Advertise on podcast: Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier

When the Plimsouls song “Million Miles Away” was featured on the Valley Girl movie soundtrack, it brought the band national attention with a song that helps define a generation. Peter Case, one of the founding members of the Plimsouls, continued to write great songs and developed a solo career marked with great story telling, honesty, and a no-frills approach to music. Peter has a BRAND NEW live album out "Live at McCabe's" and it is incredible! We spennd much our talking about the album but venture into topics like songwriting and career longevity.  Peter Case is my guest today- it was really a treat for me to chat with Peter since he has written songs that have been with me since I was about 12 years old. I hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please consider helping me by giving a rating or kind review, and sharing this episode with your friends or on your socials. I do not make money podcasting, nor is it my goal. My purpose is to capture and share the stories of artists. Your ratings, reviews, and shares help that dream become a reality. Thank you from my heart for listening. Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw   Omnis Gloria Christo

Grant Batson is a true artist. He is a musician, songwriter, carpenter, farmer and gifted pipe maker. In a deviation from my typical purely musical guest, Grant and I sat down on a recent afternoon to talk about the art and process of making a smoking pipe by hand. Over our respective favorite tobaccos, Grant and I discussed the ins and out of pipe making, and ventured into other topics like fatherhood, slowing down, pipe culture, and a couple of mutual friends in Phil Keaggy and Malcolm Guite.  The conversation that Grant and I had is one I greatly appreciated. I surprised Grant with an audio message sent for him from Malcolm Guite that served as the nice touch to our chat. To see and purchase one of Grant's beautifully crafted pipes, stop by his website: www.batsonmade.com. You can subscribe to his newsletter to get notification of when new pipes are available, as well as commision a pipe of your desire. A big thank you to Grant for sharing his time and story.  I hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please consider helping me by giving a rating or kind review, and sharing this episode with your friends or on your socials. I do not make money podcasting, nor is it my goal. My purpose is to capture and share the stories of artists. Your ratings, reviews, and shares help that dream become a reality.   Thank you from my heart for listening.   Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw   Omnis Gloria Christo

On a beautiful Spring afternoon, Andrew Peterson hopped of his riding mower, took a break from tending to his homestead in Nashville, and sat down with me for a wonderful conversation about life and songs, Christ and gardening, novels and Toad the Wet Sprocket, The Rabbit Room and Wendell Berry, clarity and mystery in music, and many other topics. Andrew is a multi-faceted artist who is a singer-songwriter, author, and founder of The Rabbit Room, a ministry that fosters the creative arts within the Christian community. His very successful book series, The Wingfeather Saga, has been turned into an animated series on The Angel Network, where Andrew serves as Executive Produces.  This conversation was soul-stirring for me and I believe that fans of Andrew's various projects, and creatives who are not yet familiar with these things, will find this chat inspiring and encouraging. A big thank you to Andrew Peterson for being generous with his time. The Rabbit Room celebrates its 20th year with some wonderful new books and events! To join and support this thriving community, purchase some of its wonderful books etc., click here: https://www.rabbitroom.com/ To keep up with Andrew Peterson's concert dates and the latest happenings with his music and other projects, click here: https://www.andrew-peterson.com/   I hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please consider helping me by giving a rating or kind review, and sharing this episode with your friends or on your socials. I do not make money podcasting, nor is it my goal. My purpose is to capture and share the stories of artists. Your ratings, reviews, and shares help that dream become a reality.   Thank you from my heart for listening.   Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw   Omnis Gloria Christo

The End of America is an incredibly talented trio who No Depression Magazine says is making the best 3-part harmony since Crosby, Still & Nash. These three artists make music individually under their own names, but something magical happens when they weave their voices together in rich and mesmerizing harmony. With a name derived from a Jack Kerouak poem which means going to the edge, to the end of something, Brendon, James and Trevor are proving that indie bands are making some of the best and most authentic music on the planet. It was such a great time getting to know these guys and I'm thankful that they let me include their seminole song, "Canyon," a song written in a tribute to Amy Regan, an artist and friend who passed away at a young age. Support TEOA by swinging by their website store and buying some merch: https://www.theendofamericamusic.com/ Follow them on Insta: http://www.instagram.com/teoamusic Like their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/teoamusic Check out their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/theendofamericamusic To hear Amy Regan sing "Some Kind of Blues," click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVqxn9oH4_c   COPYRIGHT INFORMATION: "Canyon" is written by Brendon Thomas and arranged by Brendon Thomas, James Downes, and Trevor Leonard. Used by permission.    A very special thank you to Facebook for permanently deleting my podcast page with no warning, reason, or means of correction. Your calloused corporate actions mean the world to me. I would not be where I am without you.  I hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please consider helping me by giving a rating or kind review, and sharing this episode with your friends or on your socials. I do not make money podcasting, nor is it my goal. My purpose is to capture and share the stories of artists. Your ratings, reviews, and shares help that dream become a reality. Thank you from my heart for listening. Journey to the Stage Website:https://www.journeytothestage.com/ Insta:https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw   Omnis Gloria Christo

Hunter James of Hunter James and the Titanic and I had a wonderful conversation of his musical journey, along with his band that is creating some of the best indie music today. The band has captured the sound and soul of Laural Canyon where arguably the richest music in American music history was created. Not only do we dig into song discussion and writing, we listen to some of the great music Hunter and his band is making. A big thank you to Hunter for granting permission to include some music!   To keep up with tour dates, buy merch, and get the latest news,  CLICK HERE Follow them on FB here: https://www.facebook.com/HunterJamesandtheTitanic/ Follow them on Instagram here: http://instagram.com/hunterjamesandthetitanic Listen to the band on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6iYsi7aijW4OrRErCLvIR6?si=TqK7a76dTCSjfyfN6MYEqQ Listen to the band on Apple Music here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/hunter-james-and-the-titanic/1447925090 See the bands awesome videos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqsuOw_nm6Q   COPYWRITE INFORMATION "Oh, My" written by Hunter James. Used by permission. "Weekend Holds" written by Hunter James and Lizzy Gogolowski. Clip used by permission.    I hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please consider helping me by giving a rating or kind review, and sharing this episode with your friends or on your socials. I do not make money podcasting, nor is it my goal. My purpose is to capture and share the stories of artists. Your ratings, reviews, and shares help that dream become a reality.   Thank you from my heart for listening.   Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw   Omnis Gloria Christo

Petra is BACK and so is John Schlitt! John sits down with Journey to the Stage to chat about Petra's BRAND NEW album "Hope," their first in over 20 years. John shares about how the idea of the album came about and how it was shaped in the studio. We discuss specific songs and John shares which is his favorite. The reception and Billboard charting, along with the bands plans were among the many other topics we dug into. This is a great chat that end with a game that challenges John's memory of Petra lyrics! To buy "Hope" on CD or vinyl, or other Petra & John Schlitt albums, click here: https://girdermusic.com/collections/petra-hope For Tour dates and Petra news, click here: https://petraband.com/ As mentioned in the podcast, to bring Petra to your town, email Sue Dempster at [email protected] I hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please consider helping me by giving a rating or kind review, and sharing this episode with your friends or on your socials. I do not make money podcasting, nor is it my goal. My purpose is to capture and share the stories of artists. Your ratings, reviews, and shares help that dream become a reality.    Thank you from my heart for listening.  Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

And we're BACK! After a bit of a break I am extatic to be back hosting the podcast that I love! I cannot imagine a better interview to kick things off with again than with this really great chat that I had with Josh Havens, vocalist and songwriter for The Afters.  Two friends met while working as baristas in a Starbucks. They soon discovered some great commonalities- faith, a love for music, and a desire to make music. Soon thereafter, The Afters were born. Since that time, the band has written some of the most popular, anthemic and stirring in all of Christiandom; they have played to packed arenas aroyudn the world sharing the message of God's love and hope. In this wonderful conversation with Josh Havens, we trace the steps of the band's formation, and also his own journey of faith, from his childhood to what keeps him grounded today while spending time on an elevated stage. Josh and I cover a lot of ground and I am deeply grateful to Josh for being generous with is time. And as mentioned in the recording, I am thankful to Buckeye Dan Michaels for reaching out to Josh on my behalf and making this happen. For those returning to Journey to the Stage, thank you for sticking with me through my break.    I hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please consider helping me by giving a rating or kind review, and sharing this episode with your friends or on your socials. I do not make money podcasting, nor is it my goal. My purpose is to capture and share the stories of artists. Your ratings, reviews, and shares help that dream become a reality. Thank you from my heart for listening. Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

Sean McConnell is a wonderfully gifted artist. His songs have been sung by artists like Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Christina Aguilera, Buddy Miller, Rascal Flatts, Plain White T's, Brad Paisley, and others. Behind the songs recorded by these artists, is an songcrafter who is deeply thoughtful and introspective. Combined with his talents, these traits create songs that resonate to the heart and soul, and bring about great interviews.    Sean and I discuss his brilliant new album, "Skin," and so much more. If you are a fan of Sean's music, I believe you will love this interview. If you don't know Sean's music, my guess is that you will once you've listened to this.  To get Sean's tour dates, buy merch, get news updates, click here: https://www.seanmcconnell.com/   I hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please consider helping me by giving a rating or kind review, and sharing this episode with your friends or on your socials. I do not make money podcasting, nor is it my goal. My purpose is to capture and share the stories of artists. Your ratings, reviews, and shares help that dream become a reality.  Thank you from my heart for listening.  Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

In this second and final segment of my interview with White Heart vocalist, Rick, Ric, Rikk, Riq, Ricke, Rhic, Rikcq, Ricque Florian we dig into how the band would painstakingly polish their songs before heading to the studio, and the time Rick didn't want to sing a line from a huge White Heart song. Rick and I talked about how he went from driving a truck for a Michael W. Smith tour to trying out for the band, aided by his friendship with his college buddy, Geoff Moore. We covered other topics and by playing a game to test Rick's recall of White Heart lyrics. Rick was a wonderful and humble guest that is so easy to talk to. I could not be more grateful for the impact of White Heart's music in my life. The band set a high bar musically which I love, but it's the lyrics that touched my heart- so talking to Rick was particularly meaningful to me.  I hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please consider helping me by giving a rating or kind review, and sharing this episode with your friends or on your socials. I do not make money podcasting, nor is it my goal. My purpose is to capture and share the stories of artists. Your ratings, reviews, and shares help that dream become a reality.  Thank you from my heart for listening.  Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

I began listening to White Heart in about 1986, nearly 40 years ago. There is much to love about them. As a fan of well written songs, White Heart has always been in the upper echelon for me. Add top notch musicianship, arranging and production, lyrics that truly touched my soul—add the voice of my guest today, and it’s easy to see why this band meant and means so much to me and so many others. Rick Florian was the lead vocalist for White Heart for 12 years, 8 albums, helped the band reach their pinnacle with his powerful, clean and sincere voice, HIGH energy performance and a heart that loves his Savior. This interview, in some ways, did not go as planned- and I LOVE it. With White Heart keyboardist and vocalist, Mark Gersmehl (or Gersh as his friends call him) making a surprise appearance, I just let the conversation run its course. This was a fun and insightful conversation, that I split into 2 parts. You won’t want to miss part 2 where we play a game to see how well Rick can remember White Heart song lyrics. Part 2 will be released 2 weeks after part 1. - With over 3 million podcasts in existence, being an independent podcaster is VERY challenging, especially for a non-celebrity like me. If you would like to support Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier, please consider supporting on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JourneytotheStage - Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

For decades Fernando Ortega has written and recorded songs and hymns that are filled with profound spiritual truths, great doctrine, that are arranged in beauty and sung with authenticity. I had the pleasure of chatting with Fernando on a Spring afternoon to talk about his latest EP, "For All the Saints," which is a collection of wonderful songs that are congregational in composition and arrangement.  What I most loved about my time in conversation with Fernando, was getting to know him. I found Fernando to be genuine and open. We discuss his upbringing and how the experiences of his childhood have become colors he can paint with today in his music, his journey as a musician, songwriter and singer, and so much more. If you love Fernando's music, I believe you will enjoy this meaningful conversation.  Please share this episode with the Fernando Ortega music lover in your life! A special thank you to Fernando for his time and authenticity.    COPYRIGHT INFORMATION "How Can I Keep From Singing" written by Robert Lowry (music) and Pauline T (lyrics). Arranged and performed by Fernando Ortega. Recording used by exclusive permission.  With over 3 million podcasts in existence, being an independent podcaster is VERY challenging, especially for a non-celebrity like me. If you would like to support Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier, please consider supporting on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JourneytotheStage - Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

Pure Prairie League, along with bands like The Eagles, helped create the Country/Rock blend that launched in the early 1970s. Along with the genre defining hit, "Aimee," Pure Prairie League has cemented its legacy by creating a catalogue of music that has stood the test of time and has built an immensely loyal fan base. PPL is back with its first new album in 20 years with "Back on Track," and it is one heck of an album.  It was a real pleasure to sit down with Pure Prairie League's, Mike Reilly, to talk about the new album, the bands legacy, and the lasting power of a song about a girl named Aimee. If you're a fan of PPL, you will love the new album and this conversation. To get the latest news, check tour dates, and buy the new album, go to https://pureprairieleague.com/   COPYRIGHT INFORMATION "Picture Perfect Life" written Jeff Zona. Used by exclusive permission.  With over 3 million podcasts in existence, being an independent podcaster is VERY challenging, especially for a non-celebrity like me. If you would like to support Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier, please consider supporting on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JourneytotheStage - Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

Jesse Terry is one of those artists that stopped me in my tracks. From the first time I played his new album, "Arcadia," I knew I had stumbled upon a very special artist. Jesse's songwriting is simply incredible- both melodically and lyrically. Add to those things a voice that is beautiful, and you have truly found something special. It was a pleasure to chat one lovely afternoon with Jesse as we talked about his journey as an artist and family man. During our chat we play a wonderful song from "Arcadia" titled "Burn the Boats." It is a standout song on an album full of standouts.  You can listen to "Arcadia" on all streaming platforms. To access Jesse's store, get updates and tour dates, visit https://www.jesseterrymusic.com/ Please consider supporting Jesse on Patreon for as little as $5 a month and getting some GREAT perks at https://www.patreon.com/jesseterry COPYRIGHT INFORMATION "Burn the Boats" written Jesse Terry. Used by exclusive permission.  With over 3 million podcasts in existence, being an independent podcaster is VERY challenging, especially for a non-celebrity like me. If you would like to support Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier, please consider supporting on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JourneytotheStage - Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

There are interviews, and there are interviews. This is a conversation that I will never forget. In this concluding portion of my chat with Russ Taff, we pick up where we left off in part one, where I asked Russ if his 1987 self-titled album was a cry for help.    These two episodes with Russ will go down as one of the most impactful interviews I've ever done. I am thankful for Russ' authenticity and fearlessness. It is a brave man who can open himself up to the world, but Russ' desire to help others outstrips his desire for self-protection and self-preservation.  Russ' incredible new album, "Cover Story," is out NOW! It is available on all the streaming services. To support great artists like Russ, you can purchase a download, CD or vinyl (coming soon!) at www.russtaff.com. If you enjoyed my conversation with Russ Taff, please share it with others who might enjoy it, leave a rating or review, and like or follow wherever you're catching this so you don't miss future releases. Check out my growing list of past interviews and let me know if you have a favorite. Thank you for listening!!   Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

No one in the world has a voice like Russ Taff. With 6 Grammys to his name and more Dove Awards than one could count, Russ has nothing left to prove in the world of music. With all of that success to stand on, Russ has recorded an album that is as real as it gets. "Cover Story" is raw, beautiful and powerful.  Russ and I chatted for almost two hours late Fall 2024 as he began the final stages of producing his new album. What transpired was a conversation that was brutally honest, filled with stories of Russ' past, stories that helped shape the man who Russ is today. In this first of two segments of our conversation, we begin by talking about the new album, which get released on January 31, 2025! Russ and I discuss the brutal childhood he had and the alcoholism he would later battle as an adult. This episode, parts 1 and 2, are filled with hope and redemption. The transparency Russ exhibits has helped countless others have the boldness and freedom they needed in order to open up about their own stories. A big thank you to Russ. We shed some tears together, and laughed together in this episode. Part 2 will be released on Monday February 3, 2025.    Buy a download of "Cover Story" or on vinyl at www.RussTaff.com   With over 3 million podcasts in existence, being an independent podcaster is VERY challenging, especially for a non-celebrity like me. If you would like to support Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier, please consider supporting on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JourneytotheStage - Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo