Americana Curious
The podcast that unearths hidden Americana gems, shares untold stories from legends, and proves music still has the power to move us all. If you believe Americana music can transform the world, you’re in the right place. Too many overlook its raw beauty and power to connect, heal, and inspire. We spotlight the artists carrying that torch — unsung heroes writing the soundtrack to something bigger. Each week, hosts Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz bring you intimate, entertaining conversations with artists changing the world one song at a time — like Old Crow Medicine Show, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, The Wood Brothe...
Reckless Kelly: They Rejected Nashville to Build a 30-Year Indie Career | Willie Braun
How does an independent band stay true to its roots, resist industry pressure, and survive for over three decades?
In this episode of Americana Curious, hosts Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz sit down with Willie Braun, frontman and lead singer of the legendary country-rock band Reckless Kelly.
Long before sold-out shows and a devoted following, the band survived by pooling "Band Bucks," sleeping on bar floors, and driving a banged-up $1,500 Suburban.
Willie opens up about their early days playing seven nights a week in Austin, getting a stamp of approval from icons like...
Mason Jennings: Turning Down Rick Rubin, Battling Agoraphobia, and Chasing Truth Over Fame
What happens when a musician completely rejects the corporate machine?
In this episode of Americana Curious, Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz sit down with singer-songwriter Mason Jennings to discuss his incredible 30-year independent career.
Mason opens up about why he walked away from major label record deals, what it was really like working with (and turning down) Rick Rubin, his fun connection to Prince, and his internal battle with crippling agoraphobia and panic attacks on tour.
Whether you are an independent musician navigating the modern landscape of Soundcloud and AI or a fan...
What Bruce Springsteen Teaches About Leadership, Community, and the E Street Band | Andy Freed
What can leaders learn from Bruce Springsteen?
A lot more than you might think.
In this special crossover episode from the Lead the Team podcast, Ben sits down with Andy Freed—CEO, author, and a devoted Springsteen fan who has attended nearly 100 Bruce Springsteen concerts.
Over the years, Andy noticed something remarkable: many of the leadership lessons taught in boardrooms are being demonstrated night after night on stage by Bruce and the E Street Band.
From how he acknowledges his band members to how he commands attention for three hours, Springsteen ha...
Bella White: The Rising Americana Voice You Need to Hear
Some artists sound polished. Some artists sound real. The rare ones give you both.
I caught up with backstage at the Charleston Pour House right before she took the stage — you can hear the traffic outside, the crowd starting to buzz, and the energy building before the show.
At just 25 years old, Bella is writing songs with an emotional honesty and depth that feels timeless.
We talked about emotional restlessness, life between places, quietly commanding a room, and how heartbreak and searching have shaped her songwriting.
She also opened up about ev...
Winyah (Right Before They Blew Up)
Winyah had 3 songs.
Then they got the call to play Bonnaroo.
No album.
Just a deadline.
So they did what most people won’t:
They locked in.
Slept on couches.
Finished an entire record in weeks.
Fast forward—
They’re opening High Water Festival in Charleston…
stepping on stage in front of 15,000..
And here’s what surprised me most:
They’re playing the long game.
→ Eating clean on tour
→ Running between shows
→ Th...
TAJ MAHAL Influenced Bob Marley (And Why Music Feels Different Today)
What does Taj Mahal understand about music… that most artists still miss today?
How did his approach to sound end up influencing Bob Marley?
What does it actually mean to feel music instead of just hearing it?
And what have we lost… now that music has become something we just consume?
In this episode, Taj Mahal—five-time Grammy winner and one of the architects of modern Americana—shares a radically different way of thinking about music, connection, and culture.
From growing up surrounded by gospel, jazz, and radio… to shaping a...
John-Robert: Dropped by His Label While Delivering Pizza…Then Everything Changed
What happens when your dream falls apart… right in the middle of a pizza shift?
John-Robert was closing at work when he got the call…
he’d been dropped by his label.
Most artists don’t come back from that. He moved home to Virginia…
built a studio.
and started making music nonstop.
No label.
No plan B.
No guarantees.
Today, his music has millions of streams around the world.
But the real story isn’t just the success… it’s the life...
MORGXN:Nashville Said No, He Said YES!
MORGXN, the Americana artist who just redefined what the Heartland means, joins Ben and Zach on Americana Curious for a conversation that you'll never forget.
