Sisters 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, beautiful singing with lovely harmonies, and a lot of laughs. Check it out! 

Sisters 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, beautiful singing with lovely harmonies, and a lot of laughs. Check it out!

Episode 80: Spinster 

Stellar'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. 

Stellar'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.

Episode 79: Stellar's Jay

Rachel McIntyre Smith

Rachel 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! 

Rachel 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!

Episode 78: Rachel McIntyre Smith

Summer 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. 

Summer 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.

Episode 77: Summer Dregs 

Chelsea Ford

Chelsea 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 songs about killing a man alongside lover duets and laments about drinks holding on a little too closely. They are heartfelt tunes — played with top-notch skill — that are like pulling open photo albums to present both joyous and distressing recollections." -Bill Furbee

Chelsea 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 songs about killing a man alongside lover duets and laments about drinks holding on a little too closely. They are heartfelt tunes — played with top-notch skill — that are like pulling open photo albums to present both joyous and distressing recollections." -Bill Furbee

Episode 76: Chelsea Ford and the Trouble

Cloud 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. 

Cloud 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.

Episode 75: Cloud Caverns

Ariel Omarzu

Ariel 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. 

Ariel 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.

Episode 74: Ariel Omarzu 

This 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 Bob Dylan. Oh Jeremiah is known for its harmonies in the style of early Damien Rice and their peculiar onstage banter. Their debut album, the Other End of Passing Time, is available now.

This 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 Bob Dylan. Oh Jeremiah is known for its harmonies in the style of early Damien Rice and their peculiar onstage banter. Their debut album, the Other End of Passing Time, is available now.

Episode 73: Oh Jeremiah

Superbody is in every sense of the phrase a true pop star. Listen to what gets him going and his new single!!

Superbody is in every sense of the phrase a true pop star. Listen to what gets him going and his new single!!

Episode 72: Superbody 

Bryce Cronan

Bryce 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!

Bryce 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!

Episode 71: Bryce Cronan of The Afternooners

Open Mic Spotlight is a weekly podcast that highlights the local musicians of Chattanooga and the bigger named artists touring through Chattanooga. Each episode contains conversations and performances of covers and originals. Learn more about the artists lives and their secrets to being successful in the crazy world of the music industry. This show includes all genres and styles from bluegrass, pop, rap, and even comedy!

I’ve been playing music for a long time now and getting to hear other fellow musicians stories of experience has been inspirational in continuing on the pursuit of this passion. Heather is an amazing hosts that keeps the conversation engaging and adds depth. It’s a really great listen as a musician but also has a fan of music.

An amazing podcasts for fellow musicians and fans of music.

Chattanooga loves Heather Holt! This podcast is always enjoyable and fun! Definitely a local fave for musicians and artists alike! I Highly recommend a listen for all music lovers! Heathers wit and charm is endearing! She also always  books great guests!!!! A++++ 🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼💓

Yassss

Open Mic Spotlight

Thirstain 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. 

Thirstain 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.

Episode 69: Thirstain Daniels

The 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!

The 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!

Episode 70: The Mailboxes

On 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 create a sound that sits at the crossroads of these two disparate aesthetics, and they do so without the music losing any of its vivid movements or rhythmic ingenuity. DJ and Marv first met through their shared friendship with Drakeford Lanier, another Chattanooga musician who introduced them due to their natural gifts for music. For his part, DJ has gone to college for audio production but found that he really wanted to sing and began following that passion shortly thereafter. Marv traces his musical history back to high school when he first started rapping. It also doesn’t hurt that DJ and Marv are cousins; so their communal interest in music feels more familial than forced. They are looking forward to the release of their debut EP sometime soon as they’ve already got about 72% of the record done according to Meadow. And with a sound as wonderfully involving and unique as theirs, it’s a project that should be on everyone’s radar.

