MusicMusic InterviewsExplicit

2 Beers With The Band

Two Beers With The Band is a podcast where we showcase Nashville’s BEST up and coming bands, and enjoy craft beer.

Play

Open in

22 episodes
weekly
Avg 1 hr 34 min
English

Episodes 22

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

#116
Friday · 1 hr 27 min
Tackling Men's Mental Health, Prison Workshops & "Ugly Truths" Through Conscious UK Rap (ft. Sam The Rapper)
Can raw lyricism, mental health advocacy, and unfiltered truth still thrive in an industry obsessed with quick clout?In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with UK-based rap artist, poet, and published author Sam The Rapper. Tracing his 15-year journey from fast-paced 140 BPM East London grime to conscious storytelling, Sam opens up about the reality of the UK underground scene, using music and poetry as therapy, leading writing workshops in prisons, and publishing dark fiction novels under the pen name Sam Christopher. We break down his signature track "Truthfully", discuss why he lives by the mantra "Ugly Truth, Not Pretty Lies," and explore what it takes to build a sustainable, authentic brand as an independent artist. 🔥 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & INDIE ARTIST BREAKDOWN: Grime Evolution & London Roots: Shifting from 140 BPM East London grime to conscious real rap. Track Breakdown: The story behind "Truthfully" and living by the mantra "Ugly Truth, Not Pretty Lies." Mental Health & Creative Outlets: Music as therapy, the poetry circuit with Get Mouthy, and conducting writing workshops in prisons. Author Journey: Publishing thriller and dark romance novels (Doing Time & Because of You) under the pen name Sam Christopher. The Independent Grind: Overcoming marketing hurdles on the My Therapy EP, overcoming accent barriers for US audiences, and building a sustainable independent brand. 🔗 CONNECT WITH SAM THE RAPPER / SAM CHRISTOPHER: Music & Socials: @samtherappermusic Books on Amazon (Author: Sam Christopher): Doing Time & Because of You Author Instagram: @samchristopherauthor Poetry Platform: Get Mouthy
#115
August 30 · 2 hr 31 min
Why MCs & Beatsmiths Should Produce Their Own Albums (ft. Rychusdon)
How can independent artists balance spoken word, boom bap hip-hop, and self-production over a decade-long creative journey? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with UK-based MC, spoken word artist, and beatmaker Rychusdon for an in-depth, track-by-track breakdown of his album Snakes and Ladders. Together, they discuss handling 100% of his own production, tackling heavy social commentary, faith, street realities, and staying true to authentic Hip-Hop craft. 🎵 ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this interview, host Chris Schrum catches up with UK hip-hop artist and producer Rychusdon. Together, they explore: • 100% DIY Production: How producing your own beats allows complete creative freedom and authentic storytelling across a 12-track project. • Deep Storytelling & Social Commentary: Tackling real-world themes such as UK county lines, street dynamics, caring for elders, and personal growth. • Spoken Word Meets Boom Bap: Blending poetic spoken word performance with traditional boom bap lyricism and 32-bar verse structures. • Musical Influences & Faith: Drawing inspiration from legends like Gil Scott-Heron and Miles Davis, while exploring faith and religion in modern hip-hop. • Track-by-Track Album Breakdown: Exclusive backstories and production secrets behind every track on Snakes and Ladders.
#114
August 21 · 1 hr 18 min
Building a UK Dancehall & Jungle Fanbase Through Live Club Bookings (ft. Genwe)
How can independent producers transition into performing artists while building a career outside major industry hubs? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris sits down with Ipswich-based Dancehall and Jungle artist Genwe to discuss self-producing, performing live, curating events, and upcoming releases for 2026 and 2027. ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this interview, host Chris catches up with UK dancehall and jungle artist Genwe over a 7.0% ABV IPA from Black Abbey Brewing. Together, they explore: • The DIY Studio Setup: Why buying your own equipment saves money and speeds up the workflow from writing to 24-hour mixing and mastering. • Building Local Roots: How artists from smaller regions like Ipswich can build an audience through frequent weekend club bookings before expanding outward. • Event Coordination & Brand Control: Behind-the-scenes lessons from working with Jam Experience and managing event logistics. • The Support System: How having a dedicated team—including his wife managing schedules, content filming, and TikTok—keeps the artist workflow sustainable. • What's Coming Up: Details on celebrating Jamaican Independence Day live, opening for UK artist ArrDee, and dropping an 8-to-10 track English Grime/UK project.