Early in his career, he was told he’d never make it in Nashville as an openly gay artist. So he left.
But something pulled him back. Instead of abandoning the music… he decided to reclaim something bigger.
The Heartland.
Not as a place owned by a genre or a stereotype but as a place that BELONGS TO EVERYONE.
Along the way, he’s collab...
The Songs that Shaped Us (Lore of Americana Curious)
Some songs don’t just play; They mark seasons of your life.
And you don’t realize it until years later.
These are the Americana songs that shaped who we (Ben and Zach) have become.
As you'll hear it's not because they were chart-toppers or because everyone else loved them...
...it's because they found us at a very specific moment.
A long drive after a hard loss.
A tiny club when you felt invisible.
A lyric that said what you couldn’t say out loud.
T...
Al Nicol: Masculinity, Mortality & Groove
There are voices that impress you.
And then there are voices that feel like they’ve been EARNED.
Al Nicol’s voice carries the high lonesome ache of Bill Monroe, the raw vulnerability of early Bon Iver, and the spiritual sway of Neil Young’s Harvest era.
But what makes it unforgettable isn’t tone it’s the absolute TRUTH.
In this episode of Americana Curious, Al opens up about masculinity, mortality, anxiety, and the years he spent “on the sidelines of life.”
He shares how confronting severe athletic anorexia and t...
Emily Scott Robinson (Songs That Outlast Us)
Emily Scott Robinson isn’t chasing hits....She’s writing for your funeral.
It's not dark...It's called powerful depth!
In our conversation, Emily shares with us that she wants to write songs that are singable 40 years from now.
Not viral...Not trending this weekend...Not forgotten next month.
FORTY YEARS
The industry rewards noise.
Speed.
Algorithms.
“Content.”
But Emily Scott Robinson is building something much harder:
...Songs people sing in churches.
...Songs people sing at funerals.
...
The Band of Heathens Went Platinum While Staying Independent (How They Did It)
20 YEARS. 0 LABELS. 1 PLATINUM RECORD.
💿🔥 Most bands don’t make it past year five.
They call it the “Valley of Death” because 95% of indie artists don’t make it out alive.
But The Band of Heathens just crossed 20 years, went Platinum, and they never signed the lease to a major label.
How did they do it?
1️⃣ Surviving the Crossroads: At year six, the band almost folded. They had to ask: “Is the soul of the band intact enough to keep going?”. They chose the music over the exit ramp.
2️⃣ The "Lifer" Ment...
Best Americana Music of 2025
Ben and Zach pull back the curtain on the albums that defined the last year and the artists poised to explode in 2026.
From hard-working storytellers out of North Carolina to "super groups" creating interplanetary harmonies, this conversation isn't about a random "best of" list...
...it’s about the JEWELS and POWERHOUSE ALBUMS records that stayed on repeat.
Why You Need to Listen:
- The "Sonic Bloom": Discover why one artist’s live show was nicknamed a "sonic boom" and which sister-duo is currently "melting faces" with electric slide guitar.
- Br...
Nicki Bluhm Moved 2,000 Miles to Find Her Real Voice (and Her New Sound on Rancho Deluxe)
The industry wanted virality. She wanted honesty.
Guess who won?
She walked away from the band, the marriage, the map — and somehow walked straight into her true voice.
Nikki Bluhm didn’t plan the reinvention.
She didn’t chase the algorithm.
She didn’t engineer a “moment.”
She just told the truth.
This is a woman whose band once went viral… in a van.
Millions and millions of people watched something recorded on an iPhone, mixed by flipping mics and shuffling bandmates between seats.
B...
Jake Owen's Americana Rebirth
Jake Owen iis a platinum-selling artist with ten #1 hits, a Breakthrough Artist of the Year winner, and one of the most recognizable voices in modern country.
You know him from “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Beachin’,” and “American Country Love Song.”
But after two decades at the top, Jake Owen did something most artists never dare to do - he reinvented everything.
He stepped away from what was comfortable, bet on himself, and made the most honest music of his life.
In this powerful conversation, Jake opens up about taking risks, trusting his gut, and c...
Stella Prince - Just Booked 1,000 Shows (All By Herself)
At just 21 years old, Stella Prince has already done what most artists spend a lifetime chasing.
She’s been called “the artist bringing folk music to Gen Z” by Forbes, sang at a John Prine tribute in Nashville, and will record her debut album under the Northern Lights in Iceland.
