What happens when a buried pop gem finally gets its moment to shine? Stella Soleil joins us to share the fascinating 14-year journey of her song “Hello” – from its unexpected birth in a hard rock band to its powerful 2025 revival.

Stella takes us behind the curtain of her remarkable career, revealing how she championed Slipknot before they became global metal icons. “I always insisted we play on the same show,” she explains, describing her early conviction that the masked musicians would “take over the planet” when others couldn't see past their unconventional image. This thread of recognizing potential runs throughout her story, especially with “Hello” – a song she created with members of Slipknot in their side project Dirty Little Rabbits.

The conversation delves into the creative rebirth of “Hello” with legendary producer John Fryer (Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode), where Stella spent an incredible 52 hours recording vocals to create the song's distinctive harmonies. “It went from a single line vocal to 72 tracks,” she reveals, describing the transformation from quirky original to anthemic 2025 version. 

We explore the making of the music video with director Jeffrey Panzer, filming in natural light with genuine human connections that perfectly capture the song's message that “all good people find one another.” Stella's authentic personality shines throughout – from her fear of flying to her signature friendship pins adorning her Adidas Superstars. 

Listen now for a master class in musical perseverance, the power of timing, and how sometimes the most meaningful songs take the longest journey to find their audience. Subscribe to hear more conversations with artists who are reshaping the music landscape with honesty and heart.

Episode Links

• Stella Soleil: https://stellasoleilofficial.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/

What happens when Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement announcement collides with a passionate debate about the greatest party song of all time? Pure entertainment gold on The Jay Franze Show.

Hosts Jay Franze and Tiffany Mason kick things off by diving into the swirling conspiracy theories surrounding Taylor Swift's engagement. From the podcast proposal cover-up (did Travis plan it all along?) to the significance of the number 13 in the announcement timing, they examine the most intriguing fan theories while sharing genuine excitement for the couple. The hosts balance healthy skepticism with appreciation for Swift's calculated brilliance, concluding that while some theories stretch credibility, the engagement genuinely appears to be a moment of authentic love rather than a marketing stunt.

The conversation shifts to a lively roundup of country music news, exploring Russell Dickerson's deeply personal “Famous Back Home,” Old Dominion's most vulnerable album yet, and Bon Jovi's surprising country collaborations with Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll. When a Gallup poll suggests Americans are drinking less alcohol, the hosts contemplate whether this cultural shift might change country music's long-standing relationship with drinking themes – though they remain confident these classic motifs aren't disappearing anytime soon.

The show's heart lies in an electrifying listener-driven debate about the greatest party song of all time. As nominations flood in ranging from Garth Brooks' “Friends in Low Places” to “Old Time Rock and Roll” and “Red Solo Cup,” Jay and Tiffany methodically narrow down contenders through an entertaining elimination process that ultimately crowns “Celebration” as the undisputed champion. This segment showcases the show's remarkable connection with its audience, creating a virtual community gathering that feels like friends sharing music recommendations over drinks.

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/

Ever wondered what it would be like to completely reinvent yourself after a successful career? Christopher Wyze's remarkable journey from advertising executive to blues musician proves it's never too late to follow your passion.

Growing up in Indiana, Christopher's introduction to blues came when his college-aged brother brought home BB King and Bobby Blue Bland records. Though the music resonated with him, life took him in a different direction – building a career in marketing, running an advertising agency, and writing books. Music remained a distant memory until a chance encounter at a church wine dinner twenty years ago led to an impromptu performance that changed everything.

When invited to front a local band, Christopher embraced the opportunity despite having been away from music for decades. Feeling he needed to contribute more than just vocals, he taught himself harmonica and eventually found his way to Clarksdale, Mississippi – the heart of delta blues country. There, he met Ralph Carter, former musical director for Eddie Money, who became his producer and collaborator. Their partnership led to recording sessions at the legendary Muscle Shoals studios and a record deal with Big Radio Records, a company with direct ties to Sam Phillips, who discovered Elvis and Howlin' Wolf.

What makes Christopher's story particularly fascinating is how his life experience shaped his music. Unlike genres where youth dominates, blues benefits from the authenticity that comes with age. As Christopher puts it, “This music doesn't happen without experience.” His background as a writer and marketer gave him unique tools for songwriting and promoting his music. Perhaps most remarkably, his song “Three Hours from Memphis” – written while driving to meet his producer – unwittingly predicted his own journey before it fully unfolded.

Ready to be inspired by a second-act success story? Listen as Christopher shares how embracing the blues led him to find joy, purpose, and unexpected friendships in the later chapters of his life.

Episode Links

• Christopher Wyze: https://christopherwyzeandthetellers.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/