The Drew Hahn Show

The “day people” may make the rules, but it doesn’t mean ZG Smith is going to follow them… although you probably could have guessed that from his t-shirt collection. If his name sounds familiar, it might be because of one of the other Zack Smiths that come up in your search results. Or it may be because a song from the former Smooth Hound Smith frontman’s debut solo EP, Nighttime Animal, is still stuck in your head. The LA-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter sits down with Drew to discuss his transition to a solo career and the sounds that inspired the EP - and you can’t go wrong with a few good tour stories! Stick around after the interview as Erin joins Drew to discuss their thoughts on the Nighttime Animal music video.

Bad tattoos, empty bottles, excess travel… the dark side of rock ‘n’ roll? Or moments and mishaps from Mile 10 with the Drew Crew? As the post-Mile freedom sets in, Kuber Producer returns from hiatus to chat with Drew about this year’s highlights in part one of the TDHS Moments From Mile 10 series. She’ll tell you she took a more relaxed approach this year, but you’d never know it from these stories! From first songs to epic takeovers, hear all about the volunteering experience, standout artists, and major Mile moments, including featured music from Oshima Brothers and Marina City. Stay tuned for more Recap and Recall episodes coming soon to hear how the rest of the crew Made It Out this year!! #SawYouAroundTheMile

Mile 10 is right around the corner (the countdown is on!) and this year, it’s personal. The Mile-stone event brings back heavy-hitting favorites, recent discoveries, and all-new artists for four days of original music. With countless performances across so many local venues, how does a listener keep everything straight? Have no fear… TDHS is here to help you discover your new favorite artists and uncover a few fun facts about this year’s lineup! Tammy and Erin join Drew for a deep dive into the singers (so many animals!), the songs (one last request for Make It Out… okay, maybe a few), the stages (and suggestions for a new one), and the strategies (those spreadsheets aren’t going to rearrange themselves!) to make this year the best Mile yet. This team may sound like professional Mile-goers, but there’s always more to learn. Who are you excited to see, and how are you fitting it all in? Sound off with your Mile of Music tips on TDHS social media! See you around the Mile… very soon!

Claire Kelly believes if you run out of things to write about, you’re just not paying attention. The Nashville-based singer-songwriter certainly has plenty of places to turn for inspiration. From spontaneous spin-the-bottle collaborations to touring through Europe, from a hairless cat to heartfelt letters to herself, her stories come to life through the universal language of music. Join Drew and Claire as they discuss life on tour, recent collaborations (don’t miss the story of how she got connected with a recent podcast guest!), and her optimistic outlook on what’s coming next. Claire’s latest EP, Hopeful Romantic, was just released in May, but that doesn’t mean she’s slowing down any time soon. With several of her songs already making an impact in movies and primetime television shows, she’ll be selling out arenas before you know it - don’t miss the opportunity to see her at Mile of Music!

The family business, a car crash, and Al Capone, all set to the sound of the pedal steel… it’s not a gangster film, it’s Jackson Mankowski! Drew sits down with the genre-hopping Jackson ahead of his long-awaited return to Mile of Music to reflect on the experiences and life learnings behind his songs. With enough stories to fill a book about his journey from De Pere, Wisconsin to Los Angeles’s esteemed LACHSA school for the arts and back again, the episode explores what this next chapter means for his life - and his music. Jackson admits new fans might find his candid, emotionally-honest lyrics a little disarming at times—but those exact personality traits are what make this conversation with the young musician feel both familiar and intriguing. Tune in as Drew gets the scoop on the stories behind new music coming later this year, and be sure to add Jackson Mankowski to your Mile of Music spreadsheet!

