey into Green Sky15:47 - The Evolution of Green Sky20:16 - The Creative Process Behind the Album Mentioned in this Episode Greensky BluegrassGrateful DeadMetallicaBenny GallowayYonder Mountain String BandInfamous StringdustersDavid GrismanFlatt and ScruggsBill MonroeTodd SniderRadioheadBon IverWilcoRailroad EarthXM RadioNuci's SpaveMuscle Shoals Recommended If You Like Country Fried Rock, Green Sky Bluegrass, Greensky Bluegrass, Anders Beck interview, bluegrass music, jam bands, music festivals, songwriting process, improvisation in music, acoustic instruments, music creativity, Grateful Dead influence, country music inspiration, live music performances, bluegrass festivals, music collaboration, recording process, vinyl records, analog recording, music industry insights, country music podcasts Mentioned in this episode: Don't Click Those Old Links! These podcast episodes are from 2009-2020. Links are probably dead. Half these places do not exist any more.

    25 min
  3. Protest Folk to Trap Beats to Bedroom Pop and WTF Taylor? - Dive Bar Music Club

    APR 5 ·  BONUS

    Protest Folk to Trap Beats to Bedroom Pop and WTF Taylor? - Dive Bar Music Club

    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
  4. APR 3

    Caffeine and Chords: The Brothers Comatose Spill the Beans

    From the Country Fried Rock archives in 2012: Ben Morrison of Brothers Comatose dives into the vibrant world of creativity and music in this laid-back chat on Country Fried Rock. The conversation kicks off with a breezy exploration of his roots in music, growing up in a household filled with jamming parents and a brother who keeps the rhythm alive with his banjo skills. They reminisce about those early days of acoustic living room concerts, where classic rock legends like Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones were their guiding stars, before shifting gears to discuss how they’ve evolved as a band into a unique blend of genres that keeps audiences on their toes. Ben shares the nitty-gritty of their recording process, emphasizing the importance of capturing the raw energy of live performances and the joy of collaborating with fellow artists, including a heartwarming story about discovering Nikki Bloom and the Gramblers at a festival. With some witty banter sprinkled throughout, they keep the vibe fun and relatable, making it clear that while the road to success can be rocky, it's all about enjoying the ride and creating music that resonates. Takeaways Ben Morrison of Brothers Comatose reminisces about growing up surrounded by music, thanks to his musician parents and lively music parties at home, which sparked his passion for playing.The band evolved from jamming in their living room to performing live, booking gigs, and developing their unique sound through collaborative songwriting.Morrison highlights the importance of live performance preparation, especially for a string band, to capture energy and engagement during shows without a drummer.Festival performances present unique challenges for string bands, requiring them to impress new audiences who are often sitting in lawn chairs, making energy and effort crucial to winning over crowds.Brothers Comatose embraces a variety of musical influences, blending traditional string band sounds with modern genres to create a more diverse and exciting live experience.The band's recording process has shifted to a more collaborative approach, allowing members to contribute to the songwriting and arrangement of new tunes before hitting the studio. Mentioned in this Episode Brothers ComatoseWeezerLed ZeppelinThe Rolling StonesThe KinksCalifornia Honey DropsNikki Bloom and the GramblersiTunesNucci's SpaceLily Pad productionsFull TonesSteve Soto in the Twisted Hearts Recommended If You Like Country Fried Rock, Ben Morrison interview, Brothers Comatose, country rock music, musician creativity, acoustic arrangements, live music performance, music inspiration, songwriting process, festival performances, San Francisco music scene, string band music, music collaboration, influences in music, coffee and music, music industry insights, recording process, band dynamics, music festivals, Americana music Mentioned in this episode: Don't Click Those Old Links! These podcast episodes are from 2009-2020. Links are probably dead. Half these places do not exist any more.

