Eddy Smith & The 507 – The Rising Stars of UK Americana, Country Soul & Blues | Rugged Revival
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There's something refreshingly honest about a podcast that opens with two hosts joking about getting their anuses bleached before welcoming their first UK-based artist in what sounds like months of international guests. It sets the tone perfectly for what follows: a genuine, no-nonsense conversation with Eddy Smith, a musician who's been quietly building something substantial on Britain's Americana circuit while the rest of the world's been looking elsewhere.
Eddy Smith & The 507 represent a particular kind of UK success story—the kind that doesn't make headlines but fills rooms, builds devoted audiences, and creates the kind of musical foundation that lasts. Smith's husky, expressive voice paired with tasteful piano work has drawn comparisons to Joe Cocker, JJ Grey, and Marcus King. Those are names thrown around with intention in roots music circles, and they hint at what makes Smith's approach distinctive: he's trafficking in authenticity, in soul-deep vocals delivered without pretence, in music that feels lived rather than performed.
We've been playing together for 13, 14 years—we met at university and we've just been making music ever since, writing, releasing, gigging, touring the festival circuit.
— Eddy Smith
The band itself tells an interesting story about British musicianship. A five-piece (sometimes six, depending on the occasion) that's been together for over a decade—Smith mentions they met at university and have been writing, recording, gigging, and touring ever since. Thirteen or fourteen years is a long time to maintain a creative partnership. In an era of project-based music and streaming-era churn, that kind of longevity speaks volumes. These aren't musicians chasing trends or hoping for viral moments. They're professionals who've committed to a sound, a vision, and each other.
What's particularly striking about Smith is his positioning within the UK's growing Americana and country-soul landscape. The UK has never been known as a hotbed for country music, yet there's been a quiet but undeniable renaissance of roots-oriented music here over the past decade. Smith stands as one of the major male vocalists anchoring that movement. His infectious melodies and soulful songwriting have carved out a space that's distinctly his own—neither trying to sound American nor leaning too heavily into the heritage blues tradition that's dominated British roots music for generations.
We're a blues country soul Americana outfit, a five-piece, sometimes six-piece depending on the gig.
— Eddy Smith
The transcript reveals something else worth noting: genuine chemistry between Smith and the hosts. There's banter, there's humour, but there's also clear respect. When Ronnie asks Smith to introduce himself rather than relying on a "boring" Spotify bio, it's because the podcast format here is built on conversation rather than promotion. Smith obliges with a straightforward account of his journey and his band, delivered with the kind of confidence that comes from someone comfortable in their own skin and secure in what they've built.
This matters because authenticity is increasingly rare in music media. Everyone's got a brand now, a carefully curated narrative. But Smith seems to have sidestepped that trap entirely. He's made his mark on the country-soul and blues circuit because he's a genuinely good musician with a powerful voice and songwriting that resonates. The comparisons to Cocker and Grey aren't marketing flourishes—they're earned through years of playing, writing, and honing his craft.
What becomes clear from this conversation is that Eddy Smith & The 507 represent the kind of independent music-making that The Rugged Revival exists to champion: artists working outside the major label system, building audiences through talent and persistence, contributing to a living tradition rather than mining it for commercial gain. They're the kind of band you discover at festivals or through word of mouth, then find yourself following from venue to venue because something about their music resonates in your bones.
For anyone interested in contemporary British Americana and country-soul, or simply curious about what's happening in the UK's independent roots music scene, the full episode deserves your time. Smith's story—from Surrey childhood through university friendships to becoming one of Britain's most distinctive voices in this genre—is worth hearing in detail. These conversations are why The Rugged Revival matters: they're platforms for artists creating real music in real time, outside the machinery of major-label promotion and streaming algorithms.
Lo [music] [music] get broke tables [music] turn you learn. This is the Rugged Revival podcast. We're [music] your home of UK's country Americana and roots music community. We're also your platform [music] for championing independent artists and amplifying authentic music. Do you like that, Ronnie? >> Yeah. >> Very good. I like that. That's a little addition you make there, is it? >> Thanks, Chat GPT. That was a That was a good one. Anyway, as you can see, Ronnie is back on the podcast this week. You missed uh uh the previous [music] week with Race Ricketts. And uh >> gutted. >> I know. Yeah, he's a great dude. Um he missed you, too. And I said to Race, I said, "What do you think Ronny's up to? He's obviously not here. What do you think he's doing? >> He thought you were held up at a robbery at Griggs. So, what does [laughter] that what does that say about you, mate? >> Well, R, you're not wrong. You're not wrong. Um, so [laughter] >> Well, he was wrong, in fact. Um, because you told me you were getting your anus bleached. So, [laughter] >> I was just getting prepared for my my tattoo matching yours of John Mayer on your [ __ ] So, there [laughter] you go. Anyway, before this uh descends into chaos already, um we we don't often come back to the UK on the podcast, but today we have um and we've got a special guest with us, our compatriate and incredible musician. Uh we've got Mr. Eddie Smith with us. How are we doing, Eddie? You okay, mate? >> I'm very good, thanks. I've just got back from getting my anus bleached. So, [laughter] >> yes, Eddie, you know. Yeah, we're good. How are you guys? >> I'm I'm good, mate. I'm good. Uh I didn't get my own apparently just for the uh >> just for the record. >> But it's uh yeah, fabulous to have you on the podcast, mate. It's uh >> Yeah, it's nice to have a fellow Englishman on for a change. So hopefully you'll get some of our our jokes that uh you know might have been missed by a few of our our American uh friends, but uh we'll see. Maybe it was just crap jokes we were telling, Ronnie. I don't know. What do you think? >> I personally think it is. Yeah, just really rubbish jokes, but there we go. >> Well, you you never know. I'll I'll let you know. I'll give you a score. >> Just half anyway. Just half anything, mate. >> Anyway, Eddie, thank you so much for coming on, mate. Um, for the listeners out there, do you want to just like introduce yourself very quickly and and tell us a little bit about the music? >> Yeah. So, uh, my name's Eddie Smith. Um, I front a band called Eddie Smith and the 507. Uh, we're we're a fivepiece, uh, sometimes six piece depending on on the gig. uh I guess you know blues country soul Americana outfit and uh yeah we've we've all known each other for uh man I I feel like 10 years but no it's way longer it's way longer than 10 years like 13 14 years we we've been playing together we met at university and uh yeah we've been we've been making music ever since uh writing releasing gigging touring playing the festival circuit it. Um, yeah, we've just been we've just been going at it for for quite a while now, which has been which has been great. So, >> fantastic, mate. No, thanks for that. It's uh we we don't like to do LEAL Spotify uh intro cuz it's just a bit boring. So, I tend to hand over to you to do a better job than us. But there you go. Anyway, Ronnie, do you want to start off with your your tidbits, mate? >> Yes. Tidbits. Tidbits. >> Tidbit. Okay. >> Eddie, uh welcome to the Ruger Revival uh podcast. This is where officially where all the cowboys come. So, um, welcome to the show tonight. It's nice to see you. Uh, now, do I call you Eddie or do I call you TJ, Mr. 507 [music] Eddie Smith of His Majesty, Special Service. Did you like that? Thought that was quite a good. >> I love that. That's I've never had that before. >> Yeah, >> that's really good. >> Yeah, why not different >> Eddie? Right, we'll keep we'll keep with that. Anyway, uh enough of the horseshit. Uh it's an absolute pleasure to have you on the Ruger Revival and the first UK guest that I've actually interviewed. Um all the other guests have been American or Canadian or somewhere else. Australian Australian. Yeah, whichever. All around the world. Um so, uh I do all the personal deep stuff. Um I ask all the personal questions. Hopefully it doesn't offend you, but Eddie, please do share with us. Where'd you come from? Uh what was your childhood like? Give us some stories from your childhood all the way up to your adulthood. Uh and um and tell us about you if you wouldn't mind. >> Uh so I was born in Red Hill uh in Surrey which is um right next to Gatwick airport. Basically anyone that isn't from around where I'm from who who don't know the area I say I was born next to Gatwick airport on the border of Surrey in West Sussex. Um my my childhood was to be honest it was pretty good. I miss it. I do. I miss my childhood. It was a good time. Um I was born into uh I say like well a musical family. My my mom grew up playing piano and she taught me piano when I was a little kid. I was about eight years old when she started giving me piano lessons, which was fully against my will, but obviously now I'm I'm incredibly grateful for that. Um, and I've got a little sister who also she loves music. She's uh she's a teacher now. She teaches like musical theater and things like that. >> Oh, wow. Yeah. >> And uh and yeah, I just I grew up I was surrounded by country music as a kid. My parents were still are massive country music fans. We grew up listening to like, you know, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Paty Klene. Um, I guess at the time it would have been considered modern country like G Brooks, Alan Jackson, Randy Travis. Um, and uh, yeah, we were just surrounded by music. Uh, I fell in love with it. And, uh, I I knew from a very early age that that's music was what I wanted to pursue. mostly because I was [ __ ] at everything else. [laughter] So music was the only thing. In fact, I remember once saying to my parents that I wanted to be an airline pilot. And most parents would have been, "Wow, that's great. That's a fantastic career choice. Well done. You you go for it." But my parents were like, "No, you would be a terrible pilot. Carry on practicing the piano because [laughter] that's that's all that's all you can do." And you know what that they were right. I I do that's the only thing that I'm good at is is music and and that's yeah basically that's the the the kind of world that I grew up in was was music and uh I studied it at school at GCSE. Obviously it was the only thing that I did well in in school. Everything else I was like straight C's and D's and uh and music I I did really well in. And then I went to college. I studied music technology which is like music production, songwriting, things like that. The same at university. Uh and I just I basically never stopped. I just from from from a young age, from my early teens, I was like this is what I want to do. And um yeah, I knew that I would find a way to to make it work to make a career in the music industry from a young age. And and I and I and I did that. And it's been it's been great. And I'm I'm still doing it or still trying anyway. And uh it's just been that's that's all it's been really ever since. I've just been making music, performing music, touring, gigging, doing whatever I can to keep my head above water and at all costs avoid getting a real job. [laughter] >> Good on you. Yeah, >> I I'm Yeah, that's uh that is like a proper fully immersed from childhood all the way up to I know cuz obviously our I'll bring it up. Um our childhoods were a bit different to to