Shows
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsEugene Rice (American Mile)A trunk ride with Billy Gibbons, a pair of “blessed” boots, and the moment a lyric became a band name—this one has stories. We sit down with American Mile’s Eugene Rice for a fast, funny, and unfiltered tour through the making of a modern Southern rock band built on grit, harmony, and a never-quit work ethic. From a Vermont town of 1,500 to SoCal stages, Eugene traces the path: sleeping in rehearsal spaces, selling a bike to buy an RV, and logging 200+ dates a year—often in four-hour marathons that would break most bands. He breaks down how “American Mil...
2025-10-0344 min
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsGale BirdWhat happens when a childhood nickname becomes a musical identity? Josh Gale and Sean from the band Gale Byrd join us to share how football fields in Texas, marsh sunsets in Charleston, and the everyday struggles of marriage have shaped their distinctive sound.The conversation dives deep into the creative heartbeat of this Charleston-based band. Josh reveals how his football nickname "Gale Bird" eventually became their band name, while Sean explains the meticulous production process that transforms their raw inspiration into polished tracks. Most touching is the story of how Josh's wife Melissa, silenced by childhood criticism...
2025-09-2954 min
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsTaylor Swift's Engagement, Best Party Song, and Country Music NewsWhat happens when Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement announcement collides with a passionate debate about the greatest party song of all time? Pure entertainment gold on The Jay Franze Show.Hosts Jay Franze and Tiffany Mason kick things off by diving into the swirling conspiracy theories surrounding Taylor Swift's engagement. From the podcast proposal cover-up (did Travis plan it all along?) to the significance of the number 13 in the announcement timing, they examine the most intriguing fan theories while sharing genuine excitement for the couple. The hosts balance healthy skepticism with appreciation for Swift's calculated brilliance...
2025-09-031h 14
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsChristopher WyzeEver wondered what it would be like to completely reinvent yourself after a successful career? Christopher Wyze's remarkable journey from advertising executive to blues musician proves it's never too late to follow your passion.Growing up in Indiana, Christopher's introduction to blues came when his college-aged brother brought home BB King and Bobby Blue Bland records. Though the music resonated with him, life took him in a different direction – building a career in marketing, running an advertising agency, and writing books. Music remained a distant memory until a chance encounter at a church wine dinner twenty years ag...
2025-09-0151 min
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsBest line in a Song, Weekly Top 10, and Country Music NewsWhat makes a song lyric truly unforgettable? Is it the clever wordplay, the raw emotion, or the way it perfectly captures a universal feeling? Jay Franze and Tiffany Mason dive headfirst into this question, sparking a fascinating conversation with their listeners about the lines that have stuck with them through the years.From Garth Brooks' bittersweet reflection that "I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance" to Johnny Cash's chilling confession "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die," country music has always excelled at distilling complex emotions...
2025-08-2553 min
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsBillie Jo Jones, Songs Without the Title in the Chorus, and Country Music NewsGet ready for an exclusive behind-the-scenes conversation with rising country star Billie Jo Jones as she joins Jay Franze and co-host Tiffany Mason for a candid discussion about her musical journey and exciting upcoming projects.The Texas-born artist shares breaking news about her sophomore album "Turquoise and Silver," set to release this October. "I really think this album beats the last album, and I didn't think I was going to be able to say that," Jones confesses with genuine excitement. Unlike her debut where she wrote just two of ten songs, Jones proudly reveals she's written or...
2025-08-201h 05
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsChris ErasmusFew artists bring a perspective to country music as unique as Chris Erasmus. Growing up in a game reserve in Zimbabwe before relocating to South Africa, Erasmus developed an authentic connection to rural life that most country singers can only romanticize. On this captivating episode, he shares stories of herding buffalo on horseback, working as a genuine cowboy in Montana, and how these experiences naturally translated into a country music career based in London."I didn't set out to do country music," Erasmus reveals with a laugh. "I wrote music and everyone was like 'oh, this is...
2025-08-1840 min
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsRobby Johnson, Best Vocal Intros, and Country Music NewsStep into the recording studio with country artist Robbie Johnson as he reveals the creative journey behind his new single "You Pick the Flowers." In this candid conversation, Robbie shares how the song reimagines his own love story, admitting he never properly proposed to his wife and is now "rewriting my story to make it beautiful." This vulnerability sets the tone for a fascinating exploration of modern country music production.The episode offers rare technical insights as Robbie describes his collaborative process with producer Danny, who plays nearly every instrument on his tracks and works with Nashville's...
2025-08-111h 10
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsTrey Calloway, Overplayed 80s Songs, and Country Music NewsWhat does it really take to chase country music dreams while keeping your life in balance? In this heartfelt conversation with rising country artist Trey Calloway, we pull back the curtain on the realities of the Nashville music scene and the personal sacrifices that come with pursuing passion.Trey opens up about his latest single "She Don't Break It," co-written with legendary songwriter Terry McBride (known for hits with Brooks & Dunn and George Strait) and produced by Brandon Hood, whom Trey describes as "Nashville's best kept secret." The song represents Trey's commitment to authentic country music that...
2025-08-061h 14
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsDani BaconWhat happens when a talented songwriter develops their craft far from the industry spotlight? Dani Bacon brings us the answer from rural Washington, where she's forged a musical identity that transcends easy categorization.Dani's story begins with family singing in church and early fascination with the Dixie Chicks, but quickly develops into something uniquely her own. Despite living eight hours from the nearest major music scene in Seattle, she's crafted a sound that blends country storytelling traditions with Americana sensibilities, creating music that feels both familiar and refreshingly authentic.The conversation takes us behind the...
2025-08-0442 min
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsStephanie RabusWhen Stephanie Rabus sits behind a microphone, magic happens. The Nashville country artist brings a rare authenticity to her music that cuts through the noise of formulaic radio hits. On this episode, Stephanie takes us behind the curtain of her musical journey, revealing the bittersweet path that shaped both her sound and her soul. Stephanie's story begins with family—specifically, joining her father's band "40 South" at age 21, where she injected contemporary hits into their oldies repertoire. This early experience planted seeds for her versatile musical approach that refuses to be boxed into just one sound. "I wanted to...
2025-07-0555 min
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsScarlett Jackson, Soundtrack of Your Life, and Country Music NewsA chance encounter at CMA Fest turns into show gold as Scarlett Jackson joins Jay Franze and Tiffany Mason to share her behind-the-scenes experience working the Shenandoah booth. What begins as friendly banter about Jay's "new best friend" evolves into a fascinating glimpse into Nashville's country music scene through the eyes of someone who bridges fan and industry perspectives.Scarlett's Mississippi charm shines as she recounts meeting artists like Cole Goodwin, Jake Worthington, and Trey Calloway, offering listeners insider updates on upcoming singles and performances. The conversation naturally flows into deeper territory when the trio dives into...
2025-06-231h 08
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsThis Day in History, Your First Album Purchase, and Country Music News: Featuring Mark BadolatoStep into the musical time machine with Jay Franze and co-host Tiffany Mason as they navigate through fascinating moments in music history, from Kenny Rogers and Dottie West topping charts in 1978 to The Monkees winning an Emmy that same decade. Their infectious camaraderie and playful banter create the perfect backdrop for music industry insights you won't find anywhere else.The heart of this episode beats around a simple yet revealing question: What was the first album you ever purchased with your own money? Listeners chime in with touchstone albums spanning decades – from Aerosmith's "Toys in the Attic" an...
2025-06-111h 08
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsSteve Perry Reimagines Faithfully, Desert Island Album, and Country Music NewsEver wonder which album you'd bring if stranded on a desert island forever? In this captivating episode of The Jay Franze Show, Jay and Tiffany dive deep into this musical thought experiment, revealing not just their own picks but fielding an avalanche of passionate responses from listeners. Journey's "Escape," Madonna's "Like a Prayer," and multiple Taylor Swift albums (always specified as "Taylor's Version" by dedicated Swifties) emerge as favorites, sparking lively debate about which records truly stand the test of time.The music industry headlines this week bring fascinating developments across genres. Diamond Dave himself, David Lee...
2025-05-191h 21
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsShari RoweWhat happens when Arizona's rugged landscapes and life's harshest challenges shape a country music artist's authentic voice? In this captivating conversation, Shari Rowe takes us behind the curtain of her musical journey, revealing how personal tragedy transformed into creative resilience.Shari opens up about recording at Nashville's renowned Ruckus Room studio with producer Jamie Tate, working alongside session legends like Tommy Harden, Jeff King, and Jimmy Mattingly. Her stories paint a vivid picture of Nashville's recording scene while offering fascinating insights into the collaborative magic that happens when talented musicians gather in a studio.The...
2025-05-1251 min
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsHalestorm’s Darkness Always Wins, Best Song to Make Woopee Too, and Country Music NewsStep behind the curtain of the music industry with Jay Franze and Tiffany Mason as they blend personal stories, industry expertise, and entertaining banter in this captivating episode. Jay shares a touching memory of introducing his family to rock band Hailstorm, revealing how lead singer Lizzy Hale made a special connection with his daughter that continued years later. The hosts then offer their unfiltered take on Hailstorm's new single "Darkness Always Wins," appreciating the band's talent while questioning the experimental direction of this particular track.The conversation naturally flows through a landscape of music news, f...
2025-04-281h 15
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsDalton HicksWhat happens when raw talent meets determination? Dalton Hicks, a rising country music artist from South Carolina, joins us for a heartfelt conversation that traces his musical journey from his great-grandmother's piano to Nashville's recording studios.Dalton opens up about the profound influence his grandmother Olga had on his musical beginnings, sharing how her passion for piano sparked his own love for music. When she passed away, he channeled that connection into creating songs that would make her proud. This relationship forms the emotional foundation for his authentic approach to songwriting.We dive deep into...
