Ben Atkind is back on the Pod on this final installment of my series of interviews from @northlands.live, and I couldn’t be more psyched about this one!! I caught up with Ben on the last day at the amazing Northlands Music & Arts Festival, and it’s a fitting way to end what was a super fun weekend of insane jams, positive vibes and connecting with friends both new and old.

Ben is a well-known and celebrated drummer and simply an awesome human whom I’m honored to call a friend. Ben attended Berklee College of Music and was the drummer in Goose, of which he is a founding member. He has since left that band and moved on to new ventures, namely his new home with the stellar Louisville-based band @houseplantjams, along with his continued involvement in long-time project @elephantproof.

Ben talks to me about the journey that has been his career to date, including his somewhat tumultuous departure from Goose, and how he has now found a place where he is truly happy, doing exactly what he wants to do, and most importantly, doing it with the people he loves.

This is yet another epic interview from an equally epic festival weekend, and you’re not going to want to miss this one!!

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Show Notes:

For more information about Northlands Music & Arts Festival, click here

Click here for Houseplant tour dates

Follow Roadcase on Instagram here: @Roadcasepod

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Road Case and Northlands Festival
02:39 Ben Atkin: Journey from Goose to Houseplant
05:36 The Life of a Touring Musician
08:12 Transitioning to New Projects: Elephant Proof and Houseplant
11:22 The Dynamics of Band Relationships
14:17 Balancing Multiple Musical Endeavors
16:57 The Joy of Live Performance
18:50 Finding Happiness in Music
22:05 The Evolution of Ben's Musical Style
24:51 Plans for Houseplant and Future Tours
27:38 Personal Growth and Industry Insights
29:46 Reflections on Touring and Music Community
32:47 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I’m so psyched to have sat down with Andy Frasco for this second installment of interviews from @northlands.live -- and this one is completely unfiltered, totally fun, and not to be missed!! Andy is super happy these days and riding the momentum right now in the wake of his latest album, Growing Pains. Life is Good in Frasco's World.

Andy and I discuss his commitment to authenticity — and his live shows are a paradigm of getting real. Filled with tons of antics, the music is top-notch with Andy’s band, The U.N., continuing to totally bring it. They come to play and the energy is super infectious.

With Growing Pains, Andy’s unique lyricism is on full display and is filled with heartfelt confessions, life advice and empowering messages — much like his live shows. Andy is a unique, and inspirational artist, yet you never quite know when sh*t might go sideways, and this interview is certainly no exception — in a really great way!!

Show Notes:

For more information about Northlands Music & Arts Festival, click here

Click here for Andy Frasco & The U.N. tour dates

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Andy Frasco and Roadcase Podcast

04:32 The Unfiltered Interview with Andy Frasco

08:55 Growing Pains: The New Album and Self-Production

16:44 The State of the Music Industry

30:58 Challenges Facing Artists Today

39:58 Personal Growth and Authenticity

51:14 The Future of Andy Frasco and His Music

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Follow Roadcase on Instagram here: @Roadcasepod

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

In this first of four episodes from Northlands Music & Arts Festival, I’m super psyched to share two very special interviews. First up, I’m happy to share my chat with festival co-founders Mike Chadinha and Seth McNally along with festival co-owner and co-producer Jen Meyerhardt on the last day of this amazing festival to review the proceedings at the fourth annual installment of this wonderful festival. We talk about it all, from the inherent festival ups and downs to their amazing staff and wonderful patrons that make this Festival one of the best of its class. These folks really do it right, and they talk to me about creating and sustaining this festival and what it all means to them!!

I’m also super psyched to share my interview with Joel Cummins and Ryan Stasik of Umphrey’s McGee, who sat down with me together for a quick update on the state of the UM World in 2025. Lots of changes are happening, and Joel and Ryan talk to me about their collective gratitude for still being able to do what they do, and how their special form of improv continues to make it exciting for them to turn on their fans with their spectacular live shows. They share with me their views on their famous Zeppelin sets to working with new drummer Scotty Zwang, and we even discuss Ryan’s possible reluctance (tbd) to take one for the team and execute a sacrifice bunt when the situation requires one. Ryan remains non-committal on this subject!