a lot of the American childhoods where they used to go and play in churches and gospel was a was a big thing for them as well and playing in church bands. Um so it's really interesting to hear where you've gone to college, you've continued that at school and um did you play any brass instruments? Did you play any >> No. No. Never did like big band or anything like the big band stuff. It was always it I mean it was it was piano first and then I picked up the guitar >> and then I started singing. So singing was like my third thing that I picked up. >> But it's funny you mentioned the Americans having like churches. >> That's where they cut their teeth. I cut my teeth in pubs which I feel >> they do >> are like our churches in many way. They are spot on. You're absolutely right. >> I feel like um I don't know if my mom is your mom and your mom is my mom cuz I've done exactly the same growing up. So, um not in music, of course, not as not as good as or in talented as you. Uh but, uh listening to the country music, obsessed with that. Um >> uh and and going around the pubs and the clubs being well more so being dragged around the pubs and the clubs as a kid, sleeping on the pub benches cuz your mom and dad are getting pissed. um listening to all the bands, all the country music bands and Irish bands and all that sort of stuff. So um yeah, I get it. What a what a great childhood. So thank you so much for for sharing that with us. >> Um and so just is there anything is there any moment that you said I know we talked about you going through school and and you know you're saying about keeping your head above the water with with everything you've been doing. Is there a moment that you thought this is getting pretty serious? Like is this pretty, you know, this is getting serious now? I'm with a couple of people that I know and it's going really well. Was there was that moment or is it just continuous? Um, it's it's actually been a very slow progression over the years of each each year it seems to get better and better and we keep we keep sort of getting close to the point where we feel like it could go over the edge and then it doesn't but then the next year it does the same thing where we feel like we're kind of getting getting close close to where we need to be, where we want to be and it doesn't quite happen but then the next year it's going to be the year and then so It's actually just been a very slow progression of of growth. Um, and I I can't say there was a point where, oh, this is getting serious, but if I were to compare it to an event, I would say that the first like massive gig that we had for us anyway, obviously, you know, I say I say massive, we're not playing to like Taylor Swift size crowds, but um there was a point where we got booked for Black Deer Festival, um, which I'm sure you guys have heard of, um, which was a huge like Americana country music festival and we got booked for that in I think 2021 and uh we it was like one of the smaller stages. It was about 1:00 in the afternoon. We just kind of thought that we would do our usual turn up and there'd be maybe if we're lucky like 10 20 people there. Um and the whole it was in a in a tent and the whole thing was was packed with maybe like around a thousand people >> which we we just were not expecting. And for for a band of our our size at that time, that was such a huge deal. And it was this sudden moment of, oh, we can't just like dick around like we do in the pubs. We have to actually like perform and be and and be good for a change. Um, [laughter] so so that was that was quite a moment where we thought, "Oh, wow. Okay, this could actually go somewhere." And then and we we played the gig just like we normally do and um we seem to get quite a lot from that. We see like our following seemed to to grow. People that came to our gigs after that would always say we first saw you at Black Deer Festival. Um and I've had that so even now people will that that come to our gigs will say we first saw you at Black Deer Festival. Um, so that was for us a bit of a of a tipping point in a way that we sort of fell onto this scene that we at the time we didn't even know existed. We just thought we've been booked for this cool festival like let's do it and see what happens. And um and yeah, I think that that was pro probably to what you were describing to what you were asking that was the closest >> thing where I could say, okay, right, we need to if we want to keep doing this and keep going from this >> then we need to like start really focusing and and and start making some >> that's epic >> some proper music. >> Yeah, that's awesome. I'm going to uh I'm going to stop ruining all of TJ's questions because I'm getting carried away talking to you. Um, so, uh, just two more things for me. What sort of 80s child growing up? 80s 90s. >> 90s, but thanks for the compliment. >> 90s. Pleasure. No worries. Only cuz I'm 80s. Um, >> yeah. [laughter] Well, to be fair, 92, so pretty close to the 80s. >> Well, pretty close. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Sort of. Yeah. No. Good. Um, and Thunderbirds. Did you like the Thunderbirds? >> Did you Thunderbirds in the 90s? '92. I remember watching a few episodes of The Thunderbirds. I can't say that I've seen a huge amount, >> but um my grandparents once for Christmas bought me a like a little model. It wasn't Lego, but it was like a little, you know, a little kind of not it wasn't even build yourself. I think it was like a build yourself kind of thing, but of the the big green plane. Was it like number >> two? >> Was it two? I was going to say >> we are like two peas out of a pod. I'm telling you I had exactly the same. >> Yeah. Scary actually. >> I remember it being massive. Like it was like the size of my head. >> Huge. >> Well, I think I was just a lot smaller. But [laughter] >> yeah, >> I remember playing with that. >> Um Eddie, thank you for sharing that with me. Uh I'm going to hand over to TJ. Before I do, I've got to say, uh for everybody that's listening, incredible sound. Your unique sound and I absolutely love it. I said to you before we come on air, if you like or want to come on live, um that some of your songs make the sort of hair stand up in a good way. It's it gives you that tingle of good vibes. Um so honestly, it's great to have you on the podcast and I'm going to hand over to TJ and stop. >> Thank you very much. It's great. Honestly, it's great to be here. >> Awesome. Uh was there any reason to the Thunderbird question or is it just something that you come up with? >> Uh no, cuz I wanted to go a bit more personal, but I was like, "No, you know what? I'm going to ask if you like Thunderbirds cuz I had a R with someone the other day about it." Oh, I was looking behind you a picture of something. >> Actually, I did have to say I'm the only one >> instead of last year I was all Christmassied up. >> Um, this year I don't even have a Christmas tree. I've got tinsel. I'm the only one. >> I made an effort. Look, >> beautiful. It >> mug me off. Didn't tell me before, did you? [laughter] >> Anyway, >> I did actually down [laughter] later. It's a pop-up one. So, uh, no, it's awesome, mate. It's, um, we discovered you through social media mainly. Um, I think we said again before we came on air, how you saying that? But, uh, we we kind of mix in similar circles with some of the UK crowd, uh, whether it's the artist, promoters, some of the venues, and you, your name and your your band kept popping up. And I said to Ronnie, you know, I've heard a couple of snippets of what you do right up our street in terms of the sound, the music, and you know, we we listen to a lot of um that that sort of country soul, Americana. You know, we've had some awesome guests on from the States that play similarish music. And I think if I was to compare to anyone, it would be someone like Zack Wilkerson. Um you got Jesse Williams and Alex Rogers recently. Um who's absolutely incredible voice. and you know, I'd put you on a par of those guys. So, uh, yeah, definitely go and check out Eddie. Um, but yeah, it's, um, I think you're a rarity as well in the UK in terms of that type of music. Um, unless you tell us otherwise, I'm I'm not seeing a right lot of that more country soul coming from, you know, Lissa Island. I mean, what what's your kind of opinion on that? Um yeah, I I think that um that country music has certainly grown a huge amount in the UK um over the last few years, which is which is funny because when I when I was like a kid in the '9s and I I was listening to country and I'd go to school and I' I'd be like, "Oh, you you like Johnny Cash?" And they'd be like, "Who's Johnny Cash?" And uh so it's it's great to to have seen it grow as much as it has. But yeah, I think that one of the things I always wanted to hold on to was the like our love for for soul music and like blues and Mottown. And I I guess it wasn't a conscious decision to like try to combine them, but I think that's what we we want to do like is is just bring all these genres that like cuz like my man and I we love all these all these genres like Mottown blues, soul, country, like rock and roll and just bring them all together into one. And um yeah, I feel like that's something that that we it's a bit different about us, I think, in in a way. in like I love so much of the music that's coming out of the UK right now and there are so many great artists that I think are doing that and and touching on that and it's awesome and I can send you some names if you're looking for >> some artists that you might want to get on on on this podcast that are mix the two together. There are some like incredible artists doing it. Um, I just I just think that so many of us aren't getting the the airtime, you know, we're not getting the sort of the mainstream traction that some other artists are getting. And and that's fine. It's just it's the way the music industry is, you know, at the end of the day. But but ultimately, like, I think there is a lot more of it than we realize. And even I'm still learning about new artists every day that I never heard of before. And I'm just like, why is this why is this artist not on like every festival, country music, like soul festival, blues festival, whatever. Like, why are they not on every stage? >> Um, but yeah, so I think I think there there is a lot of it around. It's just it's so difficult to find because there's a lot of stuff to get through >> um before you before you hear of people. So >> yeah, you're absolutely right, mate. And it's not just consigned to the UK, you know, when we speak to our American friends, you know, I think they're battling their way through the mainstream kind of pop stuff. Um, yeah, >> you know, and trying to find, you know, more of the authentic and kind of raw uh music that we like, you know, stuff from Texas, Kentucky. You don't hear it on the radio. You know, there's certain radio stations that are playing it, but you've got to dig deep. And, you know, we we've gone down the rabbit hole and we we've we've found so many awesome people. It's been great to have this platform to share and say, "Look, you know, go and listen to them because they should be on the radio. They should be I mean, I don't know what they should be doing ultimately, but you know, in our heads, they should be bigger or as big as some of these massive acts that you see selling out stadiums." Um, >> so yeah, it's frustrating um to see that, but it is what it is and we can only do what we can do with our kind of platforms. But yeah, in terms of your style, mate, it's um >> I suppose you've got to have the voice um to be able to pull off kind of that soulful Mottown stuff. Not everyone can, you know, who wants to be a country artist can can certainly pull that off in a in a good and authentic way. So So in terms of your singing, mate, you know, I'm interested to to kind of hear when that came out because you talked about the kind of piano playing, you know, in terms of your your singing, you know, talk us through that. Um, so I fell in love with Joe Cocker from I would say my late teens was that was kind of when I decided that I wanted to get into music and um what what made me want to do this kind of music even though it's it's not it's not country at all but Joe Cocker's live performance of with a little help from my friends at Woodstock in I think it was 69 n right >> um