Everett Wren does not make small music. His songs have a sweeping grandness, like a big sky, even when they’re about or inspired by small moments. On Cascades, released Jan. 2025, the Austin-based songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist taps a deep well of American musical idioms and influences, from Western music and bluegrass to Broadway and traditional folk balladry – to craft songs of startling complexity and precision. Accompanying his tenor vocals on fiddle, mandolin, percussion, and acoustic, electric, resophonic slide and lap steel guitars, Wren also clogs on the self-produced album, recorded at his home studio.
Performing since age four in his family’s band, Everett won an Arkansas state fiddling championship as a teen and played first violin in the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra before touring the country with Missouri-based Americana band Wagon, which recorded albums for the Hightone and Glitterhouse labels. He busked in Europe, earned a master’s of engineering degree in acoustics from the University of Texas at Austin, and co-founded Austin bands Chalkboard Poets and Lost & Nameless before releasing his self-produced solo debut, Porchlight, in 2022.
Some of the topics we cover during our conversation today are: - Implementing fun and play into performance
- The importance of technique in finding overall ease in playing the violin
- The essential role of acoustics in both live and recorded music
Songs featured in this episode:
Starlight
Tug At Stars
Find A Way Home
https://www.everettwren.com/
https://www.instagram.com/EverettWrenMusic
Roderick August is a captivating singer-songwriter whose soulful folk melodies and raw storytelling have made him a standout in Nashville’s vibrant music scene. Hailing from Oxnard, California, Roderick traded coastal strawberry fields for the open road, embarking on a solo acoustic journey across 43 states after wildfires reshaped his path. Now rooted in Music City, he brings a fresh, authentic voice to the stage, weaving tales of change, resilience, and the American spirit into every performance—including his latest single, “If It Gets You Low,” a hauntingly introspective track that’s already turning heads.
Roderick’s catalog is a beautiful collection of songs that resonate with weary travelers and dreamers alike. His lyrics paint vivid landscapes, paired with a voice that effortlessly connects with audiences. In 2024, his talent earned him coveted invites to perform at Nashville’s prestigious Whiskey Jam and Musicians Corner Music Festival. Currently, Roderick is performing regularly in Nashville, in support of his single “Emily” and “Little Steps” which released in summer of 2025.
Some of the topics we cover during our conversation today are: following the calling in life and art, how life on the road can shape a songwriter’s perspective, and protecting originality in an age of algorithms.
Songs featured in this episode, in order of appearance:
"Little Steps"
"Original Ones"
"Emily"
"If It Gets You Low"
Where to connect with Roderick August:
https://www.roderickaugust.com/
https://www.instagram.com/roderickaugustmusic/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3IBK1szuqe7tTsVheQrzzc
Carolyn is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter, fiddler, guitarist, and producer. After many happy years on the road as a side musician, she has blossomed as a solo artist since issuing her debut EP Tear Things Apart in 2020. Heralded as “hauntingly lovely” (Paste Magazine), you won’t want to miss a Carolyn Kendrick live performance.
After graduating from Berklee College of Music, Carolyn criss-crossed the country with her former duo project The Page Turners. She has shared the stage with beloved artists such as Darol Anger, Bruce Molsky, Aoife O’Donovan, Kaia Kater, Hannah Read, Margo Price, The Clements Brothers, and Jacksonport. She has played festivals such as Newport Folk Festival, Greyfox Bluegrass Festival, Savannah Music Festival, and won awards such as the Freshgrass ‘Best Duo’ Award, The Fletcher Bright Award, and was the Fall 2023 Composer In Residence at the University of the Pacific.
In addition to her songwriting career, Carolyn is active in the Bluegrass and Old-Time fiddle scene and has produced and written music for the award-winning podcasts You’re Wrong About and You Are Good.
Her forthcoming album, Each Machine, is a collection of traditional and original political folk songs inspired by her time researching The Satanic Panic for the history podcast You’re Wrong About. These songs are modern, electric re-imaginings of hymns, murder ballads, pagan chanting, and even songs of devil-worship. The full album, both physical + digital copies, as well as an accompanying zine of behind-the scenes photography and essays, will be released December 6, 2024 on High Occulture Records.
