We just saw the news that our old pals at Music on the Move Studios are gearing up to host their first all-female showcase of 2025 on April 2 at Nashville’s famed 3rd & Lindsley — and we’ve got the information you need to get involved!
Beginning this Friday, February 7, female and female-identifying artists are invited to apply for their opportunity to perform. Music on the Move will be selecting a total of four performers to be featured, putting their names in the history books alongside dozens of women who have graced the stage at the long-running, semi-annual showcase.
The submission deadline is Monday, February 17, with lineup announcements to come that Friday, February 21. All selected performers will have the backing of Music on the Move’s mega-talented, all-female house band, The HellCats.
Are you ready to dive deep into the world of healing and self-discovery?
Da’ Healerz — the Heal Hop duo consisting of Lord Goldie and Foundation Mecca — are set to bring The Heal Talk Experience to NECAT (120 White Bridge Pike, Nashville) on Thursday, February 13 from 6-7:30 p.m. This immersive healing experience will be filled with inspiring talks, meaningful connections, live music from Da’ Healerz new Heal Talk EP, and sound healing from Nikki Ray.
The Heal Talk Experience will give attendees the opportunity to participate in group discussions and explore various healing modalities. Whether you are just beginning your healing journey or looking to deepen your practice, this event is designed to support you — every step of the way.
Don’t miss out on this transformative experience. Reserve your spot today and get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing! Seats are limited, so only RSVP if you can make it!
On Tuesday night, we rang in 2025 with 200,000 of our closest friends.
The masses descended upon Bicentennial Capitol Mall for Nashville’s Big Bash — the nationally broadcast country music New Year’s Celebration. This year’s edition — which we live-blogged from the scene of the action — featured performances from Keith Urban (who also co-hosted the CBS telecast following his performance), Shaboozey, Brittney Spencer, Kane Brown, and local legend Jelly Roll.
Spirits remained high throughout the night, even as snow flurries began to fall at different points throughout the event. Overall, the party was a fitting send-off to 2024, and an exciting start for the year to come.
Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 12:19 a.m.: One more from Jelly Roll to send us home. Happy New Year!
11:23 p.m.: Another prime example of Jelly Roll’s connection with the Nashville crowd.
11:15 p.m.: Jelly Roll has had this crowd locked in on his every word. A magnificent homecoming for the Nashville native.
10:29 p.m.: Here’s Kane Brown again, letting that fiddle talk. Jelly Roll is coming up at 10:45.
10:05 p.m.: Shaboozey performed a highly emotive rendition of “Good News,” impressively creating an intimate moment with an ENORMOUS crowd!
9:57 p.m.: Kane Brown is here, dressed to impress on this New Year’s Eve!
9:54 p.m.: We’ve got snow flurries! Oh, and some videos of Kane Brown, plus one more from Shaboozey. Hang tight!
9:21 p.m.: Heading back out for Kane Brown… BUT FIRST, we caught some of Brittney Spencer’s performance, and she brought friends!
9:16 p.m.: I actually decided to brave the crowd before that, though, toward the end of Keith Urban’s set. Here, he welcomes Alana Springsteen to the stage, whom we met before.
9:06 p.m.: Here’s that video of “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” as promised!
8:46 p.m.: Shaboozey played a couple tunes for us, including his hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Video to come (upload speeds are being compromised by the large crowd).
8:27 p.m.: Decided to brave the wilderness of the crowd for a few minutes for a closer look!
8:18 p.m.: We got a Jelly Roll sighting early! The packed crowd chanted the local legends name, and he told us of hid plans to run a marathon. Here’s video evidence!
8:01 p.m.: Shaboozey is next to take the stage at 8:35, followed by Brittney Spencer, Kane Brown, and Jelly Roll. Plenty of show still to come!
7:43 p.m.: Captured one more from Keith Urban’s set — the classic “Where the Blacktop Ends.”
7:37 p.m.: I totally wasn’t supposed to be on that elevated riser btw…
Anyway, here’s Keith Urban asking if you’re as messed up as him.
7:24 p.m.: Fun fact: My first ever industry job (besides The Quinn Spinn) was Event Staff at Musikfest 2014 back in Bethlehem. Whose show did I work on closing night?
Keith Urban.
The journey never stops providing full circle moments!
7:22 p.m.: Tonight’s co-host Keith Urban kicks off the telecast with a SCORCHING set. Much more coming from this one!
6:20 p.m.: BUT APPARENTLY there’s an ELEVATED media riser that I’m just le a ring about. This information could come in handy later…
6:13 p.m.: By the way… this stage view from the media riser is always immaculate.
6:11 p.m.: HAPPY NEW YEAR… Ireland!
Our moment is coming, after plenty of moments in between. Just getting started!
