In the latest episode of The Jay Franze Show, we delve into an extraordinary musical collaboration between the legendary William Lee Golden of The Oak Ridge Boys and the talented Danni Stefanetti. This episode is a captivating exploration of how a simple voice memo from a child can ignite a powerful creative journey, leading to the birth of a heartfelt song that blends country, gospel, and modern pop elements.

William Lee Golden shares a deeply personal story about a voice memo left by his son, Solomon, during his childhood. This memo, which expressed a unique and touching message of love, became the foundation for a song that captures William’s emotions as an absentee father due to his demanding touring schedule. Danni Stefanetti, brought into the project by the legendary Jeff Panzer, adds her musical expertise and emotional depth to transform this raw memo into a beautifully produced track.

The episode opens with an introduction by host Jay Franze, setting the stage for an intimate conversation with William and Danni. William recounts the emotional significance of Solomon’s voice messages, which he kept for years, and how they inspired him to write lyrics that express his feelings of love and longing. He reflects on his desire to reconnect with his son through this song, hoping that it will serve as a meaningful bridge between them.

Danni Stefanetti shares her perspective on the collaboration, describing how she approached the project with sensitivity and creativity. She explains the process of transforming William’s heartfelt voice memo into a fully produced track, incorporating various musical elements to enhance its emotional impact. Danni’s contributions, including her guitar playing and production skills, bring a contemporary feel to the song while preserving its raw, emotional core.

The episode also explores the challenges and joys of blending different musical genres. William discusses his extensive experience in country and gospel music and how his love for rock and roll influences his work. He expresses excitement about integrating modern pop elements into the song, creating a unique and appealing sound. Danni elaborates on her approach to reworking the melody and production, aiming for a commercial, radio-friendly feel that retains the song’s emotional authenticity.

As the conversation progresses, William and Danni reflect on the personal significance of the song, which was written for Solomon, now studying medicine. They discuss their hopes for the song’s impact, envisioning it as a relatable piece for various relationships, whether between parents and children, friends, or couples. The episode concludes with their reflections on the harmonious collaboration and the old-school approach to harmonies that enriched the final product.

Listeners are treated to transcript samples from key chapters of the episode, offering a glimpse into the heartfelt and candid discussions between William and Danni. The chapter titled “Music Industry Insights” delves into the genesis of the song, providing an intimate look at the emotional journey that led to its creation. In “Harmonizing Voices in Music,” the focus shifts to the creative process behind transforming the folk ballad into a pop-country hit, highlighting the collaborative efforts and musical influences that shaped the final product.

The final chapter, “Musical Collaboration and Mentorship,” explores the deeper emotional aspects of the collaboration, touching on the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by both artists. William reflects on his cautious approach to releasing personal material, despite his successful career, and the satisfaction he finds in expressing his emotions through music. Danni shares her admiration for William as a mentor and the inspiration she draws from his energy and dedication.

This episode of The Jay Franze Show is a must-listen for anyone interested in the personal stories and collaborative efforts that breathe life into music. It offers a unique and touching narrative that showcases the power of music to connect people and convey deep emotions. The blending of country, gospel, and modern pop elements creates a rich and diverse musical experience that is both timeless and contemporary.

As the episode concludes, listeners are left with a sense of admiration for the artistry and dedication of William Lee Golden and Danni Stefanetti. Their collaboration serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, heal, and connect people across generations. The episode is a celebration of the creative process and the personal stories that fuel the creation of meaningful and impactful music.

For those interested in exploring the full episode, it is available on The Jay Franze Show, where listeners can join William and Danni on their touching musical journey. The episode is a heartfelt and inspiring exploration of the creative process, emotional storytelling, and the magic of musical collaboration.

In this week’s episode of our show, we dive into the electrifying world of Huckleberry Road, a Western country rock trio that has been captivating audiences with their unique sound. Combining the raw power of Metallica, the soulful riffs of Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the heartfelt storytelling of Americana, Huckleberry Road stands out as a trailblazer in the music industry. This episode takes listeners on an in-depth journey into the band’s creative process, music production techniques, and the realities of life on the road.

The episode kicks off with an exploration of Huckleberry Road’s distinctive musical flavor. Band members share their journey from playing Metallica and Stevie Ray Vaughan covers to creating their own unique sound. They discuss how their diverse musical backgrounds and influences blend to form a powerful, melodic, and hard-edged style that captivates listeners. This segment highlights the band’s commitment to storytelling in their songwriting, emphasizing the importance of lyrics that resonate with personal experiences and universal themes.

One of the standout moments in this episode is the discussion of Huckleberry Road’s single “Ray-Bans.” Inspired by deeply personal experiences, this track captures the universal desire to escape after a breakup. The band delves into the songwriting process, explaining how a simple phrase or thought can spark a cascade of creative ideas. They share anecdotes about the song’s evolution, from its initial conception to the final polished product. Listeners gain insight into the emotional depth and authenticity that characterize Huckleberry Road’s music.

