Live and Amplified's Indie Fusion Podcast

Jesse and Noah at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Jet Jergensmeyer at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

John Berry at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Jordan Rainer at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Josie Sal at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Julia Golden at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Juna N Joey at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

MADDIE LENHART at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Makenzie Phipps at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Malpass Brothers at CMA fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Mike Parker at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Noelle Toland at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Omer Netzer at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Payton Smith at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Robyn Ottolini at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Savannah Dean Reeves at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Scotty Inman at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Kaleb Sanders at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Gloria Anderson at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Karen Waldrup at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Lee Newton at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Melanie Dyer at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Kelly McTigue at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Hayden Coffman AT CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast.pkf

Kelsey Lamb at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Hayley Payne at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Jenny Tolman at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Thompson Square at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Taylor Austin Dye at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Swon Brothers at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Chase Wright on CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Cliff Dorsey at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Cooper Riley at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Cynthia Renee at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Dani-Elle Kleha at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

Dawson Anderson at CMA Fest | The Indie Fusion Podcast

CMA Fest brought artists from all over the world to Nashville, and this episode features Canadian singer-songwriter Desirée  as she shares her journey, creative process, and why Nashville might just become her next home.We dive into:Why CMA Fest is unlike any other music festivalDesirée's upcoming album "Just For Now"Her new single "Chop Some Wood" and the accompanying line danceThe evolution of music videos, visualizers, and lyric videosVancouver vs. NashvilleBuilding genuine fan connections through newsletters instead of relying solely on social mediaArtists inspiring her, including Mon Rovîa, Sierra Ferrell, and Laci Kaye BoothThe realities of life as an independent musicianIf you love discovering incredible independent artists before everyone else, this conversation is for you.🎙️ Guest: DesiréeSubscribe for more interviews with independent musicians, songwriters, and music industry professionals.#Songwriter #Texas #NotNashvilleApproved #CMAFest #IndependentMusic

Singer-songwriter Emma Forgette returns to the Live and Amplified Podcast during CMA Fest for an update on everything that's happened since her last appearance.Emma talks about hosting a writers round at Nashville's Commodore, balancing life between Florida and Nashville, spending more time focused on songwriting, and what it's really like navigating co-writes with new people. She also shares how she's building her catalog of songs, preparing for new studio sessions, planning a future Texas tour, and staying grounded while chasing a career in country music.The conversation wraps up with Emma sharing heartfelt advice for young artists about following the path they're meant to be on.If you love discovering independent country artists before everyone else, this episode is for you.🎙 In this episode:CMA Fest recapSongwriting and creative processHosting writers rounds in NashvilleCo-writing with new collaboratorsFlorida vs. NashvilleTouring and future Texas plansBuilding a songwriting catalogAdvice for aspiring musiciansBe sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with independent artists from around the country.#Songwriter #Texas #NotNashvilleApproved #CountryMusic #EmmaForgette

Can one songwriting contest change your entire career? For Gary Frost, it just might have.In this episode of the Live & Amplified Indie-Fusion Podcast, host Tom Kwiat sits down with rising country artist Gary Frost live from CMA Fest in Nashville, Tennessee.Gary shares his journey from New Jersey to Nashville, talks about signing his first artist development deal, releasing his upcoming self-titled debut album, and how winning both the Red Bull Jukebox Songwriting Contest and the USA Songwriting Contest helped launch his career to the next level.They also dive into:🎙️ Gary's upcoming single "Looking For A Reason"🎸 Life as an independent country artist in Nashville🏆 Winning major songwriting competitions🚗 Touring the East Coast and future plans for Texas🍕 New York vs. Chicago pizza (because every great podcast needs a food debate)🔥 Advice for aspiring musicians trying to build a career in today's music industryIf you're an independent artist, songwriter, or country music fan looking for real conversations about the music business, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more interviews with independent artists, singer-songwriters, and music industry professionals.🎧 Listen to the Live & Amplified Indie-Fusion PodcastAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.📲 Follow Live & AmplifiedFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveNAMPLIFIEDInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/live_n_amplifiedSubstack: https://substack.com/@liveandamplified#GaryFrost #CountryMusic #CMAFest #LiveAndAmplified #IndependentArtist #Songwriter #Nashville #CountryPodcast #SingerSongwriter #TexasMusic

What does it really take to build a country music career in Nashville?In this episode of the Live and Amplified Indie-Fusion Podcast, Tom Kwiat sits down with Diamond Dixie during CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.The sister duo talks about their journey from Orlando to Nashville, balancing constant touring, writing new music, filming music videos, surviving the independent music grind, and why it's important to enjoy the moment while always planning what's next.They also dive into:Moving from Florida to NashvillePlaying Carolina Country Music FestTheir upcoming EP and new singlesLife on the roadMusic video productionFitness, reading, sourdough bread (yes, really)The mindset required to succeed in today's independent music industryIf you're an independent artist, songwriter, or country music fan, this conversation is packed with inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories.🎵 Follow Diamond Dixie:https://diamonddixie.com🎙 Subscribe for more interviews with independent musicians, songwriters, and music industry professionals.#NotNashvilleApproved #Texas #Songwriter #CountryMusic #IndependentMusic

The "Walmart Yodeling Kid" is all grown up—and he's proving he's much more than a viral moment.In this episode of the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast, Tom Kwiat sits down with Mason Ramsey during CMA Fest 2026 to talk about his journey from internet sensation to full-time country artist.Mason opens up about rebuilding his career after leaving his label, working with a new team led by Jay Cash, recording a brand-new project, assembling his own touring band, and why staying humble has been one of the biggest lessons of his career.The conversation also dives into:Mason's upcoming music projectBuilding a touring band from Nashville musiciansLife after viral fameHis love for restoring classic 1968 Chevy trucksGrowing up in rural IllinoisTouring, CMA Fest, and the future of country musicAdvice for young musicians trying to break into the industryWhether you've followed Mason since his viral debut or you're discovering his music for the first time, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to build a lasting career in country music.Be sure to like, comment, subscribe, and let us know your favorite Mason Ramsey song in the comments!Follow Mason Ramsey:Website: MasonRamsey.comInstagram: @MasonRamseyFollow Live and Amplified for more conversations with independent artists from across the country.#MasonRamsey #CMAFest #CountryMusic #LiveAndAmplified #IndependentMusic

On this episode of the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast, Tom Kwiat catches up with returning guest Caitlin Mae during CMA Fest 2026. Since their last conversation, Kaitlin has made Nashville home, recorded over 30 new songs, worked with legendary producer Kent Wells (Dolly Parton's longtime producer), and is preparing to release some of the biggest music of her career.Beyond the music, Kaitlin shares how her experiences with bullying have led her to a new mission—bringing music and anti-bullying programs into high schools across America.In this episode:Why Nashville now feels like homeRecording with Kent WellsWorking on over 30 new songsTouring across the United StatesThe story behind her anti-bullying missionFostering rescue puppies in NashvilleLife after moving from Wales to Music CityWhy staying true to yourself is the best career adviceIf you're an independent artist, songwriter, or simply love hearing the stories behind the music, this conversation is for you.👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue supporting independent artists from around the world.#Songwriter #Texas #NotNashvilleApproved #CountryMusic #IndependentMusic

Can a New Yorker build a successful country music career?On this episode of the Live and Amplified Indie Fusion Podcast, Tom Kwiat sits down with Carolyn Miller during CMA Fest 2026 to talk about following your heart, balancing music with family life, and the long journey behind creating a new EP.From growing up on Long Island to becoming one of country music's rising independent artists, Carolyn shares the lessons she's learned about authenticity, hard work, and saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities.In this episode:Carolyn Miller's journey from acting to country musicGrowing up in New York and finding NashvilleThe creative process behind her upcoming EPBalancing motherhood, music, and entrepreneurshipIndependent artist life and creating your own contentThe artists inspiring her right nowWhy kindness matters in the music businessAdvice for the next generation of musiciansIf you're an independent artist, songwriter, or country music fan, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and share it with another music fan.#Songwriter #Texas #NotNashvilleApproved #CountryMusic #IndependentMusic

Kelsi Mayne at CMA Fest 2026 | Indie Fusion Podcast

Jake Hoot at CMA Fest 2026 | Indie Fusion Podcast

Hannah Dasher at CMA Fest 2026 | Indie Fusion Podcast

CMA Fest 2026 | Indie Fusion Podcast

Alex Miller at CMA Fest 2026 | Indie Fusion Podcast

Mika Lynch The Indie Fusion Podcast

Bandana Cheyanna The Indie Fusion Podcast