You all have driving music, but this is a driving podcast. We’re talking with Sam Walker of Clay Street Unit on Season 04, Episode 21 of “Load-In Through the Back”!Formed in Denver, Colorado, Clay Street Unit has quickly earned a reputation as a rambunctious live act who packs an emotional punch. The group has stunned audiences across the country both as a headliner in small clubs and theaters, and as an opening act in arenas and stadiums for Turnpike Troubadours and the String Cheese Incident.Their debut LP “Sin & Squalor” was produced by friend-of-the-show and Infamous Stringdusters banjo player Chris Pandolifi.The record is now available to stream or purchase wherever you consume music. Sam joins us to discuss the importance of independent music venues, turning your passion into your business, recording a record in real-time, the beauty of words, and so much more.They are @ClayStreetUnit on social media and ClayStreetUnit.com on the world wide web.Be sure to “Follow” or “Subscribe” to our show wherever you are listening. Show us some extra love by leaving a comment or a review! Visit LoadInPodcast.com and give us a follow @LoadInPodcast on all major social media platforms.This episode is sponsored in part by Tank Recording Studio in Burlington, VT.

If you want to listen to this conversation, it’s alright with me– we’re chatting with songster Eric Hutchinson on Season 04, Episode 20 of “Load-In Through the Back”!Known for his infectious blend of pop, soul, and folk, Eric rose to prominence in the late oughts with his hits “OK, It’s Alright With Me” and “Rock & Roll”. A true road warrior, Eric has continued to write, record, and perform for the better part of two decades amassing a large, loyal following across North America. Earlier this year, he launched his music-adjacent interview podcast “Songversations with Eric Hutchinson” based on the 2017 card game he created under the same moniker. Eric joins us to discuss singing with Madonna’s record label, the pros and cons of creating music in the digital age, returning to his roots on the new LP, and re-chronicling his catalog. He is currently in the thralls of a summer tour. Visit EricHutchinson.com and follow @EricHutchinson for more information.Be sure to “Follow” or “Subscribe” to our show wherever you are listening. Show us some extra love by leaving a comment or a review! Visit LoadInPodcast.com and give us a follow @LoadInPodcast on all major social media platforms.This episode is sponsored in part by Tank Recording Studio in Burlington, VT.

We pulled some strings, and we have Barton Davies and Ford Garrard of Breakfield on Season 04, Episode 19 of “Load-In Through the Back”!Operating under a brand-new moniker, Breakfield are a high-octane folk, country, rock band a la Mumford & Sons. Recently signed to the esteemed Rounder Records, the band released their self-titled debut LP and completed their first headlining tour since leaving the name A Boy Named Banjo behind.Barton and Ford join us to discuss ushering in a new ear, leaving A Boy Named Banjo behind… sort of, growing up in Music City, and Smith’s Olde Bar. Okay, we talk about some other stuff, too.Check out the debut LP, “Breakfield,” by following @Breakfield on social media or by visiting BreakfieldBand.comBe sure to “Follow” or “Subscribe” to our show wherever you are listening. Show us some extra love by leaving a comment or a review! Visit LoadInPodcast.com and give us a follow @LoadInPodcast on all major social media platforms.This episode is sponsored in part by Tank Recording Studio in Burlington, VT.

Our guest today can’t stand to fly, but he clearly can stand Troy and Pauly enough to be our first ever three-time guest– we’re talking with John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting.Arguably the most renowned piano balladeer of the 21st Century, Five for Fighting is best known for mega-hits “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” “100 Years,” “Riddle,” and “Chances.” John joins us in the thralls of tour prep to discuss writing and recording new music, the luxuries of being in Barenaked Ladies, the crux of being a “band in demand” for morning television, the staying power of “America Town”, reexamining your goals, and a whole lot more. His co-headline tour with friend of the show Edwin McCain is now underway.Find @FiveForFighting on social media and visit FiveForFighting.com to snag tickets.Be sure to “Follow” or “Subscribe” to our show wherever you are listening. Show us some extra love by leaving a comment or a review! Visit LoadInPodcast.com and give us a follow @LoadInPodcast on all major social media platforms.This episode is sponsored in part by Tank Recording Studio in Burlington, VT.

If our guest on Season 04, Episode 17 of “Load-In Through the Back” is going to be better when he’s older, then we definitely want to speak again.We’re chatting with Top 40 pop-folk balladeer (and arguably our new favorite human) Edwin McCain!Whether you know him as the esteemed singer/songwriter behind the mid-’90s mega-hit “I’ll Be,” as the Loch Ness Monster from FOX’s the Masked Singer, a TikTok celebrity, or maybe just that guy who hangs out with Hootie and the Blowfish, you’ve surely crossed his path. Edwin joins us following a valiant battle with a scurry of squirrels to discuss being comically “bad” around famous people, flying with Bill Murray, busking through Hilton Head, the power of persistence, excavating (yes, really), and the true genius of Adam Duritz– among other things. His co-headline tour with friend-of-the-show Five for Fighting begins June 4th in Paducah, KY.He released his first album of original material in over a decade, “Lucky,” in February of 2025. Be sure to follow @TheEdwinMcCain on TikTok and Instagram, and to visit Edwin.com for merchandise, tour dates, and streaming links. As always– be sure to “Follow” or “Subscribe” to our show wherever you are listening. Show us some extra love by leaving a comment or a review! Visit LoadInPodcast.com and give us a follow @LoadInPodcast on all major social media platforms.This episode is sponsored in part by Tank Recording Studio in Burlington, VT.

