No Simple Road

This week on No Simple Road, we're bringing together two passionate champions of music, community, and culture for a conversation that celebrates everything we love about the grassroots scene. Joining Aaron, Mel, and Apple are Brick Lohr, promoter and visionary behind the beloved Ramble Festival, and Kris Howland of Heady Wax Fiends, one of the most respected vinyl-loving communities in the jam band world. As the countdown to this year's Ramble Festival continues, we dive deep into what makes this gathering such a special experience for music lovers, Deadheads, vinyl collectors, and festival family alike. Brick shares the story behind the festival's growth, the vision that guides it, and how Ramble continues to cultivate an intimate atmosphere where music, art, and connection thrive. Kris joins the conversation to discuss the enduring power of vinyl culture, the community that has formed around Heady Wax Fiends, and why physical music remains such an important part of the live music experience. Together, we explore the intersection of collecting, community, and the shared love of discovering new music through old-school formats. But that's not all. In a special live announcement, we officially unveil the Ramble Festival x Heady Wax Fiends Vinyl Submission Contest winners, Denver's own The Hip Snacks, and we're even joined by their very own Ben Suarez! This episode is a celebration of independent music, vinyl culture, grassroots festivals, and the communities that keep the spirit of live music alive. Whether you're planning your trip to Ramble Festival, digging through crates for your next favorite record, or simply looking for your next musical adventure, this conversation is packed with inspiration, excitement, and plenty of family vibes. Go to ramblefestival.com for your ticlets and info now! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nosimpleroad.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for merch, past episodes, and community updates. Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/nosimpleroad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Leave a 5-star review & share this episode with a fellow music lover! -FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music.

This week on No Simple Road, we head north of the border to connect with Dylan Stone and Jesse Cobb from The Unfaithful Servants, the genre-bending roots outfit straight out of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Blending folk, bluegrass, old-time, and a healthy dose of irreverent spirit, this band brings a sound that’s as playful as it is deeply rooted. Aaron, Mel, and Apple sit down with the crew to talk about the origin of the band, the stories behind the songs, and what it means to build a musical life on an island where community and creativity go hand in hand. We dig into their songwriting process, the push and pull between tradition and experimentation, and how humor and honesty shape their approach to roots music. The conversation flows through touring life in Western Canada, the power of DIY scenes, and the importance of staying connected to the people who show up — night after night — to share the experience. The Unfaithful Servants reflect on how place influences sound, how collaboration fuels longevity, and why music is still one of the most powerful tools we have for connection. This episode is full of laughter, insight, and that unmistakable feeling you get when musicians are creating from a place of truth rather than trend. If you love roots music with edge, folk and bluegrass with personality, and discovering bands who are carving their own path, this one is for you. For tour info music and more head over to: www.unfaithfulservants.com Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nosimpleroad.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for merch, past episodes, and community updates. Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/nosimpleroad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Leave a 5-star review & share this episode with a fellow music lover! -FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music.

This week on No Simple Road, we’re stepping straight into the heart of Pacific Northwest bluegrass culture with the amazing organizers of the Newgrass Festival in Newberg, Oregon, joined by our dear friends Christian DeBenedetti and Rachel Bonnett of Newgrass Fest as well as Joe Suskind and Crystal Lariza of the band Never Come Down! If you’ve ever wondered how a festival becomes a living, breathing community—or what it takes to keep the spirit of roots music evolving—this episode is going to light you up. Aaron, Mel, and Apple sit down with the folks behind Newberg’s newest musical gathering to talk about the festival’s origin story, the passion that fuels it, and the vision for creating a space where tradition and innovation dance together. We explore the challenges and joys of building a festival from the ground up, cultivating a family vibe, and weaving music into the cultural fabric of a small Oregon town. Joe and Crystal of Never Come Down share their own journey with the festival, what it means to be part of this musical renaissance, and how the bluegrass and newgrass scenes continue to push boundaries while staying rooted in soul and storytelling. From songwriting and touring to nurturing community and supporting upcoming artists, their perspective brings heart and depth to the conversation. Together, we dig into the magic of gatherings, the power of collaboration, and the way live music creates connection that lasts far beyond the final note. If you love bluegrass, newgrass, festival culture, or the PNW music scene, this episode is a beautiful, behind-the-scenes ride into the people who make the music happen. For tickets and info head to: www.newgrassfest.com Follow Newgrass on IG @newgrassfest Follow Never Come Down on IG @nevercomedownband Follow Wolves and People Brewing on IG @wolvesandpeople Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nosimpleroad.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for merch, past episodes, and community updates. Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/nosimpleroad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Leave a 5-star review & share this episode with a fellow music lover! -FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music

