2 Beers With The Band

From Bullying to Millions of Streams: Kalvonix on Disability, Hip-Hop, and Meeting J. Cole

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with Canadian hip-hop artist, songwriter, and storyteller Kalvonix, who opens up about growing up with cerebral palsy, facing relentless bullying, and how music became his emotional outlet and personal therapy. From rapping in his bedroom at age 12 after hearing Eminem for the first time, to eventually meeting his idol J. Cole, Kalvonix’s story is raw, inspiring, and unapologetically authentic.
We talk about how his disability shaped his artistry, why he never holds back in his music videos, and how he’s grown from self-recording entire albums in a single night to dropping well-produced visuals with local filmmakers. Kalvonix also shares how being a movie buff influences his storytelling, the pressure of balancing mental health with creativity, and how he’s learned to accept being an introvert in a social media-heavy world.
🎧 Connect with Kalvonix:📱 Instagram: @kalvonix📺 YouTube: @kalvonixmusic🎥 Movie Review Channel: @biastiumoviereview🎶 Stream his music: Search “Kalvonix” on Spotify & Apple Music
#Kalvonix #TwoBeersPodcast #IndieHipHop #DisabilityAwareness #MentalHealthInMusic #StorytellingRap #IndependentArtist #CanadianRappers #MusicWithAMessage #AuthenticHipHop #DIYArtistJourney #InspirationalMusic #VancouverRapScene

Owning the Craft: Stryke & Xefe on Beat Storytelling, Creative Control, and Leveling Up the Game

In Part 2 of my interview with Nashville-based hip-hop producers Stryke and Xefe, we go even deeper into what it means to be young, self-taught, and fully committed to building a career in music. These two aren't just making beats—they’re telling full stories through instrumentals and crafting sounds that speak before a single lyric is dropped. We talk about licensing, ownership, vocal presets, and what happens when an artist takes your beat in the wrong direction.
They also open up about navigating contracts, the importance of content schedules, and building momentum through discipline, not hype. From inspirations like Pi’erre Bourne and Southside to their experiences in LA, working full-time, taking classes, and setting alarms to post content—this episode is a full-on masterclass in dedication and creative clarity.
🎧 Follow & work with Stryke and Xefe:📱 IG: @strykemdown, @xefepunk🎶 Beats: DM for customs or licensing🎵 Look up placements via “Dro Cetro” on SoundCloud, Apple Music & Spotify

Young, Independent & Unstoppable: Stryke & Xefe on Producing the Future of Hip-Hop

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with two insanely talented and hungry young hip-hop producers: Stryke and Xefe. Based in Nashville and still barely out of high school, these two are already shaking up the underground rap scene with their unique sound, self-taught production skills, and DIY mindset. We talk about what it really means to be a producer today—from learning on free apps and school laptops to building a name through Instagram beat posts and LA studio trips.
They share their honest take on beat selling, creative burnout, music theory, and why they believe their sound hits different. We also dive into building an artist-producer relationship, learning from top rappers, and why some of the best music starts with a single idea and no rules. If you're a rapper, producer, or just someone obsessed with modern hip-hop production, this one’s for you.
🎧 Connect with Stryke and Xefe:📱 Instagram: @strykemdown, @xefepunk🎼 Beats & Custom Production: DM on IG or email (available on request)🎶 Music placements: Look up “Dro Cetro” on SoundCloud, Apple Music & Spotify
 

No Budget, No Problem: Silver Boy on DIY Hustle, Creativity & Making Music That Lasts

In Part 2 of my interview with Silver Boy, we dive even deeper into what it really takes to thrive as an independent artist. From playing massive shows with The Hives, Whitesnake, and Motorhead to juggling bartending, fatherhood, and running a boutique creative venue in Nashville called Mirror Mirror Network, Silver Boy keeps it raw, real, and relentlessly passionate.
We talk about DIY promotion, the importance of videos in today’s music landscape, the struggle of social media, the grind of building an artistic brand, and why every indie artist should think like a label. Silver Boy also shares his philosophy on songwriting, writer’s block, and the cosmic beauty of inspiration. Plus, get an inside look at Mirror Mirror Network—a surreal, kitschy venue, fashion house, and creative hub where magic meets grit.
🎭 Follow Silver Boy (Marco With Love):📀 Music: MarcoWithLove.com📸 Venue & Creative Space: MirrorMirrorNetwork.com📱 Socials: @MarcoWithLove | @MirrorMirrorNetwork🛒 Get the vinyl: Available at Mirror Mirror Network, Grimey’s, The Groove, and Vinyl Tap in Nashville

Wearing the Mask, Owning the Stage: Silver Boy’s Cosmic Journey Through Music & Identity

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with Nashville-based singer, songwriter, producer, and masked rocker Silver Boy (aka Marco With Love) for a wild ride through identity, legacy, and the magic of performance. From the origins of the “Silver Boy” name (hint: it’s in his blood) to releasing a deeply personal vinyl LP, Silver Boy opens up about how lineage, punk roots, and spirituality shaped his unique voice and visual identity.
We talk about the power of live performance, balancing showmanship with sincerity, and why he always gives 100%—whether he’s playing for five people or 5,000. We also dive deep into craft beer culture, from NA Stella to Corona with lime, and discuss the weird world of IPA flavors, venue options for sober artists, and how bartending helped Marco connect with the right people to finish his album.
Want to connect with Silver Boy?🎭 Instagram: @marcowithlove🎸 Website: marcowithlove.com💿 Album: Silver Boy out now on vinyl via Outright Rock Records

Finding My Sound: Winter Wilson on Music, Growth & Embracing the Messy Creative Journey

In this episode of Two Beers With The Band, I sit down with Nashville singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Winter Wilson to talk about balancing creative freedom, emotional storytelling, and living a life full of passion. Winter shares what it’s like building a music career while working in tech, training for an Ironman, and launching a pop project called “Spacey.” We talk about writing as therapy, embracing imperfection, the pressures of social media, and how Nashville’s unmatched songwriting community influences her music.
We also dive into craft beer (including one from Athletic Brewing for the athletes out there), personal growth, and how to turn sadness into songs that truly connect. Winter's insight into vulnerability, evolving artistry, and finding a supportive creative team makes this one of the most honest and inspiring episodes yet.
🎶 Connect with Winter Wilson:Instagram: @WinterWilsonMusicPop Project: Spacey (search “Spacey” on Spotify, TikTok & IG)YouTube: Winter Wilson MusicWebsite: WinterWilsonMusic.com
 

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