Your Next Favorite Band

I learned of Parker Barrow's music earlier this year and fell in love with its raw power and bluesy, southern rock vibe. So when the chance came to have them on the show, I of course jumped at it. Then came the incredible back story of how the lead singer and drummer met and formed the perfect pair to write songs and hit the road to perform them.

There's so many cool nugs from their journey, I will leave them to the interview and you've just got to tune in. And should you ever get the chance to catch Parker Barrow live, you must go see them. It's a revelation!

Artist Bio

Parker Barrow, the Nashville band led by Megan Kane and DylanTurner, now entering a bigger, sharper chapter with Hold the Mash, out July 17th. The name may nod to one of the most mythologized couples in American history, but the band’s own story is built on something far less romanticized and far more real: faith, sacrifice, hunger, chemistry, long miles, and years of pursuing music with very little safety net.

What resonated was not glamour for its own sake. It was devotion. Two people bound together in motion, attached at the hip, chasing a life that made sense only because they were doing it side by side. That part
felt familiar.

The years that followed were lean enough to test any dream. Megan and Dylan lived in an RV with no heat, no air conditioning, and no generator. They parked at Walmart. They split food between themselves and their dog. But they kept going, and in the process, Parker Barrow became something stronger and more defined than either of them could have built alone.

You can hear it in the confidence of the songs, and in the way the band now understands how to frame its own instincts. Even the album title reflects that side of Parker Barrow - playful, visual, a little cheeky, and fully aware of its own personality. Beneath that humor, though, is a band whose music is built from lived experience. Every mile in it feels earned.

With Will Tipton on guitar, Kyle Priber on bass, and Eric Safka on keys rounding out the lineup, Parker Barrow has grown into a fully realized unit - one that carries that original vision forward with a wider, more powerful sound.

On Hold the Mash, that story keeps moving.

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

When you hear the sonic bath of an Alysha Brilla song, you are immediately tuned in to something special. And if that is during a live performance, you are spellbound. She writes such incredible melodies combined with lyrics that inspire and emote, and then set to instruments that open us up to all that is possible, and delivered with a gorgeous vocal.

I was honored to be able to invite Alysha on the show and to have her agree to join us to share her journey and her music. We were able to have her perform at Musikfest this past summer and what a treat for the Lehigh Valley to experience that.

Artist Bio

Alysha Brilla is a 3× JUNO Award nominated songwriter, producer and electrifying live performer, as well as the 2025 Women in Music International Leadership Honouree and a 2024 Canadian Screen Award nominee. Sounds of earth, songs of stars.

Rooted in her Indo-Tanzanian heritage and shaped by the Great Lakes in Canada, Brilla’s sound is distinctly unique. Driven by global percussion, percussive guitar and soaring vocals, Brilla’s sound is a transcendent call and response - creating a live show that is more than a performance; it is an interactive, embodied experience.

In addition to live performances, Alysha Brilla and her ensemble offer engaging workshops in group singing, drumming and improvisational songwriting, designed for all ages and experience levels.

On stage, Brilla is a luminous musical storyteller, who has captivated audiences worldwide at major international festivals With a new album releasing in 2026, Alysha Brilla offers a rhythm-led, participatory show that creates genuine connection and leaves audiences uplifted long after the final note.

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

I heard Eph See's song "Malachi the Uber Driver" listening to the NPR All Songs Considered podcast while i was mowing my lawn. And just like Robin Hilton said as he set-up the song before playing it, I was struck by it so much that I stopped what I was doing and just ... listened.

Most often, our guests are musicians that I've seen play live, met them at the merch table, and invited them to come on the show. So reaching out to someone "out of nowhere" had me a little nervous - but Eph could not have been more kind and sweet and agreed to come on for an episode. And I am so excited to dive in to their story and share their music.

In addition to the popularity of "Malachi", Eph See recently had their song "Pink" used in the Malcom In The Middle Reboot series on Disney+.

With new music on the horizon, we are certain that you will enjoy Eph See's music, story and entire vibe. Check it out so you can say you knew their music before it went worldwide.