#113
August 14 · 54 min
How Independent Artists Adapt to an Ever-Changing Music Industry (ft. Brittany Elise)
How do independent artists balance touring between Australia and Nashville while navigating an ever-changing music industry? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris sits down with country artist Brittany Elise to discuss her creative process, live stage evolutions, staying independent, and what’s next for 2026 and 2027. About This Episode In this sit-down interview, host Chris catches up with Brittany Elise over a 7.1% ABV American IPA from Burial Brewing Company. Together, they explore: The DIY Work Ethic: How taking online courses and learning from peers helps artists adapt to daily shifts in the music market. Live Show Dynamics: Why altering song lyrics live—such as swapping in city names like Nashville—creates unforgettable moments for the crowd. Managing Unfinished Works: The organizational process behind returning to unfinished songs and bringing dormant ideas back to life. International Logistics: The real-world balancing act of managing writing, producing, and performing in Nashville while maintaining a strong festival presence back home in Australia. Genre Expansion: The business and artistic potential of creating music outside standard streaming channels, such as scoring for plays or commercial projects. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a thumbs up and drop a comment below!
#112
August 7 · 1 hr 31 min
Scott Southworth: How Indie Artists Can Tour, Film Budget Music Videos & Navigate Nashville
Country singer-songwriter Scott Southworth returns to 2 Beers With The Band for an honest, value-packed conversation on navigating the music industry as an independent artist. Host Chris Shrum and Scott crack open a cold craft brew while dropping actionable advice on budget-friendly video shoots, creative touring hacks, and knowing when to say no. Episode Overview Setting Boundaries & Family First: Scott shares why he took July off from gigging to prioritize his 35-year marriage and how to structure tour schedules. Knowing Your Worth: Why indie artists need to stop taking unpaid full-band gigs and hold onto their wallets around shady industry "gurus". Budget Music Video Production: How Scott films high-quality music videos in under 4 hours using tight storyboards and shot lists rather than spending thousands. Creative Touring & Funding Hacks: How to leverage municipal Sister City programs to fund overseas trips and write jingles in exchange for airline miles. Rapid Fire & Pizza Debates: Quick-fire questions covering favorite venues, Def Leppard concerts, Marvel vs. DC, and the secret to homemade pizza dough. Connect with Scott Southworth Website: ScottSouthworth.com Facebook: Scott Southworth Music Instagram & X: @sayhowdyscott
#111
July 24 · 1 hr 28 min
Pinocchio Rap Musicals & Boom Bap: Douki on Metal Boy, Poetry, and Authenticity
In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, I sit down with West London rapper, poet, author, and overall creative polymath Douki for an unfiltered, deep-dive conversation. While we dive into his multi-faceted career, I’m sipping on an IPA while Douki cracks open a non-alcoholic Guinness 0.0—offering a candid review of its lighter texture and watered-down stout profile as he gets ready for a late-night wind-down and an early morning gym session. Right from the start, we establish that authentic hip-hop isn’t about chasing commercial trends; it’s about staying true to your roots, processing real-life struggle, and building a genuine connection through raw lyricism. We take a trip back through his upbringing in Brentford, West London, exploring how growing up in a multicultural household with Algerian, Spanish, and Moroccan roots shaped his unique worldview and bilingual perspective. Douki opens up about his early musical beginnings at age 12 inside Shepherd's Bush's Juice FM radio station, turning doubt into fuel, and making his very first beats on a PlayStation 2 using Music 2000. He breaks down how literary influences like Tupac Shakur’s The Rose That Grew from the Concrete, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and Slim Shady taught him the power of words over simple sound. We also pull back the curtain on the creative mind behind his diverse catalog, discussing how he uses Reaper, FL Studio, and Virtual DJ to sample retro classics like the 1982 animated film The Flight of Dragons for his track "The Tower". Douki gives us an exclusive look into his upcoming projects, including Wiseguys with James Torino, Yesterday's Dream of Tomorrow, and his ambitious hip-hop stage musical screenplay, Metal Boy—a dark, Pinocchio-inspired narrative about mortality and what it truly means to be human. We wrap up the session with a deeply honest discussion on navigating ADHD, why he refuses to chase fake social media clout, overcoming writer’s block, and why he’d ultimately choose running a traditional English pub over chasing mainstream fame.
