The Real Life Low Down with Deanna

GRANT-LEE PHILLIPS is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He led the group Grant Lee Buffalo in the 1990s, afterwards launching a solo career. He features as the town troubadour in Gilmore Girls. His newest song "In The Hour Of Dust" just released on September 5th! Give him a listen.

As the lead singer of  Rizz & The Believerz, his journey is fueled by passion, purpose, and a deep connection to spirit and humanity. His musical journey reflects his unwavering belief in following one’s passion and striving to be the best version of oneself, he sees his music as a bridge connecting our souls to the shared experiences that bind us all. Rizz is more than a frontman—he’s a force of nature, a storyteller, and a believer in the power of music to move hearts and change lives.

Mick is a house concert veteran, performing at them in Upstate NY, at Airbnb events in Nashville, TN, and with SWIM in Southwest Florida. He recently performed at Sticky Pete’s Colorado Parrothead Festival in Denver, at the Hawk’s Nest in Ocala, FL, and with Jenn Bostic and Carrie Welling at The Habitat in Brandenton, FL. He’s performed with groups from the Stone Temple Pilots to Brett Michaels to the Brothers Osborne, had songs in the Young and the Restless, and was the composer of the score for 2022 feature film Panama starring Mel Gibson and Cole Hauser. Discover more about him HERE

You may know her as Carol the Fibromyalgia Warrior on TikTok- but her name is Emma otherwise known as Disco Cookie only our For You Page. TikTok creator Disco Cookie tells us all about her rise to fame and where she gets her ideas. Tune in to the full interview here!    

Chris Kirkpatrick is heading up the Pop2000s tour with a night at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming, and Hotel September 13th 2025. Join him for a night of nostalgia. Chris is also an avid philanthropist in the Nashville community and is hosting A Round Of Hope - an unforgettable singer-songwriter night benefiting the pediatric oncology program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. Enjoy a magical evening filled with live music, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and the warmth of friends and community.

Camden West is a singer/songwriter/guitar player with an Americana/Folk/Pop/Rock sound. West is a classically trained guitar player who writes music that is inspired by his life, the life of others around him and world events. He accredits his style to his childhood influences who have been The Rolling Stones, John Mayer, and Eric Clapton. Check out his full interview here and make sure you give a listen to his newest song, "Wait a Minute".

Dylan Rockoff is an American singer-songwriter. In 2017 Rockoff opened for Bon Jovi during their This House Is Not for Sale Tour in New York City.  Dylan not only is a singer/songwriter in Nashville, but he works frequently with Musicians on Call which is an amazing organization that brings music to hospital bedsides. Hear his story in the full interview!

Jacob Martin was inspired to pursue country music at an early age living in rural Iowa just outside of Sioux City where he first heard the sounds of artists like Garth Brooks and Sawyer Brown. This inspiration was further motivated through his mother who taught him to play guitar to accompany his passion for singing. At the young age of 8, Jacob was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (aka “French Polio”), which paralyzed him from the waist down and would be his hardest fight for years to come.. During this debilitating period in which most of his peers focused on extracurricular's like sports, Jacob instead used this time to develop his craft as a singer-songwriter. Hear his full interview and learn more about his story. Catch him downtown with The Band Anna!

Louis York is the musical creation of Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony. Their music is not one genre. Or influence. Or thought. Or message. It’s an exploration of it all. The Grammy nominated team decided to throw out the rules in pursuit of creating great music. Their music truly comes from their hearts, written for the love of music and nothing else. Music reminiscent of their childhood influences growing up in East St. Louis and New York City. Music that gives you those indescribable chills and speaks to your soul.

Soheill is a singer/songwriter from Iran. He emigrated to the US with his family when he was 7 years old.  His early passion for music grew as he navigated the challenges of a new culture. Soheill was heavily influenced by iconic bands like Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, and Depeche Mode. Music, for Soheill, is more than entertainment—it's a therapeutic outlet. Hear more of his story and check out his songs. 

Jamie Floyd is a Nashville based three time Grammy-nominated independent songwriter & recording artist.  Jamie has written songs recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Kesha, Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, Ashley Monroe, Miranda Lambert, Ronnie Dunn, Sturgill Simpson, Ingrid Andress, Brian McKnight, Wrabel, Kalie Shorr, Ty Herndon, Jake Hoot, Cassadee Pope, Trousdale, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Hayden Panettiere, Kellie Picker, Lucie Silvas and more. Jamie has a show coming up at 3rd and Lindsley Wednesday July 23rd, 2025 and regularly performing in the Nashville area. 

Meet Jayme Graves who's got a touching story of resilience and forgiveness. Jayme's music will take you back to times of teenage angst and laying it all out there. They've got an incredible cover of Sabrina Carpenter's 'Taste' and an EP that'll definitely have you bopping your head. Hear their story in the latest episode and check out their music!

Patrick Rodgers sat down with me last week to discuss a couple July issues of the Nashville Scene. They cover everything from restaurants, hotels, family events, local politics, and more! Check them out and take a listen to our chat to learn about what's going on in Nashville this month!

Ridge Banks is a singer songwriter from Michigan who made the move to Nashville to make his dreams come true, like many others. The difference is, Ridge blends the picking styles reminiscent of legends like Jim Croce, John Denver, and Eric Clapton with the rhythmic flair of modern icons such as Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, and Tommy Emmanuel. Transitioning from a career in healthcare, he made the bold leap to pursue music full-time, releasing his debut album in November 2018. Continuing to push creative boundaries, Ridge's latest single "Blues Catcher" released on January 10th, 2025, showcases a collaboration with the UK extension of his original quarantine garage band, "Ridge Banks and the Wall of Sound. Learn more about this award winning artist through our chat in this episode.

Toy Dinosaur is an Alternative Indie/Pop Band comprised of Brian bob Young, Jon Heim and Joshua Batstone. They released their first single, "Purple Afternoon," on Valentine's Day in 2020. Like many other musicians, they took the lockdown as an opportunity to make more music. Time has brough transformation and Brian has opened up about his journey to sobriety. Their story is inspiring and their music is totally worth a listen. Check them out!

Rich Hennessy found his literal voice at a young age – he was known in the family for belting out pop songs in the back of his mom’s Dodge Caravan. But in high school, he found he had another voice – one with the power to make change.  Listen to his story, and dance along to his amazing music! He leads with his heart and it comes across in everything he does.

Noah Wilkinson is the mastermind behind grasskingdoms. With music for every mood, he is blending genre lines and consistently thinking outside the box. grasskingdoms journey into music began before he ever made a beat or before he grabbed an instrument. At a young age, grasskingdoms was writing and making new lyrics and songs out of what he heard on the radio. It was only destiny then when he picked up the guitar at 14, joined a metal band and started creating his own music. Give a listen to his story and check out what he's been creating! 

Ian Abel Band is a Nashville, TN. based rock outfit fronted by international award winning guitarist Ian Abel, and made up of accomplished studio and touring musicians. Their song “Shoes”, gained global recognition when it was licensed by All Elite Wresting for a promotional video for the historic fight between Cody & Dustin Rhodes at the company’s inaugural pay-per-view, Double or Nothing. The video was nominated for best song/score in a trailer by the Hollywood Music In Media Awards. Cody & AEW then requested another song from Ian, “Not Afraid To Die”, which was used to promote the match between Cody Rhodes and Darby Allin, where Darby went on to win TNT Championship at AEW’s pay-per-view, Revolution. Outside of recognition in the wrestling world, Ian has toured as the lead guitar player for country music legend, T. Graham Brown. Big guitars, big drums and even bigger hooks. That’s what Ian & Ian Abel Band, is all about.

The Bach Bank is a nonprofit food rescue project that collects unopened food and drinks leftover from bachelorette parties and donates them to local pantries and food kitchens. Kaitlin Zurdosky, the founder of The Bach Bank saw the need and noticed the amount of waste that could easily be put to better use. Learn more about the organization and how you can help HERE

Texas-born recording artist Sammi Rae is the epitome of what it means to take a chance on yourself as a young bright-eyed artist. Sammi grew up on a healthy musical diet consisting of legendary records by Taylor Swift, George Strait, Queen, and Korn. Her early fascination with words carried her naturally towards a career as a songwriter and it is easy to see how Rae’s broad palate for different genres has led to a writing style uniquely her own as she has developed as an artist. Sammi also just dropped a brand new single called "Smoking Gun". Check it out now on all streaming platforms!

 Matt Nagy is a singer/songwriter originally from central Pennsylvania. He moved to Nashville in 2017 to pursue music full-time. Along the project Matthew Nagy and the Imaginary Eagles, Nagy has a project with a co-writer Zach Laas. It’s called Leggy Noss. They released their first single "Gonna Have To Live With That" just this last December.

Allie Colleen is a Country Artist, Singer and Songwriter opened and performed in 2024 with Jelly Roll on the final leg of his Beautifully Broken Tour and also toured and performed with Lee Brice on his Me and My Guitar tour as well as headlined many shows of her own. Her music style defines how life shaped her, alongside her personal lyrics and transparency in her vocals and performance.  Allie Colleen is no stranger to the music industry and has a passion for singing and songwriting since a young age has garnered her a reputation of being a notable songwriter with an iconic-sounding voice. Her impeccably strong voice with hints of timeless tradition falls between classic and emerging country sounds.

The Great Curious Cocktail Party, hosted by Curious Elixirs, a pioneer in the N/A space, will take place once again at Killjoy on Wednesday, May 14, as part of a nationwide celebration of all the fun without the booze. This is The Great Curious Cocktail Party’s third year and the embodiment of Curious Elixirs’ mission: to change how people drink socially.  This year Curious Elixirs is throwing over 100 parties across the US, all at the exact same time. In Nashville, the event will be held at Killjoy starting at 8pm. It’s free, open to the public, and guests can RSVP here. Attendees will enjoy astrology and mixology – in addition to free adaptogenic booze-free Curious Elixirs, astrologers and tarot readers will be there to read lunar charts and lead zodiac-themed arts & crafts. Whether you’re sober curious, fully alcohol-free, or just love a good cocktail with functional benefits — this is a night for you.

John Salaway is a GRAMMY CONSIDERED ARTIST, TOP 20 BILLBOARD SONGWRITER, PRODUCER & MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST  #1 indie radio charting artist who has appeared on over 100 radio stations and press all over the world. You can catch one of his bands- Forever Abbey Road - Beatles Experience- at City Winery every last Sunday for an amazing Beatles tribute!

Alexander Stopp is an American singer/songwriter from Philadelphia, PA. After catching himself playing air-guitar while listening to Pink Floyd at age 16, Alex decided it was time to take the leap and learn the guitar. From day one, he realized that he had not only a deep love for his instrument, but a talent for songwriting as well. He didn't have the easiest time getting acclimated in Nashville but he is making his way and producing some great music for us all to enjoy. Check him out!

If I told you I interviewed an Elvis impersonator, a psychologist, an Army veteran, a touring musician, and a federal prison warden, would you think they were all the same person?  Well they are, and that person is Robbie Rhodes. Hear his incredible story, with some tidbits of being backstage with the likes of the Scorpions, Quiet Riot, and Edgar Winter Group. Check out his music too! He's so incredibly talented and Nashville is lucky to have him!

Will Mattie make the Top 20? We sure hope so! Listen to her experience so far and tune in Sunday, April 20th on ABC for American Idol to see if Mattie makes the cut!

BRELAND & Friends with Abby Anderson, Graham Barham, Grace Bowers, Mackenzie Carpenter, Jordan Davis, Russell Dickerson, Madeline Edwards, Vince Gill, JoJo, Jonathan McReynolds, Adrien Nunez, Joy Oladokun, Reyna Roberts, Sam Ryder, Tigirlily Gold, and MORE Tuesday April 22, 2025 7:30 PM  at the Ryman Auditorium. Get tickets here  

The The Freedom in Music Project is a nonprofit organization that donates acoustic guitars to incarcerated youths, at-risk youths, and Title 1 schools throughout New Mexico123. The goal is to enrich the lives of at-risk youth by making music more accessible to them

Since moving to Nashville in August 2017 to pursue a degree in Music and Audio Engineering at Belmont University, Jack has embraced numerous exciting opportunities that have shaped his journey as a musician. He is deeply inspired by the timeless music created between 1960 and 1980. In previous projects, Jack and his band had a Broadway residency and played one of NYC’s most famous rock clubs (Rockwood Music Hall.) Lately, he has been on the road with Noah Hicks. They’ve opened for Cole Swindell, toured with LANCO, and just played Tortuga Fest in Ft. Lauderdale. In the past he's also played the Valero Texas Open, and at Bridgestone for Preds games. Check him out on Instagram

Jed Harrelson is a Nashville based artist that fuses sound of soul, blues, RnB, and Jazz to create a soulful sound that feels different. Check out his story and how Kacey Musgraves got him in trouble while simultaneously catapulting him into his music career.

Jourdan Rystrom, CHt is a soulful singer-songwriter $ Inspiration Speaker, Certified Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Teacher & Spiritual Life Coach. She is also the creator of the Finally Free Transformation Program. Additionally, she's the first person to make me cry in an interview. Jourdan has turned her trauma into a transformational journey one healing word at a time. Listen to her incredible story, check out her impactful program, and explore her music! https://jourdanrystrom.mykajabi.com/

Eagleville, TN native, Mattie Pruitt will be auditioning to be the next American Idol during our Sunday, March 23 (airing at 8:00PM ET/PT on ABC) episode, as she auditions in front of our all-star judging panel, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and brand-new judge, Carrie Underwood! She may be a baby in the music world but she's got a BIG voice with a captivating sound. Listen to her story, get to know her a little more and let's cheer her on! https://www.instagram.com/mattiepruittofficial/  

It may surprise you after listening to their rockin' tunes, that Timothy Dial of Tattered Sons was raised on classical music. But it makes perfect sense now when you hear their "larger than life" sound.  Tattered Sons is a Southeastern Kentucky rock n roll band that delivers straight ahead kick-ass rock and roll in the form of covers and original music.  Listen to Tim's story, where the band is headed next, and follow them for an exciting announcement!  http://www.tatteredsons.com/   (New Single Releasing 3/18/2025)

Jim Brickman is the best-selling solo pianist of our time, earning 21 number one albums, 32 Top 20 radio hits, 2 Grammy nominations and he’s a member of Pandora’s “2 Billion Streams” club. His first album release was 1994’s “No Words,” and he’s gone on to sell over eight million albums worldwide. His star-studded vocal collaborations have crossed genres to feature luminaries like Lady A, Martina McBride, Michael Bolton, Donny Osmond, Kenny Rogers, Olivia Newton-John, Johnny Mathis and Kenny Loggins amongst many others. He’s written three best-selling books, starred in four TV concert specials, and is in the 27th season of hosting the popular syndicated radio show: “The Jim Brickman Show.” Catch him at the Franklin Theater on Sunday, March 23rd 2025!  https://www.jimbrickman.com/

Mark Blomsteel is a Dutch/American country music singer – songwriter whose journey as a Nashville recording artist is truly inspiring. Throughout the years, Mark has overcome numerous challenges and worked tirelessly to pursue his passion for music. Despite being being diagnosed with a genetic eye disease at an early age that left him legally blind, he has never let his limited vision stop him from attaining his goals and dreams. He started writing songs at the age of 11. Hear more about his story and accomplishments in this episode and listen to his music HERE

Jersey Calling is from...you guessed it, New Jersey! That's kinda how we know each other! I have had the pleasure of watching these guys make moves and entertain people all over the tri-state area and now, they're headed to Nashville! With a LIVE show looming, they are excited to make their debut in Music City and bring you the punkiest and funkiest punk rock you've heard in quite a while. Upcoming local dates include: 3/7/25 - Cobra Nashville - 2511 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN - Doors at 7:00pm 3/8/25 - The Rosetta Chapel - 112 N 20th St, Louisville, KY - Doors at 7:00pm

Ben is a multifaceted and multitalented musician. His main focus is Jazz, with all of is experience sprinkled in to create a really unique sound. Ben has played alongside the likes of Lyle Lovett and James Taylor just to name a couple. Check out more about his impressive story and listen to his music at https://www.bengraves.com/

Steven describes himself as the lone wolf/oddball of the family as no one else is really musically inclined. He first visited Nashville as a young adult with a traveling variety troupe and immediately fell in love. Later, he would move here and start to pursue his music more seriously. Finding it difficult to label his music, he explains that he writes how he feels. Steven is also a "fantasy-noir" author! Check out his music and more at https://www.stevengary.net/

Brooks Herring is a Navy Veteran, singer-songwriter, recording artist, and performer from Conway, SC, based in Nashville, TN. Brooks writes and performs original music, and covers a wide variety of music from nearly every genre and generation in venues all over Nashville, and across the country. Listen to his story and how he turned his experiences into a therapeutic way to connect with not just wounded veterans but people everywhere. Brooks Herring Music

The Shed Powerhouse is made up of professionals who have been in the entertainment and promotions business for 30 years.  They are an Entertainment Hub with access to over 150,000 artists, that provides Businesses & Organizations with Virtual /Hybrid and Live event entertainment.  They also provide Artist support services such as Management, Promotion, Publishing, and Event Scheduling & Booking. Visit https://sites.google.com/view/theshed-powerhouse

Drip Drive is a non-profit organization founded by Kay Nash, a local educator in Nashville, TN. Learn all about her efforts to get clothes to underserved children in Tennessee schools. Help by clicking HERE

In this interview, Deanna chats with Jonathan Johnson from Season 28 of ABC's Bachelorette. Jonathan was sent home by Jenn Tran after Fantasy Suites. Deanna asked Jonathan about his "real name", upcoming plans for Bachelor in Paradise, and where he and Jenn stand today. Jonathan addressed a photo from his social media accounts, which boy band is superior, the dumbest ways he's gotten injured, and one thing he's done in life that he'd never do again. Listen to the full interview for the Low Down.