Episode 178 - Carter Vail

2025 is a big year for 311 frontman Nick Hexum. The band is celebrating the 30th anniversary of their classic self-titled LP, and they’re still recording new songs. Their fourteenth studio album Full Bloom dropped last October.Outside of 311, Hexum has been recording acoustic-based music. He’s released unplugged covers of Billie Eilish’s “Ocean Eyes” and “St. Judy’s Comet” (a tribute to his three daughters) by Paul Simon. This summer, he’ll complete a moon-themed acoustic trilogy that started with Waxing Nostalgic and Full Memories.Much of his recent inspiration comes from the women in his life. His wife Nikki is a Bob Dylan fan, and his daughters serve as a gateway to newer artists like Faye Webster, Chappell Roan, and Sierra Ferrell.In this 200th episode of Jordan and Demi, Hexum looks back on career highlights like “Amber,” collaborating with Ben Kweller, and 311’s pop culture legacy.

Since his breakthrough single “Stand By Me,” Prince Royce has risen to become one of the biggest stars in Latin music. He has more than 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify with hits like “Corazón Sin Cara” and “La Carretera.” He’s also collaborated with icons like Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee, Jennifer Lopez, Mark Anthony, and J. Balvin. On Prince Royce’s latest album, Eterno, the New York City native reinterprets classic pop songs with Spanglish lyrics. The lead single is his take on the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way.” Eterno also includes new versions of hits by Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, and Fleetwood Mac. In this episode, Jordan talks to the superstar about the making of Eterno, as well as his favorite shows and video games. Then Demi interviews rising Colombian artist VALÉ.

Since his breakthrough single “Stand By Me,” Prince Royce has risen to become one of the biggest stars in Latin music. He has more than 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify with hits like “Corazón Sin Cara” and “La Carretera.” He’s also collaborated with icons like Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee, Jennifer Lopez, Mark Anthony, and J. Balvin. On Prince Royce’s latest album, Eterno, the New York City native reinterprets classic pop songs with Spanglish lyrics. The lead single is his take on the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way.” Eterno also includes new versions of hits by Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, and Fleetwood Mac. In this episode, Jordan talks to the superstar about the making of Eterno, as well as his favorite shows and video games. Then Demi interviews rising Colombian artist VALÉ.

The B-52’s are one of the most beloved bands in American pop music. From their early days in Athens, Ga., to their triumphant comeback with Cosmic Thing, they’ve experienced every high and low in the music industry. The new box set The Warner and Reprise Years celebrates the band’s career with nine limited edition LPs.At the core is the trio of vocalists: Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, and Cindy Wilson. They’ve remained close friends through the decades, even when the future of the band was uncertain.In this episode of Jordan and Demi, Jordan Edwards talks to Pierson about the history of the band. “Rock Lobster,” “Love Shack,” and even their version of The Flinstones theme—here are the stories behind The B-52’s biggest hits and the bond formed between a few art school kids who loved to dance.

For more than 30 years, Barenaked Ladies have been fixtures of pop culture.After becoming the biggest band in Canada, they conquered the American charts with their fourth album Stunt. The LP included the no. 1 hit “One Week,” which made them famous around the world. Other hit singles like “It’s All Been Done” and “Pinch Me” followed. And of course, there’s the theme song to The Big Bang Theory.These days, the band is as active as ever. They just dropped an acoustic EP with new versions of songs from their recent album In Flight. Starting June 3, the quartet will kick off a summer tour in Atlanta with support from Sugar Ray and Guster.In this episode of Jordan and Demi, Robertson talks about the band’s career, including the stories behind their biggest hits, as well as his passion for flying.

After more than a decade, Counting Crows are back with a new album. Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets! is their first LP since 2014’s Somewhere Under Wonderland. Across nine tracks, Adam Duritz and the band explore new territory with louder guitars and even a few horns. One thing that hasn’t changed is Duritz’s commitment to intimate storytelling and memorable characters.Known for iconic hits like “Mr. Jones,” “A Long December,” and “Round Here,” Counting Crows are a fixture of pop culture. Everyone knows them now, but frontman Adam Duritz remembers the band initial struggle to break through on radio and TV.Jordan and Demi talk to Duritz about returning to the studio, the story behind “Mr. Jones,” and how he came to write the theme to Shrek 2.

June 27, 2025 will be a date Jenna Davis will remember forever. On that day, the singer and actress will release her debut album as M3GAN 2.0 opens in theaters.At 20 years old, Davis has already become part of pop culture. She’s been a Disney Kid on Raven’s Home, a meme, the voice of a killer doll, and now, a country artist. Despite the early success, she remains a down-to-earth Texas girl who appreciates being in the moment. It may feel like going country has become trendy, but Davis wants people to know that she’s always been country. A descendant of singing cowboy Gene Autry, she grew up listening to Dolly Parton and Shania Twain. Her recent single, “On a Budget,” started as a Kelsea Ballerini demo. In this episode of Jordan and Demi, Davis talks about developing the M3GAN character, her music career, and how she overcame being the “Penny Nickel Dime” Girl.

OK Go’s innovative music videos and catchy power pop have made them into one of America’s most beloved bands. From the backyard dancing of “A Million Ways,” to the legendary treadmill choreography of “Here It Goes Again,” they’ve spent the last two decades as fixtures of pop culture.The band recently dropped their fifth studio album, And the Adjecent Possible, as well as a trippy music video for the single “Love.” On April 24, they’ll start a U.S. Tour. Many dates are already sold out. Considering it’s been over a decade since their last new album, the excitement makes sense. To be fair, Kulash has been raising twins with wife Kristin Gore (yes, that's Al Gore’s daughter). The pair also co-directed The Beanie Bubble for Apple TV+.In this episode of Jordan and Demi, frontman Damian Kulash discusses the new album, fatherhood, and the secrets behind some of their most memorable videos.

Maybe you know Kyle Gordon from his ’90s Eurodance character DJ Crazy Times, or from his more recent videos lampooning Nu Metal and UK Hip-Hop. If you’re on social media, you’ve seen his face.The comedian and musician developed his characters over several years in New York. Raised in the suburbs north of the City, he absorbed 2000s pop culture for what it was: hopeful, ridiculous, and a bit naive.Jordan talks to Gordon about his new album, developing his characters, and building his brand online.

Since his 1984 debut album Valotte, Julian Lennon has maintained his own vision. Sure, he’s the son of John Lennon, but he’s a multidisciplinary artist who’s never pandered to Beatles fans.Lennon recently released his first book of photography, Life’s Fragile Moments, and he’s been making new music. His latest single is a collaboration with longtime friend Gregory Darling. “A New Dream,” reworks a project that’s sat unreleased since 2020. In a conversation with Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos, Lennon and Darling discuss their friendship, Lennon growing up without his father, and how photography became a passion.