On the Record with Live Music Junkiez

In this episode, I’m joined by 11-time GRAMMY-winning bassist and bandleader Christian McBride for a conversation about his journey through jazz, mentorship, and building a lasting career in music.We talk about his early start—picking up the bass at age nine, learning from his father, and quickly finding his place in the jazz world. From there, Christian shares what it was like stepping into the scene as a teenager, playing alongside legends, and the mentorship that shaped his path.We also get into his transition from one of the most in-demand sidemen to a bandleader, including how Inside Straight came together and how that same mindset continues with his latest group, Ursa Major.We get into: 🎶 Learning bass at a young age and the moment everything clicked 🎺 Meeting Wynton Marsalis and entering the jazz world early 🧠 Mentorship in jazz then vs now 🎸 Transitioning from sideman to bandleader and building Inside Straight 🌟 Creating opportunities for emerging jazz artists through Ursa Major 🏆 The story behind his first GRAMMY win 💭 Advice for performance anxiety and building confidence on stageIf you’re interested in jazz, live music, and the journey behind great musicianship, this episode is for you.To learn more about Christian McBride and find upcoming performances, visit his website.--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Joy of Cannons for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, resilience, and the journey behind their latest album, Everything Glows.We talk about how the band has stayed true to their sound from the very beginning, what it took to build a career independently, and the turning points that shaped their evolution over more than a decade. Michelle also shares the unexpected story of how Cannons first came together and how that foundation helped them grow into the band they are today.Along the way, we dive into life on the road, the pressure that comes with growth, and the burnout that forced the band to pause and reset. Michelle opens up about that experience and how it ultimately led to a more intentional approach to both music and life — themes that are woven throughout Everything Glows.At its core, this conversation is about finding the light within yourself during difficult moments and recognizing the growth that comes from pushing through them.🎯 We get into:🎶 Staying true to their sound and creative process 📀 The unexpected Craigslist story behind how Cannons formed 🚐 Building a career independently before signing a record deal 🔥 The breakthrough Netflix moment that changed everything 🧠 Burnout, boundaries, and finding balance on tour ✨ The meaning behind Everything Glows and finding light in dark timesIf you’re drawn to artists who build their sound on their own terms and find meaning through the highs and lows of the journey, this episode is for you.To learn more about Cannons and find current tour dates, click here.--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

Grammy and Latin Grammy-nominated Cimafunk is bringing Afro-Cuban funk to the global stage — blending deep musical roots with an energy that turns every performance into a full-body experience.In this episode, we talk about his creative process, the influences that shape his sound, and how he’s built a style that connects cultures through rhythm and groove. From spontaneous songwriting moments to collaborating with legends, Cimafunk shares how music becomes something people don’t just hear — but feel.We get into: 🎶 How the song “I Don’t Care” came together with George Clinton and Trombone Shorty 🌍 His experience with Getting Funky in Havana and the strong connection between Cuba and New Orleans 🌆 The cities around the world that bring the most energy — including Atlanta 💡 Why he sees music as “medicine” and how it creates a sense of release for audiences 🔥 The role of energy, vibe, and first takes in his creative process 🎤 What makes a live show feel like a true experienceIf you love music that moves you — physically and emotionally — this conversation is for you.To learn more about Cimafunk and see where he’s performing next, visit his website, and to listen to his music, check out his latest releases on Spotify.--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

What happens when hip-hop & hardcore energy collide with synth-driven beats?In this episode, I’m joined by Jay Webster, frontman of Dallas-based band UnityTX, for a conversation about carving out a unique space in heavy music and staying true to the heart and soul of hip-hop.We talk about their latest album, Somewhere In Between, how skateboarding first introduced him to music culture, and the full-circle moments that come with touring internationally. Jay also shares insights into the realities of building a modern band — from writing and recording music to managing social media and creating content in today’s internet-driven landscape.We get into: 🎸 How skateboarding shaped his work ethic and musical journey 🌍 Touring Europe vs. the U.S. — and what makes international crowds unique 🎤 The grind behind writing, recording, and promoting music independently 📀 Favorite tracks from Somewhere In Between and the influences behind the album 🎧 Blending hip-hop, EDM, rock, and metal into UnityTX’s soundIf you’re drawn to artists forging their own path and pushing genre boundaries, this conversation is for you.To learn more about UnityTX and find upcoming tour dates, visit their website and stream their music on Spotify.--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

