Episodes

  • Roots Music Rambler Backstage with Shelby Lore
    Jun 26 2026
    Welcome to another in our Backstage episode of Roots Music Rambler. These are short interviews Frank and Falls are able to grab backstage (or just somewhere in person rather than on our virtual, longer-form interview episodes) and catch up briefly. In this case, Falls was able to catch Kentucky singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso Shelby Lore for a virtual conversation. He’s the man behind the Shelby Lore Band which is based in Northeastern Kentucky in Carter County. That’s a little more than halfway between Lexington, Kentucky and Huntington, West Virginia if you’re traveling East. Less than halfway if you’re going West. Falls first saw Shelby live filling in on lead guitar for fellow Kentuckian Jordan Lee King a while back and made my way to find him after the show, he was so impressed. I soon discovered he was not only a fantastic guitar player, but singer and songwriter on his own with a killer blues-rock-country blend of a band. We chatted about his latest single “Memphis”, music in the works, playing live and supporting other artists while doing so. You’re going to like Shelby a lot. You can find Shelby Lore and his band online at shelbyloremusic.com, on Spotify, Instagram Facebook and other places you find music. Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts. Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Shelby Lore Band online Shelby Lore Band on Spotify Shelby Lore Band on Instagram Shelby Lore Band on Facebook The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 mins
  • Noah Guthrie’s new album Oddly Flexible is Heavy in more ways than one
    Jun 19 2026
    Noah Guthrie first made a name for himself and his music when his YouTube cover songs were noticed by producers for the Ellen DeGeneres Show. He “won” a contract with Degeneres’s fledgling record label which never manifested an actual album for the South Carolina singer-songwriter. But an appearance on America’s Got Talent started the ball rolling for Guthrie. In that 2018 season of AGT he finished as a semifinalist. That soon placed him on the circuit of Today shows and Tonight shows, let to albums of originals and cover tunes and even landed him in the role of Roderick Meeks on the last season of the hit TV show Glee. Today, Guthrie is promoting his new album Oddly Flexible, an astonishing record of deep, emotional journeys through life and love. It features the single, “Heavy,” which documents Noah’s battle with his weight and self-image. The song has struck a nerve with fans who also deal with body image issues. Noah joined Frank and Falls on Roots Music Rambler this week to talk about the song, the album, Noah’s colorful journey and background. And yes, we talked about his beginnings on YouTube, including his amazing cover of LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It.” Frank and Falls also clarify a recent controversy around the Manchester Music Fest, reassuring everyone the 2026 event is on as planned and Falls will see you there! This week’s Pickin’ the Grinnin’ choices are two good ones! Frank likes Marfa and Falls brags on West Virginia singer-songwriter Austin Glaspell. Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts. Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Manchester Music Fest Manchester Enterprise piece on Parks buyout Noah Guthrie Online Noah Guthrie on Spotify Noah Guthrie on Instagram Noah Guthrie on YouTube Noah’s audition on AGT The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Jason Falls on TikTok Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices Marfa on Spotify Austin Glaspell on Spotify Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Funny, Thoughtful Nathan Evans Fox creates Heirloom To Seed Bank Life’s Work
    Jun 5 2026
    Heirloom, the new album from singer-songwriter Nathan Evans Fox, is out and an impressive manifestation of both creativity and almost historical documentation of an Appalachian artist. Fox joined Roots Music Rambler this week to talk about the new album, his journey to Nashville from the mountains of Western Carolina, fatherhood and more. Like many artists today, Fox often shares little snippets of what he’s working on via social media posts. One nugget of a song-to-be he shared a few months back drove well over one million views across his channels and the song wasn’t more than a few lines. He took the queue to finish it in what became “Hillbilly Hymn (Okra & Cigarettes)” which anchors the album. It has a traditional mountain feel and was recorded in an a capella focus with what seems like family gathered round his singing on the front porch. But the record traverses everything from fatherly advice for a child in Lots of Beginnings to a brilliant “fuck you” song for those Fox gives permission to hate in “Landlords Bill Lee Etc.” It’s an amazing mix of home spun advice and statements about the polarization of today’s world. He told us the record is a bit of a “seed bank” of his life for his children and the world he’ll leave behind. Fox has never shied away from politics or social issues. He even told us when thinking about commercial country music, “The songs about trucks and jello shots don’t come organically to me.” He told Frank and Falls a little about gourds, blueberries and seed banking, acknowledged participating in fundamentalist Christian rites like exorcisms, and told us he’s leading an anti-confederate southern history book club this summer. To say we were entertained is an understatement. We think you’ll be too. Frank and Falls also share Roots Music Ramblers official member votes for this year's Americana Music Association awards and offer up music recommendations in our Pickin’ the Grinnin’ segment. Falls recently finished Ken Burn’s documentary on Country Music. Frank shared an Instagrammer from Italy that just brings people joy in his feed named Metroman. Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts. Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Americana Music Association 2026 Award Nominations Nathan Evans Fox Online Heirloom on Spotify Nathan Evans Fox on Spotify Nathan Evans Fox on Instagram Nathan Evans Fox on TikTok Kanopy App The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Jason Falls on TikTok Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices Ken Burns’s Country Music Metroman on Instagram Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Rachel Swain hits the ground running with first full-length solo album
    May 29 2026
    One of the Americana voices out of Chicago that you’ve heard Frank talk about on Roots Music Rambler drops her first full-length solo album today (Friday, May 29, 2026). So you know we’re going to talk to her, right? Rachel Swain’s Neon Lullaby is out and features a solid mix of the sounds that define Americana music. She brings plenty of country influence with a hint of rock and a touch of blues, has brilliantly written lyrics, a banger of a band to back her up, and even accompaniment from some other names in the Chicago Americana scene. Rachel joined Frank and Falls on Roots Music Rambler to talk to us about the album, her music and life journeys from Texas to Chicago, motherhood, and how she balances being a singer-songwriter, mom, wife, and full-time school teacher. In addition to all of that, Swain also plays in a country band with her dad. Also on this episode, Frank and Falls list the current musicians they think would be a good hang. You might be surprised who they chose. And of course, both share new Pickin’ the Grinnin’ choices this week. Colter Wall gets a supportive nod after his announcement he’s taking a break from touring for his mental health. Colton Bowlin is a hot new singer-songwriter from Kentucky who is the other pick this week. Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts. Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Rachel Swain Online Rachel Swain on Spotify Rachel Swain on Instagram Colter Wall tour announcement The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Jason Falls on TikTok Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices Colter Wall on Spotify Colton Bowlin on Spotify Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • Hollerhead poised for second full-length album, continued rise in Americana space
    May 22 2026
    Jeremy Marshall, the singer-songwriter who founded and fronts the Alt-Country band Hollerhead, says he doesn’t know what to call the band’s genre of music. “We just play our music,” he told us when he joined Roots Music Rambler this week. The Western Kentucky-based band mixes a steady diet of southern rock with country, blues and even bluegrass influences, or Americana as we’ve come to say about a blending of genres. Marshall and his wife/vocalist/songwriter/manager/operations (i.e. – the person in charge) Della joined Frank and Falls to talk about the group’s existing catalog, new singles and a forthcoming second studio album. Jeremy told us the story behind the band and the band’s name, which at first glance aroused curiosity in Falls, our Eastern Kentuckian on staff. “Ain’t no heads of no hollers in Western Kentucky?!” he said. Turns out, that’s not why the band has the name. The Marshalls explained where the name came from, which is a far better story than Falls assumed. Frank and Falls also dug into an interesting conversation on the show when Falls asked what artists Frank refuses to listen to or support because of non-musical reasons. The discussion and debate explored why controversial acts can be a holistic turn-off, but should also be given room for forgiveness. And, of course, hot off their visit to the Crossroads Acoustic Fest in Seymour, Ind., our co-hosts share new Pickin’ the Grinnin’ choices this week. Logan Mac and Meels get a nod from RMR. Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts. Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Country Never Dies on Spotify The Facebook post from Tanner Horton Zoey Ball Breakfast clip with James Bay and Noel Gallagher Hollerhead Online Hollerhead on Spotify Hollerhead on Instagram The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Jason Falls on TikTok Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices Logan Mac on Spotify Meels on Spotify Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Americana and Folk artist Ismay goes Finding Lucinda, Discovers Self
    May 8 2026