On 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 create a sound that sits at the crossroads of these two disparate aesthetics, and they do so without the music losing any of its vivid movements or rhythmic ingenuity. DJ and Marv first met through their shared friendship with Drakeford Lanier, another Chattanooga musician who introduced them due to their natural gifts for music. For his part, DJ has gone to college for audio production but found that he really wanted to sing and began following that passion shortly thereafter. Marv traces his musical history back to high school when he first started rapping. It also doesn’t hurt that DJ and Marv are cousins; so their communal interest in music feels more familial than forced. They are looking forward to the release of their debut EP sometime soon as they’ve already got about 72% of the record done according to Meadow. And with a sound as wonderfully involving and unique as theirs, it’s a project that should be on everyone’s radar.

Episode 67: DJ and Marv

On 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 exploration of tone and texture that forgoes the usual genre limitations to become something utterly compelling and distinct. The band first came together while they were attending different colleges in the Boston area and finding themselves playing alongside like-minded musicians at The Cantab Lounge in Cambridge. They released their self-titled debut record last year and have spent the intervening months touring in support. They perform two covers, including The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and The Cranberries’ “Dreams, finding nuance and fresh sounds buried in these familiar hits. They discuss how their songwriter process begins with a 50/50 split between Kathleen Parks and Rachel Sumner, and then they bring the skeleton of each song to the rest of the band to complete its creation. And they reveal that it’s in this final collaborative undertaking that the song expresses the resolve of the entire band. Due to some recording complications, this specific podcast is built from two different sound sources: a live recording taken from their concert at the Tomorrow Building in Chattanooga, TN and audio from the original Open Mic Spotlight interview that the band was streaming on their Facebook page. 

On 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 exploration of tone and texture that forgoes the usual genre limitations to become something utterly compelling and distinct. The band first came together while they were attending different colleges in the Boston area and finding themselves playing alongside like-minded musicians at The Cantab Lounge in Cambridge. They released their self-titled debut record last year and have spent the intervening months touring in support. They perform two covers, including The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and The Cranberries’ “Dreams, finding nuance and fresh sounds buried in these familiar hits. They discuss how their songwriter process begins with a 50/50 split between Kathleen Parks and Rachel Sumner, and then they bring the skeleton of each song to the rest of the band to complete its creation. And they reveal that it’s in this final collaborative undertaking that the song expresses the resolve of the entire band. Due to some recording complications, this specific podcast is built from two different sound sources: a live recording taken from their concert at the Tomorrow Building in Chattanooga, TN and audio from the original Open Mic Spotlight interview that the band was streaming on their Facebook page.

Episode 68: Twisted Pine

Josh Driver

On 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 rock and hard rock, as well as adopting a more singer-songwriter-oriented viewpoint in an effort to develop himself fully as an artist. In their discussion, Driver talks about his loathing of apartments (too many people, too much noise) and why he sees his job at Volkswagon as similar to working in a busy kitchen. He relates his brief history with Mo Pitney’s song “Behind This Guitar” and why it speaks to him in such a tremendous way. He briefly touches on his newfound respect and admiration for Jason Isbell and talks about listening to him while riding to a concert that featured Isbell and his wide Amanda Shires at the CMA Theater in Nashville. And through just a few songs, Driver reveals his country-soaked songwriter’s heart and discusses the evolution of his aesthetic from his earliest days to his more recent solo work.

On 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 rock and hard rock, as well as adopting a more singer-songwriter-oriented viewpoint in an effort to develop himself fully as an artist. In their discussion, Driver talks about his loathing of apartments (too many people, too much noise) and why he sees his job at Volkswagon as similar to working in a busy kitchen. He relates his brief history with Mo Pitney’s song “Behind This Guitar” and why it speaks to him in such a tremendous way. He briefly touches on his newfound respect and admiration for Jason Isbell and talks about listening to him while riding to a concert that featured Isbell and his wide Amanda Shires at the CMA Theater in Nashville. And through just a few songs, Driver reveals his country-soaked songwriter’s heart and discusses the evolution of his aesthetic from his earliest days to his more recent solo work.

Episode 66: Josh Driver

Sophie Lockhart

On 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, Needtobreathe and Chance the Rapper, and how they’ve all influenced her as an artist. She further explores those influences by covering songs by Mraz and The Script. She discusses the details of her senior year studies at Lee University and reveals that her chosen instrument is actually the saxophone, with the guitar coming later to her. She started playing the guitar seriously about 4 years ago and began attending the Songwriter’s Night at The Heritage House Arts &amp; Civic Center, which is where she first met Heather. She also talks about a new single called “Heart On Display” that she released at the beginning of last month with a recently collected backing band. She reveals that she’s constantly writing and playing to herself, amassing quit a catalog of unreleased songs that might find themselves sequenced into an upcoming record. She leaves Heather with parting advice to “be inspired by everything,” to watch the world with your heart as much as you do your eyes. Thank you to Jesse Jungkurth from mixing this episode. Thank you to Joshua Pickard for the episode summary. 

On 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, Needtobreathe and Chance the Rapper, and how they’ve all influenced her as an artist. She further explores those influences by covering songs by Mraz and The Script. She discusses the details of her senior year studies at Lee University and reveals that her chosen instrument is actually the saxophone, with the guitar coming later to her. She started playing the guitar seriously about 4 years ago and began attending the Songwriter’s Night at The Heritage House Arts &amp; Civic Center, which is where she first met Heather. She also talks about a new single called “Heart On Display” that she released at the beginning of last month with a recently collected backing band. She reveals that she’s constantly writing and playing to herself, amassing quit a catalog of unreleased songs that might find themselves sequenced into an upcoming record. She leaves Heather with parting advice to “be inspired by everything,” to watch the world with your heart as much as you do your eyes. Thank you to Jesse Jungkurth from mixing this episode. Thank you to Joshua Pickard for the episode summary.

Episode 62: Sophie Lockhart

Josiah Johnson

PAPER

On 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 romantics at heart and reveal their love for both each other (they’re a couple) and for the connections offered through their music. For his work with The Head and The Heart, and for his solo work, Johnson mines a parallel folk-centric aesthetic, filled with earnest acoustic arrangements and gospel-style harmonies. As this was the last concert date on their current east coast schedule, they discuss their desire to be home, tending to pets and spending time with friends. For Eliot and Borst, they talk a bit about their collaborative processes and how each song finds it individual beginnings. They also briefly speak to the circumstances of their own friendship, involving friends of friends from elementary school and early performances with each other. While in town, they spent some time at Songbirds Guitar museum, with Johnson reveling in the stories behind the instruments and Eliot developing a fascination with the technical aspects of each piece. They trade off on songs between their two bands, going back and forth in a beautiful acoustic echo that speaks to the strengths of their respective creativities. Thank you to Billy Campbell for mixing this epiosde. Thank you to Joshua Pickard for the episode summary. 

On 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 romantics at heart and reveal their love for both each other (they’re a couple) and for the connections offered through their music. For his work with The Head and The Heart, and for his solo work, Johnson mines a parallel folk-centric aesthetic, filled with earnest acoustic arrangements and gospel-style harmonies. As this was the last concert date on their current east coast schedule, they discuss their desire to be home, tending to pets and spending time with friends. For Eliot and Borst, they talk a bit about their collaborative processes and how each song finds it individual beginnings. They also briefly speak to the circumstances of their own friendship, involving friends of friends from elementary school and early performances with each other. While in town, they spent some time at Songbirds Guitar museum, with Johnson reveling in the stories behind the instruments and Eliot developing a fascination with the technical aspects of each piece. They trade off on songs between their two bands, going back and forth in a beautiful acoustic echo that speaks to the strengths of their respective creativities. Thank you to Billy Campbell for mixing this epiosde. Thank you to Joshua Pickard for the episode summary.

Episode 61: Planes on Paper with Josiah Johnson

On 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 filter it through his own distinct musical perspective. Between his impressive fingerpicking skills and a knack for inverting familiar melodies, he creates a warm and natural atmosphere in the studio.   Briefly touching on his interest in copyright law and music publishing, he subsequently speaks about his experiences at Americana Fest, where he was a red carpet escort and had the opportunity to meet bands like The Lumineers and Old Crow Medicine Show. This happened through connections with one of his professors and led to him being a seat filler for the Americana Awards. Prior to his work as Drumming Bird, Sawyer performed in High Meadows Communion, a local folk rock band whose music dipped into a landscape of rural rhythms and pastoral phrasing. As Drumming Bird, he reveals that he derives a great deal of inspiration from artists like Father John Misty and Jason Isbell.    Thank you Jesse Jungkurth for mixing this episode. Thank you to Joshua Pickard for the write up about this episode.