2025-04-0736 min
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsConnor DalyConnor Daly brings fresh perspective to Nashville's music scene as an Americana artist who made the leap from Virginia to Music City just eight months ago. Despite being relatively new to the area, he's already conquered some of Nashville's most revered songwriter venues, including the legendary Bluebird Cafe.The contrast between these iconic venues reveals much about Nashville's songwriting culture. As Connor explains, "The Bluebird felt very casual... like I was playing in a living room somewhere," noting how the venue's unassuming strip mall location belies its worldwide fame. Meanwhile, The Listening Room placed him under bright...
2025-03-3143 min
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsEric Church Hits the Road, Favorite Breakup Song, and Country Music NewsRemember that moment when an unlikely rock star stepped onto a country music stage and left everyone stunned? Jay Franze takes us behind the scenes of Eric Church's memorable CMA Awards performance with Lzzy Hale, sharing his firsthand experience as Church's security detail during those early career days. This intimate glimpse into the music industry showcases the fascinating cultural divides between rock and country audiences that still exist today.Music news takes center stage as we explore Iron Maiden's creative approach to memorabilia – transforming their iconic "Ed Force One" Boeing 747 into collectibles for dedicated fans. We also di...
2025-03-241h 19
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsSNL 50th, Best Guitar Players, and Country Music NewsDive into the vibrant world of music and entertainment with the latest episode of The Jay Franze Show, where hosts Jay Franze and Tiffany Mason share stories from their unique experiences in the industry. This episode shines a light on the meaningful yet often under-discussed aspects of pursuing a career in music. From high school dreams and aspirations that filled the air with creativity to the harsh realities of navigating the business, they explore personal tales with humor and sincerity.Listeners are treated to an engaging discussion about the trajectories of aspiring artists in the industry and...
2025-03-051h 14
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsRy RiversDiscover the transformative journey of country music artist Ry Rivers, formerly known as Ryan Adam, as he transitions from pop soul to his true calling in country music. Ry joins us to share the behind-the-scenes story of rebranding his artist persona, navigating the technical hurdles, and embracing the emotional challenges that come with a new identity. Gain insight into the importance of personal branding in today's music industry and the strategic steps Ry has taken to maintain his authenticity while embracing his roots.Ry's story is a testament to the powerful influence of his upbringing in Florida...
2025-02-2453 min
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsBlake TylerWhat if the journey to sobriety could ignite a transformative artistic path? Join us as Blake Tyler, a rising star in country music, unveils the intimate and often tumultuous experiences that shape his sound. Blake opens up about his battle with addiction, inspired by a deep commitment to his family, and how this personal decision led to a poignant cover of "Pray All the Way Home." He shares heartfelt stories of his childhood, particularly the impact of his parents' separation and a challenging dynamic with his stepfather, both of which influenced his latest track, "Blood Ain't Thick."...
2025-02-1950 min
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsTrey Calloway, Underrated Bands, and Country Music NewsCountry music fans, you're in for a treat as Trey Calloway joins us to unveil the magic behind his upcoming single "Your Love is Safe With Me." Fresh off celebrating his recent marriage, Trey spills the beans on how his whirlwind experiences at Saxman Studio fueled his creativity for this Valentine's Day hit. From the spontaneity of a Christmas song collaboration to the thoughtful production of new music, Trey takes us inside his artistic journey and shares the joy of working with a dedicated team and the personal satisfaction his podcast brings each time a song stirs a memory.
2025-02-101h 02
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsHigh Mountain BreezesUnlock the secrets behind High Mountain Breezes' latest musical masterpiece, "Contributions," with industry insiders Bruce Tarletski and Bob Bullock. Discover how this daring project pays homage to classic hits from the 50s to the 80s while boldly stepping into new territory with original tracks. Bruce reveals the creative alchemy that goes into selecting timeless songs and incorporating fresh elements like brass, while Bob compares the art of music production to directing a film, highlighting the meticulous orchestration needed to bring each song to life.This episode is a celebration of musical collaboration, where family ties and artistic...
2025-01-2055 min
The Jay Franze Show: Country Music - News | Reviews | InterviewsBillie Jo JonesEver wondered what it’s like to get a backstage pass to the heart of the country music scene? Billie Jo Jones, an emerging talent with a heartfelt connection to traditional country music, takes us on an unforgettable journey. From her bustling visit to Nashville filled with business meetings and live performances to her touching experience at the Christmas for Kids event, Billie Jo shares anecdotes about her interactions with fans and legends alike. She even describes meeting Nancy Jones, widow of the iconic George Jones, and the excitement of recording her second album soon. This episode is brimming wi...
2025-01-1354 min