    Americana/Folk artist Ismay (Avery Hellman) was in a Lucinda Williams cover band started by their father early in her adult life. As a singer-songwriter herself, the musician, rancher and self-identified “dreamer” went looking for more understanding of the legendary singer-songwriter and produced an outstanding documentary called Finding Lucinda. The film documents their journey of more self-discovery than anything else, but their interviews and path to learn more about Lucinda led them to understand Williams grew up the daughter of, and surrounded by poets. The result, besides the beautifully done film, was Hellman decided to learn to write poetry. Those learnings and evolution in their artistry led to their next big project – a new album called Half Truth, due out June 12th on Fossil Records. Frank and Falls chatted with Hellman about the film, Lucinda Williams, poetry, and the new album on this week’s episode of Roots Music Rambler. The trio also discussed Fossil Records, a new label co-founded by Hellman and friend of the show Margo Cilker (see Episode 35). There was a lot to cover and unpack with Hellman’s journey and art. Give the full episode a watch or listen. You’ll enjoy it. Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts. Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Finding Lucinda (film) Ismay Online Ismay on Spotify Ismay on Instagram David LaMotte on Spotify Roots Music Rambler Episode 12 - Does Wilco Suck? Fossil Records Roots Music Rambler interview with Margo Cilker The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Jason Falls on TikTok Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices Charley Pride on Spotify Kind Hearted Strangers on Spotify Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • Lucciana Costa is the busiest, badass woman in Nashville
    Apr 24 2026
    It’s not uncommon for a professional musician to juggle multiple gigs. Until they make it big or get a break playing in a band that does, there’s session jobs, maybe a songwriting contract, picking up live gigs in someone else’s band, slinging merch or someone, or even all that plus holding down a full-time job to pay the bills. Lucciana Costa can relate. She’s established herself as one in the current crop of up-and-coming singer-songwriters in Nashville. She’s half of the emerging and popular Americana duo King Margo. She plays in and with Gabe Lee’s band, even singing with Gabe and Rylie Bourne on a popular single in 2024 (“Long Time Ago”). Add to that time spent creating education curricula and writing a novel and you can see what we’re quick to call her the busiest, badass woman in Nashville. Lucciana sat in with Frank and Falls last week to talk about her musical background that runs from West Virginia to Ohio and Michigan before hitting Music City. We talked about her musical family and the lineage of talent that has culminated in her career. She told us how the King Margo collaboration with Rachel Coats and a lot more. Also in this episode, Frank opens a surprise gift from Falls and both share Kentucky-based Pickin’ the Grinnin’ choices for music recommendations: Hunter Flynn and Ian Noe. Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts. Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Lucciana Costa online Lucciana Costa on Spotify Lucciana Costa on Instagram King Margo online King Margo on Spotify King Margo on Instagram “Long Time Ago” with Gabe Lee, Lucciana Costa and Rylie Bourne on Spotify The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Jason Falls on TikTok Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices Hunter Flynn on Spotify Ian Noe on Spotify Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • The Local Honeys talk music impact, the Kentucky music scene, hint at a new album
    Apr 3 2026
    It’s been four years since Linda Jean Stokley and Montana Hobbs released a full album. The two, better known collectively as The Local Honeys, dropped a 45 last summer and have blessed fans with a couple of new singles in the last couple of months. But there has been no official announcement of a new record coming. We think we may have squeaked out a hint or two that one might be as the two joined Frank and Falls for the latest episode of Roots Music Rambler. The interview was a bit of a Morehead State University reunion for the Honeys and Falls, all three of whom are graduates. And Falls tried to not lapse into his native mountain accent as he and Frank talked to the pair about everything from the purpose of music to protest songs and channeling Pink Floyd to the Kentucky music scene. At the end of the day, Linda Jean and Montana are and will forever be leaders in the use of mountain and traditional music influences in a modern Appalachian sound in Americana music. They not only make great folk-rock and country music, but teach and mentor young musicians with their involvement in programs like Cowan’s Creek Mountain Music School. The two are currently embarked on a spring tour with Cole Chaney and well worth the time and investment to see them live. Frank and Falls also discuss the Grand Ole Opry’s 25th Anniversary Celebration of the film “O Brother Where Art Thou” and share Pickin’ the Grinnin’ recommendations. Falls pointed to a recent live act he saw in Stripmall Ballads. Frank shared a band her son Anthony was amused by on satellite radio: Buffalo Traffic Jam. Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts. Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Grand Ole Opry’s “O Brother Where Art Thou’ pics from Falls The Local Honeys online The Local Honeys on Spotify The Local Honeys on Instagram The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Jason Falls on TikTok Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices Stripmall Ballads on Spotify Buffalo Traffic Jam on Spotify Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 27 mins