The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 8/19 - Luke Windland / Kyle Lacy Band
2024-08-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Luke Windland is a singer-songwriter from Covington, KY, USA. His focus is on staying authentic by layering folk with blues, americana, bluegrass and hip hop. His goal is to create an organically unique sound experience for his audience.

Kyle Lacy is a guitarist and singer from Atlanta, Georgia and was born in 1990; however, his time machine made a quick refueling stop in 1956 and he was quickly infected with the DNA that gave birth to Rock’n’Roll.

With his original rockabilly band, Harlem River Noise, he developed a blues and soul driven guitar and vocal style that has been the cornerstone of his songwriting. After 2 years of full-time touring, and after performing at the legendary Rockabilly festival Viva Las Vegas in 2019, he came back to NYC and formed the Kyle Lacy Band. His debut album “The Road to Tomorrow” was released in 2020 by Brooklyn-based Dala Records. The album was described as “A fine mix of soul, blues, gospel and rock ‘n’ roll that deserves a larger audience” (AddtoWantlist), and the single “Low and Slow” earned multiple spins on The Craig Charles Funk and Soul show (BBC).
Kyle is currently the musical director and touring guitarist for the Harlem Gospel Travelers (Colemine Records). He also has cheekbones for days and hair that Elvis stole (remember that time machine?) His 2nd solo album, Pleasurecraft, is available everywhere, and most Saturdays, you can find him performing with the KLB on vocals and guitar at their residency: Club Groove in the West Village of NYC. His record label, Lacy Records, has released albums by singer songwriter Warren Malone and Mel and the Tall Boys. A new EP by Gibson Malone is in the works.
He also teaches voice and guitar at his studio in Harlem, NYC. Prior to entering the music world, he was a professional actor and worked in the shows Buddy:The Buddy Holly Story and Pump Boys and Dinettes at regional theatres: Alhambra, Gateway Playhouse, Ogunquit Playhouse, The MUNY, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 8/20 - Jake Gray / Kirk Fleta
2024-08-20 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Jake Gray has been writing songs since he picked up his first guitar at ten years old. His style is a crossbreed of Rock and Americana. It is the country rock sounds of the Eagles, meets the storytelling of John Hiatt, with a slice of Foo Fighters attitude.​​
Jake has a gift for storytelling through song – each song tells a story coupled with a catchy hook that you’ll find yourself humming afterwards.​
Jake is an American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP) artist, songwriter, and producer and publishes music under his Trailer Trash Records label. He is currently recording his 7th full length album, cleverly titled, “Jake’s Rock Album”, due in 2024.

East Tennessee’s Own Kirk Fleta joins us today for the WDVX Blue Plate Special.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 8/21 - Donna Frost
2024-08-21 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Donna Frost is a traveling troubadour with decades of performing and touring experience. Expertly weaving folk, blues and pop, she creates memorable concerts that champion the human spirit. She logs thousands of miles each year, performing across the U.S., solo and with her band. With over 300 songs in her catalog and ten albums, her music has received airplay, charted and garnered awards worldwide. Recently, Donna won the Mississippi Music Foundation Best Americana Artist award in April 2023. She has performed a tribute to the late Skeeter Davis at Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony; and has performed live on Chicago WGN TV. Giving back to the community, she is an active performer with Music for Seniors, “Musicians on Call” and “Songs of Love.” She is endorsed by Kamoa Ukuleles and Luna Guitars; and is an ambassador for True Joy Acoustics which donates ukuleles to pediatric hospitals for music therapy programs across the country. Her latest album The Beautiful Unseen is a collaboration with her longtime friend Jack Howell, and recorded in Joshua Tree, CA.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 8/22 - Dylan Taylor / Tiffany Williams & Dalton Mills
2024-08-22 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Born in Atlanta, GA, but raised in Nashville from the age of 11, Dylan Taylor has unapologetically explored herself as an artist/writer on the stages of Music City while growing into the artist she is today. Dylan credits her writing ability and style primarily to her father, Karl Braun, (formerly a rock singer/songwriter now turned entertainment attorney), and singer/songwriter, Harley Allen. Harley ended up being her father’s best friend when they got to town.
Dylan also credits her own life which has already been filled with the experiences that inspire classic songs. Most of which have to do with the world of mental illness and addiction, something she’d been exposed to and in turn, learned to navigate at a younger age than most. She later survived her own rock bottom and found herself in recovery at age 20 while in the middle of her first pub deal, her first tour dates and shortly after releasing her first EP.
Dylan’s next 2 projects were described as dark, moody, almost disturbing but with undeniably unique and masterful lyrics set to melodies that crossed genres enough to become her own thing. This difference became one of her greatest qualities but also her biggest frustration. As she grew as an artist, and Nashville began to change, it seemed harder and harder to find an established industry place to call home; people didn’t understand Dylan and Dylan didn’t understand why they wouldn’t try. So she abandoned the path she’d grown up watching her friends travel (and expected to travel herself) for a path guaranteed to be more difficult, but which would allow her to be herself and, as she would say, “make for better writing material.”
That decision lead her through a multitude of good and bad situations that seemed to shape her into somewhat of a Nashville music industry rebel, pushing the limits with her lyrics and subject matter, while also refusing to adjust her naturally unique appearance at all. Like any true artist, you can hear Dylan’s journey in her music and feel her passion when you see her perform live. She released two singles in 2018, “Sarah Dreaming” and “Get High,” and then went on to release a full 6 song EP with 3 music videos and a movie like trailer, calling the project “Keep Wondering” in 2019. She organized an EP release event that September and debuted her new band Hippie Speedball which became her main focus for 2020.
The group recorded and released a total of 5 songs in 2020 with 2 music videos, “Fuck The Police,” “People 2020,” “Don’t Think Twice,” “Trouble,” and what Dylan likes to call their Christmas song, “Acid Rain.” 2021 didn’t slow her or the band down. The band now plays every other Monday at Betty’s Grill in Nashville with road dates sprinkled throughout their tour schedule. They also released 3 new songs; “Good For Wreckin” “Best Shit Around” and “Stereo Type.” They’re working on a music video now.

Tiffany Williams is a Singer-Songwriter & Fiction Writer from Appalachian Kentucky.
Dalton Mills is from Middlesboro, KY. He writes songs and sings ‘em.

