2 Beers With The Band

Cosmic Americana, House Shows, & Beer Nerd Talk – LB Beistad on Nashville Life & Indie Music Grit

In this episode, I sit down with Nashville-based artist LB Beistad to talk about the real side of indie music—grinding through the “Ten Year City,” finding your scene, and why community means everything. LB opens up about her move from East Tennessee, how house shows helped her break into Nashville’s underground, and the surprising role nonalcoholic beer and half marathon training played in her creative journey.
We dive into the struggle of genre labels, how she’s building a fanbase without sacrificing authenticity, and why she’d rather write a song that feels real than chase a trend. From her obsession with storytelling to her desire to one day perform on SNL or score music for video games, LB brings a thoughtful and honest take to what it means to make music that matters in a city overflowing with talent.
🎧 Check out LB Beistad on Yotube👉 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@lbbeistad/videos
 

From Writer’s Block to Sold-Out Shows – Jed Harrelson on Imposter Syndrome, Passion & Building a Tribe

In Part 2 of my conversation with Nashville artist Jed Harrelson, we dive deep into the real emotions behind the grind—imposter syndrome, creative droughts, and pushing forward even when it feels like nothing’s working. Jed opens up about his relationship with writer’s block, why showing up matters more than feeling inspired, and how one viral video changed everything for his band.
We also talk about building community, the role of his wife and team in his journey, and the story behind his hit song “Bad Habits” (spoiler: it started as a “piss jam” during long brunch gigs). Jed shares the moment he knew he had something special when 150 people sang his lyrics back to him at a show, and how it reminded him that passion, grit, and consistency are what keep the dream alive.
 
🎧 Check out Jed Harrelson on Yotube👉 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@UC7jcX7m4CJeha7aXi45Wmbw 
 

10,000 Hours & No Plan B – Jed Harrelson on Indie Hustle, Losing Jobs & Betting on Yourself

In this episode, I sit down with Nashville artist Jed Harrelson to talk about what it really takes to make a living as an independent musician—and why the answer has nothing to do with luck. Jed shares his journey from getting fired for promoting his music (shoutout to Kacey Musgraves) to grinding through empty rooms, building a loyal fanbase, and refusing to take no for an answer.
We talk about the 10,000-hour rule, how to find success without a label, and why so many young artists need a “sink or swim” moment to finally go all-in. Jed breaks down the realities of life on the road, building a DIY merch press, funding tours out of his own pocket, and pushing forward even when only four people show up. If you’re serious about music, this is a masterclass in grit, belief, and what happens when you risk it all for the art.
🎧 Check out Jed Harrelson on Yotube👉 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@jedharrelson

Health Over Hype – SMO on Sobriety, Food Addiction, and Reinventing Life After Fame

In Part 2 of my deep conversation with Nashville artist SMO, we move beyond the music and into the heart of what saved his life—sobriety, plant-based eating, and brutal honesty. SMO opens up about how changing his diet helped him escape a lifestyle that nearly killed him, how food addiction is just as real as any other, and why he treats what’s in his fridge like a toxic relationship. From battling childhood obesity and multiple health crises to running a food truck with his wife that serves real health, this episode is a wake-up call for artists and anyone chasing success while neglecting themselves.
We also dive into deeper topics—porn addiction, self-worth, social media detox, the war against convenience culture, and what it means to truly serve your community. SMO shares how he’s transitioned from entertainer to life-saver, using his platform to educate, empower, and uplift others. If you're an artist trying to make it, a father trying to stay alive for your family, or just someone tired of being tired—this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.

Reinvention, Sobriety & Owning Your Health – SMO on Music, Life Changes & Creative Discipline

In this powerful and unfiltered conversation, I sit down with Nashville artist SMO (formerly Big SMO) to talk about transformation, survival, and how taking control of your health changes everything—including your music. SMO shares the deep impact sobriety, a plant-based lifestyle, and open heart surgery had on his life, career, and identity. From navigating a name change and losing fans, to confronting addiction and rebuilding his brand, SMO speaks candidly about what it means to evolve as a person and an artist in public.
We talk about the business of music in the age of algorithms, the grind of content creation, and how visual storytelling has always been a central part of SMO’s career. But the heart of this episode is about self-discipline and taking ownership of your quality of life—physically, mentally, and creatively. SMO doesn’t just talk music; he breaks down how food, addiction, and self-awareness can either destroy or rebuild you. This is a must-watch for any artist, fan, or human who's trying to make meaningful change

Trop Rock, Jazz, and Surf Vibes – Stoney Banks Talks Reggae Roots & Musical Identity

In Part 2 of my conversation with Nashville artist Stoney Banks, we ride the wave into his love for beach music, jazz, reggae, and everything in between. He shares the stories behind two new songs—“Help Wanted” and “Sweet Sensi”—offering insight into how creative flow, life experience, and a little tropical daydreaming combine to shape his sound. From early Beach Boys concerts to wipeouts while trying to surf as a teen, we trace how those beachside memories evolved into the laid-back, heartfelt songs he creates today.
We also talk about the vibe behind the Trop Rock and Gulf Coast music scene, including Stoney’s experience playing Reggae Rise Up and the underground backyard party circuit inspired by Jimmy Buffett. He opens up about his deep reggae influences—from Inner Circle and The Police to 311 and Sublime—and why “Sweet Cincy” might be his smoothest release yet. Plus, get the backstory on his upcoming collab “Crappie Fishin’ Mission” and why consistent releases—not just live shows—are the new focus.
🎧 Catch the full episode to hear both songs performed live, get the stories behind the music, and hear how Stoney is carving out a unique sound blending jazz, surf rock, reggae, and country.

From Backyard Jams to Mental Health & Music Hustle – Stoney Banks on Life, Music & Sobriety

In this episode, I sit down with Nashville artist Stoney Banks to unpack his raw, honest journey through music, mental health, and finding purpose. We dive into what it means to balance creative expression with personal demons, the reality of the industry vs. the dream, and how reggae-country fusion became his healing outlet. Stoney opens up about childhood rejection, self-worth, and how those early wounds led him to pick up a guitar and never look back.
We also explore his experiences touring with Big Smo, brushes with major labels, and how narrowly avoiding record deals turned out to be a blessing. He shares stories from Reggae Rise Up Fest, thoughts on sobriety, and why music is both lifeline and therapy. If you're an indie artist, creative, or just someone who values real talk, this is one of the most vulnerable and inspiring conversations we’ve had yet.

How to Succeed as an Indie Band – Horsehell on DIY Shows, Community & Music Hustle

In this episode, I continue my conversation with Nashville-based band Horsehell as we dive into the raw realities of being an independent band in a crowded scene. We talk about what it takes to book and promote your own shows, the grind of building connections in the DIY music world, and why persistence is key when reaching out to venues. The band shares insights into Nashville’s underground music scene, the power of community, and the challenges of getting people to show up when everyone’s also a musician.
We also get into the creative side of things—how they push boundaries with their performances, the emotional highs and lows of being in a band, and why authenticity always wins. Whether you're an artist trying to navigate the indie world or a fan who loves discovering underground bands, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and real talk about what it means to make music on your own terms.