Interviews
Take a listen to our conversation with various music makers
Brother Elsey - Brady Stablein with Brian Maloney
Sonic Coast curator talks with Brady Stablein of Brother Elsey. Brother Elsey is an indie folk rock band from Detroit, Michigan, formed by three brothers: Brady Stablein (vocals and guitar), Beau Stablein (bass), and Jack Stablein (lead guitar). They are joined by honorary member Dalton Thomas (drums). The band was named in honor of their great-grandfather, Elsey Prater, reflecting their deep family roots in music. The band will release their first official, full lenght album on January 31, 2025. Brady joins Brian to discuss the songwriting process, playing with his brothers and what is in store for the band in 2025.
Jim McCarty (Detroit Wheels/Cactus/The Rockets
Jim McCarty is a renowned guitarist from Detroit, Michigan, who has been an influential figure in rock music since the 1960s. His career spans several notable bands. McCarty first became the lead guitarist for Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels in the mid-1960s. The band had several top 20 hits and was known for their energetic live performances, blending rock and R&B styles. Jim was also a member of Cactus from 1970-1972 - recording three albums with the band. After the Detroit Wheels disbanded, and Jim left Cactus, McCarty co-founded The Rockets in 1972 along with drummer Johnny "Bee" Badanjek3. The Rockets became a successful rock band out of Detroit in the 1970s and early 1980s, scoring a Top 40 hit with their cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Oh Well" in 1979. Jim continues to perform regularly today in the Detroit area. He recently spoke with Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney about his rich history and his plans for - not stopping!
Patty PerShayla With Brian Maloney
Patty PerShayla is a dynamic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan and now living in Nashville, TN. She began her musical journey at a young age, participating in jam sessions and playing piano at her Catholic school. Over time, she transitioned from writing parodies to crafting original songs, eventually embracing a rock 'n' roll identity23. She has released several singles, EP's and albums - including her latest "Sad Girl Apocalypes: bummer songs and ukele adventures. Patty talks with Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney about the new album and her plans for 2025.
Robert Jon of Robert Jon & The Wreck
Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney speaks with Robert Jon or Robert Jon & The Wreck. Robert Jon & The Wreck is a Southern rock band formed in 2011 in Southern California, comprising five talented musicians: Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Espantman (drums, background vocals), Henry James Schneekluth (lead guitar, background vocals), Warren Murrel (bass), and Jake Abernathie (keyboards) 12. The band has gained recognition for their unique blend of Southern rock, drawing inspiration from classic acts like The Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd while infusing their own Californian flair into the genre. The band tours constantly and releases new music nearly every year. Brian talks with leader Robert Jon about the orgins of the band, the heavy tour schedule and what's next in 2025 for the band!
Mike Cooley - Drive By Truckers
Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney speaks with Mike Cooley. Mike Cooley is a prominent figure in the American rock band Drive-By Truckers, known for his guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter roles. He co-founded the band in 1996 alongside Patterson Hood in Athens, Georgia, after previously collaborating in various musical projects, including Adam's House Cat and Virgil Kane
As a member of Drive-By Truckers, Cooley has been integral to the band's sound and identity. He shares songwriting duties with Hood and has penned several notable tracks, including "Marry Me" and "3 Dimes Down." The band's music blends elements of rock, country, and punk, often addressing complex social and political issues26. Over the years, Cooley has remained one of the band's constants amid various lineup changes.
The Drive By Truckers are currently touring to celebrate their landmark album Southern Rock Opera. Brian talks with Mike about that album, the tour and plans for 2025.
Carolyn Striho with Brian Maloney
Carolyn Striho talks with Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney. Carolyn is a prominent singer-songwriter and musician based in Detroit. She is known for her dynamic performances and eclectic musical style. With a career spanning several decades, she has made significant contributions to the music scene, particularly within the punk and rock genres.
She has released several albums, with her most recent work, "Afterthought," nominated for the Grammy Awards First Ballot for Best Rock Album in 201812. Over her career, she has received numerous accolades, including 11 Detroit Music Awards and a Billboard Magazine Award for songwriting.
Warren Haynes with Brian Maloney
Warren Haynes, born on April 6, 1960, in Asheville, North Carolina, is a celebrated American rock and blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. He is best known as a member of the Allman Brothers Band and the founder of Gov't Mule. Haynes has garnered acclaim for his exceptional guitar skills and powerful vocals, becoming a prominent figure in the American music scene since the 1980s. His work spans various genres, reflecting a deep musical versatility, and he has received multiple Grammy Awards for his contributions to music. Warren will drop a new solo album in November 2024 entitled Million Voices Whisper. Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney talks to Warren about his solo work, Gov't Mule, The Allman Brothers, and more.
