Hops & Spirits Bar Conversations

Country artist JD Shelburne is back to talk about his latest album Raised on the Good Stuff, his Kentucky roots, and the journey that’s taken him from small-town stages to the Opry. JD reflects on growing up in Taylorsville, performing in church, and teaching himself guitar after a life-changing moment in his grandmother’s house that sparked his passion for music. He shares stories from his early days chasing a dream in Nashville, playing more than 3,000 shows, and building an independent career driven by relentless work ethic and strong fan connection. JD dives into collaborating with songwriter Mark Nesler and recording with legends like the Oak Ridge Boys and Crystal Gayle. He also talks about his partnership with Inclusion Bourbon, the nerves and excitement of making his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, memorable onstage mishaps, and what fans can expect from him in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Bardstown Bourbon Bottled-in-Bond

Country singer-songwriter MaRynn Taylor joins Bar Conversations to talk about her journey from growing up in Michigan to releasing her self-titled debut album. MaRynn shares how performing for her family at just four years old with a plastic microphone sparked her love for music, the artists who influenced her early on, and how small-town life shaped both her songwriting and identity. She reflects on visiting Nashville at age 12, moving there at 17, and missing out on traditional high school milestones in order to chase her dream in Music City. MaRynn also opens up about her breakthrough moments, including signing her record and publishing deals live on air, making her Grand Ole Opry debut, and opening for Kelsea Ballerini on her arena tour. We dive into the making of her self-titled album, why it felt like the right time to introduce herself so personally, and the stories behind songs like Small Town Spinnin’, Season 2 of Friends, Dirty Blonde, and She Broke Up With The Boy. Plus, she talks about the importance of connecting with fans, trading friendship bracelets, performing in meaningful hometown venues, and what fans can expect from her in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Joseph Magnus Triple Cask Sherry & Cognac

Country artist Hayden Baker talks about his journey from growing up in Katy, Texas, to becoming one of the most respected guitar players in modern country music. Hayden shares how early exposure to rural life, sports, and faith shaped who he is, and how picking up a guitar at 16—something he’s called a “God thing”—changed the direction of his life. He reflects on how an unexpected college injury led him to singing and songwriting, the music that influenced him early on, and what it’s like to have Brad Paisley call him his “new favorite guitarist.” Hayden also dives into his new album Alive & Well, explaining why he intentionally shifted the focus from guitar flash to growth as a vocalist and storyteller. He talks about working with Brad Paisley and Ronnie Dunn, receiving a gifted 1953 Telecaster, and the story behind Brad’s guest solo on Don’t Meet Your Heroes. We also discuss his decade-long independent career, winning Musician of the Year at the Texas Country Music Industry Awards, standout tracks like Home Into a House, I Had a Headache Once, and Country Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere, and what fans can expect from Hayden in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Still Austin Cask Strength Bourbon

Country artist Olivia Harms talks about her journey from growing up on a multi-generation cattle ranch in Oregon to appearing on the CBS series The Road. Olivia shares how being raised in a musical family—literally taking the stage at just two days old—set her on a path toward country music, along with the early influences that shaped her sound. She reflects on recording her first album at 16, navigating a more pop-country phase, and ultimately finding her voice. Additionally, Olivia opens up about being hand-selected by Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton for The Road, competing and opening for Keith Urban, and what the experience taught her about herself as an artist. We also dive into her songwriting process, including the stories behind Hey There Cowboy, Kiddie Pool, and This Ain’t My First Rodeo, as well as her 2025 releases Sent from Above and I’m On My Way. Plus, she talks about balancing life on a working cattle ranch with playing more than 200 shows a year, what she loves most about being on stage, and what fans can expect from Olivia Harms in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Sagamore High Rye Bourbon

Maygen & The Birdwatcher join Bar Conversations to talk about their latest album The Americana Dream, songwriting, and building a band rooted in collaboration. We chat with Maygen Lacey and Noah Neumann to discuss growing up in Minnesota, early musical influences, and how their partnership began. From overcoming a fear of performing live to breaking the rules in piano lessons, they share how writing together helped shape their sound and confidence, as well as the origin of the band’s name and their evolution from a duo into a full six-piece band. Maygen and Noah also dive into The Americana Dream, described as a “sonic travelogue,” and what it was like working with producer John Fields, who pushed them to trust their instincts in the studio. They talk about balancing music with family and full-time careers, the early success of Moonshine and Bootleggin’ At The Flower Shoppe, and why collaboration remains central to everything they do. Plus, they share favorite songs to perform live and what fans can expect in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde

Singer-songwriter Alexandra King shares the story behind her debut EP Across the Pond, blending her New York upbringing with her deep Irish roots. Alexandra talks about growing up surrounded by music, from parents who met through music to having a piano before she was even born, and how summers spent on her aunt’s sheep farm in Ireland shaped her identity and songwriting. She reflects on studying abroad in Galway, nearly becoming a lawyer, and ultimately following her calling to Nashville. Alexandra discusses surviving a life-altering spinal cord injury in 2020, how doctors initially questioned whether she’d ever regain movement, and how music became a vital part of her recovery. We dive into the making of Across the Pond, including original tracks like Freckles (In An Old Pub) and Lose Me to Dublin, as well as her decision to include traditional covers Galway Girl and Willie McBride. Plus, she shares stories about her deaf dog Pillsbury, favorite songs to perform live, and what fans can expect from her in 2026.Jonathan’s Drinking: Wheel Horse x Narragansett Baltic Porter Beer Barrel Finish Whiskey