On 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 filter it through his own distinct musical perspective. Between his impressive fingerpicking skills and a knack for inverting familiar melodies, he creates a warm and natural atmosphere in the studio. Briefly touching on his interest in copyright law and music publishing, he subsequently speaks about his experiences at Americana Fest, where he was a red carpet escort and had the opportunity to meet bands like The Lumineers and Old Crow Medicine Show. This happened through connections with one of his professors and led to him being a seat filler for the Americana Awards. Prior to his work as Drumming Bird, Sawyer performed in High Meadows Communion, a local folk rock band whose music dipped into a landscape of rural rhythms and pastoral phrasing. As Drumming Bird, he reveals that he derives a great deal of inspiration from artists like Father John Misty and Jason Isbell.  Thank you Jesse Jungkurth for mixing this episode. Thank you to Joshua Pickard for the write up about this episode.

Episode 58: Drumming Bird

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 channels the spirit of Ryan Adams on “Oh My Sweet Carolina” without breaking a sweat. While chatting about the details of his current tour, Currin reveals the various places that he has lived, including 3 years spent in an RV camper. Between discussing stints working as a freelance graphic designer and how a mutual childhood friend of Mandy Moore’s tried to get his music into her hands, he talks about his continuing love for Van Morrison, Jason Isbell and Counting Crows. Over the last 8 years, he’s released 4 full-length records and 3 EPs and is currently spending a little time away from the studio to focus on touring and composing songs that may, at some point in the future, find themselves on a new album. Delicate in their emotional intonations, but resilient in their heart-on-sleeve longing, his songs shake and shimmer with an acoustic effortlessness.

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 channels the spirit of Ryan Adams on “Oh My Sweet Carolina” without breaking a sweat. While chatting about the details of his current tour, Currin reveals the various places that he has lived, including 3 years spent in an RV camper. Between discussing stints working as a freelance graphic designer and how a mutual childhood friend of Mandy Moore’s tried to get his music into her hands, he talks about his continuing love for Van Morrison, Jason Isbell and Counting Crows. Over the last 8 years, he’s released 4 full-length records and 3 EPs and is currently spending a little time away from the studio to focus on touring and composing songs that may, at some point in the future, find themselves on a new album. Delicate in their emotional intonations, but resilient in their heart-on-sleeve longing, his songs shake and shimmer with an acoustic effortlessness.

Episode 51: Nate Currin

Ben Strawn

Ben 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 

Ben 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 <a href="http://www.openmicspotlight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.openmicspotlight.com</a> 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 <a href="http://www.TRoMixedThat" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.TRoMixedThat</a>.com

Episode 44: Ben Strawn 

Manatee 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 at his Tiny Desk NPR video which helped boost his career to where it is today. You'll love this interview and his music that he performed just for the show! Listen at www.openmicspotlight.com or on any podcast platform like itunes or GooglePlay.  Thank you to Trenton Romanini for mixing this podcast. For all of your professional recording and mixing needs visit www.TRoMixedThat.com

Manatee 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 at his Tiny Desk NPR video which helped boost his career to where it is today. You'll love this interview and his music that he performed just for the show! Listen at <a href="http://www.openmicspotlight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.openmicspotlight.com</a> or on any podcast platform like itunes or GooglePlay.  Thank you to Trenton Romanini for mixing this podcast. For all of your professional recording and mixing needs visit <a href="http://www.TRoMixedThat.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.TRoMixedThat.com</a>

Episode 37: Manatee Commune 

Daniel 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. 

Daniel 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.

Episode 31: Lowland Hum

Anthony Quails

Anthony 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.

Anthony 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.

Episode 27: Anthony Quails 

Muddy Magnolias

The 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&amp;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. 

The 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&amp;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.

Episode 25: Muddy Magnolias 

Amber 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. 

Amber 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.

Episode 20: Amber Fults 

Episode 9: Courtney Holder

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