just watching that video um I I remember seeing it as a kid but I you know when you're a kid you just kind of oh you know whatever about everything aren't you but I saw that video years later as a 18 19 year old and and I was like that that is what I want to do that is the sound that I want and it was like sort of the the husky voice the just just soulfilled performance and like the big the back and band, the electric guitars, like the big drums, the like Hammond B3 organ just like roaring in the background, the the backing vocals just absolutely just just bringing everything up a whole another level. And I was like, that is what I that's what I want to sound like. That's the sound that I like. I I remember thinking to myself like that is what music should be. which I know is that's a big statement I know but at the time it was just such a a revelation of like yes I I basically everything that performance was I I've taken everything from that apart from the tie-dye shirt that's the only thing [laughter] I left behind on that performance but >> well it could come back mate [laughter] >> for me and then and then from there I just I I got into so much other like music from that era like the 60s the 70s like Otus Reading, Artha Franklin, uh Sam Cook. I just I knew all these artists existed. Like I' i'd always known of these artists, but I didn't fully delve into their catalog until I was like, "Right, this I love this. Let's hear more of this." And and so yeah, I don't know. I mean, so in terms of in terms of singing, for lack of a better term, I basically just started copying what they were doing, their their phrasing, their their riffs. Um, and I guess the the huskiness, I think, comes from like trying to sing in in a key that you're not comfortable singing in. Because all these guys, you know, they sang in a really high key, like higher than a a a male singer would normally sing. And so when I was younger, I would would try to reach the same notes that they were singing. Obviously, you can you can cover a Not Otus Reading song, Dock of the Bay, for example. You can cover that uh in a in a tone or or two tones lower, but for me, I was like, "No, I want to do it in his key." So, I would I would try would keep doing it higher and higher until I could reach it in the original key. So, I start playing it in E. And then once I got that, I'd start doing it in F, then I do it in F sharp, and then I would eventually get up to G. And same with with every other artist, um, like that, I would just I would cover their songs until I was comfortable, and then I would work my way up to singing their key. And you do have to, sorry, I realize I'm waffling now, but I realize >> you do have to um really stretch to get a lot of these notes. And that's where I found anyway for me a lot of that feeling comes from when you're singing is just like digging down really deep to just to hit those notes that are sort of beyond your comfort zone. And it it's basically just trying to stretch your comfort zone and get out of your comfort zone and and yeah, just keep just keep pushing yourself and then you end up with a voice where it sounds like you smoke 50 cigarettes a [laughter] day and you know I don't even drink whiskey really. I do sometimes, but mostly I just take wine. >> It's got cigarettes and whiskey and wine maybe, but you spend a lot of time in a pub, so maybe that that kind [laughter] of >> helps some to that. >> Yeah. No, it's always interesting to to ask these questions, I think, whether it's the the kind of sound that you're playing on guitar or the way that you sing, you know, not just hearing about the influences, but your kind of road map to how you got there in terms of that, you know, the end product, shall we say, or the, you know, near the end product. So, uh, it's great and I wonder if a lot of musicians do the same sort of thing as you to, you know, practice and and get the sound that they want. So, no, thanks for sharing that, mate. It's, uh, it's cool. >> So, in terms of the >> Yeah. No, it's awesome, mate. Um, in terms of the 507 note, mate, um, I want to know a bit more about them. So, your your band, you know, who who are they? Who does it consist of? And what's the origin to the band name? So, the band consists of uh Josh Davies on the drums, Will Frandon on the bass, who uh is a Colorado, USA native. Um uh forgotten all the names now. Ricky O'Donnell. We can edit that out, right? [laughter] >> Ricky O'Donnell on the guitar and Ashley Webb on the guitar and harmonica. And yeah, we all we all met at university. We've been friends for I said like you know 14 15 years something like that. Um and uh we all studied music at Kingston University Southwest London and uh some of us studied I think it was just me and Ash actually that studied music technology which is like music production uh songwriting things like that. So we once university finished, we decided to get together and basically start a function band and try and get some weddings. And we had this little room at the back of the college that we used to like meet up in and rehearse and we'd practice like Valerie and Wonder Wall and Sweet Caroline in that room and thinking, "Yeah, we get some wedding gigs." And then and then one day I came in with an original song and we decided just to bin off all of the rehearsal aspect of rehearsing for weddings and we just thought well let's just let's just work on this and then from then on really we were pretty much just an originals band where we just made our own music and uh weirdly that room that we used to rehearse in was room 507 and that is where the band name comes from cuz when we eventually the university were like look you know look guys I know that you came here for like you know 4 years to study but you can't use his room anymore. So, they they kicked us out, which is fair enough. >> Um, but we thought we'd name ourselves after that that very room where a lot of our first songs were kind of were born basically and sort of born >> for the first time. >> Awesome, man. Yeah, we've got so much in common. I'm uh originally from Kingston. I was born there. So, uh yeah, the more we all talk, the more we got more in common. I've only the more we talk, you more we got more in common. [laughter] I've only had one song >> poetic. That was [laughter] >> Anyway, that was really good. >> Anyway, I'll try and keep it together. Um, so we know about the band now and and your background. Um, moving on to your kind of music kind of history in terms of releases and and your writing. Um, I think it was 2019 when I I did a bit of research in terms of your first EPs. A little too late part one, part two that you released. So yeah, talk to us about that kind of process, the kind of the ideas, the inspiration uh and how you how you come to release that. >> So uh originally uh we had agreed with a a a producer friend of ours that um he was going to produce our debut album for us. Uh I won't mention any names because it doesn't end well, but basically um we crowdfunded our first album And we had a lot of basically like at that time, you know, we didn't have a huge fan base at the time, but it was basically like all like kind of friends and family that had donated money for us to be able to pay this guy to make our record for us. Um, it didn't work out. He turned out to be somewhat of a of a con artist, unfortunately. And we didn't get the album that we we basically taken all these all these people's money and given it to this guy. And what he delivered was about two year it was like 2 years later this guy came out and said oh I can't you know well he said he said here it is or he he was asking for more money so he was saying I want more money then you can have it and then what we received just wasn't what we wanted at all. It wasn't the album that we'd like envisioned making. Um so we paid him all this money. We never got what we wanted. So I decided basically just to kind of sack all that off and just start again from scratch. And that's when we went into the studio to record rather than a whole album because an entire album is it's it's a long process and it's very expensive. We decided to do two EPs separately. Um, so we went and we and we did that and we still honored all of our donors who like people who paid they still got everything that they had paid for, but it was just it was like two, three years later. Um, so we went into the studio, recorded these two EPs. Um, well, sorry, we recorded the first EP and um, and it was pretty much live. It was just we went into a room, a studio. It was in Actton, I believe. studio and acting and it was pretty much just set up the mic, set the drums, the guitar's over there, the keyboards over there, play, go, record it. That's how we did it. That's how we did the second EP as well. It's all very live. Um, and then we just went, "Yeah, we basically just went, "Oh, yeah, [ __ ] it. Put it out. It's fine. It's fine." Right. Um, so that but that was our first experience of a studio setting. So, I think we learned quite a lot from that. So, by the time it came to doing the the next album, the one right up to now that we released in 2023, we'd kind of we'd learned a lot and we went about it a slightly different way. Um, and weirdly, I know that I'm again I'm waffling and I'm I'm moving on to but the album we're recording another album now that we're going to hopefully start releasing. Well, we are going to start releasing next year through by the way of singles. But even from that, we've learned other lessons and we're now doing a slightly different taking a slightly different approach to this current record. Um, so every time we've gone into the studio, it's been a learning process and we've done it, we've done it different every time, slightly different, just changed certain things. Um, the first record was like completely live, all in a room, you know, cross your fingers, good luck kind of thing. And then this latest album is going to be a little bit more sort of um how do I describe it? It's it's just Yeah. I don't know how to describe it, but it's a bit different. It's different every time [laughter] we go into a studio. >> Yeah. So, apart from um finding trusted people to kind of help with the process, um what what would you say the biggest kind of lessons learned or, you know, things that you've changed that have helped the most? Good question. Um, I think honestly it's just it's experience. It's personal experience. And there are things that we we did on on the first record that I'm sure other artists would go, "That was great. Let's do that the same way." And I think it just depends on the kind of artist you are and the kind of music that you that you want to make. Um, for us, I would say that, well, the the biggest lesson that we've learned really is just to follow follow your gut. When it comes to to making a record, if something doesn't feel right, then it probably isn't right. So, I think this this latest record that we're working on now, for example, it's very much just if it feels good, go with it. It doesn't matter if it's not perfect. if it's not perfectly in tune or in time, we still want it to have that that raw effect where it, you know, it feels live. It's a bit more bit more controlled in that we've got a little bit more control over the mix cuz we're not all in the same room playing together. So, we can, you know, there's no bleed on on the microphones, for example, you know, but ultimately we're just going with what feels good. And if you if you do a take and it feels right, then that's the take, you know? It's it's none of this, uh, yeah, that was pretty good, but let's do it 16 more times, you know, just to make sure we've got it. Because then >> it just it takes that sort of live feel out of it, and it takes that >> that rawness out of it. So, >> yeah, >> for us, it's just it's it's do it until it feels good. If it feels good, then it probably is good, so leave it and let's move on, you know? >> Yeah. Yeah. That's my favorite type of recording personally. You know, you hear the music, it sounds raw, sounds authentic, and you know, it just sounds proper. >> Sound a bunch of words now. But um but in terms of that, if you compare it to like the polished Nashville sound, you know, it's it it's night and day, isn't it? And you know, some people like that sound, but not for me. Yeah. >> And that's a big thing