2 Beers With The Band

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.

Inside Nashville’s Indie Scene – Horsehell on Shoegaze, Community & Band Life

In this episode, I sit down with Nashville-based indie band Horsehell to dive into their journey, sound, and the reality of making music in a competitive scene. We get into how the band formed through chance encounters, why they embrace the term "post-shoegaze," and the struggles of navigating the music industry without losing their identity.
We also discuss the challenges of balancing music with day jobs, the importance of community in Nashville’s DIY scene, and why they avoid the traditional band social media grind. Plus, they share their songwriting process, the unexpected way their band came together, and their ultimate goals for the future. If you’re into underground indie rock, shoegaze, or just love hearing how bands push through the grind, this episode is for you.

The Reality of Being an Indie Artist – Ray Duncan on Growth, Challenges & Music Business

In this episode, I continue my conversation with Ray Duncan, diving deeper into the realities of being an independent artist. We discuss the struggles of navigating the industry without major label backing, how to stay motivated through setbacks, and why mindset is everything when building a music career. Ray shares personal experiences about balancing creative freedom with financial sustainability and the importance of networking to open doors in the industry.
We also talk about the emotional side of being an artist—how to handle criticism, the pressure of constantly creating content, and why staying true to yourself matters more than chasing trends. If you’re an indie musician trying to carve your own path, this episode is full of insight, motivation, and practical advice to help you keep pushing forward.

Finding Your Sound & Thriving as an Indie Artist – Ray Duncan on Music, Identity & Growth

In this episode, I sit down with Ray Duncan to talk about the journey of an independent artist navigating the modern music industry. From early inspirations to defining a unique sound, Ray shares the struggles and triumphs of being an artist in a constantly evolving scene. We dive into the challenges of building a fanbase, the role of social media in shaping an artist’s career, and why authenticity is everything in music.
Ray also breaks down the balance between artistry and business, the importance of networking, and how to stand out in an oversaturated industry. If you’re an indie musician looking for insight into making a name for yourself while staying true to your craft, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.

The Struggles & Triumphs of an Indie Rock Band – Stammer

In this episode, I sit down with the members of Stammer to dive into what it really takes to make it as an indie rock band. From balancing friendship and business to crafting a sound that fuses shoegaze, hard rock, and pop sensibilities, Stammer has carved out a unique identity in the underground music scene. They share the ups and downs of being a five-piece band, the reality of juggling music with day jobs, and why live performances are the soul of what they do.
We also get into the power of band chemistry, the challenges of finding the right members, and how social media helped bring them together. Plus, they break down their creative process, how they refine song ideas, and why the instrumentation is just as vital as the lyrics. If you're into indie rock, underground music, or just love hearing the inside story of how bands come together and thrive, this episode is for you.

Band Chemistry, Songwriting, and the Struggles of Independent Music w/ Stammer

In this episode, I sit down with members of Stammer to talk about their journey as an indie rock band, the challenges of making music in a five-piece group, and what sets their sound apart. From forming through a mix of chance encounters and social media connections to crafting a sound that blends shoegaze, hard rock, and pop sensibilities, Stammer has built a reputation for high-energy live shows and emotionally charged songwriting.
We dive into how they balance friendship with the business of music, why band chemistry is everything, and the reality of managing rehearsal, recording, and touring while juggling jobs and life. The band also shares insight into their creative process, how they build songs collaboratively, and why live performances are the heart of what they do.
If you're into indie rock, underground music scenes, or just love hearing how bands find their identity, this episode is for you.

Caroline Romano on Mental Health, Poetry, and Staying True as an Independent Artist

In Part 2 of my conversation with Caroline Romano, we explore the emotional side of being an artist, the struggles of self-doubt, and the power of poetry in music. Caroline opens up about how mental health impacts her songwriting, how she balances vulnerability with artistic control, and why she believes the industry is finally embracing deeper, more personal storytelling.
We also dive into the evolution of pop music, the pressure to stay relevant, and how social media plays a crucial role in connecting with fans. Caroline shares her thoughts on the industry’s shift toward authenticity, why video content is essential for artists, and the importance of resting to avoid burnout.
If you’re an artist navigating self-expression in today’s music landscape, this episode is a must-watch.