#110
June 24 · 1 hr 26 min
Writing Through Heartbreak: Jay Lee on Raw Emotions, Production, and Local Roots
In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, I sit down with Scotland-based rapper, producer, and events manager Jay Lee for an exclusive, deep-dive interview. While we get into his musical background, I'm cracking open a Change of Heart IPA from Jackalope Brewing Company—a New Zealand-style IPA sitting at a smooth 6.6% ABV that brings a perfect, crisp balance to our session. Right from the first spin of his track "Cold Stare," we lay down the theme for the night: authentic music isn't about chasing radio trends, it's about staying true to your roots, your childhood upbringing, and the raw sounds that shaped you. We take a trip back in time to explore Jay Lee's early life growing up in Scotland, unpacking what his childhood was like and the unique mix of musical genres that were constantly playing around his house. He gets honest about why he ultimately gravitated toward rap and production, and how those early household influences still bleed into his studio tracks today. We also pull back the curtain on the emotional side of songwriting. Jay Lee opens up about his creative process, explaining why pain and heartbreak are often the easiest, most natural emotions to tap into when sitting down with a pen and paper. We joke about classic country music tropes—like losing your truck, your dog, and your heart—while highlighting how hip hop allows for that exact same raw, therapeutic storytelling. We wrap up the episode with Jay Lee answering two questions he wishes came up more often in interviews, giving fans a definitive look at the man behind the music.
#109
June 11 · 1 hr 57 min
The Healing Power of Pain: SB The Anomoly on One-Word Discoverability, DJ Craft, and Writing
In the second half of my interview with the incredibly versatile DJ, published author, and music artist SB The Anomoly, we dive straight back into the mental and physical reality of managing a creative empire solo. While we chop it up, I am sipping on a classic Narragansett Lager, featuring their special USA 250th Anniversary Edition can. It has been quite some time since I’ve had a 'Gansett, and seeing the effort they put into honoring automotive and historical milestones through their branding sets the perfect tone for today's discussion on building an elite brand. We kick off the episode spinning his track "The Way We Are," a song that sets a masterclass standard for raw, underground hip hop authenticity. The music makes an absolute statement based on his personal philosophy: true art isn't an assembly-line product meant to please a casual audience; it's a deeply personal therapeutic tool designed to heal the creator first before it ever touches the world. We get incredibly real about the intense logistics of being an independent brand ambassador, unpacking the reality that an authentic artistic life demands far more than a standard 40-hour work week—often stretching into a constant, around-the-clock mental obsession. SB The Anomoly breaks down how he seamlessly shifts his mindset between formatting a book chapter, producing heavy hip hop beats, and stepping behind the turntables to rock a live crowd. We dive deep into what separates a good selector from a great entertainer, exploring how a legendary live set relies entirely on engaging an audience rather than just mixing tracks seamlessly. But we don't just stay on the surface of the hustle. We tackle the immense pressures weighing on independent artists today, specifically addressing the heavy expectations to create content constantly and the toxic presence of online keyboard warriors who tear down creators without ever stepping into the arena themselves. SB shares how channeling personal pain into his writing has provided profound emotional healing, and he reveals the single most important message he wants readers to take away when they close his book. We wrap up the night looking at his upcoming 2026 calendar, discussing why independent creators must embrace honest constructive criticism if they want their brand to survive long-term.
