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.

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com

Connor Daly brings fresh perspective to Nashville’s music scene as an Americana artist who made the leap from Virginia to Music City just eight months ago. Despite being relatively new to the area, he’s already conquered some of Nashville’s most revered songwriter venues, including the legendary Bluebird Cafe.

The contrast between these iconic venues reveals much about Nashville’s songwriting culture. As Connor explains, “The Bluebird felt very casual… like I was playing in a living room somewhere,” noting how the venue’s unassuming strip mall location belies its worldwide fame. Meanwhile, The Listening Room placed him under bright lights on an actual stage—both experiences offering different creative energies while sharing an audience that truly listens to the lyrics.

Connor’s debut album “Colors Fade” showcases his songwriting talents developed long before his Nashville move. Recorded across prestigious studios including Reba McEntire’s Starstruck and the renowned Castle Studios, the album represents years of creative development. His songwriting process offers fascinating insight into how songs naturally evolve: “I like to start out with just playing chords… start humming a melody… try not to think too hard, try to leave my brain out of it and just start thinking of words and feelings that the melodies are bringing out.”

Nashville has introduced Connor to the collaborative art of co-writing after years of creating alone in Virginia. This adjustment highlights the relationship-like dynamics between songwriters who must find creative chemistry. His duet “Fake One Tear” with Mary Heather Hickman demonstrates how social media connections can lead to meaningful artistic collaborations in today’s music industry.

Ready to discover an authentic voice in Americana music? Follow Connor Daly Music on all social platforms and visit connordalymusic.com to stay updated on new releases and performances as his Nashville journey continues to unfold.

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com
• Connor Daly: https://connordalymusic.com/

Join us in this dynamic episode as we dive deep into the life of rising rock artist Alyxx, who is on the brink of something monumental – her performance at the Inkcarceration Festival. Discover the journey that brought her from a theater background and girl group experiences to carving out her unique identity in the rock scene. With her infectious energy and passion for music, Alyxx shares her excitement about the upcoming festival where she will be sharing the stage with bands like Falling in Reverse and Beartooth.

Listen as she reflects on the thrills of live performance, recounting her unforgettable experiences at events such as the Blue Ridge Rock Festival. Beyond music, we explore the complexities of creating, producing, and the challenges of self-recording. Alyxx reveals invaluable insights into her creative process, her songwriting journey, and the emotional impact of her music. 

We not only discuss her artistic vision and lyrical content but also touch on the importance of support systems. Hear how her family and friends have played a crucial role in her success as she navigates this competitive industry. Through heartfelt stories, humor, and candid reflections, Alyxx’s journey exemplifies dedication and resilience in the music world.

As this episode unfolds, feel inspired by her commitment to sharing genuine, relatable experiences through her songs. Don’t miss this chance to hear what it truly means to pursue a career in music, building connections, and creating art that resonates with others. Tune in, subscribe, and join us for an empowering conversation that sparks creativity and passion!

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com
• Alyxx: https://www.officialalyxx.com/