On today's episode, Emily is joined by guest co-host Nathan K. to chat with Nashville-based artist Shlomo Franklin. They discuss his new album, 'Most People Are Lonely,' his experiences touring, his ultra-Orthodox Jewish upbringing, leaving his community to pursue music, and much more. Shlomo is a beautiful human, and that truly shines through in this interview and on his new album.

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Shlomo Franklin's musical identity began taking shape in upstate New York, where he led a sheltered life within a Hasidic Jewish community. Immersed in the study of Yiddish and the Torah at an ultra-Orthodox religious school, he also spent time farming, tending to cows and fields near the historic Woodstock festival site. Isolated from television, radio, pop culture, and the outside world, Shlomo found himself pushing boundaries, dreaming, and yearning for more.

Shlomo's music and lyrics are poetic and refined yet straightforward and relatable. His voice, rich with depth and experience, expresses raw honesty and emotion, making each song intimate and unforgettable. There is a delicate balance of hopefulness and melancholy in every note he sings.

His latest album, Most People Are Lonely, is a testament to his journey. The 24-track album, recorded mostly live, captures a warm, authentic feel and showcases Shlomo's versatility while maintaining a cohesive sound. The title track, heartfelt and accessible, echoes the universal search for connection.

Shlomo's path to music was marked by moments of quiet rebellion. Despite his insulated upbringing, clandestine encounters with Bob Dylan's music alongside his father and fleeting notes from car radios sparked his passion. At 16, Shlomo left his ultra-Orthodox community to pursue life outside. His journey from the strict confines of his youth to the open road as a musician is as compelling as the songs he sings. Now based in Nashville, Shlomo continues to chase his dreams, creating music that resonates with listeners and reflects his unique experiences.

With a voice that reveals both the weight of his past and the promise of his future, Shlomo Franklin crafts songs that are both personal and universal. His story is one of transformation and self-discovery, and his music is a poignant reflection of that journey.

Jenny Don’t and Kelly Halliburton of Jenny Don’t and the Spurs grace today's episode of The Alt-Country Show. The group's impeccable style is as finely tuned as their blend of indie rock and traditional country, infused with a distinctive Western charm.
The band's sound is a combination of influences from their members, Jenny Don’t (vocals/guitar), Kelly Halliburton (bass), Christopher March (guitar), and Buddy Weeks (drums).
Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, they discuss their latest album Broken Hearted Blue, touring, making music videos, and their upcoming appearance at AmericanaFest this September.
Renowned for their extensive touring and unwavering commitment to authenticity in the Americana scene, Jenny and Kelly offer insights into their creative journey and the stories woven into their music.

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Alt-Country Show! Today, we are beyond thrilled to introduce a very special guest, a true gem in the music industry—Nicky Diamonds. Nicky isn’t just another talented musician; he’s a genuine soul whose moving voice, alluring guitar skills, and suave songwriting have completely captivated us and his ever-growing fanbase.

Drawing inspiration from family stories and church hymn books, Nicky’s heartfelt lyrics and clever melodies weave a compelling narrative that deeply resonates with audiences. His latest album release, ‘Perdido En La Salsa,’ showcases his incredible talent and has kept him busy on the road, performing numerous shows and winning over hearts across the country.

Our personal journey with Nicky began with his track “Tirame Un Paro,” and we knew immediately that we had to invite him to be a part of The Alt-Country Show(case). Since then, Nicky has skyrocketed to success in the Country, Americana, and Folk scenes, earning praise from both fellow artists and fans alike.

In today’s episode, we are also joined by a special guest host, the gifted songwriter Nathan K. Nathan, a Michigan-born artist now based in Nashville, brings you in with his melancholic yet hopeful music. Nathan spends his days recording, producing, and arranging strings for other artists while crafting his own poignant tunes.

Together, we dive deep into the making of ‘Perdido En La Salsa’ and get an exclusive sneak peek into some details of Nicky’s upcoming album. We chat about how we all met at The Alt-Country Show(case). We also discuss the incredible experience of recording in Willie Nelson’s legendary studio, and Nicky shares what it was like performing with the one and only Kermit the Frog.

Of course, in true Alt-Country Show fashion, we get off topic quite a bit, sharing lots of laughs and memorable moments. This podcast episode is full of love, good times, and the kind of candid conversation that makes Nicky Diamonds such a beloved figure in the music world.

Tune in and join us for an unforgettable chat with the incomparable @thenickydiamonds_ and our wonderful guest host, @nathankmusic! 💎