But what struck me most wasn’t her voice (which has shades of Joni Mitchell and Brandi Carlile)…
It was her work ethic and gratitude.
For seven years, she handled everything — booking, performing, social, promotion — completely solo.
Then, in the last nine...
Them Coulee Boys - “Change breaks you before it makes you.” (Soren Staff)
There’s a kind of wisdom that only comes from the road.
Soren Staff from Them Coolee Boys summed it up in six words:
“Change breaks you before it makes you.”
He wasn’t being dramatic — just honest.
Because for them, it’s not theory.
They’ve lived it.
From playing 10 a.m. festival slots while people were still setting up tents —
“The first time we played there… it was like 10 a.m. on a Friday… the next year they were like, ‘How would you like to headline Friday...
Briscoe: From DMB, Newport Folk Festival, and Campfires
Briscoe has an incredible story, and you need to hear it now!
Two redheaded kids in the same pair of Chaco sandals at summer camp. A back-porch pact to start a band if they ever wound up at the same college.
And now—sharing the stage with Dave Matthews and lighting up the Newport Folk Festival.
You’ll want to say you discovered this band first.
🔥 From campfire harmonies of John Prine’s “Paradise”…
🔥 …to self-producing their earliest tracks, experimenting with banjos, saxophones, and mandolins…
🔥 …to commanding 20,000 strangers who didn’t know t...
Wagon Wheel, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Ketch Secor (The Untold Story of Americana’s Biggest Hit)
He’s the man behind “Wagon Wheel” — the song that went from a Bob Dylan fragment to a global anthem, covered by Darius Rucker, sung at campfires, weddings, and stadiums everywhere. But few know the real story of how it was written.
In this exclusive interview, Ketch Secor, founder of Old Crow Medicine Show, shares:
-How “Wagon Wheel” was finished when he was just 17
-What it was like taking old-time string band music from the streets to the Grand Ole Opry
-The wild early days of busking, sleeping on couches, and chasing the...
Why Country Radio Will Never Play Luke Tyler Shelton (And That’s a Good Thing)
Mainstream country radio has no room for voices like Luke Tyler Shelton—and that’s exactly why his music matters.
In this episode of Americana Curious, Ben and Zach sit down with rising Americana artist Luke Tyler Shelton, whose debut album Blue Sky (produced by Shooter Jennings) is already winning over true music lovers.
From writing songs in parking lots to sharing the stage at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion, Luke’s story is proof that the future of country music isn’t on the radio—it’s in the raw, soulful spaces where authenticity lives.
🎶...
Sammy Rae and The Friends: The Wild Story You’ve Never Heard
Sammy Rae and The Friends didn’t just start a band—they sparked a movement. 🎤✨
In this unforgettable interview, Sammy Rae and The Friends reveal the wild story behind a tour bus breakdown that turned into something legendary…and the moment a single letter changed everything.
From sold-out shows at Red Rocks to creating a global community of belonging, Sammy Rae and The Friends share how their high-octane, genre-defying energy is inspiring fans around the world.
Watch now to discover why this band is something you have to see to believe.
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The Last Revel Just Bet EVERYTHING on This Album (Americana will NEVER be the Same)
From Dive Bars to John Mayer: The Last Revel’s Journey is Unbelievable!
Three musicians.
One relentless vision.
And a record that feels like the point of no return.
From Midwest dive bars to sharing stages with John Mayer, The Last Revel has always played like there’s something at stake.
But this time…it’s different.
They locked themselves away in a legendary studio.
They called in heroes to push them past their limits.
They bet everything on one album — the fastest, rawest, mo...
Ryan Necci - Truth. Trauma. Viral Harmony
He didn’t chase the spotlight. He built a bonfire of truth—and let the crowd find him.
Ryan Necci never set out to be a full-time musician and songwriter.
He was a graphic designer. A weekend warrior.
Then life cracked wide open.
A brain tumor.
A rescue dog fighting cancer.
A marriage ending.
And through it all—songs poured out.
🎶 Songs that bruised like Springsteen.
🖤 Lyrics that cut like Isbell.
🔥 A growl that hits you in the gut like Stapleton...
Sons of the East - 700 Million Streams and NO LABEL...with Nic Johnston
700 Million Streams. No Label - Sons of the East
🎶 They tracked a stolen tour bus with AirTags.
🎤 They played their hearts out in front of Bill Murray.
🩲 And yes… they lost a full cube of fresh undies on tour.
Sons of the East didn’t blow up overnight.
They built their global cult following the hard way:
No major label.
No viral gimmick.
Just killer harmonies, soulful songs, and relentless touring.
Nic Johnston dropped in on Americana Curious to share the wild ride fro...
Kelsey Waldon - Monkey’s Eyebrow to the Country Music Hall of Fame
From Monkey’s Eyebrow to the Country Music Hall of Fame
She learned to write songs before she learned to drive.
Raised in the swampy river bottoms of rural Kentucky—riding a John boat to her dad’s hunting lodge—Kelsey Waldon found her way from front porches and thumb-picked guitars to sharing stages with Willie Nelson and Tanya Tucker.
🎙 Signed to John Prine’s legendary Oh Boy Records
🎧 Played the Grand Ole Opry
✍️ Her handwritten lyrics now live in the Country Music Hall of Fame
But the climb wasn’t all...
The Lone Bellow - Zach Williams, TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH
TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH: THE BIRTH OF THE LONE BELLOW 🎙️
What if heartbreak could spark healing?
This episode of Americana Curious is one for the soul. 🎧 We sit down with Zach Williams—frontman of The Lone Bellow—to uncover the raw story of how a life-altering accident became the catalyst for a musical movement.
💔 A broken neck.
🎸 A journal turned song.
🔥 A voice discovered in a Starbucks open mic.
🌆 A Brooklyn bond that became a band.
From writing his first songs while his wife recovered from paralysis, to packing ou...
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors- Americana Music that Heals and Unites
Drew Holcomb is more than just a musician—he’s a cultural force who has spent nearly two decades writing the soundtrack to our lives.
You need to know Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors now!
In this powerful episode of Americana Curious, Drew opens up about his journey from independent artist to community builder, while staying true to his voice.
Discover the man behind the music that has touched millions, from his early music to his latest album Memory Bank.
But what makes Drew Holcomb’s story most unique?
Well it’s n...
JD Clayton - Blue Sky Sundays
Dirt Road Rising!
JD Clayton didn’t wait for permission. He wrote the songs, built the band, produced the album—and now he’s building a movement one dirt road and bass drop at a time.
Instead, he's ripping stages across America, self-producing records that slap you in the soul, and proving that roots music doesn’t have to play by the rules.
In this episode, we dive into the unpredictable rise of a Southern preacher’s grandson turned genre-blending Americana artist with a voice built for vinyl and a mindset built for the grind...
Susto's Justin Osborne - Susto String Band
Soulful Reckoning
Ever wondered how a band can bridge the gap between rock and roll energy and old-time Appalachian soul?
Justin Osborne, the driving force behind Susto, is doing just that. But there's a twist – a journey of self-discovery, a departure from the familiar, and a dive into the heart of Americana.
His story is one of transformation and a constant search for meaning.
From a background steeped in religion to finding a new spiritual connection through music, his path is both compelling and deeply human.
It's about navigating th...
The Wood Brothers, Oliver Wood - Music as Medicine
Americana Rawness Rules
Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers, a cornerstone of modern Americana for two decades, reveals the surprising shift in their songwriting that keeps their sound soulful and timeless.
The acclaimed band, beloved by critics and fans alike, has carved a unique path.
But how did they maintain their signature sound while navigating the pressures of bigger venues and broader appeal?
Discover the power of "less is more" and the magic of brotherly telepathy that fuels their captivating performances.
Learn how they balance intimacy and impact, on...
She Returns from War - Make Your Own Magic, Live Your Own Truth
She Returns From War
Singer-songwriter Hunter Park, known for her moniker She Returns From War, embodies the spirit of the modern South.
With a voice that carries both tenderness and raw power, she's captivating audiences and challenging the status quo. 🎤 But what does it mean to return from war as a musician? 🤔
Hunter's journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and embracing her true identity in a conservative environment.
Her music explores themes of overcoming adversity, finding strength within, and creating a community of acceptance.
But what was it like for he...
Paul McDonald - Unleash the Voice
True Voice
What does it mean to truly own your voice?
Paul McDonald's journey isn't just a career arc; it's a testament to the unwavering spirit of an artist who refused to be defined by anyone else's expectations.
From the dizzying heights of an epic finish on American Idol to the soulful depths of his own creation, he walked away from the machine and built something real and powerful.
This isn't just about music; it's about the courage to rewrite your own story, the grit to overcome setbacks, and the unwavering...
Fancy Gap - Craziest. Collab. Ever.
Craziest. Collab. Ever.
Stu McLamb and Charles Crossingham of Fancy Gap, share the secrets behind their incredible album and how it became like the musical "Brady Bunch".
During the summer of 2020, when the world was in lockdown, Stu and Charles found themselves with a unique opportunity.
They decided to reach out to some of their musical heroes, including Sharon Van Etten, Adam Lazzara of Taking Back Sunday, and Rami Jaffee of the Foo Fighters.
To their surprise, these renowned artists added their artistry collaboration...
...and the result was a...
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes: Grammy, Singer, Fidler
Singer, Fiddler, Grammy
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, recently Grammy-nominated bluegrass artist, shares her incredible journey from playing fiddle as a child to stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist.
Note that she's already won her first Grammy for her work with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway.
Discover how the pandemic became a catalyst for her to find her voice and create a Grammy-nominated album.
Bronwyn's story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever felt hesitant to pursue their dreams.
She shares how she overcame her fears and found the courage t...
Ron Pope - American Man, American Music
American Man, American Music
Ron Pope, singer-songwriter and founder of Brooklyn Basement Records, shares his unfiltered thoughts on the music industry and the challenges of staying independent.
His journey is a testament to his resilience and artistic drive.
Discover the untold stories behind his music, the lessons he’s learned, and the inspiration that keeps him going.
And don’t miss his latest album, American Man, American Music...a powerful and personal testament to his journey as an artist and an individual.
You’ll Also Discover:
How to Sup...
7 Bands You Need to Know Now - Unleash Your Music Curator
Unleash Your Inner Music Curator
Discover how to take control of your music discovery journey and escape the grip of the "Machine Algorithm".
Learn about 7 rising Americana artists you need too know now that you're NOT getting to hear and see.
Discover the power of supporting independent artists and shaping your musical landscape.
Join Ben and Zach as they explore the vibrant world of Americana music and uncover hidden gems that will inspire and uplift you.
You'll Also Discover:
How to Support Rising Americana Artists.
...
Roadtrip to Raleigh (American Aquarium)- RAW Recap!
Community, Music, and Passion!
BJ Barham, the lead singer of American Aquarium, built a vibrant music community from scratch.
Discover the highs and lows of his music career, his passion for connecting with fans, and the inspiration behind his band's unique music festivals.
Ben an Zach take you behind the scenes of the Road Trip to Raleigh festival, where music becomes a powerful tool for building community and fostering genuine connections.
BJ's story is one of passion, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in the power of music to bring people together. <...
Ally Venable - Battle Cry Anthem
Power changes everything.
Ally Venable knows this all too well, and on our latest episode, she reveals how "Money and Power" isn't just an album title, but a battle cry for...
The music industry is notoriously challenging, especially for women trying to break through. Imagine facing a world where your voice is constantly drowned out, your talent questioned, and your dreams dismissed.
This isn't just a hypothetical scenario; it's a reality for countless female artists striving to make their mark. What happens when someone decides they've had enough and chooses to fight back...
Eddie 9V - Grit. Soul. Electric.
Raw. Authentic. Soul.
Dive deep into the raw heart of modern blues with Eddie 9 Volt, an artist who's igniting the Americana scene with a sound that's both timeless and fiercely original.
On Americana Curious, Eddie takes us behind the scenes of his creative world, revealing the passion and dedication that fuel his music.
But what drives an artist to break a guitar in the pursuit of the perfect sound?
How do a band leader balance the relentless energy of touring with the quiet intensity of songwriting?
And what's the...
Adeem the Artist - Dogma Dismantled
Irreverently Illuminating...
That's Adeem the Artist in a nutshell, and their interview on Americana Curious is an absolute must-listen.
Adeem joins us to share a raw, unfiltered look into the experiences that led to their breakout song, "Rotations"....and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
The Americana music scene is a microcosm of the larger cultural and societal conversations happening right now, and it's messy, complex, and evolving.
Are we ready to embrace artists who challenge our assumptions and push us out of our comfort zones, even within a genre...
