Shows
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 80: SpinsterSisters Rosalie, Rachel, and Amelia formed the trio, Spinster, after unearthing their grandfather’s accordion in a closet and spending several summers learning pop covers on a hodgepodge of acquired instruments, from the mandolin to the washboard, glockenspiel, and upright bass.
Spinster melds familial harmony and old-timey sensibilities with pop sounds, reviving classics of doo-wop, 80’s art pop, and 90’s boy band rock.
This episode features the lovely three sisters of Spinster plus host Heather Leigh Holt which makes four women who are all musicians and all teachers! You'll hear a lot of unique instrumentation, beauti...2019-05-0740 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 79: Stellar's JayStellar's Jay is the moniker for the music of Jayke Webb from Chattanooga, TN. It all started in Rogers, Arkansas in 2001 when Jayke, at the age of 15, picked up a guitar and began writing songs. The subject matter of these songs span from Jayke's endless need to travel, love gained and love lost, imaginative stories of war, pirates, and beasts, as well as an examination of what it means to be human.
2019-04-2335 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 78: Rachel McIntyre SmithRachel McIntyre Smith is a singer-songwriter from Oliver, TN. She moved to Chattanooga when she started her marketing and communications studies at UTC. Currently, Rachel is finalizing her degree with an internship at Songbirds Guitar Museum. Find out what's next for her and find out why it was love at first listen for me!
2019-04-1638 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 77: Summer DregsSummer Dregs is the production moniker of Carl Caldwell, a Chattanooga native who has been intertwined in the music scene for many years. Carl is a commercial music producer, but in the last year or two has dedicated some time to working with other artists. Find out how he got started, how he got to where he is now, and listen to some of his most recent collaborations with Swayyvo, Johnny Balik, Superbody, and more.
2019-04-0841 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 76: Chelsea Ford and the TroubleChelsea and Jonathan Ford joined us all the way from Cincinnati, Ohio. Chelsea's voice is so unique and easy on the ears. They have a classic bluegrass-country sound that will make you feel right at home. You'll enjoy this episode.
"Chelsea Ford and The Trouble features Ford on banjo, with Jonathan on acoustic guitar and Matt Crone on upright bass. The collection of tunes breathes in kicked-up red dust from rural paths and exhales stark, confident Americana, drifting from melancholy reflections to up-tempo, string-band Folk with Bluegrass inflections, complemented with violin, dobro and steel guitar. There are so...2019-03-3142 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 75: Cloud CavernsCloud Caverns is an acoustic/experimental project comprised of Brandon Peterson and Dan Bouza. Brandon moved from New York to Chattanooga a few years ago but continues to collaborate with Dan from afar. While the two are mostly a studio project, Brandon Peterson plays a few live for us on this episode. His performances and song-writing are deeply beautiful.
2019-03-2638 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 74: Ariel OmarzuAriel Omarzu is a singer-songwriter based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She is new to the professional music world but you will not be able to tell. The power and soul of her vocals will shake you to your core and leave you speechless. You don't want to miss this episode.
2019-03-1829 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 73: Oh JeremiahThis is a special episode featuring a live Chattanooga House Shows performance by Oh Jeremiah from Athens, Ga.
Prepare to laugh, get chill bumps, and feel like you were actually at the show. They’re amazing. Such a beautiful show and now everyone gets to be a part of it!
Oh Jeremiah is the singer/songwriter duo made up of Jeremiah Stricklin and his wife Erin. Started in south Mississippi and currently residing in Athens, GA, the couple draws its inspiration from the storytelling nature of their home state, echoing the likes of Paul Simon and Bo...2018-10-1056 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 72: SuperbodySuperbody is in every sense of the phrase a true pop star. Listen to what gets him going and his new single!!
2018-08-2147 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 71: Bryce Cronan of The AfternoonersBryce Cronan of the Afternooners joins us in the studio for the next round of the Summer Series with his smooth melodies and his Jack Johnson vibe. Listen to some interesting show stories like the time his band opened for Cherub!
