On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sat down with LeVan The Man, a multifaceted creative who excels as both a photographer and producer. LeVan shares his precise definition of a producer and the essential skills required for the role. He explains his intentional process of creating beats, always with a target audience or purpose in mind, and how every beat, like every photo, carries a certain emotion. We dive into his unique dual passions, discussing his candid photography techniques and even brainstorming the idea of combining his photos and beats to post the music inspired by the image.   LeVan, who works on music daily , opens up about the deeper connection to his craft, sharing how making music helps heal trauma. He also speaks passionately about the Venue Music community, highlighting its inclusive and constructive nature and how he got involved through the Texas Raw event. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of visual and auditory art, the power of a supportive community, and the intentional mindset of a modern producer.

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sat down with Prtysunknxwn (pronounced "Party's Unknown"), a true DIY music powerhouse who writes, records, produces, and engineers all his own tracks, including the song "Outsiders" we heard at the start of the show. He's an artist driven by raw, honest expression, using music as a tool to heal himself. Prtysunknxwn is not just a musician; he's a multi-talented creative who also sketches and has a passion for gaming.   We dove deep into his musical identity, which often leads to comparisons to The Weeknd, a comparison he takes in stride. Prtysunknxwn opened up about his process, which allows him to go from an initial concept in his phone notes to a fully recorded, mixed, mastered, and released song in a matter of days. We discussed the huge role mental health plays in his work and the power of writing songs based on personal experience or deep observation of someone else's emotions. He shares his view on modern success—which is about stability and paying bills through his art, not filling stadiums —and offers essential advice for up-and-coming indie artists on utilizing short-form video content for promotion.

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sat down with a passionate young artist making waves in the rap scene: Stizzie Rae. At just 15 years old and based in Indiana , Stizzie is already a singer, writer, rapper, and artist with a remarkable connection to his craft. He shares how his musical journey began as a two-year-old, captivated by Lmfao and Michael Jackson , and eventually led him to study artists like Zoltan Tashian and Lil Wayne , who inspired his freestyling approach to rap. Stizzie gives us a candid look at the challenges of a DIY musician, including the frustrating experience of working with a beat producer who threatened to sue him, leading him to scrap an entire album track out of respect. He also explains his unconventional songwriting process: he lets the beat speak to him and translates its feeling into his lyrics, which is why he rarely writes anything down. This creative method results in many short songs, as he only spits for as long as the beat lasts.   Despite his challenges, Stizzie's goal is pure: he wants to inspire people to stay true to themselves and follow their hearts, the way his idols inspired him. He emphasizes that making music is the "most exciting thing" he's ever done and should always be fun, not stress

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sat down with an incredible musician, composer, and producer known as Xantech. Xantech’s story is a fascinating dive into the world of modern DIY music creation, where he writes, records, produces, and mixes all of his own songs. We got a taste of his latest release, "Celine," right at the top of the show, and discussed the raw, personal emotions that fuel his songwriting. Xantech is a true renaissance artist, moving between singing and rap, and he explains why he chose to become a solo artist—it’s about the absolute freedom of creative control. This conversation is a must-listen for any aspiring producer or artist struggling with the challenges of collaboration. We explore Xantech's diverse influences, how he's building his fanbase outside of his home state, and his unique process for creating a song, from the first spark of inspiration to the final mix. He also gives us his honest take on the music industry and what he believes is the key to longevity in a constantly evolving landscape.

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible sister duo, Walker County—Ivy Dean and Sophie Dawn. For me, hearing their story confirmed what I believe is the most essential truth in music: "You have to find happiness in things that go, this makes me happy as well." Ivy Dean (vocals/guitar) and Sophie Dawn (drums/vocals) share their journey of building a Nashville-based country career that started when they were just kids. We dive into the unique challenges and blessings of being a sister duo, from dealing with the inevitable creative differences to the comfort of having your best friend on stage with you. They break down their songwriting process and how they maintain a sense of authentic identity in a highly competitive music industry. This conversation is essential for any independent country artist or musician entrepreneur looking for real-world advice. We explore the emotional toll of the constant career hustle, how they manage to balance the demanding schedule with their personal lives and family, and the importance of knowing who you are when you step off the stage. From finding joy outside of their careers to the power of their shared history, Walker County gives a raw, honest look at what it takes to thrive in the modern music world. This interview is a powerful lesson in making sure your passion remains a "plus" in your life, not a burden.  