Get ready, family — this week on No Simple Road, we’re hanging with the one and only Larry Keel, a bluegrass legend, master picker, and true steward of the jamgrass spirit! Aaron, Mel, and Apple welcome Larry into the circle for a real, heart-forward conversation that goes way beyond the usual talk of tours and records. We dive deep into the magic of community and connection that lives inside the music — from the Northwest String Summit memories and Larry’s long friendship with Yonder Mountain String Band, to the way shared stages become sacred spaces. Larry opens up about his incredible musical partnership with his wife, Jenny, and how their bond has shaped both their sound and their lives. The crew explores the evolution of bluegrass — how pioneers like Sam Bush and modern trailblazers like Billy Strings are expanding the boundaries of the genre while honoring its roots. Larry shares stories from the road and the river, including his experiences at Carnegie Hall, Japan, and his own music-meets-nature gathering, Bass and Grass. If you love bluegrass, jamgrass, or just the feeling of deep connection that music brings, this one’s for you. Head over to https: larrykeel.com for tour info and more and follow larry on IG @larrykeel Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠nosimpleroad.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for merch, past episodes, and community updates. Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/nosimpleroad⁠⁠⁠⁠ Leave a 5-star review & share this episode with a fellow music lover! -FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music

This week on No Simple Road, we sit down with Brad Zerman, founder of Seven Point Cannabis, to explore how cannabis, music, and culture intersect to create something bigger than business. Brad shares his journey of opening and running dispensaries across Illinois and beyond, and how his latest project in Danville, Illinois with Seven Point is redefining what a cannabis experience can be. Imagine an outdoor market, food trucks, nightly live music, and a smoke lounge — all designed to bring people together around community and creativity. With a background in navigating highly regulated industries, Brad has been at the forefront of cannabis compliance, security, and business operations. But at the heart of his vision is something deeper: building an ecosystem where cannabis is a catalyst for cultural connection, live events, and shared experiences. ✨ Topics We Cover: The inspiration and vision behind Seven Point Cannabis How dispensaries can become hubs for music, food, and community Balancing compliance with creativity in the cannabis industry The cultural value of cannabis and its role in connection Whether you’re curious about the future of cannabis culture, passionate about live music and local communities, or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening beyond the dispensary doors, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on where cannabis and culture meet. Tune in now and discover how Seven Point Cannabis is creating more than a dispensary — it’s creating an experience. For schedule of events, menu, specials, and more head over to: sevenpoint.org Visit ⁠⁠⁠nosimpleroad.com⁠⁠⁠ for merch, past episodes, and community updates. Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/nosimpleroad⁠⁠⁠ Leave a 5-star review & share this episode with a fellow music lover! -FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week's rewind has us in the studio (without Mel) with our special guests Kris and Chelsea Howland! Kris is the man at the helm of Heady Wax Fiends. We talk about the state of the union in the scene today, what Kris' origin story with collecting vinyl is, how Kris and Chelsea met on a bench at Dick's and a ton more! Come hang with us! Follow HWF on IG @heady_wax_fiends and on FB HERE Visit them online at www.headywaxfiends.com -FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week's rewind has it all! We're talking about the upcoming Billy Strings shows here in Eugene this weekend which leads to a discussion around the genius surrounding the center of that particular whirlwind. Blending genres into something completely new is no small feat and were here for it! Then, our A.I chat buddy gave us a suggestion for a topic of conversation: Is the lot scene a microcosm of the wider world, is is total chaos, is it a representation of how things could be if we all work together? Listen in and see what we came up with! -FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week's rewind is a throwback to the very first episode of NSR. Aaron is here, solo, sharing what had been going on with him lately. Going through a re-examination of choices made, finding the strength to see the good, and reminders of how important community, friends, and family really are. It's all in here. Thanks for listening to us and for being here to support us. We love y'all. -FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad -20% OFF & FREE SHIPPING IN THE US from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Grateful Mountain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with the PROMO CODE: NSR20 INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music