2018-08-1436 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 70: The MailboxesThe Mailboxes is an art-pop band from Cleveland, Tennessee. Members Jillian and Logan Ivey are creative partners who also happen to be married to one another. Jillian plays piano, sings really loud, and writes catchy indie pop melodies. Logan plays the drums, looks cool, and is trying not to break his arms again. They like touring across the country in their van and thru hiking in the mountains. They have a new project and album coming in 2019!
2018-08-0747 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 69: Thirstain DanielsThirstain Daniels is a Chattanooga native with the most beautiful voice. Listen to his stories about his up bringing in music and where he is headed! You will really enjoy his covers and originals played on this episode.
2018-07-3030 min
Made In Chattanooga by VMNoogaEpisode 2: Stratton Tingle and HeatherlyJesse gives listeners an inside look at the Chattanooga music scene with Stratton Tingle, Executive Director of Chattanooga’s SoundCorps (i:16 - 25:55); and Chattanooga’s own podcast maven Heather Leigh Holt (25:56 - 51:11), better known by some as acoustic artist Heatherly (Music performance 51:12 - 57:40).2018-04-1857 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 68: Twisted PineOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Heather talks with Boston-based bluegrass-pop band Twisted Pine about how they first met, their experiences within the bluegrass scene in Boston and why they’ve adopted a response of “four separate beds here” where it comes to questions about their personal relationships. The band started out hewing closer to their bluegrass roots, but over time, they broadened their approach, incorporating more indie pop hooks and rhythms into their string band sound. Built around some truly remarkable harmonies and luminous acoustic arrangements, their music is light on its feet but never lightweight, a rustic...2018-03-0239 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 67: DJ and MarvOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Chattanooga duo DJ and Marv talk with Heather about how their religious upbringing influenced the direction of their music, how they came to meet through a shared musical friend and when we can possibly expect their debut EP to be released. This episode is recorded at Andrew Meadow’s house, another local musician who also happens to be the producer of DJ and Marv’s forthcoming EP and who also works at Dynamo Studios at the downtown Chattanooga Public Library. Drawing upon the twin inspirations of the hip-hop and singer-songwriter genres, they c...2018-01-2333 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 66: Josh DriverOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Heather invites Chattanooga songwriter Josh Driver into the studio to talk with her and guest co-host Adam Stone of Over Easy about some of his influences and why “Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4” led him to pursue a musician’s life. Known for his work with The Dixieland Playboys and as a recent addition to Chattanooga hard rock group Subkonscious, Driver has always possessed a restless creativity, a stubborn and uncompromising need to widen his musical perspective. Throughout the past few years, he’s worked his way through the sounds of country, southern r...2018-01-1633 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 65: Alex VolzOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Heather welcomes Chattanooga singer-songwriter Alex Volz to the studio. Over the last few years, Volz has been making the rounds in town and gaining a following for the acoustic expansiveness of both his children’s songs and for the more adult-oriented work of his alter ego Burly Temple. Relying on clever wordplay and a knack for surprising and complicated melodies, he spins stories that address weighty topics that children might come across in their young lives. With topics ranging from reproduction to materialism and time travel, his songs are filled with humo...2018-01-0936 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 64: Cannon HuntOpen Mic Spotlight – Cannon Hunt
On this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, singer-songwriter Cannon Hunt joins Heather in the studio to discuss the details of his upcoming EP, the effect that his faith has had on his music and how music became such an important part of his life at an early age. And at 15 years old, Hunt has the distinction of being the youngest guest on Open Mic Spotlight, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t miles of experience buried within his work. Whether he’s aiming for an electric revelry with his band Astrophe o...2017-11-2846 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 63: Danny AlvarezOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight, Chattanooga musician Danny Alvarez stops by to talk with Heather about growing up listening to religious music in a conservative household, his musical epiphany on a Navajo reservation and his love of ‘90s hip-hop and R&B production. Armed with his keyboard, Alvarez doles out liquid grooves and mercurial rhythms that bounce around within a host of different genres. From Sam Smith to Stevie Wonder to Louis Armstrong, his choice of cover songs reveals the depths of his various influences. With a voice that could reach up into the rafters of the tall...2017-11-2039 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 62: Sophie LockhartOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, singer-songwriter Sophie Lockhart joins Heather in the studio to talk about her studies at Lee University, how the guitar is not her main instrument and how she’s made the change to a full band for the release of her new single. Armed with just an acoustic guitar, her fiercely confident voice and a microphone, Lockhart invokes a timeless sound, one that doesn’t rely on cheap theatrics or studio manipulation to develop an intense emotional attachment. She talks about some of the artists that she listens to, including Jason Mraz, Needto...2017-11-1542 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 61: Planes on Paper with Josiah JohnsonOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Navid Eliot and Jenny Borst from Planes on Paper and Josiah Johnson from The Head and The Heart drop by the studio to talk with Heather. They’d all been visiting Chattanooga to play at Treetop Hideaways for Chattanooga House Shows, but due to unforeseen weather complications, they wound up performing at The Daily Ration.