https://www.carolynkendrick.com
Songs featured in the episode, in order of appearance:
“Devil’s Nine Questions”
"Leela"
"Perfect World"
Some of the topics we cover during our conversation today are:
- How history repeats itself and what we can learn from it from both a musical and humanity standpoint
- How songwriting and traditional instrumental music can and should coexist
- The intersection of folk music, religion, and politics
Rooted in tradition with an ear toward the future, contemporary folk duo Rakish embody earnest musical exploration and an infectious playfulness on their new album Now, O Now. Fiddler Maura Shawn Scanlin, acclaimed for her expressive playing, was raised in North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains. Her songwriting and clawhammer banjo technique hint at regional old-time ballads. Further north, guitarist Conor Hearn grew up steeped in the venerated Washington, D.C. Irish music scene and developed a keen interest in literature and poetry. His setting of James Joyce’s poetry on the title track as well as “Lightly Come or Lightly Go” epitomizes the duo’s approach: the dextrous alchemy of the old and the new into something wholly Rakish. The pair’s deep musical connection and unbridled love for pushing traditional sounds forward is striking. Just listen to the fiddling on “765” featuring trancey electronic dance production by Jamie Oshima or the epic tune “The Morning Glory” which is set atop an evocative, melancholic drone. It’s clear Rakish refuses to be pigeonholed into one genre and are most comfortable occupying the inbetween. On Now, O Now , set to release Oct. 11, they journey through Celtic and Americana styles, deftly showcasing how to bring forth something new from the deep well of tradition.
Songs featured in this episode, in order of appearance:
- "Lonely Hotel Room"
- "765"
- "Lightly Come, or Lightly Go"
Some of the topics we cover during our conversation today are:
- The beauty of genre-crossing
- The thriving folk music scene in the Northeast U.S.
- Cross-generational collaboration as a distinctive feature of the folk music community.
https://www.rakishmusic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/rakishduo/?hl=en
Louise is a USA-based Scottish musician and photographer who uses both mediums to tell stories old and new.
Growing up in the culturally rich Orkney islands gave Louise a solid grounding in music: she started playing fiddle at the age of 7. Since then she has honed her craft at Glasgow’s renowned session scene while studying at the city’s Art School, before winning a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, Boston. Masterfully blending traditional and classical arrangements, her work is thoughtful, and complex, curious and playful. She composes in response to her roots and the world
around her; weaving through stories of connection to people, nature, the past and the possibility of the future.
You’ll hear excerpts from a few of Louise’s original tunes throughout the episode, starting with the title track from her newest album “The Lost Summer”, a lively tune featuring a chorus of unison fiddles. Later, you’ll hear a breezy strathspey called “Adam & Eric’s”, and to round out the episode, “Pinnacle”, a tune characterized by a driving, percussiveness, and featuring a mandolin mirroring the fiddle melody, along with some fun harmonies.
Some of the topics we cover during our conversation today are:
- The crossover between Scottish and New England fiddle traditions
- The benefits of studying folk music from cultures outside of our own
- How having multiple mediums as an artist can give us a unique perspective
Links to Louise Bichan's music:
https://www.louisebichan.co.uk/
https://www.youtube.com/c/LouiseBichanOrkney
Raised in a small town in Maine, Lissa grew up surrounded by music. She began playing fiddle at the age of six, inspired by her parent's interest in folk music. In 2001 she graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music with a degree in Contemporary Improvisation. She has been writing, performing, and teaching music around the world ever since.
Lissa’s most recent album, Falling Forward, is a collection of Lissa’s original fiddle tunes and two traditional New England songs, and the result of processing her experience of living through the Covid-19 pandemic. Falling Forward was recorded in Springfield MA with a cast of all female musicians and some of the most influential musicians in traditional music today. The tunes range in tone from that of a riotous fiddle party where you’d imagine floor boards thumping, bow hairs flying, and instruments and dancers in every corner, to more somber and introspective. The album features music for both meditation and release, all of which feels appropriate in processing our collective experience as a society over the last few years.
Over the last several decades Lissa has made music that has showcased everything from traditional New England dance tunes, to original songs inspired by her experience as a foster and adoptive parent. Falling Forward has blended her love of traditional music with her love of writing, in her first fiddle forward album in over a decade.
You’ll hear excerpts from a few of Lissa’s original tunes throughout the episode, but to kick things off, we’ll start with the title track from her aforementioned album “Falling Forward”, an upbeat number with fiddles powerfully playing in unison and harmony. Later in the episode, you’ll hear a sample from the aptly named, foot-stomping 3-tune medley, “Step Aside/Move on Over/Patriarchy Is Dead”, and to round out the episode, “Susan’s Garden March/Summer Rain”, a lovely, meditative tune combo featuring piano and fiddle.
Some of the topics we cover during our conversation today are: the importance of ear training in folk music, taking responsibility for gender imbalance in traditional music, and the forever symbiotic relationship between music and community.
