Bandana Cheyenna joins the Indiefusion Podcast to share her incredible journey from Ohio to Nashville — and how a song she co-wrote, “Austin” by Dasha, became a breakout success that changed her life.
In this episode, we talk about:
🎵 Writing hit songs and navigating Nashville’s creative grind
🚐 Living the nomad “van life” while chasing a songwriting dream
🌍 Her upcoming project The Artist’s Pilgrimage — and how it captures the highs, lows, and spiritual side of being a creative
🎧 Her latest single “Against The Grain” and what it means to go against expectations and carve your own path
If you love stories about resilience, creativity, and living life on your own terms — this is one you don’t want to miss.
#BandanaCheyenna #IndiefusionPodcast #SongwriterStories #AustinByDasha #AgainstTheGrain #IndieMusicPodcast #NashvilleSongwriters #VanLifeMusician
On this episode of the Indiefusion Podcast, Tom Kwiat sits down with rising country artist Olivia Harms — fresh off Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton’s hit series The Road.
Olivia opens up about touring with her band The Roadrunners, filming behind the scenes of The Road, and how Gretchen Wilson pushed her out of her comfort zone. She also teases new music on the way for 2026, shares stories from the National Finals Rodeo, and talks about life between the ranch and the stage.
👉 Watch the full conversation for insight into what it’s really like to live life on tour, the grit behind the glamor, and how Olivia stays grounded while chasing her country music dream.
🎙️ Hosted by Tom Kwiat of Live and Amplified
📍 Filmed as part of the Indiefusion Podcast series — celebrating 10 years of independent music!
#OliviaHarms #TheRoad #TaylorSheridan #BlakeShelton #CountryMusic #IndieFusionPodcast #LiveAndAmplified #TexasCountry #SongwriterStories
British singer-songwriter Nia Nicholls joins Tom Kwiat on the IndieFusion Podcast to talk about her bold new single “I’m a Marionette”, the upcoming theatrical EP, and her creative shift away from traditional country roots.
Nia shares stories from her travels to Australia and Austria (where “I’m a Marionette” was inspired), what it’s like hosting radio shows across the UK, and how she’s embracing artistic freedom through experimentation across genres — from 70s grooves to cinematic pop.
🎧 Topics Covered:
The making of I’m a Marionette and its unique “dark lyrics, happy sound” style
Why she’s blending influences from the 70s, 80s, and 90s
Balancing gig life, radio hosting, and creativity
The rise of genre-blending singer-songwriters
Future U.S. travel and music plans
🔔 Don’t miss Nia’s latest single “I’m a Marionette” — streaming now on all platforms!
🎙 Hosted by Tom Kwiat
📺 Watch more IndieFusion Podcast interviews with rising artists and songwriters who are shaping the future of music.
#NiaNicholls #IndieFusionPodcast #SingerSongwriter #NewMusic #PodcastInterview #ImAMarionette #UKCountry #IndieArtist #MusicPodcast #NashvilleSound
Billie Jo Jones joins Tom Kwiat on the Indiefusion Podcast to talk about her new album Turquoise & Silver, her journey as a songwriter, and what it’s like competing on CBS’s The Road. From her emotional stories behind each song to balancing motherhood, touring, and TV, Billie Jo opens up about the reality of chasing dreams in country music.
🎶 Topics covered:
Writing and recording Turquoise & Silver
Getting handpicked for The Road on CBS
Working with Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, and Gretchen Wilson
The return of vinyl and real storytelling in music
Advice for young artists: “You get what you put in.”
📺 Watch The Road Sundays on CBS or stream on Paramount+
🎧 Listen to Billie Jo Jones’ music: [insert link]
🌐 Follow Billie Jo: [social handles]
🎙️ Subscribe to Live and Amplified for more in-depth conversations with rising and established artists!
#BillieJoJones #IndiefusionPodcast #TheRoadCBS #TurquoiseAndSilver #CountryMusic #LiveAndAmplified #SingerSongwriter #WomenInCountry #MusicPodcast #IndependentArtist
On this episode of the Indiefusion Podcast, host Tom Kwiat reconnects with country artist Terry McBride for a heartfelt conversation almost a year after their last chat.
Terry talks about his upcoming hometown show in Lampasas, supporting the Lampasas Heritage Foundation, and shares stories from the road — including playing with Tracy Byrd and celebrating Tony Brown’s induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
He also gives us a sneak peek at new songs like Hackberry Street, Alright Cowboy 1921, and When in Texas, recorded right here in the Lone Star State.
If you love authentic songwriting, Texas storytelling, and the real heart of country music — this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen to more: [link to podcast playlist]
🌐 Terry McBride: https://terrymcbridemusic.com
📸 Follow Terry: @TerryMcBrideMusic
🎙️ Follow Indiefusion: @LiveandAmplified
#TerryMcBride #TexasCountry #SongwriterStories #IndiefusionPodcast #LiveAndAmplified #McBrideAndTheRide #CountryMusic #TexasMusic #Lampasas #NewMusic #PodcastInterview
In this episode of Indiefusion, Tom Kwiat sits down with Nashville-based singer-songwriter Stacy Antonel live from the Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival. Stacy opens up about her move from San Diego to Nashville, the changing soul of Music City, her love for Texas audiences, and the real struggles indie artists face—touring costs, finding producers, and keeping creativity alive.
They also dive into:
The “Nashville Exodus” and why many artists are leaving
How AI might help (or hurt) independent musicians
Stacy’s surf rock country EP and her plans for new music
Life on the road, from Texas runs to her upcoming Ireland showcase
If you love authentic artist stories, witty banter, and behind-the-scenes insight into the modern indie scene, this one’s for you.
🎧 Stream Stacy’s music: [add link]
📍Recorded live at Hudson’s on Mercer during the Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival.
📺 Subscribe for more interviews with emerging artists and festival spotlights!
#StacyAntonel #IndiefusionPodcast #LiveAndAmplified #DrippingSpringsSongwriterFestival #NashvilleMusic #TexasMusic #IndieArtist #SingerSongwriter
Gloria Anderson returns to the Indiefusion Podcast live from the Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival for a fun and candid conversation!
In this episode, Gloria talks about:
🎸 Touring the country with the Nashville Road Show
🤠 Bringing Texas vibes to Nashville through her “Texas Two” showcase
🎶 Her upcoming new single with Morgan Lee Powers
💿 The hustle of being an independent musician in today’s world — from vinyl to car air fresheners!
Tom Kwiat and Gloria share laughs, road stories, and insights into the modern songwriting grind.
📍 Recorded live at Hudson’s on Mercer in Dripping Springs, TX
🎧 Listen to more episodes of Indiefusion – where music and authenticity meet.
👇 Connect with Gloria:
Website: gloriaandersonmusic.com
Instagram: @gloriaandersonmusic
👇 Follow Live & Amplified:
YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Spotify
Join host Tom Kwiat live from the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival as he sits down with Austin-area artist Meagan Tubb. They dive into her brand-new gospel-infused rock album, the vibrant local music scene, and why authenticity still matters in a world driven by AI.
From Southern Rock influences to raising the next generation of songwriters, Meagan shares her journey, creative process, and how community keeps music real.
🎧 Listen to more episodes: [link]
📍 Recorded live at Hudson’s on Mercy Street, Dripping Springs TX
🎙️ Presented by Live and Amplified – Celebrating 10 Years of Indie Music!
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro / Live from Dripping Springs
02:40 – Meagan Tubb on her new gospel-rock album
06:00 – How Dripping Springs supports local songwriters
10:00 – Real vs. AI-generated music
14:00 – What makes a great music video
17:00 – Closing thoughts & upcoming shows
In this episode of the IndieFusion Podcast, host Tom Kwiat sits down with Ananda Murari at the Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival for an inspiring conversation on creativity, connection, and the evolving role of songwriters in an AI-driven world.
Ananda shares insights on the rich music scene in Michigan, his creative process, and why he believes songwriting is one of the last truly human art forms. Together, Tom and Ananda discuss Rick Rubin’s ideas, staying authentic in a digital age, and how every song still has something new to say.
🎙️ Topics Covered:
The rise of the human songwriter in the AI era
Michigan’s deep musical roots (Motown, Techno, Ann Arbor scene)
The power of collaboration and community in songwriting
Why “all the good songs” have not been written
Touring, creative discipline, and “The War of Art”
🎶 Listen to Ananda Murari’s Music:
👉 https://www.anandamurari.com
📍 Recorded live at Hudson’s on Mercer, Dripping Springs, TX
📅 Presented by Live and Amplified
#AnandaMurari #IndieFusionPodcast #LiveAndAmplified #Songwriting #AIandMusic #DrippingSpringsSongwriterFestival #IndependentMusic #CreativeProcess #MichiganMusicScene #SongwriterCommunity #RickRubin
Live from the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival, host Tom Kwiat sits down with Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and cellist Sarah Clanton for an inspiring, down-to-earth conversation about music, creativity, and life on the road.
Sarah shares her journey from discovering the cello in Colorado to building a vibrant career in Nashville — blending pop, folk, and soul with her signature charm. They dive into everything from music licensing and the changing world of jingles to her love for touring, house concerts, and life with her 92-pound Swiss mountain dog, Mavis.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation and discover what drives Sarah’s artistry, resilience, and joy for music.
📍 Recorded live at Hudson’s on Mercer during the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival.
🎙️ Presented by Live and Amplified | Indiefusion Podcast
Singer-songwriter and saxophonist Sophie Seng joins Tom Kwiat live from the Dripping Springs Songwriter Festivalto talk about her journey from California to Austin, the inspiration behind her music, and how she balances her solo project with playing in multiple bands.
They dive into topics like:
Why Sophie chose Austin over Nashville
How live music is thriving in the age of AI
The evolution of the Austin music community
Her upcoming EP and what fans can expect
🎧 Listen now to hear Sophie’s perspective on artistry, collaboration, and staying creative in a fast-changing music industry.
📍 Recorded live at Hudson’s on Mercer, Dripping Springs, TX.
#IndieFusion #SophieSeng #AustinMusic #SongwriterPodcast #LiveMusic #TexasMusic #DrippingSpringsFestival #IndieArtist #MusicianInterview #IndieMusicPodcast
Support JD Graham: https://open.spotify.com/artist/77VM2InhV5flSTAfolr3fB?si=3D6NKku8QLicELEvImDRqA
Check out The Festival: https://www.destinationdrippingsprings.com/p/events/dripping-springs-songwriters-festival
Check out Hudsons on Mercer: https://www.hudsonsonmercer.com
On this episode of the IndieFusion Podcast, host Tom Kwiat sits down with the incredible JD Graham — a songwriter whose journey from addiction and incarceration to redemption and creativity is nothing short of inspiring.
Recorded live at the Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival, JD opens up about:
🎸 His early days in death metal bands
🔥 The hard lessons from a 25-year drug addiction and 6 years in prison
🎶 Finding healing through songwriting and performing 150+ shows a year
🌍 Touring the world and connecting with fans through authentic storytelling
💡 His thoughts on AI, creativity, and the future of music
If you love raw storytelling, honest songwriting, and comeback stories, this episode will hit home.
📍 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with indie artists making real music with real stories.
#JDGraham #IndieFusionPodcast #LiveAndAmplified #DrippingSpringsSongwriterFestival #SongwriterStories #RedemptionStory #TexasMusic #IndependentArtist #PodcastInterview
In this episode of the IndieFusion Podcast, Tom Kwiat sits down with country rap legend Colt Ford for a raw, inspiring conversation about survival, reinvention, and staying true to real musicianship.Colt opens up about the accident that nearly took his life, his year-long recovery, and how it completely changed his voice, mindset, and approach to music. He talks about dropping over 130 pounds, getting back on stage, and the making of his new album (dropping November 7th) — featuring collaborations with Yelawolf and a mix of southern rock, pure country, and hip-hop.From lessons learned from Toby Keith to his message for young artists about earning your stripes and keeping live music alive, this is one of Colt’s most honest interviews yet.🎧 Watch the full episode for Colt’s powerful story of resilience, gratitude, and the heart of country music.👇 Timestamps0:00 – Intro0:59 – Colt Ford on his comeback after a near-fatal accident4:00 – The power of live music in a digital world6:20 – Rebuilding his band and performing again8:00 – Details on his new album (drops Nov 7)11:00 – Advice for young artists & learning from the greats12:40 – Mentorship and legacy in country music🎙️ Hosted by Tom Kwiat📺 Subscribe to Live and Amplified for more conversations with rising and legendary artists!👉 https://www.youtube.com/@LiveAmplifiedshow#ColtFord #IndieFusionPodcast #CountryMusic #LiveandAmplified #CountryRap #SouthernRock #NewMusic2025
Country outlaw Creed Fisher joins host Tom Kwiat on the IndieFusion Podcast for a raw, unfiltered conversation about his upcoming album, his Texas roots, and life as one of country music’s hardest-working artists.
