2 Beers With The Band

How does a four-piece band take a four-year backlog of diverse, genre-spanning songs and shape them into a sprawling, 15-track album that refuses to stay in a single box? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with alternative rock ensemble Gears Inc. Recording out of Nashville's legendary Blackbird Studios, the band dives into the making of their expansive record Spiral, exploring how they balance multiple musical backgrounds (from rock and jazz to show tunes), why strict deadlines and box constraints fuel creativity, and the emotional weight behind personal tracks like "Your". The...

How does an independent singer-songwriter turn a rained-out gig and an impromptu firetruck interaction into a viral moment—and eventually land on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with Nashville-based folk-country artist Summerlyn Powers. Originally from Fairhope, Alabama, Summerlyn shares her musical journey from writing songs on a window bench at age nine to studying at Belmont University, being mentored by country music royalty Pam Tillis, and performing on the historic Grand Ole Opry. She also breaks down her southern rock-inspired track "The Hive", he...

How does a high-energy pop-rock band blend 80s Van Halen guitar riffs, church choir gospel harmonies, K-pop nostalgia, and jazz theory without being boxed into a single genre?

In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with Jeff Kuruma and Josh from Murfreesboro, half of Tennessee's own Aconundrum. Together, they break down the frustrations of navigating Nashville's oversaturated music scene, winning Murfreesboro's Battle of the Bands, and developing a "genre-fluid" sound that spans everything from 90-second prog-rock challenges to disco-inspired pop. The duo also discusses opening live shows with T...

How does an introverted kid with severe social anxiety transition into an energetic live performer making waves across the UK underground hip-hop scene? 

In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with Leicester-based MC, storyteller, and lyricist Young Springer. Together, they explore Young Springer's journey—from growing up watching his musician father perform in pubs to writing poetry in schoolbooks, discovering Eminem and Immortal Technique, overcoming a five-year music hiatus, and treating songwriting as emotional catharsis. 

Young Springer breaks down his track "Nobody Else," previews his emotional unreleased song "My L...

What does it take to build a sustainable, full-time career as an independent UK hip-hop artist? 

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with UK rappers Sam The Rapper and 7ury for an unfiltered breakdown of music, mindset, and multi-brand hustle. 

The duo shares how they went from living a street apart to managing three distinct musical identities—Sam The Rapper, 7ury, and their collaborative group DMT (Dead Men Talking)—while co-owning their event platform, Rumo 116. 7ury opens up about his 3-year sobriety milestone, while both artists explain why ev...

How does an independent UK hip-hop artist transform childhood nostalgia and literary influences into authentic, enduring rap? 

In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with independent UK MC and poet Douki. Together, they dive into Douki's creative origins, the profound impact of Tupac Shakur's book The Rose That Grew from Concrete, and why true success as an indie artist means achieving financial sustainability and creative freedom rather than chasing fleeting mainstream fame. 

Douki also breaks down his favorite track, "The Tower"—including its unique sample from the animated clas...

How can an independent artist overcome a childhood in the UK foster care system, walk away from a corporate marketing career, and build an authentic music career centered around a "sovereign mind"? 

In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with UK-based hip-hop artist and poet 7ury. Together, they discuss leaving marketing behind to pursue music full-time, the life-changing mindset shift inspired by grief and Jim Rohn's motto "Don't die with your music inside," playing over 100 live shows in a year through relentless DIY outreach, blending American hip-hop influences with UK s...

Can raw honesty, emotional vulnerability, and genuine community build a lasting legacy in an era dominated by superficial clout?

In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with Porterville, California hip-hop artist, songwriter, and aspiring author Jlooon.

Tracing his journey from skateboarding in a small Central Valley town to writing lyrics alone in his bedroom, Jlooon breaks down why making music has always been a form of personal therapy rather than a quest for fame. We dive into the Central Valley underground movement, building the Roughhouse community, navigating the realities...

Can raw lyricism, mental health advocacy, and unfiltered truth still thrive in an industry obsessed with quick clout?In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with UK-based rap artist, poet, and published author Sam The Rapper.

Tracing his 15-year journey from fast-paced 140 BPM East London grime to conscious storytelling, Sam opens up about the reality of the UK underground scene, using music and poetry as therapy, leading writing workshops in prisons, and publishing dark fiction novels under the pen name Sam Christopher. We break down his signature track "Truthfully", discuss why...

How can independent artists balance spoken word, boom bap hip-hop, and self-production over a decade-long creative journey? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with UK-based MC, spoken word artist, and beatmaker Rychusdon for an in-depth, track-by-track breakdown of his album Snakes and Ladders. Together, they discuss handling 100% of his own production, tackling heavy social commentary, faith, street realities, and staying true to authentic Hip-Hop craft.

🎵 ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In this interview, host Chris Schrum catches up with UK hip-hop artist and producer Rychusdon. Together, they expl...

How can independent producers transition into performing artists while building a career outside major industry hubs? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris sits down with Ipswich-based Dancehall and Jungle artist Genwe to discuss self-producing, performing live, curating events, and upcoming releases for 2026 and 2027. 
 
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this interview, host Chris catches up with UK dancehall and jungle artist Genwe over a 7.0% ABV IPA from Black Abbey Brewing. Together, they explore:  
• The DIY Studio Setup: Why buying your own equipment saves money and speeds up the workflow from writing to 24-hour...

How do independent artists balance touring between Australia and Nashville while navigating an ever-changing music industry? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris sits down with country artist Brittany Elise to discuss her creative process, live stage evolutions, staying independent, and what’s next for 2026 and 2027.

In this sit-down interview, host Chris catches up with Brittany Elise over a 7.1% ABV American IPA from Burial Brewing Company. Together, they explore:

The DIY Work Ethic: How taking online courses and learning from peers helps artists adapt to daily shifts in th...

Country singer-songwriter Scott Southworth returns to 2 Beers With The Band for an honest, value-packed conversation on navigating the music industry as an independent artist. Host Chris Shrum and Scott crack open a cold craft brew while dropping actionable advice on budget-friendly video shoots, creative touring hacks, and knowing when to say no.

Episode Overview

Setting Boundaries & Family First: Scott shares why he took July off from gigging to prioritize his 35-year marriage and how to structure tour schedules.

Knowing Your Worth: Why indie artists need to stop taking unpaid full-band gigs and hold...

In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, I sit down with West London rapper, poet, author, and overall creative polymath Douki for an unfiltered, deep-dive conversation. While we dive into his multi-faceted career, I’m sipping on an IPA while Douki cracks open a non-alcoholic Guinness 0.0—offering a candid review of its lighter texture and watered-down stout profile as he gets ready for a late-night wind-down and an early morning gym session. Right from the start, we establish that authentic hip-hop isn’t about chasing commercial trends; it’s about staying true to your roots, processing real-life struggle, and buil...

In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, I sit down with Scotland-based rapper, producer, and events manager Jay Lee for an exclusive, deep-dive interview. While we get into his musical background, I'm cracking open a Change of Heart IPA from Jackalope Brewing Company—a New Zealand-style IPA sitting at a smooth 6.6% ABV that brings a perfect, crisp balance to our session. Right from the first spin of his track "Cold Stare," we lay down the theme for the night: authentic music isn't about chasing radio trends, it's about staying true to your roots, your childhood upbringing, and the ra...

In the second half of my interview with the incredibly versatile DJ, published author, and music artist SB The Anomoly, we dive straight back into the mental and physical reality of managing a creative empire solo. While we chop it up, I am sipping on a classic Narragansett Lager, featuring their special USA 250th Anniversary Edition can. It has been quite some time since I’ve had a 'Gansett, and seeing the effort they put into honoring automotive and historical milestones through their branding sets the perfect tone for today's discussion on building an elite brand. We kick off th...

In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, I sit down with the incredibly talented indie artist Lil Red Fire to talk about music, resilience, and breaking barriers. While I dive into this conversation, I am sipping on a Hitchhiker IPA from Good People Brewing in Birmingham, Alabama—a heavy 7.8% ABV pour featuring a gorgeous, deep gold clarity and a beautifully foamy head. Right from the first sip, the juicy and floral aromas set the perfect backdrop for a deep, unfiltered conversation. We kick off the episode spinning Lil Red Fire's track "Don't Rush," a song that sets a po...

In the second half of my interview with the incredible UK hip hop and spoken word artist RychusDon, we dive right back into the grind while I sip on a Jackalope Light, locally born and brewed here in Nashville. We start things off with a wild question: if you could have a beer with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? RychusDon takes a completely unique angle, choosing an artist's parent to truly understand the roots of creativity. From there, we unpack what it really means to build an independent music brand in the UK scene. My lyrics...

In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, I sit down with the enigmatic artist MDV. To set the mood for a talk about traversing the boundaries of extreme genres, I sampled the Cowboy Hazy IPA from North Pine Street Brewing in Berlin, Wisconsin. This 7% ABV brew provided the perfect, bold backdrop for a deep dive into the dual worlds of metal and hip-hop.

MDV is a true genre-crosser, balancing the aggression of metal with the rhythmic precision of hip-hop. We discuss how his UK upbringing shaped his distinct sound and his refusal to fully commit...

In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, I sit down with Danny Riggs, a prolific UK-based singer, songwriter, and rapper who is a true multi-instrumentalist, proficient in guitar, drums, percussion, and keyboard. To fuel our discussion on the contrasts between the Nashville and UK music landscapes, I sampled the Wild Honey Wheat from Yazoo Brewing Company. This Nashville staple, known for its smooth, honey-infused profile, provided the perfect local backdrop as Danny and I explored his journey from playing every instrument in the room to building a career centered on artistic integrity.

Danny is a...

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with UK hip hop artist and independent force Shakezpeare. To set the mood for a conversation about the grit and soul of the British underground, I sampled the Nut Brown Ale from Samuel Smith. This classic brew, known for its traditional English character, provided the perfect backdrop as Shakezpeare sipped his coffee and we dove into the realities of the music industry across the pond.

Shakezpeare is the definition of a multifaceted creator. We discuss his powerful track "Redemption Is Not Free" and h...

In this episode of Two Beers with Ben, I sit down with Rychusdon, a unique voice in the UK scene who bridges the gap between the rhythmic flow of hip-hop and the profound resonance of spoken word. To set the mood for a conversation about authenticity and craft, we sampled Level Head from Greene King. This 4% ABV session IPA is a silver medalist at the World Beer Awards, offering a crisp, award-winning profile that perfectly complemented our deep dive into the underground.

Rychusdon is a master of the independent hustle, balancing his roles as an MC, beatmaker...

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with award-winning songwriter and Nashville veteran Scott Southworth. To set the mood for a talk about traditional roots, we sampled The Baron from Kaiser Crest Brewery in Lewisburg, TN. This 6.2% ABV Brown Ale is brewed using traditional German malts and recipes from Bamberg, resulting in a "clean," smooth profile with distinct notes of nuttiness and milk chocolate.

Scott is the definition of a working independent artist. We discuss his summer anthem, "Granny Used to Honky Tonk," and how he has managed to release seven consecutive...

In this concluding installment of New Release: The Talk, we pick up where we left off, diving into the second half of Kalvonix’s genre-bending album, Mr. Nostalgia. We’re breaking down the remaining tracks from the high-energy "TKO" to the emotional bookend "Alone in My Room II." To facilitate the deep dive, I’m sipping on Jackalope White, an All-American lager from Nashville’s own Jackalope Brewing Company. It’s a crisp, approachable beer that kept the conversation flowing as we analyzed the evolution from Track 8 to Track 14.