What happens when deeply personal songwriting creates a global fan community?In this episode, I’m joined by UK indie-pop artist Dodie for a thoughtful conversation about songwriting, vulnerability, and the unique connection she’s built with her fans.We talk about her latest album, Not For Lack Of Trying, and the chapter of life that shaped the record — a period she describes as trying to move forward through stagnancy and uncertainty.Along the way, Dodie reflects on creativity, community, and what it’s like to share such personal music with a global audience.We get into: 🎶 How her YouTube beginnings helped shape the community around her music 💬 The powerful moment during her Atlanta show when a fan revealed one of her songs saved their life 🎥 The collaborative fan project behind the alternate version of “Darling, Angel, Baby” 📀 The story behind Not For Lack Of Trying and the season of life that inspired it 🚌 Life on the road — and why touring sometimes feels more like camping than luxuryIf you enjoy honest songwriting and hearing how artists connect deeply with their audiences, this episode is for you.To learn more about Dodie and follow her latest music and tour updates, visit her website, Spotify, and social media channels.--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

Buddy Red is an Atlanta artist who’s not following the hip-hop lane many might expect as the son of Atlanta icon T.I. Instead, he’s carving out a guitar-driven blues-rock sound entirely his own.In this episode, he shares the moment in 7th grade when discovering Prince’s self-produced debut album expanded his understanding of what was possible — and how that realization continues to shape the way he creates today.We also talk about how his song “1958” evolved from a simple acoustic idea on the edge of his bed into a fully realized recording, built piece by piece, instrument by instrument.We get into:🎸 Picking up guitar as a teenager and accelerating fast 🎧 Growing up in a music-centric household while searching for his own lane 📀 Sitting on a vault of unreleased music and holding ideas for the right moment 🎤 The meaning behind the name Buddy Red 🔥 Why he wants listeners to leave with more questions than answersIf you’re drawn to artists defining themselves on their own terms, this conversation is for you.Follow Buddy Red on his website and Instagram and stream his music on Spotify to keep up with his latest releases and upcoming performances.--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

In this episode, I’m joined by Briscoe, the Austin-based folk-rock duo made up of Truett Heintzelman and Philip Lupton, for a thoughtful conversation about songwriting, touring, and growing into a life built around music.We talk about their latest album, Heat of July, and how long drives, time spent on the road, and missing home shaped a record that unfolds like a series of lived-in moments. Briscoe also shares what it was like balancing college life while building a band, hitting the road immediately after graduation, and learning — sometimes the hard way — what touring really demands.We get into: 🎶 Writing songs inspired by real moments and the people you meet along the way 📚 The unexpected book that sparked the story behind “Escuidilla” 🚌 The realities of early touring — from snow-covered roads to unforgettable fan connections 🎷 How a long-forgotten saxophone became a live-show staple 🎤 Opening for Dave Matthews Band at The Gorge and artists they dream of touring with nextIf you love behind-the-scenes tour stories and discovering artists on the rise, this episode is for you.To learn more about Briscoe and find upcoming tour dates, visit their website.**Briscoe will be in Atlanta on February 20 at Terminal West — a great chance to catch these songs live!--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

In this episode, I’m joined by Oliver Wood of the Grammy-nominated band The Wood Brothers for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about music, connection, and creativity.We talk about the band’s latest album, Puff of Smoke, what it feels like stepping onstage for the very first show of a tour, and how Oliver’s early years in Atlanta’s music scene — from blues clubs to deep musical community — helped shape the artist he is today. Oliver also reflects on reconnecting with his brother through music, the evolution of The Wood Brothers over 20 years, and why staying open is at the heart of both life and art.We get into: 🎶 The making of Puff of Smoke and trusting instinct in the studio 🧠 Mindfulness, presence, and letting go — themes woven throughout the music 🎸 Oliver’s early days in Atlanta and the mentors who encouraged him to sing and write 👬 Reuniting with his brother and building The Wood Brothers from a side project into a lifelong band 🚌 What really changes from the first night of a tour to the last — and why those moments matter ❤️ Why music is ultimately about connection, community, and showing up for one anotherIf you love thoughtful songwriting, honest conversations, and music that meets you where you are, this episode is for you.To learn more about The Wood Brothers and find upcoming tour dates, visit their website.--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

