2 Beers With The Band

In this episode, I sit down with Toy Dinosaur to talk about their journey as an indie band, the challenges of making music in today's industry, and the meaning behind their latest music video. We dive deep into the themes of fear, growth, and self-discovery, as the band breaks down how their visuals connect to the music.
Toy Dinosaur shares their approach to songwriting, how personal experiences shape their sound, and why they believe music videos are a crucial part of getting their music heard. From DIY production to balancing life and art, this conversation is packed with insight for musicians and fans alike.
If you love indie music, the creative process, and raw conversations about the music industry, this episode is for you.
 

In Part 2 of my conversation with Bennett.io, we go deeper into the creative process, the struggles of burnout, and the reality of being an independent electronic artist. Bennett opens up about hitting a creative slump, how they pushed through it, and why covers played a huge role in reigniting their passion for making music.
We also dive into the crossover between music and visual art, exploring how Bennett integrates hand-drawn animations, stop-motion, and physical media into their creative world. From custom merch to unique stage visuals, Bennett is redefining what it means to be an independent artist in the digital age.
This episode is a must-watch for any artist who’s ever struggled with self-doubt, burnout, or feeling like their music doesn’t fit the mainstream mold. Bennett’s journey is proof that staying true to your vision is the key to long-term success.

In this episode, I sit down with Bennett.io, an electronic artist and producer originally from Detroit, now making waves in Nashville’s underground scene. We dive into their unique approach to live performance, combining vocals, live clip triggering, and real-time effects manipulation to create an immersive sonic experience.
Bennett shares how Detroit’s deep electronic music roots influenced their style, why they made the move to Nashville, and the challenges of finding a community in a city known for country and rock. We also explore their journey from classical instruments to electronic production, how studying at Berklee shaped their sound, and why independent artists must embrace technology to stand out.
If you’re passionate about electronic music, live production, or discovering artists pushing boundaries, this episode is for you. Watch now and get inspired by an artist redefining what it means to perform electronic music live.
#ElectronicMusic #NashvilleMusic #EDMScene #IndieArtist #MusicProduction

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!

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

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

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

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