Independent Country
Every episode of The Rugged Revival featuring Independent Country — conversations with independent country, Americana, and roots artists.
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 ...
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
Gracie Yates and Brock Burton
The Voices of Kentucky's Rising Music Scene: Gracie Yates & Brock Burton Podcast
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 just great storytelling, this episode is for you. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation with Gracie Yates and Brock Burton. If you enjoy artists like John Mayer, Chris Stapleton, or Margo Price, you'll love Gracie Yates and Brock Burton's soulful and rootsy sound. Chapters:00:00 Introduction 00:31 Getting to Know Gracie and Brock02:42 Musical Backgrounds and Influences06:36 The Kentucky Music Scene10:23 Collaborative Music and Upcoming Releases12:21 Early Music Careers and Inspirations18:05 Career Highlights and Future Aspirations21:39 Fun and Games: Quickfire Questions23:42 Festival Excitement: Anticipating Unbroken Circle26:27 Backstage Insights: Meeting the Stars28:04 Pre-Show Rituals: Nerves and Adrenaline30:04 The Connection: Why We Perform31:47 Post-Performance Reflections: The Highs and Lows32:25 Mental Health Matters: Coping Strategies for Artists35:03 Mount Rushmore: Influences and Inspirations37:14 Future Plans: New Music and Touring39:31 Global Aspirations: Touring Beyond the US40:35 Wrapping Up: Where to Find Us Subscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music! 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
Danielle Mashuda
From Biker Rallies to Music Management: Danielle Mashuda's Wild Ride
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 was not traditional; she started by managing tours for artists she believed in, including a stint with Taylor and other musicians. This hands-on experience taught her the ins and outs of the industry and allowed her to build a network of contacts that would later become invaluable. Through her work, Danielle has had the chance to meet and work with a variety of talented artists, from those just starting out to more established names. Her story is full of moments of serendipity and intentional pursuit, showcasing how her unique background and determination have made her a key figure in the music scene. Today, Danielle continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in the music industry, whether through her work with Keystone Artist Connect, her involvement in charity events, or her plans to explore new markets and support emerging talent.If you enjoy the stories behind the music, the evolution of artists, and the unsung heroes of the music industry, then this conversation with Danielle Mashuda is for you. https://keystoneartistconnect.com https://www.instagram.com/keystoneartistconnect/ 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 01:05 — Danielle talks about her experience with outlaw country 05:08 — Danielle discusses her work with Taylor and other artists 09:11 — Danielle shares her story of losing her dad and finding comfort in music 13:12 — Danielle talks about her management company, Keystone Artist Connect 17:17 — Danielle discusses her connection to the Pittsburgh music scene 21:20 — Danielle shares her goals for Keystone Artist Connect 25:22 — Danielle talks about the importance of networking and supporting emerging artists 29:26 — Danielle shares her website and social media handles
Milestone Episode
John Teague
Real Texas Country Music | Military Veteran John Teague from Teague Brothers Band
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 something real. After serving a life-changing tour in Iraq, John returned home with a deeper perspective—and a powerful voice that would soon carry across the Texas music scene and beyond.Backed by a band of road-tested musicians, the Teague Brothers Band has earned a loyal following through sweat-soaked, high-energy performances and songwriting that hits where it hurts—and heals. Their 2019 debut album Harvest Day introduced regional favorites like “Coyote,” “Rainbow Bridge,” and “Fingers and Thumbs,” and the breakout single “Don’t Want To Go Home” climbed to #2 on multiple Texas charts.With over 5 million streams and counting, the Teague Brothers Band is no longer Texas' best-kept secret.Their latest record, Wish You the World (released May 9, 2025), builds on the momentum of 2022’s Love and War with a diverse, heartfelt collection of songs produced by Derek Hames at Edgewater Studios. From the fiddle-fueled stomp of “Hotel Water” to the intimate reflection of “Tell Me Anything,” the album showcases Teague’s lyrical depth and emotional range. Tracks like “Breathe” and “Depression” offer candid, sometimes raw portraits of struggle and hope, while “Smiles” leaves listeners with a sense of hard-earned optimism. With Wish You the World, the Teague Brothers Band makes a strong case for national recognition, delivering music that’s as thoughtful as it is timeless.“We love playing music people can dance to,” Teague says, “but we also bring a little more rock 'n' roll. We fit in wherever they'll let us through the door—dancehalls, concert halls, listening rooms.”Off stage, John runs a ranch and construction business with his wife, Desirae, continuing the hands-on lifestyle that shaped his music. On stage, he and the band deliver boot-stomping shows that are as heartfelt as they are electrifying.The message is real. The music is alive. The Teague Brothers Band is just getting started."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: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
James Otto
#1 Hits, Grammy Nominations & Going Solo | James Otto
James Otto has been called The Biggest Voice in Country Music & that might just be true. Standing a broad-shouldered 6 foot 5 inches tall, Otto has a powerhouse voice to match.His textured, sometimes raspy vocals are delivered with passion and plenty of soul.Otto blends that soulful voice with great storytelling and a smooth, funky groove to create his signature Country Soul sound.Otto rose to prominence when he signed with Warner Bros. and released the album Sunset Man. His breakthrough hit, "Just Got Started Lovin' You," went to the top of the charts as a 2-week #1 song and became the "most played country song of the year." Otto also received a Grammy Nomination for "Best Male Country Vocal Performance" of the song. The hit's popularity has endured, as it’s on the list of Billboard's 100 Greatest Country Songs, confirming it as one of the most played songs in the history of country radio.A founding member of MuzikMafia, Otto has also earned a reputation as one of Nashville’s most compelling songwriters. He co-wrote Jamey Johnson’s career-defining hit, “In Color," and for that song, Otto again received a Grammy nod, but this time as a songwriter for "Best Country Song." “In Color” brought further recognition, as he took home awards for both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Academy’s “Song of the Year.” Later, Otto co-penned "Somethin' 'Bout a Boat" for Jimmy Buffett, which uniquely made its way to Broadway as part of the musical Escape to Margaritaville. He also co-wrote “No Hurry” which soared to the top of the charts for the Zac Brown Band. Additionally, Otto has collaborated on songs for artists: Randy Houser, Chris Janson, Darius Rucker, Trace Adkins, Josh Kiser, John Rich, John Anderson, Randy Owen, the supergroup Alabama and many more.