From golf tournaments with Jamey Johnson and Ron White, to releasing four albums in a single year, Creed opens up about creativity, balance, and what it really takes to live the independent musician’s life.
🎧 Topics Covered:
Creed Fisher’s new album & video release
Touring across all 48 states
Life after football and the Army
Staying authentic in today’s country scene
Finding joy in making music for the fans
🔥 Subscribe for more indie artist interviews and live sessions from the world of Live and Amplified!
📺 Watch more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TqxCTAKDdzulaHvq7mp4w?si=9280a567fd5c43eb
💿 Follow Creed Fisher: https://creedfisherofficial.com
🎙 Follow Live and Amplified: https://linktr.ee/LiveandAmplified
Australian artist Hannah Crossrose joins Tom Kwiat on this episode of the IndieFusion Podcast to talk about her powerful new single “Fading Light”, the inspiration behind changing her stage name, and her evolution into the alt-country scene. Hannah opens up about finding creative balance, studying hypnotherapy, and how her personal growth is shaping her artistry.
If you love authentic conversations with rising indie voices, this is one you won’t want to miss!
🎧 Listen to Hannah Crossrose’s new single “Fading Light” on Spotify and all major platforms.
👉 Subscribe for more indie artist interviews, music stories, and creative inspiration every week.
#IndieFusionPodcast #LiveAndAmplified #HannahCrossrose #FadingLight #AltCountry #IndieMusic #SongwriterInterview #MusicPodcast #AustralianArtist #MusicDiscovery #IndieArtist
In this episode of IndieFusion Podcast, host Tom Kwiat sits down with Texas singer-songwriter Dustin Brown live from InaJam 2025 to talk about the grind of running a grassroots music festival, the ups and downs of the indie music scene, and how his latest album unexpectedly blew up—landing him on the same chart as Willie Nelson.
They dive into everything from the reality of festival life, to keeping your sanity as a DIY artist, to the evolving music culture in Central Texas. Dustin also shares updates on his band, his future plans, and the behind-the-scenes of balancing life, art, and community.
🎶 Watch, comment, and share to support independent artists!
👉 Follow Dustin Brown: @DustinBrownSongs
👉 Follow Live and Amplified: @LiveandAmplified
👉 Support indie music: https://igg.me/at/LNA2025
#IndieFusionPodcast #DustinBrown #TexasMusic #LiveAndAmplified #InaJam2025 #IndieArtists #SingerSongwriter #MusicFestival #PodcastInterview
Cameron Smith | In a Jam Down by the River
Ethan Pacheco & Joel Allen | In a Jam Down by the River
Billy Hartman | In a Jam Down by the River 2025
Back Row King | In a Jam Down by the River 2025
Back Row King joins Tom Kwiat live from InnerJam 2025 for a laid-back and honest conversation about songwriting, staying independent, and keeping music fun. From his latest studio sessions in Fort Worth to life in Hutto, TX — Back Row King shares what it’s like balancing creative freedom, day jobs, and the drive to keep making music.
They also look back on 10 years of Live and Amplified, talk about surviving Texas heat, and why sometimes it’s better not to have a full band.
📱 Follow Back Row King: @backrowking
📺 Subscribe for more indie artist stories: @LiveandAmplified
#IndieFusionPodcast #BackRowKing #LiveAndAmplified #TexasMusic #SongwriterStories