2 Beers With The Band

In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, I sit down with Scotland-based rapper, producer, and events manager Jay Lee for an exclusive, deep-dive interview. While we get into his musical background, I'm cracking open a Change of Heart IPA from Jackalope Brewing Company—a New Zealand-style IPA sitting at a smooth 6.6% ABV that brings a perfect, crisp balance to our session. Right from the first spin of his track "Cold Stare," we lay down the theme for the night: authentic music isn't about chasing radio trends, it's about staying true to your roots, your childhood upbringing, and the raw sounds that shaped you. We take a trip back in time to explore Jay Lee's early life growing up in Scotland, unpacking what his childhood was like and the unique mix of musical genres that were constantly playing around his house. He gets honest about why he ultimately gravitated toward rap and production, and how those early household influences still bleed into his studio tracks today. We also pull back the curtain on the emotional side of songwriting. Jay Lee opens up about his creative process, explaining why pain and heartbreak are often the easiest, most natural emotions to tap into when sitting down with a pen and paper. We joke about classic country music tropes—like losing your truck, your dog, and your heart—while highlighting how hip hop allows for that exact same raw, therapeutic storytelling. We wrap up the episode with Jay Lee answering two questions he wishes came up more often in interviews, giving fans a definitive look at the man behind the music.

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with Mick Fury to discuss his "all over the place" musical journey and the realities of being an indie artist in the modern industry. We crack open a Celebration Bavarian Doppelbock from Ganger brewery—a 6.7% ABV beer that is rich in caramel, vanilla, and malt notes with very little bitterness. Our conversation kicks off with some nostalgia as we reminisce about drinking Guinness at McNamara’s and the "different monster" that is a Guinness overseas. Mick shares the creative process behind his diverse sound, which spans from country vibes in "Good Afternoon, Tequila" to his humorous and soulful Christmas videos. Having lived and pursued music in the "Big Three"—LA, New York, and Nashville—Mick provides a unique perspective on the grit required to succeed and the importance of finding personal fulfillment over just playing massive arenas. We also dive into his experiences collaborating with writers from across the country and why he believes every artist must eventually view themselves as a brand to thrive.

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I’m joined by Les Kerr, a prolific songwriter, musician, and journalist with twelve albums under his belt. We kept things classic with the drinks—Les went with a Corona, a "pedestrian" favorite that reminds him of playing beach bars along the Gulf Coast and the marketing influence of Jimmy Buffett. I tried out the Southern Crisp, a 4.4% ABV pilsner-style lager from Nashville’s own Southern Grist Brewing Company. Les takes us on a journey from his youth in Pascagoula, Mississippi, to his long-standing music career in Nashville. He describes his unique sound as "Hillbilly Blues, Caribbean Rock n Roll," a blend inspired by New Orleans funk, Delta blues, and the singer-songwriter movement of the 70s. We discuss his latest album, Child of Highway 90, his process of writing lyrics before melody, and the resilience he found during the pandemic by performing 67 consecutive live shows from his home. Les also shares hilarious stories from his college days at Ole Miss and explains why he has intentionally never learned to play "Freebird" or "Sweet Home Alabama".

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I’m joined by $imbuh to talk about his recent releases and his journey as an independent artist. We enjoyed some heavy hitters for this session, with me sipping on a Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Cocoa Porter (8% ABV)—a rich, medium-bodied brew with notes of brown sugar and bourbon. $imbuh kept it crisp with an Angry Orchard as we dove into the realities of the music scene. $imbuh shares how his music is a direct reflection of his life experiences, blending his own personal journey with stories shared by others. We discuss the unconventional sources of his inspiration, including navigating childhood trauma and the constant presence of video games during his upbringing. He also opens up about his creative process—from the moment he receives a beat to knowing exactly when a song is ready to be shared with his fans and his son. This episode is a deep dive into the discipline and passion required to thrive as an indie artist.

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sat down with C.J. Brewer, a multifaceted musician, producer, songwriter, and special event performer. C.J. gives us an honest look into the reality of making a full-time income in music: while he writes and produces original music, he primarily makes his money by covering other people's songs for private events. C.J. breaks down his life as an event performer—from playing weddings and corporate parties to birthdays and backyard barbecues year-round. He explains how he is hired through an agency and details his role in curating the perfect set list, which involves balancing his musical preference with the client's requests. We dive into the profound difference between playing a cover versus playing his own original song, which he considers a piece of himself. C.J. also opens up about the challenge of finding his own voice and the journey to discovering the confidence to put his original music out there.