Known for their gorgeous folk harmonies and acoustic melodies, Planes on Paper upend the expectations placed on singer-songwriter duos to create a sound which is refreshingly devoid of bland sentiment and obligatory affection. They’re rom...2017-11-0742 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 60: Caney VillageOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Barrett Maury and Dakari Kelly of Caney Village drop by the studio to talk with Heather about the ways in which the band has changed over the years, how their parents have influenced them as musicians and why it’s always good to have a locater app on your phone. From the band’s earliest days as a folksy outfit following the work of bands like First Aid Kit and Lily & Madeleine to their most recent incarnation as a rockier, more electrified version of its former self, they’ve always concentrated on disti...2017-10-3052 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 59: Derick AndersonOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Chattanooga singer-songwriter Derick Anderson embraces the realities of his newfound fatherhood and brings his son, Jack, to spend time with Heather in the studio. Anderson had been living in Washington for some years before moving down to Chattanooga to attend Southern Adventist University for their music program. Having been raised in a very religious household, he decided that he needed to find some answers on his own, both in terms of his faith and secular life. He talks about almost getting caught listening to the “Mortal Kombat” soundtrack when he was a kid...2017-10-2432 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 58: Drumming BirdOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Chattanooga musician, Austin Sawyer, the main songwriter and member of Drumming Bird, stops in to talk with Heather about his studies at MSTU (where he founded the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity last year), his days performing with High Meadows Communion and how he got famous on Twitter for tweeting about the lack of college parking. Tackling a couple of original songs and a few covers – most notably “Angel From Montgomery” by John Prine and “Tear Down the House” by The Avett Brothers – Sawyer manages to distill the acoustic essence of these tracks and fil...2017-10-1740 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 57: Nick and LukeOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, the Americana-varnished duo Nick and Luke stop by to talk with Heather about some of their more unusual experiences while touring, their desire to use music as a means to facilitate human-to-human interaction and how their sound shifts from day to day as their focus narrows and becomes clearer with each performance. With just some acoustic guitars (Gibson’s from the ‘30s and ‘40s), Nicholas Horner and Lucas Chohany create a roaring, harmony-soaked folk and country rumble that brings to mind the work of The Everly Brothers and The Stanley Brothers.
