Tag Archives: Nashville music publication

The Quinn Spinn: Gussapolooza 2026, Day 3

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Our pop-up tent got destroyed. The rain made everything MOIST. And yet, we persisted, delivering a series of interviews from the third and final day of Gussapolooza 2026.

We spent this episode venturing out to other people’s booths, chatting with some of the visual artists in residence about their creative processes and inspirations. We also happened to get everyone’s stances on AI use in the arts… and we found some varying perspectives among the group.

Thank you to everyone at Gussapolooza — especially Gary from Barrie, Bad Club Media, and At the Scene Photography — for getting us back up and running after the storm tried to take us out!

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Learn more about The Quinn Spinn: https://umcworldwide.com/thequinnspinn

A Week’s Worth of Nashville Film Festival Ticket Giveaways!

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The 2026 edition of the Nashville Film Festival kicks off this week — and we’ve got your tickets to some incredible music documentaries, all week long!

Every day this week (Mon.-Fri.) at noon CT, visit our Instagram for a fresh ticket giveaway for one of this year’s featured music documentaries. These five films span the globe, providing different perspectives on the music industry — from the underground, to the big stage, and everywhere in between!

Our ticket giveaways kick off today (Monday, 9/21) at noon CT. We have five (5) pairs of tickets for each film, and each contest lasts for 24 hours. Winners will be notified the following day via Instagram DM, where we will coordinate ticket delivery.

Entering to win is easy:
1) Visit @umcworldwide on Instagram.
2) Like the current day’s ticket giveaway post.
3) Tag who you’re bringing to the screening in the comments.

Information on each film and ticket giveaway can be found below. Tickets for each film can also be purchased for 20% off using our exclusive code, UMC20, at checkout.

Jail Time Records
Screening: Friday, Sept. 25 at 12:30 p.m.
Giveaway: Begins Monday, Sept. 21 at 12 p.m.

Jail Time Records is a documentary musical that follows recording artists emerging from one of the world’s toughest settings. Inside the crammed alleyways of the Central Prison of Douala in Cameroon, the film immerses itself in the lives of the inmates-turned-artists that make up Jail Time Records, the first recording studio in an African prison.

The Man with the Big Hat
Screening: Friday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. (w/ Q&A)
Giveaway: Begins Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 12 p.m.

An unsung pioneer of 1970s Texas Progressive Country, Steven Fromholz had a knack for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Revered by legends like Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett & John Denver, he remained commercially unknown. He sought redemption on the Rio Grande as a river guide until a debilitating stroke erased his musical memory, stripping Fromholz of his artistic identity. Through newly discovered archives that include never-before-heard recordings, this intimate excavation of sorts is driven by an obsessive persistence, that brings Fromholz back to life, and reshapes the notion of success and artistic fortitude.

Songs from the Circle
Screening: Saturday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. (with Q&A)
Giveaway: Begins Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 12 p.m.

One hundred years after its founding, the Grand Ole Opry crosses the Atlantic for the first time. Songs from the Circle follows Luke Combs, Mumford & Sons, Darius Rucker, and a crew of American country legends on British soil — through the rehearsal rooms of Abbey Road, the backstage corridors of the Royal Albert Hall, and onto a sold-out stage for a centennial concert one hundred years in the making.

Bleeding Hearts
Screening: Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. (with Q&A)
Giveaway: Begins Thursday, Sept. 24 at 12 p.m.

A music-driven love story about real-life couple Zella Day and Jesse Woods, the musicians behind the emerging band Chaparelle. Following their first year together, the film captures the joy and uncertainty of chasing a shared dream while navigating pressures that could spark their breakup—or their breakthrough.

The House Band
Screening: Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 12 p.m.
Giveaway: Begins Friday, Sept. 25 at 12 p.m.

In 2025, after multiple tours and multi-platinum record sales, Mumford and Sons found themselves missing the early days playing music in a community, and wanted to recapture the joy and spontaneity of collaboration. So, they invited 18 of their favorite musicians to board a vintage train in New Orleans and play a very unconventional tour.

The rules were simple: everyone was invited to collaborate with whomever they wished, and anyone could suggest a song. These musicians, many of whom had never met, were to be a real band. Their goal was to create some truly once-in-a-lifetime performances along the way. 

In each city there would be one special guest, so the band had to learn new songs on the train each day well enough to play with the likes of Lainey Wilson, Darius Rucker, Maggie Rogers and Noah Kahan. 