Since bursting onto the national touring scene in 2001, North Carolina’s Steep Canyon Rangers have become one of the most successful modern bluegrass acts of all-time.GRAMMY winners and members of the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, they have shared stages with the likes of Della Mae, the Del McCoury Band, Punch Brothers, and more at esteemed venues across the globe. They are widely recognized for their collaboration with esteemed banjo player and comedian Steve Martin.On the precipice of releasing their 15th studio album, we sit down with singer, songwriter, and bassist Barrett Smith to chat about his musical path prior to joining Steep Canyon Rangers, dinner parties with Paul Simon, how Bela Fleck changed the musical landscape, the power of an iPhone ‘Notes’ section, and so much more. SCR’s newest record, “New Act,” is now available to purchase or stream wherever you consume music. They are @SteepCanyonRangers across social media. SteepCanyon.com has merchandise, tour dates, and more. As always– be sure to “Follow” or “Subscribe” to our show wherever you are listening. Show us some extra love by leaving a comment or a review! Visit LoadInPodcast.com and give us a follow @LoadInPodcast on all major social media platforms.This episode is sponsored in part by Tank Recording Studio in Burlington, VT.

One of our favorite conversations SOFA(r) comes courtesy of Boston-based funk-pop outfit Couch.Since releasing their debut EP in 2021, the group has earned a reputation as a must-see on the festival and club circuit– supporting acts like Ripe, Cory Wong, and Sammy Rae between main-stage appearances at Levitate Music and Arts and Boston Calling. Since releasing their debut full-length LP, the band has garnered press from esteemed outlets such as CBS, NPR, and the Boston Globe. Bassist Will Griffin and trumpeter Jeffery Pinsker-Smith join us to discuss the new album, bolstering creativity and camaraderie while in active lockdown, picture frames, locked gates, CO2 canisters, and a whole lot more. Their latest record “Big Talk” was released in October of 2025. The next leg of the namesake tour begins in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 17th and includes two dates in our home state  of Vermont supporting Lake Street Dive at the Shelburne Museum on August 11th and 12th. Find merch, tour dates, and more by visiting CouchTheBand.com or following @Couch.theBand on social media.As always– be sure to “Follow” or “Subscribe” to our show wherever you are listening. Show us some extra love by leaving a comment or a review! Visit LoadInPodcast.com and give us a follow @LoadInPodcast on all major social media platforms.This episode is sponsored in part by Tank Recording Studio in Burlington, VT.

Imagine if the Lumineers were the TITANIC's house band, and they performed Springsteen on Broadway. That is Sons of Town Hall, and they are our guest on Season 04, Episode 14 of “Load-In Through the Back.”A story-driven transatlantic folk duo composed of singer/songwriter David Berkley and producer Ben Parker, the pair navigates themes of love, loss, and the human experience through the lens of 10th-century seamen George Ulysses Brown and Josiah Chester Jones.Part stage production. Part musical. 100% authentic. David and Ben join us remotely from a hotel room outside Salem, Massachusetts, to discuss their latest record and new podcast, writing within the confines of a non-traditional world, the timeliness of comedy and timelessness of music, and so much more. Their new album “Of Ghosts and Gods” is available now wherever you stream or purchase music.Visit SonsOfTownHall.com and follow @SonsOfTownHall on social media for tour dates, merchandise, and more!As always– be sure to “Follow” or “Subscribe” to our show wherever you are listening. Show us some extra love by leaving a comment or a review! Visit LoadInPodcast.com and give us a follow @LoadInPodcast on all major social media platforms.This episode is sponsored in part by Tank Recording Studio in Burlington, VT.

No, it’s not like the movies… it’s even better. We’re talking to Dryden Mitchell of Alien Ant Farm on Season 04, Episode 13 of “Load-In Through the Back.”Since bursting onto the alternative rock scene in the early 2000s with hits like “Movies” and their iconic take on Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal,” California rockers Alien Ant Farm have been a mainstay of festival lineups and radio programming for nearly three decades. Dryden joins us remotely to discuss the grey area between Sade and SLAYER, how bus tours broke the band, tour buy-on’s, finding your authentic voice, and denouncing self-doubt. AAF recently released a brand-new single entitled “Reasons” via Judge and Jury Records. The 25th Anniversary Edition of their breakthrough album “ANThology” is also available for purchase at AlienAntFarm.comAs always– be sure to “Follow” or “Subscribe” to our show wherever you are listening. Show us some extra love by leaving a comment or a review! Visit LoadInPodcast.com and give us a follow @LoadInPodcast on all major social media platforms.This episode is sponsored in part by Tank Recording Studio in Burlington, VT.

Humble… Kind… we can use all sorts of flattering descriptors to describe today’s guests, especially since Troy almost had them banned from the ZOOM meeting. We’re chatting with Jordan Caiola and Jeff Lucci of Mo Lowda & the Humble on “Load-In Through the Back” Season 04, Episode 12!Formed in Philadelphia, PA, Mo Lowda & the Humble have built a ravenous and dedicated fanbase on the back of emotionally-driven indie folk songs and energized live performances. Their latest record, “Tailing the Ghost,” was released in June of 2025.Jordan and Jeff join us remotely to discuss their songs living dual lives, life on the road, navigating multiple creative projects, maintaining their DIY ethos, and much more. Visit MoLowda.com and follow @MoLowda on social media to stay in-the-know about the band and upcoming tour dates.As always– be sure to “Follow” or “Subscribe” to our show wherever you are listening. Show us some extra love by leaving a comment or a review! Visit LoadInPodcast.com and give us a follow @LoadInPodcast on all major social media platforms.This episode is sponsored in part by Tank Recording Studio in Burlington, VT.