The light turned green and we are on the metaphorical road to Mile 10! This episode, while recorded earlier and now released late, features Drew, Tammy & Erin as they catch up on all things music. The Big News...Mile of Music has released artist names for Mile 10. The crew each highlights an early fav with a song featured by said artist. Drew, Tammy and Erin also went on a shopping excursion in Milwaukee during the annual national Record Store Day event! Hear about their experience and find out what vinyl gems they might have found. The highlight might just be the campaign the show has started! When it comes to music they know what they like and know what they want to hear...they are singling out an artist and starting a campaign to hear a certain song from said artist who will be at Mile 10....perhaps you can help the crew out. Take a listen!

Canadian indie-rock band Long Range Hustle sits down with Drew to discuss the adventures of being on the road. They dive into how Long Range Hustle got its name, how their creative process can look, and where songs go when they just don't quite make the cut for an album. Long Range Hustle features two talented lead vocals thats fleshed out with a group of friends since childhood that together make up a unique and dynamic sound thats not comparable to anything out there. This creative edge makes Long Range Hustle stand out as must-see act and music that you can set on repeat, thats good for any occasion. Aside from making great music these guys are also incredible people to talk and get to know. So do so now! Music of Long Range Hustle is included in the episode, so get the full experience! Take a listen?!

In this episode Drew sits down with rising indie pop/rock star Kal Schimmers. Kal has a unique and powerful voice paired nicely with his slick and beautiful electric guitar skills. Find out where Kals early inspirations came from that led him to being featured at 2 Mile of Musics fests so far. He also breaks down his latest release "College Ave" inspired by his hometown of Appleton. Plus some behind the scenes deats of shooting the music video for the song. In this episode you'll truly get a since of why Kal is considered such a nice guy, inclusive with both his music and the people he surrounds himself with. All the more punctuated by his simple but clear Spotify description...where he forgoes explaining his music and simply states "I Love You All" This is a can't miss ep featuring Kals music as well as appearances by Syd and Tammy to further discuss Kal and his awesomeness. Catch a listen now!

Recorded at Gibson Community Music Hall in Appleton; Sam Ness sat down for an interview to talk about his musical journey thus far in his young life. From his roots in Wisconsin, to time overseas living pretty much homeless and honing in his sound. Sam has since returned back to the states, hunkered down in the Northwoods of Wisconsin during the pandemic releasing the album 'The Cabin' and has now followed that up with his recent album release 'City Lights & Smoke'. Sam fleshes out a few of his songs and his inspirations. Also joined in this episode, Podcast regular Tammy sits down with Drew to reflect on some shows they've seen of Sam's. They also deep dive into the concept of the Power Ballad, which was formulated after Drew discussed with Sam his song 'Society' . Get a full circle moment all here on The Drew Hahn Show.

The bands back together and we are as eccentric as ever. Drew Crew members Tammy and Erin join the show to rehash recent music adventures, blow some steam off about the stupid things stupid people say, and then dabble in comparing their Vinyl collecting experience. PLUS there is always room for an Awkward Artist Moment from Drew! We are kicking off Mid-Season with a premiere like no others. Also featured is music of Ponce and Claire Kelly, both of whom share on the show when they were inspired to hit the stage with live music! Let’s just say Sorry Not Sorry if you don’t listen and we are #Blessed to have you listen. That’s a tease for what’s to come in this ep. Listen Now!

This exceptional episode features musician Carter Hulsey. An Appleton favorite, a Joplin native, a Nashville resident and all around awesome guy; Carter breaks down his recent music, reflects on some older stuff, and opens up about life over the past few years. He dives into getting music published after becoming sober with the song "When You Were Around" and walks us thru the creative process of fan favorite "NPR". Carters music is featured throughout the episode, including a live track from his October concert in Appleton, provided by Todd Van Hammond! You can also catch up with Steve Main, area Music enthusiast who host house concerts. Steve shares some of his history with Carter, including having Carter play at his house show. Its all here, its all good, so take a listen!

An episode so awesome it cant be missed. Featuring an interview with Me Like Bees front man Luke Scheafer. Luke joins the show to talk about the band’s latest album “Disco Two Step”. Get the low down on some of their tracks from this latest release, plus find out where it all started for the band and what its like to encounter member rotation. The show will feature some tunes from the new album, plus a live recording from their latest show in the Appleton thanks in part to the man of the music Todd Van Hammond. Todd also joins the show to discuss his journey as an avid fan and good friend of Me Like Bees. Todd recounts discovering the bees to having Luke perform at his house shows. Todd breaks down his love for music; where it stems from to where it is today. Both are fascinating people with some great stories to share. So join along, take a listen!

Musician and Appleton native Michael Grabner joins the show. In this riveting episode Michael discusses his music and opens up about addiction, health scares and the struggles life throws our way and overcoming them. Plus find out the moment that helped encourage Michael to continue with music after a pandemic. Featured in the episode are a few of his songs including his newly released single "No Way Out". Get to know Michael and sample his music, then go out and catch him live! Take a listen...Right Now!

Talking Tunes with Joplin band Fox Royale. The guys join the show to talk about their young journey so far, some of their song writing collaborations, who's coming and who's going from the band, and whats ahead. Get the inside deats of their latest single, Carnival Gods, and when we can possibly expect a full album. Plus the complete Drew Crew (Erin, Tammy, Kuber Producer and Drew) are featured throughout the show. Its rare we get all 4 of us together in one podcast so take this unique podcast, which ultimately features 8 different voices, and give it a listen.

We continue to recap Mile 9! Drew Crew member Erin joins the show to recap some of her favorite moments and touch on some of the more vulnerable times shared on the Mile. Hear soundbites from JD Eicher and band member Carson of Ponce live from Mile. This ep truly rounds out the Mile experience and how we, as the Drew Crew do it! Take a Listen!

7000apart joins the podcast to discuss their latest EP release "Feel Your Feelings, Side A" as well as their journey so far and whats to come for them as they make the move to Sweden. We break down some of their songs and what goes into taking thoughts of mental health and life thus far and turning it into beautiful pop ballads. Plus get a sample of some of the tunes coming out on Side A. Take a listen!

Remembering Mile9 continues with Drew Crew member Tammy. We continue to share artists moments as we asked "what was that moment that spoke to you to become a musician". Part two features' clips with Caleb Hawley and 87 Nights. Plus Tammy and Drew share which artists they were most bummed about not seeing and steps taken to remedy that since Mile 9. Take a listen and stay tuned for more episodes featuring more Mile 9 artist. #SeeYouAroundTheMile

Relive the excitement of Mile 9 as experienced by the Drew Crew. This years artist ask was "what was that moment that spoke to you to become a musician". Part one features clips with Long Range Hustle and The Stews. Plus Kuber Producer share some of their insights and experience from the Mile. Get to the know the artists and their music right here. Take a listen and stay tuned for more episodes featuring more Mile 9 artist. #SeeYouAroundTheMile

Taking a deep dive into music headed to the Valley for Mile of Music Mile 9. Erin and Tammy join Drew to explore new artists to the festival and include tunes from said artists. They are also sharing which shows they are most excited to see, new venues, and tips and tricks for maneuvering the Mile. If you want advice from anyone these three pros have the top notch solutions. Mile of Music is an indie artists dream where new fans can be found, exceptional music experiences can be had, and the overall love for music is felt by both festival goers and artists alike. Nearly 40 Venues & 700 live shows there truly is an opportunity for everyone here. (Sound Disclaimer).

Musician Laura Bomber joins the podcast to discuss her writing process and some insights behind her music. Laura will be featured at Mile 9, so get a first glimpse and/or a further look into a must see artist this year at Mile of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin. A rising star in the music scene, Laura's indie folk vibes sets herself up high amongst a wonderfully crowded genre. Her songs pull you in with such raw emotion and straight to the heart real feels. If you catch Laura at Mile she will be performing with Ben Lila for duo sets called Laura and Red. Ben infuses his bluegrass background to create a beautiful marriage of music you do not want to miss. Also in the episode Drew and Kuber Producer follow up on recent traffic violations and look ahead to Mile 9. Take a Listen!