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Arkansas music runs deep, and this episode proves it.We sit down with Presley Shipp, the 2026 Arkansas Country Music Awards Young Artist of the Year, and her father, veteran guitarist, songwriter, and producer Michael Shipp, for an unforgettable conversation spanning generations of music.Presley shares what it was like hearing her name called at the Arkansas Country Music Awards, how she's developing her own voice as a songwriter, balancing college with a growing music career, and the artists who inspire her—including Elvis Presley, Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers, and Anne Wilson.Michael takes us behind the scenes of an incredible career that has included working alongside Billy Bob Thornton, friendships with members of ZZ Top, producing music with Johnny Cash, and decades of unforgettable stories from Nashville, Texas, and beyond.We also talk about:• Growing up in a musical family• The evolution of songwriting• Building an independent music career• Family, faith, and mentorship• The future of country musicThe episode wraps up with a live performance of "Burning Bridges," a song written by Presley and Michael together.If you love authentic songwriting, Arkansas music, and behind-the-scenes stories from the music industry, you'll love this conversation.Follow Presley Shipp:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/presleyshippmusicCliff & Susan Website: http://www.cliffandsusan.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7yxaNl9p2bDvlJmygH0EhKShop: https://cliffandsusan.myshopify.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cliffandsusanInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/cliffandsusanTwitter/X: http://www.twitter.com/cliff_and_susan TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@cliffandsusan

In this episode of the Cliff & Susan Podcast, we sit down with award-winning content creator Sarah Heer, the powerhouse behind Arkie Travels, a digital brand showcasing local shops, eats, stays, and outdoor adventures across Arkansas and beyond. With over 350,000 followers across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube—and brand deals with names like Walmart, Academy Sports, Alaska Tourism, and Arkansas Tourism—Sarah shares her journey from accidental content creator to full-time entrepreneur. We dive into: How Sarah grew her following using short-form videoThe power of vertical video and platform algorithmsStrategies for brand partnerships (even starting local!)Monetization, digital products, and AI tools for creatorsTips for musicians to grow their own brand & incomeBuilding content pillars and staying consistentBehind-the-scenes tools & tech she uses every dayThe truth about going viral—and what really matters Whether you're a musician, creator, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with gold on how to build an authentic, sustainable personal brand in the digital age. Learn more about Sarah at Arkie Travels: https://www.arkietravels.com/ Sarah's Courses: https://stan.store/mssarahheer 🎧 Listen now and get inspired to build your own path with purpose and passion.

In this episode of our Cliff & Susan podcast, we welcomed the incredibly talented Matt Wilson. With over 30 years of experience in the music industry, Matt’s journey spans from barrooms to Broadway, where he starred in the first national tour of Movin' Out. As the author of Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, Matt shares 80 lessons that dive deep into building confidence, overcoming fear, and mastering the art of performance. His wisdom offers valuable takeaways not just for musicians, but for anyone facing life’s challenges. Join us as Matt reflects on his diverse experiences in music, including his Broadway performances, the process of writing his book, and his passion for mentoring others. We’ll also explore how faith and resilience have shaped his journey, making this an insightful and inspiring conversation for performers and dreamers alike. Matt Wilson Website: https://mattwilsonband.com/ Book "Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician": https://a.co/d/3dBEMy5 Cliff & Susan Website: http://www.cliffandsusan.live

In this special episode of the Cliff & Susan Podcast, we take you on an unforgettable journey into the world of piano bars with the founders of The Red Piano, Jason Jones and Colin Campbell. Over 20 years ago, these visionary entrepreneurs opened the first Red Piano in the Caribbean on the island of St. Maarten, creating a haven for music lovers and performers alike. Join us as we delve into their inspiring story, exploring the origins of The Red Piano and how it has evolved into a beloved destination for live music now in it's second location, 519 State Street, Santa Barbara, California. Susan shares her journey from dueling pianos to starting her solo piano bar career at The Red Piano in 2011. She thanks Jason and Colin for their pivotal role in her musical path. We discuss the unique atmosphere that makes piano bars so special, the qualities Jason and Colin look for in performers and the enduring appeal of these vibrant venues. Aspiring entrepreneurs will gain valuable insights into what it takes to create a successful piano bar. At the same time, musicians will be inspired to hone their craft and embrace the piano bar show format. Whether you're a music enthusiast, an aspiring musician, or a potential investor, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Tune in to discover why piano bars like The Red Piano are the heartbeat of the live music scene and how you can be part of this exciting world. The Red Piano Website: http://www.theredpiano.com

Cliff & Susan sat down with Ainsley Meldrum in their Little Rock, Arkansas studio. Ainsley started working with the married duo as an intern when they were producing and launching their music festival, Yadaloo Music & Arts Festival, in North Little Rock. This interview follows Ainsley's trajectory from intern to now their Content Coordinator and a student in the Entertainment Industry Department at the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama. Visit Ainsley's website here: ⁠www.ainsleymeldrum.com⁠ More on Cliff & Susan Website: ⁠http://www.cliffandsusan.live⁠  Facebook: ⁠http://www.facebook.com/cliffandsusan⁠  Instagram: ⁠http://www.instagram.com/cliffandsusan⁠  Twitter/X: ⁠http://www.twitter.com/cliff_and_susan⁠  Youtube: ⁠http://www.youtube.com/@cliffandsusan⁠  Tiktok: ⁠http://www.tiktok.com/@cliffandsusan⁠

Join the journey of Cliff & Susan, a dynamic married music duo, in this episode of their podcast. Broadcasting from the heart of their musical adventures in their studio, they delve into the latest updates that have shaped their career, including their creative endeavors in Nashville and Muscle Shoals. Reflecting on their journey, Cliff & Susan express heartfelt gratitude to their fans, acknowledging their role in the duo's growth and inviting listeners to become an integral part of their community. By visiting www.downloadoursong.com, fans gain exclusive access to a free song and an invitation to join Cliff & Susan’s free fan club, which offers giveaways, weekly live chats, and more engaging content. The episode also highlights their exciting partnership with Oaklawn during the eclipse weekend, marking a significant milestone in their journey. Additionally, listeners will get an insider's look into the “Keys to the Weekend” segment with Justin Acri & DJ Williams on 103.7 The Buzz, offering unique insights and entertainment perspectives. Moreover, Cliff & Susan shed light on their Entertainers Academy 12-week bootcamp, designed to inspire and educate upcoming musicians on navigating the complexities of the music industry. The duo also explores the fascinating world of A.I. and technology, discussing its impact on music creation and the industry at large. Tune in to this informative and professionally curated episode, where music meets innovation and becomes part of Cliff & Susan’s ever-growing musical family.

🎙️ Our Cliff & Susan Debut Album Release - A Journey Seven Years in the Making 🌟 BIG NEWS! We're thrilled to announce the release of our debut album, a project that's been years in the making. Join us for an exclusive album release show that you won't want to miss! 🎵 Quick Revisit: Take a trip down memory lane as we revisit how we met and where our musical journey has taken us today. 🎼 Album Inspiration & Finding Our Sound: Discover the themes, experiences, and emotions that fueled our songwriting over the last seven years. We delve into our unique style and how it influenced the songs we chose for this album. 🤔 Why the Wait?: Cliff shares why we took our time to release this album and how it brings everything together for our career. 🎧 Song Selection & Recording Journey: Get an insider's look into our self-produced recording process. From song selection to memorable studio moments, we cover it all. Special shoutout to tracks like "Neon Dreams" and "A Song For Grandad" that hold a special place in our hearts. 🎸 Live Shows & Full Band Creation: Hear about our experiences from past festivals and what we've learned. Compare what you hear in our duo shows versus our full band performances. Plus, get a sneak peek into our big plans for 2024! 🤝 Collaborations & Future Plans: As proud Arkansas artists, we're excited to collaborate with Erin Enderlin and have big plans for single/EP releases into 2024. 📣 Album Release Details: Mark your calendars and stay tuned for Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 for our album release on all streaming platforms. We will aunch our campaign soon to sell our CDs, Vinyls, and more! 🔗 Find Us: Want to keep up with everything Cliff & Susan? Here's how you can stay connected. Website: www.cliffandsusan.live