The WDVX Big Plate - 8/23 - Michael Reno Harrell
2024-08-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Barley’s, 200 East Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915, United States
Michael Reno Harrell is an award winning songwriter, a published author, a nationally known storyteller and a visual artist. And he’s from the Southern Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina where all those things are as much a part of life as breathing. Michael’s talents in the aforementioned Fields have taken him to forty-four states and several foreign countries over his over Fifty plus year career. His work is based in life experiences that reflect the culture of his mountain roots, which go back eight generations. But, Michael’s stories, songs and artworks reflect not only the southern experience, but also American’s story. His work, in whichever form it may take, all comes down to one thing…story.
One could compare Michael’s performances to his granddaddy’s pocket knife: well worn and familiar feeling, but razor sharp and with a point. His brand of entertainment appeals to a very diverse audience.
Michael’s natural knack for storytelling, in print, song and spoken word has earned him praise from not only the music community but from the literary and storytelling worlds as well, having had the honor of being a Featured Teller at the National Storytelling Festival and to be Teller In Residence at the International Storytelling Center, as well as performing at major music events like MerleFest and the Walnut Valley Festival. Along with his performances, Michael often conducts workshops in songwriting and storytelling as well.
His humor and wit, as well as the emotional depth of his work, keep his fan base growing and staying tuned in for whatever comes next. Don’t miss the chance to experience what those faithful fans keep returning again and again to enjoy.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 8/24 - Phillip Lammonds / Los Swamp Monsters
2024-08-24 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Phillip Lammonds
Decades after carving out the reputation of a songwriter’s songwriter – a dedicated country tunesmith with as much poetic skill as commercial common sense – he’d settled in to his role as a behind-the-scenes hit maker paid to do what he loves … and if he’s honest, that was enough.
Combining an insightful creative spirit with a love of Southern sonic tradition (and a bit of meandering good ol’ boy whimsy), his world revolved around the twin poles of penning tunes in Nashville, and then heading home to fish and raise a family. But even so, the results were undeniable. Success came with cuts by Hootie & the Blowfish (“One Love”), Lee Brice (“Best Part of Me,” “My Carolina”), Craig Morgan (“Love Loves a Long Night”) and many others, and over the years, many of those collaborators had turned into close friends. Best of all, he didn’t have any of the hassle that came with being an “artist.” No interviews. No travel. No ego driven power struggles. … No drama.
Looking back now, it’s actually kind of impressive he pulled it off for so long. But after more than 4,000 songs and decades of under-the-radar appreciation, Lammonds has been pushed out his shadowy comfort zone. The rootsy-yet-refined Cowboy Things marks his long overdue album debut – and the rare moment an unsung hero steps up to the mic.
He blames it all on Brice, the multi-Platinum country star (and good buddy) who became the project’s producer. The two had a brotherhood born of shared loves – songwriting and the outdoors – and Brice had cut many of the songs he and Lammonds co-penned together. Then he decided to turn the tables.
“I just hadn’t done [my own album] because I didn’t want be that guy,” Lammonds explains. “I didn’t want to be in the spotlight or in the middle of it – because I was feeling pretty cool where I was. It was like ‘You’re the racehorse, I’m the jockey’ [laughs] … But Lee is like Santa Claus. I mean it.” He may see the project as a personal gift, but it’s everyone else who gets to enjoy it.
Inspired by “the big three” – Randy Newman, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Bill Monroe – the North Carolina native began his career with a homespun Americana roots outfit called The Blue Dogs. By the ‘90s he was in South Carolina, and began visiting Nashville for regular writing sessions. Scoring cuts with everyone from country hitmakers like Kip Moore and Josh Turner to progressive bluegrass stalwarts like The Infamous Stringdusters and Steep Canyon Rangers, he did it for the love of the craft, and other milestones followed. Charity fundraisers, a gig as the host of the Hope Town Rum Music Festival in the Bahamas – even an ongoing songwriting series on Instagram, the BedHead Sessions.
By 2017 Lammonds was in Music City full time and writing 150 songs each year … with no thoughts of messing with the gravy train. But in 2021, Cowboy Things began to coalesce – pulled together by a bit of cosmic magic and his pushy friends. As Lammonds recalls, Brice had just finished building a home studio at his Tennessee farm, and wanted to start producing. All he needed was a guinea pig to break it in, and luckily, he knew a guy. One with insightful vision and authentic style, who’d never been put in the spotlight.
“I said, ‘Look Lee, I’m not ready to do that. I’m flattered, but I don’t know,’” Lammonds explains. “And he said, ‘Fuck yeah you are. Let’s do it.’ He just pushed me over that edge and made it too easy.”
Meanwhile, Lammonds had a friend on the industry side who’d been standing by for just such a moment, and she jumped at the news. Then, days after Lammonds reluctantly agreed, another longtime buddy called to say he was retiring – and that all he wanted to do was make a record for his friend, just like they always dreamed. Suddenly the tunesmith had production, promotion and proceeds all lined up, without even trying.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Cowboy Things came out with that same sense of ease.
Choosing 11 heartfelt, plainspoken tracks from across his career, Lammonds shows off his well-established penchant for worldly wisdom and casual country-boy flair – boiling the big picture down to bitesized chunks of unadorned truth, and featuring his A-list group of friends. Along with Brice, Darius Rucker, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and even actor Bill Murray get involved, all helping showcase Lammonds’ unique spark in unfiltered style.
“This album is everything I can’t write for radio,” he says with a laugh.
Recorded live over two laid-back days in Brice’s new space, dubbed Pumphouse Studio for its rustic barn setting, the set also comes with a loose, organic sound – and the weathered (but tender) vocal of a million songs sung. Working in full takes and without a click track, each tune started off with Lammonds’ voice and guitar, and was then filled out with an earthy, “red dirt gypsy wagon” arrangement courtesy of the Klien Brothers and their musical wizardry. It ebbs and flows with a down-home vibe perfect for the country songs of a “brand new” artist, who has nevertheless seen it all.
“It feels like it [was recorded] in your den,” Lammonds describes. “I didn’t know that’s what we were doing, and I didn’t know that’s what would happen. But when it did happen, I guess I’d have to admit that I love it.”
Imparting each song with playful passion, the set begins with an inclusive opener full of empathy, as country star and Hootie & The Blowfish front man Darius Rucker jumps in on the serene “Love Is Love.” Co-written with Hannah Dasher and Tiffany Gross, it’s a colorful, matter-of-fact anthem of diversity – and a slow build of country, rock and roots spirit. Rucker drenches his verse with effortless South Carolina soul, offering a stunning intro to a no-nonsense project.
“I know Darius would come running if I was going to fight, and that’s what he did,” Lammonds says. “I just turned him loose. And it’s real honest. I love the message in that one.”
Likewise, ‘90s hit maker Pam Tillis adds a touch of open-road optimism to the well-traveled country rocker, “Forever Ain’t That Far Away,” and the honesty often comes from enlightening everyday circumstance. The reflective “Cowboy Things,” for example, was inspired by his young son’s Halloween costume, and ends up following an old rough rider not long for the trail, taking comfort in the things that make us feel alive. Meanwhile, Lammonds relates a gritty tale of rural realism in the brooding “Hell’s Kitchen” – a based-on-a-true story opus of modern day moonshiners, going too far in meeting their dry county’s black-market demands. That one features ZZ Top front man Billy Gibbons on a devilish lap steel.
Not to be outdone, “Supposed to Fall In Love” was penned with Bill Murray, the legendary actor who’d never written a song, but always wanted to. After attending The Blue Dogs’ annual show in Charleston (and hearing “Love Is Love”), Murray figured Lammonds was the guy to learn from – and their quiet contemplation on romantic destiny is just another example of why this album needed to happen. The stories are just too good.
Others like “Coffee Black” strut with simple-life soul and a rusty sense of tried-and-true pride. “Light at the End of the Tunnel” buzzes with bluesy distortion, a timeless story of hard-times hustle. And “Train of Tomorrow” rolls on with steady forward momentum and a rootsy Americana sound, an encouraging reminder to keep your bags packed, for nothing in this life lasts long.
In many ways, that may be a fair shorthand for this album as a whole. Lammonds didn’t see this coming. And he isn’t trying to get famous – but he does intend to enjoy the ride.
“It’s been cathartic, and I don’t feel like it’s the last time I’m going to do it,” he says. “I think that’s the point. Worrying about what everybody thinks of me? That never mattered. But making a record is a good feeling. And I like doing it so much.”

Formed in 2012 by frontman and multi-instrumentalist C.J. Benoit, Los Swamp Monsters is an eclectic and electric band that fuses Rock and Roll, Cajun, Blues, Tejano, Soul, Zydeco, Honky-Tonk and Swamp Pop for a unique sound that’s right at home in the Cowboy Bars, Juke Joints, and Punk Clubs where they cut their teeth as they are at the Street Festivals and Stages alongside both icons like DC Blues legends the Nighthawks, Alt-Country hero Jason Ringenberg, Gulf Coast icon Nick Gaitan (Los Skarnales, Umbrella Man, Billy Joe Shaver) and Art Punk icons Half Japanese to up and coming artists like Marshall Falcon, Catfish Seminar, Shantelle and the Juke Joint Band, Andi Jane & the Honky-Tonk Cabaret, Tennessee Troubadour Rabblers, Blackwater Down, and more . . . and with fans and friends including Wild Bill Perkins (Rumen Ramos & the Mexican Revolution), Shawn Sahm (Texas Tornados, Shawn Sahm and Friends), and Randy Lee Ashcraft, the boys are showing no sign of slowing down!​
Los Swamp Monsters also has appeared in the Studio too, being one of the first (if not the first) Tex-Mex band to record at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL, joining such icons such as Aretha Franklin, Duane Allman, Wilson Pickett, and Jason Isbell as well as releasing live bootlegs independently on livestreaming and Bandcamp (their most recent streaming bootleg, Live in Texas, is compiled from the five-record series available on Bandcamp, recorded live on their January tour of the Lone Star State joining a studio record, two eps, a single and three full-length bootlegs . . . not bad for an independent band) and achieved chart success in France and Belgium and Radio play as far out as Australia!​
But LSM’s sound isn’t some run-of-the-mill sound. Fusing Saxophone, Harmonicas, Maracas, and the occasional Rubboard as well as C.J.’s trusty Hohner Accordions alongside Rock and roll Guitars, Bass, and Drums, the band’s “Swamp Tejano Boogie” sound brings comparisons to the Texas Tornados, NRBQ, and the Grateful Dead. If you’re looking for a rockin’ good time, Los Swamp Monsters is here!

