700 Million Streams. No Label - Sons of the East

🎶 They tracked a stolen tour bus with AirTags.

🎤 They played their hearts out in front of Bill Murray.

🩲 And yes… they lost a full cube of fresh undies on tour.

Sons of the East didn’t blow up overnight.

They built their global cult following the hard way:

No major label.

No viral gimmick.

Just killer harmonies, soulful songs, and relentless touring.

Nic Johnston dropped in on Americana Curious to share the wild ride from Aussie backyard jams to 300M+ streams and sing-alongs across Europe and North America.

🎧 Hear the truth about:

Building a band that lasts (and still likes each other)

Turning heartbreak into healing songs

How they recorded their new album Sons live, raw, and totally unfiltered

This is what it looks like to stay indie and go global.

🔥 Listen in. Get curious. Fall in love with the music.

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From Monkey’s Eyebrow to the Country Music Hall of Fame

She learned to write songs before she learned to drive.

Raised in the swampy river bottoms of rural Kentucky—riding a John boat to her dad’s hunting lodge—Kelsey Waldon found her way from front porches and thumb-picked guitars to sharing stages with Willie Nelson and Tanya Tucker.

🎙 Signed to John Prine’s legendary Oh Boy Records

🎧 Played the Grand Ole Opry

✍️ Her handwritten lyrics now live in the Country Music Hall of Fame

But the climb wasn’t all spotlight and applause.

One night it’s a sold-out show at the Ryman.

The next? Five people in Houston.

Through it all, Kelsey kept going.

Because the songs wouldn’t let her quit.

Her latest album, Every Ghost, is her boldest yet—haunting, raw, and unshakably real.

🔥 A voice that won’t flinch.

🔥 A pen that won’t lie.

🔥 A sound rooted in the truth.

If you don’t know Kelsey Waldon yet…

You're in for a REAL TREAT!

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TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH: THE BIRTH OF THE LONE BELLOW 🎙️

What if heartbreak could spark healing?

This episode of Americana Curious is one for the soul. 🎧 We sit down with Zach Williams—frontman of The Lone Bellow—to uncover the raw story of how a life-altering accident became the catalyst for a musical movement.

💔 A broken neck.

🎸 A journal turned song.

🔥 A voice discovered in a Starbucks open mic.

🌆 A Brooklyn bond that became a band.

From writing his first songs while his wife recovered from paralysis, to packing out Bowery Ballroom before the debut album dropped, Zach shares how community, creativity, and courage built The Lone Bellow.

We talk family. We talk fire (literally). We talk Americana as the healing balm a generation is craving.

🎶 Harmonies that make you cry.

🎤 Live shows that feel like revival.

📺 A cabin show on Magnolia Network.

And why Americana music just might save us all.

🎙️ Tap the link in bio to hear the full episode and get inspired.

👇 Drop a 🎧 if you’re listening. Tag someone who needs to hear this.

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Drew Holcomb is more than just a musician—he’s a cultural force who has spent nearly two decades writing the soundtrack to our lives.

You need to know Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors now!

In this powerful episode of Americana Curious, Drew opens up about his journey from independent artist to community builder, while staying true to his voice.

Discover the man behind the music that has touched millions, from his early music to his latest album Memory Bank.

But what makes Drew Holcomb’s story most unique?

Well it’s not just about the music—he’s built an empire, founded a music festival, and even teamed up with sports legends like Peyton Manning to create a whiskey brand.

But at the heart of it all, Drew’s relentless pursuit of authenticity, collaboration, and creativity stands tall.

From heartwarming fan stories to collaborating with the best in the business, Drew gives a raw and unfiltered look into the highs, the lows, and the unexpected moments that shaped his career.

Ready for a deep dive into life on the road, the art of songwriting, and building a legacy? This episode is a must-listen.

Tune in for:

The untold story behind Drew’s viral kitchen covers during the pandemic

How to stay true to your voice while evolving as an artist

The dream collaboration Drew still hopes to make a reality.

And why Drew believes music can heal and unite—even in the toughest times

Don’t miss this candid conversation with Drew Holcomb—this is Americana at its finest.

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Discover Drew's music here: https://www.drewholcomb.com/

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Dirt Road Rising!

