Backstage Pass Radio – Details, episodes & analysis

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Date: January 7, 2026
Name of Podcast: Backstage Pass Radio
S10: E1: Austin Ingerman (Gunshine) - Gunshine From Sunshine State


SHOW SUMMARY:
Big riffs, big hooks, zero apologies. That’s the energy we chase with guitarist and songwriter Austin Ingerman of Gunshine, a Florida-born player who balances swagger with sharp songcraft. From Daytona beginnings to LA’s Musicians Institute and arena tours as a hired gun, Austin shares how those miles shaped a band built for choruses you can shout and guitars that actually feel dangerous again.
 
We talk origin stories the honest way: how a pandemic pause pushed Austin home, how early tracks came together before a singer was even in the room, and why the search for a voice with an X factor took years. When Jordan walked in from a dueling-piano bar, the chemistry clicked fast. The result is Gunshine’s “swampy” identity—Southern edge, modern punch—rooted in influences like Boston, Def Leppard, AC/DC, and a touch of early GNR. The name Gunshine nods to Florida’s nickname and the band’s sunburned grit, not a retro costume.
 
Songwriting sits at the center. Austin often starts with melodies and riffs captured on voice memos, while Jordan brings a Nashville-honed lyric lens and the number system to keep structures tidy. We break down “Bayou,” which began as Jordan’s country-leaning sketch and morphed into a layered modern rocker with a ramping chorus. The home-studio pipeline is real: tracks built in Austin’s space, files shipped to Chris Collier for mix and master, and a sound that still hits like a room full of amps. Theory helps in the background—tension, resolution, the occasional Mixolydian wink—but the rule is feel first.
 
Grand Rising, a 13-song album, arrives with more colors: piano textures, heavier corners, and a stealth seven-string thickening the choruses without stealing the spotlight. We dig into touring momentum after a successful run through venues like the Whisky and Sturgis, plus the realities of booking while transitioning agencies. Austin’s parting wisdom is pure working-musician truth: pick one job a day, finish it well, and let the songs lead everything else.
 
If you crave straight-ahead rock with big melodies and no filler, hit play, follow Gunshine on socials, and watch for the first single on January 23. Enjoy the conversation, then subscribe, share, and leave a quick review so more rock fans can find the show.

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Artist(s) Web Page

www.gunshineband.com

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We ask our listeners to like, share, and subscribe to the show and the artist's social media pages. This enables us to continue pushing great content to the consumer. 
 
Thank you for being a part of Backstage Pass Radio
 
Your Host,
Randy Hulsey 

Let Us Know What You Think of the Show!

Date: December 17, 2025
Name of Podcast: Backstage Pass Radio
S9: E11: Kendall Beard (Love & Chaos) - When Grit Meets Grace


SHOW SUMMARY:
The story starts on Texas backroads and winds through Opry houses, a teen pop deal, and a reality TV spotlight before landing in an Austin room where sparks fly. Kendall Beard joins us to share how that winding path led to Love & Chaos, her electrifying duo with AJ Vallejo, and why the most interesting music often lives between labels.
 
We dig into the early hustle—weekend shows, VHS audition tapes, and a family that said yes when the dream demanded long drives. Kendall opens up about the label collapse around the Napster era, stepping back for college, and a detour into the business side that confirmed she needed to be on the creative front lines. You’ll hear a candid look at American Idol’s true timeline, the contract strings that stall momentum, and the unexpected upside: a loyal Texas fan base and new doors for songwriting and production.
 
Then the chemistry kicks in. A one-off duet with AJ turns into Love & Chaos, a project where country storytelling collides with rock muscle and a hint of Latin rhythm. We trace their four-year Saxon Pub residency, the craft behind their live duo setup with a suitcase kick drum, and the evolution of Rather Be Alone from sprawling art piece to tight radio edit without losing its pulse. Kendall breaks down their writing process—sometimes 50–50, sometimes whoever has the spark—and why inspiration shows up on runs, in dreams, and in those moments when life refuses to sit still. She also talks about balancing motherhood with touring, choosing fewer but more meaningful shows, and what’s next: a Texas radio tour, new singles, sessions at AJ’s new studio in Gruene, and fresh solo writing.
 
If you love Americana’s open borders, Texas grit, and songs built to breathe on stage, this conversation delivers. Follow Love & Chaos, spin the new single, and tell us which track caught you by surprise. If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more music fans find us.

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Backstage Pass Radio Social Media Handles:
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Instagram - @Backstagepassradio @randyhulseymusic
Twitter - @backstagepassPC @rhulseymusic
Website - backstagepassradio.com and randyhulsey.com

Artist(s) Web Page

www.loveandchaosmusic.com

Call to action
We ask our listeners to like, share, and subscribe to the show and the artist's social media pages. This enables us to continue pushing great content to the consumer. 
 
Thank you for being a part of Backstage Pass Radio
 
Your Host,
Randy Hulsey 

Let Us Know What You Think of the Show!

Date: July 23, 2025
Name of podcast: Backstage Pass Radio
S9: E2 - Mary Kutter - From Bootlegging to Nashville


SHOW SUMMARY:
What does it take to stand out in the crowded Nashville music scene? For Mary Kutter, it's about being the splash of red paint on a wall of white—creating music that cuts through the noise with authenticity and purpose.
 
Born and raised just outside the Bourbon Capital of the World in Springfield, Kentucky, Mary's journey to Nashville began with an unexpected opportunity hosting a radio variety show. This serendipitous break led to a life-changing connection with legendary songwriter Kim Williams, who recognized something special in the young artist and opened doors that would transform her career. As Mary shares, "That job offer changed my life."
 
When the pandemic shut down the music industry in 2020, Mary faced a pivotal moment. Rather than stepping back, she doubled down on her craft, writing seven days a week, two to three sessions daily, for nearly two years straight. This relentless work ethic yielded her first gold record and substantial placements in movies and commercials—all created through Zoom sessions with collaborators she couldn't meet in person.
 
What truly distinguishes Mary's artistry is her willingness to explore complex, personal narratives. Her viral hit "Devil Wore a Lab Coat" confronts the pharmaceutical industry's role in the opioid epidemic that devastated her Kentucky hometown. "Devil's Money" tells the remarkable true story of her bootlegger great-grandfather who used his illicit earnings to build a church. These songs resonate deeply because they speak truth, regardless of commercial appeal.
 
From unexpected collaborations with rapper Project Pat to her disciplined creative routine beginning at 5 AM daily, Mary embodies the modern artist who forges her own path. Her approach to songwriting combines raw authenticity with strategic savvy, sharing snippets on social media that connect so deeply with fans they're singing unreleased verses at her shows.
 
As Mary prepares for headline performances, festival appearances, and new music releases, her advice to aspiring artists remains straightforward: "Put your blinders on and keep the pedal down." Through every challenge and triumph, she's remained true to herself—creating music that matters and leaving an indelible mark on the Nashville landscape, one honest song at a time.
 
Subscribe now to hear more compelling stories from artists who are redefining the boundaries of their craft and building careers on their own terms.

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Backstage Pass Radio Social Media Handles:
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Instagram - @Backstagepassradio @randyhulseymusic
Twitter - @backstagepassPC @rhulseymusic
Website - backstagepassradio.com and randyhulsey.com

Artist(s) Web Page
Instagram - @marykutter
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mary.kutter
Web - www.marykutter.com

Call to action
We ask our listeners to like, share, and subscribe to the show and the artist's social media pages. This enables us to continue pushing great content to the consumer. 
 
Thank you for being a part of Backstage Pass Radio
 
Your Host,
Randy Hulsey 

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This is my chat with Christchurch New Zealand's own Lauren Marshall. Lauren is a vocalist, actress, and performer and has displayed her talent around the globe. 

Lauren has been passionate about the performing arts since she was a child. Growing up in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, she trained in dance, singing, and drama, and spent her childhood involved in many musicals and productions. She also began writing her own music and playing guitar at 13 years old, finding her vocal strength in soul, blues, jazz, R&B, pop, and musical theatre.

​Lauren completed her Bachelor of Performing Arts from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts in Christchurch, in 2012, where she performed in musicals such as The Music Man, Cats, and Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Soon after she gained professional work as Sandy in The Court Theatre's sell out season of Grease, as well as national touring productions with THETA - Theatre in Health Education Trust. Lauren worked exclusively as an ambassador, model, and dancer with the Napier Art Deco Trust, where she became the face of the annual internationally acclaimed Art Deco Weekend. 

