2 Beers With The Band

Luna Marcella: The Freestyle Queen of Collaboration—Why Authenticity is Her Legacy

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly versatile singer, songwriter, and artist, Luna Marcella. Luna's story is one of authenticity and self-discovery, showing how a love for music evolved from childhood dreams of fame to a dedicated pursuit of creating original, relatable music that truly represents her. We dove deep into her unique creative process, which often involves freestyling vocals over a beat she's never heard, capturing raw emotion in a single take before cleaning it up in her "little closet with my GarageBand" setup.
Luna shares how her upbringing, surrounded by different cultures and genres—from jazz and Indian music to Native American sounds—opened her musical perspective like "Pandora's box". This diversity allows her to jump between R&B, rap, Lo-Fi, jazz, pop, and rock, refusing to be put in a box. We discuss the importance of collaboration and how working with other artists brings out beautiful things when creative minds come together. Luna emphasizes that success isn't about being a "diva" or being stubborn, but about open-mindedness and giving credit to others' creative input. She also talks about the hustle of an independent artist and the immense joy of knowing her music is uplifting or relatable to even just five people, which means she's done her job

Bray Smizzi: Why I Took a Break from Music & Why I'm Back

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sat down with Memphis rapper and composer, Bray Smizzi. Bray shared his journey from a young kid influenced by his uncle to a determined independent artist. He talks about taking a break from music to focus on his personal life and how he was drawn back to his passion. Bray opens up about the deeper meaning behind his lyrics and the healing power of music. This conversation is a raw, honest look at what it takes to be a DIY artist, from the challenges of finding your audience to the immense joy of bringing a musical vision to life. We also get to know more about the man behind the music, including how he deals with criticism , the importance of collaborating with other artists , and what he believes his fans need to know about him.

Ben Wilbers: The Fallen Incarnates - Finding Your Sound in a Crowded Music Scene

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sat down with an incredible musician and artist who goes by many names, most notably, The Fallen Incarnates, also known as Ben Wilbers. We dove into the fascinating world of a multi-instrumentalist who not only writes and records every part of his songs but also handles all the mixing and mastering himself. We discuss the challenge and creative freedom of being a one-man-band. Ben opens up about the deeper meaning behind his lyrics and how they are a direct reflection of his personal life experiences.
This conversation is a raw, honest look at what it takes to be an independent artist, from the challenges of finding your audience to the immense joy of bringing a musical vision to life. Ben also shares some incredible insights into his creative process, his thoughts on the music industry, and the importance of addressing mental health in the arts. We also get to know more about the man behind the music, including a little about his day job, and what it means to him to have paid his dues in the music world.

Local Cryptid: The Nashville Duo Redefining DIY Punk

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I had a conversation with Nashville's own DIY punk duo, Local Cryptid. We dove deep into their unique approach to creating a raw, heavy sound that still manages to be catchy and melodic. Local Cryptid shares their process for writing and producing their music entirely on their own, a true testament to the independent artist's grind. We talk about their influences, from the punk scene of Birmingham, Alabama, to the aural aesthetics of movies, and how they balance a raw sound with a well-produced mix. This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in the realities of independent music creation and the vibrant Nashville music community. Local Cryptid also talks about their upcoming EP, Cryptid One, their thoughts on the music industry, and the importance of bands supporting each other at shows. This is a must-listen for fans of authentic, high-energy rock music.

Gdot3: The Truth About the Music Grind, Haters, and Why It's All Worth It

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I had a conversation with a true force in the independent music scene, recording artist Gdot3. I’ve been a fan for a while, so it was a real honor to sit down with him for an honest conversation about his journey and his art. This episode is packed with invaluable insight for any aspiring artist out there. We talk about the importance of getting honest, constructive criticism from your peers, and how to deal with the inevitable negativity from haters. Gdot3 shares his unique one-man-band approach to writing and producing his beats, and how he’s been working tirelessly to get his music out to the masses beyond social media.
This conversation is a raw, honest look at the grind and the joy of creating music entirely on your own terms. We dive into the inspiration behind his music, the sacrifices he's made, and how he views success in the industry. Gdot3 opens up about his personal philosophy, which is based on the idea that things aren't happening to you, they are happening for you, and what he believes his fans need to know about him. This is an episode you won't want to miss.

Emanuele Ferro - From Northern Italy to the World: The Guitarist Who Built a Global Fanbase

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I had a conversation with a true force in the independent music scene, Italian guitarist Emmanuelle Ferraro. Emmanuelle and I dive into what it takes to be a dedicated artist in today's world, and he shares his unique story of building a music career from his home in northern Italy. We talk about his one-man-band approach to writing, recording, and producing, and the dedication it takes to wear every hat.
Emmanuelle opens up about his passion for instrumental music and his love for the technical side of his craft, from learning music theory and ear training on his own to attending a year of conservatory in Milan. We discuss the challenges of being an independent metal artist in Italy, how he's grown a worldwide fanbase through YouTube, and why he always practices to improve his skills. For Emmanuelle, the guitar is a constant companion—a way to escape negative thoughts and a necessity for personal growth as an artist. This conversation is a raw, honest look at the grind and the joy of creating music entirely on your own terms.

Amiccella on Hustle, Authenticity & Carving Her Path in Canadian Hip-Hop

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with Vancouver-based rapper Amiccella for an unfiltered conversation on balancing a full-time job with building a music career, staying authentic in the competitive hip-hop scene, and the grind of self-promotion as an indie artist in Canada.
We kick things off with first drinks and first impressions before diving into Amiccella’s start in music, her early influences in hip-hop and R&B, and how she developed a style that’s unapologetically her own. She talks about writing lyrics from personal experiences, overcoming performance anxiety, and building a fanbase through consistent Instagram content and networking with other artists.
From behind-the-scenes stories of her first music videos to the challenges of funding projects independently, Amiccella shares the realities of being a female rapper in Canada. We explore how she chooses producers and beats, handles online criticism, and collaborates with Vancouver’s creative scene.
We also get into branding, creative control, and why she measures success beyond streaming numbers. Along the way, Amiccella drops advice for young artists, reflects on lessons learned from live shows, and discusses her five-year vision for her career.
This episode is packed with insight, from recording session prep to building authentic fan connections, making it a must-listen for indie artists, hip-hop fans, and anyone chasing a creative dream without compromise.
🎧 Connect with Amiccella:📸 Instagram: @amiccella📺 YouTube: @amiccella

Bill Steber Returns From Japan Tour to Talk Blues, Photography & Preservation of Southern Culture

In this special return episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down once again with the legendary Bill Steber—who was the second-ever guest on this show. Now, after an inspiring tour through Japan, Bill’s back with a fresh perspective, deeper stories, and even more powerful insights on preserving the soul of the American South through blues music and visual art.
We get into everything from his latest performances with The Jake Leg Stompers to how Japanese audiences deeply connect with Mississippi hill country blues. Bill shares his thoughts on cultural preservation, his philosophy behind using tintype and wet plate photography, and the responsibility he feels as both an artist and documentarian.
This episode isn’t just about music—it’s about capturing spirit. Whether he’s performing as Hambone Willie or photographing fading juke joints, Bill’s work is about keeping memory alive. We talk about the spiritual side of blues, the ritual of performance, and how honoring the ancestors of the genre is just as important as pushing it forward.
If you're an artist, photographer, music historian, or just someone who cares about culture with depth and soul—this one’s for you.
🎧 Connect with Bill Steber:🌐 steberphoto.com📺 YouTube: @hambonewillie📸 Instagram: @stonesinmypathway