Bluegrass-folk trio Damn Tall Buildings released their latest album The Universe Is Hungry this fall. We sit down with Avery Ballotta to talk about growing up in Montana, early musical influences, and how a love for music—and the fiddle—started at a young age. We dive deep into the inspiration behind the album, recording process, and the band’s commitment to staying truly independent—self-producing, self-managing, and even running their own music school in Brooklyn. Avery shares stories from studying at Berklee College of Music, meeting bandmates Max Capistran and Sasha Dubyk, and how the group’s journey began with busking on the streets of Boston before evolving into a decade-long partnership rooted in friendship, craftsmanship, and creative freedom. He also talks about touring with the U.S. State Department, performing bluegrass during cultural exchanges in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, and reimagining Roy Orbison’s “Blue Bayou” through a bluegrass lens. Plus, we discuss the band’s one-microphone live setup, how they decide vocal leads without a frontman, favorite songs to perform on stage, unforgettable moments from 2025, and what fans can expect from Damn Tall Buildings in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: McKenzie Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Country singer-songwriter Jeremy Pinnell talks about his new album Decades, life growing up in Northern Kentucky, and the influences that shaped his music. From a childhood filled with Christian hymns and classic rock legends to the life-changing moment of seeing Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” Jeremy shares how punk rock energy evolved into his heartfelt country sound. He opens up about his songwriting process, drawing from personal experience while crafting stories that resonate, and reflects on the journey from his first album OH/KY to his latest work, exploring themes of love, loss, and the modern world. In this episode, Jeremy dives into the making of Decades, including his collaboration with three-time GRAMMY winner Shooter Jennings. He walks us through standout tracks like Barabbas, Dallas, Save You, and Too Much Sugar, sharing the stories and inspirations behind them. Plus, he talks about life on stage, the balance between touring and home life, and what fans can expect from him in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: J Mattingly 6YR Kentucky Bourbon Double Staved

We sit down with country singer-songwriter Kelsi Mayne to talk about her latest singles “Someone Who Knows” and “For The Record,” and the winding road that’s shaped her career. Kelsi opens up about growing up in Windsor, Ontario, balancing music with life as a nationally ranked track athlete and registered nurse, and how playing bar gigs helped spark the realization that music was more than just a side passion. She reflects on releasing her debut album As I Go at the onset of the pandemic, the viral success of its Mad Max–inspired video, and why working closely with her brother has become such a big part of her creative process. We dive deep into the emotional core of “Someone Who Knows,” written in the aftermath of a cancelled wedding and recorded almost immediately, and how embracing vulnerability has led to her most honest music yet. Kelsi also talks about her high-energy live shows, her infamous “shots and squats” pre-show ritual, performing marathon sets at the Calgary Stampede, and what fans can expect as she looks ahead to 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Penelope Rio

We catch up with country artist Jon Wolfe as he returns to the show to talk about his most personal project to date, Barstool Therapy: Session One, which is out now. Jon opens up about the winding road that took him from a finance degree and the oil industry to the heart of the Texas country scene, and how he found his sound. Jon dives deep into the concept behind Barstool Therapy, an eight-song collection built around honesty, reflection, and emotional release. We break down the stories behind standout tracks like the title song “Barstool Therapy,” the autobiographical “The Older I Get (More Country I’m Gettin’ to Be),” and his collaboration with Randy Rogers on “Tequila Cowboys.” He also talks songwriting, his trusted co-writing circle, staying proudly independent, and why wearing boots on stage still matters. Plus, Jon shares how launching his Juan Lobo tequila brand connects to his music, what keeps him relentless after two decades in the industry, what being on stage means to him today, and what fans can expect heading into 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: 2XO American Oak

We sit down with indie-folk artist Hunter Metts to talk about his new EP A Crater Wide and the journey that took him from a musical childhood in Nashville to finding his artistic voice after American Idol. Hunter reflects on growing up in a creative family, stepping away from music to pursue software development, and the pull that kept bringing him back to songwriting. He opens up about the emotional depth behind tracks like “Abielene” and “Blue Ridge Run,” his writing process, the artists who inspire him, and how a viral moment with his breakout single “Weathervane” changed everything. We also get into recording at The Blasting Room, playing multiple instruments on the EP, and the experience of wrapping his first headlining tour and hitting the road with James Bay. Plus, Hunter shares what being on stage means to him, the stories behind his most personal songs, and what fans can expect heading into 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Three Chord Bourbon Hard Pressed Tennessee Whiskey