Jason Singer (Michigander) with Brian Maloney
Jason Singer is an American singer-songwriter and the creative force behind the indie rock project Michigander, which originated in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 2014. As the primary vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Singer has developed a distinctive sound characterized by emotionally charged lyrics and melodic instrumentation. Jason has recently released two excellent singles "Giving Up" and "Breaker Box" which will be included on a new album to be released in early 2025. Jason talks with Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney about the new album, tour, and lessons learned in his career.
Mitch Ryder with Brian Maloney
The legendary Mitch Ryder checks in with Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney about his upcoming Don Was-produced album (November release) and tour. Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, John Mellencamp, and others have all cited Mitch Ryder as a significant influence in their careers. Mitch also talks about his Lou Reed cover of "Rock & Roll" and whether it isn't it better than Lou's version!
Graham Young Michigan Rattlers with Jane Asher
Michigan Rattlers have just released their third album entitled "Waving From A Sea." The band was formed in Petoskey, Michigan. Their self-titled EP had a great reception from No Depression, Rolling Stone, and other industry websites/magazines. The band tours regularly and will soon hit the road this fall to promote their latest release. Sonic Coast curator Jane Asher talks with Michigan Rattlers frontman Graham Young about the new album, tour plans, and opening up for Bob Seger at Pine Knob.
Ryan Jamgotch Electric Moon Studios
Ryan Jamgotch is the owner/operator of Electric Moon Studios in Grand Radips, Michigan. Ryan joined Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney for music and conversation. Ryan's work has been noted and appreciated by numerous musicians and music fans.. His work with Nathan Walton and The Remedy earned him "Album Of The Year" accolades from WYCE-FM (Community Radio in Grand Rapids) in 2023. Ryan is also behind the highly acclaimed Ten Peso Version album "Forward," - which has produced two number-one songs on The Sonic Coast.
Rick Coughlin - Grove Studios with Brian Maloney
Rick Coughlin is a musician, entrepreneur, and supporter of the Michigan music scene. He's also the co-founder of Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, Michigan, a 24/7/365 rehearsal space for musicians that serves the "creative corridor" between Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan. The self-serve studio-booking his highly innovative and long overdue in the music space. Rick talks with Sonic Coast curator, Brian Maloney about Grove Studios and the Michigan music scene in general. You can learn more about Grove Studios at www.GrovesStudios.space.
Luke Winslow-King with Brian Maloney
Luke Winslow-King is a Michigan-born singer/songwriter currently based in Spain. His work is an eclectic mix of Mississippi Delta blues, folk music, traditional jazz, and roots rock and roll. His alchemical songs blend contemporary ideas with styles from bygone eras, producing a sound that is rustic and urbane, elegant, and entirely his own. Luke has just released (July 2024) a new full-length album called "Flash-A-Magic" that has received extensive airplay on The Sonic Coast - including the number one song "Peaches". Sonic Coast curator, Brian Maloney speaks with Luke about his run of Michigan shows, including a stop at the Hoxeyville Music Festival in Michigan the weekend of August 9, 2024
Pat Smillie with Brian Maloney
Pat Smillie is a soulful Detroit singer-songwriter with several albums to his credit. Born and raised in Detroit and spending time in Chicago, Pat's love for the soulful sounds of Detroit and Chicago can be heard in his music. His latest single, "Back In '69," was released in August/2024 and features the legendary Jim McCarty of The Rocks/Mitch Ryder/Detroit Wheels fame. Together, Pat and Jim deliver a straight-on Detriot rock tune. Pat talks with Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney about his new song and what's in the works for more music in 2024!
Sav Madigan/The Accidentals with Brian Maloney
Sav Madigan is one-third of the highly successful group The Accidentals. Sav is a multi-instrumentalist, session musician, engineer, producer, and mega talent. She is currently tourn in Lainey Wilson's band as well.
Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney catches up with Sav to discuss the whirlwind 2024 and the string of Accidentals shows coming up in her home state of Michigan (July 2024).
Verzell with Brian Maloney
Verzell is a singer-songwriter from Detroit, Michigan. Verzell has deep roots in multiple genres of music ( Rock, Pop, Blues, etc.). Thus, his colorful background & signature falsetto inflection make him stand out amongst his musical peers. Key influences include The Rolling Stones, Lenny Kravitz, and Terence Trent D'Arby. His live performances include his band "Verzell & the Ego Trip," with music director At-Will on drums and Ian Griffiths on bass.
Verzell joined Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney to discuss his just released (6/24/24) song "Cursed Man", plans for more releases and more."
The Whiskey Charmers With Jane Asher
The Whiskey Charmers is a Detroit-area-based band comprised of Lawrence Daversa and Carrie Shepard.
The Whiskey Charmers have won several Detroit Music Awards. Their lonesome sound caught the attention of Sony Entertainment and landed them a music placement as the backdrop for a bar scene in the video game Detroit: Become Human (2018), which has sold over eight million copies and introduced their music to new enthusiastic fans around the world.
The Whiskey Charmers talk with Sonic Coast curator Jane Asher about their just-released album Streetlights and upcoming (at the time) album launch at The Ark in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Duane Betts With Brian Maloney
Duane Betts, son of the Allman Brothers Band co-founder, the late Dickey Betts talks with Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney. Duane had just begun the King Crawler Tour with the Allman Betts Band (featuring Devon Allman, son of the late Gregg Allman).
Duane talks about what he learned from his father, making it through the pandemic, his solo album Wild & Precious Life and getting the Allman Betts Band back together.
Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert - Sounds of The Zoo
Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert is the founder, organizer and "do all" for Sounds of The Zoo - a week-long music festival each September in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The Sounds of The Zoo festival features over 50+ bands in one week. Jennifer joins Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney for a discussion about the festival - coming up this year September 23rd- 29th in Kalamazoo. Brian and Jennifer also discuss the fundraiser for Sounds of The Zoo on May 23, 2024 at Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo.
Big Jake - The Bootstrap Boys With Brian Maloney
Big Jake Stilson aka Big Jake Bootstrap - is the leader of Grand Rapids' The Bootstrap Boys. The band has been together nearly a decade but has found recent success with their 2023 album "Hungry And Sober". Several cuts from the album have been played frequently on Michigan's Sonic Coast internet radio station.
Sonic Coas curator Brian Maloney checks in with Big Jake to talk about the success of Hungry And Sober, life on the road, and what's next for the boys.
John Sinkevics With Brian Maloney
John Sinkevics is the Editor/Publisher of LocalSpins.com - an extensive online source for all things Michigan music. John is also the President of The Michigan Music Alliance.
John joins Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney for a discussion about he explosive (continued) growth of the Grand Rapids music scene. It's been growing and going for quite some time - and John has covered it all. John shares his insights as to why Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo has become such an important region when it comes to musical talent in the state of Michigan. John also discusses the upcoming Local Spins Fest (May 2024) with an all-star line-up of local talent!
Sage Castleberry With Brian Maloney
Sage Castleberry is a singer-songwriter from Battle Creek, Michigan, USA. Once a lover of hair bands/80's rock - Sage gravitated to what he calls "pop country". With a rich musical background in his family history - Sage following his dreams to be a songwriter & performer. Sage discusses his new music and upcoming Singers In The Round tour in Michigan that kicks off in April 2024
Detroit Singer-Songwriter Mike Ward With Brian Maloney
Detroit singer-songwriter Mike Ward is known for his lyrically-centric vocally-charged folk songs. While growing up in Port Huron, Michigan, he listened to the Irish music of his heritage. He sang in several choirs before digesting the influential sounds of Simon & Garfunkel, Dylan, Springsteen, and John Prine. These days, he finds inspiration in the works of Jason Isbell, Sarah Jarosz, and Scott Cook. His intimate songwriting echoes through empty city streets, backcountry roads, and family portraits. It also resides in the hidden spaces between joy and tragedy, love and loss.
Mike talks with Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney about his influences, upcoming shows (April 2024) and his 2023 release "Love Never Rests".
Julianne Ankley with Jane Asher
Julianne Ankley's soulful Americana, Blue Country, and Roots style hails from a small Michigan border town close to the shore of Lake Huron and within earshot of Detroit's musical influences.
With fourteen Detroit Music Awards, Julianne Ankley has been writing heartfelt songs and delivering electric performances for years. To date she has released 4 solo albums and 4 singles. Her songs have been used on national television (WXYZ ABC) for the annual “Woodward Dream Cruise” special, she performed live on the nationally televised “America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (WDIV NBC), and by HomeAid of America for PSA campaigns to raise funds for housing the homeless. Julianne tours nationally as a performer/speaker and splits her time between writing and recording in Nashville and her home in Michigan.
Julianne joined The Sonic Coast's Jane Asher to discuss her new release (Spring 2024) - "What Makes You Dance".
Marshall Crenshaw with Brian Maloney
Marshall Crenshaw is an acclaimed singer-songwriter known for his distinctive voice and timeless melodies. Marshall is a Michigan musical treasure. With his knack for crafting catchy pop-rock tunes infused with heartfelt lyrics, Crenshaw has garnered a loyal following over the years. Marshall is currently on tour celebrating "over 40 years in show business with two stops in his Michigan home state. Marshall joins Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney for a conversation before his Michigan shows in Mt. Brighton and Grand Rapids (March 2024).
Dan Tillery With Jane Asher
Dan Tillery is a singer-songwriter from the Detroit, Michigan, USA area. Dan has been performing music on a professional level since 2010 and has had a strong connection with music since his adolescence. Dan as multiple multiple albums and singles on iTunes, Soundcloud, Amazon, Google Play, Band Camp, etc. Dan has played sold-out shows, is a previous winner of the Battle of the Bands competition, former Ernie Ball Warp Tour Contest winner, WB Channel Christmas Song competition winner, and was accepted to America's Got Talent before deciding to go another direction. Dan speaks with Sonic Coast's Jane Asher. They discuss Dan's challenge in 2024 to put out a record number of new tunes, become a better person, and put the past behind him
Mark Jewett With Brian Maloney
Mark Jewett is an accomplished singer/songwriter from Michigan, United States. He has released three full-length albums, including the 2021 release Lucky One. In 2024, Mark Jewett released the single "Too Fast" featuring Michigan's "The Accidentals" guesting on the track. Mark speaks with Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney to discuss the new single and his upcoming performances on the Singers In The Round tour with stops in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo, Michigan. The interview originally aired on The Sonic Coast on March 4, 2024.
Judy Banker With Brian Maloney
Michigan's Judy Banker released her 4th album, Bona Fide, in November of 2023. Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney discusses Bona Fide with Judy, her previous albums, producing records with her son, and more. Judy participated in the Singers In The Round tour in February of 2024; Brian and Judy discussed playing in a "different" space.
Michigan Rattlers/Graham Young With Brian Maloney
Sonic Coast's Michigan Music Curator Brian Maloney is joined by Graham Young (guitar/vocals) for the Michigan-based Michigan Rattlers band. Brian and Graham discuss a 2023 look back, what's in store for the band in 2024, and their performance at the 2024 Ann Arbor Folk Festival to benefit The Ark in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Devon Gilfillian With Jane Asher
Sonic Coast's Jane Asher talks with singer/songwriter Devon Gilfillian about his tremendous success in 2023 and what's in store for Devon in 2024. Devon is performing at the 47th Annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival to benefit The Ark on January 26, 2024.
Joe Hertler/Rainbow Seekers With Brian Maloney
Joe Hertler is the leader of Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers - a Michigan-based band. From Joe Hertler's website: "Joe Hertler splashes through lyrical puddles of golden rain, leaving his audience wearing flowery crowns and bubbling smiles. A ride on the Rainbow will take you across the mountains of Motown, through the avenues of folk, over the archipelagos of Americana, and last, a funky firth, where only the fiercest of friendships can be found. Joe Hertler and The Rainbow Seekers have an infectious energy. Joe discusses recording their upcoming live album with three nights at Michigan's 20 Front Street, 2024 plans, and his Michigan roots.
Alison Albrecht With Jane Asher
Sonic Coast curator Jane Asher talks with Michigan's Alison Albrecht. Combining the likes of pop, folk, and soul with insightful songwriting, Detroit metro native, now LA-based Alison Albrecht consistently captivates audiences from concert venues to living rooms. She talks with Jane about her experience on NBC's The Voice (team Reba) and future plans!
Ironwood With Brian Maloney
Ironwood is a husband/wife acoustic duo from Michigan that is heavily inspired by Celtic and American folk music - often with a twist! Anna sings lead vocals and plays fiddle and mandoline, while Mark rocks the acoustic guitar and electric bass. Sonic Coast's Brian Maloney talks with the duo about their husband/wife venture and what's in store for 2024.
Karley Davidson with Jane Asher
Sonic Coast curator Jane Asher speaks with Karley Davidson - a passionate acoustic pop musician whos love for connecting with people through music has led to a captivating blend of influences. Karley travels full-time in a pink schoool bus tiny home, with her wife and three dogs. Jane and Karley disccuss life on the road and the musical process.
Abe Abraham with Jane Asher
Abe Abraham is a Detroit, Michigan-based singer and songwriter. Abe can write some songs - he'll often go on a songwriting binge. Abe talks with Sonic Coast curator Jane Asher about his songwriting process, including writing the song "Where the Skies Are Blue," which was subsequently recorded by The Lumineers for their #1 album, Cleopatra.
Katelynn Corll with Brian Maloney
Katelynn Corll is a Michigan-based multi-instrumentalist and woodburning artist. Katelynn plays drums in the Michigan/Nashville-based group The Accidentals, with guest spots on many tours/albums and more. Katelynn recently spent time with Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney to discuss her current projects.
Frank Grimaldi / Slowfoot with Brian Maloney
Frank Grimaldi is the frontman for Detroit's Slowfoot and talks with Sonic Coast's Brian Maloney. Slowfoot is straight on Detroit Rock & Roll. Frank talks about the release of Slowfoot's debut album in December 2022, the band's influences, and how the stop/starts of Covid prolonged the recording process of their debut album "Something Good". Frank also speaks about performing solo on 12/22 for a special benefit concert with The Gasoline Gypsies to benefit Habitat For Humanity - Detroit.
Jason Singer/Michigander with Jane Asher
Jason Singer of Michigander (from Midland, MI) is on a tear in 2023. His new EP, "It Will Never Be The Same," has yielded substantial airplay at The Sonic Coast and nationally. Jason talks with Jane about his influences, living on the road, and rebounding from a tragic accident while filming the video for his song Superglue.
The Gasoline Gypsies With Brian Maloney
Sonic Coast curator Brian catches up with the Gasoline Gypsies a few hours before they step on stage in Detroit with Myron Elkins. The conversation includes the loyal, dedicated fans the Gypsies have, Wheatland memories and the Home For The Holiday's Christmas Show on 12/22/23
Myron Elkins With Jane Asher
Sonic Coast curator Jane Asher speaks with Michigan's very own Myron Elkins. Myron discussed his new album Factories, Farms And Amphetamines. Myron discusses his influences, producer David Cobb and meeting Mavis Staples!
Elderly Instruments CEO Lillian Werbin
Elderly Instruments, based in Lansing, Michigan, was named Small Business of The Year in the United States by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Sonic Coast curator Brian Maloney talks with Elderly Instruments CEO Lillian Werbin about the big honor. Lillian shares her advice for small businesses just starting and establishing small businesses.
Desmond Jones / Isaac Berkowitz
Sonic Coast Curator Brian chats with Isaac Berkowitz (guitar/vocals) of Desmond Jones. Based in Grand Rapids, Desmond Jones has been together for over 11 years and performed over 800 shows. Brian and Isaac discuss the five Michigan dates Desmond Jones has to finish off 2023 and what's in store for Desmond Jones in 2024.
Josh Clemens / Strange Heart
Josh Clemens does vocals/guitar for Detroit's Strange Heart. When we launched Sonic Coast in September of 2023, Strange Heart came on our radar fast, and their song "Brand New Lover" reached #1 within two weeks on The Sonic Coast. Josh joined us to discuss that song and their latest release, "Love Letters." Josh discusses how the new song came about and the fun of playing with an eight-piece band at times!
Greg St. James / Radio Cobra Detroit
If you grew up in the Detroit area, the name (and voice of) Greg St. James is likely familiar. Greg was a DJ at legendary Detroit rock stations WABX, WLLZ, WRIF, WLLZ, and the FOUNDER of the legendary 89X. Greg has launched a new online radio station called Radio Cobra Detroit. Like Sonic Coast, Radio Cobra Detroit is a LOCAL internet "radio station". Sonic Coast's Brian Maloney discusses the explosive growth of local internet radio, particularly in Michigan.
Jacob Betts / The American Hotel System
Jacob Betts of The American Hotel System joins Sonic Coast music curator Brian Maloney. The American Hotel System is a rock band based in Grand Rapids, Michigan that has just released a new EP entitled Can You Hear It. Jacob discusses the bands' formation, winning a national contest and the excitement around their latest release.