Th...2017-10-1037 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 56: Derek Wayne MartinOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Chattanooga musician Derek Wayne Martin spends some time with Heather in the studio to talk about the ways in which he’s trying to help build the local music scene through his work at The Camp House, how his mom and dad met in a college rock band and why the best purchase of his life was a 1971 Ventura guitar he bought at The Picker’s Exchange. With his acoustic guitar in tow, Martin rambles through a couple of original songs while still paying homage to some of his influence by perfor...2017-10-0346 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 55: Mountain Creek House FireOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Pattee Wilbanks and Robert Lovett of Mountain Creek House Fire stop by the studio to talk with Heather about their collaborative process, some of their favorite places to play in Chattanooga and how their respective creative impulses compliment each other perfectly. Their music is drawn from the winding twin histories of folk and country music but is given new breathe and life through their effortless interactions. With just an acoustic guitar and mandolin, they spark a gorgeous series of stories that could be told on front porches or large stages across th...2017-09-2637 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 54: Midnight PromiseOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Chattanooga pop-rock trio Midnight Promise drop by the studio to talk about the process for how they collaborate on each track, the familial atmosphere that the band cultivates and how their differing musical tastes push them to experiment with various sounds. With influences as disparate as ‘80s metal, Pink Floyd and Rihanna, the band’s work doesn’t easily fit into any one category but runs through a collection of pop and rock inspirations that shake and rattle the bones of their collective musical histories. Expressing a certain universal emotionality, the band doe...2017-09-1943 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 53: No Thank You, JohnIn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Chattanooga musician John Cotton of No Thank You, John drops by to talk with Heather about how he first got into recording, the trials of listening to contemporary Christian music and how he got involved with charity work in Uganda. Cotton moved to Chattanooga 9 years ago from Marietta to attend Lee University, and while he intended to study music, he wound up focusing on communication and audio/video production. Using what he learned in his classes, he now works as a freelance video producer and also handles various digital productions online. Wh...2017-09-1233 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 52: Hailey MillerIn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Chattanooga singer-songwriter Hailey Miller stops by the studio to discuss how she first learned how to play the guitar, the experiences that have shaped her music and how she hopes to continue pursuing music as she attends Belmont University in Nashville in the Fall—she recently graduate from Baylor. She quickly reveals a diverse cast of influences as she shares covers of “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King and “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore. She easily brings out the soul of King’s words as well as the hip-hop rhythms of Mackl...2017-09-0542 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 51: Nate Currin
On this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, singer-songwriter Nate Currin joins Heather in the studio to discuss how a religious upbringing drove him to seek out secular music and the deep influence that those bands would go on have on his own music in later years. Tasked with extolling a deep emotional canvas with just a voice and an acoustic guitar, Currin easily invests his work with an earnest and evocative twang and echo. He explores some of his influences by wandering through a stripped down version of “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones and subsequently channel...2017-08-2841 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 50: The Local StangersOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Seattle-based Americana duo The Local Strangers drop by the studio to share some of their achingly beautiful harmonies and discuss details of their upcoming record. Built around the twin influences of Aubrey Zoli and Matt Hart, the band expertly wind their way through dramatic folk and pop landscapes while keeping their sights set on creating a unique and earnest noise that owes a good deal to their collective inspirations. You can hear how these specific sounds affect the way they approach their music when they perform a folked up version of Pr...2017-08-2244 minOpen Mic Spotlight49: Hannah MurphyHannah Murphy – Open Mic Spotlight
On this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Atlanta singer-songwriter Hannah Murphy joining Heather in the studio to discuss their first meeting at Eddie’s Attic at an Atlanta open mic night, how she first picked up the guitar when she was 13 and how her lack of internet led her to see the value of pursuing music as a creative outlet. Armed with just an acoustic guitar and a forceful but gorgeous voice, Murphy evokes the spare and fluid landscapes of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s folk scene, giving each moment here its o...2017-08-1544 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 48: Marcus WhiteIn the Open Mic Spotlight podcast this week, Chattanooga artist Marcus White drops by the studio to discuss his tenure with several local bands, the varying roles he takes as both musician and producer and how electronic music can be just as physical as any other type of music. Hailing from Washington D.C., White attended Lee University on a music scholarship but wound up studying psychology. A few years later, he was approached by gospel musician Eddie James to join his tour on keyboard, and he jumped at the chance before finding himself drawn back to Chattanooga some...2017-08-0840 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 47: LadyLynOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Chattanooga singer-songwriter LadyLyn brings her soul-infused melodies to the studio and discusses her past history in college sports, the years spent singing solos in church and how she taught herself how to play the guitar. Across a handful of tracks, she offers both original songs and covers, revealing an endless emotional reservoir from which she so casually draws inspiration as she explores the influence of countless musicians who have mined these well-worn sounds and driven her to create a distinct and ferocious roar all her own.