Eric Grate
Eric Grate - The Notorious Adams Boys | True Story of a 1960s Touring Band | Rugged Revival
Discover the untold true story behind The Notorious Adams Boys, a remarkable new book exploring life on the road as a major touring band in 1960s and 1970s America. In this episode, Slim sits down with the author to dive into the inspiration, the history, and the raw, “hardscrabble” storytelling style that brings this era to life.Born in Greenfield, Ohio, and shaped by a journey through the Marine Corps, the automotive industry, entrepreneurship, and small-town America, our guest didn’t begin writing seriously until his mid-fifties—proving it’s never too late to tell powerful stories. From running a successful café in Kentucky to publishing multiple books, his path is as compelling as the stories he writes.If you’re interested in music history, true stories, writing, or unconventional life paths, this episode delivers insight, grit, and inspiration.The Notorious Adams Boys — releasing April 2026
Emily Jamerson
Emily Jamerson | Appalachian Singer-Songwriter from Eastern Kentucky | Rugged Revival
Emily Jamerson, a singer-songwriter from Prestonsburg, Kentucky, grew up surrounded by music and family. With a voice shaped by the mountains of eastern Kentucky, Emily's sound is part folk singer, part mountain siren. Her songs point to hope and reveal her love for the mountains she calls home.
Johanna Wacker & Acelia
Johanna Wacker & Acelia - Appalachian & Alternative Folk, from NYC to Richmond VA | Rugged Revival
Johanna Wacker & Acelia join Camden for an honest conversation on the Podcast.From Country, to Appalachian and Folk influences, they share their stories behind their sound and creative process.Tune in!
Rebecca Porter
Rebecca Porter - From Guam to Rising Appalachian Honky Tonk Star | Rugged Revival
Born in Guam and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, Rebecca Porter blends soulful melodies and fearless lyrics with her honey-smooth voice to create her own brand of Appalachian honky tonk. Her 2023 EP, "Queen of the Local", earned national acclaim and led to recognition in Rissi Palmer's Color Me Country Class of 2024, features on Ed Helms' Good Country and a debut on NPR's Mountain Stage. Known for electrifying live performances, Porter captivates audiences with her emotional intensity and grit. With her highly anticipated debut album, "Roll With the Punches", set for release in August 2025 (announcing April 25), Porter's personal and raw storytelling continues to push boundaries, projecting a cinematic soundscape that balances traditional country’s rugged spirit with an unapologetic journey of perseverance.
Coltt Winter Lepley
Coltt Winter Lepley - Appalachian Artist, Poet, Author, and Former Racecar Driver | Rugged Revival
Coltt Winter Lepley is an Appalachian folksinger/songwriter from Bedford, Pennsylvania. Coltt’s a published poet, author, folklorist, and former racecar driver who has taken his stories on the road as a touring musician. His highly anticipated and long-awaited recording debut is set to release this year, as a self-titled EP, “Coltt Winter Lepley.” The project was produced by Al Torrence at Music Garden Studios north of Pittsburgh, PA. Al Torrence, and other members from The Allegheny High (the band that plays on Charles Wesley Godwin’s albums and live efforts) including Amico Demuzio, Nate Catanzarite, Joe Pinchotti III, as well as Pittsburgh musicians Justin Long and Alan Getto, helped to form the sound around Coltt’s storytelling in his first studio effort.
Emily Love
Emily Love - 90's Country inspired band from Portland, Oregon | Rugged Revival
Emily Love and her band, The Highliners, are based in Portland Oregon. Fuelled by a love of 90's country since before it was cool, the songs are high energy and unapologetically twangy without taking themselves too seriously.