What happens when a band turns raw emotion and reckless energy into three decades of relentless, unapologetic rock?  That’s the story of Five Eight, Athens’ underground pop-punk heroes.In this episode, Five Eight frontman Mike Mantione gets real about life on the road, the power of connection, and why weirdness might just be the key to longevity. From wild ‘90s tours (yes, there were naked shows 😳) to sharing the stage with R.E.M., Mike opens up about the band’s evolution, the moments that shaped their sound, and what keeps the fire alive decades later.We get into:🎥 How the band’s documentary (Weirdo) came to life after years in the vault🚐 Life on the road with R.E.M. 🎸 Why every show has its own energy — and no setlist is ever safe 🔥 The chaos, freedom, and philosophy of live performance 💭 Their new single, “I’m Alone” — why being lonely isn’t always a bad thing 💡 Mike’s advice for young artists: stay real, stay fearless, and give it everythingIf you’ve ever been to a sweaty, loud, unforgettable show — or dreamed of going — this one’s for you.To find out where Five Eight is playing next, visit their website.--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

Get ready to meet Cat Ridgeway, an award-winning singer-songwriter from Orlando, Florida, whose powerhouse vocals and storytelling have lit up stages across the country. I’ve seen her perform live a few times, and trust me — her energy is absolutely contagious!In this episode, we dive into her path from open mics to major festivals like Okeechobee Music Festival, what she’s learned about songwriting and self-belief, and the full-circle story that ties her to the Grateful Dead in the most unexpected way.We get into: 🎶 The wild, unplanned story behind “Giving You Up” (and why the lyrics almost didn’t exist) 👨‍👩‍👧 How her family helped spark her love for music—starting with her brother’s foot 💀 The unexpected Grateful Dead connection that changed her career 💡 Finding meaning in lyrics that weren’t planned, but felt right 📱 Why learning every part of the music business helps artists stay in control 🔥 Real talk on staying creative, confident, and true to your sound🎶 If you’ve ever chased a dream, written from the heart, or lost yourself in a live show—this episode is for you.--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

Blending Irish folk traditions with rock ‘n’ roll energy, The Muckers have become a staple of Atlanta’s live music scene. Their rowdy, heartfelt shows keep fans coming back for more, whether it’s at a neighborhood pub or a packed festival stage.Join Jeff and Ty as they share the highs, chaos, and laughs of touring and performing.We get into: 🍀 The origins of The Muckers (yes, Craigslist is involved) 🚐 Adventures (and misadventures) from touring across the U.S. 🌞 What it’s like playing a midnight set under Alaska’s never-ending sun 💡 Why showing up and being kind matters just as much as talentIf you’ve ever seen The Muckers live, you know it’s more than a show—it’s a party. And if you haven’t? This episode will make you want to grab a ticket and experience the ride for yourself.  Visit http://culturepunkatl.com/ to see where they're playing next.--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

Whether you’re a diehard 311 fan or just love hearing real stories from the road, this conversation is for you!  S.A. Martinez delivers insights, laughs, and inspiration from one of the most iconic voices of the 2000's.We get into:🎸 The evolution of 311’s sound and creative process🍑 Why Atlanta feels like a second home for the band🚐💥 Unforgettable tour stories (including a fiery RV incident)🤘 The power of the 311 fan community📝 Timeless advice for musicians🎧 Follow and subscribe to Live Music Junkiez for more interviews, local concert tips, and behind-the-scenes music stories.To find out where 311 is playing next, visit here.--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

What happens when you take a few soulful musicians, put them in a subway station, and let the groove lead the way? You get the California Honeydrops—a band that’s gone from busking in Oakland to lighting up stages across the country with their feel-good, dance-your-face-off sound.In this episode, Ben Malament (drummer and co-founder) takes us inside the journey of the California Honeydrops. From their roots playing 'New Orleans R&B' on BART platforms to jamming with legends like Bonnie Raitt and Dr. John, this is a story about staying true to your sound, your people, and your joy.We get into: 🎶 Why they never use a setlist (and how that changes the vibe every night) 📣 How connecting with fans—on and off stage—is part of the mission 🎧 The making of their latest album Keep On Digging 💡 Real talk for emerging artistsIf you’ve ever caught a Honeydrops show, you know it’s more than music—it’s a party. And if you haven’t? This episode will make you want to dance your way to the next one (which by the way is October 17, 2025 at Variety Playhouse!)🎧 Follow and subscribe to Live Music Junkiez for more interviews, local concert tips, and behind-the-scenes music stories.Keep up with the California Honeydrops at https://cahoneydrops.com/--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