#108
June 4 · 58 min
Spitting Fire Through the Stutter: Lil Red Fire on Raw Authenticity and Indie Promotion
In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, I sit down with the incredibly talented indie artist Lil Red Fire to talk about music, resilience, and breaking barriers. While I dive into this conversation, I am sipping on a Hitchhiker IPA from Good People Brewing in Birmingham, Alabama—a heavy 7.8% ABV pour featuring a gorgeous, deep gold clarity and a beautifully foamy head. Right from the first sip, the juicy and floral aromas set the perfect backdrop for a deep, unfiltered conversation. We kick off the episode spinning Lil Red Fire's track "Don't Rush," a song that sets a powerful standard for underground artistry. My lyrics and music make a definitive statement: true creative fire cannot be suppressed by personal struggles, speech disabilities, or the negative noise of the industry. We address the elephant in the room straight out of the gate: navigating the music scene while living with a stutter disability. When you listen to the music, the stutter completely disappears, proving that a racing mind can actually be a massive advantage for a singer-songwriter looking for melodic inspiration. Lil Red Fire gets real about the logistics of building an independent brand, dealing with haters who said making music was impossible, and the daily grind of recording on a tape recorder until the sound in your head matches the track. We also explore the hustle behind self-promotion, the reality of managing 16 or 17 unfinished tracks, and what it takes to freestyle a song in a single, one-time recording. From unusual sources of inspiration found in the search bars of YouTube to a hilarious story about a dancing challenge that resulted in a dislocated pinky finger, this episode covers it all. We even get a sneak peek into upcoming R&B collaborations and look at how constructive criticism from a best friend shapes the final master before release.
#107
May 27 · 1 hr 22 min
Breaking the Stigma: RychusDon on Spoken Word, Mental Health, and Grimey Beats
In the second half of my interview with the incredible UK hip hop and spoken word artist RychusDon, we dive right back into the grind while I sip on a Jackalope Light, locally born and brewed here in Nashville. We start things off with a wild question: if you could have a beer with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? RychusDon takes a completely unique angle, choosing an artist's parent to truly understand the roots of creativity. From there, we unpack what it really means to build an independent music brand in the UK scene. My lyrics in the opening track "Grimey" make a bold statement: true art isn't born from mainstream formulas, it's forged in pure authenticity and underground culture. We get incredibly real about the logistics of the music industry, talking about how visual branding, merch, and album art shape an artist's identity today. But we don't just stay on the surface. We tackle the heavy topics that the industry often suppresses, specifically discussing the vital role mental health plays in music creation and the unique pressures faced by independent artists in the UK scene versus the US. We also explore the deep connection between the spoken word scene and raw hip hop culture, breaking down the social stigmas that often keep these powerful communities apart. As a digital creator, I know the hustle is real, so we dive deep into the digital grind—comparing TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, and discussing how to leverage short-form entertainment to build a fiercely loyal fanbase across the globe, especially when connecting with a US-based audience. We wrap up with an honest look at the future of UK music production, the rising influence of AI, and exactly what success looks like over the next five years.
#106
May 21 · 1 hr 21 min
MDV: Bridging Metal, Hip Hop, and the Independent UK Scene
In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, I sit down with the enigmatic artist MDV. To set the mood for a talk about traversing the boundaries of extreme genres, I sampled the Cowboy Hazy IPA from North Pine Street Brewing in Berlin, Wisconsin. This 7% ABV brew provided the perfect, bold backdrop for a deep dive into the dual worlds of metal and hip-hop. MDV is a true genre-crosser, balancing the aggression of metal with the rhythmic precision of hip-hop. We discuss how his UK upbringing shaped his distinct sound and his refusal to fully commit to just one scene, choosing instead to remain intentionally outside the lines. From the logistics of maintaining a DIY career—including why he still finds CDs to be a vital tool for independent artists—to his hands-on creative process, MDV breaks down how he bridges these cultures rather than just challenging them.
#105
May 14 · 1 hr 27 min
Extroverts in Music: Danny Riggs on Building a Career with Positivity
In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, I sit down with Danny Riggs, a prolific UK-based singer, songwriter, and rapper who is a true multi-instrumentalist, proficient in guitar, drums, percussion, and keyboard. To fuel our discussion on the contrasts between the Nashville and UK music landscapes, I sampled the Wild Honey Wheat from Yazoo Brewing Company. This Nashville staple, known for its smooth, honey-infused profile, provided the perfect local backdrop as Danny and I explored his journey from playing every instrument in the room to building a career centered on artistic integrity. Danny is a refreshing "extrovert across the board" in an industry often defined by introversion. We dive into his track "ease" and his commitment to representing old-school hip hop values by encouraging positivity and confidence in the younger generation of artists. From the logistics of independent recording studios in the UK to his surprising "useless talent" of extreme flexibility, Danny offers a high-energy look at what it takes to stay motivated and productive as a modern independent creator.
#104
May 7 · 1 hr 37 min
Shakezpeare: UK Hip Hop, Independent Grind, and the Price of Redemption
In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with UK hip hop artist and independent force Shakezpeare. To set the mood for a conversation about the grit and soul of the British underground, I sampled the Nut Brown Ale from Samuel Smith. This classic brew, known for its traditional English character, provided the perfect backdrop as Shakezpeare sipped his coffee and we dove into the realities of the music industry across the pond. Shakezpeare is the definition of a multifaceted creator. We discuss his powerful track "Redemption Is Not Free" and his commitment to maintaining an independent, underground identity in a landscape that often pressures artists to "sell out" for sponsorship to make a living. Shakezpeare shares his "story-first" approach to hip hop, agreeing that the genre is a powerful medium for storytelling, much like the old-school country music that focuses on the narrative within the bars. From his early beginnings and the challenges of the UK music industry to his passion for mentoring the next generation, Shakezpeare breaks down what it actually takes to earn your place and evolve as an artist in the modern era.
#103
May 1 · 1 hr 44 min
Rychusdon: Spoken Word, UK Hip Hop, and the Art of Vulnerability
In this episode of Two Beers with Ben, I sit down with Rychusdon, a unique voice in the UK scene who bridges the gap between the rhythmic flow of hip-hop and the profound resonance of spoken word. To set the mood for a conversation about authenticity and craft, we sampled Level Head from Greene King. This 4% ABV session IPA is a silver medalist at the World Beer Awards, offering a crisp, award-winning profile that perfectly complemented our deep dive into the underground. Rychusdon is a master of the independent hustle, balancing his roles as an MC, beatmaker, and poet. We discuss the "claustrophobic" creative energy of his hometown, Ipswich, and how the legacy of the Windrush generation shaped his musical identity. Rychusdon shares his "meditative" approach to songwriting, offering a vulnerable look at the emotional weight behind tracks like "Ode to Pete," written as a pressure release following the loss of his father to Alzheimer’s. From his transition into self-production to his commitment to representing the underdog, Rychusdon breaks down the persistence required to maintain a soulful, DIY career in the modern UK landscape.
#102
April 25 · 2 hr 17 min
Scott Southworth: Honky Tonk, and the Secret to Independent Sustainability
In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with award-winning songwriter and Nashville veteran Scott Southworth. To set the mood for a talk about traditional roots, we sampled The Baron from Kaiser Crest Brewery in Lewisburg, TN. This 6.2% ABV Brown Ale is brewed using traditional German malts and recipes from Bamberg, resulting in a "clean," smooth profile with distinct notes of nuttiness and milk chocolate. Scott is the definition of a working independent artist. We discuss his summer anthem, "Granny Used to Honky Tonk," and how he has managed to release seven consecutive projects without ever losing money. Scott shares his "natural skeptic" approach to the Nashville music industry, offering invaluable advice on vetting labels and "smoke-blowers" by choosing to "seek first to understand". From his accidental discovery of the recordings for his new album, Live at the Station, to his successful touring circuit in Europe, Scott breaks down what it actually takes to sustain a decades-long career in the modern indie landscape.
#101
April 17 · 1 hr 22 min
New Release: The Talk (Part 2) — Kalvonix on Mr. Nostalgia and the Pop-Synth Finale
In this concluding installment of New Release: The Talk, we pick up where we left off, diving into the second half of Kalvonix’s genre-bending album, Mr. Nostalgia. We’re breaking down the remaining tracks from the high-energy "TKO" to the emotional bookend "Alone in My Room II." To facilitate the deep dive, I’m sipping on Jackalope White, an All-American lager from Nashville’s own Jackalope Brewing Company. It’s a crisp, approachable beer that kept the conversation flowing as we analyzed the evolution from Track 8 to Track 14. Kalvonix continues to prove that his shift from rap to 80s synth-pop wasn’t just a phase but a full artistic transformation. We explore the collaborative energy of his track with saintJESTER, the storytelling behind "The Sun Shined Differently Back Then," and the "full circle" feeling of the album's conclusion. We also discuss the importance of ignoring the naysayers and why this melodic, nostalgic sound might just require a permanent "alter ego" for his future career.
