Musicians and Beyond Podcast Library
Buckle up and enjoy the ride as we take you on a tour through the music industry. Our guests span from multi platinum selling artists, emerging artists, and the people behind the scenes that make it all happen. Hear the ins-and-outs of the world of music as we ask all the questions everyone wants to know the answers to.
Episode 1
Eric Haines
We chat with our friend musician, singer & songwriter Eric Haines from his Nashville based studio. He shares stories from his musical journey, songwriting and inspirations that has shaped who is he. We talk about our last visit to Nashville where we saw his show at the Bluebird Cafe and where we were fortunate to sit down for dinner with Eric and his duo partner Jeff Batson. Buckle up it’s going to be a fun ride!
Episode 2
Erica Mantone
We sat down with Boston based singer Erica Mantone. Erica is well known for her session work and has developed quite a name for herself collaborating all across the Boston music scene. Erica is releasing her first album titled "I May Have Asked For This." Erica has a powerful voice that has drawn comparisons to the likes of Merry Clayton, Brandi Carlile, and Chaka Khan as well as the softer, sweeter tones of Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt.
Episode 3
Franciox Simard
Seatbelts are mandatory for this one! We were able to enjoy an in studio sit down with the multi-talented and quick witted Francoix Simard. His enthusiasm and passion emanates in his stories of songwriting and playing at thousands of venues . He reveals some interesting and impressive trivia including he has played for the Prime Minister of France. It is one action packed, quick paced interview with great info and funny stories. Enjoy!
Episode 4
Michael Gray
We were thrilled to have the opportunity to converse with Michael Gray. Michael is the drummer for Lee Brice. Obviously Lee and his group are experiencing a tremendous amount of success these past few years and Michael is a big part of that experience. We had the pleasure of meeting Michael down in Nashville with our friend Eric Haines. Michael and Eric were in a band together many moons ago but have been close friends ever since. Lee Brice and his band will be on tour very soon and we will be looking forward to seeing them play at the Hampton Beach Casino and Ballroom. Sit back, buckle up and enjoy the interview with Michael Gray.
Episode 5
Rachel Sumner
With songs as sweet and biting as the nectar and venom in her voice, Rachel Sumner has been captivating audiences throughout the northeast with her exciting new band Traveling Light. While their instrumentation and textures show roots deep in bluegrass and traditional folk music, Sumner's lyric-forward writing and penchant for snaking chord progressions demand something beyond folk conventions, highlighting the acrobatic range of her brilliant bandmates Kat Wallace (fiddle/harmonies), Ira Klein (acoustic guitar), and Mike Siegel (upright bass).
Sumner is no stranger to the stage. She spent her early career on the bluegrass circuit, singing and writing with the genre-bending Boston group Twisted Pine. Since setting out on her own, Sumner's songs have been critically acclaimed, winning the Lennon Award in the folk category of the 2021 John Lennon Songwriting Contest for her song "Radium Girls (Curie Eleison);" earning her a spot in the Kerrville New Folk Competition; and being chosen two consecutive years by WBUR/NPR as one of the top Massachusetts entries in the Tiny Desk Competition.Originally a classical flutist from the dusty Mojave desert, Sumner relocated from California to Boston a decade ago intending to study Composition and Film Scoring at Berklee College of Music. While at school, she found herself in the orbit of roots musicians like Molly Tuttle, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, and John Mailander who introduced her to a trove of traditional music, started her off with a few chords on the guitar, and encouraged her to write her own songs. In the short time since, Rachel has become one of the most vital voices in Boston's thriving roots music scene. Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light will release their debut LP in the summer of 2022.
Episode 10
Joe Pessia
Just A Guy From Westborough! Joe Pessia comes in studio and triggers every emotion possible. This talented singer, songwriter, musician and teacher walks us through his life timeline of slinging newspapers to pay for his first electric guitar, playing in front of 20,000 fans at at time and even getting a personal phone call from legendary Queen member Brian May. The list of his accomplishments include being a member of Tantric, Drama Gods, Hurtsmile, Steelheart and Dark Desert Eagles. Joe has shared the stage with greats like Perry Farrell of Janes Addiction, George Lynch of Dokken, Michael Anthony of Van Halen, Warren DeMartini of Ratt and Mike Mangini of Dream Theater. Joe has opened for icons Like Carlos Santana, Bret Michaels, Alice In Chains, Sammy Hagar, Jeff Beck, YES and Judas Priest. Joe attributes his music inspiration to his late brother Matt, who was recently taken by the Covid virus.
