When a young musician strums the strings of destiny, a symphony of stories unfolds. Join Jay as he gets an intimate look at Malachi Gagnon's rise from a boy with a Taylor guitar to a country music phenomenon with millions of downloads. In their heart-to-heart, Malachi reminisces about discovering his vocal talent at a family karaoke night and the unwavering support system that fueled his journey from a hobbyist to a Nashville recording artist. His cherished guitar isn't just an instrument; it's a symbol of the connection between him and his father, and a muse for his songwriting craft.

Malachi's tale is a melody of strategy and serendipity, his career a dance with adaptability in the ever-changing music industry. They explore the mosaic of moments behind recording in Nashville, the exhilaration of working with legends like the Cooley brothers, and the bold move of releasing singles—a testament to his savvy understanding of modern music distribution. The promise of a steady stream of singles through November and whispers of a larger project on the horizon paint a picture of an artist who's not just riding the waves but making them.

But this episode isn't all about chords and choruses; it's a tribute to the deeper tunes of life that resonate within us. Malachi shares his personal crusade for mental health awareness, a mission born from the loss of a friend and the solace he found in faith. Their conversation is a reminder of the gentle power of checking in on those we hold dear, and the importance of compassion in our shared journey through life's crescendos and decrescendos. So, tune in and be moved by the harmonies of Malachi's music and the life stories that give them color.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Links

• Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/
• JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/

Contact

• Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/

Socials

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze
• X: https://x.com/jayfranze
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze

Services

• Services: https://jayfranze.com/services/

Books

• Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/

Merchandise

• Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/

Support

• Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/
• Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/

As Jay sits down with the effervescent Mackenzie Phipps, he couldn't help but be struck by her pure, unadulterated passion for music that's as clear as the Bluefield skies she hails from. Their conversation takes you on a journey from a Virginia church choir to the heart of Nashville's music scene, where Mackenzie shares candid stories about her family's unwavering support and the emotional depth behind her song “18 Wheels.” With her feet firmly planted in her roots and eyes set on the stars, she embodies the spirit of country music in its truest form.

Step into the vibrant world of Nashville recording studios, where Mackenzie opens up about the alchemy of creating music that resonates with the soul. She pulls back the curtain on the session musicians' wizardry and the charting system that's the lifeblood of the industry's recording process. Whether she's mastering guitar licks or navigating the illustrious corridors of Blackbird Studio, Mackenzie's tales of artistic growth amidst Nashville's finest are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The episode crescendos as they discuss the evolving tapestry of country music, from the legends who paved the way to the fresh faces stirring the pot of creativity. Mackenzie's anecdotes about potential collaborations and the way certain songs stir her soul stand as a testament to her dedication to the craft. Her musical journey, woven with personal insights and dreams of collaborations, is a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling through song. Join Jay for this memorable chat with Mackenzie Phipps as they celebrate the heartbeat of country music and the artists who keep its legacy alive.

Episode Links

• Makenzie Phipps: https://www.makenziephipps.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Links

• Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/
• JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/

Contact

• Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/

Socials

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze
• X: https://x.com/jayfranze
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze

Services

• Services: https://jayfranze.com/services/

Books

• Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/

Merchandise

• Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/

Support

• Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/
• Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/

Step behind the curtain with Jay as he sits down with the legendary William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys. In an intimate exchange, William shares his rich history with the band, encompassing the familial bonds among members and the recent transition with the addition of Ben Isaacs. But perhaps what's most striking is how he turned the silence of the pandemic into a symphony of creativity, collaborating with his family band, The Goldens, to produce new music. They also peel back the layers of William's personal life, revealing his hobbies and the resilience that allows him to keep negativity at bay.

As they traverse the changing landscapes of music alongside William, they find themselves immersed in the harmonious blend of gospel and country, with nods to rock legends that shaped the soundtracks of our lives. The conversation shifts to the nitty-gritty of the music business, where artists like William confront the challenges of evolving record labels and the digital revolution's impact on album production. It's a candid look at the necessity for risk-taking and the pursuit of artistry in an industry that is as relentless as it is rewarding.

In the final notes of their journey, they celebrate the milestones and the unsung heroes who've made indelible marks on William's career. The stories are vibrant, from singing hits like “Thank God for Kids” to showcasing the talents of his grandchildren who are carving their own paths in the world of music. And who knew a koala bear could symbolize such enduring bonds? We wrap up with a reflection on the legacies left through melodies and the timeless connections that bind us all, on and off the stage. Join Jay for this heartwarming exploration into the life of an icon and the music that tells his story.

Links

• The Oak Ridge Boys: https://oakridgeboys.com/
• William Lee Golden and The Goldens: https://williamleegoldenandthegoldens.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Links

• Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/
• JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/

Contact

• Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/

Socials

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze
• X: https://x.com/jayfranze
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze

Services

• Services: https://jayfranze.com/services/

Books

• Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/

Merchandise

• Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/

Support

• Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/
• Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/