All episodes
Episodes
138 conversations with artists, songwriters, and storytellers from across the country music world.
138 episodes
Justin Wells
The Time for Bullsh*t Has Passed | Justin Wells on Honest Music in an Artificial Age
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/ Chapters 00:00 Growing Up, Kentucky & Picking Up the Guitar 05:02 Finding Your Voice in an Artificial Age 07:00 DIY Touring & the Early Fifth on the Floor Years 11:04 Authenticity, Performing & “The Time for Bullsh*t Has Passed” 19:36 Life on the Road, Blown Vocal Cords & Dad Mode 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=30aabdaa220a4628 Follow The Rugged Revival: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevival Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679 Website: www.theruggedrevival.com Email: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
Shane Boeker
Inside Life on the Road with American Aquarium | Guitarist Shane Boeker
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. Chapters 00:00 Meet Shane Boeker & His First Guitar 02:08 From Local Bands to Touring Musician 04:38 Life on Stage, Style & the Road 10:02 American Aquarium’s New Record & What’s Next #altcountry #americanamusic #guitarist 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=30aabdaa220a4628 Follow The Rugged Revival: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevival Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679 Website: www.theruggedrevival.com Email: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
Effy Harvard
An Emotional Time Machine Through Vintage Country Music | Effy Harvard
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, this episode is for you! Chapters 00:00 – Why Music Feels More Personal Than Modelling 00:48 – Meet Effy Harvard & Her Musical Journey 02:59 – Growing Up in Texas & Finding Country Music 07:17 – Modelling, Vintage Style & Creative Identity 12:51 – "An Emotional Time Machine" – Defining Her Sound 22:08 – New Music: Heat Wave & Life Playing Texas Dive Bars 24:46 – Quick Fire Questions: Influences, Albums & Live Shows 29:07 – Songwriting, Mental Health & What's Next for Effy #vintagecountry #50scountry #rockabilly 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=30aabdaa220a4628 Follow The Rugged Revival: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevival Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679 Website: www.theruggedrevival.com Email: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
Caitlin Wilhoit
The TRUTH About Life as a Tour Manager (You Better F*ing Love It!) | Caitlin Wilhoit
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! Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Meet Tour Manager Caitlin Wilhoit 01:00 Growing Up in Texas & Finding a Career in Tour Management 04:18 The Reality of Life on Tour & Advice for Aspiring Tour Managers 08:05 Mental Health, Burnout & Self-Care on the Road 12:10 Tour Essentials, Personal Style & What's Next for Caitlin #tourmanager #touringmusician #musicindustry #musicbusiness 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=30aabdaa220a4628 Follow The Rugged Revival: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevival Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679 Website: www.theruggedrevival.com Email: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
Marshall Falcon
From Punk Rock to Tex-Mex Troubadour | Marshall Falcon
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 early punk-rock days, life on the road, playing thousands of shows, opening for artists including Linkin Park, Blink-182, Ice-T and KRS-One, and why performing live remains one of the greatest joys of his life. They also get into Marshall’s distinctive Tex-Mex style, his travels around the world, the stories and experiences that have shaped him as a musician, and what comes next — including his new album, Todo Chido. This is a conversation about music, identity, creativity, life on the road and what happens when you spend decades doing what you love. Chapters 00:00 Meet Marshall Falcon 04:20 Picking Up the Guitar & Discovering Punk Rock 08:00 3,000 Gigs, Touring & Life on the Road 16:14 The Story Behind Marshall’s Tex-Mex Style 26:27 New Album “Todo Chido” & What’s Next #punkrock #texmex #mexicanmusic 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=30aabdaa220a4628 Follow The Rugged Revival: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevival Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679 Website: www.theruggedrevival.com Email: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
Jackie Straw
From Bluegrass Banjo to Honky Tonk: Jackie Straw on Music, Style & Reinvention
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 conversations with artists who are forging their own path, this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Jackie Straw 00:36 From Bluegrass Banjo to Honky Tonk Guitar 03:03 Performing Live: Touring, Solo Shows & Nashville Stories 06:42 Stage Style, Fashion & Creative Expression 10:00 New Music, Touring Plans & Where to Follow Jackie #honkytonk #nashville #bluegrass 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=30aabdaa220a4628 Follow The Rugged Revival: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevival Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679 Website: www.theruggedrevival.com Email: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
Anna Victoria
Inside North Carolina's Appalachian Music Scene | Anna Victoria
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 music. Chapters 00:00 – Introductions, Weaverville, childhood. 02:00 – Singing, vocal health and beginning her musical journey. 06:00 – The pandemic, booking gigs and developing as a live performer. 09:00 – Coping with distractions, confidence and performing. 12:00 – Appalachian influences, Luke Combs, Sierra Ferrell, Dolly Parton and mountain songwriting. 15:00 – Family life, being a stay-at-home mum, social media and balancing music with everyday life. #lukecombs #sierraferrell #dollyparton 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=30aabdaa220a4628 Follow The Rugged Revival: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevival Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679 Website: www.theruggedrevival.com Email: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
Ben Morrison
The Brothers Comatose: Ben Morrison on 18 Years of Music, Family & Touring
Ben Morrison of The Brothers Comatose joins the Rugged Revival Podcast for an honest conversation about nearly two decades ...
Pat Reedy
Pat Reedy on Busking, Nashville & Building a Country Music Career
Pat Reedy joins Camden to discuss leaving construction behind for country music, busking in New Orleans, life in Nashville, ...
Mike Tod
Keeping Traditional Folk Music Alive in Nashville | Mike Tod Podcast
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 Traditions & Ancient Music00:08:10 Learning Guitar & Performing Original Songs00:09:40 Accessing Traditional Music in the Digital Age00:11:20 Researching Music History00:12:10 Playing The Crankenstein Live00:14:00 Creating Atmospheric Sounds & Live Performance00:16:00 Traditional Songs & Musical Origins00:17:50 The Artists Influencing Mike Today00:19:20 Studying Philosophy & Creative Thinking00:22:00 Horror, Heavy Music & Folk Culture00:24:00 Scottish Heritage & Family History00:27:10 Final ThoughtsSubscribe 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: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
Joe Stamm
"I'd Still Make Music If Nobody Listened" | Joe Stamm on Touring, Songwriting & Country Music
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 the future of streaming platforms.Whether you're a fan of Americana, country rock, Red Dirt country, singer-songwriters, or independent artists carving their own path, this conversation offers a genuine look behind the curtain of modern country music.Chapters:00:00 Joe Stamm's Reality: No Sick Days & Why He Keeps Making Music00:42 Introduction to Joe Stamm & The Joe Stam Band01:35 Social Media, Humour & Connecting with Fans02:18 Touring, Illness & Cancelling Shows04:15 Touring Across America05:54 Why Joe Wants to Tour Europe06:43 Working on Three Albums at Once09:30 Recording Music & Finding a Creative Workflow12:20 Funding Records & Building a Fanbase14:50 The "Joe Stamm Man" Merch Idea16:20 Growing Up in Central Illinois18:55 The Midwest Music Scene20:55 Musical Influences & Discovering Country Music23:15 Napster, Streaming & Finding New Artists24:00 AI Music & Spotify's Challenges26:45 Defining the Joe Stam Band Sound30:10 Writing Lyrics That Matter32:55 Quick Fire Round37:20 Joe's Songwriting Process Explained40:25 Where Song Ideas Come From43:30 Perfectionism, Editing & Finishing Songs44:05 Songs Joe Is Most Proud Of47:55 What's Next for Joe Stamm?50:00 Where to Find Joe Online51:50 Final Toast & Closing ThoughtsSubscribe 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: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
Jacob Paul Allen
Virginia's Appalachian Red Dirt Country Voice | Jacob Paul Allen
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 sound in a industry dominated by AI-generated music.Allen's music is a reflection of his genuine and down-to-earth personality, and his passion for storytelling is evident in every song. With a full band and a string of upcoming shows, Allen is an artist on the rise, and this episode is a must-listen for fans of Country and Americana music.Chapters:02:08 Introduction to Jacob Paul Allen12:11 Influences and early music experiences20:12 Navigating the music industry as an independent artist26:59 Staying true to his authentic sound33:41 Upcoming shows and projects41:35 The importance of storytelling in musichttps://jacobpaulallen.com/https://www.facebook.com/jacobpaulallenmusichttps://www.instagram.com/jacobpaulallen/Subscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music! Follow 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: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com