#100
April 9 · 1 hr 11 min
New Release: The Talk — Breaking Down Mr. Nostalgia with Kalvonix (Part 1)
In this debut installment of our spinoff series, New Release: The Talk, we’re slowing things down to pull apart the layers of Kalvonix’s ambitious new project, Mr. Nostalgia. While we usually just grab a brew and chat, this time we’re breaking down the sound and visuals from the first note to the final frame. Sampling Nashville’s own Mill Creek Brewing, we dive into Shirt Tugger, a 6.2% ABV American Strong Pale Ale that provides the perfect backdrop for a trip down memory lane. Kalvonix, long known in the scene as a rapper, surprises us by leaning heavily into a polished, 80s-inspired pop sound. We discuss the cinematic influences of Michael Jackson and Madonna, the technical work behind alien makeup and "shadow" demons, and how his personal life—specifically the support of his girlfriend—became the "angelic" voice of the album.
#99
April 3 · 2 hr 19 min
SB The Anomaly: From Overcoming a Stutter to International Entertainer
In this sprawling, high-energy episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sat down with a man who truly lives up to his name: SB The Anomaly. Before we dove into his multifaceted career, we cracked open a bottle of Chimmay, a potent 8% ABV ale. SB is a whirlwind of talent—an international entertainer, DJ, publisher, author, choreographer, motivational speaker, actor, model, and life coach. We explored his transition from a classroom teacher to a full-time creative, his deep love for the storytelling in anime, and how he successfully overcame a stutter to become a powerful public speaker. We also got technical about the business of being "indie," discussing why education systems fail artists by ignoring business skills and how creative merchandise (like a shirt emphasizing the "ART" in "worst pART") can be a lifeline for touring musicians
#98
March 27 · 1 hr 15 min
Patrick Sewalk Part 2: Bartending, Home Remodeling, and the Hustle for Creative Flexibility
In the second half of my interview with Patrick Sewalk, we pick up right where we left off, this time sampling Southern Fest from Nashville’s own Southern Grist Brewing. This 5.4% ABV Oktoberfest-style lager has a distinct "sourdough bread" profile—clear, amber, and slightly sweet with a clean, hoppy finish . Patrick opens up about the "around-the-clock" hustle required to sustain an independent music career in Nashville. He balances his creative work with part-time bartending at Soho House and a side business in home remodeling . We discuss why building a life around flexibility is vital for any artist hoping to tour . Patrick also shares his musical philosophy on "short-circuiting" muscle memory by switching between guitar and piano to find fresh inspiration, and he reflects on the life-changing impact of Radiohead’s In Rainbows .
#97
March 19 · 1 hr 35 min
JD Hip Hop Review: Championing the Independent Underground
On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I’m joined by John Duggan, the force behind the world-famous JD Hip Hop Review. To keep things consistent, we both enjoyed a classic Stella Artois. I picked mine up at the grocery store after John mentioned it was his choice for the day—it’s a clean, 5% ABV lager that offered a crisp, slightly malty backdrop to a very real conversation about the music industry. John takes us behind the scenes of his platform, which has become a vital "filter" and promotional tool for independent hip hop artists. We discuss his transition from a dedicated listener to a respected reviewer, and the "higher purpose" of his work: providing a platform where indie artists can get honest, constructive feedback rather than just "yes-man" praise. John shares his perspective on the current state of hip hop, the importance of professional presentation (from EPKs to high-quality audio), and why he prioritizes building genuine relationships over the transactional "pay-to-play" models that plague the industry. We also dive into the future of the JD Hip Hop Review and how artists can properly submit their music for a chance to be heard by his global audience.

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes