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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.

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#125
Sunday · 1 hr 28 min
90s Country Influences, Muscle Shoals Sessions & The Reality of Independent Country Music (ft. Shelby Lee Lowe)
How does a Tennessee-raised independent artist transition from driving tractors in Possum Trot to anchoring a Monday-through-Friday morning residency at Eric Church’s Chiefs on Broadway? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with neo-traditional country singer-songwriter Shelby Lee Lowe. Shelby shares his musical evolution from growing up on oldies radio and classic rock to studying at Middle Tennessee State University, writing songs in Rick Hall’s office at Fame Studios, and navigating the highs and lows of the modern independent music scene. He also breaks down the stories behind tracks like "Where Did That Come From" and "Front Porch Conversations", performs an acoustic session live on the show, and samples a selection of local Nashville beers. ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this interview, host Chris Schrum catches up with independent neo-traditional country artist Shelby Lee Lowe. Together, they explore: The Possum Trot Roots: How a sports-loving kid from Marshall County found his voice in 90s-inspired country music. Muscle Shoals & Publishing History: Co-writing in Rick Hall's office at Fame Studios and learning the craft from Nashville veterans. The Chiefs Residency: The unique grind of holding a Monday-through-Friday morning residency playing original music on Broadway. The Independent Hustle: The financial realities, family sacrifices, and 24/7 workload required to sustain an indie music career. Acoustic Performance: A live acoustic breakdown and performance of the co-written single "Where Did That Come From".
#124
November 1 · 1 hr 46 min
Blackbird Studios, 4-Year Backlogs & The Art of Genre-Fluid Songwriting (ft. Gears Inc)
How does a four-piece band take a four-year backlog of diverse, genre-spanning songs and shape them into a sprawling, 15-track album that refuses to stay in a single box? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with alternative rock ensemble Gears Inc. Recording out of Nashville's legendary Blackbird Studios, the band dives into the making of their expansive record Spiral, exploring how they balance multiple musical backgrounds (from rock and jazz to show tunes), why strict deadlines and box constraints fuel creativity, and the emotional weight behind personal tracks like "Your". The guys also share hilarious behind-the-scenes studio stories—including playing scissors on a track—and sample a spread of global beers. ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this interview, host Chris Schrum catches up with alternative rock band Gears Inc. Together, they explore: -The Making of Spiral: How a 4-year, 15-track album became a canvas to showcase the band's diverse musical backgrounds and unboxable sound. -Blackbird Studios Magic: The unique recording environment at Blackbird, working with engineering students, and developing confidence as a studio band. -Theatricality and "Kayfabe": Channeling the right emotional headspace in the studio and on stage, even when revisiting songs written years prior. -Creative Experimentation: From playing scissors and vibraphones in the studio to incorporating unexpected pedal steel guitar.
#123
October 25 · 1 hr 19 min
Betting on Yourself, DIY Songwriting & The Reality of Independent Music in Nashville (ft. Summerlyn Powers)
How does an independent singer-songwriter turn a rained-out gig and an impromptu firetruck interaction into a viral moment—and eventually land on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with Nashville-based folk-country artist Summerlyn Powers. Originally from Fairhope, Alabama, Summerlyn shares her musical journey from writing songs on a window bench at age nine to studying at Belmont University, being mentored by country music royalty Pam Tillis, and performing on the historic Grand Ole Opry. She also breaks down her southern rock-inspired track "The Hive", her peach-selling inspiration behind "Peaches", her upcoming coming-of-age record featuring the single "Better Than Fine", and why consistent social media authenticity is the ultimate independent artist risk. her musical journey from writing songs on a window bench at age nine to studying at Belmont University, being mentored by country music royalty Pam Tillis, and performing on the historic Grand Ole Opry. She also breaks down her southern rock-inspired track "The Hive", her peach-selling inspiration behind "Peaches", her upcoming coming-of-age record featuring the single "Better Than Fine", and why consistent social media authenticity is the ultimate independent artist risk. ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this interview, host Chris Schrum catches up with Nashville-based folk-country singer-songwriter Summerlyn Powers. Together, they explore: The Firetruck Serenade: The hilarious and unforgettable story of how a rained-out Alabama gig led to serenading a heartbroken firefighter. Pam Tillis Mentorship & The Grand Ole Opry: How early connections led to touring with Pam Tillis and performing three times on the historic Grand Ole Opry stage. 70s Folk Meets Country Storytelling: Blending Joni Mitchell-inspired 70s folk sensibilities with southern roots and storytelling tracks like "The Hive" and "Peaches". Consistency & Independent Survival: The risks of daily social media authenticity, wearing all the hats as an independent artist, and building a sustainable career in Nashville. Unreleased Music & Coming-of-Age Records: An exclusive acoustic performance of "Better Than Fine" and a preview of Summerlyn's upcoming human-made studio record. CONNECT WITH SUMMERLYN POWERS Artist: Summerlyn Powers Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/summerlyn.powers/⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@summerlyn_powers⁠ Official Website & Newsletter: ⁠https://www.summerlynpowers.com/⁠ Text Demos Hotline: Text 'cottage' to (615) 637-3001
#122
October 19 · 1 hr 55 min
Nashville's Oversaturation, 90-Second Songs & High-Energy Live Performances (ft. Aconundrum)
How does a high-energy pop-rock band blend 80s Van Halen guitar riffs, church choir gospel harmonies, K-pop nostalgia, and jazz theory without being boxed into a single genre? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with Jeff Kuruma and Josh from Murfreesboro, half of Tennessee's own Aconundrum. Together, they break down the frustrations of navigating Nashville's oversaturated music scene, winning Murfreesboro's Battle of the Bands, and developing a "genre-fluid" sound that spans everything from 90-second prog-rock challenges to disco-inspired pop. The duo also discusses opening live shows with TV theme song icebreakers, the theatricality of Gene Simmons and Paramore, and why every independent band needs to operate like a business. ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this interview, host Chris Schrum catches up with Murfreesboro pop-rock band Aconundrum. Together, they explore: Navigating Nashville's Oversaturation: How local bands from Murfreesboro and surrounding areas carve out space in a scene flooded with world-class talent. "Genre-Fluid" Songwriting: Blending 80s rock, R&B, pop, jazz, and gospel choir arrangements into a cohesive, unboxed sound. The Art of the Live Icebreaker: Using iconic TV theme songs (X-Men, King of the Hill) to break down audience walls and transition seamlessly into original tracks. Studio Dynamics & Time Constraints: Balancing epic 7-minute tracks like 'Coup d'Etat' and 'Ledges' with self-imposed 90-second song writing challenges. The Business of Being a Band: Why treating a band like a business—always closing sales on merch, records, and digital engagement—is essential for indie longevity.
#121
October 13 · 1 hr 23 min
From Overcoming Social Anxiety to Performing at Festivals (ft. Young Springer)
How does an introverted kid with severe social anxiety transition into an energetic live performer making waves across the UK underground hip-hop scene? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with Leicester-based MC, storyteller, and lyricist Young Springer. Together, they explore Young Springer's journey—from growing up watching his musician father perform in pubs to writing poetry in schoolbooks, discovering Eminem and Immortal Technique, overcoming a five-year music hiatus, and treating songwriting as emotional catharsis. Young Springer breaks down his track "Nobody Else," previews his emotional unreleased song "My Life For Yours," discusses the realities of running a DIY merch line with 3D designer H. Stockley, and shares why staying 100% independent is non-negotiable. ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this interview, host Chris Schrum catches up with UK hip-hop artist Young Springer. Together, they explore: Overcoming Social Anxiety Through Music: How an introverted artist pushed through a 5-year music break, built stage confidence, and transformed social anxiety into energetic live performances. Storytelling & Emotional Catharsis: Using hip-hop as "rhythm and poetry" to process childhood struggles, navigate relationship hurdles, and write deeply personal tracks like "My Life For Yours." The Leicester Underground Scene: Developing as a lyricist in Leicester, performing at Reading Festival, and finding a balance between authentic expression and wider crowd engagement. DIY Merch Ecosystem & Independence: The strategic and financial realities of launching an independent merch line, building equity without a major label, and collaborating with 3D designer H. Stockley. Lyricism vs. Overrated Trends: Critiquing repetitive flows in modern grime and drill while prioritizing intricate wordplay, multi-syllabic rhyme schemes, and American rap influences.
#120
October 5 · 1 hr 40 min
How to Go Full-Time in Music: Why Every Independent Artist Needs 2 Years in Sales
What does it take to build a sustainable, full-time career as an independent UK hip-hop artist? In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with UK rappers Sam The Rapper and 7ury for an unfiltered breakdown of music, mindset, and multi-brand hustle. The duo shares how they went from living a street apart to managing three distinct musical identities—Sam The Rapper, 7ury, and their collaborative group DMT (Dead Men Talking)—while co-owning their event platform, Rumo 116. 7ury opens up about his 3-year sobriety milestone, while both artists explain why every musician should spend two years in sales, how to treat the studio like a 30-hour work week, and how combining "aggressive optimism" with level-headed realism creates their signature dynamic. Stick around until the end for an exclusive in-studio live performance of their track "HARPS" (Have A Real Perspective). ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this interview, host Chris Schrum sits down with Sam The Rapper and 7ury. Together, they explore: • Professional Studio Discipline & Sales Skills: Why putting 30+ hours a week into the studio creates a compound effect, and how sales experience gives independent artists the thick skin required to self-market. • Dynamic Duo Chemistry: How 7ury’s "aggressive optimism" balances Sam’s analytical, structured realism to refine their collaborative output both in the studio and on stage. • Managing Three Brands & Rumor 116: The logistics of building individual solo careers while developing their joint outfit DMT (Dead Men Talking) and co-running a multi-city event platform. • Track Breakdown & Live Performance ('HARPS'): The core philosophy behind "Have A Real Perspective" and an exclusive live in-studio performance. • Long-Term Ambitions: Their strategic roadmaps leading up to 2027, including goals for Coke Studios, Charlie Sloth's Fire in the Booth, and international touring plans.