Lissa Schneckenburger's music and teaching:
https://www.lissafiddle.com
The Arizona-born, Nashville-based Danielle Durack’s music combines the pop sensibilities of childhood favorites like Sara Bareilles with a modern wit that slots her right next to contemporaries like boygenius and Hop Along. Beginning with debut album Bashful, Durack’s developed her sound into something mature and emotionally complex, without skimping on the hooks and humor. Her third album, Escape Artist, arrives February 16th.
Following Bashful, a breakup led to an artistic breakthrough. her sophomore record, No Place garnered praise from Pitchfork, NPR, and other outlets for its honest portrayal of a long term relationship’s dissolution. No Place was released in the middle of an intense, lockdown-induced writer's block. Once she started writing again, music became her solace and a place to safely process the emotional turmoil of the past year. The title, Escape Artist, is a reflection of this.
Escape Artist, recorded with Samuel Rosson, is her densest, most emotional record to date. The topics are more wide-ranging - lighthearted breakup narratives now coexist alongside darker material about anxiety and codependency. The soundscapes where Durack finds herself on Escape Artist, in and of themselves, are someplace heavenly and otherworldly in which to lose herself for just a little while: she says, “Music has been a safe place for me to go to all this time.”
Some of the topics we cover during our conversation today are: the challenges and excitement of starting over in a new place, processing our inner and outer world through song, and escapism.
Danielle Durack's Music:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6GW3s0BFKxz18pDxGXPQnG?si=zjzxGaqZQByT-drmlLUtMw
https://www.danielledurack.com/
https://www.danielledurack.com/
Josey is a soul pop artist hailing from Houston, Texas. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Music degree in 2017, Josey moved to Nashville to further pursue her artist and songwriting career. Her talents have led her to perform at numerous venues such as The Chicago Theatre, The Listening Room, Country Music Hall Of Fame, City Winery, The Basement, Auditorium Theatre, Exit/IN, The Bedford and House Of Blues. Josey has also performed with gifted songwriters/musicians such as Carrie Underwood, Diane Warren, Corey Henry, Allison Russell and Shawn Mullins. She was crowned the winner of talent competition "The Fame Chicago" in 2016, and landed on her first Spotify editorial playlist with her song "Energy" in 2020.
Josey sings to express, not impress. She strives to create a unique balance of soul, pop and alternative r&b, and Her songwriting focuses on self love and overcoming obstacles she’s faced as an underdog, Including the struggles and successes that come with navigating through life, relationships, and growing up. With her eclectic sound, soaring vocals and compelling lyrics Josey is creating her own path within music.
Topics of the episode:
- Expressing truth in song
- Navigating Nashville's music scene as a Black woman
- Loving and accepting yourself as you are
The songs Josey performed on this episode are "Limelight" and "Energy".
Josey's music and social media:
https://www.joseyofficial.com/
Raised in the small town of McMinnville, Oregon, Barie emerges as a mesmerizing voice in the realm of alternative rock here in Music City.
With a profound passion for writing original music, and an innate ability to craft captivating melodies, Barie's journey through music is one of authenticity, creativity, and resonance.
Born into a family of musicians, Barie's passion for music was ignited at a young age. Her early years were filled with the sound of guitars and original music written and recorded by her parents, laying the foundation for her future artistic endeavors.
With a boundless curiosity and an unquenchable thirst for self-expression, she began experimenting with her own melodies and lyrics, uncovering a natural gift for crafting evocative tunes.
Barie's lyrical prowess often touches on themes of self-discovery, love, loss, and the intricate tapestry of human emotions. Her songs serve as a medium through which listeners can explore their own feelings and experiences, finding solace in the melodies and comfort in the lyrics.
In an era where authenticity often shines the brightest, Barie stands as a beacon of genuine artistry. Her soulful voice, poetic lyrics, and unwavering dedication to both music and connection, create a powerful synergy that resonates deeply with fans. With each performance, Barie invites listeners to embark on a shared emotional journey—one where the magic of melodies, and the importance of expression intertwine.
Some of the topics we cover during our conversation today are: showing up as your authentic self as an artist, surrounding yourself with people who have your best interest at heart, and setting aside the ego to make room for magic in the studio.
Songs featured in this episode: “Children of the Corn” and “Chalklines and Bloodstains”
Barie's music and social media:
https://bariemusic.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6syjRFPJMnUlcVlB80wCHc?si=qVlexQDHTraSr_Cs0A1rAw
https://www.instagram.com/barieoriginal/
Julia Cannon is a Nashville-based songwriter, recording artist and music producer who is hard to forget. Recently lauded for her “beautiful balladry” by Rolling Stone (2022), Julia’s soothing, honeyed voice and quirky personality offer a refreshing, vibrant contrast to the bittersweet honesty of her lyrics and uncertain times for those listening.
Julia was raised in Alaska by a hardworking Filipino mother, in a household she could only describe as “unorthodox.” While surviving adversities, Julia Cannon developed her wicked sense of humor and offbeat persona early. As one of very few people of color in a mostly white, ultra-conservative community, Julia’s creative voice cemented her identity as a young woman who could not - and would not - be overwritten.
Julia Cannon’s sound has been described as playful and relaxing, but her tone transcends the folk-pop genre to include soul, rock, and jazz influences. She credits her genre-bending style to influences such as Ella Fitzgerald, Paul McCartney, and Stevie Wonder. In July of 2021, she released her EP Listening, which received positive feedback from both fans and the press. Most recently, Julia made her debut at Newport Folk Festival, with resounding applause and a nod from Rolling Stone.
Julia has a growing fanbase in Nashville, who join an existing community of ardent supporters both at home in Alaska and across the US. She is quickly becoming a fan- favorite on the popular social media platform TikTok, with over 14K followers. Known for her outstanding musicality, disarming persona, beauty, style, and offbeat humor, Julia Cannon is a bright star to watch.
Some of the topics we cover in this episode are women in music, the importance of looking after our mental health, fearlessly breaking stereotypes, embracing the cringe, and going where the joy is.
Julia Cannon's music & social media:
https://www.juliacmusic.com/
https://www.juliacmusic.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6q6hnJk36sgFGT2p2OYtLH?si=mdXcipZsQoeZzzkp8jWlvQ
Mental health & financial resources mentioned in the episode:
https://agapenashville.org/counseling/
http://restorecounselingnashville.com/treatment/artists/
https://www.unitedwaygreaternashville.org/financial-empowerment-center/
Fernando Ortega is a recording artist based in Albuquerque, NM, and played an instrumental role in the Christian music renaissance of the 1990s. As a young adult, Fernando was involved in music education and ministry, and soon after, began touring as a Christian singer-songwriter. Fernando is best known for his thoughtful arrangements of traditional hymns, including “Give Me Jesus” and “Be Thou My Vision”, which, through their success, made him one of the most prominent Christian artists in the world.
Fernando has an extensive discography of 22 albums, he has won 3 Dove awards, and has had songs rank on the Billboard 200 and Billboard Christmas album charts. He’s also toured with Amy Grant and Vince Gill, and recorded with Alison Krauss and Union Station.
Some of the topics we cover during our conversation today are challenges as a songwriter - specifically within a religious community; how it was the music of Brahms that, as a teen, encouraged him to find new meaning in life; and the solidarity Fernando hopes to find with his listeners through his songs.
The songs featured in this episode are, in order of appearance:
"Mildred Madalyn Johnson" by Fernando Ortega, released in 2004 on album "Fernando Ortega". Provided by Curb Records, Inc.
"Traveler" by Fernando Ortega, released in 2002 on album "Storm". Provided by World Entertainment.
"Dragonfly" by Fernando Ortega, released in 2004 on album "Fernando Ortega". Provided by Curb Records, Inc.
Fernando Ortega's music and social media:
http://www.fernandoortega.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6mGZXaZ4SWNh6IsJ57thCp?si=6WsV26DCS7eCt5ADO_Ckow
https://www.instagram.com/fernandoortegamusic/
My guest today is Matt Bowen, an ASCAP award-winning composer based in Los Angeles, California. A classically trained violinist from the age of three and later a member of a touring youth symphony, Matt ultimately shifted to working behind the scenes. He teamed up with record producer Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, Faith No More) and worked as an engineer on RIAA-certified platinum singles Michael Franti & Spearhead's "All Rebel Rockers" and O.A.R.'s "All Sides.” As composing projects continued to ramp up, Matt ultimately pivoted to composing full-time.
Matt recently scored Hulu’s R-rated feature film THE BINGE starring Vince Vaughn and Skyler Gisondo, and his work can be heard on the gritty Emmy Award-winning documentary BLOOD ROAD (Red Bull Media House). He also teamed up with Christopher Lennertz to co-score the Netflix TV series BEST WORST WEEKEND EVER. In addition to composing, Matt has contributed as an arranger, orchestrator, and composer of additional music on a wide variety of projects for all mediums. He frequently works on Christopher Lennertz's music team on projects such as THE BOYS and BAD MOMS.
The pieces featured throughout this episode include, in order of appearance, “Not Ready” from TV series The Boys, season 3, the main theme from "It's A Wonderful Binge", “I Have No One”, also from "It's A Wonderful Binge", and another piece from The Boys Season 3, “The Vial”.
Some of the topics we cover during our conversation today are Matt’s creative process when scoring for new projects, how his background as a performer and audio engineer informs his current work, and some fun stories from his violin-playing days.
Matt's Social Media:
https://mattbowenmusic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mattbowenmusic/
Originally from New Jersey, Mike started piano lessons at age thirteen and has been performing and composing music ever since. After playing in many different musical groups in high school, he attended Berklee College of Music and graduated in 2015. After graduating, he moved to Nashville, TN to pursue a career in music.
Mike spent seven years as a lead vocalist and keyboardist for the Beatles tribute act Forever Abbey Road, and currently has a weekly residency playing parlor piano at the Urban Cowboy, and works as an accompanist for vocal students at both Trevecca Nazarene University and Lipscomb University. Mike is also currently focusing on accompanying and producing his own compositions under the moniker Letter H.
During this episode, Mike shares his experiences playing multiple roles within the music industry over the years, and how that led to him discovering his strengths. We also chat about impactful film scores, overcoming self doubt as an artist, and the importance of continuously learning as a creative.
Mike's Social Media:
Instagram - @mikecapmusic1, @letterhmusic
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7mqRjpo3dKqgOjMKRNHsDP?si=b1aa7eec8d064af3
I had a great time chatting with multi-talented artist, Gabe Baker, on this episode. During this episode, Gabe share’s his unique story of being bound for a career as a professional athlete in his youth, and allowing his life to be guided in a different direction after having the unique experience of being on a music reality TV show, along with lessons learned through grief from the passing of his mother in 2019. Gabe also talks about his music career being born during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as being catapulted into Music City’s vibrant and competitive community, where he currently resides as a songwriter, performing artist, and studio session cellist.
Gabe's Social Media & Music:
Instagram - @thegabebaker
Website - www.gabebaker.com
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0xqkIEMKtxLO5myBzErKWu?si=NsGsp3oVQyu7yP5cyJ17lg
Asher began classical violin training at the tender age of 2 and had performed with the Buffalo philharmonic by age 13.
His expertise in trans-genre improvisation has led him to a career as an in-demand soloist, performing at venues including Madison Square Garden, Hammerstein Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Jacob Javitz Center. He has also been featured on PBS, and has made headlines on CNN, WABC, NBC and many other major news sources.
Asher is known for breakdancing across stages with his LED electric violin, in addition to performing as a DJ violinist, bringing his experience as a live performer and technical prowess as an audio editing and mixing guru to countless clubs and stages across the country.
https://www.asherlaub.com/store
"Atlantis": http://found.asherlaub.com/atlantis1
In this episode of The Tune Project Podcast, I'm talking with Max Nunes of the band 'Sundaes' about his journey to becoming a songwriter/musician, the evolution of his sound, and how to work more efficiently when writing and producing songs so as not to waste valuable time.
Max's Social Media & Music:
https://instagram.com/sundaesyummysundaes
https://youtube.com/channel/UCPR0cy8PuhdGR5-4eGa6iSQ?
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7qiXFwby9N5MEUFATBy5cp?si=650CN_eeSw-GW6-HUPeBIQ
In this episode, I sat down with guitarist Ryan Casey to chat all things teaching music lessons, jazz, and the practical, not-so-glamorous side of the music industry.
Ryan Casey's website: www.ryancaseymusic.net
In this episode, I am talking to multi-instrumentalist Katelyn Buckley about getting her start in Nashville, and how she is carving her own path in a town filled with talent.
Katelyn's Social Media:
@katelyn.buckley.music
facebook.com/katelynbuckleymusic
In part two of this episode, Kiran Gupta and I pick up with more music and more stories from his experiences working as a musician, composer, and more.
Kiran's Instagram: @mr.kiran.gupta
Piano solo featured in this episode: "Happy Thoughts" by Kiran Gupta, written for Kiran Gupta Cage Free
In this episode, I sit down with my friend, Kiran Gupta, to discuss his experience working in and seeing multiple angles of the music industry, and how his perspective and skills have evolved since living in Nashville.
Solo horn tune: Prelude To A Sun Still Rising by Kiran Gupta
Instagram: mr.kiran.gupta