In this episode, we sit down with independent country and Americana artist Levi Foster to break down his authentic, unique funky country sound. Levi shares the wild story behind his upcoming track "Circle K Sushi," growing up in the Appalachian bluegrass scene, and what it was like recording in LA with legendary producer Shooter Jennings.

For independent artists navigating the modern music industry, Levi gives a raw look at surviving the Nashville music scene as an independent artist, the reality of music streaming payouts, and his clever trick for sneaking original songs into cover sets. He also talks about preserving storytelling nuance in an era of shrinking social media attention spans and why keeping humor alive in music matters.

About Levi Foster:

What happens when you mix a classic country twang with a 1970s funk groove? You get Levi Foster.

Levi Foster is an independent country and Americana singer-songwriter who grew up in Rustburg, Virginia, picking up the guitar at age 13 and spending his early years playing in bluegrass jam circles. After performing across his home state and opening for legacy acts like Vince Gill and Trace Adkins, he moved to Nashville in January 2023 and initially lived out of his van to focus completely on his songwriting.

His original material quickly earned him a publishing deal, leading to a debut album in 2025 and an opportunity to perform as direct support on Oliver Anthony’s "Out Of The Woods" tour. His sophomore album, Appalachian Funk Tree, was recorded with producer Shooter Jennings at Sunset Sound in Hollywood and is scheduled for release in October 2026.

Levi Foster on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4aebUA6

Levi Foster on Apple Music: https://bit.ly/4wRljaN

Levi Foster on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3RvIw25

Pre-Save ‘Appalachian Funk Tree’: https://bit.ly/3RqAaZD

Levi Foster on Band Groupeez: https://bandgroupeez.com/musicians/levi-foster

#countrymusic #independentartist #artistinterview #musicpodcast

In this episode, host Brad Banyas sits down with actor, director, screenwriter, and musician Steven Martini to pull back the curtain on his 30-year journey through Hollywood. Steven shares his entrance into the film industry as Cadet Alex Stone in 90s hit movie Major Payne and breaks down his newest, handmade indie film, Bittersweet, which has just been released in Brazil.

Brad and Steven take a blunt look at the current state of entertainment, discussing the WGA and SAG strikes , the tedious reality of AI tools like LLMs and Suno , and why the world needs the "rebel mentality" and true human connection now more than ever.

About Steven Martini:

Steven Martini is a multi-talented actor, screenwriter, director, and musician who first broke into Hollywood in the mid-1990s, starring as Cadet Alex Stone in the cult classic comedy film Major Payne. Following a prominent role as a rookie undercover cop on the NBC prime-time series Prince Street, he pivoted behind the scenes and channeled his industry earnings into writing his own independent scripts.

In 2026, he released his latest independent feature, Bittersweet, a raw, poignant, and theatrical film based on a real-life legal nightmare that he wrote, produced, edited, and starred in alongside his family.Driven by a signature "rebel mentality" and a dedication to genuine human storytelling, Martini consistently rejects Hollywood boxes and apathologized labels.

Steven Martini on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven_martini/

Steven Martini’s New Film “Bittersweet”: http://bit.ly/4wLqaKE

We sat down with Tommy Dorfman, AKA “The Man Who Took On Live Nation,” to discuss the secret tactics Live Nation uses to control the live music industry. We dive deep into the ongoing Live Nation antitrust case and DOJ trial, revealing the predatory fees and rent-splitting that fuels Live Nation's control of ticket pricing.

Tommy also touches on recent whistleblower allegations of fraudulent accounting, wiping out local competition and shares his 16-year battle against Live Nation's shady business practices and the grassroots movement to reclaim a fair, independent music scene.

About Tommy Dorfman:

Tommy Dorfman is the CEO of Juice Entertainment, bringing over 20 years of experience as a prominent music promoter in the New Jersey and New York club scenes. A pioneer in the EDM space, he was organizing large-scale EDM festivals before shifting his focus to a long-term legal battle challenging monopolistic practices within the live music industry.

Through Juice Entertainment, Dorfman continues his legal battle and advocate for independent artists and venues, utilizing his extensive industry knowledge to fight for a more equitable and transparent entertainment landscape.

Timestamps

00:00 Tommy Dorfman's Rise in EDM
04:52 The Battle Against Live Nation
07:53 Understanding the Live Nation Monopoly
10:48 The Impact on Independent Promoters
13:43 The DOJ Case Against Live Nation
16:40 The Future of Live Nation and Ticketmaster
19:42 Empowering Local Music Scenes
23:19 The Impacts on Independent Artists
26:29 How Corporate Greed Impacts Live Music
29:23 Reviving Local Music Scenes
33:17 The Hard Work Behind Promotion
37:44 The Unifying Power of Music

#musicindustry #livenation #livemusic

We spent some time with emerging songwriter Keira King at the Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival to hear about her journey from Wisconsin to Nashville’s music scene. Keira weaves us through her country-inspired songwriting process, offers advice for aspiring songwriters, and details how her authentic storytelling craft is shaping her career.

About Keira King:

Keira King is an emerging songwriter known for her soulful storytelling and captivating live performances. With a sound rooted in authenticity, she has quickly made a name for herself in the independent music scene, performing at intimate venues like The Inkwell Art Bar. Her talent earned her a featured spot at the 2025 & 2026 Fernandina Songwriters Festival, where she shared the stage with other acclaimed artists and songwriters.

Beyond the festival circuit, Keira continues to connect with audiences through her original compositions and regular touring schedule. Whether performing solo or in collaborative songwriter rounds, she remains dedicated to the craft of songwriting and the power of a well-told story.

Keep up with Keira’s career at the links below:

Keira King Online: https://www.keirakingmusic.com/

Keira King on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keiramking/

Keria King’s Links: https://beacons.ai/keiraking

We sat down with singer-songwriter Aaron Lane at the Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival to discuss his unique path into songwriting, choosing Asheville over Nashville, and his musical influences. Aaron provides his insights on creating meaningful lyrics, blending genres, and the importance of staying true to your artistic voice.

About Aaron Lane:

Originally from Waycross, Georgia, Aaron Lane is an Asheville-based singer-songwriter who draws from a diverse musical upbringing rooted in gospel and bluegrass. His versatile sound, which he describes as a mix of folk, rock, and "swamp blues," is heavily influenced by his move to the Appalachian mountains and a wide range of artists from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Led Zeppelin.

A meticulous lyricist who often spends years perfecting a single song, Lane released his four-song EP, Wayward, on April 20th, 2026. Beyond his own writing, he champions the local music scene through his "Asheville Underground" social media project, where he films and highlights fellow musicians. He performs frequently across Asheville and Fernandina Beach, building a reputation for music that seeks to forge a deep, emotional connection with his audience.

Follow Aaron at the links below:

Aaron Lane Online: https://www.musicbyaaronlane.com/

Aaron Lane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronlanemusic

Aaron Lane on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Qy2xpagQefTIQ8QdlSWHn

Aaron’s new EP “Wayward”: https://open.spotify.com/album/09KBarrrsDYsLDg3POWHkB?si=8YB7M7y0Td6WxiwCXuGNrg

Asheville Underground on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avlunderground/

Join us for a conversation with Rob Ragosta at the Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival to hear about his story from a young punk musician making the rounds on the Warped Tour to a prominent Nashville songwriter. Rob dives into the power of community in music, the resurgence of punk and country music, and the impact of AI on the music industry landscape.

About Rob Ragosta:

Born and raised in Long Island, Rob Ragosta is a versatile songwriter specializing in song concepts, topline, and song finishing. He developed his musical roots touring with pop-punk bands and has recently achieved significant success as a co-writer of Jelly Roll’s multi-genre hit "Need A Favor," which made history by reaching #1 at both Country and Active Rock radio. His impressive roster of cuts also includes Jelly Roll’s “Winning Streak” and collaborations with artists such as YA’BOYZ and John Robert Hall.

Keep up with Rob’s career at the links below:

Rob Ragosta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robragosta/

We sat down with singer-songwriter Macy Dot at the Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival to discuss her path from child performer to attending Belmont University and entering the Nashville country music scene. Macy takes us through her insights on staying true to her artistic vision while navigating the complex music industry, the importance of support systems, and how she balances her passion with personal growth.

About Macy Dot:

Macy Dot is a charismatic singer-songwriter originally from Austin, Texas, who is now making her mark in the Nashville music scene. A recent graduate of Belmont University’s prestigious songwriting program, she has earned significant acclaim, including being named the 2023 BMI Dolly Parton Songwriting Award recipient and the 2020 TCMA Young Artist of the Year.

Known for her classic country voice and modern-day persona, Macy has graced iconic stages such as SXSW, the Bluebird Café, and the Houston Rodeo. Her music, highlighted by her debut single "Hot Mess," is celebrated for its authenticity and relatable storytelling. With an unwavering work ethic and a unique sense of style, she continues to establish herself as a vibrant trendsetter in the country music industry.

Follow Macy’s career at the links below:

Macy Dot Online: https://www.macydot.com/

Macy Dot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macydot/

Macy Dot on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5NOATWwxxFyGYZl1gwGIqp

Macy Dot on Band Groupeez: https://bandgroupeez.com/musicians/macy-dot

#songwriter #songwriting #musician

We spent some time with Dawson Whitefield at the Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival to hear about his music-obsessed upbringing and recent rise as a musician, songwriter, and performer. Dawson takes us through the importance of community and divine timing in the music world, balancing performance and behind-the-scenes work, and the influence of blues and rock on his craft.

About Dawson Whitefield:

Dawson Whitefield is a Georgia-born musician and songwriter who developed his passion for the guitar in middle school and later honed his craft while playing for his church and throughout college. Now based in Fernandina Beach, Florida, he is an active member of the local music scene, performing multiple nights a week and collaborating with artists like Caitlin Rogers and a member of Andria Shinn & The Loyal Souls. Dawson plans to release a five-song EP in 2026, and currently thrives in the "side pocket," contributing rhythm and lead guitar to other artists' projects.

Keep up with Dawson at the links below:

Dawson Whitefield on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawson.whitefield/

Dawson Whitefield’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Dawsonwhitefield

#songwriting #songwriter #musician