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Tenille Towns on Going Independent Again, The Acrobat, and Writing Songs That Help People Feel Less Alone Host Tony Mantor introduces his podcast Almost Live Nashville and interviews singer-songwriter Tenille Towns, who moved from Grand Prairie, Alberta to Nashville and became an ACM New Female Artist of the Year and Juno Award winner. Towns discusses returning to independence after nearly eight years with Sony Nashville, producing her new record The Acrobat herself for release on April 10, and regaining creative autonomy. She reflects on small-town roots, homesickness, touring highs, and the pressures of the industry that led...

Marcus Hummon's Musical Journey: From Nashville Honky Tonks to Grammy Wins In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Tony Mantor interviews Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Marcus Hummon. Hummon shares insights from his extensive career, which includes songwriting, theater compositions, and scoring operas. Discussing his experience from his early days performing at Nashville's iconic Bluebird Cafe to crafting hits for major artists, Marcus reveals the dynamic evolution of the music industry. They delve into his new projects, including collaborating with his son’s label and creating an album inspired by Emily Dickinson’s poetry Hummon also provides thou...

Behind the Scenes with The Protomen: A Rock Opera Odyssey In this episode of 'Almost Live Nashville,' host Tony Mantor delves into the fascinating world of The Proto Man, a Nashville-based band known for their unique blend of rock opera, sci-fi storytelling, and raw energy. T he band members, who go by the names Murphy, Commander B. Hawkins, and Panther, share insights into their creative process, the evolution of their concept albums, and their journey from humble beginnings to their ambitious endeavors today. They discuss the intricate storylines of their music, their experiences performing live...

Almost Live Nashville: A Journey Through Music with Alison Limerick In this episode of 'Almost Live Nashville,' host Tony Mantor delves deep into the career of celebrated UK singer-songwriter Alison Limerick. Alison shares her journey from performing in London's pubs and bars to collaborating with music legends like Frankie Knuckles and David Morales. Known for her timeless club anthem 'Where Love Lives,' Alison discusses the evolution of her music, the impact of her hit tracks in the nineties, and her passion for performing live. S he also talks about her recent resurgence due...

In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, host Tony Mantor interviews Fred Mollin, a renowned songwriter and producer, about his extensive career in the music industry. They discuss the production of Mollin's first big hit, 'Sometimes When We Touch,' his long-working relationship with Jimmy Webb, and his experiences with other legendary musicians. Mollin also talks about his book 'Unplugged,' detailing his behind-the-scenes stories and professional journey. Listeners gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of Mollin's career, the emotions tied to writing his memoir, and his vision for future projects, including his bucket list...

In this episode of 'Almost Live Nashville,' host Tony Mantor interviews singer-songwriter Kendra Erica. The conversation delves into Kendra's journey from being born tone deaf to achieving five Billboard Top 10 Dance Hits. Kendra shares her experiences of overcoming significant challenges through private coaching, perseverance, and mental discipline. They discuss the impacts of comparison, emotional struggles, and the importance of hard work over natural talent. Kendra also talks about her upcoming projects, including her 'License to Thrill' album and live showcase, as well as her passion for charitable endeavors focused on helping children and preventing human...

Breaking Barriers: Jennifer Jones' Journey to Becoming a Rockette and Beyond In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, host Tony Mantor interviews Jennifer Jones, the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette. Jennifer shares her inspiring journey, from her unexpected audition for the Rockettes to her historic debut at the Super Bowl 22 halftime show. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of breaking racial barriers, her other accomplishments as an author, cancer survivor, and advocate for diversity and representation. With poignant anecdotes and invaluable advice, Jennifer sheds light on her life's work and future aspirations...

In this episode, we sit down with Tristan Trit, a country southern rock artist from Georgia, who shares his journey in the music industry over the past five years. Tristan discusses his influences, the merging of rock and country music in his work, and his approach to songwriting and performing. He talks about his rise to fame with a viral TikTok video, his experience growing up with a famous father, and his efforts to balance authenticity, humor, and music in his career. Tristan also emphasizes the importance of live performances, future plans, and his commitment to...

Bobby Tomberlin: Journey from Small-Town DJ to Nashville Hitmaker In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Tony Mantor interviews Bobby Tomberlin, a seasoned songwriter who got his start as a young DJ in South Alabama. Bobby shares his journey from small-town Alabama to working with legends like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton, and writing hits for Diamond Rio, Faith Hill, and many more. The conversation delves into Bobby's early career in radio, his transition to songwriting, and his experiences in Nashville. They discuss the evolving music industry, the importance of storytelling in country music, and...

In-Depth with Curt Smith: The Journey of Tears for Fears Tony Mantor hosts 'Almost Live Nashville,' featuring a deep dive interview with Curt Smith of Tears for Fears. The episode explores Curt's creative process, the origin of the band's name, and their journey from a UK debut to international stardom. Curt shares insights on the band's dynamic as a duo, their studio experiences, and the impactful stories behind their music. Highlights include reflections on the challenges of early fame, the influence of primal therapy on their work, and future projects. The conversation also...

From Studio Trenches to the Spotlight: An Interview with Butch Vig In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, host Tony Manor converses with Butch Vig, the acclaimed record producer, songwriter, and drummer for the rock band Garbage. Vig shares insights from his illustrious career, including pivotal moments that spurred his journey into music production. He discusses his experiences working with iconic bands such as Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters, and Green Day, and delves into the intricacies of music production. Vig also talks about his current involvement with Joey's Song, a music charity, and his latest projects in...

Exploring Jane Wiedlin's Journey: From Punk Rock to Pop Stardom In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, host Tony Manor interviews Jane Wiedlin, a pioneering member of the Go-Go's, one of the first all-female bands to achieve mainstream success. Jane shares her experiences from the early days of the LA punk scene to the challenges of breaking into the music industry as an all-female band. She discusses the impact of MTV on their career, the evolution of her songwriting, and the ongoing challenges faced by women in music. The conversation also touches on Jane's charitable...