#119
September 28 · 1 hr 7 min
Financial Freedom Over Fame, Busting Indie Music Myths & Staying Authentic as an Indie
How does an independent UK hip-hop artist transform childhood nostalgia and literary influences into authentic, enduring rap? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with independent UK MC and poet Douki. Together, they dive into Douki's creative origins, the profound impact of Tupac Shakur's book The Rose That Grew from Concrete, and why true success as an indie artist means achieving financial sustainability and creative freedom rather than chasing fleeting mainstream fame. Douki also breaks down his favorite track, "The Tower"—including its unique sample from the animated classic The Flight of Dragons—and makes a passionate case for why poets and rappers need to cross-pollinate their crafts to elevate modern lyricism. 🎵 ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this interview, host Chris Schrum catches up with UK hip-hop artist and poet Douki. Together, they explore: • Tupac's Literary Influence & Nostalgia: How reading The Rose That Grew from Concrete shifted Douki's approach to songwriting, blending childhood nostalgia with poetic storytelling. • Financial Freedom vs. Fame: Debunking common misconceptions about independent musicians, focusing on long-term sustainability, total creative control, and living on your own terms. • Track Breakdown ('The Tower'): The creative story behind Douki's favorite track, built around a unique sample from The Flight of Dragons. • Cross-Pollination of Poetry & Rap: Why rappers should study poetry for structure and depth, and how poets can learn from the raw content and cadence of hip-hop. • The Independent MC's Journey: Navigating the UK hip-hop landscape, staying grounded in authentic self-expression, and building a loyal listener base without compromising. 🔔 Subscribe to Two Beers With The Band for weekly indie music interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@2BWB615?sub_confirmation=1
#118
September 20 · 1 hr 18 min
Overcoming the UK Care System, Building a Sovereign Mind & Refusing to Be a Statistic (ft. 7ury)
How can an independent artist overcome a childhood in the UK foster care system, walk away from a corporate marketing career, and build an authentic music career centered around a "sovereign mind"? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with UK-based hip-hop artist and poet 7ury. Together, they discuss leaving marketing behind to pursue music full-time, the life-changing mindset shift inspired by grief and Jim Rohn's motto "Don't die with your music inside," playing over 100 live shows in a year through relentless DIY outreach, blending American hip-hop influences with UK spoken word, and using art to empower listeners to break past limiting beliefs. ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this interview, host Chris Schrum catches up with UK hip-hop artist and poet 7ury. Together, they explore: • From Foster Care to Sovereign Mind: Overcoming childhood adversity in the UK care system, refusing to become a statistic, and living life entirely on his own terms. • Leaving Corporate Life for Music: Walking away from a career in marketing to pursue music full-time with relentless hunger and discipline. • The Mindset Shift & Grief: How losing three close friends in two months and Jim Rohn's philosophy "Don't die with your music inside" sparked an all-in commitment to art. • 100+ Live Shows via DIY Booking: Building a fanbase through aggressive DM outreach, playing over 30 venues across 5 cities, and performing live without backing track crutches. • Craft of Rap & Spoken Word: Blending poetry with boom bap rhythms, learning percussion in Sikh temples, writing first single "Read," and using music to dismantle limiting beliefs. CONNECT WITH 7URY • Artist: 7ury (7URY / Fury) • Single: "Read" (Out now on all major streaming platforms) • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7ury_official/
#117
September 13 · 1 hr 20 min
Why Realism & Mental Health Advocacy Beat Industry Clout in Independent Rap (ft. Jlooon)
Can raw honesty, emotional vulnerability, and genuine community build a lasting legacy in an era dominated by superficial clout? In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with Porterville, California hip-hop artist, songwriter, and aspiring author Jlooon. Tracing his journey from skateboarding in a small Central Valley town to writing lyrics alone in his bedroom, Jlooon breaks down why making music has always been a form of personal therapy rather than a quest for fame. We dive into the Central Valley underground movement, building the Roughhouse community, navigating the realities of being an independent artist, pushing physical media, and his forthcoming Western sci-fi novel Metal. 🔥 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & INDIE ARTIST BREAKDOWN: Central Valley Roots: Coming up out of Porterville, CA and building unity across Visalia, Fresno, and Bakersfield. Realism vs. Industry Clout: Why vulnerability and honest lyricism cut through fake lifestyle flexes. The "Baking a Cake" Analogy: How Jlooon knows when a track is finished and managing a vault of over 200 unreleased songs. The Roughhouse Community: Creating platforms, throwing amphitheater shows, and fostering local artist camaraderie. Authorship & World-Building: Diving into Jlooon’s upcoming Western novel Metal and transitioning lyricism into prose 🔗 CONNECT WITH JLOOON: Instagram: @jlooon (J-L-O-O-O-N) TikTok: @jlooon YouTube: @jlooon Email / Inquiries: jlooon559@gmail.com
#116
September 4 · 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.

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