Rolling Stone Music Now

Wolfgang Van Halen talks about The End, the new album from his one-man-band, Mammoth; (reluctantly) discusses his feud with David Lee Roth; confirms that his uncle was planning an Eddie Van Halen tribute tour; and much more in a new interview with host Brian Hiatt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this special bonus episode of Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast, we welcome Gretchen Wilson to the Nashville Now cabin to talk about CBS’s hot new competition series, The Road, created by Yellowstone’s Taylor Sheridan. Gretchen is the “tour manager” to the contestants and shows them the ropes of a life lived on a bus and on a stage. She also opens up about the enduring appeal of her signature hit, “Redneck Woman,” and how it changed the game more than 20 years ago.   Country is Here…Nashville is Now.   Check out our ⁠Hear Now⁠ playlist on Spotify, updated weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florence Welch, the lead singer of Florence + The Machine, shares insights from her new album, *Everybody Scream*. She discusses how her Dance Fever tour inspired prophetic songwriting. Florence opens up about navigating personal trauma through music and her journey into mysticism for healing. She contrasts her onstage freedom with anxiety offstage, reflecting on the balance between her domestic life and creative pursuits. Collaborations, feelings of being underrated, and the significance of releasing the album on Halloween add layers to this engaging conversation.

Jamey Johnson, a veteran country singer-songwriter known for his soulful baritone, reflects on a 2010 concussion that changed his songwriting and personality. He shares tales from his career, including buying a golf course and collaborating with Ronnie Dunn. Joshua Hedley, a skilled fiddle player and singer-songwriter, discusses his new album, All Hat, and the wild experiences he's encountered performing on Nashville's Broadway. Together, they dive into authenticity in music and the evolution of country, offering insights that'll resonate with fans.

Scott Cooper, the writer and director of the film *Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere*, shares his insights on adapting Bruce Springsteen's life, battling fears of creating a quiet narrative, and the emotional truths conveyed in the film. Stephen Graham, who plays Bruce's father Douglas, discusses his preparation, including studying the *Born to Run* audiobook, and the complexities of portraying a troubled character. The duo explores themes of familial struggle, the significance of childhood memories, and how Bruce's contributions shaped the storytelling.

Join Sandra Isidore, a pivotal figure in Fela Kuti’s life, as she shares her journey with the legendary Nigerian musician. Discover how Fela went from a classically trained artist to the Afrobeat pioneer using music as a weapon against oppressive regimes. Sandra reflects on her role in Fela’s political awakening, introducing him to the harsh realities of American racism. Their dynamic also reveals the fusion of cultures that shaped Fela’s revolutionary sound, transforming personal pain into powerful music for change.

Lzzy Hale, the powerhouse lead singer of Halestorm, and guitarist Joe Hottinger join for a vibrant conversation about Nashville’s rock scene. They share their reasons for moving to Nashville, emphasizing the supportive community. Lzzy opens up about her sexuality and its influence on her songwriting. The duo reflects on their memorable performance at Ozzy Osbourne's final concert and the emotional atmosphere of that night. They also discuss their upcoming album, the recording process with Dave Cobb, and their ambitious plans for their live shows.

Join Grammy-winning producer Shooter Jennings, son of the legendary Waylon Jennings, as he shares the incredible journey of uncovering his father's lost tapes. He discusses the importance of these recordings to country music and the meticulous process of restoring them for his new project, Songbird. Shooter also offers insights into the creative challenges he faced, the fascinating songs he discovered, and his personal connection to Waylon. Plus, he reveals his mixed feelings about Nashville and dreams of a Waylon-themed honky-tonk!

Don Was, a renowned record producer and bassist, reflects on a remarkable career that includes collaborations with legends like Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones. He shares tales of opening for Black Sabbath, the creative chaos behind hit songs like 'Love Shack', and the lessons learned while producing 'Nick of Time'. Was discusses the importance of capturing feel over perfection in music, revealing insights into Dylan’s evolving artistry and the dynamics of the Stones. He also hints at unreleased material and predicts a rock revival on the horizon.

Fiona Whelan Prine, John Prine's widow and estate manager, shares heartfelt insights about his life and songwriting. Carlene Carter, a country music icon and Prine's close collaborator, adds personal anecdotes from their time in the studio. They discuss the reissue of Prine's landmark album, *Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings*, highlighting its unique sound and production quirks. The conversation is filled with humor and touching reflections on John’s legacy, his songwriting process, and the ongoing influence he has on the music world.