Episode 332: Tiny Habits

This amazing trio — Maya Rae, Cinya Kahn and Judah Mayowa — met just a few years ago at Berklee School of Music where they forged an amazing friendship and formed their group, @tinyhabitsoffical — and have since rocketed to incredible heights with their soulful songwriting, confessional-style lyricism and incredible vocal talents. Maya, Cinya and Judah talk to me about what it’s been like on this amazing journey — especially having toured with James Taylor, Gracie Abrams and Noah Kahan – but also the impact of doing all this with their closest friends and bandmates. We also discuss their willingness to lay bare some of their deepest vulnerabilities while also leaning into the comfort of doing so with each other by their side. Tiny Habits is heading out on their second ever headlining tour next week, so make sure to catch them at a venue near you!!================================Chapters:00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg03:45 Why Keepers gets more personal09:24 How songwriting makes vulnerability feel safer12:32 Songs as a continuation of processing and healing15:09 How three perspectives create layered meanings16:13 Writing and singing as a friendship18:14 From Berkeley beginnings to the band’s journey22:39 Surreal milestones and touring with James Taylor25:51 James Taylor’s advice and hands-on approach30:14 Staying present instead of chasing the next milestone34:22 How the trio’s different strengths keep them balanced37:45 Balancing creative freedom with focus40:00 How Cinya bridges different working styles43:35 Tour-bus life, bunk beds, and road routines47:28 Staying grounded on tour: exercise, caffeine, and alone time51:02 Maya’s music-business master’s and finding space to recharge52:53 Why Cinya loves the ending of School of Rock54:22 Singing with Lizzy McAlpine at Tiny Desk57:35 The pressure of recording harmonies and short-form videos59:19 Judah’s perfectionism and knowing when to stop retaking1:02:17 How the Kacey Musgraves collaboration came together1:04:10 “We’re the keepers of each other” and the band’s next chapter1:05:45 Episode Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg================================For more information on Roadcase:https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.comOr contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected] theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Adam Weiner, the frontman of his band Low Cut Connie is on the show this week!! Low Cut Connie’s latest album, Livin in the USA, speaks right to the heart of what Rock and Roll is all about — it proves that protesting and partying are by no means mutually exclusive. I couldn’t agree more, and Adam has good reason to protest the current situation in this country.Adam was one of the first artists to refuse to play Lincoln Center after the current administration took over its leadership. As a result, Adam suffered violent threats resulting in the need for extra personal security, and was called out as a “propagandist” by a prominent public official. Instead of backing away, Adam doubled-down by playing free shows and continuing to speak his mind. The result was his decision to write a powerful Rock and Roll protest album speaking to the current political climate as well as to the injustices and exclusionary policies put in place by those currently in power. Adam chose to stand up for what he believes in, to rally like-minded, music loving fans who stand alongside him, and he’s here on Roadcase to talk to me about his story, his mindset and how he has chosen to move forward.This is a compelling and moving interview about the power of music — of Rock and Roll — and how we can be vigilant and protest peacefully while still doing what makes us feel good, and I’m honored to have Adam on the show.===============================Chapters:00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg05:09 The state of the music industry 07:14 Historical perspective on recorded music and artists' resistance 09:10 The impact of AI and technological advances 11:11 Algorithms as platforms of commerce 13:04 Artist payouts and platform ownership 15:07 The middle class musician's reality 17:14 Focusing on craft and live performance 20:11 The importance of love for the art 23:04 Standing up for social values and activism 25:17 The Kennedy Center controversy and social impact 29:24 The power of music to inspire and unite 33:11 Community work and advocacy organizations 43:00 Hope and resilience in turbulent times 53:11 The role of music in social and political activism 58:11 Rededicating to art and performance 01:03:06 The cultural significance of New Jersey and local history 01:08:09 The band dynamics and live performance energy 01:10:09 Closing thoughts and future plans01:11:35  Episode Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg===============================For more information on Roadcase:https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.comOr contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected] theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I'm happy to welcome Grammy-nominated artists Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig of Lucius to the show!!  For two decades now, Holly and Jess have been crafting their unique vocal skills into an amazing sonic blend which combines into a singular, stunning voice -- an iconic sound that has informed the basis of their one-of-a-kind sound. Holly and Jess are both self-aware and reflective, and they talk to me about their latest challenges, from motherhood, to touring, to what it means to live one's best life. Always seeking to explore new territory, their latest self-titled album explores many of these themes -- and these best of friends share with me their thinking about the future and also reflect upon many of the key landmarks along the way. They're about to embark on a continuation of their History Worth Repeating Tour, a retrospective of their illustrious career documenting through songs and stories that brought them to life.This interview is a fun and wonderful window into these truly unique artists, and I can't wait for you to give this one a listen!! ===============================Chapters:00:00 Show intro with Host Josh Rosenberg02:05 LA roots, Chicago, Cleveland, and the Midwest versus the West Coast05:41 Jess opens up about gallbladder surgery and being back on the mend07:12 Cancelling a show, recovering, and pushing through illness as performers08:14 Performing pregnant, including the National tour and staying onstage late into pregnancy11:15 How pregnancy affected singing, breath, and body mechanics13:03 Why Lucius wanted to create its own sound from the beginning14:57 Writing for months before performing and shaping the band’s identity16:43 How Danny and Pete helped define Lucius’ studio sound18:52 Whether the voices felt instantly right or took time to develop20:28 The dog on the self-titled cover and why they chose it23:15 Parenthood, changing perspective, and writing from a new place25:33 Jess on how having a baby changes creative focus and mental space28:22 Juggling kids, work, and the constant background hum of parenting30:02 Dolly Parton’s death and what she meant to them33:22 Dolly as a songwriter, performer, and force of generosity37:24 How Lucius became such a sought-after collaboration act41:26 Why artists trust Lucius to bring freedom, not just background vocals44:14 Touring with Roger Waters and what that huge production meant47:31 Bringing kids on tour and making family logistics work51:40 How the self-titled album reflects adult life, family, and evolution52:37 The “old tapes” in their heads and how parenting surfaces them54:24 Breaking generational patterns and trying to parent differently58:13 Raising kids in LA, from mountains to ocean to desert1:00:05 Coffee, tea, and the practical realities of parenting life1:01:22 Upcoming shows, the History Worth Repeating tour, and re-recording Wilde Woman1:03:03 Why revisiting Wilde Woman helped shape the self-titled album1:03:40 Episode Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg ===============================For more information on Roadcase:https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.comOr contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected] theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

The 502s frontman, Ed Isola is here this week!! Often referred to as “the happiest band on Earth,” The 502s bring the joyous energy to everything they do and their live shows are raucous celebrations of positivity!!  In this super fun interview, I ask Ed about the nature of the band’s consistent outpouring of good vibes exemplified both onstage and on their most recent studio album, Easy Street, and we discuss that tricky balance between self-belief and self-actualization that can sometimes be so elusive.  Ed is super down-to-earth and exudes gratitude and an upbeat vibe. I learned a ton from exploring all these issues with Ed and I think you will too in listening to this terrific conversation!   =========================================Chapters:00:00 - Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg04:17 - Orlando roots and the hot-weather fan joke05:34 - How Five O Two's got the "happiest band on earth" name08:02 - COVID, social media, and learning to connect with fans online11:16 - The downside of social media and blurred work-life lines13:15 - The Easy Street album concept and title15:01 - Why the band’s name comes from a childhood address16:01 - First European tour sparked by a viral laundry room video18:39 - Ed’s college wrestling background and discovering the banjo20:06 - Early musical influences: Mumford and Sons, the Avetts, and Old Crow23:20 - Where Ed’s positive attitude comes from25:22 - Leaving the bank job and taking music seriously27:28 - Writing songs while working full time and recording early EPs29:12 - The risky move to leave the bank for a Europe tour31:01 - Booking house shows in Europe and crashing on floors33:34 - Seeing Mumford and Sons at the Ryman in 201238:32 - Transitioning back home and getting into music marketing43:20 - The viral Magdalene video and early growth on tour45:42 - Trying different sounds, videos, and live approaches47:20 - More than upbeat songs: emotional range and lyricism51:33 - The band’s energy, stage warmups, and group chemistry52:11 - Why the current lineup works so well together53:47 - Staying mentally grounded with exercise, reminders, and gratitude58:03 - Writing with intention and focusing on process over pressure01:01:15 - Why their look became "beach folk" instead of flannels01:02:33 - The pastel office-style video and bank-era visual callback01:03:30 - Opening for Old Crow Medicine Show at the Ryman01:05:45 - Playing major festivals and seeing fans sing every word01:07:42 - What it feels like when people connect deeply with the songs01:09:43 - Episode wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg=========================================For more information on Roadcase:https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.comOr contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected] theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I’m psyched to welcome back two-time Grammy-nominated @iammaggierose to Roadcase for this special episode!! Maggie is here to celebrate her new album, Half Moon, which was just released on August 14. One of my favorite artists, Maggie’s musical and vocal talents combined with her down-to-earth vibe have earned her a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim —  a sweet story of success given the challenges she faced early in her career when she fought through the Nashville system to have her own authentic voice. Maggie talks to me about the latest challenges of becoming a new mom, and we discuss the many themes she brought to the beautiful story arc reflected on Half Moon. It’s a wonderful and insightful conversation that I’m really excited for you to hear!!  ===================================================00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg03:25 Maggie Rose's musical journey05:45 Challenges for indie artists in Nashville and industry dynamics07:26 Reflecting on Maggie Rose's latest album 'Half Moon'09:19 The importance of album sequencing and storytelling10:24 The importance of live performance and improvisation in music11:33 Motherhood's influence on songwriting and emotional depth13:31 Writing songs before and after Graham's birth15:32 The influence of jam band culture and community16:28 The song 'Gentleman' and themes of gender identity19:25 The journey of authenticity and artistic integrity20:25 Gender disparities in country radio and industry recognition23:22 Social media, authenticity, and self-expression25:19 The art of album sequencing and storytelling28:24 The Nashville music scene and artist support30:27 The moon as a metaphor for self-acceptance and growth33:30 The shift towards artist independence and authenticity35:25 Maggie Rose's journey across genres and collaborations40:26 The significance of live moments and audience connection45:29 The legacy of the Grateful Dead and its cultural impact50:22 The importance of authenticity and artistic integrity55:30 Closing thoughts and Maggie Rose's upcoming performances1:08:30 Episode Wrap Up with Host Josh Rosenberg=========================================For more information on Roadcase:https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.comOr contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected] theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

For this final episode from Lollapalooza, I sat down for a quick chat with Nick Francis and Steve Filippone of Surfing for Daisy!  Childhood friends from Asbury Park, NJ, Nick and Steve have been playing music together since they were kids. As life then happened and they both went separate directions for a bit, they never forgot the keen musical connection they have always shared. They re-formed that connection three years ago, and hence Surfing for Daisy was born. And now they’re continuing to solidify that bond with their highly anticipated sophomore album, Echo the Madness, due out September 25. Nick and Steve talk to me about that shared bond, their musical influences and their individual experiences and adventures that lead them to this point. I love their classic rock vibe and their sheer determination to make this all happen, but most of all, I love how both these guys express their dedication to each other, to the band and to their music!!=======================================Chapters:00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg03:55 - Introducing the band and the Asbury Park vibe04:16 - Growing up in Freehold, New Jersey05:28 - Lifelong friendships and how the band members first connected06:45 - Why “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” fit their live set07:37 - High school bands, bedroom musicians, and early attempts to play together09:15 - Nick’s years in the Navy and how Guam shaped his musicianship11:04 - Finding the band through shared Jersey roots and mutual friends11:46 - Touring for the last few years and building momentum12:18 - Staying independent while assembling a strong team13:14 - Playing shows on little sleep and building endurance on the road13:50 - Musical influences: doo-wop, James Taylor, The Supremes, Zeppelin, and more15:19 - The story behind “Methamphetamine” and writing about addiction16:50 - Jersey directness versus Colorado passive aggression17:35 - The sophomore album and making something more cinematic18:37 - Upcoming shows, including the Basement and Beat Kitchen19:21 - Why there are no September dates and how weddings and life plans fit in21:13 - Episode Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg=======================================For more information on Roadcase:https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.comOr contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected] theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I’m psyched to welcome Easy Honey to Roadcase for Part 3 of my interviews from Lollapalooza which took place in the heart of Chicago a few weekends ago. I sat down with the full band and it was really great to get to know this close-knit group of friends (and brothers)! Easy Honey is Selby Austin, Webster Austin, Darby McGlone and Charlie Holt, and these guys have been absolutely crushing it recently with their Surf Tour on the back of their latest EP, Plaid.Easy Honey’s vibe is reflective of their easy-breezy rock vibe and they’re as chill as you would expect. Originally from Eastern Tennessee with Selby and Darby forming an instant connection in college, they added the two remaining members and relocated to Charleston, SC — and hence their surf-rock and connection to community were officially solidified. Prolific writers, Easy Honey has a deep and unmistakable love for the music, and that authenticity translates to an inclusive and fun-loving onstage vibe which has drawn in fans as they continue to gain popularity.I’m excited to share this special episode with you!!  