JD Clayton didn’t wait for permission. He wrote the songs, built the band, produced the album—and now he’s building a movement one dirt road and bass drop at a time.

Instead, he's ripping stages across America, self-producing records that slap you in the soul, and proving that roots music doesn’t have to play by the rules.

In this episode, we dive into the unpredictable rise of a Southern preacher’s grandson turned genre-blending Americana artist with a voice built for vinyl and a mindset built for the grind.

From late-night voice memos to full-blown anthems, JD pulls back the curtain on the chaos, pressure, and pure magic of making music on your own terms.

You'll discover:

The song that literally started in a rain-soaked car ride and now melts faces on tour

Why he produces his own albums—and the mental toll it takes

How a failed dinner date became the seed for a fan-favorite track.

And the moment he realized: "The cavalry isn’t coming. You have to be it."

Oh—and you’ll never hear Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason” the same way again. JD’s version shreds.

This episode is real, raw, and ridiculously fun. If you’re sick of polished PR stories and want the unfiltered truth of what it takes to make it in music today, JD brings it.

Plug in. Press play. And get ready to join the Clayton cult with us!

His new album Blue Sky Sundays is out now!

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Check out JD here: https://jdclaytonofficial.com/

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AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

Soulful Reckoning

Ever wondered how a band can bridge the gap between rock and roll energy and old-time Appalachian soul?

Justin Osborne, the driving force behind Susto, is doing just that. But there's a twist – a journey of self-discovery, a departure from the familiar, and a dive into the heart of Americana.

His story is one of transformation and a constant search for meaning.

From a background steeped in religion to finding a new spiritual connection through music, his path is both compelling and deeply human.

It's about navigating the complexities of faith, the pain of soul-searching, and the joy of finding your voice in a new community.

This interview peels back the layers of an artist who isn't afraid to explore his past while forging a new sound.

You'll Also Discover:

How a chance meeting can spark a musical revolution.

A surprising take on finding community outside of traditional structures.

The key to re-imagining your own work with fresh energy.

Why "confessional" songwriting can be both a burden and a release.

A blueprint for blending genres without losing your roots.

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Have you listened to Susto String Band yet?

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Check out them out here: https://www.sustoisreal.com/

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We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Spotify and Apple.

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

Americana Rawness Rules

Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers, a cornerstone of modern Americana for two decades, reveals the surprising shift in their songwriting that keeps their sound soulful and timeless.

The acclaimed band, beloved by critics and fans alike, has carved a unique path.

But how did they maintain their signature sound while navigating the pressures of bigger venues and broader appeal?

Discover the power of "less is more" and the magic of brotherly telepathy that fuels their captivating performances.

Learn how they balance intimacy and impact, on stage and in the studio and the importance of a great sound man.

You'll also Discover:

-When Subtlety Beats the Spectacle on the Road

-The Surprising Lesson from Bill Murray

-The Power of Music as Medicine

-How to Embrace Your Inner Dork

What's your favorite Wood Brothers song and why?

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Check out the music from Oliver Wood: https://www.oliverwoodmusic.com/

And! The Wood Brothers: https://www.thewoodbros.com/

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She Returns From War

Singer-songwriter Hunter Park, known for her moniker She Returns From War, embodies the spirit of the modern South.

With a voice that carries both tenderness and raw power, she's captivating audiences and challenging the status quo. 🎤 But what does it mean to return from war as a musician? 🤔

Hunter's journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and embracing her true identity in a conservative environment.

Her music explores themes of overcoming adversity, finding strength within, and creating a community of acceptance.

But what was it like for her to finally take the stage at one one biggest stages in the Southeast after years of waiting?

🎤 And how has her experience in the South shaped her music and message? 🎵

You'll Also Discover:

• The Meaning Behind She Returns From War
• Hunter's Experience at High Water Festival
• How to Create a Better South
• The Power of Embracing Your Identity
• A Blueprint for Building a Supportive Community

What does the name "She Returns From War" mean to you? 🤔 Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇

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Check out the music from She Returns from War: https://www.instagram.com/shereturnsfromwar/

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We WANT to hear from you. Please share a review on Spotify and Apple.

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious