The Rugged Revival Podcast | Home of the UK’s Country, Americana, and Roots Music Community.

Big hats. Dark Americana. And one golden rule... never shave drunk!Cam sits down with Mather and Chopper of Heathen Apostles to talk punk rock roots, life on the road, outrageous Western hats and what it really means to be Western Goth. From backstage survival tricks to the films, books and bands that shaped their sound.Discover Heathen Apostles: https://heathenapostles.com/CHAPTERS00:00 – Meet the Heathen Apostles01:34 – How it all started & touring Europe02:35 – Guitars, banjos & finding their sound04:39 – The challenges of performing live07:05 – Big hats, custom style & authenticity09:39 – Road essentials, vocal care & grooming secrets12:49 – What exactly is Western Goth?15:28 – The films, music...

Deep in the mountains of Kentucky, Laurel Cove is more than a music festival. It's a celebration of music, community and the people of Appalachia.In this episode of Rugged Revival, we're joined by Michael Holstein, an award-winning filmmaker, director and producer with over 20 years of experience in television, film and music. His impressive career includes productions such as PBS's "In Performance at the White House", "Live at 9:30" and "An Opry Salute to Ray Charles".Michael joins Terry and Lance Rogers to discuss his upcoming documentary, "Where the Mountains Sing", which tells the story of Kentucky's remarkable Laurel Cove...

From bluegrass to blistering Southern rock, Nico Swarley has built a life around the low end.Bassist for Vern Daysel & The Burning Breeze, Nico joins Cam to talk life on the road, the beautiful chaos of improvisation, building a grassroots music scene and why nothing beats the real thing: live music.CHAPTERS00:00 – Finding the Beat 03:05 – From Drums to Bass 05:58 – The Monday Night Ramble 09:15 – Building a Scene from the Ground Up 10:42 – Bluegrass, Rock ’n’ Roll & the Open Road 13:48 – Road Survival: Haircuts, Hygiene & Hard Lessons 18:00 – Stage Style & the Perfect Vest 20:30 – Four-Legged Roadies 22:20 – The Working Musician: Why Live Music MattersSubscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share...

Before Hellfest, there was a basement drum kit, a father with a love of music, and a young Casey Rogers discovering Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Rush.The Mares of Thrace drummer joins Cam to talk early influences, life on the road, new musical projects and the extraordinary experience of stepping behind the kit for Kylesa at Hellfest. From childhood jams to festival stages, this is a story of heavy music, hard work and everything in between.CHAPTERS00:00 – Meet Casey Rogers of Mares of Thrace00:54 – Where It All Began: A Father and His Drums02:49 – The Early Influences: Rush, Sabbath & Zeppel...

From sandy hot dogs on the Texas coast to a life spent holding down the low end on stages across the country, Sean Rodriguez has taken the long road to The Wilder Blue.Raised between Corpus Christi and College Station, Sean started out on trumpet before an early obsession with bootleg ’60s and ’70s concert footage on the newly launched YouTube drew his ear towards the bass. What followed was an education built through big-band jazz, funk, country and years on the road — touring the South with New Orleans indie-rock band Hazy Ray, playing blues in Houston, moving to Austin...

Ander$on is a singer-songwriter from the Detroit area, cutting his teeth on the independent music scene.Subscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si=30aabdaa220a4628Follow The Rugged Revival:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679Website: www.theruggedrevival.comEmail: [email protected]

Chasen Wayne’s route into music has been anything but conventional.Raised around rodeo cowboys and blue-collar workers, Wayne spent years working with his hands while finding whatever time he could to write songs, play guitar and build a life in music. What followed has been a journey through hard work, addiction, sobriety, marriage, fatherhood and an unwavering commitment to his craft.In this deeply candid conversation with Slim Chance Cowboy, Chasen opens up about the experiences behind his music, the reality of making earlier records while heavily drinking and using drugs, his decision to get sober, and the fa...

Lance Roark has spent years figuring out what makes a song work - sometimes by writing bad ones, sometimes by rewriting other people’s, and eventually by learning when to stop chasing perfection altogether.In this episode, Lance talks growing up in Oklahoma, learning guitar alongside his dad, finding his voice as a songwriter and why, these days, the feeling matters more than hitting every note right. There’s also life on the road, forgotten lyrics, wrong harmonicas, Pearl Snaps, canned salmon and the realities that sit behind the songs.An honest, funny conversation with an artist who’s learne...