Don't forget to follow Roadcase and you can visit Roadcase on Instagram, @roadcasepod!! =======================================Chapters:00:00 - Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg03:31 - Introductions at Lolla and first-time festival memories04:36 - Crowd energy, opening the day, and the band’s chill reputation05:43 - Day-one fans and the emotional rush of seeing the gates open07:17 - The Oahu skate park show and how it came together09:04 - Surfing, Charleston roots, and playing in Hawaii and California09:35 - Supporting the Runarounds and the band-meta connection11:14 - Meeting Jackson Browne and why he lived up to the hype13:16 - How Easy Honey started in college in Sewanee, Tennessee14:52 - The “stole Charlie” story and the real version of how the lineup formed15:37 - Why Sewanee’s isolation pushed people toward music, drinking, and hanging out19:08 - Moving to Charleston and why the city fit the band’s vibe21:41 - The Jimmy Buffett toilet story and a funny family connection23:43 - How the “Traffic Jam” performance idea was born from beach traffic25:52 - Why the band keeps ideas simple, repeatable, and authentic instead of forcing history to repeat26:58 - What Charlie listened to growing up and the metal influence at home27:53 - Carter Vail, tour friendships, and the social side of being on the road29:31 - Why the band released a 5-song EP instead of a full album30:38 - Recording in remote Marble, Colorado and building songs as a package31:41 - How the band’s sound has evolved from total spontaneity to more intention and structure33:03 - Who writes lyrics, why writing can get harder, and staying honest in the room34:04 - Surf tour plans, more music, and a return to Chicago later this year34:56 - Episode Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg=======================================For more information on Roadcase:https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.comOr contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected] theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

In this Part 2 of my interviews from Lollapalooza, I’m happy to welcome back SNACKTIME to Roadcase!!  Sam Gellerstein and recent stellar addition on lead vocals, Nico Bryant, sit down with me to talk all about the latest news and developments in the their world. This amazing Funk, Soul, Rock band with a beautiful joyous energy have been spreading the love and good vibes since 2020, when they began playing outdoor shows in their native Philadelphia during the Pandemic Times. Now, with tons of shows behind them, Sam and Nico talk to me about how they’ve been working hard to refine their sound and become more focused. I’ve been following along on this ride for quite a while and their progression has been stunning!  This is a really fun conversation and catch up with some of my favorite people and I can’t wait for you to hear this one!=======================================Chapters:0:00 -- Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg3:57 — Early shows at South by, the band’s evolution, and what’s changed5:02 — Refining the sound and becoming more focused5:47 — Nico explains how he joined the band7:32 — Big audience growth: “who the fuck is that band” to “get me that band right now”8:14 — The band becoming more honest and letting people in9:07 — Nico on performing like it’s the last show of his life9:56 — Sam on being the band’s mouthpiece and force of positivity12:10 — Community and family as the heart of Snack Time14:05 — New record details and working with Justin Lucas15:17 — “Better every single day”15:44 — Looking ahead and remembering the raw early era16:12 — Newport, the main stage moment, and promo opportunities17:14 –– Episode Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg=======================================For more information on Roadcase:https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.comOr contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected] theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Last weekend, Lollapalooza rolled into my front yard in Chicago, and in this Series, I’ll be featuring the interviews I did with a handful of amazing artists playing this giant festival. For this Part 1, I was especially psyched to mark the occasion by first sitting down with my friend, the amazing and inspiring Goldie Boutilier, who’s making her third appearance on the show.Since Goldie’s last interview for Roadcase in December 2024, she has been absolutely crushing it and I couldn’t be happier about her accomplishments. She was recently nominated for a Juno Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year, made her TV debut on the Kelly Clarkson Show, opened for Katy Perry on the European leg of her World Tour late last year, and also had her song “King of Possibilities” featured as the theme song for the Netflix Series “The Hunting Wives.” These are major accomplishments by any measure, but when you understand Goldie’s life story, her continual rise becomes even more impressive.Goldie talks to me about her constant evolution and transformation from a dreamer to a doer, the impact of being a role model for her fans, how owning her trauma and seeing herself in others has made her feel less alone, and we explore how her overcoming doubt and fear to conquer new challenges has made her even stronger. Goldie’s inspiring story is one of survival, resilience, grit, determination and self-belief — and I’m proud to have her on the show once again!!  You can click on the link in the bio to find it. It’s a very special conversation and I cannot wait for you to give it a listen. =======================================Chapters:00:00 - Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg03:55 - Introducing Goldie's inspiring story04:46 - Redefining manifestation through perseverance and resilience05:38 - How two years transformed Goldie's perception of time and achievement06:37 - The practicality behind fashion and persona as part of her healing journey07:38 - Reflecting on her industry milestones: opening for Katy Perry and TV debut09:17 - The evolution from revenge pop to resilient and healing pop music10:51 - The significance of her past struggles and how they inform her artistry11:46 - Connecting with fans through vulnerability and shared trauma13:18 - Using storytelling to impact others and promote healing14:57 - The importance of authenticity versus appearance—navigating fashion and art15:39 - How her persona layers with her genuine self, creating a multi-dimensional artist17:35 - The power of venues like the Troubadour and meaningful fan interactions19:17 - Sharing her long road of recovery and triumph over past hardships21:46 - The role of community and shared experience in her music's reach23:20 - The impact of landmark achievements like opening for major artists and licensing success24:46 - Overcoming doubt and celebrating her success with awards and recognition26:10 - The importance of expressing gratitude to supporting family and community26:48 - Her upcoming album "The Godmother" and its themes of maternal care and spiritual resilience28:42 - The healing power of dance and upbeat music in her new projects29:50 - Reflecting on her alter ego Goldie Montana as a symbol of bravery and transformation31:59 - The extraordinary impact of her song on "The Hunting Wives"33:10 - Experiences touring with Katy Perry and lessons learned from the interaction36:00 - Navigating the challenge of connecting with fans and managing DMs37:31 - The significance of the Troubadour show and its emotional resonance39:06 - The comfort of community and shared understanding with her audience39:56 - Embracing authenticity and the journey from hardship to rainbow-colored resilience41:06 - Episode Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg=======================================For more information on Goldie and tour dates: https://www.goldieenterprises.com/=======================================For more information on Roadcase:https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.comOr contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected] theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

In this final interview from Newport Folk Festival, I sat down with the awesome duo of Casey Gomez Walker and Spencer Tweedy, whose project, Case Oats, is one of my favorite alt-country Chicago bands.Casey and Spencer are a uniquely compelling duo — complementing each other’s talents — both personally and professionally. Case Oats’ most recent album, the critically acclaimed Last Missouri Exit, combines Casey’s keen literary background with Spencer’s knowledge of the craft of songwriting to create a truly groundbreaking album.Spencer, who of course comes from musical family and as he calls it, “a culture of belief,” talks to me about how his own belief in Casey’s ability and strengths pushed them further to even greater heights and allowed them to exceed their goals. This is an inspiring and informative interview with two super intriguing artists who embody a self-belief and fearlessness.=======================================00:00 - Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg03:40 - Introduction to Casey Oats and their origins in Chicago03:51 - Casey’s creative writing background impacts his songwriting04:21 - Transition from writing stories to making an album04:49 - How meeting Spencer encouraged continued music creation05:34 - The culture of belief in making art and its normalization06:30 - Spencer’s journey from unfamiliarity to making records07:12 - Writing songs from short stories and focusing on core truths08:05 - Spencer’s experience of working under pressure and saying yes09:36 - The quick turnaround for their album and embracing fearlessness10:23 - The humility and bravery involved in creative risks11:13 - The story behind "Last Missouri Exit" as a symbolic milestone11:57 - Touring in Europe and favorite venues and cities12:41 - Supporting and collaborating with other Chicago artists13:40 - Family influences, especially their parents' roles in music and industry14:57 - The importance of craft, dedication, and perseverance in songwriting16:19 - The power of expression and meaningful engagement in music17:18 - The significance of "Last Missouri Exit" as a record and personal symbol18:26 - The idea of writing a novel titled "Last Missouri Exit"20:14 - How Casey and Spencer met and began collaborating21:27 - Their early gigs at G Man and the evolution of their band22:25 - Touring highlights in Norway, Madrid, and the UK22:42 - The experience of sold-out shows and the feeling of achievement24:20 - The Chicago music scene’s supportive nature and emerging youth talent25:11 - The importance of community, collaboration, and nurturing future generations26:51 - Their advice on creativity, community, and staying true to oneself27:30 - Episode Wrap-Up with Host Josh Rosenberg=======================================For more information on Roadcase:https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.comOr contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected] theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer