artist-interview

Walker Tex

Walker Tex - Alt-Country from Glasgow | Modern Country with a Classic Soul | Rugged Revival

Walker Tex and Wilson Lyons are an alt-country duo with a deep connection to storytelling and a modern twist on traditional country music. Hailing from Glasgow, Walker’s love for country blossomed during his time living in Northern Ireland, where he met Northern Irish-born Wilson Lyons as young lads. The two began playing together early on, bonding over their shared passion for music.With Walker’s rich vocals and Wilson’s intricate guitar work, their sound blends nostalgia with a fresh edge. They're joined by drummer, backing vocalist, and producer , who runs Ear Bonez Studios in Athens, Georgia, and shapes their distinctive sound. Together, they create songs that resonate with authenticity, drawing listeners into their unique blend of alt-country.

Jet Black Roses

Jet Black Roses - Southern Rock Revival With Country Soul | Rugged Revival

Jet Black Roses is making waves in the music industry with their unique brand of Rock 'n' Roll with a Country Soul. Their high-energy performances and relentless work ethic is setting them apart from new bands today. Jet Black Roses has astounded audiences nationwide with their impressive vocal harmonies, electrifying guitars, and authentic Southern rock style. A fortuitous connection led the Bentley brothers to Tyler when they needed a guitarist. The instantaneous chemistry between them sparked prolific songwriting. “We’ve been driven by our love for music for as long as we can remember, and we firmly believe it’s in our blood,” Trey asserts. “Our bond with Tyler feels as strong as family. blood couldn't make us any more brothers.” “The affection and synergy we share are reflected in our music.” Opening for iconic acts such as Styx, Collective Soul, Sammy Hagar & the circle, drivin & Cryin, mother's finest, and .38 special was an opportunity where these southern boys triumphed at every turn, earning new fans and standing ovations night after night. In fact, Jet Black Roses earned the spot to open for the iconic Styx on their East Coast Tour Fall 2024. Trey, Andrew, and Tyler have an undeniable songwriting and vocal chemistry, and their artistry shines through their heartfelt lyrics and convicted delivery.

Eli Howard

Eli Howard & The Greater Good - High-Energy Folk Rock from Oregon | Rugged Revival

Eli Howard, founder and lead vocalist of Eli Howard & The Greater Good is a folk singer who ended up with an electric guitar. The Greater Good is Nick Lambert, Mason Judson, and Nik Elliot; together, these hippies hail from Molalla, Oregon. Their music offers a unique experience, blending elements of country, rock, and Americana. With infectious hooks, lush harmonies, and introspective storytelling, the songs connect with listeners on an emotional level. Their performances are known for their high energy and engaging stage presence. The band is constantly on the road, touring the United States more than 300 days a year. From the vibrant energy of the dirty South to the grand stages of the biggest country music festivals in the West, their powerful and soul-stirring songs, such as "Wildfire," will captivate you and leave you breathless.

Canción Franklin

Canción Franklin - Singer-Songwriter from Tuscon, Arizona | Rugged Revival

In this interview Camden speaks with Canción Franklin, an American roots musician, singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Tucson, Arizona, whose authentic sound draws on deep grooves of Americana, country, blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll. From discovering the blues as a teenager to tirelessly honing his craft in dive bars and on the road, Canción’s music is defined by heartfelt lyrics, raw guitar work and a commitment to honesty and emotional expression. His performances - whether solo, with a band, or as a hired gun - are marked by a vulnerable presence and a powerful connection with audiences. Canción’s songs explore resilience, life’s hardships and the beauty found in perseverance, making him a compelling voice in modern roots music.

Doy Gardner

Doy Gardner - Nashville Musician, Touring Drummer, Tattoo Artist | Instagram LIVE | Rugged Revival

In this episode, Camden sits down to talk with Bones Owens drummer Doy Gardner.

Aaron McDonnell

Aaron McDonnell - Texas Alt-Country Star with a Timeless Sound | Instagram LIVE | Rugged Revival

Aaron McDonnell is one of Texas’ most exciting alt-country artists. With multiple Top 40 hits, over 1,000 live shows, and his acclaimed LP "Too Many Days Like Saturday Night", Aaron has carved out a reputation for blending classic country roots with moody, timeless influences reminiscent of Dwight Yoakam and Chris Isaak.

Jacob Weldon

Jacob Weldon - Bakersfield Grit Meets 90s Honky Tonk Revival | Instagram LIVE | Rugged Revival

Growing up in Independence, Oregon, Jacob was inspired by the legendary acts of West Coast country music. He brings back a 90's honky tonk sound with a touch of traditional flavor. Influenced by icons such as Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and Dwight Yoakam, he strives to bring high-energy country music hearken to the days of the jumping dance halls of Texas and rowdy honky tonks of Bakersfield.

Dalton Dailey

Dalton Dailey - 14-year Prodigy From Southeast Kentucky | Rugged Revival

Kenzie from The Rugged Revival catches up with Dalton Dailey at The Burl in Lexington, Kentucky. Dalton is a 14-year-old singer-songwriter from Rocholds, Kentucky, who’s quickly making a name for himself with a voice well beyond his years. Though new to the music scene, Dalton is a natural talent whose smooth tone and soulful delivery give his country sound a fresh and heartfelt edge. With raw talent and a genuine love for music, Dalton Dailey is a rising star you won’t want to miss!

Dakota Saylor - Live at The Burl | Rugged Revival

At the legendary Burl in Lexington, KY, five incredible artists stepped onto the stage for the "For The Love of Appalachia" showcase - each competing for a life-changing opportunity: a fully-funded UK tour. In this interview, Rugged Revival's Kenzie Traylor sits down with Dakota Saylor to talk music, dreams, and what is means to represent Kentucky's thriving independent scene. This is just the beginning - we'll be sharing interviews with all five artists from this unforgettable night. Hit subscribe and join us in celebrating the voices that keep independent music alive! #kentuckymusic #independentmusic #countrymusic #appalachianmusic

Gracie Yates

Gracie Yates - Live at The Burl | Rugged Revival

At the legendary Burl in Lexington, KY, five incredible artists stepped onto the stage for the "For The Love of Appalachia" showcase - each competing for a life-changing opportunity: a fully-funded UK tour. In this interview, Rugged Revival's Kenzie Traylor sits down with Gracie Yates to talk music, dreams, and what is means to represent Kentucky's thriving independent scene. This is just the beginning - we'll be sharing interviews with all five artists from this unforgettable night. Hit subscribe and join us in celebrating the voices that keep independent music alive! #kentuckymusic #independentmusic #countrymusic #appalachianmusic

Ramona Martinez

Ramona & The Holy Smokes – The New Honky-Tonk Sound

In this episode, Camden speaks to Ramona Martinez from Ramona and The Holy Smokes.Based in Central Virginia and with family roots in South Texas, Ramona and the Holy Smokes represent a new generation of honky tonk music. With powerful female vocals that cover an emotional range from determined to comic to vulnerable and a talented backing band steeped in classic country and western styles of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, the band exhibits a “clarity and sincerity that bring Patsy Cline to mind” (Nashville Scene, 2025). Fronted by Ramona Martinez, whose songwriting has earned her recognition from Wide Open Country as one of the "15 Latino Artists Shaping Country Music," this Charlottesville, Virginia-based band is rooted in the traditional sounds of country music but unafraid of pushing boundaries and highlighting the connections across border cultures. They have appeared at several Americana festivals including Red Wing Roots (2024), Rooster Walk (2025), and has opened for touring artists like Margo Cilker, Colby Acuff, Willi Carlisle, Redd Volkaert, Joshua Hedley, Donna the Buffalo, and Kashus Culpepper. Their self-produced debut album, Ramona and the Holy Smokes, a collection of original songs about heartache and resiliency, will be released on September26. www.theruggedrevival.com https://www.vigilantehaircare.com/ #countrymusic #classiccountry #musicinterview #musicpodcast

Jack Browning

Jack Browning – London Folk-Blues Inspired by Neil Young

Jack Browning is a 26-year-old artist and musician hailing from London, UK. A sucker for folk, blues, and country music, Jack divides his time between the recording studio, the art studio, and touring the UK and Europe. Raising beers and cheers equally, Jack weaves a line drawing from traditional titans and new-age outlaws alike, from Neil Young and Tom Petty to Willie Watson and Colter Wall. #ukcountrymusic #realcountrymusic #countryartist #musicpodcast