B.Knox is a Canadian singer-songwriter whose music sits somewhere between Alt-Country, Americana and the Folk traditions he grew up around. Raised between Newfoundland and Ontario, his songs carry traces of the East Coast homesickness, storytelling and old Celtic influences.In this Podcast, B.Knox talks about putting writing before performance, remaining fiercely independent, and navigating an industry that increasingly asks musicians to be content creators as much as artists. He gets into publishing deals, the economics of giving up a piece of your work, his complicated relationship with social media, and why privacy still has value.Chapters00:00 Newfoundland...

Country music has always had its stars. But just beneath the surface is another history - regional singers, forgotten 45s, small-town dance halls, independent labels, and working musicians whose records never traveled much farther than their own backyard.Sean Burns has spent years digging into that history.In this conversation, Burns joins Slim Chance Cowboy to talk about his new album, "Better Off in Time and Other Songs for the Dance Floor", and the country shuffle, fiddle, steel guitar, and dance-hall traditions that shaped it. He also traces his fascination with lost Canadian country music, from hunting down obscure...

Danny Raincheck has spent most of his life somewhere between loud music and the open road.Growing up on a dirt road in Flint, Michigan, he found punk and hardcore early—bands like Minor Threat and Fugazi shaping an attitude toward music that never really left. Decades later, that same spirit runs through his work with Whitey Morgan & the 78’s.In this episode, Danny talks to Camden about growing up in Flint, coming up in the punk scene, a lifetime of playing and touring with Whitey Morgan, motorcycles, tattoos, and what more than three decades on the road will teac...

Rising soul artist Lucca Mae joins The Rugged Revival Podcast to talk about her journey through the UK music scene, from early gigs to sharing stages with some of her biggest influences. She reflects on working with The Teskey Brothers, an unforgettable encounter with Paul Weller, and finding her own voice along the way.Chapters00:00 Intro03:26 Growing Up Around Music07:28 Busking in Australia & Finding Her Sound10:35 Canada, Early Recordings & Going Independent16:52 Paul Weller, Steve White & the London Music Scene21:37 Making the New Album28:31 Songwriting, Vocal Influences & Amy Winehouse33:01 Guitars, Gear & Life as a Working Musician35:18 The Teskey Brothers & Performing...

Jonathan Pennington of Moonlight Mile joins Camden for an open conversation about music, faith, loss, family, and finding his true voice as a songwriter later in life.From his roots in church music to the experiences that shaped Moonlight Mile, Jonathan shares the highs, the hard moments, and why music ultimately became a form of therapy.A candid conversation about finding out who you really are, and having the courage to make music that reflects it.Chapters00:00 Intro02:12 Learning Guitar & ’90s Musical Influences05:42 From Church Music to Finding His Own Voice13:14 The Reality of Playing Live with Moonlight Mile16:41 To...

Justin Wells is a Kentucky singer-songwriter and former frontman of Fifth on the Floor, known for honest songwriting, a fiercely independent spirit, and years spent earning his stripes on the road.We talk about finding your own voice, the DIY years, life on tour, modern country music, and why making something that actually means something still matters.Learn more about Justin Wells: https://justinwellsmusic.com/Chapters00:00 Growing Up, Kentucky & Picking Up the Guitar05:02 Finding Your Voice in an Artificial Age07:00 DIY Touring & the Early Fifth on the Floor Years11:04 Authenticity, Performing & “The Time for Bullsh*t Has Passed”19:36 Life on t...

Shane Boeker, guitarist for American Aquarium, joins Camden to talk about life on the road, playing guitar for a living, and the experiences that have shaped him as a musician.

We get into how Shane got started on guitar, touring and playing live with American Aquarium, his approach to gear and playing, side projects, new music, and plenty of stories from along the way.

A laid-back conversation about guitars, music, touring, and what life in a working band actually looks like.Chapters00:00 Meet Shane Boeker & His First Guitar02:08 From Local Bands to Touring Musician04:38 Life...

