Country Fried Rock

Sloane Spencer

Music Uncovered, a Podcast from 2009-2020

  1. Record Store Day, Public Radio, and Music Loose Associations - Dive Bar Music Club

    APR 20 ·  BONUS

    Record Store Day, Public Radio, and Music Loose Associations - Dive Bar Music Club

    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
  2. APR 17

    The Sheepdogs' Ewan Curry

    From our archives in 2012: Ewan Curry from The Sheepdogs joins the podcast for a relaxed chat about the band’s journey from bored university students to rock ’n’ roll success. He talks about finally embracing their dream, developing their harmony-driven sound, and grinding their way from small Canadian bars to US tours. They also touch on their latest self-titled album and how live shows shape their music. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Country Fried Rock03:10 - The Evolution of the Sheepdogs08:25 - The Journey to Their Self-Titled Album11:47 - Recording Process and Challenges18:13 - Transitioning to New Creative Directions19:34 - The Evolution of Our Music and Touring Plans Mentioned in this Episode Atlantic RecordsAthens, GeorgiaAustraliaBeckBlack Box RevelationBlack KeysBuffalo KillersChad BlakeChicagoCreamCountry Fried RockEwan CurryGregg AllmanHumble PieJimi HendrixJoel CarrierJohn FogertyKings of LeonKinksLollapaloozaLondon, EnglandMonster TruckNuci's SpaceOsheagaPat CarneyPeter FramptonPhiladelphiaPink FloydPortlandRolling StoneSan FranciscoSasquatch! Music FestivalSaskatoonSeattleSheepdogsTenacious DThe Allman Brothers BandThe BeatlesThe Full TonesThe Twisted HeartsThe White StripesUnited StatesWinnipegYukon Blonde Recommended If You Like Country Fried Rock, Ewan Curry, Sheepdogs band, music inspiration, rock band development, live music performance, guitar playing journey, songwriting process, Canadian music scene, music festivals, audience engagement, vocal harmonies, music recording experience, major label album, band dynamics, music career growth, touring experiences, indie rock bands, musical influences, live gig strategies, Ewan Curry interview, The Sheepdogs interview, Country Fried Rock podcast, Canadian rock bands, indie rock interviews, rock band origin stories, university band beginnings, touring musicians life, live performance rock bands, vocal harmony rock music, classic rock influences, Beatles inspired bands, Kinks influence, Jimi Hendrix influence, Kings of Leon covers, Black Keys influence, White Stripes era rock, garage rock revival 2000s, Saskatoon music scene, Winnipeg live music, Canadian bar gigs, indie bands touring Canada, US rock tour, headlining US tour, Chicago live music scene, Double Door Chicago venue, Philadelphia concert crowds, Seattle music scene, Portland music venues, San Francisco live music, New York music industry, Atlantic Records artists, Rolling Stone competition bands, breakout indie bands, band success stories, rock band struggles, music industry challenges, independent musicians journey, songwriting process rock, recording studio experience, Pat Carney producer, Chad Blake mixing engineer, album production process, self titled album release, touring Australia music, international rock tours, Coachella festival lineup, Sasquatch Music Festival, Lollapalooza lineup, Osheaga festival Montreal, live music festivals, opening for John Fogerty, Kings of Leon tour, Black Box Revelation band, Buffalo Killers band, Yukon Blonde tour, Monster Truck band Canada, indie rock collaborations, Guitar Hero generation fans, Pink Floyd influence, Allman Brothers inspiration, Joe Walsh influence, Peter Frampton Humble Pie, rock music evolution, band harmonies and melody, grassroots fanbase growth, music promotion strategies, indie band marketing, music video production challenges 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. APR 17