Artist Bio

When it comes to making music independently, Boston born artist, Eph See, truly shines. Unsigned and unmanaged, Eph See has built their musical career from the ground up with the help of their creative community of friends. Their debut EP, g*rlhood, released in October of 2021, landed them features in Lyrical Lemonade and The Fader, all without the budget or marketing of a label; a true test to their dedication & the quality of their work. Their most recent achievements include landing their first sync placement in S1E3 of Disney+’s Malcolm in the Middle Reboot, and performing on the mainstage at NYC Pride 2026.

They are known to float from genre to genre, oftentimes mixing multiple together to create something entirely new. Luckily for them, this ability to be fluid in their songwriting and composition has an outlet when writing with and for other artists like Heather la Rose and Moselle. The only rule they have when songwriting? Be potently honest.

Eph See’s latest project, a mixtape titled “xoxo, eph”, was received with love and recognized by WBUR and dreamworldgirlzine for its honesty, storytelling, and composition. And their current work keeps raising the bar higher and higher, receiving praise in the press from the Senior Producer of NPR’s Tiny Desk, Robin Hilton, on Top Shelf 2025 and All Songs Considered – and making them pack rooms in NYC & Boston on their first Tour with Deadbeat Girl, Miki Rastula, and Um, Jennifer? And their lastest release “malachi the uber driver” continues to touch hearts nationwide.

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

I learned of Lydia von Hof this summer and was able to catch her performance at Musikfest - and she lit the stage on fire! This songstress spans all the genres with a powerhouse voice and killer guitar chops. And her songs are written so well with lyrics that are clever and powerful.

You're gonna wanna for the ride on this episode, because in addition to the great music and the inspiring journey, Lydia also has important stories to share. One that she is brave and vulnerable is how she was bullied in her youth which lead her to have a negative body image, so strong that it developed in to an eating disorder. But with the help of family and support, she's now in a healthy place and thriving. Another is as a confident queer artist who has songs that represent her true genuine self and how many people feel seen through those lyrics and melodies.

A great episode for sure and the first of many Musikfest finds to share with you all!

Artist Bio

LYDIA VON HOF IS AN EMERGING INDIE ARTIST BASED IN NEW YORK. HER MUSIC EXPLORES THE REALMS OF THE INDIE WORLD, INCLUDING FOLK, ROCK, POP, AND OCCASIONALLY COUNTRY. HER SONGWRITING INVITES AUDIENCES INTO A WIDE RANGE OF THEMES, EVERYTHING FROM CLASSIC HEARTBREAK AND THE QUEER EXPERIENCE TO REIMAGINED MODERN-DAY SHAKESPEAREAN TALES.

LYDIA HAS OPENED FOR ARTISTS INCLUDING LIZ LONGLEY, SWMRS, A BOOGIE WIT DA HOODIE, AND MORE. SHE HAS PERFORMED AT FESTIVALS SUCH AS SXSW AND THE O+ FESTIVAL, AS WELL AS VENUES INCLUDING MADISON SQUARE GARDEN FOR THE NEW YORK KNICKS HALFTIME SHOW, THE BITTER END IN NYC, AND THE HARD ROCK CAFÉ IN BOSTON. HER SONGWRITING HAS GARNERED ACCLAIM, AS SHE WAS RECENTLY SELECTED AS THE WINNER OF THE ASCAP WRITERS' SHOWCASE IN THE SPRING OF 2022 AT BELMONT UNIVERSITY. LYDIA IS A BELMONT UNIVERSITY SONGWRITING ALUMNA AND WAS RECENTLY SIGNED TO UNISPAN RECORDS AS OF 2024.

#nextfavband #musicdiscovery #musicinterview #livemusic #music #musician #explorepage #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #musiclover #musicfestival

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

On Sun 9/20, we've curated an incredible show along with The Fallser Club in East Falls, PA: This IS America: with liberty & music for all! Featuring phenomenal performances by Gangstagrass, Eljuri, and The Flying Vees.