Having started her musi...2017-07-3135 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 46: Gino FanelliOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, New Orleans-influenced singer-songwriter Gino Fanelli stops by the studio to discuss his reverence for jazz vocalists, the history of his own cross-genre work and coffee can nachos—he also works his way through a handful of songs that span the length of his influences. Taking inspiration from artists like Louis Prima, Louis Armstrong and Jack Scott, Fanelli wrings a boundless emotional echo from the strings of his guitar, revealing both the staggering possibilities and rhythmic subversion that can be wrought from his chosen instrument.
Whether he’s performing and discus...2017-07-2542 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 45: Chris JohnsonOn this week’s Open Mic Spotlight podcast, Christopher Andrew Johnson of Chattanooga dream-pop outfit Side Affect drops by to talk about his work and perform a handful of songs, including an unreleased new one and possibly an Abba cover. Drawing inspiration from bands like The Jesus and Mary Chain, Wild Nothing and Echo & the Bunnymen, Johnson builds a foggy pop environment in his songs where his jangling guitars, deadpan wit and Lou Reed-esque vocals collide and rebound at various points.
Between discussions of musical theater and the direction of future releases from Side Affect, Johnson loops a...2017-07-1739 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 44: Ben StrawnBen Strawn is a young and somewhat new artist to the Chattanooga music scene but don't let that fool you. This singer-songwriter from Cookeville, Tn will make you swoon with his lyrics and voice. His new EP was just released in June. Hear him perform some of those songs and others on this episode. Listen at www.openmicspotlight.com or on most podcast platforms like iTunes or GooglePlay.
Thank you to Trenton Romanini for mixing this episode. For all of you industry recording and mixing needs visit www.TRoMixedThat.com
2017-07-1038 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 43: Megan SaundersMegan Saunders is a songwriter that grew up in Vermont but now resides in Chattanooga. She plays a variety of different string instruments including the guitar and banjo. Her band includes Jason Reed on guitar and Jonathan McWilliams on upright bass. Megan has released two albums and has played all over the US. She has won several national awards for singing and composing, including the Song of the Year award for songwriting in the American genre. This episode gives an up close and touching look into where Saunders came from and where she's going, both personally and as an...2017-07-0343 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 42: Ian SharpIan Sharp is one of the movers and shakers of the Chattanooga comedy scene. After life as a tourning musician with the band, In Faith Or Flames, he found himself loving comdedy. He got his start where most in Chattanooga have, JJs Bohemia's open mic. He now has created and hosts his own weekly open mic called ComedyFight at the Honest Point. In this episode, hear stories of band life, how he got into comedy, strategies he uses to write his comedy, and even hear some audio from a live recording. Listen at www.openmicspotlight.com or on most p...2017-06-2633 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 41: Buddy ShirkBuddy Shirk is an an organist and a pianist who has performed on local, and national, and international television, as well as in numerous recording studios and churches. He served with the Baldwin Paino and Organ Co. and Cooper Music in Atlanta for many years in various marketing and managing positions and now is the store manager for Summitt Pianos here in Chattanooga, TN. He is one of the organists for the Tivoli on the Mighty Wurlitzer and that is where this episode was recorded. Listen at www.openmicspotlight.com or on most podcast platforms including iTunes or GooglePlay. ...2017-06-2027 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 40: Make Music Day!Episode 40 gives light to the upcoming event, Make Music Day, a free celebration of music around the world on June 21st. It is held on the same day in more than 750 cities and 120 countries.
Make Music Day is open to anyone who wants to take part. Every kind of musician- young and old, amateur and professional, of every musical persuasion- pours into the streets, parks, plazas, and porches to share their music with friends, neighbors, and strangers. All of it is free and open to the public.
This episode will give you the inside scoop to Make...2017-06-1339 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 39: GleewoodGleewood is an Americana husband and wife duo from New Mexico. They groove through blues, folk, and rock 'n" roll, with lyrics that lend a story to folk and roots music enthusiasts with an energy that's swells into energetic guitar solos from the heart of the psychedelic 60s. In this episode you will hear stories of how these two met to stories of gunfights in CO! They also play some songs off their most recent released album, "Sweet, Sweet Time."
