Jay Jones Talks Headbanging Country, Josie Music Awards Win & New Single “Garage Became A Bar”

The Rhythm Section Podcast interviews Memphis-based country recording artist Jay Jones, discussing his “headbanging country” style, his new single “Garage Became A Bar” (releasing October 30 on all digital platforms), and his website headbangingcountry.com. Jay reflects on winning Southern Rock/Country Rock Male Vocalist of the Year at the 12th annual Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry, describes growing up in a church-centered home in Memphis, and explains his path from running a bar with live music to fronting Nuttin’ Fancy, then launching an originals career with the 2018 album Country Boy Proud. He shares recording experiences at Curb Studios with Nashville players, the challenges of balancing covers with originals, charting successes, festival connections in Louisiana, and opening for acts including Saliva, Buckcherry, and Stryper.

Derrick and Jeff welcome rambunctious cover band Medicine Hat, introducing bassist “Ruckus,” guitarist Robert Herndon, and drummer Stix Mayfield (wearing a “Butthole Whisperer” shirt), while ribbing absent members Kevin Gamble (lead singer), Chris Horner (guitarist), and Krista (Kevin’s wife/manager). The band shares how Medicine Hat formed from the Delta Coalition, their goal of packing dance floors with singalong covers across genres (from Garth Brooks to Culture Club), and a recent gig where a fight broke out during “Wipe Out.” They discuss influences (SRV, Artimus Pyle, Tommy Aldridge, Zoltan Chaney, Duff McKagan), gear (Sabian cymbals, Ddrum kit, guitars, modelers), and bass rigs/pedals, plus promote upcoming shows.

On this episode of The Rhythm Section: A Memphis music podcast, Derrick interviews La-Shon, Melanie, and Angela—collectively LMA—about their new rock-focused project within the Elevation Memphis universe. They discuss recent gigs, how LMA formed to showcase their rock influences, and preview their upcoming show at Neil’s (8:00 PM, $10 at the door) featuring artists like Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett, Linkin Park, Metallica, Nickelback, Audioslave, Velvet Revolver, Ozzy, and more. They shout out the backing band consisting of Mike Russel, Seth Kuykendall, Jimmy Fulp, and Derrick Michaud, highlight their approach to guests and community-building, mention related projects (Tina Turner Tribute Experience and Just Liyah & Maxwell ’90s tribute), and share updates on Elevation Memphis originals, an upcoming album, and merch.

Jase Harshman & Jeff Horton from Full Metal Rackett on Nu-Metal, Memphis Music, and Wild Tour Stories

Memphis Music Stories

TRS interviews guitarist/singer Darrin Brady shares his current work with Ken Houston as an acoustic duo (started around COVID), playing venues like Huey’s, Knuckleheads, Villa Casorotti, and Delta Blues Winery, averaging heavy gig counts and varied setlists with audience interaction. He recounts joining Ken’s band The No Hit Wonders in 2018, and notes the band is rehearsing again with members including Bobby and Nick Ireland and Dave Morscheck. Darren also covers his Memphis musical roots, early bands, influences (Kiss, Van Halen, Rush, Billy Gibbons), Kisstory shows, gear stories (including stolen guitars/amp), and adds that his dad graduated with Elvis.

Heath & AJ Live in Studio: Acoustic Country Covers, Weekly Neil’s Residency + Memphis Music Talk

Patrick O’Daniel Talks Heartless, Magnum Dopus, Memphis Music, and Writing ‘Crusaders, Gangsters and Whiskey

The podcast welcomes Memphis bassist and author Patrick O’Daniel. They talk about Patrick’s recent gigs, including Italian Fest with Heartless and a rain-soaked show at Ghost River. Patrick explains Heartless set choices, their “Ladies of the ’80s” breakout, and the advantage of two female lead vocalists, Vanessa Sudbury and Katie Marlier. He shares his musical beginnings, early influences (Kiss, Zeppelin, Yes, Cream, The Who, Rush), and his fingerstyle start. The episode covers Patrick’s original band, Magnum Dopus—its lineup, writing process, streaming reach, and upcoming recording—plus his other projects (Island 45 and Super Five). Patrick also spotlights his Memphis-history nonfiction books, especially “Crusaders, Gangsters and Whiskey,” available in print, libraries, and audiobook.

Mike Stoker on Memphis Jones, Stoker Stringed Instrument Repair & Memphis Music History

Derrick and Jeff interview Memphis-born bass player and stringed instrument repairman Mike Stoker of Stoker Stringed Instrument Repair. They discuss how Derrick previously brought basses to him through REvolve Music (owned by Jeff Albert), the kind of repair and wiring work he does, and how he grew his business organically from music retail jobs at Strings & Things and Yarbrough’s. Stoker talks about playing in the trio Memphis Jones since 2012, their Memphis music revue of Sun, Stax, and classics, their regular BB King’s Beale Street slot (Mondays and Fridays, 4:30–7:30), and touring in Canada and abroad. He shares early musical influences including Elvis, his first Sears acoustic guitar, switching from guitar to bass, and his interest in Stax-era rhythm sections.

On this in-studio episode of The Rhythm Section, Derrick and Jeff welcome Traci and Andy McCullough of Roxi Love to talk about their return to pushing original music, social media clips, and a recent video release for their song Lullaby. They discuss Roxi Love’s long-running marriage and music career, budgeting and surviving COVID, and how Southland Casino’s roster system works across stages like Chairman’s Bar, Charred Oak, Bentley Stage, and The Kitchen. The band shares plans for new music, upcoming videos (including “Dream Boy”), and recording with help from Louis Hayslett. Traci and Andy also perform an unreleased original, “Alone”.

The Rhythm Section Pod welcomes guest Nick Strong, a dedicated supporter of the local music community and aspiring vocalist. Nick shares how childhood influences like Huey Lewis, Bon Jovi, Poison, and Def Leppard shaped his dream to sing, and how he gained confidence by posting home singing videos and being invited onstage with bands including Formerly Known As, Gen X, Six Feet Thunder, Full Metal Racket, and Your Mom’s New Boyfriend, often performing STP’s “Cracker Man” and Ozzy’s “Shot in the Dark.” He credits supporters like Shawn Few and Scott Sudbury, discusses his son Noel’s band Indigo Avenue, and suggests mixing Memphis rap with rock, citing Project Pat and Al Kapone’s TAMI Awards performance. Nick also talks about his business, Home Strong Quality Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning, and thanks the community while encouraging fans to support local shows and musicians.