    19 min
  5. APR 3

    Kevin Gordon's Got a Home in Gloryland that Outshines the Sun

    From the Country Fried Rock archives of 2012: Kevin Gordon graces the airwaves of Country Fried Rock, diving deep into his latest album, Gloryland. He chats about how his early exposure to the sounds of legends like Jerry Lee Lewis and Ray Charles sparked his lifelong passion for roots music and Americana. Kevin shares some solid gold anecdotes from his time in Iowa, where he discovered a vibrant music scene that shaped his artistic voice and led him to Nashville. As he reflects on his evolution from punk rock to crafting poignant lyrics, it’s clear that authenticity and storytelling are at the forefront of his creative process. With a mix of nostalgia and humor, he highlights the serendipity of songwriting, revealing how life's twists and turns have influenced his work while giving a nod to the importance of collaboration in the ever-changing landscape of music. Takeaways Kevin Gordon's journey into music began as a kid dancing to classic tunes like Jerry Lee Lewis and Ray Charles at his parents' parties.He found his footing in music through a punk band in high school, where he learned the value of self-expression and the joy of covers.Moving to Iowa for grad school opened his eyes to the rich musical traditions of the Midwest and the Chicago blues scene.In Nashville, Kevin embraced the songwriting process, blending poetry and music to create lyrics that resonate on multiple levels.His latest record, Gloryland, reflects a more layered musical approach, taking time to develop each song in the studio.Collaboration is key for Kevin; his partnership with Gwil Owen allowed them to write songs that truly capture their artistic vision. Mentioned in this Episode Jerry Lee LewisRay CharlesXBo RamseyChessLittle Ed and the ImperialsSun SealsLeroy ParnellMarty BrownPam TillisCadillac Jack's Recommended If You Like country fried rock, Kevin Gordon, Americana music, roots music, Gloryland album, songwriting inspiration, Nashville music scene, blues influences, indie music, live music performances, music production, songwriting collaboration, music creativity, poetry and music, touring as a musician, music industry insights, Lake Charles music, East Nashville artists, Midwest music scene, independent music artists Mentioned in this episode: Don't Click Those Old Links! These podcast episodes are from 2009-2020. Links are probably dead. Half these places do not exist any more.

    27 min
  6. MAR 27

    The Jerry Garcia Gateway to Bluegrass for Town Mountain

    From our archives in 2012: Jesse Langlais from Town Mountain joins Country Fried Rock to dive deep into the roots of his bluegrass journey and the creative spark that fuels his music. He kicks things off by sharing how a chance encounter with a bluegrass CD transformed his musical path, leading him from a casual listener to a passionate banjo player. As the conversation flows, they explore the vibrant bluegrass scene in Asheville, where Jesse honed his craft alongside fellow musicians, fostering a community where creativity thrives. The duo also chats about the delicate balance between respecting traditional bluegrass and pushing the genre into fresh, uncharted territories. Tune in for a laid-back yet insightful chat that reveals how Jesse and Town Mountain are shaking up the bluegrass world while keeping it real. Show Notes Jesse Langlais of Town Mountain joins the podcast to share his journey into bluegrass music.Grew up surrounded by diverse musical influences, including Ray Charles and James Taylor, but didn’t pursue music seriously until his late teens.A chance encounter with a bluegrass CD featuring Jerry Garcia sparked his passion for the genre.Describes falling in love with the sound of the banjo and the journey to find the right instrument and musical identity.Reflects on moving to Asheville and becoming immersed in a thriving bluegrass community.Shares experiences from local jams and gatherings, including Shindig on the Green, highlighting the importance of community in bluegrass culture.Emphasizes how collaboration and shared musical experiences help preserve and evolve the genre.Discusses his early drive to write original music, even as a relatively new player.Explores the balance between honoring traditional bluegrass roots and pushing creative boundaries.Explains how Town Mountain blends authenticity with fresh sounds to reach both longtime fans and new listeners. Mentioned in this Episode Ray CharlesLittle FeatJames TaylorJerry GarciaBill MonroeFlatt and ScruggsStanley BrothersJimmy MartinAsheville Country Music ReviewMike BubDel McCoury BandScott VestalPine Castle RecordsPutumayoAllison Krauss and Union StationSam BushDavid Grisman Recommended If You Like country fried rock, bluegrass music, Jesse Longley, Town Mountain, music inspiration, Asheville music scene, bluegrass community, songwriting process, traditional bluegrass, progressive bluegrass, music creativity, banjo playing, live music performance, music collaboration, music recording process, original music, bluegrass jams, Appalachian music, Folk music, musician interviews Mentioned in this episode: Don't Click Those Old Links! These podcast episodes are from 2009-2020. Links are probably dead. Half these places do not exist any more.

    25 min
  7. MAR 27

    BJ Barham of American Aquarium Is Never Gonna Burn Flicker Die

    From our archives in 2012: BJ Barham, of American Aquarium, takes a deep dive into the whirlwind of creativity behind their new album in this laid-back chat. They kick things off by highlighting a key point: the band's commitment to evolving their sound with each release, as they embrace a different producer for every record. BJ shares some personal anecdotes about how his life experiences, especially those messy relationship moments, fuel his songwriting, creating a vivid backdrop for the band's narrative-rich lyrics. He also reflects on the unique chemistry within the band now compared to earlier days, emphasizing how their camaraderie allows for a more organic and collaborative creative process. As they gear up for an intense touring schedule, BJ expresses excitement about how their fans are already singing along to new songs, proving that the road has truly shaped their music and its reception. Show Notes BJ Barham, lead singer of American Aquarium, joins the Country Fried Rock podcast for a candid and engaging conversation about his musical journey.Barham reflects on his early days discovering music in high school and how those formative experiences carried into his college years.Shares how young love, heartbreak, and personal struggles became the foundation for his songwriting and artistic voice.Opens up about the cathartic nature of writing music and how channeling personal turmoil led to songs that deeply connect with fans.Discusses the band’s impressive run of releasing multiple albums in a short period, emphasizing their strong work ethic and creative momentum.Explains their approach to working with different producers for each project to create distinct sounds and avoid creative stagnation.Cites legendary influences like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, highlighting the importance of storytelling in songwriting.Encourages listeners to dig into the narratives within his lyrics and find personal meaning in the songs.Keeps the conversation light and entertaining with humor and relaxed, conversational storytelling.Shares memorable stories from touring, including the connections built with fans across the South and beyond.Talks about the excitement surrounding their upcoming album and the unique experience of playing unreleased songs live.Highlights how live performances allow fans to engage with new material before it’s officially released.Reflects on music’s power to bring people together and create shared emotional experiences.A mix of humor, honesty, and insight that showcases Barham’s passion and the band’s continued evolution while staying true to their roots. Mentioned in this Episode Chris StameyJason IsbellLone Star Music CompanyTurnpike TroubadoursGaslight AnthemBruce SpringsteenBob DylanPaul SimonCraig FinnAmanda ShiresJimmy NuttCaitlin CaryPeter HolsappleDonald Glover (Childish Gambino)Jay-ZJ. ColeThe Hold SteadyDrive-By TruckersDawesShovels & RopeTurnpike TroubadoursReckless KellyJason Boland & The StragglersLuceroThe LumineersThe KillersBrooks & DunnThe FulltonesSteve Soto and the Twisted HeartsTin RoofThe JinxWhite Water TavernThe TripleThe NationalJefferson TheaterFAME StudiosNuthouse Recording StudioAntique HeartsBones EPSmall Town HymnsBurn.Flicker.Die.Blonde on BlondeBorn to RunHeartbreakerNebraskaLast Chance RecordsNuçi’s Space Recommended If You Like Country Fried Rock, American Aquarium, BJ Barham interview, songwriting inspiration, music creativity, Raleigh music scene, indie country bands, folk rock music, live music performances, recording process, producer collaborations, narrative songwriting, emotional songwriting, music festivals, touring musicians, North Carolina bands, music industry insights, mental health for musicians, Americana music, musician interviews Mentioned in this episode: Don't Click Those Old Links! These podcast episodes are from 2009-2020. Links are probably dead. Half these places do not exist any more.

    32 min
  8. Welcome to the Amen Corner, R.E.M. Megafans, and Are Microtonal Instrumentals Even Better with a Gummy? - Dive Bar Music Club

    MAR 20 ·  BONUS

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

    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

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Music Uncovered, a Podcast from 2009-2020