In this episode, I catch up with Will and Rae from Atlanta’s rising eclectic rock band Rae & The Ragdolls—a group known for their genre-blending sound, heartfelt songwriting, and infectious energy on stage.The duo opens up about the late-night ritual that inspired their dreamy track “Moon Tipper,” how they juggle college life with a packed tour schedule, and why they believe passion should always come before profit.We get into: 🌈 The band’s biggest musical inspirations (and a few unexpected ones) 🎒 Balancing student life with band life—yes, finals and festivals 🔥  A behind-the-scenes look at the song they love performing most ✨ Advice for new artists: stay curious and just go for itStick around till the end for a live in-studio clip of “Moon Tipper.”🎧 Follow and subscribe to Live Music Junkiez for more interviews, local concert tips, and behind-the-scenes music stories.To see more from Rae & The Ragdolls, visit their website https://www.raeandtheragdolls.com/--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

At 20 years old, Isabel LaRosa has already racked up over 2 billion streams and signed with RCA Records—all while staying true to her bold, emotional style. In this episode, we catch up right after the release of her debut album RAVEN and in the midst of her first headlining tour. Isabel shares how discovering YouTube (and Melanie Martinez) helped shape her sound, and opens up about the personal meaning behind her new song “Home.” We also get into staying grounded off-stage, how she handles social media feedback, and what’s coming next for this rising star. From real talk to inspiring moments, this convo’s packed with gems for fans and future creatives!❝ it's just a matter of knowing what you want and staying true to what your core gut instinct is ❞--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

From chart-topping ballads to socially conscious anthems,⁠Five for Fighting (John Ondrasik)⁠ uses his music to spark conversation, inspire hope, and reflect the human experience. In this conversation, John opens up about the journey behind hits like “⁠Superman⁠” and “⁠100 Years⁠,” and the responsibility he feels as a songwriter in today’s world. From balancing creativity and advocacy to the role music plays in shaping culture, his insights are heartfelt and full of wisdom for artists and 'music junkiez'.His latest passion project, the Music Matters Challenge, now in its second year, encourages the public to share what music means to them through short-form video. It’s a reminder that music doesn’t just entertain—it empowers and unites.Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, this interview is a reminder of why music still matters.❛❛If you're blessed enough to live your dream of having songs, people sing back to you, what you can do is use that to really shine the light on true heroes.❜❜*** For more information on the Music Matters Challenge, and how you could win $10K (or $25K for your school), visit ⁠Let Music Fill My World ⁠. The deadline is May 30, 2025!--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

Three-time Grammy-nominated drummer Nate Smith takes us behind the kit to explore groove, growth, and the gift of listening. In this candid conversation, he opens up about how tuning into the music — and the moment — shapes everything from his sound to his creative choices.He shares stories from his journey (including how an email from Brittany Howard’s manager turned into a dream gig), the artists he’s still hoping to collaborate with, and why 'the Pocket' is that magic space where timing, energy, and musical connection all align.If you’re a musician, a creative, or someone chasing rhythm in your own life — this one’s for you.❝ I always tell drummers that your instrument is actually your ears. That's, that's actually your instrument. The way that you play is indicative of the way that you listen.❞--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube

Tarriona “Tank” Ball takes us on a journey through poetry, purpose, and performance. In this candid conversation, she opens up about manifestation, evolving from poet to musician, and the moments — wild, weird, and wonderful — that have shaped her as an artist.She shares tour stories (including one involving losing clothing along the interstate), advice for up-and-coming creatives, and who she’d love to hit the road with next.If you’re an artist, a dreamer, or just obsessed with the craft — this one’s for you.--------------------Did you know Metro Atlanta has 200+ concerts EVERY WEEK! And we've got the full scoop!  Discover concerts, festivals, and open mics near you + exclusive videos from Atlanta's music scene!🔗 LiveMusicJunkiez.com 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 📺 YouTube