2 Beers With The Band

Why Every Musician Needs to Promote Themselves – Keyelement’s Wake-Up Call

In Part 2 of my conversation with Joel McCann, aka KeyElement, we dive deeper into the realities of self-promotion as an artist. From playing one of the biggest shows of his career to realizing he hasn't been showcasing his work the way he should, this episode is a wake-up call for every musician trying to make it.
We talk about the importance of putting yourself out there, why documentation and content are everything in today’s music industry, and how the smallest details—like listing your full skills—can make or break opportunities. Joel also shares his experience juggling live performance and production, running one of the biggest shows at his school, and why Sweetwater was a game-changer for his career.
If you’re an independent artist trying to navigate the industry, this episode is packed with real talk about what it takes to stand out, stay consistent, and claim your spot. Don’t sleep on your own talent—watch this, take notes, and start moving!

From Small-Town Keyboardist to Nashville Hustler – The Journey of KeyElement

I sat down with Joel McCann, aka Keyelement, to talk about his journey from a small-town pianist to making moves in the Nashville music scene.  From working at Sweetwater Sound to taking a leap of faith in Music City, Joel shares his passion for creating music, the struggles of breaking into the scene, and how he's using his business acumen to support artists with merch while launching his own career.
We get real about the challenges of being a working musician—college vs. DIY grind, making connections, and the harsh realities of the industry.  If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a career in music without losing your creative spark, this is for you. We also crack open some beers and dive into what makes the perfect brew, why live music hits different in an intimate venue, and how burnout can be the biggest killer of creativity.
Whether you're an aspiring artist, a gigging musician, or just love music culture, this convo is packed with insight and inspiration. Don’t miss out! Hit play, drop a comment, and let’s talk about the hustle.
#MusicIndustry #NashvilleMusic #IndieArtist #MusicBusiness #Keyelement

The Untold Stories of Wes Aaron – Meeting Burt Reynolds, Music, & Life Lessons

Wes Aaron’s journey is packed with unbelievable experiences, deep wisdom, and a passion for music that never fades. In Part 2 of this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, hosted by Chris Schrum, Wes shares his incredible encounter with Burt Reynolds, the lessons he’s learned from decades in entertainment, and how music connects us all.
🔹 The surreal moment when Wes met Burt Reynolds as a child🔹 How that experience shaped his lifelong passion for music & entertainment🔹 Why music is one of the greatest forms of human connection🔹 The importance of staying true to yourself in the entertainment industry🔹 How losing a best friend changed his perspective on life & purpose
This episode is more than just stories—it’s a lesson in passion, perseverance, and why music truly matters.
 
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#MusicPodcast #BurtReynolds #IndependentMusicians #MusicIndustry #2BeersWithTheBand

From Near-Death to Elvis: The INSANE Story of Wes Aaron’s Journey in Music

Wes Aaron’s journey in music isn’t just about performing—it’s about survival, passion, and purpose. From a near-death experience as a child to becoming a renowned Elvis tribute artist, Wes shares his unbelievable life story, the struggles he’s overcome, and what drives him to bring joy to audiences everywhere.
In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, hosted by Chris Schrum, we dive deep into:
🔹 Wes Aaron’s near-death experience & how it shaped his career 🔹 The truth about being an Elvis tribute artist vs. impersonator 🔹 What it takes to be an entertainer in today’s industry 🔹 How music can change lives & bring hope to those in need 🔹 The power of performing for nursing homes & hospitals
If you’re a music lover, Elvis fan, or someone chasing a dream against all odds, this episode is a MUST-WATCH!
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#ElvisTribute #MusicIndustry #IndependentMusicians #MusicPodcast #2BeersWithTheBand

The New Tropics: The Journey to Create Art That Resonates

Welcome to another episode of Two Beers With The Band! This time, I’m sitting down with The New Tropics, a three-piece band from Nashville, to talk about their inspiring journey as independent artists.
From balancing band responsibilities like marketing and sound production to creating DIY music videos with minimal budgets, The New Tropics share their insights on what it takes to thrive as a modern band. We discuss the importance of visuals in today’s music scene, how to craft a music video that connects without breaking the bank, and why creativity beats big budgets every time.
They also share the story of their hiatus, how they reconnected after years apart, and how their friendship built the foundation for their musical success. Oh, and don’t miss our honest review of Brooklyn Brown Ale and Cedar City Brewing’s Pilsner!
Ready to connect with The New Tropics?🎵 Follow them on Instagram: @TheNewTropics🎵 Stream their latest singles: https://www.youtube.com/ @thenewtropics  

From DIY to Pro: Allan Fine’s Journey Through Music and Sound Engineering

On this episode of Two Beers With The Band I sit down with sound engineer and artist Allan Fine for an inspiring deep dive into music, production, and the creative process. Allan shares his journey—from learning the basics of audio software in a small town to mixing and producing in Nashville's bustling music scene. We discuss the challenges of balancing live sound, the nuances of artist-producer collaboration, and the rewarding path of turning passion into a profession.
We also taste-test two non-alcoholic beers from Athletic Brewing Company and give you the honest lowdown on their flavors. Whether you’re a sound engineering enthusiast, a music producer, or just someone looking to soak up some behind-the-scenes insights, this episode has something for you!
Want to connect with Allan or explore his work? 🎵 Check out Allan Fine on Instagram @finiteallan 🎵 Listen to his mixes and projects on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh0Twc2sOduO8cCYy_f4UKQ 🎵 Reach out directly for collaborations via his website: ⁠littleroom.studio⁠
 
Key Moments:
[00:05:40] What are the biggest lessons Allan learned from his early days of experimenting with sound?
[00:07:30] How did high school audio classes influence Allan’s interest in music production?
[00:15:00] What are Allan’s insights on the importance of compression and reverb in mixing?
[00:29:40] Why is balancing sound in live venues such a challenge?
[00:57:30] How does Allan work with new artists to achieve their vision in production?
 

Late Night Television: Crafting Rock for a New Generation

What happens when you mix jazz band roots, Belmont University connections, and a shared love for rock ‘n’ roll? You get Late Night Television, a band carving out a unique space in Nashville's indie scene. In this episode, host Chris Shrum chats with the band about their journey from middle school jam sessions to crafting a genre-blurring sound that pays homage to classic rock while pushing creative boundaries.
With candid stories of DIY recording sessions, fast-paced studio challenges, and the magic of live chemistry, Late Night Television reveals the highs and challenges of growing as a band in Music City. They discuss why perfection isn’t always the goal, how limitations can fuel creativity, and what it takes to build a loyal fanbase one show at a time.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Late Night Television’s sound evolved from acoustic sets to full-blown rock shows.
The importance of embracing imperfections and raw moments in music.
Why studio deadlines can unlock a band’s best creative instincts.
How to build a music community in a crowded scene like Nashville.
Why networking and genuine relationships are essential for independent artists.
Key Questions / Moments:00:00 – How did Late Night Television form, and what’s the meaning behind the name?05:45 – What’s the secret to blending jazz, punk, and rock influences?12:30 – How did the band’s first studio session shape their creative process?18:15 – Why is playing live crucial for growing as a musician?25:20 – How does Late Night Television approach songwriting and collaboration?33:00 – What’s the role of networking in Nashville’s music industry?39:45 – What advice does the band have for new artists finding their sound?
Connect with Late Night Television:
Instagram: @LateNightTelevision
Listen to their latest EP: "New Nostalgia"
Catch them live at Nashville venues—dates announced on their social media!
YouTube: @LateNightTelevision

From Tinder to Touring with Sixpence: The Journey of Shanny and the Eastmen

In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, Chris Shrum chats with the vibrant and charismatic members of Shanny & the Eastmen. Known for their dynamic sound blending genres like rock, indie, and folk, the band shares their origins, creative process, and the camaraderie that drives their music. Whether it's forming a band via Tinder, bonding over shared beers, or turning mishaps into memorable performances, Shannon, Travis, Ryan, and the rest of the group deliver an engaging behind-the-scenes look at life as a rising band.
From the early days of college gigs to opening for Sixpence None the Richer, Shanny & the Eastmen talk about their evolution as musicians, the challenges of balancing full-time jobs, and the thrill of creating a unique sound together. Learn how they craft songs, navigate recording sessions, and find inspiration in the everyday moments that become the heart of their music.
In this episode, you'll learn:
The unorthodox way Shanny & the Eastmen formed and bonded as a band.
How they navigate the highs and lows of the music industry while staying authentic.
The creative process behind their songs, from raw ideas to polished tracks.
The importance of band chemistry and embracing imperfections on stage.
How their diverse musical influences shape their distinct sound.
Resources:
Listen to Shanny & the Eastmen's music on Spotify and Apple Music.
Follow Shanny & the Eastmen on Instagram: ⁠@ShannyAndTheEastmen⁠
Connect with Chris Shrum:
Website: ⁠www,2bwb.net