Blake Tyler

What if the journey to sobriety could ignite a transformative artistic path? Join us as Blake Tyler, a rising star in country music, unveils the intimate and often tumultuous experiences that shape his sound. Blake opens up about his battle with addiction, inspired by a deep commitment to his family, and how this personal decision led to a poignant cover of “Pray All the Way Home.” He shares heartfelt stories of his childhood, particularly the impact of his parents' separation and a challenging dynamic with his stepfather, both of which influenced his latest track, “Blood Ain't Thick.”

Blake's path from a sales career to the bustling Nashville music scene is a testament to the power of connections. By teaming up with guitarist Joe Jordan and industry professionals like Matt McClure and Alex Kidd, he transformed his passion into a thriving career. Discover the backstage tales of collaboration, and how serendipitous encounters and strategic partnerships have paved the way for his artistic growth. Blake's candid reflections reveal the intricacies of writing songs and performing live, offering a glimpse into the dedication required to succeed in the music industry.

Performing live can be daunting, but Blake's insights on overcoming stage nerves and the importance of a supportive band are invaluable. With memorable anecdotes of encounters with stars like Chase Matthew and Bailey Zimmerman, Blake paints a vivid picture of the highs, lows, and humorous mishaps that come with the territory. As we explore the impact of social media, Blake emphasizes the importance of consistency and connection in building an audience of over 600,000 followers. His story is a compelling reminder of how perseverance, adaptability, and a genuine connection with fans can carve a successful path in today's competitive music world.

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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, Best Canadian Bands, and Country Music News

What makes a band truly legendary, and which Canadian artists fit that bill? Join us on a nostalgic trip as we ponder these questions and more, starting with a shout-out to our favorite northern bands. Get a behind-the-scenes look at my experience producing an album for Alison Piccioni, now known as Rocky Rose, who’s currently electrifying audiences on tour with the iconic Cyndi Lauper. We celebrate Lauper’s nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and reflect on the timeless impact of her classic hit “Time After Time.” Together with my co-host Tiffany Mason, we fondly recall how the music of Bad Company and others once filled the air at local skating rinks, igniting our love for rock and roll. 

Our musical journey continues with a look at the often-blurred boundaries between genres and what truly qualifies an artist for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We examine bands like Blue Oyster Cult, Oasis, and Soundgarden, sharing personal stories like how Soundgarden’s music became a soothing companion during a bumpy flight. While the cancellation of the CMT Awards brings a bit of disappointment, there's joy in discussing new music, including Trey Calloway's heartfelt “Your Love Is Safe With Me,” which we predict will become a beloved wedding anthem. Plus, we give a nod to Shibuzy’s chart success and Reba McIntyre’s sweet gesture welcoming Kelsey Ballerini to The Voice.

From the art of music engineering and remembering late greats like Mike Shipley to celebrating the victories of youth cheerleading teams, our conversation covers it all. Dive into stories of Canadian musical talent, like Bryan Adams and Loverboy, and their journey to breaking into the U.S. market. We wrap up with the lighthearted chaos of Orlando traffic, a Super Bowl lip-sync debate, and the relatable highs and lows of family outings and unexpected revelations at Texas Roadhouse. Whether it’s about music, memories, or navigating life’s unexpected turns, this episode is packed with vibrant stories and heartfelt insights.

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Vance Powell, Producer / Engineer (The White Stripes, Martina McBride, Chris Stapleton)

Step into the vibrant world of the music industry with our special guest, seven-time Grammy-winning producer / engineer Vance Powell. From the quiet beginnings in Missouri to the bustling music scene of Nashville, Vance's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, he offers a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of music production, emphasizing the significance of traditional studio training amidst today's fast-paced digital revolution. Vance's transition from live sound to studio recording showcases the nuanced art of sound engineering, where the authenticity of live performances meets the enduring quality of studio work.

Tune in as we explore the intricate dance between the fleeting magic of live shows and the meticulous craft of studio recordings. Vance unpacks the pressures and rewards of live-stream mixing for dedicated fanbases, contrasting these with the careful scrutiny of every detail in a studio session. With stories from his time on the road as a production manager, Vance provides a candid look at the high-stakes environment of live sound, where every moment counts, and the lessons he carried forward into the studio setting. His experiences underscore the delicate balance of capturing the ephemeral essence of music while crafting something timeless.

In a delightful foray into the world of vintage audio gear and studio setups, Vance shares his experiences at Blackbird Studio and beyond. His passion for top-tier equipment, like the legendary Neve 8078 console, illuminates the impact of quality tools on music production. From humorous road stories involving country music legends to working with up-and-coming talents like Daniel Donato, Vance's tales offer an entertaining glimpse behind the scenes. This episode promises a fascinating blend of humor, technical expertise, and heartfelt reflections on the unpredictable yet rewarding journey of life in the music industry.

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