Category Archives: The Jay Franze Show

Matt Drago, Actor

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What does it truly mean to live with a character? Matt Drago, the breakout star of “Somewhere in Montana,” takes us deep into the transformative journey of method acting in this candid conversation about artistic sacrifice and unexpected opportunity.

Drago shares the remarkable story behind landing his “role of a lifetime” opposite Graham McTavish and Michelle Hurd—a full circle moment that began when he helped another struggling artist years earlier. With refreshing vulnerability, he details his approach to character immersion: losing 25 pounds, creating character journals, and assembling cross-genre playlists that help him emotionally align with his roles. “When you’ve got a cast and crew like we had on Somewhere in Montana, and you just get the space to live and breathe in the character for a long amount of time, it’s a very joyful experience,” Drago reflects.

The conversation reveals how Drago’s lifelong martial arts practice (Okinawan Shorin-ryu) provides the disciplined foundation for his acting work. This parallel path helps him maintain centeredness during career uncertainties and the emotional roller coaster of pursuing acting without industry connections. His journey from closing New York City bars at 4 AM to filming pivotal scenes in Montana barns illustrates the persistence required when following artistic dreams.

Perhaps most moving are Drago’s reflections on artistic mentorship and the family formed during production. From breakfast conversations with McTavish to sunset heart-to-hearts with Hurd, these relationships transcended the project itself. “Matt, you are an actor, don’t forget that,” Hurd told him in a moment of doubt—words that continue to sustain him. His gratitude extends equally to the crews who transform creative visions into reality: “Crews are what make films great.”

Ready to discover the magic of “Somewhere in Montana” and the actor bringing Fabian to life? Follow Matt Drago on Instagram @mattdrago or visit mattdrago.com to learn where his journey leads next.

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This Day in History, Favorite Male Vocalist of All Time, and More – Music News / Reviews / Interviews

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Music’s rich tapestry unfolds as we travel through time on this episode, celebrating the birthdays of legends like Marvin Gaye (born 1939) and Emmylou Harris (1947), while uncovering fascinating historical moments in the entertainment world. Remember when Mariah Carey signed that jaw-dropping $60 million Virgin Records deal in 2001? We break down why this watershed moment matters and how it shaped the industry we know today.

The conversation heats up when we dive into today’s breaking music news – from Miranda Lambert’s game-changing partnership with Republic Records and independent powerhouse Big Loud, to Linkin Park’s bold resurrection featuring new female vocalist Emily Armstrong. Their sold-out LA show marks a dramatic new chapter after the heartbreaking loss of Chester Bennington. Meanwhile, Green Day celebrates the 20th anniversary of “American Idiot” with unreleased tracks that prove some music deserves a second chance to be heard.

Our listeners light up the chat when we pose our question of the day: who’s the greatest male vocalist of all time? The passionate debate spans genres and generations – from Steve Perry’s unmatched range to Frank Sinatra’s impeccable phrasing, from Freddie Mercury’s theatrical power to the raw emotion of Chris Cornell. Jay shares fascinating insider knowledge about vinyl record production, explaining how physical limitations influenced which songs appeared where on albums, and why bass-heavy tracks needed special consideration.

Whether you’re a music history buff, industry insider, or simply love great conversation about entertainment, this episode delivers stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Join our community at jayfranze.com where the conversation continues long after the mics go silent. Subscribe now and become part of the behind-the-curtain experience that only The Jay Franze Show provides.

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Dalton Hicks

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What happens when raw talent meets determination? Dalton Hicks, a rising country music artist from South Carolina, joins us for a heartfelt conversation that traces his musical journey from his great-grandmother’s piano to Nashville’s recording studios.

Dalton opens up about the profound influence his grandmother Olga had on his musical beginnings, sharing how her passion for piano sparked his own love for music. When she passed away, he channeled that connection into creating songs that would make her proud. This relationship forms the emotional foundation for his authentic approach to songwriting.

We dive deep into Dalton’s creative process, exploring how he crafts songs independently—starting with lyrics and developing melodies that feel true to his experiences. Unlike many Nashville artists, he writes alone, allowing his genuine voice to shine through in every track. His latest release is approaching an impressive 400,000 streams without promotional investment, a testament to the authentic connection he’s building with listeners.

The conversation takes us to Nashville, where Dalton recorded at the now-demolished Omni studio with renowned producer Bill McDermott. Working alongside session musicians who’ve played for country’s biggest names marked a pivotal moment in his career. Now with professional management behind him after being discovered on Instagram, Dalton candidly discusses navigating the business side of music while staying true to his artistic vision.

What stands out most is Dalton’s mission to inspire through music. “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 with genuine conviction. His desire to be more than “just another country singer” reflects his commitment to creating meaningful art that resonates beyond typical genre conventions.

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