    Steep Canyon Rangers' Graham Sharp: From Chapel Hill to Asheville to the Grammys

    From our archives in 2012: Graham Sharp from the Steep Canyon Rangers talks about where it all began, digging into his roots in bluegrass and how the band found its voice along the way. He shares how a mix of curiosity, creativity, and a few lucky breaks helped turn casual college jam sessions in Chapel Hill into a full-fledged career. Along the way, he paints a picture of the Asheville, North Carolina music scene and the role it played in shaping their sound early on. The conversation moves through the band’s evolution, from honoring traditional bluegrass to pushing into new territory with original songwriting. With plenty of humor and honesty, Graham also gets into what it’s like to stay creative on the road, how live performances keep the music alive, and how the band continues to adapt as the music world keeps changing. It’s a relaxed, heartfelt look at the journey behind the sound. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Country Fried Rock02:41 - The Roots of Bluegrass Discoveries04:39 - The Journey to the First Record11:01 - The Creative Process of Recording14:31 - The Art of Music Packaging18:00 - Mountain Song Festival and Charitable Efforts Mentioned in this Episode Ashland, KentuckyAsheville, North CarolinaAthens, GeorgiaBedrockBill MonroeBoys and Girls ClubBrevard, North CarolinaBurlington, North CarolinaChapel Hill, North CarolinaColoradoCurtis Burch/New Grass RevivalDallas, TexasDavid Grisman QuintetDel McCouryDella MaeFull TonesHot RizeIBMA Awards (International Bluegrass Music Association Awards)J.D. CroweJames TaylorJimmy MartinJohn HartfordKruger BrothersLarry KeelLions, ColoradoMiami, FloridaMountain Song at SeaMountain Song FestivalNew Grass RevivalNew YorkNoiseTradeNorwegian Cruise LineNorth CarolinaNuci’s SpacePaul SimonPisgah National ForestPunch BrothersRaleigh, North CarolinaRocky Grass FestivalShannon WhitworthSixth ManSteve MartinSteve Soto and the Twisted HeartsTelluride Bluegrass Festival (1976 recording referenced)Town MountainTransylvania County, North CarolinaTravelin’ McCourysUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillWestern North CarolinaWinnipeg Folk Festival Recommended If You Like bluegrass music, Steep Canyon Rangers, Graham Sharp interview, music inspiration, Asheville music scene, bluegrass community, traditional music, songwriting process, music festivals, live music performance, banjo music, music collaboration, Northern Carolina music, music creativity, acoustic music, roots music, music production, Mountain Song Festival, Steve Martin, music, Country Fried Rock podcast, Graham Sharp interview, Steep Canyon Rangers, bluegrass music, traditional bluegrass, modern bluegrass bands, Asheville North Carolina music scene, Brevard North Carolina, Western North Carolina musicians, Chapel Hill music scene, University of North Carolina music, Raleigh Durham music community, North Carolina bluegrass, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, RockyGrass Festival Colorado, Lions Colorado music festival, banjo learning, bass player bluegrass, songwriting process, band collaboration, live performance music, touring musicians life, recording studio process, album production, bluegrass songwriting, Americana music, acoustic music festivals, folk festival Winnipeg, Mountain Song Festival, Mountain Song at Sea cruise, Sixth Man productions, Norwegian cruise music festival, Miami music cruise, Steve Martin bluegrass collaboration, Paul Simon live performance, Stevie Wonder concert, James Taylor performance, Del McCoury band, Travelin McCourys, Punch Brothers, Kruger Brothers, Della Mae band, Town Mountain band, Shannon Whitworth music, Larry Keel bluegrass, David Grisman Quintet, New Grass Revival, Hot Rize, John Hartford music, Norman Blake guitar, Bill Monroe bluegrass pioneer, Jimmy Martin bluegrass, JD Crowe banjo, bluegrass influences, roots music, Americana songwriting, indie folk bluegrass, live music experience, festival performances, opening acts music, music collaboration, creative process musicians, songwriting on the road, band practice and rehearsal, independent musicians, music industry changes, digital music vs vinyl, physical album sales, vinyl records bluegrass, music streaming trends, audience engagement live shows, nonprofit music support, Nuçi’s Space Athens Georgia, mental health for musicians, Boys and Girls Club Transylvania County, Pisgah National Forest music community, music charity events, album artwork design Bedrock, Dallas design company, music branding and packaging, independent record production, grassroots music scene, college band beginnings, jam sessions musicians, acoustic instruments bluegrass, harmony singing, traditional roots sound 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.

    22 min
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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

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Music Uncovered, a Podcast from 2009-2020