We sit down with country trio Deltona — vocalist Ned Abernathy, guitarist Caleb Miller, and drummer Chris Deaton — to talk about their new single “Cared Enough to Cry” and the story behind how the three of them came together. They share how growing up in Georgia, Tennessee, and Ohio shaped their musical roots, the night at the Bluebird Café that sparked the idea to form Deltona, and how they built an online following through covers before shifting into original music. We dive into writing and creating “Cared Enough to Cry,” the inspiration behind “How To Not Help A Heartbreak,” the fun of filming the “Love Don’t Love Me” video, and how their mix of country tradition and high-energy performance defines their sound. They also talk songwriting, their approach on stage, and what fans can expect from them heading into 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Three Chord Flipside Triple Wood

We chat with country artist Belles to talk about her new self-titled EP Belles, her holiday EP Bells on Belles, and the journey that took her from a musical family in Nebraska to a recording and publishing deal in Nashville. She opens up about growing up surrounded by musicians, performing in a mother-daughter duo, briefly stepping away to study chemistry, and what ultimately pulled her back to music full-time. Belles dives into writing and co-writing every song on the EP, collaborating with Blake Wood on “Crazy As Me,” creating the “Ring on the Table” music video, and working with Sam Grow and John Gates in the studio. She also shares stories from the road, the lessons learned from touring, her love for both acoustic and full-band shows, and so much more. Plus, she breaks down the inspiration behind her holiday EP, and what fans can expect from her heading into 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: El Mayor Tequila Extra Añejo (Bourbon Barrel Aged)

We catch up with country artist Creed Fisher as he returns to the show to talk about his new album Between Heaven and Hell and everything he’s been through since 2021. Creed opens up about recovering from last year’s brutal hit-and-run, the support he felt from fans, and how family — especially being a dad and Paw Paw — keeps him grounded. He shares stories from growing up in West Texas, how football, the Army, and two decades in the oil fields shaped who he is today, and why carving his own path as an independent artist mattered long before signing with Average Joes. We get into the making of Between Heaven and Hell, the heart behind “Keep Those Wheels Rollin’,” covering Hank Jr., collaborating on “Wood Smoke,” and how real life always drives his songwriting. Creed also talks road life, balancing the grind with family, what keeps him coming back to the stage, and what fans can expect heading into 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Brothers Bond Bottled-in-Bond

We catch up with rising country artist Presley Tennant to talk about her new single “Let Lying Dogs Sleep” and how she’s carving out her place in the country scene. From growing up in Norco, California — Horsetown U.S.A. — to getting her start on The Voice at 16, Presley reflects on her musical journey, creative growth, and how she’s learned to embrace “progress, not perfection.” She shares the story behind writing “Let Lying Dogs Sleep” with Trey Bruce, its connection to her sultry hit “Pick Your Poison,” and how real-life experiences continue to inspire her songs. Presley also opens up about her viral Zach Bryan cover, her passion for helping animals through Riffs & Rescues, and what fans can expect heading into 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Joseph Magnus Triple Cask (Sherry & Cognac Finish)

We sit down with Sean Monahan of the soulful trio Gale Bird to talk about the band’s latest singles — “Lookie Here,” “I Still Do,” and “Roses” — and how they’re carving out a sound rooted in honesty and heart. Sean opens up about the band’s beginnings, the meaning behind the name Gale Bird, and how his partnership with Josh Gale helped shape their emotionally rich, genre-blending style. He shares how personal experiences fuel the songwriting process, the evolution behind “I Still Do” and “Roses,” and why performing live remains one of his favorite parts of being a musician. Plus, we get into his love of soccer scarves, cheap cigars, and what’s next for Gale Bird heading into 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Larrikin Rosewater

We sit down with Maggie Noelle and Ryan Allen of Magnolia Boulevard to talk about their long-awaited self-titled debut LP, Magnolia Boulevard, out November 28. From their Appalachian roots to their signature blend of rock, soul, and blues, they share how the band found its sound and stayed true to its vision. Maggie and Ryan open up about the journey from small-town stages to national recognition, the lasting influence of co-founder Todd Copeland, and how a friendship with PRS Guitars founder Paul Reed Smith helped them grow. They dive into the inspiration behind songs like Devil You Know and More—and what fans can expect from their upcoming Friendsgiving Album Release Show at The Burl in Lexington. Jonathan’s Drinking: Town Branch Overproof

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 Lauper’s “Time After Time.” Ashley also opens up about her deep connection to veterans’ causes, the creative vision behind her “Tumbleweed” video, and what it’s like running her career completely independently — booking 60+ headline shows a year and building a devoted fanbase known as the Winelanders. Jonathan’s Drinking: Woodinville Rye Port Finish

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 balances staying true to his sound while experimenting and evolving. He also talks about assembling his band, what fans can expect from his live shows, and so much more. Jonathan’s drinking: George Remus Bourbon

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 garage and his own spare bedroom — diving into themes of ambition, burnout, and perseverance. We dig into the inspiration behind songs like the tongue-in-cheek title track “Almost Famous” and heartfelt tunes like “Honey Do Ya,” plus how his storytelling connects across albums from Black Sheep to Abstract Art of an Unstable Mind. Austin also reflects on life on the road, lessons from opening for ZZ Top and Godsmack, and how he’s learned to balance the grind with family life. Jonathan's Drinking: Samuel Maverick Private Reserve