that I was saying about about this well and the last record to be fair. I mean, I love I love the the Nashville music. music. I I will listen to it in my car cuz it's great and it's if I'm on a long long drive, I will I will put on some loot cones and and I will love it and I will vibe to it for like 3 hours. Um but I just want my records to sound a little bit different, you know. >> Yeah. So, >> yeah, >> I've just got to jump in very very quickly. So, we're going to refer to the original fella as >> Jeff. That's what I'm going to refer to him. So, I just want to say something to Jeff. >> His name's Jeff. >> Jeff. Jeff, you're a bastard. And you heard it here first, but you're a bastard. And Karma will catch up you. So there you go. [laughter] >> Oh, you as well. That's crazy. >> Jeff the Bastard. [laughter] Anyway, >> that's his name. >> Yeah, >> that's our next album. Jeff the [laughter] >> Yeah, with a with a front cover like that. >> Yeah, [laughter] >> Jeff Knuckles. >> Um, but yeah, they're both fantastic. EPs and albums that you've released. Uh numerous songs that I've been jamming to this week a little too late. Uh I think we put out on Tik Tok when we did the promo and you know we've got weirdly in Tik Tok and I suppose in all the socials you've got pockets of people that you've kind of made online friends with and little communities and they're all slightly different but the Tik Tok uh guys over there are great. They're really funny. Uh but they know their music. So when I I posted your I think it's a clip a little too late. Um, you know, we had some comments on that, some DMs, you know, who's this guy? And I was like, yeah, watch the podcast. You know, it's another new artist. So, uh, you know, it's it's up there stream. And some of them are from Australia as well. So, uh, hopefully we can kind of pump things out that way. >> I reckon I think we we shared lovesick. Um, because it's another great song. Um, and it's done really well. you know, we we're not kind of homing in too much on numbers, but I think it's interesting, particularly at the point where, you know, all these Spotify ramped um stuff coming out and, you know, I find it interesting. I just like people sharing and think, yeah, good for you, man. I don't care if you got 20 followers or 20,000. It's like you're doing your thing, you're making stuff, you're putting it putting it out there, and it's awesome. But that that's done really well. And I think when I looked, it was almost 2 million uh streams on Spotify alone. >> So, is that an expectation for you? Was that that really come out of the blue? >> It was It was far from expected. Yeah, it was completely out of the blue. It was just um we released I think that was the last single that we released from the album. So the album was 10 songs. Um I think we released five singles and that was the last one that we released and all the other singles kind of just went onto Spotify. it wasn't playlisted or anything like that and they just kind of, you know, sat there as they, you know, a lot of a lot of them do, especially independent releases like like us. Um, and that one just I remember checking my my Spotify for Artists app, you know, the one that gives you all like the real-time stats of how your releases are doing. And I was like, this has to be this has to be a glitch surely cuz like this isn't this isn't right. And then and it was it just the song got added to loads of playlists um like editorial playlists and then from from there it got added to like independent playlists which are just like you know normal people that make their own playlists but they get a big following and uh yeah the algorithms just kept picking it up and then from from that our other songs our album songs also started getting picked up by playlists and like algorithms and things like that. So, uh, yeah, it it really it did do do wonders for us and I think a lot of a lot of people have discovered us through through Spotify, which has been great, which is one of the main benefits of Spotify, I suppose, is that it does just open uh the doors for to people like for your music to to discover it, which people that otherwise wouldn't >> Yeah. >> wouldn't hear of it. >> Yeah. >> And um and Yeah. So, but no, it it was completely unexpected when we were making this record. I did not expect these. In fact, I posted our Spotify rap today and I said on the on the post, I was like I was not ever expecting these sort of numbers. Like I would never dream of getting these sort of numbers and and in the grand scheme of things, you know, they're still they're pretty low still. Like if Taylor Swift was was getting these numbers, she'd be like, "Oh, that's flopped." You know, but for us, >> that's really good. Like >> that's an alien though, mate. [laughter] No, it's >> No, we're over the moon. Yeah, >> fantastic. It's well earned, mate. And uh you know, we love to see it particularly from the UK kind of independent grassroots scene. It's that's what it's all about. Um would you mind if we played a little snippet of that just to kind of give the listeners a flavor of that, mate? >> No, please do. >> Happy days. Right. If you want [music] me, come show me. If you need me, come hold me. [music] If you call me, I'll be there. [music] >> Yeah. Don't sue us when you're famous, mate, for that. So, uh, [laughter] no, it's good. It's good to just to share as much as we can on these platforms without getting in trouble. But, uh, but there you go. Um, funny enough, you mentioned Joe Cocker earlier and I've got in brackets here, you know, comparisons to some of the blues great or soul's great and Joe Cocker's on here. You know, I could send you my notes to uh prove it. [laughter] >> Um, [snorts] so there you go. But um, we also talked about uh venues as well. So you talked about um, Black Deer Fest. Um, I don't know if that's still going. You know, there's been a few festivals lately struggled and closed. >> Yeah, I'm not sure what their plans are for the future. Um, I would I would love for it to still be going because it's one of my favorite festivals. Had a great >> Actually, I we played that festival a couple of years ago and I stayed for the whole weekend. >> Oh, wow. >> And I spent about triple my fee on beer. [laughter] >> Get you the best. >> Yeah. It's like when I was a paper boy, we used to get paid, but then uh we spent a lot of money. [laughter] Yeah. Denny Farvin, >> they know what they're doing, man. They know what they're doing. >> They scammed me. [laughter] >> Um, but there's been other festivals that you played at, and I believe I read up that you were at the Long Road Festival in Leicester, too. That looks an amazing festival. It's somewhere that we've been trying to get to, but um, last year we couldn't. I think it's cuz I was getting >> It's so good. It is so good. I would strongly recommend >> because we were drunk. [laughter] >> Yeah, >> I think I was mar getting married. That was my >> drunk. That was it. Yeah. Yeah. >> I was drunk at his wedding. >> Oh, there you go. [laughter] >> So, um, so in terms of Long Road Festival, how was that? You know, was that Do you say it was this this year, last year? It was Oh, that's a good question. I I think it was the year before last, if I'm if I'm remembering correctly that honestly I I forget years. Honest, don't ask me about years, but um but yeah, it was it was maybe a couple of years ago now. Uh it was it was awesome. We played the front porch stage, which is one of one of the smaller stages. And I remember before going on stage, I realized that we were on time on the same time as the headliners. And the headliners that year were Blackberry Smoke. Oh wow. And I was gutted for two reasons. Firstly, I really wanted to see Blackberry Smoke. >> Yeah. >> The second reason I was like, "Well, no one's going to be here because we're on at the same time as Blackberry Smoke." [laughter] Uh, but but actually, again, it was much like the the Black Deer stage that we played the year before, I think, where we weren't expecting anyone to turn up and there were about a thousand people in that >> in that small stage area. So again, for us, it was another like huge huge deal for us, another like big big door opener and yeah, it was awesome. We we would love to go back to that festival actually. >> Well, if they're listening, uh get Eddie Smith back on >> and um yeah, we we'll come along too and have a few beers. That sounds like a >> Sounds like a day out, doesn't it? Or weekend. >> Sounds awesome. I'm [laughter] >> so apart from those two. >> Yeah. Exactly. Uh, so puff those two festivals, mate. Um, what have been your your favorite venues to play, whether it's in the UK or elsewhere? >> Good question. Favorite venues to play? I'd have to say the the Jazz Cafe in London has been the biggest one. We did a headline show there again. I think it was last year. It's hard to keep track, but I'm pretty sure it was last year. Did the Jazz Cafe and uh it Yeah, that was awesome. Like full band headline show. Um it was I think like pretty much sold out. Um and it just felt amazing. That's such an iconic venue. One that you know when you're starting out you think, "Oh, one day we'll get to headline this venue, right?" And then and then we did and it and it was awesome. Another one would have to be uh the Camden Club in which is which is which is in Camden as well as the Jazz Cafe. >> We did our album launch there. Um, and that was sold out and that was an awesome event just because it was like it was launching the album. Um, we had all of our vinyl there which for the first time we'd been selling vinyl which we we've not done before. So that was a really cool thing. Um, and it was just a great celebration of like finally releasing an album that we were very proud of. And uh, so that was a lot of fun. And another favorite venue I would have to say is the Iston Assembly Hall in London. Um because we supported we supported two bands there. Very early on in our careers we supported a band called the Milk who were like a British like soul blues band. Absolutely awesome. And then uh this year we supported JJ Gray and Mofro if you guys know them. They're like they're an American. They're from Florida I believe. But they're like a just an abs like they're one of our biggest influences as a band. Like always have been uh for the la at least for the last decade. They're just like soul blues like Americana. Just a really cool band and we got to support them. Um, yeah. Earlier this year and it was awesome. It was such a full circle moment for us. >> Yeah. >> We've been listening to these guys for years like driving around in like a little mini tour van like in 2015 listening to JJ Gray and Mofro and then one day we get the call to support them at the Assembly Hall in London. So that was really cool. Um, and the last one would be the Birmingham Symphony Hall where I supported uh George Thorood and the Destroyers. That was really cool. >> Awesome. >> So, that was one of the like biggest venues I've played. Um, but yeah, that was that was awesome, too. And I'm sure there are others. >> Yeah, fantastic, mate. And, uh, yeah, we'll have to check those guys out. We not too familiar with um >> yeah, the the second one you mentioned, but um yeah, we certainly put it on our list to listen to. George Farrian must have been very cool to to support. >> Oh, it was so cool. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, it was awesome to get to see George Farrian to be honest. I got free tickets. That's why I was stoked about that. [laughter] >> Happy days, mate. Uh, last question from me before I hand back to to Ronnie. Um, but um, we we we like to talk about the grassroots scene. I mean, that that's what we're all about. We're a communitybased podcast, whether it's UK, America, whatever it is. Um, you know, we like to provide that platform, talk about the music and see what we can do. But in terms of um being an independent artist yourself, I mean what what is it like in terms of the kind of workload? Um guessing you do everything yourself or do you get some help from people? You know, what's that like? You know, what what do you like doing and what don't you like doing? >> Um so I will start with what I don't like doing because I was thinking about this today when I was doing it. Um, I don't I hate doing logistics, planning logistics, and I'm I'm terrible at it, and that's why I don't like it. If I'm bad at something, I don't like doing it. So, basically, in answer to your question, yes, I do everything myself. Uh, currently, um, I'm hoping that might that might hopefully change. Uh, I might have some help hopefully in next year. Um, but for me, yeah, planning, planning logistics, like organi, organizing five, six people to get to a gig venue 300 miles away and and being responsible for that is is an absolute pain in the ass. It really is. It's a nightmare. Um, to the point where we had a we had a uh our first ever European tour. We we toured Spain earlier this year in May and I was in charge of everything, right? I had to like book the I had to rent the van from for for the periods. I had to book the Euro tunnel. Um I had to like pay for all the the road tolls and the fuel and I had to like organize all of my finances so I I had enough there ready to ready to go. Um and I did everything correctly apart from on the way back when we were driving back from Spain to Calala to get the Euro tunnel back to the UK. I realized when we were about half an hour away that I booked the right day but the wrong month. So just just think just stupid things like that where I just I make these silly mistakes where I overlook something and I' I'd been so careful to get everything else right and I was typing in everyone's passport details getting spelling their names correctly and their passport numbers and I and I booked the wrong date home. Yeah. So I mean that's what I hate. I hate being the guy responsible for for dates because it's it's annoying. Um, but but what I like doing, I mean, really, I just I'm sure it goes without saying, but I I love doing the creative stuff cuz I as well as as writing uh music, I al I produce our albums as well, and I I mix them and I love I love doing that. I love I love the creative aspect of it of just bringing everything together and taking this song idea from nothing to being like a fully finished production. >> Yeah. >> Um that's my favorite thing and I I wish that I could just do that all the time and not have to worry about booking vans and Euro tunnels cuz honestly [laughter] it's pain in the ass. >> Yeah, I hear you mate. I leave all the logistics and stuff to Ronnie uh when we go anywhere cuz you're you're good at it. >> You're [laughter] you're exactly the same. We're we're like two separate. So TJ does all the editing and the media things and all that sort of stuff. I do I'm a logistics man. It's like a military operation for me. >> Um but yeah, we this it's pretty good sharing that. But I get it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I float around like a ghost. Um is is what you told me. >> Non-existent. Yeah. You might as well just be a bag of air that [laughter] just sits there. Yeah. >> Fine by me. >> But you're good in other ways. You're good in other ways. You're very good at the other stuff. Ah, I appreciate this isn't a podcast about you, is it? [snorts] >> Well, um, >> maybe it should be. There you go. Move on. >> That's what my band [laughter] are. They're, you know, they're great at playing their instruments and I and I love them for that, but anything else? [laughter] >> They're not going to hear this. >> Yeah. Well, we'll see. [snorts] >> Ronnie, um, I'm going to let you have a have a little chat now, mate. It's uh >> Oh, well, thank you. Now that you've asked half my questions, it's all [laughter] good. >> Um, >> Eddie, I I wanted to talk to you. I know I know you mentioned about um doing your originals and you know you normally it was about doing covers trying to get a band together to do some wedding covers and all that sort of stuff and you talked about the originals and and I think there's something that's very very close to what I've seen recently in in a UK uh sort of I hate calling it a music scene it's like the scene it's not it's like an environment you call it a scene all the time and it really irritates me um TJ not um but I I think when we've [clears throat] drunkenly toured around the UK Okay. Uh, and gone to some of the venues and the majority of people that you see are all doing covers. Uh, and that's not because they want to do the covers. It's because they think that's the best thing to do uh to build their um to build their fan base, to build the the people looking at them. And a lot of the venues will tell them not to do it. Um, for example, I went to a a venue the other night. I think it's called Mad Squirrel or something. Mad Squirrel. It's like their own brewery type thing. >> Yeah. There's one. Yeah. Is it? Yeah, they're a great uh brewery. They do a cracking part of Guinness called Their Own Mate called um Mad Squirrel. It's really good. >> Yeah. >> Um No, it's not. It's called Anyway, I can't remember what it's called. Uh really good part of Guinness. Anyway, but um >> there there was a a solo artist in there uh playing an acoustic set doing all covers, but he smashed the place. It was just unreal. Right. And I said, "Why are you not playing any originals?" Cuz I'm nosy and I've had a couple of beers and I'm going to ask you, "Why are you not playing any originals? Why are you?" and he said, "Well, I've got loads of originals." Um, and his I'm just going to give him a shout out in here cuz I thought he was amazing. His name was Jacob. Uh, Jacob. Um, and uh, and he's released some artist. He was incredible artist, but the venue told him, "Don't don't play your own stuff. Don't play originals. You do the covers, keep everybody happy, keep them singing, and then go home." Uh, and he was like, "Look, I'm not going to argue with it because they they're going to pay me a fortune to be here. Uh, and I'll play as many covers they want all night." So, I just wanted to know from your point of view, what's it been like? What's the environment like? What's the UK scene like? >> Um, it Yeah. Uh, it's it's mostly like that. Like I my living my my bread and butter is doing exactly that. It is going to pubs, clubs, bars, or, you know, weddings for example, where you just you play songs that people want to know. Um, obviously I'm I'm trying to get to the point where I I don't have to do that kind of stuff anymore because I want to just be playing my own songs and I'd like to be known for just playing my own songs. But, um, you know, in the meantime, I do just have to to kind of knuckle down and and play Mr. Bright Side and Valerie and Wonder Wall and meet Caroline, all that kind of stuff. Because that's when you when you're doing a gig at at a pub, I suppose, like like Mad Squirrel or or a bar or you're playing a wedding, like people aren't there necessarily to see you. They're just there by chance. And, you know, you're booked as the entertainer and you have to perform songs that they know and that they like and that they can respond to. Like I I often do gigs where I take requests and I I say like, you know, what songs do you want to hear? Someone will be like, "Do you know Walking in Memphis by Mark Con?" I'll be like, "Yes, I know that one." and I'll play it. And um you know I I I make it fun. I I make sure that I I enjoy it and and I do enjoy it to be fair. Like most of the time I enjoy it. There are some gigs that you play like that and that they could feel a little dry but >> but mostly I I enjoy it and >> um but I I would love to get to the point where I don't have to do that anymore. >> Yeah. >> But but ultimately that is that is kind of what keeps me afloat. I I see that as my 9 to5. Right. So like >> some some guys like in in my band and I know a lot of musicians and artists in general will just have a 9 to5 whether it's like >> an office job or working in a bar or supermarket or something. They'll do something to >> keep them afloat and then they'll pursue like their own music um as a in their own time. And that's kind of the way that I see it where I'll I'll I gig like three to four nights a week, sometimes five nights a week. And uh most of those gigs are are just just that exactly that playing playing covers. You know, you're entertaining the crowd. >> Um but then I'll I'll have, you know, one or two a month where it's not that. And I get to play my own music. And that's what I live for. That's what I'm I'm striving for. >> Yeah. >> That's what I hope to be to be being able to make a living off in the near future is is just doing my own music. >> Um >> Eddie, we we have no doubt that that you will be doing that. um very very soon with with the stuff you've put out already. Like we said, you know, you're on here tonight with with us. It's it's a pleasure talking to you. But, you know, people need to go and listen to you. They need to go and listen to your original stuff. Um and and that's what it's about. It's I think there's a lot of times we've been around different venues. It's um so going back to the 80s and 90s, my dad used to my dad used to be in an Irish band um and uh and he used to have the regulars turning up uh and um and he used to call them the gold and silver shoe crew um because it was the same people that used to dress up to the nines in all their Irish stuff for all their their country gear and all that stuff. And when we've been to venues, it's a bit like that now really. I mean, I love that cuz people feel comfortable doing that and once in a blue moon you get a country night. But every venue we've been to that we're not seeing a specific artist uh and there's new talent up there, they're all playing covers uh and they don't do any original songs and we're like come on like we want to hear it. Uh and it doesn't give I don't think venues give that platform for people >> to push that out. So what I'm going to say to you Eddie is if I gave you a magic wand now what would you change about the UK music scene? >> It's a very good question [laughter] and >> you haven't heard that before. that would change depending on what day it is. Um, but uh, if I could change anything about the UK music industry, [sighs] honestly, I don't know. I feel like I feel like it would be the consumer's sort of obsession with celebrities. I feel like this and I, you know, I don't want to obviously I don't want to be be harsh to anybody because people like what they like and that's totally cool. >> Yeah. >> Um, but I feel I feel as though it's very difficult. You see a lot of independent artists struggling to sell tickets to their shows and you see a lot of these A-list, you know, household names sell out instantly. like it's impossible to get tickets to to go and see X Y and Zed because they're already sold out. Um, and I don't think that it's it's a quality thing. It's not a it's not a their music is is better than their music. It's it's you you've heard of them and you know you've seen them on Tik Tok and you've seen them on YouTube and you've seen them on TV and you've heard them on the radio. Um, and so I I want to go and see them because they're famous. But I'm not going to give these artists a chance because they're not famous. And whether that I mean to be honest, it's probably it's not the fault of the consumer. Let's be honest, people just they like what they like, right? And that is that's totally fair enough. It's like food. >> It's like I don't I don't really like broccoli all that much, you know? But I love I love to eat a steak. So, it's taste, you know, and um but I just I would I wish that the consumer would see value in grassroots music cuz I think all the power lies with the consumer. Like at any point, the consumer can say no to no to this, no to AI music, for example. They can walk away and that leaves the people making AI music for example completely powerless. and and it puts all the power in the hands of of the the artists, the independent artists, the grassroots artists that are actually out there doing it and making it. Um, so yeah. No, I think I think that I think I would love for the consumer, the average consumer, and I know that there are so many people that do appreciate it and >> that they're the people that come come to the gigs and and like, you know, start podcasts like you guys cuz you guys are out here actually trying to like give a platform to independent artists like us, which is amazing. And I just wish more people would jump on board with that and uh and and realize where music comes from and and value the artists doing this because everyone that they've ever heard of, you know, your Taylor