5:41 p.m.: Doors are open, kickoff is approaching, and a delicious treat from Daddy’s Dogs has been procured!
4:22 p.m.: When asked what lesson she would go back and teach her younger self at the start of her journey, Alana said: “Stop caring so much about what people think. The only thing in this life that’s worth chasing is the most honest, authentic version of yourself.”
3:44 p.m.: While we wait to interview Alana, I’m trying to troubleshoot why my YouTube embeds into this post are having issues. In the meantime, feel free to catch our video updates over there.
3:25 p.m.: Media is gathering ’round inside the Nashville Farmers Market for a chat with rising artist Alana Springsteen — one of many surprises in store for tonight!
3:19 p.m.: Stage is looking great! Genuinely, it’s nice to be back.
3:18 p.m.: Arrived on the scene not too long ago!
Tuesday, December 31, 11:52 a.m.: Welcome one and all to our now-annual New Year’s Eve tradition here at Underground Music Collective!
Tonight’s the night we and about 200,000 of our closest friends will arrive to Bicentennial Capitol Mall for Nashville’s Big Bash. This year’s edition features performances from Keith Urban, Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Brittney Spencer, and more — and we can’t wait to take in the sights and sounds as we welcome 2025 with a bang!
My credentials are in-hand, and I’ll be heading over to the site shortly. I’ll be checking in throughout the day, all the way to midnight and beyond!
It was such a great time that we decided to run it back, as we run headlong into 2025!
We’ll be in attendance to provide you with live updates throughout the night, as we present the Second Annual Nash Bash NYE Blog-a-Thon. Join us as we give you the highlights from Bicentennial Capitol Mall, including performances from country stars Keith Urban, Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, and Brittney Spencer, plus loads of surprises sure to send 2024 off in style!
We hope you’ll tune in right here to The Blog for all the action. We’re ready to celebrate the New Year with you!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! We hope that you’re enjoying this time with your loved ones.
I’m feeling festive, and I want to share something with you. I stepped onto the stage at Helping Our Music Evolve and cooked up a special rendition of the Elvis Presley classic, “Blue Christmas,” just for you.
Please enjoy, and have a safe and happy holiday season!
By now, you’ve heard of Gussapolooza Music Festival, but what you may not know is that this year emerging bands from across North America converged in Cookstown, Ontario, for a chance to perform original music in front of music lovers, talent scouts, and record labels. And let me tell you, the bands that stood out didn’t just play; they set the stage on fire!
Taking home the top award, Artist of the Year, was none other than Toronto’s own The Manic Boys and Girls Club!
This indie pop/rock sibling duo, Bela and Fernando Ferreir, electrified the Friday night crowd at the dueling SL100 mobile main stages. With an almost full harvest moon illuminating the scene, their set felt like something from another world.
“Let’s Take the Last Train Out Tonight!” A lyric from their soon to be hit song Last Train echoed from the stage, became the weekend’s anthem, and soared into the night sky. It was a performance drenched in rockstar energy—soaring vocals, bouncing blond hair, wide-brim hats, and leather pants. Everything about The Manic Boys and Girls Club screamed rockstar! Missed it? Consider this your wake-up call. They’re coming back next year, and trust us, you do NOT want to miss them again. These two are riding a sonic wave to Mars, and it’s game time!
Fan Favorite: Cudbear
Barrie, Ontario’s Cudbear claimed the highly coveted Fan Favorite award, and it’s clear why! This alternative grunge trio—Bennett Jones (guitar/vocals), Adam Polan (bass/vocals), and Keagan Ross (drums)—delivered an electrifying performance that blended punk ethos with indie nuances. Their outrageous stage props and wild get-ups would have even Wes Borland from Limp Bizkit applauding!
Cudbear captivated the crowd with their raw energy and unique sound, solidifying their place as one of Gussapolooza’s standout acts. As their fanbase grows, expect to hear their name everywhere soon. Keep an eye on Cudbear—they’re primed to dominate the indie scene!
Rising Sun: Harley Olivia
The Rising Sun Award represents fresh potential and boundless energy, and this year, Harley Olivia embodied every bit of that spirit. Like the sun itself, Harley is a force of nature, her presence as captivating as her voice. Her performance lit up the festival, leaving an unforgettable impression on the crowd. Just as the sun is the most important star in the sky, Harley Olivia is shining bright and making her mark on the music world.
With a commanding stage presence, Harley delivered her signature blend of alt-rock and pop, backed by JUNO Award-winning producer Siegfried Meier on lead guitar. Her full-band performance was a showcase of infectious melodies, powerhouse vocals, and relatable lyrics that connected deeply with her audience. It’s clear that Harley Olivia’s rise is just beginning, and she’s destined for big things. Expect to hear a lot more from this rising star!
