singer-songwriter

Shane Kelley

Shane Kelley - Powerful Blues Soul Inspired by Gregg Allman & Howlin’ Wolf | Rugged Revival

hane Kelley emerges from a small town just south of the Florida–Georgia line with a voice that carries the grit, soul, and raw power of classic blues. Drawing inspiration from legends like Gregg Allman and Howlin’ Wolf, his sound blends deep-rooted blues with rich storytelling and an unmistakable emotional edge.His debut album, Misery Like A Wheel, is a haunting and heartfelt introduction. The record weaves together traditional southern elements—banjo, mandolin, and fiddle—with dark, soulful melodies that feel both timeless and fresh. Every track reflects a journey shaped by struggle, resilience, and authenticity.Growing up surrounded by the strong musical traditions of the South, Kelley channels real-life experiences into songs that hit hard and stay with you. Misery Like A Wheel isn’t just an album—it’s a statement from an artist unafraid to be vulnerable and honest.If you’re a fan of raw blues, southern soul, and music that tells a story, this is one to turn up and feel.

Sunny War

Sunny War - From Hardship to Folk-Blues Star | Rugged Revival

Sunny War enlivens traditional folk and blues by freshening her musical attack and writing lyrics that reflect 21st century concerns. Her first album, "Worthless", arrived in 2014, and she continued to gain attention as she built up a cult following that crested with the release of 2018's "With the Sun".Born Sydney Lyndella Ward to a single mother in Nashville, the singer/songwriter spent her childhood moving around the United States with her parent, spending significant time in both Nashville and the Detroit suburb of Rochester. During this time, she learned to love a wide variety of music, picking up the guitar at the age of 13. After she spent a rough period combating substance abuse and poverty, she gravitated to blues and folk and relocated to California settling in Venice Beach.Adopting the performing name Sunny War, she'd sometimes moonlight with her punk side band Anus Kings, but it was her folk-blues showcased on a self-released album that began to gain notice from local scenesters - including critics at LA Weekly. After a few years, she released her official debut, "Worthless", which appeared in 2014. A second independent record, "Red White and Blue", arrived in 2016.In 2018 Sunny War released, via Hen House Studios, "With the Sun", After that album, she moved from Venice Beach to downtown Los Angeles, quickly delivering her next LP also on Hen House "Shell of a Girl", the following year. Her critically acclaimed EP "Can I Sit With You" premiered in 2020.

Independent singer-songwriter - Alex Rogers #upcomingmusician #altcountry #soulfulmusic #americana

Alex Rogers “HWY 9” | recorded live in Texas for The Rugged Revival Grit Sessions | October 2025

Canción Franklin

Canción Franklin - Singer-Songwriter from Tuscon, Arizona | Rugged Revival

In this interview Camden speaks with Canción Franklin, an American roots musician, singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Tucson, Arizona, whose authentic sound draws on deep grooves of Americana, country, blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll. From discovering the blues as a teenager to tirelessly honing his craft in dive bars and on the road, Canción’s music is defined by heartfelt lyrics, raw guitar work and a commitment to honesty and emotional expression. His performances - whether solo, with a band, or as a hired gun - are marked by a vulnerable presence and a powerful connection with audiences. Canción’s songs explore resilience, life’s hardships and the beauty found in perseverance, making him a compelling voice in modern roots music.

Zachary Moulton - From Silverada Pedal Steel to Solo Singer-Songwriter | Rugged Revival

South Texas singer-songwriter Zach Moulton steps out from behind the pedal steel after fifteen years with Silverada (Formerly Mike and The Moonpies) to tell his own stories. His debut EP, Faded Jackets, is a direct reflection of the years he spent grinding it out on the road, highs, lows and all the places he’s called home.

Olivia Ellen Lloyd

Olivia Ellen Lloyd - Country, Folk and Indie Rock Artist | Rugged Revival

Olivia Ellen Lloyd crafts straightforward songs where no word is wasted and every emotion is well-earned.Heavily influenced by country, folk, and indie rock, Lloyd’s sound combines the rooted sounds of her traditional Appalachian upbringing with the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants nature of her current life. She is inspired by the rich sounds of New York City, the peaceful quiet of her small hometown, and everything in between. www.olivialloydmusic.com

Aaron McDonnell

Aaron McDonnell - Texas Alt-Country Star with a Timeless Sound | Instagram LIVE | Rugged Revival

Aaron McDonnell is one of Texas’ most exciting alt-country artists. With multiple Top 40 hits, over 1,000 live shows, and his acclaimed LP "Too Many Days Like Saturday Night", Aaron has carved out a reputation for blending classic country roots with moody, timeless influences reminiscent of Dwight Yoakam and Chris Isaak.

Nicholas Jamerson

Nicholas Jamerson - Faith, Family, and the Frontier | Rugged Revival

The Narrow Way, the new full-length studio record from Kentucky-born singer-songwriter Nicholas Jamerson finds its grace in the space between folk storytelling and backroads country ramble. A heartfelt exploration of life’s struggles, joys, and the search for purpose, the record is rooted in the storytelling traditions of Appalachian roots and Americana music. Produced by the brilliant Rachel Baiman and featuring collaborations with Baiman, Ketch Secor (Old Crow Medicine Show), Tim O’Brien, Shelby Means, and Emily Jamerson, The Narrow Way blends poetic lyrics with authentic melodies to create a deeply personal and universallyresonant listening experience. Weaving together vivid imagery and poignant themes of family, nostalgia, resilience, and redemption, the record is an invitation to reflect on life’s winding paths while celebrating the bumps and beauty of the journey. Jamerson was born into a musical family in eastern Kentucky, where gatherings were full of guitars and songs. “My grandmother always had a camera rolling, which taught me early on that life is worth documenting” he says. “That’s what I try to do through songwriting: turn ordinary moments into something meaningful.” Starting out with piano and choir as a child, Jamerson added guitar, banjo and mandolin to his repertoire along the way. After college, he co-founded the band Sundy Best and has released a dozen records between them and his solo work and band over the last thirteen years. “Music has taken me places I never dreamed, like the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry” he tells, “but more than anything, it’s a way for me to honor place and people, and to help others feel seen and proud of where they come from.” These days, in addition to his own music, Jamerson is working to mentor the next generation, helping other writers find their voice through projects like the Sleeping in the Woods Songwriter Festival. Thematically, The Narrow Way is a meditation on walking a difficult but purposeful path while holding onto faith and integrity while navigating the messiness of life. Those universal touchstones of the human experience - faith and doubt, the complexity of family ties (love, conflict, reconciliation, and the longing for connection and understanding), and the heartache of nostalgia and loss, are all to be found within The Narrow Way. The rain feeds the flowers, and the deep greys are balanced by the lightness found through the dignity of hard work, the sharing of struggles, and the emotional labor of pushing through hardship. Buoyed by and undercurrent of hope for personal renewal, forgiveness, and a clearer path forward, Jamerson hopes that listeners find the record a cathartic experience. “My hope is that it shakes something loose inside them—something they’ve been holding onto for too long—so they can finally let it go and leave it behind” he says. Written with a painterly economy of language, his songs shimmer in the space between narrative and allegory; a kaleidoscope of meditations set to music, they transcend genre and hit straight to the heart. Expertly arranged and elegantly executed, it is a record built around eminently engaging melody and Jamerson’s soaring voice; clear and bright as the stars on a winter night. The Narrow Way is the final chapter in a trilogy that traces a journey of self-discovery, faith, and perseverance—written from the heart of Appalachia, where the sacred and the simple meet. With a voice rooted in tradition and a pen sharpened by experience, Jamerson invites listeners to walk with him through the shadows towards something honest and eternal. The Narrow Way is a soul-stirring blend of mountain wisdom and familial remembrance, written by someone that carries the weight of memory, the fire of purpose, and the humility of a man still learning.

India Ramey

India Ramey - Blazing Through Outlaw Country’s Revival | Instagram Live | Rugged Revival

In this episode, Camden speaks to India Ramey — a fiercely talented singer-songwriter whose journey from domestic violence prosecutor to outlaw country star is anything but ordinary.Raised in the Appalachian foothills and steeped in the grit of honky tonks and spaghetti western soundscapes, India Ramey carved her own path in music after leaving behind a promising legal career. A survivor and truth-teller, Ramey channeled her experiences into songwriting, earning national acclaim with albums like Snake Handler and Shallow Graves — the latter described by Rolling Stone as “part honky-tonk, part Black Sabbath." www.theruggedrevival.com​

Jared Daws

Jared Daws - Country/Americana Artist Residing in Mississippi | Rugged Revival

Jared Daws is an American born singer-songwriter originally from New Orleans, Louisiana currently residing in Mississippi gulf coast. As a city-born Latino raised on country music, his style is best described as “eclectic.” Since an early age, Daws was heavily drawn to music and live performance mostly due to his father’s musical influence. Since 2008, Daws has been involved in several musical projects and has released many EPs and singles differing from genre to genre before going solo in 2023. His debut album 'Snow Below' returns him to his childhood roots of country/Americana music.

Gracie Yates

Gracie Yates - Live at The Burl | Rugged Revival

At the legendary Burl in Lexington, KY, five incredible artists stepped onto the stage for the "For The Love of Appalachia" showcase - each competing for a life-changing opportunity: a fully-funded UK tour. In this interview, Rugged Revival's Kenzie Traylor sits down with Gracie Yates to talk music, dreams, and what is means to represent Kentucky's thriving independent scene. This is just the beginning - we'll be sharing interviews with all five artists from this unforgettable night. Hit subscribe and join us in celebrating the voices that keep independent music alive! #kentuckymusic #independentmusic #countrymusic #appalachianmusic

Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams – Blues & Soul Music From North Georgia

