Press Play Conversations

Before Something Unto Nothing had a name, a label, or even a plan, Sass Jordan and Brian Tichy were just two lifers in a room chasing the sound of real rock and roll again — loud, loose, and alive. In this Press Play Radio Conversations episode, Sass and Brian join The Don, Dean Baldwin, and Tina to unpack the unexpected story behind their collaboration, the spirit of ’70s-era songwriting that shaped the record, their thoughts on AI’s impact on music, and why the newly remastered release feels less like a comeback and more like a spark for what’s coming next.To learn more about Sass Jordan:https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/sass-jordan/v7To learn more about Brian Tichy:https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/brian-tichy/v7

Country artist Allie Colleen joins Press Play Radio Conversations with The Don and Tina for a heartfelt, funny, and refreshingly honest conversation about songwriting, memory-triggering moments behind “Mahogany Teakwood,” life in Nashville, performing on tour with Jelly Roll, and why silencing a room with a song might be the greatest privilege an artist can experience. From the stories behind her music to her thoughts on AI in the industry (and why venues should stop using it on posters immediately), Allie proves exactly why fans connect so deeply with her authenticity and voice.Learn more about Allie Colleen here:https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/allie-colleenWant to send Allie a message directly? Write her a letter here:https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/allie-colleen-brooks

Before he was stepping into Nashville writing rooms and crafting songs that feel both classic and current at the same time, Jet Jurgensmeyer was already familiar to audiences as Spanky in The Little Rascals (2014) and from roles in American Sniper, Adventures in Babysitting, and Last Man Standing. But on this episode of Press Play Radio Conversations, Jet sits down with Don and Tina to talk about the journey that brought him from child actor to Belmont University songwriter, from ranch life in Missouri to the Nashville stage, and into a new phase of music built on authenticity, storytelling, and the belief that audiences can still tell the difference between something real and something manufactured.  To learn more about Jet, visit his Mosaic page on Press Play: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/jet-jurgensmeyer If you’d like to send him a message directly, you can write him a letter here: https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/jet-jurgensmeyer.

Veteran ABC7 news anchor Dan Ashley steps behind the headlines and into the heart of songwriting on this episode of Press Play Conversations. Dan joins The Don and Tina for a thoughtful, fun, and deeply personal conversation about the stories that shaped his music, the inspiration behind songs like Outside Looking In and Small Town Nights, and why optimism and memory still fuel great rock storytelling today. From North Carolina roots to San Francisco stages, this is a side of Dan Ashley you don’t hear on the evening news. Send Dan Ashley a note and let him know what his music means to you: https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/dan-ashleyTo learn more about Dan Ashley, readers and watchers can visit:https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/dan-ashley

Country music still has storytellers who don’t just sing the songs—they live them. In this episode of Press Play Conversations, Buddy Jewell joins The Don and Tina to reflect on winning Nashville Star, the emotional truth behind “Help Pour Out the Rain,” touring war zones with the USO, and the new music he’s building completely on his own terms. It’s a conversation about faith, resilience, classic country roots, and why authenticity still matters in today’s streaming world.Learn more about Buddy here:https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/buddy-jewellSend Buddy a note here:https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/buddy-jewell

Morgan Myles joins Press Play Radio Conversations to talk about the emotional journey behind her new album Laced, the real-life heartbreak that shaped it, and why she’ll never stop fighting for music with soul. From Muscle Shoals songwriting sessions to a powerful cover of “Sister Golden Hair,” Myles opens up about authenticity, resilience, and the importance of human connection in today’s music industry. To learn more about Morgan: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/morgan-myles To write Morgan a letter: https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/morgan-myles

Bec Lauder isn’t just making music — she’s channeling a whole mood, a whole movement, and a kind of ec opens up about The Vessel, the real-life heartbreak and self-discovery behind the songrock energy that feels both timeless and brand new. In this Press Play Conversations feature, Bs, her explosive rise from New York jam sessions to selling out shows in Paris, and the magic that keeps pushing her forward.Raw, hypnotic, emotional, and electric, Bec Lauder and The Noise are tapping into something bigger than a moment — and this conversation proves she’s only getting started.Learn more about Bec Lauder and The Noise here:https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/bec-lauderSend Bec a letter here:https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/bec-lauder-and-the-noise

Savannah Dean Reeves is the kind of artist who doesn’t chase songs—they find her. With a voice that carries grit, soul, and a quiet kind of fire, she blends country roots with a raw edge that feels unmistakably her own. From emotionally charged songwriting to live performances that leave a mark, Savannah is entering a bold new chapter—one worth paying attention to.To learn more about Savannah Dean Reeves, visit:https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/savannah-dean-reeves To write Savannah a letter: https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/savannah-dean-reeves 

What happens when real musicians collide with an artificial music world?Autumn Academy isn’t here to play the algorithm — they’re here to feel something.From raw songwriting and standout tracks to an unfiltered conversation about AI in music, this Press Play Conversation dives into what it actually means to create in 2026.No shortcuts. No fake polish. Just a band chasing something honest.Watch the full conversation and experience Autumn Academy for yourself.Learn more: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/autumn-academyWrite them a letter: https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/autumn-academy

In this episode of Press Play Radio Conversations, veteran music journalist Steven Rosen sits down with Don “The Don” Thatcher, SiriusXM’s Dean Baldwin, and Press Play CEO Tina Houser to reflect on the art—and loss—of storytelling in rock music. From his first nerve-wracking interview with Joe Cocker to the intimate, 17-year journey of writing Tone Chaser about his friendship with Eddie Van Halen, Rosen shares the highs, heartbreaks, and quiet revelations of a life spent chasing connection over fame. He reveals what it’s like to watch legends change, the fragile moments behind Van Halen’s mystique, and why modern media and AI can mimic style but never replicate lived experience. Poignant, candid, and deeply human, this conversation reminds us why music writing—and the stories that survive—still matters.

From Sword to Saints & Sinners, Canadian rock powerhouse Rick Hughes has never followed the rules—he’s followed the music. In this exclusive Press Play Radio interview, Rick opens up about his journey through the highs and lows of the industry, the grit behind the glory, and why his voice still echoes with purpose.Raw. Real. Unfiltered.Watch as Rick shares untold stories, musical insights, and his unwavering passion for the stage.Want more? Check out his full profile here: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/rick-hughesWrite a Letter To Rick! https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/rick-hughes #RickHughes #Sword #SaintsAndSinners #PressPlayRadio #RockLegends #ArtistInterview #RealMusicLivesHere

Jeremy Calloway joins Press Play Conversations for a laid-back, authentic chat that highlights a career built on real musicianship and honest storytelling. With years of experience behind him, Calloway reflects the kind of artist who lets the work speak louder than the hype. This conversation captures his grounded perspective, creative spirit, and the confidence of someone who’s truly found his voice.To learn more about Jeremy: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/jeremy-callowayTo write Jeremey a Letter:  https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/jeremy-calloway

Los Frankies are carving their own lane through the noise of Los Angeles—raw guitars, controlled chaos, and songs born from real life, not algorithms. From the fuzzed-out bite of “Dog City” to the razor-sharp honesty of “I’m On Drugs,” this is rock that earns its scars and wears them proudly.To learn more about Los Frankies and their upcoming record, visit: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/los-frankiesWrite the Los Frankies a Letter!https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/los-frankies

Reeve Stimpson isn't chasing the '80s revival—he is the revival. With big hooks, slick visuals, and an emotional honesty that hits like a Bryan Adams chorus, Reeve opens up about his viral rise, nostalgic roots, and bold vision for the future of pop. Watch as he talks “One Night Stand,” kitchen TikToks, and why this isn’t a gimmick—it’s a movement.Learn more About Reeve at:https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/...Write Reeve a Letter!https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/re...#ReeveStimpson #viralvideo #viralvideos #synthpop #retropop #80srevival #newpopmusic

Firehouse guitarist and songwriter Bill Leverty joins Press Play Radio Conversations for a wide-ranging, deeply human discussion on ballads, guitar tone, imperfection in music, and what still matters after decades on the road. From the emotional discipline behind rock’s most enduring love songs to the difference between technical perfection and real feeling, Leverty reflects on the craft, the collaborators, and the moments that continue to shape his sound. To learn more about Bill Leverty and Firehouse, visit:https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/firehouseWrite Bill a Letter:https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/bill-leverty-of-firehouse