Cody Duncum is a director and cinematographer working out of Nashville. His latest effort, a short film called Where the Bullets Go, has been busy on the film festival circuit, with official selections at the The Appalachian Film Festival, Filmfort, the Oxford Film Festival, IFF Boston, and more. An in-demand cinematographer, he’s worked behind the…

I speak with singer-songwriter Abigail Rose on the heels of her widely acclaimed debut EP Surprise Valley, about why she had to leave the comfort of her hometown in order to discover her artistic identity. We compare notes: I experienced a similar freedom of reinvention when I moved to Nashville almost twenty years ago. We discuss the perils and re…

I speak with singer-songwriter and mixed media artist Andrew Combs on the eve of his first solo gallery show (at Julia Martin Gallery in Nashville) about what it means to him in the context of a career spent largely in song and on stage. From touring with Kacey Musgraves to performing a set on perhaps the greatest taste-making venue ever — Tiny Des…

A great listen for anyone interested in the publishing game in its current iteration. I speak with the Editorial Director of Lake Union, an imprint of Amazon that publishes more than 80 titles a year, generating more than $40 million in yearly revenue. In her influential capacity, Danielle as been responsible for some of the biggest success stories…

I talk with three-time grammy winner, multi-instrumental singer songwriter, winner of numerous Native American Music Awards, and acclaimed painter, Bill Miller. Born on the Stockbridge-Munsee Reservation in northern Wisconsin, his big break came when Tori Amos discovered his music and invited him to open her tour for the Under the Pink album. They …

I talk with Grammy award-winning guitarist and singer Chris “Critter” Eldridge. A regular collaborator of Julian Lage’s, Critter has lent his talents to Paul Simon, Justin Timberlake, T-Bone Burnett, Fiona Apple, The War and Treaty and more. We discuss the necessity of discomfort as a prerequisite for growth, and how raising a daughter has opened u…

I talk with grammy and Emmy-award winning songwriter Drew Ramsey about the challenges and rewards of co-writing songs, which occasionally become hit songs. In this, Drew has decades of experience — his countless collaborations include India.Arie, John Legend, Jonny Lang, and Marc Broussard — and in his capacity as a songwriting professor at Belmont…

I speak with singer songwriter Robby Hecht about all things indie-folksinger. He's been making and releasing music since before Spotify was a thing, and in addition to being a multi-award-winning songwriter, his songs have been recorded by more than 60 artists. Robby is currently in the process of releasing his latest album “Not a Number” and he ju…

I speak with hit songwriter and producer Barry Dean, who, with four #1 hits, many singles, and countless cuts, somehow manages to act like an earnest kid grateful for the chance to take his shot. His songs have been recorded by Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, Alison Krauss, Jon Pardi, Ingrid Michaelson, Brothers Osbourne, and many, many ot…

I speak with Alex Berger, Founder and Creative Director of Nashville-based creative agency Weird Candy. He's shepherded the visual translation of artists like The Critical and Yot Club as well as tastemaker labels like War Buddha and 3 Sirens. We kick off this conversation with Alex offering a impromptu brand appraisal of... me. And with that we ju…

Korby speaks with producer, songwriter and artist Lamont Coleman about his evolution from being an in-demand beatmaker and producer in the NYC hip hop scene to writing with country artists on music row. Lamont was an instrumental collaborator on the hit “Sweetest Girl Dollar Bill” feat Wyclef Jean, Akon, Lil Wayne, but traded the hip hop lifestyle …

Korby speaks with artist, songwriter and guitar player Boo Ray about the realities of maintaining a heavy tour schedule in a post-covid landscape, and how ‘the polaroid of the thing is sometimes more interesting than the thing itself.” A much-loved figure of the East Nashville Scene, Boo’s band gets out and plays often. We talk about the spiritual …

Korby speaks with Todd Sherwood, owner and talent booker of The 5 Spot, about the glory and heartache of running a Nashville institution for nearly twenty years. Since taking over in 2007 in his mid twenties, Sherwood has hosted more than 50,000 shows. In this insightful and often hilarious conversation, he talks about the history of the 5 Spot, so…

It’s a Valentines Day special y’all. Korby speaks with Nashville actor, producer, casting director and life partner Randa Newman. In addition to her appearances on TV shows like NBC’s 'Young Rock' and The CW’s 'Walker', Randa also produced our Morse Code TV pilot, for which this podcast is named. We talk about the weird joy it is to work and live t…

Korby speaks with East Nashville based singer-songwriter Lauren Morrow about the roller coaster reality of making a life in music, one song at a time. Lauren is the former lead singer of Atlanta’s Whiskey Gentry and now the solo artist of 2023’s EP People Talk. They talk about the fraught waters of self-promotion in a landscape dominated by social …

Korby speaks with collaborative writer and editor Shannon Lee Miller, whose numerous projects have gone on to become national bestsellers and garnered praise from celebrated authors including Elizabeth Gilbert, Glennon Doyle, and Cheryl Strayed. Korby met Shannon ten years ago as a Nashville singer-songwriter. They talk about her pivot from music t…