Texas singer-songwriter Effy Harvard joins TJ on the Rugged Revival Podcast to talk about her love of vintage country music, the artists who shaped her sound, and why she describes her music as "an emotional time machine."From growing up on Brooks & Dunn and 1950s oldies to modelling around the world before pursuing music full-time, Effy shares the story behind her unique artistic journey. We also discuss songwriting, stage fright, recording with live musicians, the inspiration behind her vintage aesthetic, and her upcoming single "Heat Wave."If you love Country, Americana, Rockabilly, or discovering independent artists before everyone else...

What is it really like to be a tour manager in the music industry?In this episode, Cam sits down with Caitlin Wilhoit, an experienced tour manager, to pull back the curtain on life behind the scenes of touring. From the long hours and constant travel to the realities that fans never see, Caitlin shares what it actually takes to keep a tour running smoothly.Whether you're an aspiring musician, a touring artist, or just curious about the music business, this conversation offers an honest look at the sacrifices, challenges, and rewards of life on the road!Chapters00:00 Introduction...

Marshall Falcon has played close to 3,000 gigs, toured the world, shared stages with some huge names, and built a life around music. Now he joins Camden, a.k.a. the Honky Tonk Hair Machine, on the podcast.Born in Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico and raised in Houston, Texas, Marshall’s musical journey has taken him from discovering country, blues and punk rock as a kid to joining Houston punk band 30footFALL, touring relentlessly and developing a sound and style shaped by both his Texas upbringing and Mexican heritage.Marshall sits down with Camden to talk about learning guitar, his ea...

From playing Scruggs-style banjo in an all-female bluegrass band to carving out her own lane in honky tonk music, Jackie Straw joins Camden for a candid conversation about her musical journey, performing live, and embracing fearless self-expression.Jackie shares how she transitioned from bluegrass to guitar, the challenges of being a solo performer, and what she's learned from years of playing Nashville's Broadway scene. The conversation also dives into her passion for fashion design, stage aesthetics, and how moving to California has inspired a bold new creative direction.If you love independent country music, honky tonk, Americana, bluegrass, and...

Anna Victoria joins Camden for an honest conversation about growing up in the mountains of North Carolina, discovering her voice as a songwriter and navigating life as an independent Country and Americana artist.We talk about learning to perform live, protecting her voice, finding confidence on stage, the influence of Appalachian music and artists such as Luke Combs, Sierra Ferrell and Dolly Parton, balancing music with motherhood, and the challenge of staying creative in a world driven by social media.It's a thoughtful conversation about music, family, creativity and staying true to yourself while building a career in independent...

Ben Morrison of The Brothers Comatose joins the Rugged Revival Podcast for an honest conversation about nearly two decades of building one of America's most respected bluegrass and Americana bands.We dive into what it really takes to keep a band together for 18 years, the realities of life on the road, songwriting, recording, balancing family life with touring, and why imposter syndrome never completely disappears—even after years of success. Ben also shares stories from The Brothers Comatose's journey, their connection to the bluegrass and Americana community, and what continues to inspire the band today.If you love bluegrass, Am...

Pat Reedy joins Camden to discuss leaving construction behind for country music, busking in New Orleans, life in Nashville, songwriting, touring and building a career without compromising authenticity.Originally from Chicago and now based in Nashville, Pat shares his journey from working construction jobs to becoming a full-time touring musician. We discuss learning music on the streets of New Orleans, the realities of touring, recording new music, balancing family life with a music career and why staying true to yourself matters more than chasing trends.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:00:39 Growing Up in Chicago00:02:06 Learning Guitar in New Orleans00:02:37 Busking on the...

Mike Tod joins Camden to discuss traditional folk music, Canadian roots, life in Nashville, forgotten songs, unusual instruments and why preserving musical history still matters today.Originally from Canada and now based in Nashville, Mike explores the stories behind traditional songs, the connections between folk music around the world and how old music continues to influence modern artists. We also discuss his unique "Crankenstein" instrument, musical curiosity, collecting songs from the past and the importance of keeping traditions alive for future generations.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:00:30 Growing Up in Canada00:02:20 Discovering Music & The Crankenstein00:04:10 The Story Behind The Crankenstein00:05:20 Drones, Folk...

Joe Stamm of the Joe Stamm Band joins the Rugged Revival Podcast for a conversation about songwriting, touring, independent country music, recording albums, and building a loyal fanbase from the ground up.In this episode, Joe discusses life on the road, the realities of being an independent artist, working on multiple recording projects at once, and why songwriting remains the driving force behind everything he does. He also shares insights into his creative process, growing up in Central Illinois, musical influences like Chris Knight, Eric Church, Blackberry Smoke, and Charles Wesley Godwin, and his thoughts on AI-generated music and...

Jacob Paul Allen is a Country Music and Appalachian Red Dirt artist from rural Virginia, known for his authentic storytelling and unique sound.Jacob Paul Allen's music is a blend of Country, rock, and Americana, inspired by artists such as Turnpike Troubadours and Randy Rogers. Growing up in a small town in Virginia, Allen's music is deeply rooted in his rural upbringing and personal experiences. In this episode, Allen shares his story of finding his voice as an artist and navigating the music industry as an independent musician. He also discusses the challenges of staying true to his authentic...

Get ready to discover the cosmic country sound of Alex Williams, a singer-songwriter from small town Indiana who is making waves in the music scene with his unique blend of Texas country and 70s cosmic influences.Alex Williams' journey to becoming a musician began when he started playing guitar at the age of 7. He grew up in a small town in Indiana, where he was influenced by the sounds of old country music and later discovered the works of Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. As he grew older, Alex Williams began to develop his own unique sound, which...

Gracie Yates and Brock Burton, two talented artists from Kentucky, join us on the show to talk about their music, their inspirations, and their experiences in the industry.

From performing at music festivals like Laurel Cove to overcoming stage fright and performance anxiety, they share their personal stories and insights.

With their roots in country and Americana music, Gracie and Brock have a unique sound that's both nostalgic and fresh.

They talk about the importance of music communities and how they've helped shape their careers. Whether you're a fan of country, Americana, or...

Imagine growing up surrounded by the sounds of outlaw country and the thrill of biker rallies, only to find yourself at the helm of a music management company, shaping the careers of emerging artists.

Danielle Mashuda's journey is a testament to the power of passion and networking in the music industry. From her early days attending biker rallies with her father to her current role as the owner of Club Cafe in Pittsburgh and the founder of Keystone Artist Connect, Danielle's story is one of unexpected turns and exciting opportunities.

Her path into music management...

Bruce Springsteen handpicked Dan Patlansky to open for 85,000 fans in Johannesburg. We sat down with one of the world's top blues guitarists to find out what that moment felt like, what it's really like playing blues in South Africa, and why his latest album Movin' On is the most honest music he's ever made.

Dan opens up about the nerves of playing to a sea of 85,000 people, then glancing over to see Springsteen and Tom Morello watching from the wings. He talks about touring with Joe Satriani across Europe, growing up in apartheid-era South Africa with Hendrix...

The Rugged Revival — independent Country, Americana & Roots music. Live sessions, artist interviews and real music discovery.Bar Jay Bar joins Camden for a conversation about modern Country & Western music, Americana storytelling, independent touring, songwriting, cowboy culture and building authentic roots music outside the mainstream industry.Based between Wyoming and the American West, Bar Jay Bar blends classic Country & Western influences with modern Americana and folk songwriting, creating music that feels both timeless and deeply personal.If you enjoy artists like Colter Wall, Charles Wesley Godwin, Tyler Childers, Sierra Ferrell and modern western Americana, this episode is for you.Subscribe to...

The Rugged Revival — independent Country, Americana & Roots music. Live sessions, artist interviews and real music discovery."Meg and the Wheelers are a Country Western band from Chicago, Illinois. Their sharp-witted lyrics, solid harmonies, classic steel guitar twang, and enthusiasm for drinking the pain away will make you want to boot-scoot your regrets out all over the dance floor"More independent Country, Americana and Roots music conversations on The Rugged Revival.Subscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si...

The Rugged Revival — independent Country, Americana & Roots music. Live sessions, artist interviews and real music discovery.Mike West joins us for a conversation on Dark Country, Folk, Blues, songwriting, touring and building an independent music scene in the UK.From heavy metal roots to haunting Americana storytelling, Mike has carved out a unique sound that blends Country, Folk, Blues and raw intensity into something entirely his own.More independent Country, Americana and Roots music conversations on The Rugged Revival.Subscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: ht...

The Rugged Revival — independent Country, Americana & Roots music. Live sessions, artist interviews and real music discovery.

John Teague from Teague Brothers Band is our guest in this 50th episode of The Rugged Revival Podcast!

"Teague Brothers Band is an Americana Folk Country Rock group led by U.S. Army veteran and songwriter John Teague, whose roots run deep in the blue-collar soil of Winnie, Texas.Raised in a family of farmers, saddle makers, construction workers, and veterans, Teague learned early on that grit, heart, and hard work were the keys to building so...

The Rugged Revival — independent Country, Americana & Roots music. Live sessions, artist interviews and real music discovery."Formed in Las Vegas, NV in 2013, The Rhyolite Sound have made waves wherever they've played. Often described as "Waylon Jennings being backed by ZZ Top", The Rhyolite Sound aims to break the norms of what folks consider country music to be. They will continue to carve their own path through the music world."Subscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si=30aa...

The Rugged Revival — independent Country, Americana & Roots music. Live sessions, artist interviews and real music discovery. Ryan Coleman is our guest in this episode of The Rugged Revival Podcast. Ryan, is a country singer-songwriter from southeastern Pennsylvania, blending real farm life with a traditional country sound.Raised on his family’s farm, Ryan’s music is rooted in hard work, faith and storytelling. After standout performances on Season 25 of NBC’s The Voice, sharing the stage with Dan + Shay and opening for Scotty McCreery, Chris Janson and Dylan Scott, he’s quickly becoming one to watch in modern country music. @ry...

The Rugged Revival — independent Country, Americana & Roots music. Live sessions, artist interviews and real music discovery. Camden celebrates his 50th episode!"Bonnie & the Mere Mortals are a Southern Gothic outfit that sound like what would happen if Dolly Parton ever met the Cure. Their signature blend of Appalachian Americana with Synthwave and Shoegaze has brought them all around the surrounding regions with a fast growing audience of everyone from cowboys to goth rockers, from Nashville to New York.Bonnie Ramone grew up on a 103 acre cattle farm on the border of the West Virginian panhandle in a town with 3 st...

The Rugged Revival — independent Country, Americana & Roots music. Live sessions, artist interviews and real music discovery.

"Straight out of Atlanta, GA, The Waymores are a honky-tonk duo keeping country music raw, road-worn, and rooted in truth. Fronted by husband-and-wife team Kira Annalise and Willie Heath Neal, they blend unique vocals, honest storytelling, and a wry sense of humor into a sound that’s equal parts classic grit and modern Americana. Since joining forces in 2018, The Waymores have toured across the U.S., U.K., and Europe, sharing stages with Dale Watson, Wayne Hancock, Kelley Will...

King Strang is the ragpunk, old-timey, and always fun one man band project of Michael Sinner, proudly represented by Portland’s Flail Records. Using influences of traditional folk music as well as 40’s jazz sounds, King Strang blends the old with the new in all of his music. Often playing a resonator guitar, stomp box, and kazoo, King Strang upholds a consistently jazzy barroom sound that remains unique from his work in incredible projects such as the Bridge City Sinners and Clyde and the Milltailers. King Strang’s music is nothing if not music to have a good time to. On...

R.R. Williams is a lot of things, and none of them are easily or quickly explained.These are songs about an American life from the honest-to-god user end, but believe you me- they waste not a single second muddling around in minutia. Williams’ writing quickly guides listeners straight into the belly of the beast; the deepest dwellings where the smoke is thick as the darkness; where we dare to ask our most honest questions of the universe. These are urgent matters; Purpose, Fate, Destiny, Redemption.There’s perverse and bizarre nuance to this modern life that doesn’t fit in...

Los Angeles country artist Rosy Nolan’s LP Main Attraction is steeped in Americana roots, Western swing, honky tonk, and old-time country, paying homage to the great American records of the 1920s–1940s. The album is drenched in heartache and longing—core themes that have defined Nolan’s songwriting throughout her career.Designed to take the listener on an emotional journey, Main Attraction kicks off with lively, toe-tapping tracks perfect for a two-step, then slowly descends into haunting ballads that’ll shatter your heart. It’s a record that lifts you up, breaks you down, and ultimately reminds you that you’re...