Interview
Every episode of The Rugged Revival featuring Interview — conversations with independent country, Americana, and roots artists.
Joe Stamm
"I'd Still Make Music If Nobody Listened" | Joe Stamm on Touring, Songwriting & Country Music
Joe Stamm of the Joe Stamm Band joins the Rugged Revival Podcast for a conversation about songwriting, touring, independent country music, recording albums, and building a loyal fanbase from the ground up.In this episode, Joe discusses life on the road, the realities of being an independent artist, working on multiple recording projects at once, and why songwriting remains the driving force behind everything he does. He also shares insights into his creative process, growing up in Central Illinois, musical influences like Chris Knight, Eric Church, Blackberry Smoke, and Charles Wesley Godwin, and his thoughts on AI-generated music and the future of streaming platforms.Whether you're a fan of Americana, country rock, Red Dirt country, singer-songwriters, or independent artists carving their own path, this conversation offers a genuine look behind the curtain of modern country music.Chapters:00:00 Joe Stamm's Reality: No Sick Days & Why He Keeps Making Music00:42 Introduction to Joe Stamm & The Joe Stam Band01:35 Social Media, Humour & Connecting with Fans02:18 Touring, Illness & Cancelling Shows04:15 Touring Across America05:54 Why Joe Wants to Tour Europe06:43 Working on Three Albums at Once09:30 Recording Music & Finding a Creative Workflow12:20 Funding Records & Building a Fanbase14:50 The "Joe Stamm Man" Merch Idea16:20 Growing Up in Central Illinois18:55 The Midwest Music Scene20:55 Musical Influences & Discovering Country Music23:15 Napster, Streaming & Finding New Artists24:00 AI Music & Spotify's Challenges26:45 Defining the Joe Stam Band Sound30:10 Writing Lyrics That Matter32:55 Quick Fire Round37:20 Joe's Songwriting Process Explained40:25 Where Song Ideas Come From43:30 Perfectionism, Editing & Finishing Songs44:05 Songs Joe Is Most Proud Of47:55 What's Next for Joe Stamm?50:00 Where to Find Joe Online51:50 Final Toast & Closing ThoughtsSubscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si=30aabdaa220a4628Follow The Rugged Revival:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679Website: www.theruggedrevival.comEmail: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
Brad Deerhake
Brad Deerhake - The Blasphemous Voice of Blackened Thrash Metal | Demiser | Rugged Revival
Brad Deerhake is a force within the extreme metal underground, best known as the frontman for Demiser, where he performs under the moniker "Demiser the Demiser".Blending blackened thrash metal intensity with theatrical flair, his vocal style and stage presence have helped shape Demiser's identity into something both ferocious and unapologetically entertaining.
Brandon Legion
Brandon Legion | Horror Podcaster & Synth Metal Musician | Rugged Revival
Brandon Legion is the host of the Horrorwolf666 Podcast and fronts the synth metal project "Abraxashorn".
Marcus Trummer
Marcus Trummer - Modern Soul with 60s/70s Influences, Blues Guitar & Timeless Songwriting | Rugged Revival
A young blood with an old soul, Marcus Trummer marries modern sensibilities with tradition in his distinctive style of soulful music. Dubbed “a precocious guitarist whose vocals possess a wise-beyond-his-years weariness” by the Calgary Herald, the Calgary-born artist is already earning recognition. In 2023, Trummer won the Telluride Blues Challenge, and would go on to make his US performance debut at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival the following year. Trummer recently received a nomination for the 2025 Western Canadian Music Awards “Blues Artist of the Year”, as well as a Canadian Blues Music Awards nomination for “Male Vocalist of the Year”. Marcus Trummer’s debut album, “From The Start”, draws inspiration from the timeless sounds of the 60s and 70s. With his warm and emotive vocals, Trummer pays respect to classic soul singers like Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye. His expressive guitar work channels the impassioned approach of players like B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix. Packed with raw emotion and honesty, Trummer’s songwriting is not to be overlooked. His thoughtful lyrics examine universal subjects of love and coming of age, unpacking experiences that resonate with all listeners.
Eddy Smith
Eddy Smith & The 507 – The Rising Stars of UK Americana, Country Soul & Blues | Rugged Revival
Captivating audiences with his unique, husky voice and tasteful piano accompaniment, Eddy Smith has been making his mark on the UK’s growing Americana scene. Widely recognised as one of the major male vocalists on the Country Soul and Blues circuit, his infectious melodies and soulful song-writing has drawn comparisons to the likes of Joe Cocker, JJ Grey and Marcus King to name a few. Backed by his long-time friends, they form the multinational five-piece, Eddy Smith & The 507. Their music, engulfed by rich vocal harmonies and gospel-like organ is reminiscent of a sound from way before their time. With an irresistible blend of various Americana styles, such as Blues, Soul, Country and Rock, the quintet take a leaf from the books of Nathaniel Rateliff, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles and countless other pioneers of their Genres. Deemed festival favourites since appearing on some of the UK's most prestigious stages, including The Isle of Wight Festival, Black Deer, The Long Road, Americana UK Festival, Cambridge Folk, The British Country Music Festival and more, along with prestigious support slots such as opening for George Thorogood & The Destroyers at Birmingham Symphony Hall, the band have gained recognition as 'ones to watch' on the UK Roots scene. Having sold out their debut album launch, along with a packed-out headline show at London's iconic The Jazz Cafe, international live performances including The USA and Europe, radio play and TV features, the band are well and truly on their way towards a bright future.
Ricky Forbes
Ricky Forbes – Storm Chasing & Netflix’s “Tornado Hunters”
Ricky Forbes is a man who stops at nothing to chase his passions. From documenting the wildest storms on the planet, to spending time with loved ones at home, Ricky's pursuits are all in the quest of a life well lived.For over a decade, Ricky has immersed himself in the heart of tempests, chasing storms that most would seek shelter from. With a career spanning 11 years in storm chasing, Ricky has witnessed over 500 tornadoes, including a heart-pounding encounter being caught inside the world's largest tornado—measuring an astonishing 4km/2.6m wide. This relentless pursuit of the extraordinary has opened doors to numerous opportunities, from documentaries and media appearances to guest starring on various shows, culminating in the creation of his own Netflix series, "Tornado Hunters." But why expose oneself to the formidable forces of nature? For Ricky, being beneath these colossal storms brings a momentary suspension of life, leaving one feeling truly alive. He finds purpose in reporting on these storms to local and national organizations to get the word out and get others to safety. Fueled by his love for photography and videography, Ricky's journey is an undeniable pursuit of capturing the awe-inspiring beauty and raw power of the natural world. #tornado #stormchaser #twisters #tornadohunters