Hops & Spirits Bar Conversations

July Moon – the trio of Piper Bateman, Page Mackenzie, and Braelyn Watt – joins us for a spirited conversation about their new single “What A Woman Should Be”, the evolution of their sound, and what it means to be a woman in country music today.We talk about the group’s formation, the story behind the name July Moon, and how each member’s unique background influences their collaborative songwriting and signature “Fleetwood Country” style. The trio shares how working with producer Clint Wells shaped their newest release, the message behind their empowering new single, and what fans can expect from this exciting next chapter — including new music, visiting Europe, and more electrifying live shows.With harmonies that hit hard and anthems that resonate deeply, July Moon is a rising force in country music — and they’re just getting started.Jonathan’s Drinking: Rabbit Hole Cavehill

Kyle Hollingsworth joins us to talk all things music, beer, and creativity as he gets ready to release his new solo album All We Are on August 1. Known for his decades with The String Cheese Incident, Kyle opens up about this deeply personal and experimental new project, why it’s his boldest music yet, and how stepping into new sonic and lyrical territory helped push him further as an artist.We chat about his evolution from psych-rock and classical piano beginnings to genre-bending jam legend, and how instruments he can’t play often spark some of his best ideas. Kyle also shares how life in Colorado, time with family, outdoor adventures, and even beer brewing fuel his creative spirit. And yes — we get into his upcoming beer collaboration and Kyle’s Brew Fest, which promises a high-energy album release party with music, craft beer, and surprise guests.Jonathan’s Drinking: Sagamore Rye Bottled-in-Bond

Lucas Hoge joins us as he celebrates the release of his brand-new album Book About Me and the launch of Season 6 of Hoge Wild on the Sportsman Channel. We chat about how he balances life on stage and on the camera while creating music that reflects his journey from small-town Nebraska to global adventures.Lucas shares the inspiration behind his deeply personal album, including songs like “Farmhand” and “When A Cowboy Prays” (featuring Yellowstone’s Forrie J. Smith), and how faith, community, and storytelling drive his songwriting. We also dive into what it’s like filming Hoge Wild around the world, his conservation message, and why supporting the military and charities like Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet means so much to him.From barn roots to beach vibes, and from Billboard charts to the Grand Ole Opry stage — Lucas reflects on the journey, the lessons, and what’s coming next.Jonathan's Drinking: Penelope Tokaji Cask Finish

🎙️ Jay Webb, Alabama-born country singer-songwriter, joins us ahead of his upcoming album Where To Find Me, dropping July 25. We dive into his journey — from self-producing songs in his bedroom to racking up over 2 million fans and landing a publishing deal with Sony Music. Jay opens up about how faith, family, and Southern roots shaped his life and sound. We talk about early inspiration from his grandmother’s cassette tapes, marrying his high school sweetheart, and blending influences from Johnny Cash to Juice WRLD into a sound that’s all his own. He also shares the story behind his powerful new single “One More Shot”, his viral breakout “Southern Girl,” and what fans can expect from his high-energy live shows and new music. With a growing fanbase and authenticity at the core of his songs, Jay’s creating music for “real people with real problems”—and doing it all on his own terms. 🥃 Jonathan’s drink: J Mattingly 6YR Double Staved Kentucky Bourbon

🎸 Texas country artist and songwriter Grant Gilbert is back with us to talk about his new album, West of Fort Worth, out now. We catch up since our last chat in 2022 and dive into his journey — from growing up on a cattle ranch in small-town Santo, Texas, to building a music career with grit, heart, and a whole lot of hustle.Grant shares how early influences like Texas swing, Springsteen, and ‘80s country shaped his sound, how a cold-call gig at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop kickstarted things, and what it meant to earn a weekly residency at the legendary Blue Light in Lubbock. He reflects on songwriting, mentorship from Josh Abbott, and how the pandemic helped him rediscover his purpose.We also talk about the making of West of Fort Worth, why he co-wrote every track, and how songs like “Where Do Dreams Go” and “Drunk Since Dallas” mark a new chapter in his story.🥃 Jonathan’s drinking: Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde

🎶 Psychedelic folk-country duo MoonShroom — made up of Lily B Moonflower and Jake Keegan — join the show to talk about their debut album, Take a Trip, out now. We dive into their musical roots, the story behind forming MoonShroom in 2022, and how they crafted their signature “grassadelic twang” sound that blends rock, bluegrass, indie folk, and Americana. Lily and Jake reflect on their unique upbringings in creative communities, the role of visual identity (yes, neon mushrooms included), and how their music is all about connection, joy, and artistic freedom. They also share the experience of recording the album live in Kansas City, the inspiration behind their single “Party on the Moon,” and what it’s like performing at festivals across the country. From songwriting and dobro playing to high-energy shows and what’s next in 2025, MoonShroom brings a colorful, soulful presence to every stage — and this episode is no different. 🥃 Jonathan’s drink: Lexington Brewing Bourbon Barrel Tart Cherry Wheat

Country rocker Austin Snell joins us to talk about his latest single, Miles, and everything he’s been up to since dropping his debut album, Still Bleeding. We dive into life on and off the stage — from his Air Force days and first guitar, to growing up in Georgia, and how a few risks led him to a record deal and the Grand Ole Opry stage. Austin shares the stories behind writing songs like “Excuse the Mess,” “Muddy Water Rockstar” (with Brantley Gilbert), and “Miles,” and opens up about how songwriting has become a personal outlet. We also chat about his favorite songs to perform, his journey to Nashville, and what fans can expect next. 🥃 Plus, Jonathan’s sipping on High N’ Wicked Bourbon during this episode.

