In this first of four episodes from Northlands Music & Arts Festival, I’m super psyched to share two very special interviews. First up, I’m happy to share my chat with festival co-founders Mike Chadinha and Seth McNally along with festival co-owner and co-producer Jen Mayerhardt on the last day of this amazing festival to review the proceedings at the fourth annual installment of this wonderful festival. We talk about it all, from the inherent festival ups and downs to their amazing staff and wonderful patrons that make this Festival one of the best of its class. These folks really do it right, and they talk to me about creating and sustaining this festival and what it all means to them!!

I’m also super psyched to share my interview with Joel Cummins and Ryan Stasik of Umphrey’s McGee, who sat down with me together for a quick update on the state of the UM World in 2025. Lots of changes are happening, and Joel and Ryan talk to me about their collective gratitude for still being able to do what they do, and how their special form of improv continues to make it exciting for them to turn on their fans with their spectacular live shows. They share with me their views on their famous Zeppelin sets to working with new drummer Scotty Zwang, and we even discuss Ryan’s possible reluctance (tbd) to take one for the team and execute a sacrifice bunt when the situation requires one. Ryan remains non-committal on this subject!

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Show Notes:

For more information about Northlands Music & Arts Festival, click here

Click here for Umphrey's McGee tour dates

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

05:36 Interview with Northlands Festival Organizers Mike Chadinha, Seth McNally and Jen Mayerhardt

23:38 Northlands Organizers wrap-up and summary

27:02 Intro to Interview with Joel Cummins and Ryan Stasik of Umphrey's McGee

29:34 Interview with Umphrey's McGee

52:56 Episode Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

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For more information on Roadcase:
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Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I’m so excited to welcome Jake Brownstein to Roadcase this week!! Jake plays shredding guitar for the band Eggy, which has been lighting up stages, and turning on fans with their unique brand of what I like to call “collaborative rock.”

Jake is a super thoughtful and humble artist, who seeks to find joy in the moment, and he talks to me about how being vulnerable and seeking to be true to oneself is the key to living authentically — in both the arts and in one’s personal life.

Together, we explore the origins of the band, and go deep into self-exploration and what it means to really make a difference in people’s lives with music. This is a special interview with a unique artist, and Jake really brings it all for this amazing conversation.

Show notes:

For tour dates and more info on The Wood Brothers, click here

You can find the book "Songwriters on Songwriting" here on Amazon

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg
04:20 Introduction to Eggy and Their Journey
07:19 The Importance of Long-Lasting Relationships in Music
10:18 Growing Up Together: The Band's Origins
13:21 The Evolution of Eggy: From High School to Professional
16:29 The Role of Covers in Eggy's Music
19:31 The Business of Music: Balancing Passion and Professionalism
22:09 Collaborative Spirit: The Dynamics of Playing Together
25:23 Performing with Friends: The Connection with Dogs
28:20 Playing Jerry Garcia's Guitar: A Special Experience
39:24 Finding Your Voice Through Music
41:37 The Evolution of Waiting Game
44:09 Embracing Vulnerability in Performance
46:37 The Pressure of Legacy and Life's Work
53:10 Connecting with Fans and Community
01:00:10 Honoring a Friend Through Music
01:05:37 The Art of Jamming and Live Performance
01:14:40 The Journey Ahead for Eggy
01:14:34 Episode Outro and Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg

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Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I’m excited to welcome back Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers as he makes his return to Roadcase for this week’s episode. Oliver is an extraordinary artist with killer guitar chops and a mellow and intentional vibe that, dare I say, exudes Zen-like qualities.

We talk about his life in music, songwriting, and that elusive goal of being and staying “in the moment.” Improv is a big part of Oliver’s art, both in the studio and in a live performance setting, and staying grounded and open to possibilities is at the heart of it. He claims that “the best art happens by accident,” and he talks to me about how that mindset drives his creative direction.

The Wood Brothers have a new album coming out August 1, Puff of Smoke, and are touring all over the country through the summer. Oliver’s second solo album, Fat Cat Silhouette, is out there now for your listening pleasure — it’s a phenomenal work of musical art.

The Wood Brothers are one of my favorites bands, and this is a really awesome conversation with Oliver!! Enjoy!!

Show notes:

For tour dates and more info on The Wood Brothers, click here

You can find the book "Songwriters on Songwriting" here on Amazon

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg
04:00 Welcome Back and Solo Tour Reflections
06:56 The Joy of Intimacy in Solo Performances
09:56 Evolution of the Wood Brothers
12:53 The Art of Spontaneity in Music Creation
15:56 Being Present: The Key to Creativity
19:00 Accidental Artistry and Mindfulness in Music
21:48 The Process of Recording: Analog vs Digital
24:55 Capturing the Vibe: Limitations in Music Production
30:42 Creative Blocks and Common Struggles
31:57 The Art of Challenging Yourself
33:21 Capturing Authenticity in Art
34:50 The Duality of Rock Stardom
35:47 Gratitude for a Slow Rise
36:58 The Mindfulness of Being a Witness
41:07 Interpreting Art and Personal Reflection
43:41 The Role of Accidental Creativity
52:07 Mindfulness in Personal Life
54:17 The Constant Challenge of Life
55:08 Episode Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

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Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I’m super happy to have the delightful couple Jackie Berkley and Zach Schmidt of Golden Everything on the show this week!! Both lovely humans and talented artists with separate paths, Zach and Jackie recently formed an amazing alt-country super-duo, and are celebrating their successful debut album together, Sweet Old World, an absolute gorgeous take on folk, country and Americana vibes.

I discuss with Zack and Jackie about how their choices have lead to a healthy outlook in what can be a crazy and difficult world we call the music business. With a new album and a new baby at home, this dynamic couple is making it all happen by building a strong and organic team from the ground up. It’s admirable and inspiring.

Making their combination even more intriguing, Zach is a long-time stalwart on the Nashville music scene. He has two solo albums to his name and his most recent 2021 effort, Raise A Banner, is produced by Sadler Vaden and features The 400 Unit as his stellar backing band.

Zach and Jackie’s origin story is a meet-cute for the ages, and Zach’s story of becoming a songwriter is truly legendary. We all go deep in this fun and engaging conversation, and I can’t wait to share this one with all of you!!

Show Notes:

For more information on Golden Everything and Zack Schmidt as well as tour dates click HERE:

Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg
04:36 – Spring Awakening and New Beginnings
07:36 – Performing at Newport Folk Festival
10:38 – Family Life and New Arrivals
13:31 – Musical Backgrounds and Influences
16:48 – The Journey to Nashville
19:36 – Biking Across America and Songwriting
24:40 – The Journey of a Lifetime
26:38 – The Impact of Music on Life
29:36 – Inspiration from Real-Life Stories
32:48 – Finding Community in Nashville
33:38 – The Magic of Santa's Pub
39:35 – Collaborations and Musical Connections
44:40 – Creating Music Under Pressure
49:09 – The Journey to Collaboration
52:29 – Navigating Parenthood and Music
56:11 – Health Challenges and Resilience
59:29 – Plans for the Future
01:04:36 – The DIY Approach to Music
01:06:37 – Songwriting Through Parenthood
01:09:50 – Episode Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

For more information on Roadcase:
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Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

JJ Julius Son of KALEO is here this week, and I’m super excited to share this one with you!! JJ’s been in the US for over a decade now and proudly celebrates his native Iceland and its vibrant music community. Having grown up on the classic rock albums, JJ has crafted his own anthemic sound, culminating in the vast soundscapes present on his new album, MIXED EMOTIONS.

JJ’s unfiltered and stripped down vibe is super refreshing and we share tons of laughs as he talks to me about his love for live music, Icelandic folk tales and the energy of the live show. Having toured the globe now for the better part of his time in the America, JJ has tons of stories and insights and we go deep into his onstage mindset and how the energy from his fans and his own staunch determination continues to fuel his tank.

This is a fascinating conversation — JJ is a deeply compelling artist with a powerful voice both on and off stage. You’re going to love this one!

Show Notes:

For more information and tour dates click here: KALEO

Chapters:

00:09 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg
03:15 Introduction and Tour Insights
06:14 The Magic of Red Rocks
09:14 Songwriting and Live Performances
12:28 Musical Influences and Background
15:18 Cultural Identity and Roots
18:16 Growing Up in Iceland
21:22 Connection to Nature and Upcoming Projects
23:56 Volcanic Inspirations: The Icelandic Connection
26:07 The Anticipation of New Music
27:05 Dynamic Live Performances
30:02 The Challenges of Touring
32:59 The Energy Exchange in Live Shows
35:36 Emotional Depth in Songwriting
38:15 The Art of Album Creation
40:15 Navigating the Music Industry
42:50 Inspiration from the Past
43:51 The Resilience of Rock Music
47:00 Connecting with Fans and the Energy of Live Performances
50:01 The Evolution of Sonic Qualities in Music
55:59 The Icelandic Music Scene and Its Unique Vibe
57:29 Addressing Gun Control Through Music
1:01:20 Episode Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

For more information on Roadcase:
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Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

SNACKTIME is here this week and I couldn’t be more excited to share this one!! Sam Gellerstein and Ben Stocker have been friends since high school, and this amazing seven-piece Philadelphia-based groovy funk band is out having fun and spreading the love with their sensational live show filled with positive vibes and great tunes.

Born out of the pandemic, with a DIY ethic deeply embedded in the Philadelphia music culture, SNACKTIME thrives on community, and Sam and Ben talk to me about their musical roots, the reliance of SNACKTIME on live music energy, and what’s in store for the future!

SNACKTIME will be on the road this summer at festivals all over the US and Canada, including their debut on the Newport Folk Festival stage in late July. This band is truly unique and I’m psyched to welcome Sam and Ben to Roadcase!

For SNACKTIME tour dates, click here

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I’m super excited to welcome Bill Payne, founding member of @littlefeat_official, for this week’s episode!! For over five decades, Bill has been playing music and delighting fans with his expert piano and keyboard playing, great vibes and amazing songwriting.

Bill is also a legendary collaborator and has played on 100s of albums and toured with a legion of amazing bands in addition to his enduring commitment to the music of Little Feat. He’s toured with The Doobie Brothers, James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel, Jimmy Buffett and Bonnie Raitt just to name a few. Bill is also a noted photographer and author, and is currently working on a memoir documenting a life in music and his passion for collaboration.

Little Feat is still going strong -- producing music full-time -- and are excited about the release of their first studio album in 15 years, Strike Up The Band, out May 9. They’re hitting the road in May with tour dates throughout the remainder of the year.

Bill is a stellar human with a terrific sense of humor — he’s a kind soul with a firm grasp of the history of music and his place in that world — and it’s truly an honor to share this interview with all of you!! Enjoy!!

Show Notes:

New Little Feat album, Strike Up The Band, out May 9!!

More info on Little Feat and tour dates, click here

For more info on Bill Payne's artistic and creative efforts, click here for Bill's website: Bill Payne Creative

Don't forget to please leave a review describing what you enjoyed most about this episode!! Thanks for listening!!

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

In celebration of Earth Day, I’m excited to have classical pianist @hunternoack on the show this week!! Hunter founded and operates @inalandscape, a non-profit which seeks to benefit environmental and conservationist causes. The In A Landscape series features unique outdoor performances by Hunter, taking place in amazing natural settings around the country.

I talk to Hunter about the path his artistry has taken from early competitive performances, to being inspired by nature, and the development of his desire to raise awareness about environmental issues and the challenges we face to protect Mother Nature. We discuss how In A Landscape not only achieves that goal, but does so with inspiring performances in amazing natural settings, drawing listeners in and creating a meditative vibe with his playing.

Hunter’s mission to use music to bring about change is both inspiring and totally admirable. This is a super interesting and informative interview that you won’t want to miss!!

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Show Notes:

More info on In A Landscape and for tour dates, click here

Don't forget to please leave a review describing what you enjoyed most about this episode!! Thanks for listening!!

=============================

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer