Hops & Spirits Bar Conversations

We chat with Ashley Wineland, rising country star, about her latest single “Loving You Is Easy.” From her Arizona roots and love for the outdoors to launching her music career at just age 14, Ashley shares how her journey has shaped the authentic stories behind her songs.

She talks about writing an upbeat anthem that celebrates “love gone right,” collaborating with GRAMMY-nominated producer Marti Frederiksen, and reimagining Cyndi L...

Singer-songwriter Chris Rafter talks about his debut album RAFTER and the stories behind songs like his breakout single “Havertown.” He shares how growing up in Philadelphia shaped his music, when he discovered his love for the guitar, and the moments that inspired him to pursue music as a career.

Chris opens up about recording RAFTER in two row houses, including one without plumbing, his decision to solo write the album, and how he...

We chat with singer, guitarist, and road warrior Austin Meade to talk about his upcoming album Almost Famous, arriving November 7. From growing up the son of a Baptist preacher to teaching drums and eventually carving out his own lane in rock and country, Austin opens up about the stories, struggles, and humor behind his music.

He shares how Almost Famous became his most personal record yet — written and recorded between a Nashville...

Eddie Eberle of Eddie and The Getaway joins us to talk about their brand-new Tumbleweeds & Nicotine EP, out now. From growing up in Michigan and Arizona to moving to Nashville right before the pandemic, Eddie shares the journey that shaped his sound and career. We dive into his early influences, the unforgettable moment U2’s Bono inspired him to chase music, and how opportunities like opening for Alice Cooper and touring the co...

Rising country artist and songwriter Brandon Wisham joins us to talk about his journey from small-town South Carolina to Nashville’s fast-moving music scene. From writing his first song “Pain Won’t Last” after the loss of his father, to catching the attention of Bailey Zimmerman on TikTok, Brandon shares how those early moments shaped his career and led him to touring major stages.

We dive into his debut singles “Back Together,” “Be...

We sit down with Nashville-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Corey Congilio to talk about his new 6-song EP, A Good Place To Start. Corey shares the story of how the blues became the heart of his music, from early influences and legendary artists to shaping his own sound as both a sideman and now a solo artist.

With over 25 years of experience performing, recording, and teaching, Corey opens up about the transition from life...

We chat with Lee Henke and Ryan Acker of The Last Revel to talk about their latest album Gone for Good. They open up about the band’s early days, their 2019 hiatus, and how stepping away ultimately reignited their passion for making music together.

They share stories behind the new record—from working with Dave Simonett of Trampled by Turtles to the spontaneous creative changes that shaped songs like “Static,” and “Go On.” Plus, the...

Country artist/songwriter Jess Moskaluke opens up about her journey from small-town Saskatchewan to the global stage, sharing the inspiration behind her bold new single “I Ain’t Country”.

Jess reflects on growing up surrounded by music, becoming the first female artist since Shania Twain to earn Canadian Platinum status with “Cheap Wine and Cigarettes”, and the milestones of winning a JUNO and multiple CCMA Awards. She also talks a...

Country artist and songwriter Clayton Mullen opens up about his newest project, Varsity Blues, and why it’s his most personal work yet. He talks about the inspiration behind the title track written by Ryan Hurd, the anthemic sound of “Blue,” and how his music has evolved since his debut album Where The Time Goes.

Clayton also reflects on his journey from being “West Coast-born, East Coast-raised” to attending TCU in Texas, signing a...

Country artist and songwriter Josh Ross joins Bar Conversations to talk about his journey from Burlington, Ontario, to Nashville, and the release of his album Later Tonight (out Sept. 19). He shares how football injuries shifted his dream from the CFL to music, the impact of growing up in Canada, and what it was like to top the U.S. country charts with "Single Again" — the first Canadian male to do so in nearly 30 years.J...

July Moon – the trio of Piper Bateman, Page Mackenzie, and Braelyn Watt – joins us for a spirited conversation about their new single “What A Woman Should Be”, the evolution of their sound, and what it means to be a woman in country music today.We talk about the group’s formation, the story behind the name July Moon, and how each member’s unique background influences their collaborative songwriting and signature “Fleetwood Country”...

Kyle Hollingsworth joins us to talk all things music, beer, and creativity as he gets ready to release his new solo album All We Are on August 1. Known for his decades with The String Cheese Incident, Kyle opens up about this deeply personal and experimental new project, why it’s his boldest music yet, and how stepping into new sonic and lyrical territory helped push him further as an artist.We chat about his evolution from psych-r...

Lucas Hoge joins us as he celebrates the release of his brand-new album Book About Me and the launch of Season 6 of Hoge Wild on the Sportsman Channel. We chat about how he balances life on stage and on the camera while creating music that reflects his journey from small-town Nebraska to global adventures.Lucas shares the inspiration behind his deeply personal album, including songs like “Farmhand” and “When A Cowboy Prays” (featur...

🎙️ Jay Webb, Alabama-born country singer-songwriter, joins us ahead of his upcoming album Where To Find Me, dropping July 25. We dive into his journey — from self-producing songs in his bedroom to racking up over 2 million fans and landing a publishing deal with Sony Music.

Jay opens up about how faith, family, and Southern roots shaped his life and sound. We talk about early inspiration from his grandmother’s cassette tapes, m...

🎸 Texas country artist and songwriter Grant Gilbert is back with us to talk about his new album, West of Fort Worth, out now. We catch up since our last chat in 2022 and dive into his journey — from growing up on a cattle ranch in small-town Santo, Texas, to building a music career with grit, heart, and a whole lot of hustle.Grant shares how early influences like Texas swing, Springsteen, and ‘80s country shaped his sound, how a c...

🎶 Psychedelic folk-country duo MoonShroom — made up of Lily B Moonflower and Jake Keegan — join the show to talk about their debut album, Take a Trip, out now. We dive into their musical roots, the story behind forming MoonShroom in 2022, and how they crafted their signature “grassadelic twang” sound that blends rock, bluegrass, indie folk, and Americana.

Lily and Jake reflect on their unique upbringings in creative communities, th...

Country rocker Austin Snell joins us to talk about his latest single, Miles, and everything he’s been up to since dropping his debut album, Still Bleeding. We dive into life on and off the stage — from his Air Force days and first guitar, to growing up in Georgia, and how a few risks led him to a record deal and the Grand Ole Opry stage.

Austin shares the stories behind writing songs like “Excuse the Mess,” “Muddy Water Rockstar” (w...

The Ries Brothers — Charlie and Kevin Jordan — join the show to talk about their latest single, Golden Sun, featuring Nick Hexum of 311. We dive into their journey as brothers and bandmates, from playing Florida bars as teens to being discovered by the band Chicago, and how they’ve grown as artists along the way.The brothers share what it’s like collaborating with musical icons, navigating life on stage together, creating new music...

Country singer-songwriter Kolby Cooper joins the show to talk about his newest album, Love You, Goodnight, and his journey as one of country music’s rising stars. We cover everything from life on the road and being a young dad, to growing up in Texas, writing raw, emotional songs, and crafting break-up anthems while happily married. Kolby also gives us a look at what’s next for his music and career.Plus, Jonathan’s sipping on Minde...