Swifts, your Ed Sheerans, your Oasis, whatever, like they all started somewhere and they got to where they were because people supported them early on. >> And I feel like it's it's no different now. It's the same thing. there are great artists out there who whose music a lot of people would love if they discovered it, if they gave it a chance. Um, so yeah, I think that's that's the one thing I'd change. I would I would try to turn the consumer's heads more towards the grassroots music scene cuz I think that they would find something that they loved there. >> Yeah. And we would we would totally agree with that. I think we've stayed we've stayed up many a night over a bottle of whiskey talking about this >> especially in the UK cuz we saw how difference it how my god I can't talk now we we've seen how different it is over over in Texas we you know we were lucky enough to go over there um whereas a lot of the artists aren't lucky enough to go over there and see and see that and and sort of get on that platform. I think just just one more thing to add into that. I you know we we've talked about it numerous times around some of the venues. I I find it more and more that it's a gimmick pop-up um venue. It's like one minute they're doing they're a bingo hall, next minute next minute they're promoting R&B and the next minute they're and I know it's trying to get the business and they're trying to keep themselves afloat and everything else, but they do a pop-up country night one night. uh they they praise everybody. Oh, it's incredible. We're supporting country music. That's it. It's gone. And then they won't come back for another year. And you're like, what are you doing? You know, and that's that's a bar. That's a you know, that's one of the most infuriating things. And that's that's the places that bring everybody together. They travel from all over the UK to come to this venue cuz it's supposed to be a big night. And that's the venue to push your soul, you know, your original music. >> Yeah. >> But it's never done. And I don't understand it. But anyway, not not I'm slagging off any venues, but [laughter] get rid of yourselves. Jeff, you're a bastard. >> Jeff runs the [laughter] >> Yeah, exactly. Jeff the Bastard coming out 2026. >> Jeff the bastard. Anyway, right, we're going to do a bit of a game now. Eddie, do you want to play a game? Play a game. >> Um, good. Right. Uh, TJ, we're going to play a different song this time. So, normally we do the banjo. Okay. Uh, but we've got an extra special game tonight and it's called the Rugger Revival. True or false British Pie and Mash Version, which is available in all good toy stores for this Christmas. >> Okay. >> Yes. Well, it will be if you pay me. >> The third song that I sent you. [laughter] That's good. So, you're going to have to be specific. Oh, I'll give it a go. >> Got to press play. [laughter] [music] >> [music] >> Yes, this is the rugger revival true or false British pie mash game. So, I'm going to ask you a set of questions and then Eddie, I'll come to you first. True or false? And then TJ will come to you. Uh, this is um most of the people Sorry, I'm losing my voice there. Excuse me. Right, I'll try that again. So, most of the people have won against TJ. Uh, cuz TJ is just not very good at it. >> Oh, no. >> Numbers whichever. It's fixed. It's numbered. Right. So, question number one. Traditional London pie mash shops are most closely associated with the East End of London. Answer. True or false? Eddie? >> True. >> TJ. >> Yeah, I'd say that's true. That'll be a false you. Uh, the mash in traditional pie mash usually has the potato skins left on and the herbs mixed in. Eddie, true or false? >> Wait, could you repeat the question, please? >> I can. The mash in traditional pie mash usually has the potato skins left on and herbs mixed in. >> I'm I'm going to say I'm going to say true. >> TJ, false just to be different. >> [laughter] >> Yeah, just to be awkward. >> My my is looking at me shaking her head. I think I got that wrong. I thought she was that. >> I hate to tell you, but you did get it wrong. Um, yeah. [laughter] Anyway, scores at the end, please, Eddie. Uh, traditional liquor served with pie mash usually contains alcohol. >> True or false, Eddie? >> Oh, he's getting some help now. [laughter] >> He's cheating, >> TJ. Uh, I'm going to say false because Eddie's Mrs. said false. [laughter] >> Pie mash shops became popular partly because they offered cheap regulated hot food to working people. Answer, true or false? Eddie, sorry. Uh, true. TJ, false. I'm going to go away from pie mash for a minute. Uh, fish and chips became especially popular in Britain during World Wars because it was cheap filling meal that was not rationed. True or false? Fish and chips became especially popular. Yeah, >> that sounds false. Yeah, >> TJ going to go true. I want to win this one. >> Interesting. A traditional Sunday roast in the UK is usually served with Yorkshire pudding, no matter what the meat is used. Um, true or false? >> True. >> Always have a Yorkshire. >> Yeah, >> CJ, >> it should be true. I'm gonna say true, but um my boys do not like Yorkshire puddings. Uh, and that's a disgrace. >> Heavens, >> I may kick them out of the house for for that. >> So, what are you saying? True or false? >> True. >> Can't remember what a question was. True. I just got really angry about Yorkshire puddings all of a sudden. [laughter] >> Really angry. So angry. We >> do, don't we? We love our Yorkshire. Yeah, big >> the Cornish pasti was originally designed so miners could hold the thick pastry crust and dirty hands and with sorry with dirty hands and throw that part away. So the Cornish pasti was originally designed so miners could hold the thick crusty Oh my god. Pastry crust with dirty hands and throw that part away. Is it true or false? >> That that to me sounds so ridiculous that it could be true. So I'm going to go for true. TJ, I'm going to go false. Last two. Bangers and mash. Uh, it gets its name from sausages sometimes bursting or banging when they were cooking. Answer true or false, Eddie? I'm going to go true cuz there's that nursery rhyme about the sausages that go bang. That's my logic. That's where I'm going with it. >> I like it. >> I don't know why that for us later. [laughter] >> TJ, true or false? Uh, I say true because, uh, my wife sometimes buys a really cheap sausages that do explode because they're just full of crap and water. So, um, I've seen it firsthand. >> Yeah. I only like Irish sausages, mate. >> Um, last question. A plowman's lunch is a medieval meal that has been eaten in exactly the same way ever since. Answer, true or false, Eddie? I've got to think about this. a plowman's lunch medieval meal >> that has been eaten in exactly the same way ever since. >> I mean, I I want to say false, but then I think it's something so ridiculous that it could be true. So, I'm going to go with my gut. I'm going to say false. >> TJ. >> Yeah. False. Well, they in Branson pickle in medieval days. I don't believe it. >> All right. >> Yeah. Like in the jars. >> I know. Yeah. Sounds odd, doesn't it? Yeah, >> I do like Pl. It's nice. >> I love plick eggs from the George. Anyway, question number one. Uh the answer is true. Traditional London pie and mash shops are most uh closely soaked with the east end of London. Uh Bo Bells. True. Uh the mash in traditional pie mash usually has the potato skins left on and herbs mixed in. The answer is false. Uh traditional liquor served with pie mash usually contains alcohol. No, it doesn't. It is a parsley sauce, not booze. Uh, pie mash shops became popular partly because they offered cheap, regulated hot food to working people. The answer is true. Um, fish and chips became especially popular in Britain during the World Wars because it was a cheap filling meal that was not rationed. The answer is true. A traditional Sunday roast in the UK is usually served with Yorkshire pudding no matter what the meat is used. Um, answer is false. Traditionally with with roast beef, though people bend the rules now. Uh, the Cornish pasti was originally designed so miners could hold the thick pastry crust. Do you know how difficult that is to say? Um, yeah. With dirty hands and throw that part away. It's true. >> They used to hold the thick pastry bit. >> I think I said true, didn't I? >> Yeah, I reckon you did. >> Oh, bangers. Listen, the answer's here. I've written them down. Bangers and mash gets its name from sausages sometimes bursting or banging when they get when they were cooked. The answer is true. Uh, and a plowman's lunch is a medieval meal that has been eaten exactly the same way ever since. Answer is false. >> The named meal is mostly a 20th century pub marketing idea. So, >> um, I can't remember where the drums are, but anyway, um, the winner is, of course, it's going to be Eddie. Well done, Eddie. You've won the Rugged Revival Pie Mash >> uh, specialist quiz pub quiz. >> Well done. Congratulations. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. [laughter] Oh, he loves doing that. You've won absolutely nothing. >> I've won nothing before. So, [laughter] to win nothing this time is still great. >> Play it, TJ. Play it. >> Hold on. Hold on. I've got too many uses for this. >> What's the matter with you supposed to be professional? >> Nice to see you. To see you. >> Bit of Brucey F. Yeah. You play that to the Americans and what the [ __ ] is what [laughter] are you talking about? said he's >> a shame, man. >> He's a hero. That man is a hero. [clears throat] >> Um, right. That's it. [laughter] I've lost a place. I don't know. Um, no, I've got a couple more questions, but they're a bit they're a bit personal, so I'm going to go for it anyway. If you're not comfortable with answering it, then uh don't. Uh, so the first one, we've we've talked about mental health a lot on the podcast. Uh, it's such an important subject. I' I find it incredibly important uh for everybody that we speak to, including a lot of the artists that we've been on the road with, but also that we've interviewed on here. Um, and over the last couple of months, we've um we had men's mental health month in the UK. Um, but we know we understand the industry can can take a hit uh on on RT sometimes and and their um their friends. Uh, how do you keep your head in check? How do you look after your mental health? If you wouldn't mind sharing with us. I just I try to take as as many breaks as I can. Um I I find that I get at least in the past I get very burnt out if I'm gigging six, seven nights a week or not even just gigging, but if I if I have so much stuff on if it's like I have I have to record an album for for myself or for for other clients cuz I session as well. Um, I just I make sure that I give myself regular breaks where I have I try to give myself weekends basically. Obviously, not actual weekends because the weekends I'm always I'm always gigging, but I'll find like, you know, two consecutive days as often as I can where I I say I'm not doing anything these days. I'm not going to work. I'm just going to I'm going to treat it like a weekend. Um, I'm gonna, you know, binge Stranger Things on Netflix, for example, or, you know, or just, um, just play some video games or, >> uh, see some friends, you know, have a catch up. Um, and I I look forward to those days where I have I have nothing on. >> Um, because I think I get quite um I get quite anxious if I don't do something. I think if I if if I have a day where I think I should I need to do this today and and I don't do it. I rather than feel refreshed, I feel I feel guilty. I feel >> I should have been I should have like made tried to make some money today. I should have done this. I should have replied to that email. I should have done this. >> Um so I basically just kind of designate myself a couple of days a week where I do nothing. And it's okay to do nothing. It's just >> have some time off. I'll have those two days and then I'll I'll get back to it, you know, the next day, the day after. Um, and I try not to get too bogged down with the whole I have to be working every day, doing something productive every day. Sometimes it is okay to just veg out and do nothing and relax and, you know, have a nice time, enjoy yourself. >> Yeah, perfect. Perfect advice. And and looking after yourself, you know, it's the number one pro. We've said it before, we we'll