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly versatile singer, songwriter, and artist, Luna Marcella. Luna's story is one of authenticity and self-discovery, showing how a love for music evolved from childhood dreams of fame to a dedicated pursuit of creating original, relatable music that truly represents her. We dove deep into her unique creative process, which often involves freestyling vocals over a beat she's never heard, capturing raw emotion in a single take before cleaning it up in her "little closet with my GarageBand" setup. Luna shares how her upbringing, surrounded by different cultures and genres—from jazz and Indian music to Native American sounds—opened her musical perspective like "Pandora's box". This diversity allows her to jump between R&B, rap, Lo-Fi, jazz, pop, and rock, refusing to be put in a box. We discuss the importance of collaboration and how working with other artists brings out beautiful things when creative minds come together. Luna emphasizes that success isn't about being a "diva" or being stubborn, but about open-mindedness and giving credit to others' creative input. She also talks about the hustle of an independent artist and the immense joy of knowing her music is uplifting or relatable to even just five people, which means she's done her job

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sat down with Memphis rapper and composer, Bray Smizzi. Bray shared his journey from a young kid influenced by his uncle to a determined independent artist. He talks about taking a break from music to focus on his personal life and how he was drawn back to his passion. Bray opens up about the deeper meaning behind his lyrics and the healing power of music. This conversation is a raw, honest look at what it takes to be a DIY artist, from the challenges of finding your audience to the immense joy of bringing a musical vision to life. We also get to know more about the man behind the music, including how he deals with criticism , the importance of collaborating with other artists , and what he believes his fans need to know about him.

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sat down with an incredible musician and artist who goes by many names, most notably, The Fallen Incarnates, also known as Ben Wilbers. We dove into the fascinating world of a multi-instrumentalist who not only writes and records every part of his songs but also handles all the mixing and mastering himself. We discuss the challenge and creative freedom of being a one-man-band. Ben opens up about the deeper meaning behind his lyrics and how they are a direct reflection of his personal life experiences. This conversation is a raw, honest look at what it takes to be an independent artist, from the challenges of finding your audience to the immense joy of bringing a musical vision to life. Ben also shares some incredible insights into his creative process, his thoughts on the music industry, and the importance of addressing mental health in the arts. We also get to know more about the man behind the music, including a little about his day job, and what it means to him to have paid his dues in the music world.

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I had a conversation with Nashville's own DIY punk duo, Local Cryptid. We dove deep into their unique approach to creating a raw, heavy sound that still manages to be catchy and melodic. Local Cryptid shares their process for writing and producing their music entirely on their own, a true testament to the independent artist's grind. We talk about their influences, from the punk scene of Birmingham, Alabama, to the aural aesthetics of movies, and how they balance a raw sound with a well-produced mix. This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in the realities of independent music creation and the vibrant Nashville music community. Local Cryptid also talks about their upcoming EP, Cryptid One, their thoughts on the music industry, and the importance of bands supporting each other at shows. This is a must-listen for fans of authentic, high-energy rock music.

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I had a conversation with a true force in the independent music scene, recording artist Gdot3. I’ve been a fan for a while, so it was a real honor to sit down with him for an honest conversation about his journey and his art. This episode is packed with invaluable insight for any aspiring artist out there. We talk about the importance of getting honest, constructive criticism from your peers, and how to deal with the inevitable negativity from haters. Gdot3 shares his unique one-man-band approach to writing and producing his beats, and how he’s been working tirelessly to get his music out to the masses beyond social media. This conversation is a raw, honest look at the grind and the joy of creating music entirely on your own terms. We dive into the inspiration behind his music, the sacrifices he's made, and how he views success in the industry. Gdot3 opens up about his personal philosophy, which is based on the idea that things aren't happening to you, they are happening for you, and what he believes his fans need to know about him. This is an episode you won't want to miss.

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I had a conversation with a true force in the independent music scene, Italian guitarist Emmanuelle Ferraro. Emmanuelle and I dive into what it takes to be a dedicated artist in today's world, and he shares his unique story of building a music career from his home in northern Italy. We talk about his one-man-band approach to writing, recording, and producing, and the dedication it takes to wear every hat. Emmanuelle opens up about his passion for instrumental music and his love for the technical side of his craft, from learning music theory and ear training on his own to attending a year of conservatory in Milan. We discuss the challenges of being an independent metal artist in Italy, how he's grown a worldwide fanbase through YouTube, and why he always practices to improve his skills. For Emmanuelle, the guitar is a constant companion—a way to escape negative thoughts and a necessity for personal growth as an artist. This conversation is a raw, honest look at the grind and the joy of creating music entirely on your own terms.