Thank you to Trenton Romanini for mixing this podcast. For all of your industry mixing and recording n...2017-06-0645 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 38: Michael CrowderMichael Crowder may be a business man with a family, but he has been a part of the Chattanooga music scene for a very long time. He has been in several bands with his most notable and recent being Dark Horse Ten. Listen to stories of Crowder playing Chattanooga's sketchy gigs back before we had great venues like JJs hosting local artists and bands. Hear songs from his new solo project that he is working on, "Playing a Part". His story songs describe unmade choices, unwound relationships, and unbroken survivors of the human experience. Listen at www.openmicspotlight.com...2017-05-3051 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 37: Manatee CommuneManatee Commune is from Bellingham, Washington. With the help of Chattanooga House Shows and Roots Rated, he put on a killer show. He was so kind to meet with OMS the next day to talk about the night and his inspiration for his vibey, lively, and dance envoking tunes. He seeks to capture the atmosphere of taking a thoughtful, self-reflecting stroll through the forest by combining the textures of rainy woods and the windy seas of the Pacific Northwest with the calming mood of clean surfy guitar licks and rolling arrpegiated sine waves. He also gives us a look...2017-05-2338 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 36: Lew CardLew Card was born and raised in Chattanooga before deciding to leave for the music Mecca, Austin, Texas, to pursue his musical career with mandolin. After sixteen years and playing with a variety of Austin bands, he's back! The past few years, Card has been creating his own music. He has released three albums and just recorded a new one in Austin this year which will be released in the near future. His outlaw country music combines soul, hard-luck narratives, and wit. In this epsiode, you will hear some new songs and covers including one by Townes Van Zandt. 2017-05-1547 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 35: TryezzTryezz is a local Chattanoogan that mixes jazz, funk, classical, and electronic styles into a combination that will get you movin' and groovin'. On multiple occasions, I have seen him turn a dying crowd into a crowd of dancers not wanting the party to end. He gains inspiration from all the beauty around him and lives by the motto, "Always a Student."
Thank you to Trenton Romanini for mixing this episode. www.TRoMixedthat.com
2017-05-0937 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 34: Webb BarringerWebb Barringer is a born and raised Chattanoogan. He is a singer-songwriter that draws influence from artists like Jason Isbell and Todd Snider. You will enjoy hearing songs that will be released on his upcoming albumn in June and his special and unique Rocky Top cover.
Thank you to Trenton Romanini for mixing this epsiode.
2017-05-0237 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 33: Roots of a RebellionRoots of a Rebellion is a group of musicians from Nashville, TN that play Reggae-Rock-Dub music for the soul. They are an upbeat and loving group that won Road the Bonnaroo last year. While in town last week, the En Root House hosted a pancake breakfast where we did a live interview recording. Their songs are full of love and positivity like 'Giving Tree' inspired by a Shel Silverstein poem. Listen on itunes or at www.openmicspotlight.com
Thank you to Trenton Romanini for mixing this episode. For all your industry quality recording and mixing needs, visit t...2017-04-2543 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 32: Jake LemonsJake Lemons was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tn. He has been writing songs and playing guitar since he was a teenager. His band, Jetsam in the Noose, has been together for a few years now. His music finds a way to address very tough topics in an upbeat way. It is a mix of blues, jazz, rock and folk, but in this episode you will hear the stripped down acoustic version. Along with some of his originals, you will hear classic covers including songs by the Doors, Hendrix, and Lennon.
Thank you to Tremont Tavern for s...2017-04-1842 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 31: Lowland HumDaniel and Lauren Goans are a husband and wife duo from Charlottesville, Virginia known as Lowland Hum. They write, arrange, and produce all of their own music, and have honed a cohesive visual arts aesthetic to match the hushed simplisity of their sound. They recently released their third full album, Thin. You can hear some of these songs and a beautiful Weezer cover in this episode.
