Artist Connection Podcast

I recently had the opportunity to meet Andrew and Matt Como from The Como Brothers Band. They just released their latest EP called "Still Waters". We talked about their approach to songwriting, shared influences, and their music. They come from a musical family and  learned to play various musical instruments from a very young age. 2012 was a busy year for them that began with the release of "The Speed of Sound" EP. They played at some amazing venues and had their music featured on various television shows. They are not slowing down in 2013. In addition to releasing their latest EP, they are putting the finishing touches on their first full album due later this year. Two songs are featured with this episode. You can learn more about them at www.comobrothersband.com. If you reach out, please let them know that you heard them here first. Enjoy!

Amy Rose is an amazing country singer from Canada. She has been singing since she is five years old and her first album was released when she was 13. She told me about those early days, as well as her decision to take some time off to start a family. She is putting the finishing touches on "The Beginning", her brand new album that will be released later this year. We talked about recording in Nashville and her plans for the rest of 2013. We became fast friends during this inrterview and shared a lot of laughs. I love her attitude and enthusiasm. She allowed me to feature two tracks with this episode. The first is her Backstreet Boys cover of "I Just Want You to Know". The second is her new single "(Redneck Reunion) Party Like a Redneck". Learn more at www.amyrosemusic.com. Please reach out to Amy and tell her that you heard her here first. Enjoy!

I recently called down to Nashville to speak with singer/songwriter Tom Ghent. He has 50 years in the music biz, and I can not think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning. Consider this part one, because I will have him back on very soon. He has so many incredible stories and we barely scratched the surface. His songs have been covered by the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Rita Coolidge, Nat Stuckey, Nick Martin, and Maggie Young. He allowed me to include three tracks with this episode. You are going to love them. Look for Mr. Ghent on Facebook, and please tell him Matt sent you. Enjoy!

Today's guest is the amazing Beth Hart. Where to begin...Her performance of "I'd Rather Go Blind" at the recent Kennedy Center Honors was nothing short of incredible. She was there to honor Buddy Guy and the song featured Jeff Beck on guitar. She received a standing ovation from everyone in the room, including the President and First Lady!  She has a brand new album out now called "Bang Bang Boom Boom" and is about to embark on a tour that will take her through the US and Europe. Many of the dates are already sold out. She gave us a taste of what to expect on a recent episode of Conan. Beth told me about her Star Search appearances back in the early 90's and what that taught her. She was also very open about her ups, downs, and back ups in the music business. She has been doing this for 20 years now, and her story is truly inspirational. Two songs from the brand new album are featured on this episode. After you listen, please be sure to buy the whole thing. Learn more at www.bethhart.com. Please reach out to Beth and tell her that you heard her here first. Enjoy!

My guests on this episode are Tom "Big Son" Eliff (vocals) and Mitch "Da Switch" Dow (guitars) from The Mighty Mojo Prophets. This is the place to start if you are looking for a great example of what is happening in the California blues scene. The band just released a new album on Delta Groove called "Flyin' Home from Memphis". Listeners of this show know that I feature many Delta Groove artists, and they are always impressive. This band is no exception. Tom and Mitch are masters at their craft. We had a lot of fun during our conversation. The chemistry that they share is obvious, and it was nice of them to let me in to share it. Two songs from the new album are featured here. Please pick up the whole thing after you listen to the show. Learn more about them on Facebook and http://deltagrooveproductions.com/releases/flyinhomefrommemphis/main.html. If you reach out to the guys, please tell them that you heard them here first. Enjoy!

We first met UK pop sensation Becca B in Episode 63. She is back on a new label, Bravesoul Records UK, and just released a hot new single called "You Made Me". This was the perfect time to catch with her. We had such a great time when we last spoke, and this one was even better! She has a great sense of humor and we shared a lot of laughs. I know you are going to love it! "You Made Me" is featured here, along with two of her earlier tracks. Learn more at
http://www.reverbnation.com/artist_1232092/bio#!/beccab. If you reach out to Becca, please let her know that you heard her here first! Enjoy! (ACP Graphics by Missy K)

Doug Briney is a country music artist based out of Anchorage, Alaska. It may seem like an unlikely place to find a cowboy, but you will discover that he is country through and through! We talked about his journey which started in southern California, took a detour in Michigan, and then how he found himself at the top of the world in Alaska. We covered a lot of topics during our conversation, and he had some great advice for people just starting out in the music business. Doug is also the pastor at the Cowboy Church of Anchorage. Family, faith, and music drives his artistic direction. You can learn more at www.dougbriney.com. Two songs from his 2012 release "It's All Country" are featured here. Please be sure to check out the whole album. If you reach out to Doug, please tell him that Matt sent you. Enjoy!

Listeners of this show first met L*A*W back in Episode 117. I was eager to return to Planet 12, and as L*A*W informed me, "you can check out anytime you'd like...but you can never leave!" I am honored to be a citizen of his world.  He is an incredibly talented musician and entertainer, and he is not shy with sharing his opinions. It was great to catch up with him and talk about his latest projects. Two more songs from his album "Tha Planet 12 Syndrome" are featured with this episode. That album is a musical journey from start to finish. After you listen to this, I encourage you to pick up a copy. Learn more at www.planet12law.com. He is also on Twitter and Facebook. If you reach out to him, please mention that you heard him here first. Enjoy!

My guest today is music legend Tommy James! I have been a fan of his my entire life, and it was an absolute thrill to interview him. His songs have been a part of my musical DNA from the start. Tracks like Crystal Blue Persuasion, Mony Mony, Hanky Panky, I Think We're Alone Now, Crimson and Clover, Draggin' the Line...the list goes on and on. His music is timeless. We talked about the early days of rock and roll all the way through to Tommy James in 2013. He has some amazing stories. We also talked about his book "Me, the Mob, and the Music". It is a fascinating read. Once I started it I could not put it down. I suggest you read it with a copy of his cd "Tommy James and the Shondells 40 Years: The Complete Singles Collection (1966-2006)". The songs really brought the book to life for me. In addition to being very generous with his time, he also allowed me to feature two of his songs with this episode. It was a challenge to pick just two, but they are my personal favorites. You can learn more at www.tommyjames.com. If you reach out, please tell him that Matt sent you! Enjoy!

Sam Batt is a talented singer/songwriter from the UK. She is also the founder of Battfest, an annual "virtual" music festival that she started in 2011. The next one is scheduled for August 9th through the 11th. She is very busy planning the event and scheduling all of the acts. Sam's music has been featured on this show several times, and I was happy to have the opportunity to interview her about Battfest and her music career. Sam has a strong online presence, and she works very hard to learn all aspects of the music business. I hope to have her on again throughout the year to get Battfest updates. Two of her songs are also featured with this episode. You can learn more at www.battfest.com. If you reach out to Sam, please tell her Matt sent you. Enjoy!