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with Vancouver-based rapper Amiccella for an unfiltered conversation on balancing a full-time job with building a music career, staying authentic in the competitive hip-hop scene, and the grind of self-promotion as an indie artist in Canada. We kick things off with first drinks and first impressions before diving into Amiccella’s start in music, her early influences in hip-hop and R&B, and how she developed a style that’s unapologetically her own. She talks about writing lyrics from personal experiences, overcoming performance anxiety, and building a fanbase through consistent Instagram content and networking with other artists. From behind-the-scenes stories of her first music videos to the challenges of funding projects independently, Amiccella shares the realities of being a female rapper in Canada. We explore how she chooses producers and beats, handles online criticism, and collaborates with Vancouver’s creative scene. We also get into branding, creative control, and why she measures success beyond streaming numbers. Along the way, Amiccella drops advice for young artists, reflects on lessons learned from live shows, and discusses her five-year vision for her career. This episode is packed with insight, from recording session prep to building authentic fan connections, making it a must-listen for indie artists, hip-hop fans, and anyone chasing a creative dream without compromise. 🎧 Connect with Amiccella:📸 Instagram: @amiccella📺 YouTube: @amiccella

In this special return episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down once again with the legendary Bill Steber—who was the second-ever guest on this show. Now, after an inspiring tour through Japan, Bill’s back with a fresh perspective, deeper stories, and even more powerful insights on preserving the soul of the American South through blues music and visual art. We get into everything from his latest performances with The Jake Leg Stompers to how Japanese audiences deeply connect with Mississippi hill country blues. Bill shares his thoughts on cultural preservation, his philosophy behind using tintype and wet plate photography, and the responsibility he feels as both an artist and documentarian. This episode isn’t just about music—it’s about capturing spirit. Whether he’s performing as Hambone Willie or photographing fading juke joints, Bill’s work is about keeping memory alive. We talk about the spiritual side of blues, the ritual of performance, and how honoring the ancestors of the genre is just as important as pushing it forward. If you're an artist, photographer, music historian, or just someone who cares about culture with depth and soul—this one’s for you. 🎧 Connect with Bill Steber:🌐 steberphoto.com📺 YouTube: @hambonewillie📸 Instagram: @stonesinmypathway

In Part 2 of my conversation with ADMONISH Music on Two Beers With The Band, we go even deeper into the mind of an artist who refuses to fake it. ADMONISH Music opens up about why making music is no longer just therapy—it’s a calling rooted in legacy, self-respect, and intention. He shares how becoming a father shaped his creative decisions and how he’s made peace with releasing music that doesn’t chase validation. This isn’t just another hip-hop interview. ADMONISH Music drops heavy insight on creative burnout, artist insecurity, and what it really means to succeed on your own terms. We talk about the challenges of building a music career while staying grounded, and how his latest projects aim to reach people—not numbers. He doesn’t just want you to stream his songs—he wants you to feel them. ADMONISH Music gets real about the emotional labor behind making honest music, the pressure to promote yourself constantly, and the difference between exposure and exploitation. Whether he’s writing in silence or stepping back to protect his energy, he’s not afraid to slow down to stay true. This episode is packed with insight for indie artists, creatives, and anyone struggling to find balance between passion and survival. If you’ve ever felt like the industry rewards the loudest voices instead of the realest ones—this one’s for you. 🎧 Connect with ADMONISH Music:🌐 admonishmusic.com📺 YouTube & 📸 Instagram: @admonishmusic

In Part 1 of my conversation with ADMONISH Music on Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with an artist who’s unapologetically authentic. ADMONISH Music doesn’t fake his sound—he creates from truth. His music blends soulful R&B foundations with gritty hip-hop, infused with storytelling and real-life emotion. We dive into his journey from sampling records to producing original melodies, and how his sound evolved into what he calls “peaceful chaos”—inviting melodies laid over hard-hitting hip-hop drums. ADMONISH Music breaks down how he's more than a musician—he's a creative consultant, entrepreneur, and branding expert. From launching Deelorri Enterprises to building merchandise that reflects unity and growth, he uses every part of his life experience to inspire others. He explains how vulnerability in music builds lasting fan relationships and why he writes music for himself first—to stay grounded and honest. We explore his desire to expand into sync licensing for film and video games, the intentional choices behind his album Hit Therapy, and the importance of removing names and places so listeners can project their own truth onto each track. From mentorship and creative rituals to the sacrifices made for the craft, Admonish opens up like never before. Whether you’re a hip-hop head, an R&B lover, or just someone who values real artistry—this episode is for you. This is what it looks like when music isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. 🎧 Connect with ADMONISH Music:🌐 admonishmusic.com📺 YouTube & 📸 Instagram: @admonishmusic

In Part 2 of my interview with Mike Haggith, we get into the creative heart of his new album All The Best In All You Do. Mike shares how this project is not just a collection of songs—it's a personal promise to grow, stay present, and honor the journey started on his earlier album Bridges. He talks about the emotional challenge of playing unreleased material live, the vulnerability that comes with sharing new work before it’s perfected, and how building entire albums around singular moments has become a defining part of his process. We also explore what success looks like for him now: consistency, connection, and creating music that means something long after it’s released. Whether you're an indie artist, a fan of honest rock music, or someone navigating your own creative road, this episode is full of real talk and hard-won insights. 🎧 Connect with Mike Haggith:🌐 Website: mikehaggith.com📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@mikehaggith🎙️ Label: morningstarrecords.com

In Part 1 of this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with Canadian alternative rock artist Mike Haggith for an honest conversation about building a music career from Northern Ontario. We dive into his DIY approach, the evolution of his sound, and the real challenges of sustaining momentum when you're not in a big industry hub. Mike talks about the emotional weight of his 2021 album Bridges, and how it marked a turning point in how he communicates through music. From finding peace in the process to the creative decisions behind his upcoming album All The Best In All You Do, Mike opens up about the responsibilities of being a solo artist, including songwriting, production, and promotion. We also discuss how he defines success, how he handles stage fright, and why he’s more focused than ever on leaving behind something meaningful. 🎧 Connect with Mike Haggith:🌐 Website: mikehaggith.com📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@mikehaggith🎙️ Label: morningstarrecords.com

In Part 2 of my interview with Darth Marden, we pull back the curtain even further on the life, mind, and mission of one of underground alt-rock’s most self-aware creators. Michael opens up about his experience with mental illness, spending time in a mental health facility during high school, and how music became the one thing that kept him centered through it all. We talk openly about how artists hide their struggles, how creatives are wired differently, and how embracing those imperfections can deepen the connection between artist and audience. We also get into the details: the infamous “car test” for mixing, why vocal comping is a nightmare, and how writing always starts with guitars—not lyrics. Darth shares why he doesn’t chase trends or four-chord formulas to get popular, and why authenticity always wins out over fame. Plus, he drops thoughts on introversion vs. extroversion, the reality of juggling family, fatherhood, and 50-hour workweeks—and what success really means for a DIY artist like him. 🎧 Connect with Darth Marden:📱 Instagram: @darth_marden📱 Venue Platform: @venue_features📺 YouTube: Search "Darth Marden" or "Venue Features"🧠 Artist Support: Weekly livestreams, artist of the week, and no-pay promotions

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I crack open a cold one with Darth Marden—also known as Michael—a one-man band, philosopher-at-heart, and alt-rock storyteller based in Knoxville. Known for his heavy, dark, guitar-driven sound that dances between Tool, Deftones, and Linkin Park, Darth Marden talks about crafting complex songs as a solo artist, balancing a corporate day job with raising a family, and still finding time to write, produce, mix, and market his own music—plus help promote underground artists via his role at Venue Features. We get into the philosophy behind his songwriting, why he prefers odd time signatures, and how his music is more about getting the noise out of his head and into the world than chasing fame. Michael also opens up about the emotional weight of fatherhood, his latest track “Leaving” written for his kids, and how his collaborations through the project KMP (with artist Paris) are blending rock and hip-hop in unexpected ways. 🎧 Connect with Darth Marden:🎶 Streaming Platforms: Search “Darth Marden”📱 Instagram/TikTok: @venuefeatures💥 New Collab: KMP debut single drops July

In Part 2 of my conversation with Manny from Australian indie pop band The Lillypillies, we dive into the creative choices that separate real artists from noise. Manny shares why he always mixes his own music—and why vocals will always come first. He talks about the ego trap in live bands, how venues often bury the lead (literally), and why he finds more creative control in the studio than onstage. From writer’s block to merging unfinished tracks, from emotionally layered pop songs to the dancey, vulnerable hit “I’m a Loner and a Misfit,” Manny unpacks the craft behind every release. We also talk about building global reach from Australia, why he doesn't worry about local gigs anymore, and how pop music can still be deeply personal without being autobiographical. We finish with legacy, resilience, and how Manny hopes his music continues to echo long after he’s gone. This one’s for the artists who write from the soul, mix from the gut, and dream beyond their hometown. 🎧 Follow The Lillypillies:📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@TheLillypillies📱 Instagram: instagram.com/thelillypillies🎶 Available on all streaming platforms