It soon becomes clear how much work this is, and how every musician on the train has to confront their own fears and limits, playing songs they have never heard before. Can they bond together and help each other reach a common goal? Or will fatigue and doubt tear them apart? These are the stakes every night, and watching how each musician handles this pressure becomes a fascinating watch. Through their experiences, we get an understanding of what it is actually like to be in a band. Self-doubt, joy, insecurity, desire, and commitment are all on display as these musicians put it all on the line for each other. 

The Nashville Film Festival takes place Sept. 24-30. The festival — one of the first and longest-running in the United States — “discovers, elevates and honors filmmakers, screenwriters and musicians from around the world while engaging, connecting and strengthening the Nashville community.” We’re honored to partner on film’s biggest week in Music City, and we look forward to seeing you out there!

Ty Warner Announces Release of New Instrumental Single, “Nora’s Jump”

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Composer and performer Ty Warner has released “Nora’s Jump,” his second instrumental recording. The song was written especially for Warner’s granddaughter, Nora, giving the recording a deeply personal meaning and making the release a celebration of family as well as music. The new single brings together vintage guitar tones, modern studio production, and a collaborative team of musicians and producers.

The recording features a collaborative effort with Wyoming Wave Studios, which provided the foundational production track. Asha Henshaw, a recent graduate of the Berklee College of Music, contributed to the project with background vocals and her musical and production expertise. Henshaw also handled the recording’s mixing and mastering, taking the project from the initial tracks through to the finished master.

“Nora’s Jump” features three distinct guitar tracks, each selected to contribute a different tone and character to the arrangement.

The primary rhythm guitar was recorded using a rare 1981 Ibanez “Ragtime” guitar. The second guitar track features a 1971 Gibson J-40 played in Drop D tuning, adding depth and resonance to the composition. The melody was then layered using a 1979 Ovation 1116-4 Concert Classic nylon-string guitar, providing a contrasting tonal quality to the arrangement.

Henshaw took the three guitar tracks recorded at Wyoming Wave Studios and developed them into the finished arrangement with an expressive and carefully crafted production approach. Her contribution helped capture the atmosphere and musical feel Warner envisioned for the recording.

“The goal was to capture a particular feeling and let the character of these guitars come through,” said Warner. “Working with Wyoming Wave Studios and Asha allowed the original tracks to develop into something much bigger than I had initially imagined.”

The release of “Nora’s Jump” follows Warner’s first instrumental recording and continues his exploration of instrumental music built around distinctive guitar sounds and collaborative studio production. The song’s inspiration as a piece written for his granddaughter adds a personal story to the project and reflects the connection between music, family, and creativity.

“Nora’s Jump” is available beginning September 18, 2026, on major music and media platforms. A digital copy may also be purchased directly through Warner’s website, and it comes with the song’s official sheet music as a free bonus item.

NASHVILLE: Enjoy Discounted Preds Tickets, Courtesy of UMC!

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The 2026-27 NHL season begins in less than two weeks. That means our Nashville Predators have a chance to build on last season’s second half surge and get back to the postseason, in pursuit of their first Stanley Cup victory.

And, once again, you’ll have the opportunity to join the Preds in their quest, courtesy of Underground Music Collective.

We’re excited to team with the Preds once again to provide you with Preds Perks, featuring exclusive offers on select games throughout the 2026-27 season. All season long, this link will refresh with the latest offers, as we rally around our hometown team!

We’ll see you at Bridgestone Arena this season. We can’t wait until the puck drops!

CHECK OUT OUR PREDS PERKS!

Rockin’ Ronnie’s Mega Musikfest Recap: The Finale

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Saturday, August 8. My last day at Musikfest.

It was hot, I was tired, and I wanted to enjoy as much music as possible.

My first stop was at Plaza Tropical, where Inkwell had a variety show going on. I walked in to hear a killer sax solo, and then a comedian. Unfortunately, I didn’t get their names. Inkwell is an incredible venue on Hamilton Street. They have all kinds of artists – musicians, comedians, spoken word. They are keeping original talent alive and that, to me, is a great thing.

I wanted to head to Festplatz, but first… I needed nourishment. A chicken taco from Aqui Es did the trick.

At Festplatz, I got to see some polka dancing in action while All the Kings Men: A Jolly Joe Timmer Tribute played. Jolly Joe Timmer was a Lehigh Valley polka legend who passed away in 2015. His music and legend lives on with All the Kings Men.

Lagerplatz was my next stop where I saw Koyal, a pop group from L.A. The fun part about them is they are not just musicians; they met in college, where they earned engineering degrees! I could easily hear them being played in a club or on the radio. Smart AND talented!

It was time to head up that darn hill to Hotel Bethlehem platz to see Cass Noelle. She has been a Lehigh Valley staple for years, and had the crowd to prove it. Her voice is amazing, and she did a lot of pop covers acoustic style, as well as her own songs. There were a few raindrops that decided to come down, but that didn’t deter her or the crowd! After I sat there a bit, I headed even further up the hill to Main Street (platz?) to see Ted Donatelli, formerly of the Aardvarks.

Ted was the drummer for the ‘varks, but on this stage played guitar, keyboard, and sang covers from all genres. This man clearly needs to be behind the microphone! There are very few artists I say this about, but he could sing Google and it would sound great. This was made clear by the size of the crowd.

It was time to head back home, but I made one more quick stop at Lagerplatz, where DMac (Dan MacRae) was entertaining the crowd. A little country, a little folk, and a smooth pleasant voice was the perfect way to end my Musikfest day. Hot and tired once again, I hopped the shuttle to the Southside and headed home.

This was such an incredible experience. As I was walking around doing my thing, I was in complete awe over what was in front of me, behind me, next to me. There aren’t many places you can go to for 10 days once a year and pay NOTHING to get in, and see so many different bands, so many different genres. Every year, when the list of performers comes out, I hear the same thing, – “This is Bethlehem. Why aren’t there a lot of local bands playing?”

There are. They are absolutely there. But, what makes this unique is the artists from around the country that come perform. One night, I was going to make a point to go see a popular Lehigh Valley act, but then I thought, “I can see them any time. Let me check out something new.” And I’m glad I did! While I did see quite a few local acts, I saw just as many not-so-local.

Also, the shuttle rides between the North and South sides have really been improved with the addition of LANTA buses. There was no better feeling after a long, hot day than hopping on that air conditioned shuttle and relaxing for about 10-15 minutes. And, on every shuttle ride, everyone was friendly. There was nothing but friends on there! Yes, they were friends we haven’t met and may never see each other again. There was a special camaraderie going on. Everyone had that one end goal – to have a great time. And clearly, everyone did.

Until next year, Musikfest. This is Rockin’ Ronnie, Underground Music Collective’s Lehigh Valley Correspondent.

The Quinn Spinn: Live from Gussapolooza 2026, Day 2

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The Gussapolooza 2026 party continued on Saturday, and the threat of rain couldn’t stop us from getting some insightful convos in.

We chatted with multimedia wizard and longtime Gussapolooza volunteer Dominic Liberka, visual artist and women’s empowerment activist Angela Francis, and New York-based multi-genre trio Already Late.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Learn more about The Quinn Spinn

The Quinn Spinn: Live from Gussapolooza 2026, Day 1

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We are BACK on your feeds — just in time for the 13th anniversary of Episode 1 — with an all-new edition of The Quinn Spinn recorded LIVE at Gussapolooza, our favorite all-indie Canadian music festival in Cookstown, ON!

It was Battle of the Bands day (sponsored by ROCK 95 Barrie), and we had three of the five contestants — TRAUMAQUEEN, New Anthem, and the winners… Mirrage!

We also welcome grant writer and independent artist advocate Ryan Farley (Hubris Entertainment), who dropped some industry knowledge to close us out!

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Learn more about The Quinn Spinn: https://umcworldwide.com/thequinnspinn

Rockin’ Ronnie’s Mega Musikfest Recap, Pt. 4: What a Lively and Eclectic Lineup!

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I returned to Musikfest on Wednesday, August 5, heading right up after work.

My first stop was Plaza Tropical, where Reggaelar People were playing. These guys were fun, funky, and their reggae- inspired tunes made me feel like I was on the beach! They are from the East Coast, and I even got to talk to the one member a bit as I was leaving later. Friendly, fun, enthusiastic and super entertaining!

After that energizing performance I stopped in the Yuengling Lagerplatz to see Sophie Rice, a singer-songwriter from the Lehigh Valley. Her folksy-pop vocals kept the audience captivated, and you could clearly see she belonged on that stage.

Then, it was off to Festplatz, where The Castaway Band was playing. They are a party band from the Lehigh Valley, and they had the whole crowd on their feet! I walked in just as they were playing Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer” — and if you know me, you know I’m picky about who I like singing Bon Jovi. They passed the test! But seriously, many phones were up recording and lots of happy people were singing and dancing, and that’s what you want to see!

After that it was off to Zinzenplatz to see Lehigh Valley Favorites CPR and Sarah Ayers. Made up of some of the Lehigh Valley’s top talent, they had some killer harmonies! Sarah has always been one of the Lehigh Valley’s top stars, and I could see why after listening.

Next up it was back to Festplatz to see The Wonton Soups. I had wanted to catch these guys for years and I’m glad I finally got the chance to. Their big brass pop was lively, fun, and charismatic. Definitely a crowd favorite! From there, I made a quick stop at Lagerplatz again for Maria Woodford, an acoustic pop country musician. She had a really nice sound; it was bluesy and soulful, and I could have listened to a lot more of her.

After checking in with the North Side Sheriff himself, I ended my Wednesday night back where it began, catching Big Wahu Caribbean Band at Plaza Tropical. Their laid back Caribbean – Calypso sound is pleasant and relaxing, and made me imagine myself sailing off on a yacht. (I DO have a captain’s hat, yacht rock lover that I am…

After that, it was time to head home. I’ve got one more recap coming, highlighting the festival’s final Saturday. Keep an eye out!

Rockin’ Ronnie’s Mega Musikfest Recap, Pt. 3: Up Close and Personal with Train

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Monday, August 3 was the moment I have been waiting for all my photography life. I had the opportunity to photograph my first “big” concert, Train, from the pit at Musikfest!

Yes, THAT Train! THE Pat Monahan!

I don’t need to let you know how they sounded. I mean… they’re Train! We only got to be there for three songs, and before I knew it, the three songs were over, but it was a moment I’ll never forget! Hopefully, it’s only the first of many opportunities like that. Thanks to Musikfest and UMC for the experience of a lifetime!

Rockin’ Ronnie’s Mega Musikfest Recap, Pt. 2: Poutine, Many Must-See Acts, and Must-Buy Hand Sanitizer

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On Saturday, August 1, I parked on the South Side and shuttled my way up North for more ‘Festing, more music, and more photos.

One thing I noticed about the shuttles was how friendly everyone was. I suppose it was because they knew they were in for a fun and entertaining day. The nice woman sitting next to me offered me some watermelon smelling hand sanitizer that she said she got at Five Below. Immediately I noted to myself to make sure to get there to get some! We had a nice chat, and then we arrived on the North Side.

My first stop was up the hill at the Hotel Bethlehem Platz, where the Artisan Jazz Trio was playing. You can’t go wrong with a little bit of funk mixed in with a lot of jazz! I enjoyed their smooth sound, but then it was time to move to my next stop. My next stop was getting some poutine from The Flying V, which I have wanted to try for many years! Let me tell you, after eating that I was left wondering where that has been all my life! It was as incredible, as everyone said it would be.

It was time to get back to work, so I sauntered into the Service Electric FestPlatz, where I saw the Grammy Award-winning Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra. Although they are known for being one of the most popular polka bands in America, they played so much more than that! They mixed a lot of pop and oldies into the mix, and the crowd was eating it up. I could see why they were so popular!

Moving right along, I ventured to the other side of Festplatz to the Yuengling Lagerplatz stage, where I caught indie singer-songwriter Temma, whose storytelling ability was on full display through her strong voice and powerful lyrics. From there, I went right back down to Festplatz and found a seat to get ready to see Coverfire!, a rock and pop cover band (with a few originals) comprised of musicians from Pennsylvania’s Army National Guard. (Side note: I saw an empty chair between random people and asked if I could sit there. Of course they said yes, because there was not one unfriendly soul at Musikfest!). The tent was packed, and it was easy to understand why from the first note. Every member showcased their many talents by playing multiple instruments, switching between them throughout the show. I highly recommend catching these guys (and ladies) if you can.

(Actually, I highly recommend catching all of these acts!)

After that show, I headed to Plaza Tropical because I wanted to catch Coquettish, an alt-rock band from New Jersey, Coquettish. Their bass-heavy originals can be best described as a mix of alt-rock, grunge, and jam with a vibe – and I will say the bass player had most of that vibe. She was definitely the main character, and she owned it! Some songs were heavily reminiscent of Jeff Buckley, and they were awesome.

After that, I was spent for the day, and it was time to head home. Stay tuned for Part 3!

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