In this episode, Cliff and Susan talk about their incredible experience on the Huckabee Show – from what it was like being interviewed by Governor Mike Huckabee himself to getting insights into the show’s production. Hear their thoughts and feelings as they prepared for a national audience and how they felt afterward. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how TV works and learn strategies for preparing for big interviews that you can apply to your own career! To watch their appearance on the Huckabee Show, go to www.susanerwin.com/huckabee-show

It's finally here! Our new song, "Fiddle & Keys," dropped on January 20, 2023. We have been so stoked to see the positive response to this signature song we wrote a few years back. It's our story, our performance style, and our production all in one song!   Tune in to this podcast to hear us chat about how we wrote, recorded, and released this song. At the end of this episode, you can hear the song.  Much love and thanks to all who have supported us over the years. - Cliff & Susan www.cliffandsusan.live

Anna Brinker has recently self-released an album, Lessons I've Learned, on all streaming platforms. We love her idea to put out this acoustic project, and in this episode we asked her to share how she did it. She also had a cool marketing approach for the release.  Anna is "A small-town Arkansas girl chasing her dream of playing the Ryman someday."  You can find Anna Brinker's info on her website: www.annabrinker.com

In this episode, we interview Grace Stormont. Cliff and Grace wrote a duet together, "Middle Ground", and it releases on October 28, 2022. We love Grace and her career has wonderful momentum. She has has 10 career nominations with the Arkansas Country Music Awards. She won the 2020 Acoustic Act of the Year and Song of the Year for "On Your Own". She also won 2021 Americana Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for "On Your Own". We are honored to know and work with Grace.  Follow her GRACE STORMONT FACEBOOK

Don't miss out on the chance to join our Entertainers Academy in our beta launch. Listen to this episode to hear what we have up our sleeves! #independentartists #musicbusiness #musicindustry

In this episode, we are excited to share the news of our Entertainers Academy we are launching and providing resources to fellow artists on how to have a profitable and successful music career.  From songwriting and release, to marketing, and what we know to be the greatest way to make money in the music business - doing cover shows. Who wouldn't want to grow your fanbase, travel the world, hone your performance skills all while making a great living.  Listen now and check out our www.instagram.com/cliffandsusan click on the link in bio and follow the resources we have there! Website coming soon:  www.entertainersacademy.com

Mathew Pruss knew Cliff before Susan met him. Susan knew Mathew before Cliff met her. He introduced us! Mathew is the Deputy Director of NAMI Arkansas, and most importantly a dear friend whose mission is to "End The Stigma" of Mental Illness. We sat down with Mathew and told our story then transitioned into mental illness awareness and Susan's struggles with it. Join us in a very candid and open discussion. We'll have you laughing, thinking, and learning why we think it's important to talk about mental health.

Today I [Susan] sat down with Abbie Gunther, a dear friend and rockstar event planner here in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Abbie is the Event Manager with the Arkansas Times, and we chatted about all of the events she has throughout the year. This will give you a behind-the-scenes view of how we plan events. Yadaloo Music & Arts Festival is proud to have worked with the Arkansas Times, and we will be helping promote the upcoming Tacos & Tequila event in North Little Rock on May 12 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.  Abbie is a super-connector, and we are so thankful for her involvement and hard work to bring fun events to our community. Follow her Instagram - www.instagram.com/eventsbyabbie