Thank you to Songbirds Guitar Museum for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
Thanks you to Trenton Romanini for mixing this episode.
2017-04-1045 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 30: Jonathan WimpeeJonathan Wimpee is a local musician from Gadsden, AL. He plays in too many bands to count but most notably for the Molly Maguires and Milele Roots. He is currently working on a new solo album recording with Mitch Wood. The album will have a slew of Chatt-famous guest performances including Ivan Garcia and Yattie Westfield. You can hear a sneak peak of some on these songs in this episode.
Thank you Songbirds Guitar Museum for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
Thank you to Trenton Romanini for mixing this episode.
2017-04-0337 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 29: C-GrimeyC-Grimey is a born and raised Chattanooga hip-hop artist. He was very close to winning the Bar Exam which is a quarterly hip-hop open mic at The Camp House. He is also involved in the community and works with the non-profit, Build Me a World. Check out his interview and performance on this episode and dive into the Chattanooga hip-hop scene.
Warning: The music in this podcast contains explicit language.
Thank you to Songbirds for sponsoring the episode and making this podcast possible.
Thank you to Trenton Romanini for mixing this epsiode.
2017-03-2844 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 28: Ben SolleeBen Sollee is a classically trained cellist, singer-song writer, and a composer. He has traveled around the world playing his music with a mix of bluegrass, folk, R&B, and jazz. His music can even be heard on popular shows like ABS's Parenthood and HBO's Weeds.
Thank you Songbirds Guitar Museum for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
Thank you to Trenton Romanini for mixing this podcast.
2017-03-2136 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 27: Anthony QuailsAnthony Quails is the Executive Director of the Chattanooga Songwriters Association and is currently signed with a music publishing company. His songs have wonderful lyrics and melodies with beautiful guitar picking underneath. He also performs a Ryan Adams and John Denver cover on this episode.
Thank you to Songbirds Guitar Museum for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
Thank you to Trenton Romanini for mixing and mastering this episode.
2017-03-1333 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 26: Rye BabyRye baby is a rock'n'twang duo from the Chattanooga area. Callie Harmon and Jennifer Hope Brumlow use just about all of their limbs at the same time playing the drums, guitar, mandolin, harmonica, and all kinds of fun instruments. Their music is full of energy and with keep your toes tapping and your face smiling with a mix of americana, folk, blues, and rock.
Thank you to Songbirds Guitar Museum for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
Thank you to Jesse Jungkurth for mixing and mastering this epsiode.
2017-03-0646 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 25: Muddy MagnoliasThe Muddy Magnolias featuring Kallie North and Jessy Wilson are from Nashville, TN. They just recently released their debut album, Broken People, which blends blues, jazz, folk, rock, soul and R&B. They are electric on stage and down to earth and fun off the stage! They were very gracious to give an interview and sing a few songs for the podcast while they were in town playing at the Revelry Room. You'll love this episode!
Thank you to Songbirds Guitar Museum for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
2017-02-2724 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 24: Butch RossButch Ross is well known in Chattanooga for his mountain dulcimer playing, but it's different than you would expect. He uses the instrument in a modern way by incorporating loop pedals and playing modern covers like Death Cab for Cutie. It's quite original and very enjoyable to listen to.
Thank you Songbirds Guitar Museum for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible. Thank you Jesse Jungkurth for mixing this episode.
2017-02-2149 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 23: Luke SimmonsLuke Simmons is an amazing musician of all sorts. He plays keys, guitar, drums, and his voice is out of this world. He plays with many groups around town and is working on an EP. You don't want to miss out on his performances in this podcast.
Thank you so much to Songbirds Guitar Museum for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
2017-02-1339 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 22: BJ HightowerBj Hightower is the tall, bearded, overall wearing bass player of Strung Like a Horse. He has a goofy stage persona, but really he's just a big hearted lovable guy with beautiful songs. You will love hearing his solo work and his unexpected covers.
2017-02-0852 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 21: Bradford LoomisBradford Loomis is a singer-songwriter out of Washington. He played a house show in Chttanooga on his way to Atlanta and so graciously let me interview him. You will love his passionate and soulful lyrics and voice.
