Summary

This week in 2015, we’re excited to sit down with Lee Gallagher from the band Lee Gallagher and the Hallelujah. Their self-titled debut album just dropped in January, and it’s already turning heads. Originally from the Midwest, Lee brings his indie rock roots and blends them with the psychedelic folk vibes of the San Francisco Bay Area. The result is a sound that feels fresh, emotional, and totally his own.

In our chat, Lee shares the unexpected story behind how the band came together, with musicians from all over bringing their unique styles to the mix. We also dive into the creative process behind the new album, which combines raw, live instrumentation with deeply personal songwriting.

Come along as we explore Lee’s musical journey, the making of the record, and the rich, inspiring music scene that fuels it all.

What We Wrote in 2015

Lee Gallagher inhales the Bay area of California, making it part of who he is musically. After a few years in the area, Gallagher appreciates its history and vibe even more than when he was a Midwestern kid seeking something other than cornfields. He is not jaded about his roots, though, rather, he takes the indie roots rock foundation and filters it through his newer psychedelic surroundings. With two recent albums that deserve a listen, Lee Gallagher shares his appreciation for his new home region and musicians.

Show Notes

• We sat down with Lee Gallagher, front man of Lee Gallagher and the Hallelujah, to talk about his journey as a musician and how the band came to be.
• Originally from Cincinnati, Lee shares how he and his bandmates, hailing from Indiana, Ohio, and Louisiana, all ended up in the artistic hub of San Francisco, where their musical paths crossed.
• The band’s self-titled debut album came together organically, blending indie rock with psychedelic folk to create a sound that’s both nostalgic and new.
• Lee opens up about his songwriting process and how deeply rooted his music is in American music history, pulling influence from the past while still pushing forward.
• Live performance plays a big role in the band’s identity. As they started playing together, their chemistry sparked something unique, a raw, energetic sound that really connects with audiences.
• We talk about the vibe in the studio while recording the album at Light Rail Studios, where collaboration and spontaneity helped shape the final sound.
• Lee highlights the importance of authenticity in their work and how the band’s dynamic fosters creativity and mutual inspiration.
• The conversation wraps with stories from the road and excitement for their upcoming tour, which will feature a visually immersive experience thanks to a collaboration with a well-known liquid light show artist.
• Overall, this episode offers a deeper look into Lee Gallagher’s artistic vision and the collaborative spirit that fuels the band, a reminder of how creativity thrives when people come together with a shared passion.

Links

• Lee Gallagher
• Lee Gallagher on Bandcamp
• You may also like our podcast with Cale Tyson
• Sloane Spencer now hosts a Gen X sleep podcast, Sleep with Rock Stars
• After you buy music or see a show with these musicians, feel free to toss a few in our Tip...

Summary

In this episode, we’re catching up with Cale Tyson, an artist known for his classic country sound and heartfelt songwriting. He’s got an exciting year ahead. He just signed with Clubhouse Records, which means his special double EP will soon be available across the UK. At the same time, he’s gearing up to record a new country soul album at the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

We dive into Cale’s journey so far, from the music that’s inspired him to how his sound has evolved over the years. He shares the stories behind his latest projects and gives us a glimpse into what’s next. It’s a conversation full of reflection, passion, and a deep love for the roots of American music.

Here's What We Wrote in 2015

Cale Tyson surprised us with news of his upcoming country soul debut album, recording this spring at FAME Studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. His two recent EPs took him to traditional country music, cementing his transition from Texas indie folk to Nashville. After straddling the bubble of Belmont and real-life working musicians, Tyson is ready to find his voice in the coming year.

Show Notes

• We dive into Cale Tyson’s journey as a country artist, tracing how his sound has grown from folk-inspired beginnings to a more traditional country style.
• He talks about albums like High on Lonesome, which reflect his love for classic country and his desire to channel the spirit of legends like Ray Price.
• Cale opens up about his next big move: recording a country soul album at the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
• This upcoming project is a big step for him, as he experiments with fuller arrangements, including horns and strings, a noticeable shift from his earlier, more stripped-down work.
• It’s a moment of artistic growth, and Cale shares what’s inspiring this new direction and how he’s approaching the creative process.

Links

• Cale Tyson
• Cale Tyson on Bandcamp
• You may also enjoy our conversation with Jim White
• Sloane Spencer now hosts a Gen X sleep podcast, Sleep with Rock Stars
• After you buy music or see a show with these musicians, we would love your support with a few dollars in our Tip Jar

Chapters

• 00:02 - Cale Tyson's Musical Journey
• 03:56 - Transitioning to Nashville: Cale Tyson's Journey
• 08:49 - The Evolution of a Music Career
• 11:00 - New Collaborations and Upcoming Tours
• 15:08 - Discussing Upcoming Album and Recording Plans
• 19:34 - The Rise of Doug Segers: A Nashville Story

Takeaways

• In this episode, we sit down with Cale Tyson to talk about his journey as an artist and where his music is headed next.
• Cale's got a big year coming up. He’s getting ready to release a new album and dive into some exciting new projects.
• One of the big highlights? He’s heading to the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals to record a country soul record.
• With help from Clubhouse Records, his music will soon reach even more listeners across the UK, expanding his international audience.
• He looks back on how his sound has shifted over time: starting out more folky, then leaning into a traditional country vibe that really feels like home.
• Cale also talks about how...

Summary

This week on Country Fried Rock from 2015, we dive into the story behind the long-awaited return of 6 String Drag, a band that made waves in the late '90s before quietly stepping away from the spotlight.

• We caught up with bassist Rob Keller to talk about the band’s journey, from their beloved album Hi Hat to their brand-new record, more than 15 years later.
• The big question: why the long break, and what brought them back together now?
• Even though we recorded this one out in the field (so the audio’s a little rough), the conversation is full of great insights into the evolution of roots rock and roll.
• Rob opens up about the unique dynamics of reuniting with old bandmates, how their creative process has changed over the years, and what it feels like to make music together again.
• We also touch on the magic of reconnecting—not just as musicians, but as friends—with songs that carry the weight of time and experience.

It’s a heartfelt look at a band rediscovering its rhythm, and a reminder of how music can bring people back together, even after years apart.

Show Notes

In this episode of Country Fried Rock, we hit the road—literally—trying out mobile recording gear to capture the feel of live, in-the-moment conversations. Here’s what you can expect:

• We sit down with Rob Keller, bassist and creative force behind 6 String Drag, for a deep dive into the band's history and recent reunion.
• Rob shares stories from the High Hat era, an album that had the band on the verge of a major breakout back in the '90s.
• We talk about the band’s long silence after that high point, and the personal and professional factors that led to their extended hiatus.
• The conversation blends nostalgia with fresh excitement, as Rob reflects on what it’s been like to reconnect with Kenny Roby and the rest of the band after 15 years.
• He opens up about how their sound has changed, what’s stayed the same, and how life off the road shaped the music they’re making now.
• Despite some audio hiccups from recording in the wild, the heart of the conversation comes through, full of honesty, history, and hope for what’s next.

This episode is all about second chances, old friends, and the music that never really goes away.

Here's What We Wrote Back in 2015

Kenny Roby (previously featured) and Rob Keller disbanded 6 String Drag at the top of their game, nearly 15 years ago. The first new album from 6 String Drag, Roots Rock N Roll, brings the group together again, ranging the gamut of roots rock with their brother-from-another-mother harmonies. Why would a regionally beloved band, seemingly at the peak of success, fall off the face of the earth? Love.

Links

• 6 String Drag on Bandcamp
• Welfare Liners on Bandcamp (Rob Keller in a side project)
• Roberto Adega on Bandcamp (Rob Keller project in Portuguese)
• You might also like our conversation with Jim White
• After you buy music or see a show, we appreciate your support with a few dollars in our