The Rugged Revival Podcast
Michael Holstein
Where the Mountains Sing: A Love Letter to Appalachia | Michael Holstein
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 Music Festival and the people who make it so special.
From the musicians and organisers to the fans and local community, Michael explains why this is about far more than music. It's a love letter to Appalachia, celebrating its people, traditions, authenticity and the extraordinary sense of belonging that brings them together.
Discover the documentary: https://wherethemountainssing.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Michael Holstein & Where the Mountains Sing
01:12 Manchester City, Oasis & Football Rivalries
04:31 Michael's Background & Early Life
06:46 NASCAR, Racing & Discovering a Hidden Talent
11:34 Why Small-Town Music Festivals Are So Special
13:28 From College Dropout to Filmmaker
20:56 From Law to PBS & the White House Concerts
25:58 A Private Beatles Concert with Paul McCartney
31:26 The Television Show That Went Disastrously Wrong
34:26 How Cole Chaney Introduced Michael to Laurel Cove
37:24 Challenging the Stereotypes of Appalachia
39:04 Bringing Where the Mountains Sing to Life
43:20 Laurel Cove's Impact on Bell County & Kentucky Music
50:44 Why the Documentary Is Really About the People
53:08 The Trailer, Release Plans & Stories Left Untold
57:20 Authentic Music, Artists & Appalachian Identity
61:48 Nashville, Commercial Success & Staying True to Your Roots
66:36 Giving Back: Appalachian Charities, Education & Amazon Prime
71:58 Film Premieres, Future Plans & Final Thoughts
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