say it over and over again, you know, if if anybody is struggling at all, reach out to us. Reach out to, you know, to any of us really, anybody that's on the platform. And and if you need anything, just just please just shout. But the more you shout, the more help you get. >> Um, and it's so important to do that and look after yourself. And like you said, it's okay to do nothing. It's okay to just veg out, to chill out, and, you know, and take a break from from it all cuz cuz everybody's life is very busy. >> Um, you know, we've all got day jobs. So, um, yeah, absolutely. Thank you, Eddie. >> Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> And I want to There's a couple of >> Sorry about that about reaching out as well. That I think that is so important, especially with with men. I don't think we we do that enough. >> And I think that so many of us are willing to listen so many more than what people realize are willing to actually have that conversation with someone if they need it. >> Yeah. Absolutely. >> 100%. >> Absolutely. Absolutely agree. Even TJ [laughter] Even TJ will talk to you. >> Apart from TJ, >> I wouldn't recommend it. Don't don't talk to me. [laughter] It might not help you. >> Um, I've just got a few odd questions to ask you really, and I've I've asked this to to artists all over the place where we've met them. >> Um, but why why do you play to crowds? Why do you play to people? Why do you go to the gigs? Why do you play there? And what does it make you feel like afterwards? >> Well, that's a very good question. It was I think it was something that I did when I was a kid. I think I I kind of caught the bug. um if if that's the right saying. When when I was like at school, I played a probably like this the school summer concert. I'd have been like 13, 14. Um and I just really enjoyed it. I got such a I got such a rush from it. Um that I just that's what I wanted to do. I was like this is it. I want to just I want to like play music to people. This is all I want to do with my life. And um also of course performing music you know from a practical point of view that is also like how you make money as a musician these days is you just >> gigs are like the main source of income for for artists these days. So um I guess partly the fact that I love it another part the fact that it pays my bills. Combine those two together I play gigs. [laughter] >> It's a dream. It's a dream come true. There you go. >> But no, I love it. I I I enjoy making people happy and I I feel like >> people when they when they see us play, whether it's at a pub or at a festival or whatever, like people always they have a good time and they've had a hard week at work and they want to let loose to to some music and we can be the ones to help. I'm all for it. >> Yeah. And you can see it. I mean, we we see a mile away a lot of the time where >> you can really tell it's ingrained in people when they that you know, you're made to do that. That's exactly what what you should be doing. You're you're made to be there. That's where your spotlight is and and you should go for it. And yeah, and people will see it from this, you know, even just speaking to you. You're so passionate about it. But I'll leave all the all the nice comments to the end. Um, so we've we've got a uh an exclusive playlist uh for our podcast guests. Uh so anybody that um might not have listened to you, uh could you choose two songs of yours that you would like us to add to the exclusive playlist to really showcase you and what you do? >> Oh, okay. Uh well, I think the first one would would be Lovesick. That was one of the surprise songs that did really well for us without expecting in I know it's a cliche, but that was one of the songs that almost didn't make it on the album. I know that every artist says that, right? It's like a like a yawn thing, [laughter] but um but genuinely it didn't. I was we recorded it and I was like, "Oh, I don't know. I might just cut it. I might just cut it. Put something else in instead." I'm glad I didn't cut it. Um so yeah, Lovesick would be one. Uh and the other one, can I ask Can I ask the MS what she thinks? What do you What second song do you think should be on the >> on the recommended >> live version in the mirror? >> Oh, the live. Okay. So, Middle of Nowhere Live, >> that's a good one. >> Oh, >> Middle of Nowhere was one of the first songs that we ever released as a band. It was on our like 2019 EP and then uh was it this year? It was this year or last year? Last year we released a live version of that at the the Fiddler's Elbow in London. Yeah, we released a live version of Middle of Nowhere. >> Um so that's our latest release actually to this date until we we release some more stuff. But yeah, Middle of Nowhere Live >> at the Fiddler's Elbow in London. That would be uh my second one cuz I I actually was really proud of how that came out. So >> if you uh if you had a third one, I would probably request Down to the River. >> Oh, that's from the archives. >> That one. >> Now we we only we have a R about this every podcast because I'm like, "Oh, give him another one. Give him another [laughter] one." And then he goes the world's longest playlist. >> Yeah. His longest playlist. But I I love Dancer River. It gives me um gives me vibes around. Do you remember Legend the film >> by Tom Hardy? That sort of soul vibes. The music the I love that. That's that that's Soon as that starts that gives me them vibes and I I love it. >> Oh, really? That's >> Yeah. We need to remove that music. >> Put it back in our set list now. >> You've got to do it. Yeah, you got to do it. Um thank you for that. That's um that's brilliant. and TJ will definitely definitely add them on. Um, so we I know TJ mentioned it earlier um when he was asking all my questions that I had in my list. But um when when we started this this podcast, it's a community. We're trying to build a community up and trying to give everybody a platform to give them a bit of a shout out. People that don't normally get shouted out, people that don't normally get recognized. Um, is there anybody emerging UK artists or talent that you've seen that um that you want to give a shout out on here just to give them a bit of a a nod? Um, or not. [laughter] >> Actually, if you don't want to, you don't have to say, but if you Yeah. >> No, absolutely. No. [laughter] >> Um, yes. Uh, let me take a a second. There are there are so many there are so many artists like that I've worked with over the years in recent times that blow me away. Um the first one that I would say would be uh a guy called Robert J. Hunter. Um he is a phen he's mostly known for his his blues uh like blues sound but he's um his latest record that um I'm I'm currently I'm playing keys on his record actually I'm I'm kind of I play keys in his band in fact we met years we've been friends for a very long time but he is I'm not just saying it because he's a mate but he is he is a phenomenal artist uh incredible songwriter his latest record is like a lot more sort of like Bruce Springsteen um kind of sounding like storytelling. Uh it's really good. So, I would definitely check him out and his like his latest stuff that he's got coming out. Um Robert J. Hunter. Another guy uh would be someone called Ed Tatisil. >> Um who again I I met him a couple of years ago. We played like a songwriter night together. Um and it's not just because we share the same first name that I like him. He's actually his music is really good. Uh so yeah, I would I would check him out. Ed, Robert J. Hunter, Ed Tatisol. Uh Jack Francis, you probably already know Jack Francis. >> Not familiar. No. >> Um uh again, amazing artist. Uh Jack Oh, you know Jack Browning. You've had him on the podcast. You know Jack Browning. >> Um there's so many so many others. >> That's perfect. I So, three of them, you've heard it here. Uh, go and give them a follow. Go and give them a listen. >> Absolutely. >> And, uh, yeah, go and go and see what they do. Go and see their talent. >> I'll send email you guys a list of others as well if you want some more. There are so many that I honestly off the top of my Will Pyer is another one, a guy called William Pyer. >> Okay. >> Just wicked singer songwriter. I think you guys really dig his stuff. It's all like that kind of Americana like blues soul, folk, all of that genre. >> But they're all based in the UK as well. >> Yeah, that's what we wanted to do. We wanted to do a bit of a a deep dive from UK artists for a change. And yeah, if you've got a list to email, we'll we'll certainly, you know, take stock of them and pump as much out as we can. So, thank you. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Well, Eddie, uh it's been a pleasure talking to you. I'm going to hand over to TJ cuz I know he's got his little special thing that he does there. But um >> it's been Yeah, he does. Yeah, his little special thing. >> Should have realized what I was saying then. But anyway, uh it's been a pleasure talking to you and I'll um I'll speak to you in a minute, >> TJ. We're obviously a very serious podcast as you've come to to know us tonight. Chaotic. Um, and the fact that you've had a a drink or two, I don't know, maybe that's your first glass, Eddie, but uh maybe you'll be interested in playing a second game. [laughter] Uh, would you be up for that, mate? >> A second game. >> Yeah. Yeah. Oh, yeah. So, this is the one. This is the world famous game, my I add. You know, it's been played by artists around the world. You know, it's everyone's famous favorite game. >> Artha Franklin. [laughter] >> She's played it. >> She hasn't. Is she alive? No, no. Anyway, so this is called I've had to rephrase it because last time I called it the kiss game [laughter] and uh the last kiss got a bit kiss game with me. >> Well, I'm I'm you know, we're online. I can't do anything to you, but uh [laughter] so we're going to call it the prince challenge, actually. Oh, there we go. >> Beautiful. >> Absolutely stunning. So, this is actually called the prince challenge. Um, okay. >> So, if you're not familiar with it, I'll I'll do a really bad explanation and then Ronnie will do a demonstration first and then we'll hand over to you. [gasps] >> So, I've said this a number of times on the podcast. You know, I was listening to Prince Kiss because I was going down a Prince rabbit hole and listening to his tunes and he's amazing. I love Prince. But Kiss just made me laugh. You know, it's just a hilarious song. The intro. >> Oh, it is. Yeah. Oh, the intro is great >> and he goes a bit crazy towards the end. I'm like, who would get away with that? So, I thought the the the opening of Kiss would be a good game to play, particularly with artists who are obviously good at singing and perhaps, you know, mimicking other people. So, I'll get to the point. >> If I play you the original of Kiss, I'll play you my version. Ronnie maybe will do a a quick version and then uh we'll see what you can do. So let's do it. So this is the original of Kiss >> absolute tune. So I thought, you know, I'm pretty good, pretty good at singing, you know, just an amazing artist. This is my version. [laughter] So you probably think that's the original, but actually it's me. [laughter] So Ronnie, do you want to come to demonstrate? >> You know, you you've normally got a bit of a vocal warm up. >> So you've done this a few times there, Ronnie. So you should be absolutely perfect uh in doing it. So after three, one, two, [sighs] you put some more effort into it this time. [laughter] I did like that. I'm getting better now. >> So Eddie, I I think you can smash this, mate. You know. >> Yeah. We're looking for style, accuracy, tone, pitch, you know. I think we're scoring it out five. I'm just making up, but uh >> Okay. >> Are you up for it, mate? >> Yeah, why not? >> Right. Let's do it after three. Are are your vocals warmed up? Are you >> sufficiently ready? >> Stunning. Right. After three. One, two. [music] [screaming] >> Oh, that was pretty good, mate. Yeah. I don't know if you beat >> Cory Michael, but uh that was that was pretty good. >> Yeah, I don't know. I don't know if I got the if I got the original >> Yeah. >> vibe. >> I mean, feel free if you want to do it again. You know, Cory Cory had a quite a few tries, so you know, while the MS is watching you. [laughter] >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Know, she is she's judging >> judging you. >> Judging. >> Well, she is. There you go. Look. >> Contemplating whether or not she wants to actually get married anymore. I can see [laughter] that. Well, thanks for playing along, mate. You know, that's obviously one of our favorite games. Um, but yeah, we I think we'll do a round up at the end of the year of uh the best ones and we'll we'll >> we'll feature you high up on there, mate, because you're you're a fellow Englishman, too. >> So, there you go. >> So, we got a few more questions, mate, because I can imagine you want to get to your evening uh and and chill out. But um in terms of looking ahead uh in terms of the rest of this year uh and going into next, have you got a few goals in mind that you want to achieve? Anything outstanding in particular that you want to do? >> Uh so well the the most important thing would be finishing this album and getting the next one out. And uh I really I mean that's it. I know that we've got we've already got a lot in the pipeline for next year. We've got a couple of European tours. We are doing quite a few festival, UK festivals next year. Um I forget which ones I'm allowed to announce, but we're booked for quite a few festivals, which is great. So we're going to be busy. Um providing we can get this album out next year. There will hopefully be like a little UK tour as well. Um so basically next year we're just going to be we're going to be busy. We're going to be working a lot, gigging a lot, um, releasing music, and, uh, and yeah, that's it really. That's that's all there really is to it, I think. We just want to keep putting music out there, and we want to just keep writing and releasing stuff cuz that's that's what we love doing at the end of the day. >> That's the right way to do it, mate. Keep doing that. >> Yeah. Keep keep creating, keep making, keep putting it out there, mate. That's uh >> Yeah, >> that's that's what you got to do. But um so we we normally ask the kind of flip side of this in terms of the American artists, you know, have they got aspirations to to come here and play? You you mentioned Europe. Um have you ever been to the USA to to play music? Um any aspirations to go out there and uh do some work? >> Uh we we went to the US a long time ago. I think 2015 we did that. Um but again, it was it was we were like we were we were kids, you know? It was it wasn't like a proper proper thing. Uh, but yes, we would love to get out to the States and and play some like like proper shows, like real festivals and things like that. It's if if we can make that work, we would we would be all there for it. I know that we've got like fans in the US that would like us to come over. >> Yeah. >> Um, but uh yeah, it's just it's it's just finding the right opportunity and making it work. Weirdly, we get a lot of emails uh asking us to come over to America and like play play festivals in like Colorado or like Minnesota or like Los Angeles. And then >> fantastic. >> And but it's because they think we're from America and then I tell them that yeah, we we can do it, but you're going to have to pay for our flights. And then they're just like, >> "Yo, don't worry about it. Give me back. >> Sorry about that." Like, never mind. >> Yeah, [laughter] it it's expensive, mate. And you know it it's it's on you know the flip reverse for the guys coming here the same logistical issues you know a lot of them tour on their own you know acoustic sets single sets because bringing a whole band is just as you rightly know >> a logistical nightmare and cost a fortune um >> but hopefully you get over there mate you know I think um we need more UK people repping I know Jack Browning's been out to Kentucky a number of times um maybe even Texas so he's doing really well man um Yeah, >> but he should. >> Yeah, absolutely. He's an awesome dude and love his music. So, it's exciting to watch that. But, um, >> you know, I think I think your music would go down really well in Texas. You know, there's a lot of soulful acts that way, country. So, Americana, some of the bars that we went to when we were on our work um kind of tour >> um [laughter] was was amazing. You know, the dive bars, the you know, um Greenhole was incredible. You know, I could see >> we played Green Hall. >> Oh, did we? >> We actually played that one of the places we played in 2015. We were like on the We weren't on the big stage. We were like on the floor. >> Yes. >> And it was I can't remember like what it what it was for, but it was awesome. It was so much fun. >> It's like a big open bar, isn't it? Yeah. >> Yeah. It's amazing. >> It was It was so much fun. Yeah, that was that was one of our 2015 draws. >> Oh, there you go then. You've you've got stripes already, mate. Um I think it's the world's oldest dance hall. Um >> Yeah, I remember it being something like that. Yeah, we need your picture up on the wall because they got a Hall of Fame as well. So, we need a >> Yeah, >> you should be up there, mate. >> Got everyone up there. They've got like Brooks and >> um >> we've got the the most important question uh before we sign off is what you doing for Christmas? What's going on this year, mate? >> Well, we are You'll have to ask my fiance what we're doing for Christmas. I have no idea. >> [laughter] >> We're doing we're going to um Gemma's parents on Christmas Day. So, we're spending Christmas Day there and then we're going to my parents on Boxing Day. Then we're spending the day there. They live a bit further away. So, we're there for a couple of days. We're there for 3 days and then uh New Year's we're just we're just going to have a quiet one. Oh, we're going to watch Stranger Things. Oh, New Year's we're watching Stranger Things. >> Good for you. Yeah, absolutely. >> I didn't make those plans, but those [laughter] >> and I'm Yeah, >> you will be there. Sounds >> Well, thank you very much, mate. Um Ronnie, >> thank you for having me. >> Over to you, mate. >> Eddie, this is the point that I get to say some really nice things about you, but um do you know what? I've got lots to say, but people will see how incredible you are and what personality you are uh just by watching this. Um, so thank you for joining us uh on tonight on uh on the Ruger Revival. Um, you are so humble, enthusiastic, and a total gentleman. Uh, a talent, a talented producer and an artist. Uh, and we wish you all the very best. You're the kind of artist people want to succeed, not just because of the music, but because of who you are, and we mean that from the bottom of our hearts. Um, you've been a a total laugh tonight. Thank you for putting up with us. Thank you for putting up with our horrific sense of humor. Thank you, Gemma, for joining in at the quiz. uh sitting behind. Much appreciated. And let me know if you want me to do your wedding vows. More than happy to assist [laughter] uh uh cuz of my, you know, what I can put together. So, what we normally do is we do a a bit of a toast at the end. Uh TJ wets himself normally because um I I normally mess it up, but we're going to try it. And I'm not drunk this time. I'm sober, I think. Uh anyway, so if you'd like to raise a glass, we're going to do a toast to the grit, the grind, and to the rival. And thanks for joining us. Cheers, Eddie. Cheers. Cheers, guys. Thank you very much for having me. Absolute pleasure.
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Anna Victoria
Inside North Carolina's Appalachian Music Scene | Anna Victoria
Anna Victoria joins Camden for an honest conversation about growing up in the mountains of North Carolina, discovering her voice as a songwriter and navigating life as an independent Country and Americana artist. We talk about learning to perform live, protecting her voice, finding confidence on stage, the influence of Appalachian music and artists such as Luke Combs, Sierra Ferrell and Dolly Parton, balancing music with motherhood, and the challenge of staying creative in a world driven by social media. It's a thoughtful conversation about music, family, creativity and staying true to yourself while building a career in independent music. Chapters 00:00 – Introductions, Weaverville, childhood. 02:00 – Singing, vocal health and beginning her musical journey. 06:00 – The pandemic, booking gigs and developing as a live performer. 09:00 – Coping with distractions, confidence and performing. 12:00 – Appalachian influences, Luke Combs, Sierra Ferrell, Dolly Parton and mountain songwriting. 15:00 – Family life, being a stay-at-home mum, social media and balancing music with everyday life. #lukecombs #sierraferrell #dollyparton Subscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music! Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si=30aabdaa220a4628 Follow The Rugged Revival: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevival Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679 Website: www.theruggedrevival.com Email: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
Ben Morrison
The Brothers Comatose: Ben Morrison on 18 Years of Music, Family & Touring
Ben Morrison of The Brothers Comatose joins the Rugged Revival Podcast for an honest conversation about nearly two decades ...
Mike Tod
Keeping Traditional Folk Music Alive in Nashville | Mike Tod Podcast
Mike Tod joins Camden to discuss traditional folk music, Canadian roots, life in Nashville, forgotten songs, unusual instruments and why preserving musical history still matters today.Originally from Canada and now based in Nashville, Mike explores the stories behind traditional songs, the connections between folk music around the world and how old music continues to influence modern artists. We also discuss his unique "Crankenstein" instrument, musical curiosity, collecting songs from the past and the importance of keeping traditions alive for future generations.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:00:30 Growing Up in Canada00:02:20 Discovering Music & The Crankenstein00:04:10 The Story Behind The Crankenstein00:05:20 Drones, Folk Traditions & Ancient Music00:08:10 Learning Guitar & Performing Original Songs00:09:40 Accessing Traditional Music in the Digital Age00:11:20 Researching Music History00:12:10 Playing The Crankenstein Live00:14:00 Creating Atmospheric Sounds & Live Performance00:16:00 Traditional Songs & Musical Origins00:17:50 The Artists Influencing Mike Today00:19:20 Studying Philosophy & Creative Thinking00:22:00 Horror, Heavy Music & Folk Culture00:24:00 Scottish Heritage & Family History00:27:10 Final ThoughtsSubscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si=30aabdaa220a4628Follow The Rugged Revival:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679Website: www.theruggedrevival.comEmail: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
Jacob Paul Allen
Virginia's Appalachian Red Dirt Country Voice | Jacob Paul Allen
Jacob Paul Allen is a Country Music and Appalachian Red Dirt artist from rural Virginia, known for his authentic storytelling and unique sound.Jacob Paul Allen's music is a blend of Country, rock, and Americana, inspired by artists such as Turnpike Troubadours and Randy Rogers. Growing up in a small town in Virginia, Allen's music is deeply rooted in his rural upbringing and personal experiences. In this episode, Allen shares his story of finding his voice as an artist and navigating the music industry as an independent musician. He also discusses the challenges of staying true to his authentic sound in a industry dominated by AI-generated music.Allen's music is a reflection of his genuine and down-to-earth personality, and his passion for storytelling is evident in every song. With a full band and a string of upcoming shows, Allen is an artist on the rise, and this episode is a must-listen for fans of Country and Americana music.Chapters:02:08 Introduction to Jacob Paul Allen12:11 Influences and early music experiences20:12 Navigating the music industry as an independent artist26:59 Staying true to his authentic sound33:41 Upcoming shows and projects41:35 The importance of storytelling in musichttps://jacobpaulallen.com/https://www.facebook.com/jacobpaulallenmusichttps://www.instagram.com/jacobpaulallen/Subscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music! Follow The Rugged Revival:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679Website: www.theruggedrevival.comEmail: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com