Korby met singer songwriter Abigayle Kompst when they both competed at a song contest at the Wildflower Music Festival in Texas in Spring 2023. A compelling performer and collaboratively-minded writer, Abigayle provides a valuable glimpse into the world of a young singer songwriter negotiating life and creativity in a landscape crowded with content…

Korby speaks with actor and spoken word artist James Kyson. Best known for his role in NBC’s Heroes, James has more than 100 appearances in TV and film. Here he shares the many aspects of maintaining a successful acting career across decades, including auditioning for new roles, playing to camera in various situations, the value of a positive attit…

Korby speaks with bassist and friend Anton Nesbitt about his evolving path through music and life, how, in spite of demand, he chose against a career outside that of a full time session player, how marriage and starting a family changed relationship to his career, and how he is instilling in his kids the values he holds most dear. “As a man thinket…

Korby speaks with writer and actor Julian Vaca, author of YA novel The Memory Index (nominated for an It List Book Award in 2023), about the surviving and thriving in the modern marketplace. As a father of four, Julian also talks about maintaining a productive writing schedule in real life, and how he uses social media without betraying himself. Ko…

Special episode! Korby met twin brothers Nathan and Jud Epting when they randomly showed up in front of his house in East Nashville, set up their easels and started painting the truck parked out front. They’ve since become good friends. Here they discuss the parallels between plein air painting and musical performance, the challenge of knowing what…

Korby speaks with author and Porch Writer’s Collective Co-Founder Katie McDougall about her journey in creative writing and education. They talk about the challenge of knowing when to publish, how reading makes you more empathetic, what’s going on with the Porch these days, and more. Get full access to The Morse Code at korby.substack.com/subscribe…

Korby speaks with John Strohm, a musician, songwriter, attorney and former label head who has been involved in music for more than 4 decades, from playing guitar for the Lemonheads to serving as president of Rounder Records. Along the way he's worked with a hit list of influential artists: Bon Iver, The Civil Wars, Phoebe Bridger, The Alabama Shake…

Korby speaks with director, writer, actor and producer Travis Nicholson about his journey through film and storytelling, from starting his career by crashing the cast party of Oh Brother Where Art Thou through his work on Still the King, a TV show he co-created starring Billy Ray Cyrus (and himself), that ran for 2 seasons on network TV. Travis als…

Korby speaks with singer-songwriter Jill Andrews about her musical evolution — from fronting the Everybodyfields through her successful run writing songs for TV to touring as a mom on the release of her new album Modern Age. Plus she plays three songs live in our studio! Get full access to The Morse Code at korby.substack.com/subscribe…

Korby speaks with composer, producer, songwriter and musician Tim Lauer, one of the most prolific - and adaptive- creatives working in Nashville today. As a keyboardist he's played on hundreds of studio albums, from Taylor Swift to Insane Clown Posse. Ten years ago he pivoted to television, where he has since produced more than 200 cast recording f…

Korby speaks with writer, editor, publishing consultant and WriterFest creator Ami McConnell about her long experience in acquisitions at a traditional publisher and creating opportunities for writers in a crowded market. Get full access to The Morse Code at korby.substack.com/subscribeBy Korby Lenker

Korby speaks with guitarist, songwriter, and band leader Adam Levy about his ‘joy on fire’ approach to improvisation, collaborations with Norah Jones and Tracy Chapman, and growing up as the grandson of a TV composer in LA. Plus he plays a couple songs live in our studio! Get full access to The Morse Code at korby.substack.com/subscribe…

Korby speaks with acclaimed singer-songwriter Liz Longley about her uniquely dedicated fan base and how it led to an extraordinary kickstarter journey. Plus she plays 3 songs live in our studio! Get full access to The Morse Code at korby.substack.com/subscribeBy Korby Lenker

Korby speaks with artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist Joe Pisapia about now or never moments in an artist’s career and the value of leaping into the unknown. Plus Joe plays 3 songs! Get full access to The Morse Code at korby.substack.com/subscribeBy Korby Lenker

What we're doing here, and why. Get full access to The Morse Code at korby.substack.com/subscribeBy Korby Lenker

Kyle Cox sits down with me to discuss incorporating parenthood into his music career, how to manage relationships, and the importance of a good night’s sleep. We also spend a lot of time discussing what it’s like to focus on booking “the right shows. And he’s got a new record coming out this month, and I’ll premiere a little bit of a tune from that…

Dan Rodriguez has built a solid career on his own terms and knows the importance of stick-to-itiveness, patience, and perseverance. I loved sitting down and talking to Dan, and left the conversation feeling inspired, invigorated, and invincible. Hope you get something out of it, too. Connect with Dan: www.danrodriguezmusic.com Become a Patron of Th…