This is a celebration of our 250th year with some of the most American music around, as well as a time to urge people to ensure they are registered to vote, they know their polling place and they are accurately informed on the topics.

HeadCount will have information on hand to assist.

Get your tickets today at https://thefallserclub.org/

About the performers:
Gangstagrass – a genre-defying group that brings together two musical traditions born in America: bluegrass and hip-hop – will headline the event. In their hands, banjos, fiddles, beats and rap become part of the same conversation. The result is more than a musical novelty, it is a powerful metaphor for America itself—a country constantly creating something new from the traditions, cultures and experiences of the people who call it home.

Gangstagrass has become internationally known for its fusion of bluegrass and hip-hop, including its Emmy-nominated work on the television series Justified. The band's album No Time for Enemies made history by becoming the first album featuring hip-hop MCs to reach #1 on the Billboard bluegrass chart.

Eljuri - Ecuador-born, New York City–bred Latina singer-songwriter and guitarist, Eljuri, whose music blends rock, reggae, Afro-Cuban and global rhythms with bilingual lyrics and an outspoken commitment to social change. Eljuri has made civic engagement a central part of her musical work through her Concerts for Democracy initiatives, using live performances to encourage audiences to recognize and exercise their civic voice. Her work has included partnerships with voter-registration organizations and efforts to engage Latino communities in the democratic process.

The Flying Vees - Philadelphia-area supergroup of four seasoned musicians whose gothic, harmony-driven Americana draws from punk, country and folk, will open the show. The group—Brechyn Chace, Shannon Vasile, Caitlin Ramsey and Hannah Taylor—brings a distinctly female voice and call for empowerment to the evening and was recently named the winner of the 2026 WXPN 24 Hour Songwriting Challenge.

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

Be sure to tune in for our #BestoftheFest episode where we share our top highlights and nextfavbands we discovered from Musikfest 2026

Featured (chronologically) from Musikfest 2026
00:08:22 - Amelia Day
00:13:19 - Rae the Band
00:18:51 - The Flying Vees
00:33:44 - Insun Park & the Generals
00:42:33 - John Hollier & the Rêverie
00:51:54 - Joe Edelmann
01:00:35 - Clover Stieve
01:12:54 - KOSER
01:22:34 - Tabitha Meeks
01:27:28 - TIOGA
01:33:33 - Pretty Jane
01:39:43 - Palmyra
01:45:48 - The Circus Hearts
01:52:38 - Koyal
01:59:32 - Bastard Bearded Irishmen
02:08:27 - Polaroid Fade
02:21:08 - Blair Crimmins & the Hookers

Our 5th annual highlight show and 5th livestreaming from Bonn Place Brewing. Come on down and join in the fun!

We want to hear your Best of the Fest moments and discoveries from this year's festival, so please chat them in during the broadcast or DM them to us.

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

Carbon Leaf has an incredible trajectory to their journey - from forming in college, to exploding on to the scene, to signing with a label, to regaining their independence ... all while building an incredible following of loyal fans who love them.

I was introduced to them by my long time live music buddy John Getty, and finally got to see them perform in 2020. Their music immediately grabs you sonically, and it not let go lyrically. Like a talented bard who's beautifully poetic stories are set to music that is perfectly tuned to the narrative.

John will join me as guest co-host for a chat with lead singer and songwriter of the band Barry Privett, and we'll get the chance to see them peform again this coming Fri 8/21/26 in Allentown, PA.

Carbon Leaf’s Known for its Top 5 triple A radio hits “Life Less Ordinary” and fan-favorite “What About Everything,” the Richmond, VA band first broke out with “The Boxer,” earning a national spotlight as the first unsigned act to perform on the American Music Awards.

Now, more than three decades and 3,500 shows in, Carbon Leaf continues to thrive as a fully independent, self-managed band.

In Sept 2024, they released their 15th studio album: Time is the Playground a 12-song meditation on time, love, and growth, blending nostalgic storytelling with folk-infused indie rock that feels both timeless and immediate—backed, as always, by the band’s tireless touring and unmistakable sense of purpose.

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

2026 marks our 5th annual Musikfest Exordium where we preview “must see” bands, weather predictions, enjoy some live music, and kick things off with “the first part”.

In this last part, we hear from:

• EPAWA Chief Meteorologist Bobby Martrich regarding how the weather is looking from a few days out of the start of things. He's been a pretty good luck charm so far, and he's always got things dialed in
• Organizers of the Musikfest Music Industry Conference Grace Obert and Marissa Guarriello to learn more about the exciting event making its return this year
• Matt Vymazal of The Flying V Poutinerie, as he answers the most important question: Do we have enough potatoes? And then also provides a description of what poutine is, and what to expect from their 2 spots during Musikfest this year
• Legendary Lehigh Valley Entertainment Journalist John Moser who provides some thoughts from the best performances over the years and who he's most looking forward to at this year's Fest
• Northside Sheriff and founder of Underground Music Collective Gerard Longo to report on how preparations are going across both kingdoms of the festival, and whats brewing at UMC

Hope you enjoy the Fest Prep!

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

2026 marks our 5th annual Musikfest Exordium where we preview “must see” bands, weather predictions, enjoy some live music, and kick things off with “the first part”.

In this segment, we "get to the music" and hear phenomenal live performances from two bands who'll be performing during this year's Fest: Atlassian and Bren.

Atlassian Bio

Lehigh Valley local favorites Atlassian formed in the winter of 2015, when Nickolas Kossup and Anthony Belcaro were playing early acoustic versions of their songs. It was then in the spring of 2016 that a fuller version of the band was formed with Keyboardist Brad Murray. The band began to really blossom with the addition of their long-time musical confidant and lead guitarist Aaron Michael Brown of the band Saint Slumber. A fuller sound and visual aesthetic were needed and was finally resurrected when they asked art director and bassist Dave Meyers to help make their vision come alive.

Together Atlassian has been passionately working to create visually striking content, a memorable live show with healthy amounts of improvisation that not only solidifies the band's professional skills but proves they are worthy of the praise they get.

Bren Bio

Bren is a Philadelphia-based artist who weaves together elements of punk, indie-folk, alternative, and post-grunge into a musical tapestry that is all her own. Through her sonically cathartic songs, she shares authentic stories of human experience that resonate at a deep emotional level with her audiences. Her powerful yet nuanced vocal performance takes listeners on a journey from the transcendent and tender to the fierce and feral. And the music behind her is equally dynamic, ranging from massive “wall of sound” guitars and blasting beats to haunting, ethereal acoustic parts and subtle percussion.

After multiple moves in her young adult life, Bren permanently relocated to Philadelphia and recorded her 2023 debut EP “Too Late for Flowers.” Bren lives and breathes the Philly indie scene, performing at numerous venues and sharing bills with both local and national artists. All of these experiences are being poured into her new music, and will culminate in her next record out in 2027.

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

2026 marks our 5th annual Musikfest Exordium where we preview “must see” bands, weather predictions, enjoy some live music, and kick things off with “the first part”.

In this segment, we spend time with ArtsQuest Chief Programming Officer Patrick Brogan to detail our collective "must see" bands and make our case for Best Day of the Fest.

We each individually submit our top 10 bands we are most looking forward to, and it has to be a mix of 4 FestFavBands (meaning those bands who've appeared on our show before) and 6 from the remainder of the line-up. Here's how that tracked:

Patrick's list:
- Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise
- The Dracu-las
- Slingshot Dakota
- Ruby Dear
- Insun Park & the Generals
- Alysha Brilla
- Nicole Atkins
- Lilly Hiatt
- SLAMB
- Emily Brimlow

Phillip's list:
- The Flying Vees
- Blair Crimmins & the Hookers
- John Hollier & the Reverie
- Koyal
- Insun Park & the Generals
- Amelia Day
- Tabitha Meeks
- Palmyra
- Pretty Jane
- Polaroid Fade

David's list:
- The Dracu-las
- Blair Crimmins & the Hookers
- John Hollier & the Reverie
- Mike Lorenz
- Insun Park & the Generals
- Amelia Day
- Coquettish
- Wood Flower
- Nicole Atkins
- Rae the Band

Best Day of the Fest:
Patrick - Thu 8/6 (and also Fri 7/31)
Phillip - Sun 8/2
David - Sat 8/1

We highlight several of the bands above and hope you enjoy!