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 8/26 - Shayla McDaniel
2024-08-26 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Shayla McDaniel is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer crafting guitar-driven indie pop to soundtrack your life. The Knoxville, TN-based artist’s music has been featured in MTV’s “Siesta Key,” Disney+ “Big Shot,” The CW’s “Nancy Drew” and retail and dining spaces around the world.
The laid back artist’s honeyed vocals and indie pop-rock hit that sweet spot between major and minor tonalities with a pan-genre appeal. Pristine vocals, breezy pop grooves, big hooks, and soaring melodies contribute to her pop allure and soulful, guitar-driven alt-rock sensibility.
In a short period of time, the young artist has garnered prime accolades. She has opened for Joy Oladokun, performed at Rhythm N’ Blooms Music Festival with the likes of Young the Giant, Dave Barnes, Gogol Bordello, Birds of Chicago, and others; Sunset on Central; Dogwood Arts Festival; the Waynestock Festival; Women in Jazz Jam Festival; and live on-air at WUTK 90.3 FM, WDVX 89.9 FM, and WOZO 103.9 FM, among others. Shayla has been in Knoxville Music Warehouse’s Top 16 song charts; been voted by fans as Knoxville’s Favorite Band; won numerous Knoxville Music Awards; and earned prestigious awards nominations from CityView Magazine and Knoxnews.
Shayla’s catalog is vast, however, several recurring themes surface, thematically as well as musically. The tracks showcase her purposeful and generous songwriting skills—she’s a boldly vulnerable and expressive writer who never hides behind vagueness.
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“I process my feelings through my songs,” Shayla divulges. “Sometimes, I start off feeling confused or neutral, and I let the music take me away. In my songs there are recurring themes of loving others, loving yourself, and mental health. I feel like if you look after yourself, you’ll be equipped to take care of others. I struggle with depression, and now that I have more of a platform, I want to share my story and shine a light on mental health issues,” she says.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 8/27 - Connor Daly / EmiSunshine
2024-08-27 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
“If you didn’t know the name Connor Daly before, that ends today. The 25-year old Virginia native just dropped his debut album, Colors Fade, a collection of lived-in tunes about love, heartache and the hues of emotion that shade our lives. The dozen-track release marks a long time coming for the singer-songwriter, who has, for years, been honing his song-spinning craft… What has resulted is an album full of honest and intuitive songs, many stripped bare to let their gripping words take hold… Daly flexes his skills across the entire release, deftly traversing weighty themes and artfully weaving personal experiences into striking sing-alongs that not only resonate but seem to understand.” – Holler

EmiSunshine is one of East Tennessee’s Own. A Singer Songwriter, Musician, Producer, Tiny Art Artist, Tiny Shop Owner and she tours solo & with her Family Band.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 8/28 - Ash Taylor / Troy Castellano
2024-08-28 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
It has been said by many that Ash Taylor is the most hardworking, down to earth girl you will Ever meet. Growing Up in her hometown of Bakersfield, California she was heavily influenced by artists like Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Brandy Clark, and Gretchen Wilson. After her growing interest in the music industry led to a friendship with hit songwriter Clay Mills (“Don’t Think I don’t Think About it” by Darius Rucker), she made a difficult and life-changing decision to sell everything she owned, Jump on a plane, and move across the country to Nashvile, Tennessee to pursue her dreams.​
From sleeping on couches and even in her car to long nights playing in the Honky Tonks of Nashville’s lower broadway or touring the country playing Bars She began to craft her career one stage and one fan at a time. Since The beginning of This journey she has been Working Consistently In The Writing Rooms On Music Row. As a result She Has had Songs recorded By Multiple Artists Including A&E TV Star & Average Joe’s Recording Artist Big Smo, Warner Chapel Recording Artist Ryan Larkins, Country Artist Noah Smith, Guitar Legend Johnny Hiland & More.

Troy Castellano is a multifaceted country artist, songwriter, and passionate advocate for music education. With a career that spans genres and decades, Troy has carved out a unique space in the music industry, blending the raw energy of rock with the heartfelt storytelling of country music. His journey is a testament to his versatility, dedication, and unwavering love for music.
Born and raised in Minnesota, Troy Castellano discovered his passion for music at an early age. Influenced by the rock sounds of the ’70s and ’80s, he quickly became proficient in guitar, developing a style that would later define his sound. Troy’s early years were marked by his deep dive into the world of rock, where he honed his craft, both as a musician and a songwriter.
Troy’s early music career saw him making waves in the rock scene, where he had the opportunity to open for legendary bands like Cheap Trick, Styx, Black Oak Arkansas, Warrant, Slaughter, and Firehouse. These experiences allowed him to refine his stage presence and connect with diverse audiences. His talent also led to a significant collaboration with Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee on the Methods of Mayhem album in 2010, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and skilled musician.
In the years that followed, Troy’s musical journey took a turn towards country music. Relocating to Tennessee, he immersed himself in the rich traditions of country songwriting, bringing with him the energy and authenticity he had cultivated in the rock world. His music, characterized by catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, quickly resonated with country fans. Troy’s ability to blend rock’s edge with country’s storytelling has made him a standout artist in the genre.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 8/29 - Kyran Daniel
2024-08-29 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Guitarist, Composer, Producer and Musical Director, Kyran Daniel began his career performing alongside Grammy Nominee Tommy Emmanuel on stages spanning the globe. His debut album ‘Per Se’ became a highly influential work in the acoustic guitar world, opening the door to his attendance of the prestigious Berklee College of Music studying under the greatest songwriting & production professors in contemporary music.
Following his time at Berklee, Kyran focussed on the roles of songwriter & producer for a cohort of Australian artists including G Flip, Gretta Ray, and Kingswood. His diverse musical palette and superlative musicianship saw him fast become one of Australia’s finest studio talents, and a go-to for artists & labels domestically & abroad, with credits including Gretta Ray’s ARIA Nominated Album ‘Begin To Look Around’ (EMI), G Flip’s #1 ARIA Charting Album ‘Drummer’ (4x ARIA Nominated), and Australian & European tours and televised performances with legendary rock group Kingswood.
2022 saw Kyran return to his most authentic musical form as a solo artist, with sold-out concerts including the opening of ‘The Picasso Century’ at NGV International, and a triumphant return to European and American stages alongside mentor Tommy Emmanuel.
Kyran is currently completing his renaissance solo album amidst a string of 2023 European performances. Expect a new chapter of emotive compositions drawing upon rich global influences, cinematic soundscapes, and virtuosic performances from the heart.
Kyran is a Member of The Recording Academy, Los Angeles Chapter.

The WDVX Big Plate - 8/30 - Wasted Major
2024-08-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Barley’s, 200 East Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915, United States
Wasted Major burst onto the scene in 2021 as their first show was to an over capacity crowd of over 500 in Knoxville, TN, where the 6 of them met in college. Since then, they’ve been entertaining all sorts of audiences playing the music they love most. Their genre is difficult to narrow, as their songwriting is rooted in sounds from country music, soul, classic and southern rock, and many more. Lively performances at bars and parties, riverboats and rooftops, and Nashville’s lower Broadway have spread their soulful, positive vibes to growing audiences. Having multiple vocalists and a broad range of instrumentation has allowed them to capture a variety of sounds. Wasted Major appeals to a wide variety of tastes, and brings a modern but rooted, rocking vibe that never fails to entertain.
The group consists of frontmen & vocalists Tim Jones on acoustic, Simon Heeran on lead/rhythm guitar, & Richie Miller on bass. The natural chemistry between the 3 allows for creative songwriting and ‘Eagles’esque harmonies. The group isn’t complete without beautiful guitar leads from Connor Hatala and sweet sounds out of keyboardist Andre Bucks.
Summer of 2021 found the band recording in Inglehood Studios with producer Cowboy Keith Thompson in Nashville, and in January of 2023 they recorded at Wild Road Recording with Max Rubel. Since then, they have released their first 4 original songs on all streaming platforms that are being listened, danced, and sung to by many.
They have recently returned from their first tour across the pond in Europe, where they ventured into Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands with the mission of spreading their unique sound to new, curious ears. There, they were met with much love and awe, as crowds and venues have begged them back to rock the continent a second time. On that account, wasted major will be returning to europe in the fall of 2024.
the band is now based in Nashville, TN, rocking lower broad sunday through wednesday and touring the southeast on the weekends, but they continue to rock around the world, scheduling tours local and abroad. Be sure to catch a show in a town near you.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 8/31 - Darrell Wallace and Kevin Mahoney / Maddie & Jordan McCullough
2024-08-31 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Darrell Wallace is a 10 time award nominee and an international award winning singer songwriter from East Tennessee. His dynamic style engages audiences where ever he plays. He is a member of the International Singer Songwriters’ Association and the Tennessee Songwriters’ Association. After meandering through a couple of states and several cities, he headed to Nashville. He found himself as one of the up and coming writers with numerous appearances at the Bluebird Cafe. Nashville never found a niche for Darrell’s eclectic style. However, in 2023 he was awarded Musician of The Year by Fairplay Country Music Awards and in July of the same year, Darrell had his first #1 co-write for the song Hope Wins (Independent Music Chart) .​
Darrell’s early musical influences were Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Steve Earle and all of the Out Law Country folks, Waylon, Willie, etc. Today he is living the dream (the life of a rock star), playing venues throughout the south, parts of the north and Europe!! His music is mixed with sounds of Folk, Americana and Country Rock(ish). He currently lives in Spring City, TN writing songs, playing music and loving life on the lake with his amazing wife!!!
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Kevin Mahoney is a powerful singer and songwriter gifted with the rare ability to speak to the soul with his expressive and poignant lyrics.
With a career spanning 20 years, the versatility of his music touches genres of folk, rock, soul, folk funk and somehow all these still cannot define the spirit of his music. Festivals, Radio, TV & proud of the partnerships made with endorsements from pedal & pick companies helping to round out his talents while enhancing his welcoming & supportive nature to all he comes in contact with.
He has created his own style and reputation as a mesmerizing live performer and stands in his own light. A unique talent driven by passion, social awareness and love for his trade, his music manages to empower and speak for the many. He’s a jaw dropping guitar player who has developed a unique percussive style, teamed up with a powerful show stopping voice.
Concerned with making music that is relevant and vital to his audience, he engages with challenging narratives tackling the complexity of the human condition underpinned with a promise of hope.​
There is a versatility to Kevin’s music that is hard to categorize. Many have tried, resulting in labels such as Folk, Rock, Soul, Folk Funk and Americana; all of which somehow miss the mark. But sometimes music doesn’t need a defining genre and with the ability to articulate a sense of the bigger picture.​
Kevin’s music and social commentary manage to empower and speak for many. His songs are pictures, and stories, and feelings all put to music and delivered by a master craftsman.
He is a tireless performer & supporter of things good due to his belief in we make a small difference out of great love and commitment by challenging injustice wherever it’s found, educating via advocacy, campaigning for human rights, and raising issues that have been forgotten or ignored via fundraising initiatives, thus bringing about greater awareness for beautiful people in powerless situations.
Kevin Mahoney. A unique talent driven by passion and love for his trade, continues to write, sing and play from the heart. It’s a road he’s been travelling for most of his life and, as he often tells his audience, ‘you keep turning up and so will I.’

Maddie Carpenter McCullough is a native to Blount County, Tennessee, and has been involved in her local music community for nearly 20 years. Maddie has a passion for Old-Time and Bluegrass music along with Appalachian music history, and loves to share her passion with others via her music. Since 2015, Maddie has been playing music with her husband, Jordan, by her side. Their duo is often known as “Maddie & Jordan”.
When asked how Maddie got her start playing music, she says:
“I’ve been performing music locally for as long as I can remember! I think my first “gig” happened when I was 8 or 9 years old. I’ve been playing ever since! When I was that young, I was performing over karaoke tracks, mainly at places like local churches or retirement homes, but I did have a few bigger gigs. As I got older, I taught myself to play guitar and started to branch out. Now, I play at a lot of different local spots for different types of gigs. I met my husband, Jordan, in 2014, and we played our first gig together in Spring of 2015. I love gigging and performing music by myself, but playing music with him is so much more special. I haven’t played a show without him since our first gig in 2015.”
Most recently, Maddie has been pursuing a number of musical endeavors. She has formed several impromptu bands over the years, including the Penny Dreadfuls and Geographical Oddity. She and Jordan also enjoy sharing tunes as a duo from an educational context, providing insight about Appalachian music history; they spend a good amount of time studying and learning Appalachian music history together.
Maddie has also been working on writing and recording original music for her debut album, Wildwood. Maddie plans to release Wildwood in late 2024 on all streaming platforms.
When Maddie isn’t playing music, she enjoys photography, hiking, and spending time with her dogs (and Jordan).

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 9/2 – No Live Show – Labor Day
2024-09-02 00:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
The WDVX Blue Plate Special returns on Tuesday 9/3 with another great live performance from Chris Wilhelm.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 9/3 - Chris Wilhelm / Roger Wallace
2024-09-03 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Chris Wilhelm is known for bringing positive vibes and an uplifting message to his audience. He plays Americana, folk rock originals that are infectious and insightful, and sprinkles in covers too. Worldwide airplay brought his latest album “This Too Shall Pass” to be one of the Top 100 Alt-Country Albums of 2020, and it spent several months on the national folk charts as well.
Chris Wilhelm is a songcatcher and live performer. He made guitars out of cardboard before getting his first one at 13. Born in Hudson, NY, he later moved to Albany, NY, then Boston, and currently lives in Asheville, NC. He has released nine records and played thousands of shows. He has performed in theaters, concert venues, festivals, clubs, bars, libraries, retirement homes, subways, performed on the street and even played at a marathon. He played over 200 shows a year for several years.

In the typical fashion of teenagers, Roger Wallace turned his back on the music favored by his mom and dad. Rather than embrace the traditional country music of Willie Nelson or Hank Williams as his parents had, during his early teens he closed his ears to the sounds coming out of his parents’ radio and instead opened his heart to the blues. And in the typical fashion of parents, mom and dad ultimately knew best. They predicted that their son would one day be a country music artist, and they were right. Until their prediction came true, however, Wallace remained fixed on the blues for a number of years. During his student days spent in the halls of the University of Tennessee, he spent time as host of the school radio’s blues program. He also became a member of several different local groups that primarily played rockabilly and blues. He finally discovered what his parents knew all along, thanks to a friend with a penchant for Willie Nelson. She was fond of the country giant’s Red Headed Stranger album, and being with her meant exposing himself to Nelson’s brand of country music. That’s when the light bulb clicked on for Wallace, and he finally started to appreciate his parents’ music.
Hillbilly Heights
But his transformation from blues to country was not yet complete. With the blues still calling to him, he set off for Austin to check out the city’s blues artists. Along the way, he listened to a tape of Hank Williams’ music, which someone lent him for his car trip. Listening to “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” Wallace was awestruck by the emotion the country legend could pack into a song. While country music was making headway, the blues still held sway with Wallace. In 1994, with a degree from the university in hand, he again went to Austin, this time to work for Antone’s Records as a blues promoter. Unfortunately the job didn’t pan out. Wallace was out on the town practically every night, drawing inspiration from the rich Austin music scene and such performers as Junior Brown, Ted Roddy, and Wayne Hancock, among others. Within a couple of years, he was holding a contract from Antone’s sister label, and he was ready to sing country music, exactly as his mom and dad had predicted years earlier. In 1999, the singer/songwriter made his debut with the release of Hillbilly Heights.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 9/4 - Michael DeLisle / Josee Molavi
2024-09-04 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Josee Molavi brings powerful soul-inspired vocals to center stage in her genre-bending, artful music. Molavi is a vocalist, songwriter, self-taught multi-instrumentalist and arranger grown from blues rock roots. To support her colorful lyrical reflections on relationships, travel, and personal discoveries, Molavi’s sound combines intricate melodies and acoustic textures against an indie-alternative backdrop. Josee Molavi keeps her audience watching and listening with her captivating performance skills and
experimentation in and between genres.

Michael DeLisle:
My music has some deep roots, i.e., blues, old folk, Texas singer songwriters, and acoustic adaptations of 60s and early 70s tunes (I’m a genuine old fart, turned 70 a while back), as well as several dozen tunes I wrote myself.
I began performing in my teens and played regularly through the 60s, 70s, 80s, and early 90s, starting up in the midwest with bands like Appaloosa, Pythea’s Tribe, Briarwood Thyme, and the Smokin’ Grays, and working as a solo artist, too.​
Upon moving to Tennessee in 1982 I put together a great blues and southern rock band, the Michael Brothers Band, with Knoxville lead guitar stalwart Michael Jordan. We rocked it till the early 90s, and after stints with Mojo and The Works, I kinda retired when son Jesse was born, and didn’t pick it back up till about 2015. But as soon as I started back, I started playing every day, actually more than when I played out so much.​
You’d think that somebody who’d been playing 55 years oughta be damn good by now, but I’m living proof that’s not always true. I consider myself fair to middling: I can hold a decent rhythm, know quite a few chord voicings, and can forge my way through a few leads and fills now and then.
I’ve done well over two hundred open mic performances over the past couple years, along with dozens of gigs and house concerts. Jesse comes out to most of the shows and has almost as much fun as I do. Bottom line? I’m loving it all and intend to keep at it as long as I’m able.

The WDVX Big Plate - 9/6 - Wild Ponies
2024-09-06 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Doug and Telisha Williams, partners in love and music, have spent the last 20 years building their careers as the Nashville-based country-folk band Wild Ponies. They’ve released five albums, hosted the long-running Wild Ponies Happy Hour radio show on WSM, led nine annual distillery tour Trail Rides for fans and friends, and garnered devoted musical audiences all over the world. Their live shows, which have often totaled into the hundreds per year, are notoriously personal. Whether it’s Doug and Telisha with their acoustic guitar and upright bass, respectively, or a full rock ‘n’ roll outfit with drums and electric guitar, everyone is welcome at a Wild Ponies show and in their community.
Over the last decade, Doug and Telisha have also built the life they’ve always wanted — one they’re wildly proud of and ready to share with the world. Their new album, Dreamers (out on 8/23/24 on No Evil Records), is the result of all their living, loving, and dreaming until now. Recorded and produced by singer-songwriter Brandy Zdan, featuring co-writes with Chely Wright, Ben Glover, and Nora Jane Struthers, and alongside guest musicians like The Sea The Sea (Chuck and Mira Costa) and Nashville pedal steel legend Fats Kaplin, Dreamers is Wild Ponies’ most ambitious record yet. These 11 songs explore what exists beyond the traditional nuclear family and detail the joys and heartbreaks they’ve experienced as part of a queer, polyamorous family undergoing fertility treatments and becoming foster parents in the state of Tennessee.
Sometimes these topics are abundantly apparent in song. For example, the ballad “Heartbeat” is about their FET (fetal embryo transfer) baby, Iris, and even features her in-utero heartbeat. “Love You Right Now,” with its counterbalance of mournful pedal steel and sing-song storytelling to the beat of a bouncing baby, details the challenges of the foster system in America; it serves as a tribute to their partner Laura and son River. And the twangy, shuffling, upbeat title track references not just their pandemic-era Dreamers Food Truck but all the dreams that came before and are yet to arise.
Years ago, on tour in Germany, a fan asked Doug and Telisha a question that stuck with them: Where are your dreams now?
Not what are your dreams, but where.
“Our dreams are everywhere, buzzing around like energetic bees,” Doug and Telisha begin, “They’re deep in the earth, sprawled and gnarly like the roots of an ancient Catawba tree. They live in and out of our own bodies, making their way to the backyard in the most unconventional way and pulling to stand only minutes after being born. At times, our dreams are hard to wrangle — a wild pony on the Carolina coast wandering the dunes.”
These dreams have manifested in song, captured on record in musical gallops and emotional wallops. By growing both their nuclear family and wider community, especially in LGBTQIA+ spaces, Doug and Telisha have come to the realization that time may be finite, but love is infinite.
“Our understanding of love has changed. It’s expanded. It’s huge and vast and so hard to hold. It spills over in ways it couldn’t have before — the way Iris topples over and laughs with her whole body at the sound of a few strums of a guitar. Or the way River croaks out a tiny whisper of ‘more hug’ before going to bed,” Doug and Telisha say.
“Singing together on a dusty stage, feeling our voices do that thing that we don’t understand, but that feels so good and weaves them into one. Looking out over a little crowd of people to our partner, Laura, with Iris strapped to her chest. She’s squatting down with her arms around River, and they’re smiling back at us. Our little family. Our big family. That’s where our dreams are now.”

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 9/7 - Will Paustian / The Lubbin Brothers
2024-09-07 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Will Paustian has always been musically gifted. Since he was young, he has loved the limelight and was always singing, performing and playing a variety of instruments. However, it wasn’t until after undergoing some major upheavals in his life that he became a professional Musician.
Throughout the course of his musical career, he has had the support of dedicated fans from all walks of life as he performs and record studio albums. Feel free to reach out to learn about how to collaborate.

Triplets and high-energy musicians from the farmlands of Iowa, The Lubben Brothers have spent the last 15 years pioneering an original sound steeped in lyrical sensitivity, rich vocal harmonies, and the multi-instrumental flair of the American folk tradition.
The Brothers have soloed at venues ranging from South Florida’s Meyer Amphitheater and Broward Center for the Performing Arts, to The Gardens Hockey Arena of Northern Minnesota. Their music has aired on radio stations across the United States, while they have developed a committed, grassroots following in their current state of Florida; as one reviewer put it: “The Lubben Brothers are to Florida as the Lumineers are to Denver, Colorado” (Maritza Cosano, West Palm Beach Magazine). Music by the Lubben Brothers was chosen as an encore for NPR’s “Live from Here” with Chris Thile, and featured in Netflix’s premiere film of the 2021 Christmas season, “Love Hard.” Composers as well as musicians, the Lubben Brothers have written multiple musicals, and actively record, write, and release new music when not performing on the road. Their latest album, “Dream Free,” is slated for release June 2024, with new singles being released every month available on all streaming platforms.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 9/9 - Glenn Thomas
2024-09-09 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Glenn Thomas writes songs that cut straight to his truths. By putting his life and the human condition under the microscope, Glenn’s songs articulately observe the big questions with small details. Raised in a small New England town, Glenn writes with careful attention to his understanding of himself and the seasonality of life.
Glenn’s songs have been praised by press and songwriting veterans alike and have led him to perform across the country with national acts such as Edie Brickell, Langhorne Slim, The Barr Brothers, Blitzen Trapper, Joe Pug, The Ballroom Thieves, Eve6, Watsky, Rubblebucket, and many others. With the alternative-rock outfit he fronts, Wild Sun, his music has been featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, Spin, and Entertainment Weekly, as well as a cover of Elliott Smith’s “Easy Way Out” on the nationally acclaimed “Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith” album featuring J. Mascis, Julien Baker, and Amanda Palmer.
He is currently living in Nashville and working on his followup album to his debut LP Reassure Me There’s a Window, released in 2020 via Palace Flophouse Records to praise from Billboard, Bluegrass Situation, PopMatters, and more. His subsequent singles have landed on several Spotify editorial playlists and SiriusXM.
The latest single, “Between a Steeple and a Satellite,” an energetic, rolling examination of the paradox of life, was released in June 2024.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 9/10 - Andy Sydow / The Lone Canary
2024-09-10 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Americana, rock, folk, singer-songwriter, Andy Sydow is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who’s lyrics paint a picture of poetic realism. Touring consistently both solo and with a backing band, Sydow is known to sway an audience with acoustic guitar ballads, sing a few numbers on his lap steel, and even sit down at the keys to show off his surprising boogie-woogie piano chops. He draws comparisons to voices like Paul Simon and Jackson Browne, mixed with a roots rock vibe reminiscent of Tom Petty or Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.
In a career spanning over a decade, Sydow has released several albums and singles, toured internationally, received Triple-A airplay (Alibi, 2022 and Keep On Driving, 2023), been a finalist in the Kerrville New Folk Songwriter Competition (twice!), and supported numerous acts including: Shane Smith & The Saints, Dick Dale, Chuck Prophet, Tab Benoit, Samantha Fish, Lucero, and Anders Osborne.
After going back to school to take online classes in orchestration and film composition, Sydow put his new skills to good use by arranging and scoring several of his original songs (as well as one Pearl Jam cover) for an orchestra. He worked with classical musicians in Denver to record a six-song EP entitled, Measure 1: Orchestral Arrangements by Andy Sydow, which was released to critical acclaim in December of 2023.
2024 will see the release of a full length album with Anders Osborne that was recorded at Dockside Studios in Maurice, LA. Osborne produced as well as played guitar and sang backing vocals. Mike Dillion provided the percussion, and Casandra Faulconer completed the quartet on bass.
Aside from his own career as an artist and songwriter, Sydow has production credits that include: Lauren Frihauf (The Voice, Season 19), Payge Turner (The Voice, Season 19), Ian Mahan, Andy Sydow/AJ Fullerton, Racyne Parker, Veronica May, and Jcallen. He has also worked with several artists scoring horn and string arrangements.
When he’s not touring, writing, or recording, Sydow spends time talking to other creatives and music industry professionals on his podcast, Middle Class Rock Star. The hour”ish” long program can be found on all streaming platforms, and segments of the show have also been featured on over 30 FM radio stations. MCRS has played host to the likes of: Andy Frasco, Shane Smith & The Saints, Sunny War, Dango Rose (Elephant Revival), Jeremy Lawton (Big Head Todd & The Monsters), Todd Smallie (Derek Trucks, JJ Grey & Mofro), Mickey Raphael (Willie Nelson), Leftover Salmon, and Phil Cook.

Anchored in the rich loam of Folk/Americana music, The Lone Canary embodies the harmonious talents of Heather Camacho and Jesse Fox. Camacho graces the stage with her rich vocals, dynamic fiddle, and rhythmic percussion, complemented by Fox’s gruff voice and acoustic guitar resonances.
Their captivating sound has been likened to artists such as The Civil Wars (Joy Williams & John Paul White), Jason Isbell, and Brandi Carlile. Heralded by Americana UK for their “absorbing and beautiful songcraft,” The Lone Canary has had the privilege of sharing the stage with notable acts including Three Dog Night, Over the Rhine, Pieta Brown, Lilly Hiatt, South for Winter, Zach Pietrini, Haunted Like Human.
Their latest offering, “Leave the Gray,” features the expertise of GRAMMY-winning maestro David Donnelly, who has mastered for iconic artists Journey, Chicago, Aerosmith, and projects including Garden State – Music From The Motion Picture and Forrest Gump – The Soundtrack (and many others).
Lauded by A&R Factory for their “hypnotically suspenseful Americana folk.” The Lone Canary’s vocals are compared to the evocative tones of Stevie Nicks, culminating in an ethereal soundscape teeming with suspense and emotion.​
Based in Rockford, IL, The Lone Canary is a long-standing musical alliance between Fox and Camacho, dating back to their high school years. Their collective journey resonates musically, delivering an authentic sound that is equal parts haunting and captivating.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 9/11 - Clarence Brown Theatre
2024-09-11 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Clarence Brown Theatre joins us with a preview of the new musical “Knoxville.”
Based on James Agee’s autobiographical, Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece ‘A Death in the Family’, this moving and innovative new musical reunites the dynamic Tony Award®-winning creative team behind ‘Ragtime’. The story begins as an adult Agee struggles to write his greatest work about the event that touched his young life and the effect it had on his family and his future. ‘Knoxville’ is a universal coming-of-age story about family, faith, and love—and about the boy who will grow up to write it. With a sweeping musical score and brilliant cast, this is a must-see event.
Book by Frank Galati
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Directed and Choreographed by Josh Rhodes ♦
Based on the Asolo Rep production directed by Frank Galati
Adapted from ‘A Death in the Family’ by James Agee
and ‘All the Way Home’ by Tad Mosel

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 9/12 - Tom Proctor / Wilder Things Than Us
2024-09-12 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Tom Proctor band and his outlaw country band that has been compared to and loved by the fans of Jamey Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Marcus Kane and Luke combs. Tom Proctor is a well-known actor. His music career was launched in Nashville while playing a reoccurring role as “Wayne” the best sound engineer in Nashville on the TV show, Nashville. Tom continues to act in major films and on TV while drawing large crowds at live concerts across the U.S. with his touring band, the Tom Proctor Band. Proctor is well known for his roles in Guardians of the Galaxy, 12 Years a Slave, Birth of a Nation, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, the television series Justified, Baskets and Nashville as well as many more films.
Tom grew up in a small town in the Rocky Mountains of Utah. He blasting down the canyon on his Harley and hanging out at the livestock auctions and the rodeos. Even tried his hand at amateur rodeo bareback and steer wrestling. Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash were his heroes. Tom Say’s “Since I grew up on Outlaw Country, it is no wonder that it’s my style today!”

Wilder Things Than Us:
This project formed in 2012 (roughly) in Naples, FL under the moniker My Girl My Whiskey & Me. As a founding member, George chose the name (MGMW&M) based on a song by the Rayado Ruffians. This song represents the life changing moment when George first encountered the mandolin, as well as bluegrass music.
Fast forward about 2 years, when the band has undergone some changes in their lineup and emerged with only 2 members- George and his new wife, Kelly.
With a fresh start in Upstate South Carolina, we began to hone in on our own sound, our own writing style. We wanted to marry the earthiness of Appalachian music with… everything else, lol. We’ve used terms like “Progressive Bluegrass” and “Folk Rock” often, but we’re not committed to a genre. A fan once affectionately dubbed our sound “Zappalachain”, which we very much appreciate. Between our original and cover material you’ll hear jazz, blues, punk- no genre is safe.
In the summer of 2017 we released our debut album, In The Ground, with Other Southern, just before embarking on a year-long tour of the United States. Which states? All of ‘em. Go big, or go home, amIright?

The WDVX Big Plate - 9/13 - Blake Christiana / Zach Russell
2024-09-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Barley’s, 200 East Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915, United States
Blake Christiana, founding member of Yarn, has the music in him. In fact, you could say that Blake is the music and the music is Blake; that’s how deeply he inhabits the songs he writes and plays. You can hear him struggling with his feelings, whether it’s on a skittering country shuffle or on a mid-tempo folk ballad or a straight-ahead rocker. His restless search for the chords and lyrics over the past 20 years has produced a plethora of memorable music, and since 2007 he’s led Yarn, a band that’s evolved from its earliest days as a bar band in New York City to an outstanding roots band that’s shared stages with Dwight Yoakam, Marty Stuart, Alison Krauss, and Leftover Salmon, among many others.

Each year, thousands of people flock to the city of Nashville with hopes of “making it”. Ironically, it wasn’t until Zach Russell made the decision to leave Music City, USA that he inked his first record deal with Thirty Tigers. The drive back home may have only been three hours long, but Russell’s journey back to old haunts in Eastern Tennessee isn’t quite that cut and dry.
In the 7 years preceding that trip down I-40, there were stints as a manager at a shoe store and a karaoke host. He calloused his hands installing irrigation systems and working as a carpenter. He traveled the US and Europe as Tyler Childers’ merchandise manager and got to witness firsthand what it takes to chase down greatness. Through it all, one thing that remained constant was his belief that he could chase it down as well.
Music has always played a pivotal role in Russell’s life. A background in Baptist and Hymnal music as a youth and a taste for hip-hop, rock, and country music informed his musical style between 2016 and 2020 as he found his footing. In 2021 the world received its proper introduction to Zach Russell as a fully formed artist with the release The Creek. This five-song EP proved not only to be a landmark release in Russell’s career, but with its lyrical depth, soaring instrumental jams and infectious melodies, it served as proof that this landmark was merely the first of many to come.
Since moving home and finding clarity, the past 18 months have been busy for Russell. He spent those months writing music, touring with The Alex Leach Band, and delivering a guest appearance on Adeem the Artist critically acclaimed album, White Trash Revelry. That wave of momentum has culminated to this moment, and the release of his highly anticipated full-length debut, Where the Flowers Meet the Dew.
Once again joining forces with up-and-coming producer Kyle Crownover (Adeem the Artist), this ten-song effort never takes its foot off the gas pedal. Dominant themes of wrestling with mortality, pondering reincarnation, and finding that ever elusive feeling of contentment in this life weave gracefully through.
As the old saying goes, “Big hitters take big swings.”, and Russell’s choice as the first single is as bold a statement as can be made. Coming in at a shade over seven minutes long, “Born Again” begins as a rockabilly banger, then midway through, via a psychedelic segue it morphs into a funky, groove heavy jam. Russell sings of reincarnation and hints that perhaps every waking moment is, in fact, an opportunity to start anew.
The first half of the record is filled with traditional waltzes (“I Thought I Was the Trees”, “Take Me Back to Tennessee”), haunting electric folk (“What You Want Comes to You”), and 60’s R&B style (“Milk & Honey”) cuts. Its deep, mellow, and the lyrics are contemplative. It draws you in while not letting the listener get too comfortable.
Beginning with the aforementioned rip-roaring lead single, the back half of the record brings with it an altogether different vibe. Greasy, distorted guitar licks pepper the back half of Where the Flowers Meet the Dew. “Playing House” fully displays his creative dexterity, and would be right at home on a post-grunge rock radio station, circa 1998, sandwiched between Matchbox 20 and Third Eye Blind numbers. Later, on “Nothin’ to Haul”, he boldly calls out the posers and wannabes that fill the Nashville scene.
“Concrete Cowboy
Pullin’ up in your two-wheel drive
Concrete cowboy
Pullin’ up trying to sell me a lie”
This is done lightheartedly, but there’s an underlying current filtering through the back half of the record that bristles with tongue in cheek humor, confidence, and all-out swagger. As a whole, Where the Flowers Meet the Dew is a remarkably ambitious effort that undoubtably demands and is worthy of repeated listens.
In 2018 Zach Russell packed his things and left a ten-year town to return to the sanctity of the wide-open spaces and dense forests of home. Returning to his comfort zone ultimately gave him the freedom to create something outside of it. Something beautiful. Something that will live forever. Where the Flowers Meet the Dew leaves zero doubt, Zach Russell has been born again.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 9/14 - Micah H and the Appalachians
2024-09-14 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Micah H and the Appalachians are a classic rock and country band they play 50s/60s/70s rock and rockabilly and country.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 9/16 - Kirsty Lee Akers / Mackenzie Roark and the Hotpants
2024-09-16 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Kirsty Lee Akers is one of Australia’s most unique and authentic recording artists. A rare talent who is proud of her First Nations heritage, she is a woman of the Wonnarua Nation (Hunter Valley – Australia). Akers describes herself as a fusion of country and Americana, with pop stylings. She has embraced a global musical culture and now spends her time between Australia and a hard-earned international touring schedule in North America and Europe. Although she spends time overseas during the year, Australia will always be her spiritual home. “Music and family have always been the most important parts of my life. My Nan, Mum, and Aunt were all singers, and I grew up with my pop playing country music all the time. I still remember my first performance at age three. I was hooked!” – Kirsty Lee Akers
Kirsty’s childhood was far from easy, and her family could be described as “Aussie Battlers”. Born when her mother was only 17 years old, she quickly learned the importance of teamwork, love, and family connection. Akers was not born into money, one of four children growing up in a small house, she saw her father worked two jobs to get by. Kirsty learned early on that if she wanted something, she was going to have to earn it. These are traits that to this day are extremely important to her and help her connect with her fans on an honest and personal level.
Akers performed in public for the first time at the tender age of three years old and recorded her first EP at the age of 16. She funded that recording with the money she made busking tirelessly on the streets of Tamworth each January. This connection with Australia’s Country Music Capital led Kirsty to graduate from the CMAA Academy of Country Music and then further afield through the Talent Development Project. After these achievements, it was time to spread her wings and explore the world – First stop Nashville. “That trip to Nashville in 2006 was just like my first trip to Tamworth, and from the time I stepped off the plane I was in love! There is just something magical about that city. Music everywhere, dreams everywhere, it is so inspiring. But as much as I love traveling, Australia always calls me home.” – Kirsty Lee Akers
From her first recording, people who heard her voice described the vocal delivery as sitting somewhere between Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. This foundation, combined with progressive modern country production, offers an incredibly unique and hard-to-match sound.

Mackenzie Roark and the Hotpants is a magnetic fusion of classic country, 70’s folk, and raw rock and roll, hailing from Richmond, Virginia. Led by singer-songwriter Mackenzie Roark, this ensemble brings her poignantly introspective, yet vibrant songs to life. Mackenzie’s songwriting prowess draws from a well of influences, including classic country icons like Townes Van Zandt and Loretta Lynn, fused with the bold, punchy energy reminiscent of Shania Twain and Sheryl Crow. Mackenzie Roark and the Hotpants deliver a performance that’s both emotionally evocative and sonically compelling, inviting audiences to sway to the songs, reflect on the stories, and ultimately feel the pulse of genuine, heartfelt music.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 9/17 - Call Me Spinster / Wesley Dean
2024-09-17 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Sisters Rosalie, Rachel, and Amelia formed the trio, Spinster after unearthing their grandfather’s accordion in a closet and learning pop covers on a hodgepodge of acquired instruments, from the mandolin to the washboard, glockenspiel to upright bass.

Relocating from Australia to Nashville in early 2021, Wesley Dean, previously known downunder as Wes Carr, felt his arrival in the country/Americana roots rock scene required a new signature to herald the maturation of his musical identity. So, his middle name Dean quickly became the new trademark stamping success over his first, and critically acclaimed, American produced (but sixth in total) studio album ‘Unknown’. Since arriving in the US he has also supported Jimmy Messina on his North East American tour, Travis Tritt at Ralston Arena in Omaha, headlined sold out shows at the Bluebird Cafe, Basement, Electric Jane and The Rockwood Music Hall, and performed at the prestigious Nashville Ballet Ball in collaboration with the Nashville Ballet.
Under his previous moniker, Wes Carr, he was a celebrated platinum selling single and gold selling album artist with an Aria number 1 single. He’s played with Australian icons including Jimmy Barnes and Ian Moss from Cold Chisel, Andrew Farris from INXS, and Ben Gillies from Silverchair. ‘Feels like Woah’, his smash hit single in 2010, became the most played song on Australian radio, the Australian Rugby League theme song, and CBS also used it as their promotional song in America.
During previous trips to the US he wrote with CJ Vanston, Mac Davis, Jeff Baxter, Tommy Henriksen, the Doobie Brothers, and wrote the song ‘Stranded’ for the ‘Teen Wolf’ TV show advertising campaign. He has written music for two feature films, Christopher Guest’s ‘For Your Consideration’, and Matthew Newton’s ‘3 Blind Mice’, won the Best Male Artist award at the International Acoustic Music Awards, and won second place overall in the International Songwriting Competition with his song ‘Lost’, which he co-wrote with Don Walker from Cold Chisel. Cold Chisel released ‘Lost’ as the first lead single off their album ‘No Plans’, and Wesley was a special guest at their sold out Sydney Entertainment Centre concert. He also workshopped a musical about Little River Band with Simon Phillips and Graeham Goble from Little River Band, and established successful side projects such as ‘Tambalane’ with Ben Gillies and his solo project ‘Buffalo Tales’.
Although Wesley has toured Australia countless times in various capacities since embarking on his professional music career at the age of fourteen, including opening for The Script and his sold out one man show ‘Here Comes the Sun’ which was written about the late George Harrison, his sights are firmly set on the American stage. Earlier last year he embarked on his most recent tour, ‘Crazy Hearts Across America’, where he and his family drove over 5000 miles from Nashville to Los Angeles in an RV via towns steeped in musical history playing shows off the beaten track, from Memphis to New Orleans, Luckenbach, Marfa, Amarillo, Las Vegas, and more. With a director and cameraperson in tow, the tour was recorded as part of his upcoming feature ‘Crazy Hearts: The Documentary’, premiering early 2025, where the ten tracks from his most recent album ‘Music From Crazy Hearts’, recorded at Nashville’s prestigious RCA Studio A and releasing April 26th, complement the soundscape to Dean’s personal story of breaking the industry mould to carve out his name independently.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 9/18 - Steve Dawson / Lizzie & The Makers
2024-09-18 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Chicago Folk / Americana singer / songwriter, Steve Dawson, has been called “one of the most underrated songwriters in American music,” who writes, “graceful, poetic songs akin to a volume of great short stories in their precise, exacting wordplay and soulful heartache.” Dawson has released six albums with his long-time band, Dolly Varden, and six solo albums, including 2021’s “At The Bottom Of A Canyon In The Branches Of A Tree,” and the 2024’s, “Ghosts,” both on Pravda Records.
Originally from San Diego, California, he spent his teen years in Hailey, Idaho, where he learned guitar and started writing songs. After a few years at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Dawson moved to Chicago and formed the band, Stump The Host, with his future wife, artist and singer, Diane Christiansen. Dawson also teaches songwriting at the legendary Old Town School of Folk Music and co-wrote a book on songwriting and the creative process with Mark Caro called, “Take It To The Bridge: Unlocking The Great Songs Inside You.”

Lizzie & The Makers’ sophomore studio album, Dear Onda Wahl, embroiders their potent Southern-tinged rock with art-rock, dream-pop, and ethereal elements to spawn something all their own. It’s one of those rare records that combines single-minded artistry with broad commercial appeal.

Created around the dusky yet soaring timbre of force-of-nature frontwoman Lizzie Edwards, Dear Onda Wahl was produced by Grammy winner Mario McNulty (David Bowie, Prince) and Cure guitarist Reeves Gabrels (Tin Machine, Bowie). Their influence, alongside the textured six-string and pedal-steel expressions of Edwards’ writing partner (and Gabrels protégé) Greg McMullen, ensure an intriguingly adventurous, hugely dynamic – and occasionally otherworldly – take on the traditional.
Defying her constant comparisons to Janis Joplin, the classically-trained Edwards, 5-time official showcasing artist at SXSW, former Pleasantville Music Festival MainStage performer, summons a heartfelt, nuanced mezzo-soprano shaped by Memphis soul legend Ann Peebles, Heart’s Wilson sisters, and jazz icon Billie Holiday. She’s assertive, yet vulnerable; defiant, yet proudly flawed.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 9/19 - Anders Thomsen / Cut Throat Finches
2024-09-19 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Anders Thomsen has deep roots. This midwestern boy grew up on the music that makes America. The Twang of the Opry on a Saturday night, the Rock n Roll on the stereos in the Chevys and the Fords and the Blues and Soul spilling out of the nightclubs he snuck into. He heard all that and made it his own.
He picked up the heartbreak and the joy of the blues, and matched it with the lonesome, lovelorn hillbilly waltz and powered it all with those rock and roll V-8s.
He got an early start, playing in bars and nightclubs before he was old enough to drive, sometimes even with a note from his mother. He sang, played guitar, played bass and even played the washtub. Anything to get him on stage to learn the craft.

Cut Throat Finches: An ironic name for a tiny bird, with a giant Texas sound. Currently hold title of FWTX Mag’s “Best Live Band in Ft Worth TX” (Editors Choice). This Americana-ish rock band shares an affection for indie/alt rock royalty and have been described as “what you would get if you dropped a big British band right in the heart of Texas”. Their studio writing blends together like flavors in a hand crafted cocktail that beg for the next long drink. Cut Throat Finches lure in their crowd with infectious melodies and personality to spare.
Singer-songwriter Sean Russell, a proud resident and advocate of the Fort Worth Texas music scene, formed the band mid-2015 with a group of much-lauded players from the area (Taylor Tatsch- guitar / Eric Webb- keys / Draya Ruse- Drums/ Rob Paine- bass ).This band receives a healthy dose of radio and press being recognized for their writing and performing, being nominated over the past three albums, for album of the year, rock band of the year, and more. CTF just released their 4th studio album, “Unraveled” and are hitting the road through summer and fall of 2024 to promote from Colorado to Tennessee.

The WDVX Big Plate - 9/20 - Po Ramblin Boys
2024-09-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Barley’s, 200 East Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915, United States
At a time when most people feel constantly distracted by technology and barraged by the news, authenticity and straightforward honesty are paramount. There’s something about the music of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys that cuts right through the noise of the world and speaks plainly to the soul. Formed ten years ago in the Smoky Mountains in 2014, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys are at once exactly what you would expect and not at all what you would expect from a tattooed East Tennessee Bluegrass outfit. But they take pride in being ambassadors of their genre, and the group has brought their music from rural bluegrass festival stages to the rock clubs of Europe, with stunning results.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 9/21 - The Freeway Jubilee / Haley Richardson
2024-09-21 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
The music and soundscape of The Freeway Jubilee are built around the songwriting and blood harmonies of twin brothers, Adam and Jonathan Clayton. Both brothers have been involved in the regional music scene in various projects over the years. Recently, the group has enlisted the steady playing of local bassist, Phillip Brock. He provides a fresh yet strong foundation for the songs and complements the sound with a steady groove. The trio is finding their voices again, placing their songwriting and message at the forefront of their art. Their sound takes a unique approach, helmed by everyone’s willingness to progress with the vibe of the song.
The Freeway Jubilee takes a multi-instrumental approach to their live shows, allowing for a fluid switch between instruments and singers. This adds an interesting depth and dynamic to the sound. The group blends rock, jazz, gospel, country, and bluegrass with both acoustic and electric instruments, setting off their unique and close blood harmonies. Sibling vocal harmony is known for being special, and it’s definitely a highlight for the twin brothers.
Building upon their songwriting cornerstone, the band also brings virtuosic prowess to each instrument played. The goal is to raise the roof and give each note and song all they have. The band looks ahead and continues progressing as musicians and writers, working daily on their songs and sound. This dedication has become the new normal as we push ourselves to bring our best as artists and as local folks in the community.

Haley Richardson is a virtuosic musician, whose talents extend to the fields of both classical and Irish traditional music. With her highly ornamented Sligo style perfected under the tutelage of fiddler Brian Conway, Haley has garnered a number of prestigious awards and honors, including multiple championships at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (All Ireland) in Ireland, numerous MidAtlantic Championships, and the coveted Junior (2015) and Senior (2018) Fiddler Of Dooney awards. ​
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A year after asking to learn the violin at age two, Haley began Suzuki violin lessons. Before her 5th birthday, she fell in love with Irish music inspired by a live performance of fiddler Kevin Burke. She began learning fiddle tunes from Kevin’s How to Play Celtic Fiddle DVD and by playing along to his CD while riding in the car. Haley won her first MidAtlantic under twelve Irish fiddle competition at just six years old and by April 2017, Haley is a 9X MidAtlantic Regional fiddle champion. She is a multiple time All Ireland champion in both solo fiddle and fiddle slow airs and an All Ireland place winner in trio competition.
Whether performing in a solo capacity or in an ensemble, Haley brings a rare dynamism and energy to her music, which is informed by her thorough knowledge of the form, her mastery of her instrument, and the absolutely trailblazing and show-stopping technique and emotion evident in every note she plays. She has performed with many of the most well-known names in Irish music including The Chieftains, Altan, Dervish, Mick Moloney, Pride of New York, Liz Carroll with Cherish the Ladies, John Whelan, Paddy Keenan, The Máirtín de Cógáin Project. Haley has been a member of Green Fields of American and The John Whelan Band. She was the band fiddler for the Studio2Stage Irish dance production, That’s Dancing, from 2014-2017.
John Whelan mentored, recorded, and produced Haley’s (accompanied by brother, Dylan) debut CD, Heart on a String, in March 2015. In March 2017, Haley released a CD she produced entitled Music for Mercy, a compilation CD featuring donated tracks from many of the best Irish musicians under 21 years old from around the world. All proceeds from that CD benefit the Mercy Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. ​In May 2019, Haley teamed up with musical genious and multi-instrumentalist, Quinn Bachand, to release their debut duo recording, When the Wind Blows High and Clear.
During the pandemic, Haley created a music collaboration series entitled #COVIDuets (check them out on her Facebook page) and recorded an EP with talented electronic music producer, Zac Klingenberg, entitled Enigma (click the link to listen on Spotify).
Haley is currently the fiddler for the 25th Anniversary tour of the Grammy Award winning production, “Riverdance”, appeared in the movie/DVD recording of the 25th Anniversary show recorded at the 3Arena in Dublin, and was invited by Riverdance composer, Bill Whelan, to record on the Riverdance 25th Anniversary Album released December 2019.

The WDVX Blue Plate Special - 9/23 - Jordan Smart / Russell Walker
2024-09-23 12:00 - 13:00 | WDVX, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902, United States
Jordan Smart is a folk singer based in Latonia, KY. Covering a broad range of subjects — from parental epiphanies and questionable lavatory visits, scathing political commentary and hitchhiking cross country, satirical talking blues to love, loss, grief and even pickles — Smart aims to have a song for every occasion. If he can’t make you laugh, cry, or at very least think, feel free to approach him for a refund.
Singer/Songwriter Russell Walker joins us this day as well!

Singer / songwriter Russell Walker joins us this day as well.