Singer/songwriter/guitarist, Jesse Williams, is a mountain mama with roots grounded in Blues & Soul. Hailing from North Georgia with the deep belief that it’s best savored when simmered. Her melody medicine is an invitation of sultry vocals and earthy lyrics that explore Life's many winding paths. These serenades are supported with guitar grooves and rhythms that play off the feeling of the Music. Capturing and offering the raw essence of Spirit as it moves listeners within. Jesse's works include her 2020 debut EP, “Off the Vine". Which was recorded in 2019 at InCrowd Recordings in Atlanta, GA. In 2024 she released another EP, “Take My Place”. Recorded in 2018 at The Vault in Marietta, GA. Outside of her EP's, Jesse Williams is featured on other songs and projects. She makes two appearances on the album. Belting on a cover of Renee Geyer’s, , as well as co-writing and singing on . Recently, she joined creative forces with on his melancholic tune, . Her latest accomplishment is winning the Eddie's Attic 55th Bi-Annual Songwriter Shootout in November 2024. Joining the list of winners that include Jennifer Nettles & Cory Jones, John Mayer & Clay Cook, Tyler Childers, and more. She is currently working on recording her first full-length album, “Keep Steady”. More home-grown medicine coming in June 2025.

Addie Levy

Addie Levy – Bluegrass Mandolin Virtuoso

Meet Addie Levy, a captivating American bluegrass-country artist who effortlessly weaves tradition and vision into exciting, progressive movements. Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Addie has emerged as a true multi-talent in the world of music, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and exciting mandolin improvisation. From the early age of 10, she has been a powerful performer mentored by the bluegrass and old-time community. Enchanted by the resonating tales and camaraderie embedded within the "happy music" of Bluegrass, Addie swiftly cultivated a deep love for its rich history and stories. Her radiant energy and boundless enthusiasm have transformed her into a sought-after collaborator, drawing the attention of organizations, fellow musicians, businesses, and festivals. Through her music, Addie Levy has breathed new life into traditional sounds and forged a vibrant and ever-expanding landscape for its future.

Leon Majcen

Leon Majcen – Florida Folk-Country from Bosnian Roots

Leon Majcen is a musician whose story is one of resilience and determination. He grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida, the son of Bosnian war refugees who had fled the country in search of a better life for their children. From a young age, Leon was drawn to the power of storytelling through music, particularly the work of artists like Townes Van Zandt, John Prine, Bob Dylan and Guy Clark. 
 Leon began playing in local bars while still in high school, honing his craft and building a loyal following. After high school, he decided to pursue his passion for music in New York City, while attending college at New York University and playing shows around town. 
 After a while, Leon came to the realisation that the hustle and bustle of the city wasn't where his heart was at and returned home to take a job at a commercial fishing dock while planning his next move to Nashville. Since arriving in music city, Leon has continued to develop his unique blend of Folk, Country and Americana, drawing on his experiences and love of the outdoors to craft songs that are honest and powerful.

Eli Cain

Eli Cain – Georgia Americana from Housepainter to Artist

Eli Cain is a talented singer-songwriter from Watkinsville, Georgia. His journey from housepainter to a rising star in the music industry is awe inspiring. Come and join Eli and The Rugged Revival for a captivating conversation! #musicpodcast #musicinterview #countrymusicartists #americana

Brennan Edwards

Brennan Edwards – Virginia Country-Bluegrass Folk

Brennan Edwards is a singer-songwriter hailing from Winchester, Virginia. His music is a heartfelt, relatable blend of country, bluegrass, and folk. All delivered with BE’s unmistakable, soulful voice. His new EP "Stones" is out now, go and download it!#countrymusicartists #newcountryartist #musicpodcast #virginiamusic #appalachia #appalachianmusic #folkmusic #bluegrass

Josh Mitcham

Josh Mitcham – Ex-Jericho Woods Singer on Solo Barn Album

Josh Mitcham, from Webster, Kentucky is best known for his work with the group Jericho Woods, which he formed in 2014. After the dissolution of JW and the subsequent pandemic, Mitcham set about working on a solo project that would solidify his style. With all the success of Kentucky, and especially Appalachian artists, it would have been easy to lean into that trend in current music tastes, but as Mitcham himself said, “Hell, I live a whole lot closer to John Mellencamp than I do Lawrence County (referring to Tyler Childers)”. While definitely a fan of Appalachian music, and a proud Kentuckian, Mitcham really wanted to tap into the music that had shaped his own taste: Tom Petty, Ryan Adams, Butch Walker, and Nada Surf. While definitely country, Mitcham lands in a middle ground between country and an Isbell-ish rock. Stacked vocals and ambient guitars tinged with fiddle and steel. Still not really “mainstream country radio” ready but not a old-time mountain murder ballad either (there is a song about killing!) Mitcham definitely has his own voice, as these songs are indeed familiar to the style of his former group, but without an attempt to please Nashville or the hipsters; but he might just have a little something here for all of them. Recorded in the 100 year old barn on his family farm, Mitcham has crafted an album that sets him apart from a lot of the trendy music hashtagging onto the Kentucky music train these days. #countrymusic #kentuckymusic #countryartist #musicpodcast #countrysingersongwriter