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

First and foremost, Pepperwine is a groovy, funky, beachy vibe that is producing infectious music and puts on killer live shows.

But they are also some of the kindest, funniest and most supportive humans around. They were the 4th ever interview I did, back when I was co-hosting episodes with George Wacker under Lehigh Valley with Love: Music. They were also part of the first Holiday Spectacular, and then under the Your Next Favorite Band banner, they were the first headliners of our No Planet B Jamboree, and have made various appearances here and there. But never a fully dedicated NextFavBand episode. So tonight, we rectify that!

We'll revisit their personal backstories and journeys to musician-life. We'll also hear about the song writing process, and how the bangers are still being created. And the have a brand new anthem called "MSH" that they debuted at Musikfest last year, and lit stages and earholes on fire.

Rumor has it that they might play an acoustic version of it live during the broadcast! Don't miss it!

Pepperwine Bio

he story of Pepperwine began in the fall of 2010 when a guitar player in a punk band biked over to a local music school and told them he needed vocal lessons. The owner said he had just the teacher in mind - a “bad ass” named Kellie. Now over a decade later, that bad ass teacher and guitar player have produced two 5-song EPs, one 11-song full length LP, various singles, a marriage, and...... PEPPERWINE!!

With just four members and eight hands, Pepperwine uses voice, piano, synthesizer, guitar, bass, and percussion to create hip shaking-rhythms and head-nodding tunes. The music effortlessly blends elements of soul, pop, funk, and rock with Leading Lady Kellie offering a powerful yet sultry vocal cherry on top.

Pepperwine has played over 200 live shows at venues and festivals throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and Delaware. The repertoire continues to grow, the grooves are getting more infectious… stay tuned!

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

I've heard tracks from Love? said the Commander consistently on Dan Drago's 25 O'Clock Pod pretty regularly over the years. And every time it always caught my ear, and tug at my emotions. I suppose that's where the genre label "emo" truly comes from.

At some point, when I heard another one of their brilliant songs, I just said "alright, that's it. I've gotta have them on the show". And reached out to Kate Hall and Chris Bishop and we started to plan for it.

Then they pitched me this great idea - they do this thing called Secret Songs where you can engage with them to use their talents to write a song for something or someone special. You just provide them with the prompts and some key details to include lyrically. So they offered to do that for the show and, if I was down, to have me hear it for the first time live during the broadcast.

Naturally I asked them to write about the show's love and connection to ... Musikfest! Especially with that right around the corner. And so I gave them all the details around the Exordium, the Picks of the Platz, the Aw Shucks corn, the mugs, and so on. Can't wait to take a listen with all of you!

Don't miss this one - you'll love Love? said the Commander!

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

I was able to see Disterbenz (the moniker of Gabrielle Sterbenz) perform live a few years back when she opened for Wheatus and was majorly impressed. She has a powerful voice and a performance that includes looping of her vocals and guitar that really impresses. And the songwriting is stellar - mostly Americana, but really a sound all her own.

You may already know that she is a member of Wheatus as a backing vocalist. But her catalog of solo music is vastly different and worthy of your ears.

We'll hear all about Gabrielle's journey and inspirations as well as her upcoming brand new music about to be released - we get an exclusive early listen to share it with you on the show!

We'll also share a few tracks from her catalog so you can get a full Disterbenz experience. Don't miss it!

Disterbenz

Americana singer-songwriter, Gabrielle Sterbenz, has performed her music in 49 US States, Canada, the UK and EU, and Australia

While writing and recording her own music, she made ends meet as a backing vocalist, with stints on The Tonight Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, as a backing vocalist for Robbie Dupree (Steal Away), and as a sidewoman for Mike Doughty (Soul Coughing).

Gabrielle is currently releasing songs from her second studio album, “Icky Guy,” which she made with producer, Philip A. Jimenez, in Huntington, NY, the very town where she got her start singing.

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

We had the great honor of spending time with Wheatus to learn all about how they achieve their iconic sound.

We had this awesome group of humans on 3 years ago to dive in to their backstory, and we did that on the sidewalk during Wayne Music Fest. One of our fav episodes for sure!

We then hatched the idea to get back together during one of their concerts in Bethlehem to capture their load-in, sound check and performances for our Behind the Sound series.

So tonight we share what we pulled together with frontman Brendan B. Brown, and bandmates Gabrielle Sterbenz and Matthew Milligan to get their additional insights and commentary.

Can't wait to share this one!

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

When we had Lia Menaker on back in October, we had out traditional episode format planned and ready, but a combination of some things going on in her life that were connected to her recent release "I'm Still Here" and a perfect synergy with guest co-host Galen Deery, we ended up just talking about things like heartbreak and hurt, and processing things.

At about 32 mins in to that one, I realized the banter was just too good, and shelved the research and ditched the traditional format and asked Lia if she'd come back on so we could stay with the "concepts" chat.

It was a great episode and so worth checking out, but felt we needed to honor Lia's journey and tell her story so this episode will stay disciplined on that. Like learning about her time at the CDC and how that shaped her worldview.

We'll be joined once again by Galen Deery as guest co-host. Can't wait! Don't miss this one.

Movie "Subject" that Lia scored and spoke about during the episode

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

One of the things we love the most on this show is when an artist grabs two (or more) genres and brings them together brilliantly and just turns your preconceived notions of what to expect in music on it's ear. When we took a listen to Orillia for the first time, we knew we were on a ride down a new road and were going to enjoy every turn.

We're joined by frontman and songwriter Andrew Marczak and his collaborator, harmonizer and partner Peach for a dive in to their backstories and across their music catalog.

Under his moniker Orillia, Andrew Marczak follows the long tradition of folk music's more progressive stewards, commanding audiences with his unique bracing tenor and skeletal arrangements. With 2 albums under his belt, he has toured across the US, Canada, and Europe, and currently resides in Chicago with his partner and collaborator, Peach. His newest record, Fire-Weed, is out now on Far West Records.

I sounds like they'll be able to play something live during the show as well! Can't wait for this one.

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

There's a good chance you've seen Jacob Givens have a hilarious reaction to a killer track from the 90s, and if you haven't ... you should.

He's developed a series of videos that attempt to express what it was like to hear some of the iconic grunge music of the 1990s for the first time and how mind-blowing it was, and we'd never listen to music the same way after.

He also has a similar series of videos called Buried Treasures that look to reconnect everyone to some of the tracks and artists that may have been a little more under-the-radar and possibly forgotten about.

We'll share a handful of each of these shorts, and also hear Jacob's journey as music lover and entertainer - starting from the Midwest, and then chasing the dream to Los Angeles.

He's also a musician, performing in a 90s cover band called Temple of the Dads. And they have a benefit show coming up on Sunday June 14th 2026 at The Regent Theatre in L.A.

Can't wait to geek out grunge style!

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

We've been enjoying the music of KOSER for quite some time now, via Musikfest discovery and the Philly music scene. Koser is the namesake of the band and is the frontwoman with powerhouse performance chops, and a brilliant flair for melody and finding that hook that has you coming back for more.

During last year's Musikfest Daily LIvestreams, the universe did its magic, by having the schedule bring on Koser along with the people behind Soberplatz, and then the magic took over. Koser is herself on a sober journey, celebrating 8 years now.

Richard Liu was at that Daily Livestream last summer as well, and will join as our guest co-host for the episode. He's connected with both ArtsQuest and Sync Recovery and was a driving force behind making Soberplatz happen last year, and it's return again at this year's Musikfest.

