In a revealing conversation on The Jay Franze Show, actor Matt Drago takes listeners behind the curtain of his breakthrough role in “Somewhere in Montana,” offering profound insights into the actor’s journey and creative process.

Drago’s approach to character development showcases the depth that method acting requires. For his role as Fabian, Drago fully immersed himself in a two-year process, losing 25 pounds and allowing his personality to merge with the character. “I went a full method approach for this one,” he explains. This dedication extends to creating character journals, voice memos, and personalized playlists that help him inhabit his roles completely. Rather than simply memorizing lines, he over-memorizes them without over-rehearsing, allowing for authentic moments with co-stars like Graham McTavish and Michelle Hurd.

The conversation reveals how Drago’s background in martial arts has significantly influenced his acting discipline. Practicing Okinawan Shorin-ryu karate since childhood under his father’s guidance, Drago credits this practice with teaching him self-discipline, centeredness, and focus—tools that prove invaluable in his acting career. This disciplined approach helped him remain balanced during pivotal professional moments, including the life-changing phone call offering him the role in “Somewhere in Montana.”

Particularly moving was Drago’s recounting of how he secured the role—through a connection he had helped earlier in his career. Having assisted a fellow artist in connecting with his agent years before, that same person later recommended Drago for the role of Fabian. This full-circle moment highlights the importance of supporting fellow artists and the unexpected ways such generosity can return. As Drago puts it, “Sometimes you don’t even know why you’re granted a role until you’re in it.”

The interview also explores the value of mentorship in artistic development. Drago speaks warmly of the guidance he received from established actors on set, particularly Graham McTavish and Michelle Hurd, who became not just colleagues but mentors. One powerful moment came when Michelle told him, “Matt, you are an actor, don’t forget that”—words that affirmed his identity during moments of doubt. This mentorship aspect speaks to the supportive community that can develop in artistic environments, despite the competitive nature of the industry.

Throughout the conversation, Drago emphasizes the collaborative nature of filmmaking, repeatedly acknowledging the crucial role of crew members. “Crews are what make films great,” he asserts, highlighting specific instances where crew ingenuity transformed challenges into creative opportunities. This perspective reveals Drago’s humility and appreciation for every aspect of the filmmaking process, not just the parts that put actors in the spotlight.

In a captivating episode of The Jay Franze Show, host Jay Franze sat down with rising country music artist Dalton Hicks from South Carolina for an intimate conversation about music, inspiration, and perseverance. Throughout the interview, Dalton shares his journey from humble beginnings to emerging country star, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the life of an artist on the rise.

Dalton’s musical journey began with his great-grandmother Olga, who played a pivotal role in his early life and musical development. As he explains, “She passed away and she was always big into the piano, into church and everything. That’s really what inspired me to get into music.” This touching tribute reveals how family connections often form the foundation for artistic pursuits. Dalton started with piano lessons under his grandmother’s guidance before transitioning to guitar at age 17, though he admits he didn’t seriously begin performing until he was about 19 years old.

The songwriting process is a deeply personal one for Dalton, who shares that he writes all his songs by himself. Unlike many Nashville artists who collaborate with professional songwriters, Dalton prefers working alone, stating, “When I start writing a song, when I get an idea, I just go with it and I see where it takes me.” His approach typically begins with developing a song title or chorus, then building the music around those lyrics. This unique process allows his authentic voice to shine through in his music, contributing to his growing fanbase.

A significant breakthrough in Dalton’s career came when he recorded at the iconic Omni studio in Nashville before it was demolished. Working with producer Bill McDermott and session musicians who had played for some of country music’s biggest stars was a transformative experience. “The musicians that got hired to play on the track were some of the coolest people that have played on tracks for some of the biggest names,” Dalton recalls. This Nashville recording experience marked a turning point, bridging the gap between his local performances with his band Southerly Proper and the broader country music industry.

The business side of music presented unexpected challenges for Dalton. He recently signed with management at Burning Ground Entertainment after they discovered him on Instagram, a testament to the power of social media in today’s music industry. This partnership has opened his eyes to the business aspects of music he hadn’t previously considered: “Her and team have been putting a lot into my brain that I had no idea existed.” From publishing rights to promotional strategies, Dalton is now navigating the complex world of music business while staying true to his artistic vision.

Throughout the interview, Dalton emphasizes his desire to inspire others through his music. His latest song “I’m Still Here” speaks to perseverance through difficult times, a theme that resonates throughout his work. “I want to be the person to bring the moments out of the gutter. I want to inspire people to get out of the gutter and have a happy life,” he explains. This mission reveals the heart behind his music – not just to entertain, but to uplift and encourage his listeners through authentic storytelling and relatable experiences.

As Dalton continues to build his career, he remains grounded in his values and commitment to authenticity. When asked about his desired legacy, he responds, “I’m trying to be the best man I can be. We can’t live perfect lives, but I just want to let people know that and just try and motivate as best I can.” This perspective showcases his maturity as both an artist and individual, suggesting that Dalton Hicks is not just a musician to watch, but a voice that will continue to resonate with listeners seeking both entertainment and inspiration.

Connor Daly, an emerging Americana and country artist, has been making significant strides in Nashville’s music scene since relocating from Virginia just eight months ago. His journey represents the classic Nashville story – a talented songwriter with guitar in hand, moving to Music City to pursue his passion and share his musical gifts with the world. Daly’s perspective as a relative newcomer to Nashville provides a fresh look at the city’s established music institutions and the path emerging artists take to build their careers.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Daly’s Nashville experience has been his performances at iconic venues like The Bluebird Cafe and The Listening Room. These legendary Nashville establishments serve as crucial proving grounds for songwriters, and Daly’s experiences highlight the unique atmosphere each venue offers. The Bluebird, famous for its intimate writers’ rounds where songwriters sit in a circle sharing their music, surprised Daly with its unassuming location in a strip mall despite its worldwide fame. The casual, living-room feel of The Bluebird contrasts with The Listening Room’s more traditional stage setup, bright lights, and larger audience capacity. Both venues share a dedication to the craft of songwriting, with audiences who come specifically to listen to the stories behind the songs rather than just for entertainment.

Daly’s debut album “Colors Fade,” a twelve-song collection released last summer, demonstrates his commitment to his craft long before moving to Nashville. The recording process spanned multiple prestigious Nashville studios including Starstruck (owned by Reba McEntire), Castle Studios, and Dark Horse. This piecemeal approach to recording, working with different production teams and studio musicians, provides insight into how modern Nashville recordings often come together. The contrast between studio musicians who might record an entire song in under an hour without previously knowing the artist versus road bands who develop deep personal connections highlights the different approaches to creating music in professional settings.

The songwriting process stands at the heart of Daly’s artistic identity. His approach begins with guitar chords, then developing melodies, and finally crafting lyrics that match the emotional tone of the music. This contrasts with songwriters who might start with a title or concept. Daly’s recent introduction to co-writing since moving to Nashville represents a significant growth opportunity, as collaboration is central to Nashville’s creative community. The differences between writing alone versus collaborating, and the relationship dynamics that develop between co-writers, offer fascinating glimpses into the creative process that drives Nashville’s music industry.

Connor Daly’s story exemplifies the modern Nashville experience – balancing social media presence with authentic musical development, navigating the business aspects of recording and promotion while maintaining artistic integrity, and finding one’s place in a competitive but collaborative music community. His journey from writing his first song in a college dorm room to performing at Nashville’s most prestigious songwriter venues demonstrates the path of dedication and growth that defines successful musical careers. As Daly continues developing his unique voice within the Americana and country music landscape, his experiences provide valuable insights for aspiring songwriters and music fans alike who want to understand the realities of building a career in today’s music industry.