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Show Notes:

For more information about Northlands Music & Arts Festival, click here

Click here for Umphrey's McGee tour dates

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

05:36 Interview with Northlands Festival Organizers Mike Chadinha, Seth McNally and Jen Meyerhardt

23:38 Northlands Organizers Interview wrap-up

27:02 Intro to Interview with Joel Cummins and Ryan Stasik of Umphrey's McGee

29:34 Interview with Joel Cummins and Ryan Stasik

52:56 Episode Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

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Follow Roadcase on Instagram here: @Roadcasepod

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I’m so excited to welcome Jake Brownstein to Roadcase this week!! Jake plays shredding guitar for the band Eggy, which has been lighting up stages, and turning on fans with their unique brand of what I like to call “collaborative rock.”

Jake is a super thoughtful and humble artist, who seeks to find joy in the moment, and he talks to me about how being vulnerable and seeking to be true to oneself is the key to living authentically — in both the arts and in one’s personal life.

Together, we explore the origins of the band, and go deep into self-exploration and what it means to really make a difference in people’s lives with music. This is a special interview with a unique artist, and Jake really brings it all for this amazing conversation.

Show notes:

For tour dates and more info on The Wood Brothers, click here

You can find the book "Songwriters on Songwriting" here on Amazon

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg
04:20 Introduction to Eggy and Their Journey
07:19 The Importance of Long-Lasting Relationships in Music
10:18 Growing Up Together: The Band's Origins
13:21 The Evolution of Eggy: From High School to Professional
16:29 The Role of Covers in Eggy's Music
19:31 The Business of Music: Balancing Passion and Professionalism
22:09 Collaborative Spirit: The Dynamics of Playing Together
25:23 Performing with Friends: The Connection with Dogs
28:20 Playing Jerry Garcia's Guitar: A Special Experience
39:24 Finding Your Voice Through Music
41:37 The Evolution of Waiting Game
44:09 Embracing Vulnerability in Performance
46:37 The Pressure of Legacy and Life's Work
53:10 Connecting with Fans and Community
01:00:10 Honoring a Friend Through Music
01:05:37 The Art of Jamming and Live Performance
01:14:40 The Journey Ahead for Eggy
01:14:34 Episode Outro and Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg

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Follow Roadcase on Instagram here: @Roadcasepod

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I’m excited to welcome back Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers as he makes his return to Roadcase for this week’s episode. Oliver is an extraordinary artist with killer guitar chops and a mellow and intentional vibe that, dare I say, exudes Zen-like qualities.

We talk about his life in music, songwriting, and that elusive goal of being and staying “in the moment.” Improv is a big part of Oliver’s art, both in the studio and in a live performance setting, and staying grounded and open to possibilities is at the heart of it. He claims that “the best art happens by accident,” and he talks to me about how that mindset drives his creative direction.

The Wood Brothers have a new album coming out August 1, Puff of Smoke, and are touring all over the country through the summer. Oliver’s second solo album, Fat Cat Silhouette, is out there now for your listening pleasure — it’s a phenomenal work of musical art.

The Wood Brothers are one of my favorites bands, and this is a really awesome conversation with Oliver!! Enjoy!!

Show notes:

For tour dates and more info on The Wood Brothers, click here

You can find the book "Songwriters on Songwriting" here on Amazon

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg
04:00 Welcome Back and Solo Tour Reflections
06:56 The Joy of Intimacy in Solo Performances
09:56 Evolution of the Wood Brothers
12:53 The Art of Spontaneity in Music Creation
15:56 Being Present: The Key to Creativity
19:00 Accidental Artistry and Mindfulness in Music
21:48 The Process of Recording: Analog vs Digital
24:55 Capturing the Vibe: Limitations in Music Production
30:42 Creative Blocks and Common Struggles
31:57 The Art of Challenging Yourself
33:21 Capturing Authenticity in Art
34:50 The Duality of Rock Stardom
35:47 Gratitude for a Slow Rise
36:58 The Mindfulness of Being a Witness
41:07 Interpreting Art and Personal Reflection
43:41 The Role of Accidental Creativity
52:07 Mindfulness in Personal Life
54:17 The Constant Challenge of Life
55:08 Episode Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

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Follow Roadcase on Instagram here: @Roadcasepod

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I’m super happy to have the delightful couple Jackie Berkley and Zach Schmidt of Golden Everything on the show this week!! Both lovely humans and talented artists with separate paths, Zach and Jackie recently formed an amazing alt-country super-duo, and are celebrating their successful debut album together, Sweet Old World, an absolute gorgeous take on folk, country and Americana vibes.

I discuss with Zack and Jackie about how their choices have lead to a healthy outlook in what can be a crazy and difficult world we call the music business. With a new album and a new baby at home, this dynamic couple is making it all happen by building a strong and organic team from the ground up. It’s admirable and inspiring.

Making their combination even more intriguing, Zach is a long-time stalwart on the Nashville music scene. He has two solo albums to his name and his most recent 2021 effort, Raise A Banner, is produced by Sadler Vaden and features The 400 Unit as his stellar backing band.

Zach and Jackie’s origin story is a meet-cute for the ages, and Zach’s story of becoming a songwriter is truly legendary. We all go deep in this fun and engaging conversation, and I can’t wait to share this one with all of you!!

Show Notes:

For more information on Golden Everything and Zack Schmidt as well as tour dates click HERE:

Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg
04:36 – Spring Awakening and New Beginnings
07:36 – Performing at Newport Folk Festival
10:38 – Family Life and New Arrivals
13:31 – Musical Backgrounds and Influences
16:48 – The Journey to Nashville
19:36 – Biking Across America and Songwriting
24:40 – The Journey of a Lifetime
26:38 – The Impact of Music on Life
29:36 – Inspiration from Real-Life Stories
32:48 – Finding Community in Nashville
33:38 – The Magic of Santa's Pub
39:35 – Collaborations and Musical Connections
44:40 – Creating Music Under Pressure
49:09 – The Journey to Collaboration
52:29 – Navigating Parenthood and Music
56:11 – Health Challenges and Resilience
59:29 – Plans for the Future
01:04:36 – The DIY Approach to Music
01:06:37 – Songwriting Through Parenthood
01:09:50 – Episode Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

JJ Julius Son of KALEO is here this week, and I’m super excited to share this one with you!! JJ’s been in the US for over a decade now and proudly celebrates his native Iceland and its vibrant music community. Having grown up on the classic rock albums, JJ has crafted his own anthemic sound, culminating in the vast soundscapes present on his new album, MIXED EMOTIONS.

JJ’s unfiltered and stripped down vibe is super refreshing and we share tons of laughs as he talks to me about his love for live music, Icelandic folk tales and the energy of the live show. Having toured the globe now for the better part of his time in the America, JJ has tons of stories and insights and we go deep into his onstage mindset and how the energy from his fans and his own staunch determination continues to fuel his tank.

This is a fascinating conversation — JJ is a deeply compelling artist with a powerful voice both on and off stage. You’re going to love this one!

Show Notes:

For more information and tour dates click here: KALEO

Chapters:

00:09 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg
03:15 Introduction and Tour Insights
06:14 The Magic of Red Rocks
09:14 Songwriting and Live Performances
12:28 Musical Influences and Background
15:18 Cultural Identity and Roots
18:16 Growing Up in Iceland
21:22 Connection to Nature and Upcoming Projects
23:56 Volcanic Inspirations: The Icelandic Connection
26:07 The Anticipation of New Music
27:05 Dynamic Live Performances
30:02 The Challenges of Touring
32:59 The Energy Exchange in Live Shows
35:36 Emotional Depth in Songwriting
38:15 The Art of Album Creation
40:15 Navigating the Music Industry
42:50 Inspiration from the Past
43:51 The Resilience of Rock Music
47:00 Connecting with Fans and the Energy of Live Performances
50:01 The Evolution of Sonic Qualities in Music
55:59 The Icelandic Music Scene and Its Unique Vibe
57:29 Addressing Gun Control Through Music
1:01:20 Episode Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer