We had the opportunity to talk with Cyrena Wages during the hectic week of AmericanaFest about her upcoming album, her experience at AmericanaFest and her magical moment at the Hotel Indigo in downtown Nashville.

Cyrena Wages fell in love with music on the country backroads between Millington and Shelby Forest, two small towns just north of Memphis. Her father, the hometown judge, drove her to school every day in a 1967 gold Cadillac with the license plate “ROBN HD” on the back, an homage to the underdog ideology, and a conceptual through line of her debut 2024 album,Vanity Project.

The first single off Wages’ Sophomore album, produced by Johnny Black and co-written with Black and Amie Miriello, was released in May 2025.

Cyrena says, “I didn’t go in to make this new record feeling unheard. I didn’t have pent up weight, or unarticulated pain. I feel like I wrote Vanity Project from a wound, and I am writing this project from a scar. If Vanity Project was despair, healing, and truth telling, this one is swagger, boundaries, levity, fun, and a sense of humor that I lost touch with for a longtime. And then, of course, a little darkness, too. But it all just has more of a wink and a backbeat to it this time. I will always live in the deep end. But I’m not drowning right now.”

Be sure to check out Cyrena here:

• Website: Cyrenawages.com
• IG: cyrenawages
• FB: Cyrena Wages
• TikTok: cyrenawages

The sisters sat down with Abby Hamilton at AmericanaFest to talk about her previous album, "The #1 Zookeeper (of the San Diego Zoo)," her AmericanaFest experience, and what's coming next!

If you’ve spent any time exploring Kentucky’s booming music scene, chances are you’ve heard somebody say, “You’ve really got to hear Abby Hamilton.” Her latest single, “Midnight Call” was released in August 2025 and follows an acclaimed debut album, #1 Zookeeper (of the San Diego Zoo), released in 2023 via Blue Gown Records—a new imprint run by WhizzBangBAM’s Ian Thornton (Tyler Childers) in partnership with Virgin Music. The album was produced by Justin Craig and Duane Lundy and further establishes Hamilton as one of music’s most intriguing new voices. Of the record, American Songwriter praises, “infectious…introducing the acclaimed songsmith’s captivating blend of folk and indie rock,” while Holler declares, “one of the most refreshingly out of step voices in country music has made one of the year’s most genuinely brilliant and beautiful records” and Wide Open Country proclaims, “channels a universal relatability that will aid anyone’s journey of self-discovery and healing”.

With influences ranging from the classic country divas to Bruce Springsteen, she wins over audiences with her clever lyrics and entrancing vocals. The born-and-raised in Nicholasville, KY singer-songwriter has garnered a reputation as a can’t-miss live performer, opening for acts like Tyler Childers, Wynonna Judd, Deer Tick, Shakey Graves, Kelsey Waldon, Futurebirds, Blackberry Smoke, The Mountain Goats and Justin Wells. She has also performed at several major festivals includingg Bonnaroo, Americanafest, Railbird and Luck Reunion and made her television debut performing on CBS Mornings’ “Saturday Sessions.”

Be sure to check out Abby here:

IG: Abbyehamilton

FB: Abby Hamilton

TikTok: Abbyehamilton

We had the pleasure of meeting Rachel McIntyre Smith at AmericanaFest this year and what a lovely person she is! We talked about her upbringing as a competitive pianst, her amazing merch, and her deluxe version of her EP "Honeysuckle Friend."

With her lyrically driven songs, Rachel McIntyre Smith’s comfort twang music reminds listeners of the classics while also adding a relevant and fresh perspective.

From a very young age, her mother, an English teacher, encouraged Rachel to write. She recalls, “I was fascinated with rhyming and pretended to not understand it so my mom would keep explaining it to me.” Rachel won several awards for her poetry and even won a scholarship to college for one of her short stories. As Rachel progressed in music, she started combining her two passions of music and writing.

Rachel began working with producer Dran Michael in the fall of 2020. Since the beginning of their partnership, Rachel has released multiple singles and her debut EP, Glory Daze, and her sophomore EP Honeysuckle Friend which have been featured on several media outlets including BBC Radio,Grady Smith’s Youtube Channel, Holler Magazine, and Spotify’s Fresh Finds Country, WDVX, and WMOT. Along with the release of Honeysuckle Friend, Rachel launched the Honeysuckle Friend Sessions which feature Rachel and one of her musical friends covering a song together. Past guests include Gabe Lee, Janelle Arthur, and Julia DiGrazia.

Be sure to check Rachel out here:

• Website: rachelmcintyresmith.com
• IG: Rachelmcintyresmith
• FB: Rachelmcintyresmith
• YouTube: Rachel McIntyre Smith

We had the honor of talking with Will Hoge among all of the fun and festivities of AmericanaFest.

Will had so many nuggets of gold for our listeners and for us! We talked about Will's new album "Sweet Misery" and how he's just a rock n' roll guy at heart!

Born and raised in Tennessee, songwriter Will Hoge made his name honing a blend of soulful Americana and heartland rock & roll.

Hoge began his career after leaving college to pursue music, releasing several albums and establishing himself as a prolific touring artist. He gained broader recognition co-writing the Eli Young Band hit "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" and has continued to release his own acclaimed solo work, including the contemplative 2024 album Tenderhearted Boys and his new album (released 2025) "Sweet Misery"

Be sure to check out Will here:

• Website: Willhoge.com
• FB: Willhoge
• IG: willhoge
• You Tube: Will Hoge

We were so excited to sit down with Lila Forde and talk about her album "The Vessel," how she made it, what's coming next, and her drive to be a 'timeless' artist. (We think she already is!!)

With a voice like honey and an “Americana soul” sound steeped in old-school jazz, R&B, and folk traditions, the Seattle-born singer/songwriter carries the past into the present with refreshing ease. She does just that on her debut album VESSEL, a confident and cathartic coming-of-age record that captures the full spectrum of her artistry– from its roots in improvisation and harmony, to its emotional depth and genre-spanning warmth.

Be sure to check out Lila here:

• Website: lilaforde.com
• IG: Lilfody
• YouTube: Lila Forde

We absolutely adored talking with KP Hawthorn at AmericanaFest on the day her album drops!!!! AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE TODAY--"The Glitter End." We also chat about her evolution as a singer songwriter and she gives some amazing advice!

Best known as a founding member of The HawtThorns and CALICO the band, KP steps into her own spotlight with a collection that blends West Coast soul, Nashville shimmer, and cinematic Americana. Featuring Rosie Flores, Johnny Hawthorn, and a top-shelf Nashville lineup, the album reimagines fan-favorite songs alongside raw new material, anchored by KP’s evocative voice and unfiltered storytelling.

Be sure to listen to the new album and to check KP out here:

• IG: Kphawthorn
• FB: KP Hawthorn

We talk with Emma and Bella Burney about their showcase at AmericanaFest, the transformation of their duo over the years, and they hint at some upcoming secret news (that they can't share yet). Such amazing and talented humans!

The Burney Sisters are a powerhouse sibling duo redefining indie-folk with their soulful harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and magnetic stage presence.

Originally from the Midwest, sisters Emma and Bella Burney create music that blends folk, rock, and Americana into a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists like The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, and Bonnie Raitt, as well as contemporary trailblazers like Madison Cunningham, First Aid Kit, and HAIM, The Burney Sisters bridge generations with a style that is uniquely their own.

Emma’s multi-instrumental talents—on piano, violin, guitar, and cello—pair seamlessly with Bella’s commanding basslines, showcasing a maturity and versatility far beyond their years. Their music explores themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery with a raw honesty that resonates deeply with fans of all ages. For the past eight years, The Burney Sisters have traveled extensively, performing across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. Their journey has not only shaped their sound but also fueled their passion for connecting through music.

Be sure to check the Burney Sisters out here:

• Website: Theburneysisters.com
• FB: theburneysisters
• IG: theburneysisters
• You Tube: The Burney Sisters
• Tik Tok: The Burney Sisters Music

Colby T. Helms was an absolute gem to talk to on the episode. We chatted about how he got started by performing around town, what's coming next, and his AmericanaFest experience (so far).

The Blue Ridge Mountains wind through eight states over astretch of 615 miles. In Virginia, they overlook Franklin County south ofRoanoke. Back in the day, bootleggers would refer to the area as “The MoonshineCapital of the World” due to its perfect placement to export contraband. Thesedays, the textile mills of Rocky Mount and other once cozy-towns have shutdown, leaving minimal opportunity and a lot of hopelessness. At the bottom ofthe Southwest Virginia foothills half-a-mile from the nearest neighbor, ColbyHelms resides in an “underground house” built by his late father. He hunts andtakes care of his mom. He also pens the kind of raw and real country music thatcuts to the bone. After signing to Photo Finish Records, he introduces himselfwith a series of 2023 singles and his forthcoming debut album.

Joined by his band The Virginia Creepers, he cut his teeth with countless gigs around the area. He also shared a series of arresting D.I.Y. performance videos on YouTube, including “Smoke and Flames.” With starkly honest songwriting and a sharp angular twang to his vocals, he struck adynamic balance between country storytelling, blue grass energy, and blues power. He caught the attention of Photo Finish Records and inked a deal with the label in 2023.

Now, he’s shining a light on a very special part of America and offering up hope.

Be sure to check Colby out here:

• Website: Colbyhelms.com
• IG: colbythelms
• FB: Colbythelms
• TikTok: Colbythelms
• YouTube: Colby T. Helms