KOSER is playing a free show on the Levitt SteelStacks this Friday, June 5th and it's called the Path to Soberplatz, to announce it's return. And they are also performing at Musifkest again this year as well.

This interview is sure to touch on a number of powerful and interesting topics, and it sounds like KOSER might perform live during the broadcast. Please tune in and share your thoughts and questions during the livestream!

Band Bio

KOSER is an alternative rock band known for fusing brooding textures with explosive energy. The group draws from post-punk, grunge, and electronic influences to craft a sound that’s delightfully soulful and sonically rich. Their music balances heavy, cinematic atmospheres with razor-sharp hooks and honest lyricism. Formed in 2022, KOSER is made up of 5 virtuosos whose live shows channel the same energy as their recordings— moody, immersive, and sneakily powerful. Pairs well with Mannequin Pussy, Radiohead, and Hayley Williams.

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

Sometimes you just come across music that makes you feel good. Perfect for those summertime feelz - let's roll in Julez & the Rollerz!

I recently discovered this band and their music and know you will love them. And their videos are amazing! Can't wait to share it all, and to dive in to their backstory.

Don't miss this one!

Band Bio

After spending years cultivating a distinctively glittering fusion of glam-rock swagger, 70s-inspired riffs, and pure, unapologetic girl power, Julez and the Rollerz are turning their passions into anthems for a new generation of rock lovers. The Los Angeles–based quartet, Jules (vocals, guitar), Morgyn Payge (bass), Spark (drums), and Shea Carothers (synth), has created a sound that marries the intensity of stadium rock with the intimacy of a tight-knit sisterhood.

The formation of the band was a series of fortuitous connections. Jules met Shea in 2021 through a mutual friend, while Morgyn joined in 2022 after subbing on bass. Spark was introduced via another connection, jamming with the band during tour prep before officially joining by the end of the tour. Those initial bonds laid the groundwork for a musical and personal connection that’s palpable onstage.

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival

Early in the year 1976, a young musician was seeking a place to perform where people wanted to listen. Frustrated by the spaces where you'd play to a crowd that was otherwise distracted, he sought to find and create an environment where the musician and the audience shared the room and the exchange of energy would be something special.

The owner of what was then the Lehigh Tavern (nowadays known as The Funhouse) mentioned that the doughnut shoppe next door was vacant. And the rest is history ... sonically beautiful history.

That person was Dave Fry and that space became the legendary Godfrey Daniels.

For this episode we honor the legacy of the space and help promote their upcoming Jubilee gala happening on Sat May 23rd to help raise funds for an exciting announcement happening that evening.

Details on the Jubilee gala to celebrate 50 years of Godfrey Daniels

I'm joined by special guest co-hosts Managing Director Ramona LaBarre and Board Member / committe lead for the Jubilee Kate Hughes.

And we have a special pre-recorded interview with co-founder Dave Fry and early performer and volunteer John Gorka, who's gone on to an illustrious career as a singer/songwriter and performer. We explore the founding of the club and how those early years quickly revealed that they built something special.

Please enjoy, consider supporting Godfrey Daniels, and hope to see you at the jubilee!

Text us your thoughts on this episode, and who should be OUR #NextFavBand...

As always, our hope is to bring you "your next favorite band". If you tuned in today because you already knew this musician - thank you very much! We hope that you enjoyed it and would consider following us and subscribing so we can bring you your #nextfavband in the future. And check out https://nextfavband.com/ for our entire catalog of interviews!

If you have a recommendation on who you think OUR next favorite band should be, hit us up on social media (@nextfavband everywhere) or send us an email at nextfavband@stereophiliastudio.com.

Thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp, and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use their music in the show open and close. It makes everything sound so much better!

Let’s catch a live show together soon!

#nextfavband #livemusic #music #musicinterview #musician #singer #guitar #song #newmusic #explorepage #instamusic #bestmusic #musicismylife #musicindustry #musiclife #songwriter #musiclover #musicfestival