Spirit of Guss: Jeff Gutteridge
Jeff Gutteridge embodies the spirit of Gussapolooza, earning the Spirit of Guss award this year. A veteran of the indie music scene, he is not only a talented songwriter and performer but also a strong supporter of the indie community, mentoring emerging artists and advocating for their growth.
His passion shone through in his engaging performances and heartfelt fan interactions. With a knack for crafting resonant bangers, Jeff perfectly represents the essence of Gussapolooza—music, community, and heart.
Best Performance: Cmagic5
Cmagic5 delivered the Best Performance of the weekend, hands down. With choreography that dazzled the audience, a full band backing her, and an unmatched stage presence, she commanded the crowd with a magnetic energy that left everyone buzzing long after her set ended. Her ability to engage the audience, coupled with visually stunning dance sequences, created an electrifying atmosphere that is rarely seen. Watch out for Cmagic5—her name is bound to be on everyone’s playlist soon. This is just the beginning for an artist who knows how to light up the stage and captivate hearts.
Emerging Singer-Songwriter of the Year: Tyler Lorette
The Emerging Singer-Songwriter of the Year award went to Tyler Lorette, a talented country musician whose powerful lyrics and mesmerizing melodies captivated the audience. His songwriting ability is wise beyond his years, and his emotional performances left the festival crowd in awe. With his authentic sound and heartfelt storytelling, Tyler Lorette is a name you’ll be hearing a lot in the near future—he’s got all the makings of a future star. Look out, Morgan Wallen; there’s a new country sensation on the rise!
The final day of Gussapolooza 2024 was a special day for me, personally. Before a note of music was performed, I had the opportunity to present my Perfect Your Pitch seminar to the artistpreneurs in attendance on Sunday morning. Thanks to the team behind the scenes at Gussapolooza and MTAV for making this amazing opportunity possible!
Once my seminar concluded — and after I had the chance to chat with few folks in attendance — it was time to grab my camera and get back out there for Day 3’s action-packed lineup.
Day 3 was bittersweet. It was a joy to appreciate the community that had gathered throughout the weekend in support of emerging artists. At the same time, we knew that our time together for 2024 would soon come to an end — which meant that we had to get as much out of the final day as possible.
And, as we had come to expect, the final day delivered. As the late summer sun glistened over Ontario once more, artists from across the Canadian music landscape offered us a snapshot of the creative world that awaits all those willing to explore. As the sun set and the festival’s final performances took shape, the die-hard Gusses soaked in every last minute of this year’s festival.
Then, we met at the barn for the afterparty, where festival organizer Russ Robson deftly wove his story — and the story of Gussapolooza itself — into an enthralling, five-song acoustic set before opening the stage up to an open jam that lasted into the wee hours.
Now, we leave you with a collage, featuring the many parting glances we took toward this year’s festival. We thank everyone at Gussapolooza for their warm welcome, and we look forward to supporting this amazing, three-day experience again — in 2025 and beyond!
It’s amazing how a creative spark from many moons ago can come back around, years later, and give way to something new.
That is the origin story of Hot4Robot’s tune, “Your Chemical.” The band just released an acoustic rendition on September 13, in advance of the band’s forthcoming unplugged album, recorded live at the legendary Godfrey Daniels listening room in Bethlehem, PA.
“The main groove of ‘Your Chemical’ was originally featured in a tune performed by The Foolz, a Lehigh Valley jam-band staple of the mid-aughts, whose lineup included 50 percent of Hot4Robot,” said frontman Alex Radus, who crafted the song’s prototype alongside guitarist Dave Cahill. “That tune is lost to the sands of time, but the groove was infectious enough to make its way into Hot4Robot’s songwriting toolkit. It was eventually refashioned into ‘Your Chemical’ – matched with completely different lyrics, melody and B-section.”
“Your Chemical” originally debuted on the band’s 2021 full-length, self-titled release. The pensive — some might say ominous — tune “chronicles the toxic and disorienting euphoria of addiction, especially to dopamine hits and external validation.”
Radus believes that this updated rendition gives the song’s message room to breathe, while keeping the structure and intricacies of the original intact.
“What was fascinating about reimagining this song unplugged, is that the acoustic format gave the tune an intimacy and vulnerability that conveyed the message just as well — or perhaps better? “Radus said. “It’s also pretty amazing how Dave recreates his intense and spectacular lead with no pedals or effects.”
Feel the intensity — check out “Your Chemical – Unplugged” below!
We are at the end of a truly incredible summer — one that saw our Underground Music Collective movement connect with thousands of new people, and venture to places we had never been before.
Before we forge ahead, let’s pause, reflect, and say “thank you.”
This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded and produced at Helping Our Music Evolve, Nashville, TN.