Kira Annalise
Kira Annalise - of The Waymores Talks Music, Hair, and Fashion | Instagram LIVE | Rugged Revival
The Waymores are Atlanta-based married honky tonk Americana duo Kira Annalise and Willie Heath Neal. Media fans include Vintage Guitar who said “While 21st-century Nashville pays lip service to this timeless sound, the Waymores keep it alive” and the Austin Chronicle asserted “The Waymores… combine the bright and brash like June Carter and Johnny Cash…”
Lance Rogers
Lance Rogers - on Kentucky Roots, For the Love of Appalachia & Real Music Stories | Rugged Revival
In this episode of The Rugged Revival Podcast, we welcome our good friend, Lance Rogers - Revival Roster member, Kentucky songwriter, and founder of For the Love of Appalachia. Lance’s music is carved straight from the Appalachian foothills, full of grit, mysticism, and truth. His debut album turned heads and since then, he’s shared stages with Chris Knight, Ward Davis, Charles Wesley Godwin, Shane Smith & The Saints, and many more. Lance is the kind of artist who still plays for the people - not the numbers - and For the Love of Appalachia proves that. It’s a grassroots movement connecting independent Appalachian musicians to UK audiences through real storytelling, shared stages, and sponsored tours. Lance also hosts Falling For’d - his own podcast where artists and friends talk life, songs, and smoke cigars from a flatbed Ford truck. It’s as authentic as it gets. He’s a true Revival Roster member and someone we’ve looked up to for a long time - there is no end to his talent!
David Coal Graham
David Coal Graham - The Truthful Sessions | Music Videos & Working With Zach Bryan | Rugged Revival
The Truthful Sessions produces quality live music recordings accompanied with cinematic footage. They aim to blur the lines between music video and your typical live session. David Coal Graham is an exceptional film-maker and musician in his own right. Make sure you check out his channel and be sure to follow him across social media.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthfulsessions/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidcoalgraham/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truthfulsessions
Presley Haile
Presley Haile – Folk-Country with Heart from Texas
Presley Haile, a talented singer-songwriter from Hamilton, Texas, found her love for music at 16. Influenced by artists like James Taylor and Patty Griffin, she blends folk, country, and Americana to create her unique sound. Keep an eye out for this rising star as she takes the industry by storm with her captivating music.
Zac Wilkerson
Zac Wilkerson – Soulful Americana & Country Rock
Zac Wilkerson is a SOUL ROCKER from the COUNTRY. Powerful, soulful vocals and a driving guitar style combine with poignant songwriting to deliver a new take on Americana, Soul, Country, and Rock. Wilkerson stumbled into a career in music after being tricked into entering, and eventually winning, The Blue Light Live Singer Songwriter contest in 2011. The prize was a Solo Acoustic set at the 2012 Larry Joe Taylor's Texas Music Festival in Stephenville, TX. He has since etched out a strong following across the Texas the music scene and beyond, with his work appearing in Nationally Syndicated and Regional Radio, and Local and Prime-Time Network TV. Wilkerson cut his musical teeth in a country church where he started singing at 4. At a young age, he discovered his parents' country, soul, Motown, rock, and folk records, creating a musical foundation with as much variety as passion. By 12 he played several instruments, including piano and guitar, which led to songwriting that same year. The musical voice that has evolved since is a fresh take on Rock, Soul, Country and Americana evoking Aretha Franklin, Bill Withers, Bonnie Raitt, and Levon Helm.
Adam Hood
Adam Hood – On Writing for Miranda Lambert & Whiskey Myers
The tapestry of southern music in America is rich, vivid and diverse. Adam Hood is an artist who exudes that substantial musical lineage each time he straps on his Telecaster for a show or picks up his pen to write a song. The roots of his Opelika, AL upbringing inform his musicality and guide his soul-stirring lyrics. He paints the characters of his songs with the wisdom that can only be derived by thousands of miles spent behind the steering wheel chasing the next musical adventure from one coast to the next. While initially making waves as a performer of his own songs, it has been other folks singing those songs over the past decade that have added a new layer to Adam Hood’s formidable career. Always a capable and relatable songwriter, Hood has found his way by adeptly crafting songs that created stirring scenes and powerful emotions. An impressive roster of artists have recorded songs from Adam Hood’s pen, including: Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Whiskey Myers, Cody Jinks, Riley Green and Travis Tritt. While Hood’s songwriting profile has continued to shine over the years, his own recorded and touring output has remained a vital part of the broader country music landscape. Hood’s latest album is titled Bad Days Better. An effort that was recorded in the famed Capricorn Studios in Macon, GA with Brent Cobb at the helm and BlackBerry Smoke’s band playing on the 10 track album. Hood then joined Gordy Quist releasing "Adam Hood's Different Groove". #countrymusic #alabamamusic #countryartist #musicpodcast #countrysingersongwriter #southernmusic