Some artists write songs about heartbreak. Others write songs that help people find their way through it. That’s McKenna Faith Winters. When McKenna joined me for this episode of Talk & Tunes, it didn’t take long to realize that while she may only be 17 years old, she already carries a perspective that many artists spend years trying to find. Her debut album, How Do You Miss Me, walks listeners through the emotional journey of love, heartbreak, reflection, and ultimately inde

Some months, music is just something we enjoy. Other months… it becomes something we lean on. This past month has been one of those times for me. Between balancing life, continuing to build Rt66 Country Music, and navigating my own health journey, there were a lot of moments where I just needed to step away from the noise for a little while. And when that happens, I always find myself going back to the same place — music. Sometimes it's a long drive with the windows down. Som

Some artists write songs because they love music. Others write songs because they have something they need to say. When independent country artist Carman Collins joined me for this episode of Talk & Tunes , it became clear very quickly that her songwriting comes from the second place. Her music isn’t built around chasing trends or trying to sound like someone else. It comes from real experiences — the kind that shape you, challenge you, and sometimes leave a mark that takes

Some artists have talent. Some have presence. And then every now and then, you sit down with someone who carries that unmistakable spark — the kind that makes you lean in and realize you’re watching something take shape in real time. That’s Brooke Lee . When Brooke joined me for this episode of Talk & Tunes , we were able to sit down in person, and there was an energy in the room that you could feel right away. Brooke is North Carolina-rooted with Nashville momentum, but what

Some people chase the spotlight.And then there are the ones who make the spotlight possible. The ones sending the emails, making the calls, building the relationships, and quietly pushing the momentum forward long before anyone else sees the results. That’s Keith Hopkins. In this episode of The Other Side , I sat down with Keith to talk about what it really looks like to support an independent artist in today’s music industry. Keith manages independent country artist Carman C

Steven Cade joins Talk & Tunes (S5E5) to share the story behind “If God Had a Truck,” the mission of Giving Guitars, and why music serves as therapy in shelters and communities nationwide.

Celebrating Lee Newton — Spotlight Artist of January Since her Christmas interview, Lee Newton has continued to build remarkable momentum  as both a recording artist and creative entrepreneur. In just a short time, she has opened for The Oak Ridge Boys , added multiple 2026 tour dates  — including opening performances with Shenandoah  and Confederate Railroad  — and expanded her live schedule with additional shows now listed on her website, LeeNewtonOfficial.com . Beyond the

Some songs don’t just play — they take you somewhere. That’s exactly what Amanda Page Cornett does with her music, and it’s what made this Talk and Tunes  conversation so special. Amanda is a Southern rock and soul artist from South Carolina whose sound is rooted in honesty, storytelling, and a deep sense of place. From the first moments of our conversation, it was clear that her music isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about staying true to where she comes from and letting th

When we talk about music, we usually focus on the voices we hear and the faces we recognize. But on The Other Side , the goal is to shine a light on the people working quietly behind the scenes — the makers — whose stories are just as important as the songs themselves. John Mason is one of those people. A former musician turned music industry attorney and author, John joined The Other Side for a conversation that pulled back the curtain on the realities of the music busines

Independent country artist Trey Calloway joined Talk and Tunes  for a laid-back, porch-hang conversation that felt less like an interview and more like catching up with an old friend. From raw acoustic performances to honest storytelling, this episode was a reminder of why country music — at its core — is about connection.