This episode is the first recorded on-site.
Thank you Tremont Tavern for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
2017-01-3144 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 20: Amber FultsAmber Fults is a beautiful singer songwriter with a powerful yet angelic voice. She was previously a member of the Amber Fults and the Ambivalent Lovers which won Road to Nightfall a few years ago. Her lyrics are just as powerful as her voice which will melt your heart. Her music is a very important part of the local music scene in Chattanooga.
Thank you to Tremont Tavern for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
2017-01-2449 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 19: Jordan HallquistJordan Hallquit is a very influential part of the Chattanooga music scene. He a a musician and manages the music at Tivoli and Memorial via AC Entertainment. He also worked at Tremont building a music entertainment site for 7 years before that. Listen to some of his stories!
2017-01-1753 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 18: Ryan KeefRyan Keef is a musician out of Fort Payne, Alabama. You will know him as the lead guitarist and vocalist of Permagroove and also from a group called the Trade Day Troubadours. His solo music has sounds of folk and rock. His inspirations include Anders Osborne and Bruce Springsteen. Take a listen and fall in love with his voice and melodies.
Thank you to Tremont Tavern for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
2017-01-0938 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 17: Jamal TraubJamal Traub is a local singer-songwriter in Chattanooga, TN. He gains inspiration from musicians like Otis Redding and Bob Dylan. His playful melodies and lyrics will put a smile on your face.
Thank you to Track 29 for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
2017-01-0342 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 16: Randy SteeleRandy Steele plays banjo for Slim Pickins and also just released a solo album recorded at Fame studios. Listen to his interesting stories of playing and traveling in Europe and how his music progressed from playing with his family to getting to Europe!
Thank you to the Revelry Room for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
2016-12-2752 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 15: Ryan DarlingThe performance aspects of an open mic musician and an open mic comedian are not as different as you would think. In this episode, Ryan talks about the many ways comedy has grown in Chattanooga over the past few years. There are a couple live clips and some very funny moments.
Thank you to Track 29 for sponsoring this Episode and making this podcast possible.
2016-12-2041 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 14: Cody James HarrisCody James Harris is a native of Chattanooga. he has a soulful americana style with beautifully vulnerable lyrics. You will love what covers he chooses as well!
Thank you to the Revelry Room for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
2016-12-1345 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 13: Ben Van WinkleBen Van Winkle is a classically trained cellist and he plays for the CSO, plays bass in his own band, and plays cello for Danimal Planet. He is in the process of working on a new project that incorporates poetry, beat boxing, singing, different styles, and of course electric cello. He gives us a taste in this episode.
Thank you to Track 29 for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
2016-12-0642 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 12: Shawnessey CargileShawnessey Cargile hosts an open mic a the Well every Monday night. He's involved with two local non-profits in town. Listen to some great stories, original songs, and some covers including "Chicago" by Sufjan Stevens.
Thank you to Revelry Room for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
2016-11-2953 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 11: Nick LutskoNick Lutsko is a very popular name around Chattanooga. This year he won road to nightfall and practically shut down the city with a huge parade from Miller Plaza all the way to Revelry Room. He and his band are full of energy and spunk playing an alternative rock style of music. Listen to him in this intimate setting playing some awesome originals and beautiful covers.
Thank you to Track 29 for sponsoring this episode and making this podcast possible.
2016-11-2344 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 10: Stratton Tingle2016-11-1546 min
Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 9: Courtney Holder2016-11-0856 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 8: Drakeford2016-11-0147 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 7: Mike Dougher2016-10-2546 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 6: Michael McDade2016-10-1857 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 5: Tiffany Taylor2016-10-1147 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpsidoe 4: Danimal Pinson2016-10-031h 15Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 3: Lon Eldrige2016-09-271h 02Open Mic SpotlightEpisode 2: Ryan Oyer2016-09-1955 minOpen Mic SpotlightEpisode 1: Megan Howard2016-09-1150 minOpen Mic SpotlightSeason One Teaser2016-08-1702 min