Kalvonix continues to prove that his shift from rap to 80s...

In this debut installment of our spinoff series, New Release: The Talk, we’re slowing things down to pull apart the layers of Kalvonix’s ambitious new project, Mr. Nostalgia. While we usually just grab a brew and chat, this time we’re breaking down the sound and visuals from the first note to the final frame. Sampling Nashville’s own Mill Creek Brewing, we dive into Shirt Tugger, a 6.2% ABV American Strong Pale Ale that provides the perfect backdrop for a trip down memory lane.

Kalvonix, long known in the scene as a rapper, surprises...

In this sprawling, high-energy episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sat down with a man who truly lives up to his name: SB The Anomaly. Before we dove into his multifaceted career, we cracked open a bottle of Chimmay, a potent 8% ABV ale.

SB is a whirlwind of talent—an international entertainer, DJ, publisher, author, choreographer, motivational speaker, actor, model, and life coach. We explored his transition from a classroom teacher to a full-time creative, his deep love for the storytelling in anime, and how he successfully overcame a stutter to become a pow...

In the second half of my interview with Patrick Sewalk, we pick up right where we left off, this time sampling Southern Fest from Nashville’s own Southern Grist Brewing. This 5.4% ABV Oktoberfest-style lager has a distinct "sourdough bread" profile—clear, amber, and slightly sweet with a clean, hoppy finish .

Patrick opens up about the "around-the-clock" hustle required to sustain an independent music career in Nashville. He balances his creative work with part-time bartending at Soho House and a side business in home remodeling . We discuss why building a life around flexibility is vital for any artist hopin...

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I’m joined by John Duggan, the force behind the world-famous JD Hip Hop Review. To keep things consistent, we both enjoyed a classic Stella Artois. I picked mine up at the grocery store after John mentioned it was his choice for the day—it’s a clean, 5% ABV lager that offered a crisp, slightly malty backdrop to a very real conversation about the music industry.

John takes us behind the scenes of his platform, which has become a vital "filter" and promotional tool for independent hip hop artist...

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I’m joined by Patrick Sewalk, a Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and "song maker." We dive into the distinction between simply writing a song and the holistic process of making one. To keep the creative juices flowing, Patrick brought along The Rose, a Pub Ale from Nashville’s own Black Abbey Brewing Company. This ESB (Extra Special Bitter) is a dry, malty, and incredibly drinkable English-style ale that served as the perfect backdrop for our deep dive into the indie music world.

Patrick discusses the origins of his musical proj...

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I’m joined by Noah (lead vocals/guitar) and Colin (lead guitar) of the Nashville-based independent band Point Taken. We kicked things off by sampling Golden Monkey, a Belgian-style Tripel from Victory Brewing Company. At a potent 9.5% ABV, this beer features subtle notes of banana, nutmeg, and baking spice, making it a surprisingly "dangerous" easy-drinker that certainly helped loosen us up for the conversation .

Point Taken isn't your average rock band; they are a seven-piece powerhouse featuring a full horn line that replaces traditional keys or syn...

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I’m joined once again by Kalvonix, a Vancouver-based hip-hop artist and a true "pro" when it comes to social media duets. For this conversation, I sampled the Wizard’s Order IPA from Nashville’s own Tailgate Brewing. This 6% ABV Tennessee craft beer features a citrus-heavy profile that resembles dark orange juice and offers a solid aroma with decent head retention .

Kalvonix dives deep into the world of digital collaboration, explaining how duetting allows an artist to follow another’s lead while adding their own unique "spin" or...

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I’m joined by 5th Lettah, a hip-hop artist and creative hailing from Denver, Colorado. We opened the show with his track "Flying Nimbus" and dived straight into the "Mountain" water he was sipping on—the carbonated classic Mountain Dew, which we discussed was originally created as a mixer for moonshine or "White Lightning" . On my end, I sampled Pale Green Horse, a 7.4% ABV hazy IPA that is a collaboration between Jester King Brewery and Nashville’s own Yazoo Brewing .

5th Lettah shares the fascinating intersection of his art an...

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with Mick Fury to discuss his "all over the place" musical journey and the realities of being an indie artist in the modern industry. We crack open a Celebration Bavarian Doppelbock from Ganger brewery—a 6.7% ABV beer that is rich in caramel, vanilla, and malt notes with very little bitterness. Our conversation kicks off with some nostalgia as we reminisce about drinking Guinness at McNamara’s and the "different monster" that is a Guinness overseas.

Mick shares the creative process behind his diverse sound...

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with Derek Clay of Gravistar Booking to explore a different side of the music industry. While the show normally focuses on the bands themselves, we shift gears to discuss the creation of indie music and the logistics required to actually get artists on stage. Derek is a key player in the Nashville scene, specializing in booking shoegaze, emo, and alternative rock bands.

We kick things off by discussing the "Golden Rule" of craft beer: always pouring into a glass to capture the full flavor profile a...

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I’m joined by Les Kerr, a prolific songwriter, musician, and journalist with twelve albums under his belt. We kept things classic with the drinks—Les went with a Corona, a "pedestrian" favorite that reminds him of playing beach bars along the Gulf Coast and the marketing influence of Jimmy Buffett. I tried out the Southern Crisp, a 4.4% ABV pilsner-style lager from Nashville’s own Southern Grist Brewing Company.

Les takes us on a journey from his youth in Pascagoula, Mississippi, to his long-standing music career in Nashville. He desc...

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I’m joined by Brittany Elise, a Nashville-based country artist originally from Australia. We crack open some serious drinks for this one—I shared a 2025 Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, a massive 14.8% ABV Imperial stout with notes of bourbon, vanilla, and even a hint of Australian Vegemite. Brittany kept it refreshing with a grape-flavored White Claw, a nod to her "cool vibes" upbringing near the Great Barrier Reef.

Brittany shares her incredible journey from singing at age seven and representing Australia in national sports to overcoming a rare injur...

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I’m joined by $imbuh to talk about his recent releases and his journey as an independent artist. We enjoyed some heavy hitters for this session, with me sipping on a Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Cocoa Porter (8% ABV)—a rich, medium-bodied brew with notes of brown sugar and bourbon. $imbuh kept it crisp with an Angry Orchard as we dove into the realities of the music scene.

$imbuh shares how his music is a direct reflection of his life experiences, blending his own personal journey with stories shared by other...

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I’m joined for a second time by Kalvonix (Mr. Nostalgia) to dive deep into his evolving sound and creative visual storytelling. We kick things off with a Black Chocolate Stout from Brooklyn Brewery—a heavy 10% ABV Russian Imperial Stout that sets a warm, earthy tone for a wide-ranging conversation.

Mr. Nostalgia opens up about the symbolism in his latest music videos, specifically the "happy cat" character that represents overcoming dark times and finding light after a "breakup" or personal struggle. We also discuss his bold decision to label...

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sat down with C.J. Brewer, a multifaceted musician, producer, songwriter, and special event performer. C.J. gives us an honest look into the reality of making a full-time income in music: while he writes and produces original music, he primarily makes his money by covering other people's songs for private events.

C.J. breaks down his life as an event performer—from playing weddings and corporate parties to birthdays and backyard barbecues year-round. He explains how he is hired through an agency and details his role in...

Welcome back to Two Beers With The Band for the second part of our interview with LeVan The Man! After sharing his background as a photographer and producer, we dive deeper into the mindset required to sustain a creative career. LeVan opens up about the crucial connection between mental health and music , discussing his personal use of meditation and how the focused mindset from physical exercise (like doing 100 pushups) directly translates to his creative flow.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we explore the intentionality behind his beats. LeVan discusses his process for creating roughly 1,000 beats a...