The Ries Brothers, Charlie and Kevin Jordan, recently released their latest single Golden Sun with Nick Hexum of 311. We chat with Charlie and Kevin Jordan about their new music, working with Nick Hexum, playing the Florida bar scene at a young age, being discovered by Chicago, balancing being brothers and bandmates, being on stage, what's next and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: Larrikin Bourbon Rosewater

Kolby Cooper, country artist/songwriter, released his latest album Love You, Goodnight earlier this year. We chat with Kolby about dad life, hitting the road, growing up in Texas, sharing personal experiences in his song, writing break-up anthems while happily married, what's next and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: Minden Mill Rye Whiskey

Tyler Booth, country artist/songwriter from Kentucky, drops his new EP Downtown on June 27. We chat with Tyler about his engagement, his new EP coming up, how Talkin' White Trash came to be, growing up in Kentucky, how a music scholarship changed things for him, getting to travel, what's next for him and more. Jonathan's Drinking: Kentucky Senator Bourbon John Edwards Release

Country artist Randall King is now a proud papa and staying busy musically too. We chat with Randall about becoming a dad, whether he ever drew those four Uno cards, how life has changed, why he made Into the Neon Unplugged, his love of music, getting to travel, where he hopes to play, what's next and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Chuckie Brown, country rocker and songwriter, just released his debut EP The Angels. We chat with Chuckie about the new EP, when he got into music, his hockey playing days, growing up in the Northeast, moving to LA, what's next and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: Wheel Horse Double Oak

Ian Munsick, country artist & songwriter, recently released his new album Eagle Feather. We chat with Ian about the new album, where the inspiration for the album came, writing/co-writing all but two songs, seeing his family grow, getting to play at Cheyenne Frontier Days and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: Wyoming Whiskey Double Cask

Kyle Ray, country/Americana artist, recently released his latest single Love Me Tonight. We chat with Kyle about his latest single, growing up in Kentucky, what pushed him to go to music school in Boston, how life experiences have shaped his songwriting, releasing a wide range of songs, what's next and more.

Jason Boland & The Stragglers recently released their latest album The Last Kings Of Babylon. We chat with Jason about the album, growing up in Oklahoma, the Yellow House in Stillwater, celebrating the band's 25th anniversary, being inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: Still Austin Cask Strength Bourbon

Jason Scott and The High Heat just released their latest album American Grin. We chat with Jason about the album, where the title came from, how The High Heat came to be, how he used to be a youth pastor, his favorite parts about being on the road and more.Jonathan's Drinking: 15 STARS Timeless Reserve

We sit down with chart-topping country artist and songwriter Canaan Smith, whose latest album Chickahominy is out now. Canaan dives into the stories behind the music, his journey as an independent artist, how life as a dad has reshaped his perspective, how a small camper had a major impact on the album, and so much more.Jonathan's Drinking: Hard Truth Harvest Rye

In this episode of Bar Conversations, we sit down with singer-songwriter Ed Prosek, one half of the newly formed duo Driftwood Choir, alongside Portair. With their self-titled debut album out now, Ed shares the journey of creating this project, from meeting Portair to crafting a sound inspired by change, nature, and personal evolution. We dive into his unique background—growing up in California with Czech and Italian roots, moving to Berlin, and discovering music as a lifelong passion. Ed opens up about his songwriting process, his favorite songs to perform, and what fans can expect from Driftwood Choir in 2025. And since this is Bar Conversations, we kick things off by talking drinks—Ed shares his go-to, while Jonathan sips on a Jos. A. Magnus Murray Hill Club. Grab a seat, pour yourself something good, and tune in for an engaging chat about music, creativity, and the road ahead.

Alli Walker, country artist/songwriter, recently released her heartfelt single First Time Living featuring Gretchen Wilson. We chat with Alli about her latest music, playing the bagpipes, being on stage with Shania Twain, growing up in Canada, moving to Nashville, her journey in music, what's next and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: Green River Rye Whiskey

The Kentucky Gentlemen, twin brothers Brandon and Derek Campbell from Versailles, KY, just released their latest single Country Hymn. We chat with Brandon and Derek about growing up in Kentucky, their favorite bourbons, what pushed them to Nashville, working together as twins, their new single Country Hymn, what their creative process is like, signing with River House Artists and so much more. Jonathan's Drinking: Woodford Reserve