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August 14, 2025 29 mins

Welcome back to The Citrus Podcast Show Season 2! Hosted by Ky Richy (@KyRichy) and special co-host Chris Hamel (@Chrisbyname), this season brings you all-new exclusive interviews with inspiring guests followed by incredible live music performances, recorded right here in the Citrus Podcast studio.

In this episode, we sit down with country singer-songwriter Donovan Bryant (@DBLive) from Lodi, California. We trace his unique path in music, from his beginnings as a progressive metal drummer to studying pop music in LA. Donovan shares the pivotal moment the Elvis movie inspired him to switch to country music, leading him to record his debut singles in Nashville with members of Luke Combs' session band.

Discover Donovan's songwriting process, his take on the modern blend of country and pop, and the story behind his custom-made guitar. We also discuss his biggest musical inspirations, dream collaborations (Post Malone, Morgan Wallen), and his incredibly busy schedule of nearly 100 shows this year.

To close out the show, don't miss a special live performance of Donovan Bryant's original song, "Counterfeit Cowgirl," live on the Citrus Podcast stage.

Timestamps:

00:00:57 - Intro with Ky Richy & Chris Hamel

00:02:40 - Guest Introduction: Donovan Bryant

00:03:04 - From Progressive Metal Drummer to Singer

00:03:52 - Moving to LA & Writing Pop Music

00:04:43 - How the Elvis Movie Inspired a Switch to Country

00:05:44 - Recording in Tennessee with Luke Combs' Session Band

00:08:05 - Donovan's Songwriting Process

00:09:43 - Building His Band & Finding a Drummer

00:11:37 - Touring Life & Favorite Venues

00:14:24 - Musical Inspirations (Papa Roach, Post Malone)

00:16:43 - The Modern Pop/Country Crossover Genre

00:17:09 - The Story Behind "Counterfeit Cowgirl"

00:18:11 - His Custom Baylor Guitar

00:21:25 - Upcoming Headlining Shows

00:23:38 - Dream Collaborations

00:25:42 - Advice for New Artists

00:26:27 - Outro & Connect with Us

00:26:59 - Live Performance: Donovan Bryant - "Counterfeit Cowgirl"

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance!

🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions!

🔗 Watch more episodes from Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/@citruspodcast/podcasts

🎧 Listen to the audio version:

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy

Chris Hamel (Co-Host): @chrisbyname

Donovan Bryant (Guest): @DBLive

#CitrusPodcast #DonovanBryant #CountryMusic #CounterfeitCowgirl #LiveMusic #Podcast #Interview #Lodi #CaliforniaCountry #SingerSongwriter #NewMusic #KyRichy #Season2 #MusicPodcast #IndependentMusic #CountryPop

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