The Beach Maniac Island Music Podcast

Beach Maniac Bill Hurley
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  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS

Ever wonder what wild, wacky, touching, or downright amazing stories are hiding behind the music you love? Well, you're in the right place. So grab your sunscreen, put on your shades, lean back in your beach chair and get ready to discover the inside stories behind some of today’s biggest Trop Rock and Island Music hits and artists. 

  1. 2D AGO

    Are AI Music Generators Evil or Awesome?

    In this special episode of the Beach Maniac Island Music Podcast, host Bill Hurley asks AI itself about the pros and cons of AI Music Generators such as Suno. Are they a threat to real musicians or are they a valuable tool to help boost musicians' creativity?

  2. JAN 26

    Doyle Grisham

    In this engaging conversation, Doyle Grisham, the legendary pedal steel guitar player for the Coral Reefer Band, shares insights into his life on the road, the evolution of touring, and the emotional connection he has with his music. He reflects on his long-standing collaboration with Jimmy Buffett, the significance of the pedal steel guitar, and the importance of creating a unique musical identity. Doyle also offers advice for aspiring musicians and discusses the legacy of Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band in the Trop Rock genre.

  3. 12/16/2025

    The Music of Donny Brewer

    Trop Rock artist Donny Brewer talks with Beach Maniac Island Music Podcast host Bill Hurley about his songs, his career, his love of the Trop Rock community, his strong family connections, and much more.

  4. 11/10/2025

    Kenny and Nell Tice from Radio Trop Rock

    Kenny and Nell Tice are two of the most fun and talented people on the Trop Rock scene. As hosts of the Livin’ Like Kenny program, they orchestrate a three-hour weekly escape that brings you sunshine, laughter and plenty of great tunes every Wednesday night on Radio Trop Rock. But they’re not just radio show hosts, they are huge supporters and promoters of Trop Rock music and Trop Rock musicians. And they’re always good for a few laughs!

  5. 10/13/2025

    The Music of Christopher Dale

    Christopher Dale is one of the most gifted and entertaining musicians on the Trop Rock circuit today. Christopher, based out of San Diego, is noted for expertly combining storytelling and humor. And - quoting from his website - “his catchy songwriting and remarkable vocal range coupled with candid storytelling and an unparalleled devotion to entertain the audience makes each Christopher Dale live performance a memory that sticks to you like Super Glue!”

  6. 09/15/2025

    The Music of Don Middlebrook

    Don Middlebrook is truly one of legends of Trop Rock. In fact, he is commonly considered to be a Founding Father of the genre. With his silky smooth voice, natural talent as a prolific songwriter with over 150 songs to his credit, and with a rich history of working hard and performing year-round at virtually every type of venue from northern Michigan to Key West Florida, Don is one of the most respected and revered musicians of the Trop Rock genre. He has won Songwriter of the Year and Album of the Year awards from the Trop Rock Music Association, among many other credits, and has released about 20 albums in his illustrious career.

  7. 07/24/2025

    The Music of Greg Mihaly

    You probably know Greg Mihaly from his melodic Trop Rock tune, Sunshades on 30A. In that song, Greg takes us on a musical tour of the iconic Highway 30A in the Florida Panhandle, singing about the white sand beaches, emerald waters and the laid-back charm of the beach towns dotting the Gulf Coast. While Sunshades on 30A has become his signature song in the Trop Rock world, Greg's music stretches far beyond that. He blends gritty rock, coastal vibes, and introspective lyrics into a sound that's truly his own, something he highlights in another standout track called A Little Bit of Everything. In this Podcast, Greg talks about his unique style, his journey in Trop Rock, his background, and his deep appreciation for the musicians and fans who have warmly welcomed him in the Trop Rock community.

  8. 06/20/2025

    Alan Jax Bowers: A One-Man Trop Rock Factory

    Alan Jax Bowers is one of the secret weapons behind many of your favorite Trop Rock songs. Whether he's performing live on stage, laying down killer drum tracks in his Florida studio, producing and engineering records, or just being the guy every artist calls when they need musical magic, Alan Jax Bowers is everywhere in the world of island music. He's worked with some of the biggest names in Trop Rock, Sunny Jim, Monallo, Mark Mulch, Jonas Lorence, Jesse Rice, Donny Brewer, and so many more. And there's a good chance that when you hear a Trop Rock song on the radio, Jax had a hand in it.

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About

Ever wonder what wild, wacky, touching, or downright amazing stories are hiding behind the music you love? Well, you're in the right place. So grab your sunscreen, put on your shades, lean back in your beach chair and get ready to discover the inside stories behind some of today’s biggest Trop Rock and Island Music hits and artists. 

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