Hey hey! So I had the joy and privilege of sitting down and chatting with my buddy Steven Dunn on *his* podcast, Picking and Percolating. Listen to the tables being turned on me and get inside my head a little bit on this special episode of TSDHAPT. Keep up with Steven Dunn: http://www.steven-dunn.com Become a Patron of The Slow Drag www.patreon.co…

Korby Lenker really taken living a creative life into his own hands. Listen in as this author, musician, screenwriter, and actor (and more!) shares his journey and philosophies on earning a living through ongoing and varied creative ventures. Become a Patron of Korby Lenker: www.patreon.com/korbylenker Check out 'Morse Code' Become a patron of The …

Had a kickass conversation with local Jack of All Trades, Andrew Leahey. Come hear about how it's important to be multifaceted in the music world, where the good coffee in Nashville is, and how "getting it right" can, and should, be a constantly-moving target. Connect with Andrew: http://andrewleaheymusic.com/ Connect with The Slow Drag and Become …

Wowie wow wow is this a great episode. I left my conversation with creative powerhouse Alex Wong feeling inspired, energized, and with some new tools in my own creative arsenal. Alex is also on Patreon and I highly recommend you check his stuff out and support him. You won't be disappointed. Connect with Alex: www.alexwongsounds.com Alex on Patreon…

Hey Hey! Got another two-parter here for ya featuring my buddy Trevor Larkin. I was so happy to have Trevor on the show because he's got his feet firmly planted in two camps right now: one, as the guitar player for the Allen Stone band, a well-established project enjoying a level of success that many dream of achieving, and the other in Climb The S…

Hey Hey! Got another two-parter here for ya featuring my buddy Trevor Larkin. I was so happy to have Trevor on the show because he's got his feet firmly planted in two camps right now: one, as the guitar player for the Allen Stone band, a well-established project enjoying a level of success that many dream of achieving, and the other in Climb The S…

Another great musician from Tune Squad studios, Greg Herndon joins me today on the podcast. Greg is just about the coolest keys player in town, and I'm happy to report that he's also now putting out his own original music as well. Come get some matter-or-fact perspective on what it's like being a hired-gun musician in town and why it's important to…

Clark Singleton is a master musician who's shared the stage and studio with countless musicians, including The Slow Drag. His fingers are magic, and his head is on straight. Learn a bit about self-care, stick-to-itiveness, and how to be ready to answer when opportunity knocks. Also, if you like the bass, check out Clark's videos (linked below) and …

Anthony Simpkins is a local and international folk hero, not for the music he makes, but rather the music he celebrates. For 7 years, he’s been running Gems on VHS, a youtube channel dedicated to bringing you high-quality video content featuring obscure talent. Support The Slow Drag on Patreon: www.patreon.com/theslowdrag Watch the Gems on VHS vids…

Danika Holmes has a success story for the ages. After watching her life fall apart, she decided to reinvent her future and make music a big big part of it. Over the past several years, she and her husband Jeb have built an undeniable career as traveling musicians. In this episode, we talk about finding opportunity in the face of tragedy, why animal…

Steve Everett has a contagious positive energy and a deep-rooted independent nature. I love how he starts this interview off with a story of personal triumph and perseverance, then goes on to extol the virtues of building a community of fans and focusing on them. Balancing business and personal endeavors can be a major challenge, but Steve does it …

Steve Everett has a contagious positive energy and a deep-rooted independent nature. I love how he starts this interview off with a story of personal triumph and perseverance, then goes on to extol the virtues of building a community of fans and focusing on them. Balancing business and personal endeavors can be a major challenge, but Steve does it …

If you want to be inspired and challenged to be your best, surround yourself with people like Mike McKee. While many musicians might rest on their laurels once their music provides a living wage, Mike has decided to start at least two new businesses while also touring the country. Mike is an especially good role model for musicians who love to play…

Hey Y'all!JD Eicher is the whole schmagoigle. Ambitious, yet pragmatic, humble yet confident, and so incredibly zen. This conversation, one of my favorite so far, covers how both JD and I found our way to being musicians, and a few things that happened along the way. Truly inspiring. Connect with JD Eicher:www.jdeicher.comConnect with The Slow Drag…

Jenn Grinels is a true force of independent creativity with an amazing tale to tell. Learn the importance of knowing your worth, abandoning your fears, and how to stay out of the daylight when playing. Here's Part Two of our conversation. Support The Slow Drag on Patreon: www.patreon.com/theslowdrag Support Jenn Grinels on Patreon www.patreon.com/j…

Jenn Grinels is a true force of independent creativity with an amazing tale to tell. Learn the importance of knowing your worth, abandoning your fears, and how to stay out of the daylight when playing. We had so much to talk about that is interview is a two parter! Part two comes out next week :) Become a Patron of the Podcast: www.theslowdrag.com …

Wow! What an episode. Amy and I dive deep into her experiences navigating a music career as both an independent artist and a woman. This conversation was both a delight and a learning experience for me. Listen to us talk about how to write songs with your fans, why it's important to continue to develop musical and non-musical skills alike, and how …