The episode also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the band’s music production and recording process. Huckleberry Road reveals the technical wizardry that brings their larger-than-life sound to life during live performances. From incorporating extra instrumentation like fiddle and steel guitar to the innovative use of backing tracks for bass, violin, and percussion, the band demonstrates their dedication to creating a polished and impactful auditory experience. The use of in-ear monitors and the integration of new elements such as 808 bass hits are discussed, highlighting the band’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

Managing live sound and ensuring consistency in performances is another key topic covered in this episode. Huckleberry Road shares the intricacies of their live setup, which includes using a laptop for tracks and click tracks, an iPad for mixing, and their own microphones and snake to maintain uniformity. They discuss the challenges of working with various sound engineers and the importance of having their own equipment to avoid potential issues. This segment provides valuable insights for aspiring musicians and bands, emphasizing the significance of preparation and adaptability in achieving a seamless live performance.

Life on the road is not always glamorous, but it is filled with unforgettable moments and valuable lessons. Huckleberry Road shares candid stories from their 2021 tour, offering listeners a glimpse into the camaraderie and dedication that fuel their musical journey. They discuss the challenges of managing personal space and dealing with unexpected obstacles, from the logistics of touring in a Dodge Ram with a trailer to memorable adventures like attempting to sleep in the truck bed. The band’s honest and engaging reflections provide a realistic portrayal of what it means to be a touring band, balancing passion with accountability.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the band’s relentless passion for creating top-quality music and the importance of holding each other accountable. Huckleberry Road reflects on the challenges and growth they experienced during the 2020 lockdown, which pushed them to elevate their recording standards. They share stories from their 2021 tour, including memorable performances in unique settings like a rodeo arena in Sydney, Montana. The band’s dedication to their craft and the camaraderie that sustains them on their journey are evident throughout this episode.

In summary, this episode offers an in-depth and engaging look at Huckleberry Road’s creative journey. From their distinctive musical flavor and storytelling approach to their innovative music production techniques and life on the road, listeners gain valuable insights into what makes this Western country rock trio so unique. Whether you’re a fan of country rock, an aspiring musician, or simply curious about the music industry, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover the magic of Huckleberry Road and be inspired by their passion, dedication, and creativity.

In this engaging episode, we delve deep into the life and career of Chris Mara, a visionary studio owner and renowned engineer. Chris’s fascinating journey from an assistant engineer in Minneapolis to the owner of Welcome to 1979, a unique recording studio in Nashville, is a testament to his ingenuity and resilience. Chris Mara’s career is marked by accidental ventures, innovative inventions, and meaningful community service. His company, Mara Machines, is known for restoring and selling vintage tape machines worldwide, a business that began quite accidentally but has grown into a significant enterprise.

Chris shares the intriguing story of how his business started. Initially, he restored a console and tape machine for his studio, which garnered significant attention and inquiries from people wanting similar machines. This led to him selling restored tape machines, and the business has expanded over the years, now shipping 40 to 60 machines annually worldwide. Chris’s journey is a blend of creativity and necessity, driven by a passion for vintage audio equipment and a knack for solving problems.

One of the highlights of the episode is Chris’s discussion on the craftsmanship of audio engineering. He emphasizes the importance of muscle memory and adaptability, especially when working with non-recallable systems like analog tape. Chris’s experience working with seasoned engineers in Nashville taught him invaluable lessons, from mastering precise tape editing to trusting the room’s acoustics. This hands-on experience in diverse studios with different equipment and producers shaped his approach to audio engineering, making him adept at creating balanced mixes swiftly.

Chris also reflects on the evolution of studio roles, noting the decline of assistants in mixing sessions. This shift has impacted the exchange of knowledge and mentorship that was once prevalent in the industry. He recounts personal anecdotes that highlight the learning curve and the crucial role of precision and preparedness in audio engineering. These stories underscore the need for technical proficiency and the ability to anticipate and resolve issues quickly, a skill set honed through years of assisting experienced engineers.

The episode takes us inside Welcome to 1979, a studio that thrives on innovation and community spirit. Chris discusses the unique inspiration behind creating a versatile recording space that caters to diverse sounds and styles. The studio’s survival and growth, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, are attributed to a creative lease agreement and a commitment to affordable rates. The studio’s vibrant community activities, like educational tape camps and the annual Recording Summit, foster a collaborative environment for artists and engineers. These events provide a platform for networking, learning, and sharing knowledge, contributing to the studio’s success and resilience.

Chris’s philanthropic efforts are also a significant focus of the episode. He shares his involvement with the Nashville Engineer Relief Fund, which supports self-employed recording engineers facing health issues. His commitment to giving back to the community is further exemplified by his heartfelt story of donating a kidney to help a friend in need. This act of kindness underscores the profound impact of community service and the importance of supporting one another in the music industry.

The episode is rich with insights into the intricacies of studio design and the craftsmanship of audio engineering. Chris’s stories highlight the balance between technical skill and creativity, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and problem-solving. The discussion on the evolution of studio roles and the decline of assistants offers a nuanced perspective on the industry’s changes and the need for continued mentorship and knowledge exchange.

In summary, this episode is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and community in the music industry. Chris Mara’s journey from an assistant engineer to a celebrated studio owner and philanthropist is inspiring and enlightening. His innovative approach to studio design, commitment to affordable rates, and dedication to community service make Welcome to 1979 a beacon of creativity and collaboration in Nashville. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art and craft of audio engineering, studio design, and the importance of community in the music industry.