​This led to Lauren moving to Melbourne, Australia, where she regularly performed at the infamous Broadway Unplugged sessions, and honed her screen acting skills with Kevin Harrington and Shane Connor at The Actors Coach. Lauren later had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles, California to train at the Margie Haber Studios in their ISP Screen Acting Intensive, where she worked with leading Hollywood acting professionals in screen acting technique, comedy, and improvisation. 

Soon after, Lauren was cast in one of the newest and most highly anticipated shows from Royal Caribbean Productions Spectra's Cabaret. She then went on to work with the company as a featured vocalist and vocal captain in original productions of Sequins & Feathers, Live, Love, Legs, The Beautiful Dream, StarWater, and Sonic Odyssey, onboard their vessels. 

​In 2020 Lauren completed a contract with Celebrity Cruises Productions as a specialty vocalist, performing in Les Farfadais's Euphoria, as well as multiple other shows. Onboard she debuted her self-produced headliner show Divas Through The Decades to critical acclaim. 

​Since returning to New Zealand, Lauren has immersed herself back into the entertainment scene, appearing in sold-out nationwide tours of Tina - Simply The Best, and ABBA - The Dancing Queen Show. Lauren has made a name for herself as a well sought-after vocalist and guitarist, performing solo and in bands regularly around the country. 

​In 2021, Lauren collaborated with artist/producer, Wulfie, on his track, Love Won't Run Away, which was released in November. The song signaled her debut as the musical artist LOVETA, with her first EP due to be released in mid-2022. 

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This interview was done in the Blue Violin Studio in Lewisville TX with Michael Laine Hildebrandt and Joey C. Jones as the co-host of the show. 

Michael is a singer, songwriter, bass guitarist, and the visionary behind Bubble Gum Orchestra. Make sure to visit the website at www.bubblegumorchestra.com

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Doug spends equal time on the road as a founding member of the iconic 80’s rock band Loverboy (providing keyboards, sax, vocals and harmonica) and at his home studio in the Vancouver area of British Columbia Canada.

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His original compositions are heard around the world on TV shows, radio stations, movies and on the internet. Doug recently composed the soundtrack for the critically-acclaimed documentary “RiverBlue“.

Doug’s diverse musical capability include live performance in rock, jazz, and classical concerts. His many awards include induction in the Canadian Musical Hall of Fame, Leo Awards nominations, and ARCT Silver medal status.

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Visit Doug’s website at dougjohnsonmusic.com

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At 15 years old Gabe recorded his first 2 song demo in Nashville with his brother’s high school buddy Touchstone Mcdonald. When Gabe turned 16, his brother left to college leaving behind a guitar that Gabe self taught himself with and where a year later Gabe joined a band from Pearsall, Texas called the “Texas Wranglers”. During a family vacation in South Padre Island, Gabe and his dad met Clint Bullard, a Nashville songwriter who was performing at a nearby hotel. Clint allowed Gabe to sing a few songs and months after Gabe and his brother flew out to Nashville to cut a full country album with Clint. In high school, with some musical experiences already under his belt, at age 17 he was asked to sing and compete for his high school FFA program. Gabe competed in and won all rounds of the competitions and performed back to back years at the National FFA Convention.

​After playing with country band the “Texas Wranglers” Gabe and the band regrouped and began a new band renaming themselves the “Maverick Creek Cowboys”. Gabe and the band toured the South Texas scene gaining a following and also later landing a First Place spot at the Annual State Colgate Country Showdown. After graduating from high school Gabe landed a job in San Antonio working 8 years for CPS Energy and using every vacation day traveling back and forth to Nashville gaining major attention from major record labels while working with Bart Bartler. Bart and his Dad Bill Butler from Hondo, Texas were introduced to Gabe by friend Tommy Calame. Bart who is a successful songwriter & producer in Nashville continued working with Gabe where in 2006 he produced another full country album with Gabe that gained more major label interest and hinted for Gabe to move to Nashville. In 2007 Gabe hit the hardest time of his life when his dad Juan J. Garcia Sr. passed away. With Gabe’s dad and family being very supportive in his musical accomplishments Gabe then decided to quit his job, sell his home, and finally move to Nashville in January 2008.

After 3 months into moving to Nashville Gabe landed a spot on NBC’s then popular show Nashville Star in 2008 where he placed First Runner-up out of 65,000 total contestants that tried out. Shortly after the show Gabe was taken in by Manager Erv Woosley, whom currently still manages George Strait. Gabe and Erv worked together for 2 years while also landing a one year songwriting deal with Bill Butler Music who published well known Strait songs such as “Baby Blue” and “Love Without End Amen”. After the 2 years Gabe was then managed and signed to another writing deal with John Rich of country duo “Big & Rich”. While working With John, Gabe landed a record deal with Average Joe’s Entertainment out of Nashville. After 5 years of living in Nashville Gabe decided to just follow his roots back to South Texas. As he continues to travel back and forth between Tennessee and Texas, Gabe left his Nashville label and began his own current label 396 Entertainment with Dallas, Texas buddy Jody Redlich.

​While Gabe has had an awesome adventure in his long running music career and experiences playing the smokey bars of South Texas, opening for major country artists in large venues, being on major network television, toured and played Canada and France, radio stations playing his music all over the world, and many more accomplishments under his belt, Gabe continues to love his passion for music which he will never let down. Gabe has 3 country albums "Shotglass", "Missing", and "Cold Beer and a Suntan" available on iTunes, Spotify, and Pandora. You can connect with Gabe via his social media accounts located above or for more info and tour dates right here on gabegarcia.com.

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Originally from St. Charles, Missouri, and the son of a musical family (both his mother and father were singers and songwriters), Zak Perry was curiously destined not to become a musician. Instead he was to become a professional golfer. This did not sit well with the young man, however, “I knew deep down that this was not the direction I wanted to take. That’s when I decided I wanted to set up a band. It was certainly a form of rebellion,” Zak recalled to the Texas based www.galvestonislandguide.com website.

During his tenure in New York, Zak made several fateful encounters including Tim Beattie of The Four Horsemen and Marry Me Jane and guitarist Tony Saracene. However, there was one chance meeting that would solidify the next piece of the musical foundation that Zak had been trying to construct since he wrote his first song at the age of 13; in 1997 Zak met guitarist Vern Vennard.  Vern, who’s most recent gig at that point had been as a guitar tech for Marry Me Jane recalls, “Tim and Zak were part of a songwriters circle gig at the Bitter End in New York City. I was just hanging out cuz I knew so many of the cats that were playing that night. I was hanging backstage and he came up to me and said that he had a small mid-western tour coming up and would I be interested in going with him. Except, I thought he wanted me to be a guitar tech!”

Vern realized that Zak actually wanted him in the band when, just before leaving, he turned to Vern and asked, “you play slide, right?”

So began the journey that took Zak and Vern from NYC to Memphis, TN and then to St. Louis, MO where they meet the next person to become a loyal musical companion: Drummer Jason Charron. With a revolving cast of bass players in tow, the core trio leaves the Midwest for the musical Mecca of Austin, TX, where, in 2000, they form the combo Ma Driver. Soon after adding the fourth key player, Scott “Sting” Ray on bass Zak re-christened the group, The Zak Perry Band, further defining his true musical signature.

Since 2016, Zak Perry has been performing regularly for his European audiences. To date, he has engaged in five tours, either with the band or as an acoustic duo with Vern, in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The very first acoustic duo tour in 2016 was documented by the live album “Unplugged In Belgium” , which received a rave review in Blues Magazine NL.

Stimulated by the warm European welcome, Zak and the band ensconced to their home studio in 2017 to record “Marrow”, the first release featuring the band’s brand new name of Zak Perry & The Beautiful Things. A name change that is significant in that it reflects the beautiful adventures that Zak and the band have come to know with his European audience. This veteran of the American independent scene now claims to be deeply attached to the Old Continent, a fact illustrated by adding to the Beautiful Things French musicians Julien Mahieux on drums and Guillaume Maillard on bass and by Zak now considering the North of France as his new home; shown by a brand new song, “Preux-Au-Sart”, written about the northern village in France the band uses as their European base of operations.

In fact, several brand new songs will accompany “Preux-Au-Sart” on the release of the band’s next album: “Live In France” from Yokatta Records, which is available April 2019. Although it is the eleventh release of his career it is the first that Zak has recorded outside the United States.

And so, it is to the growing audience on the European side of the Atlantic that the band now turns their attention on continuing the musical journey of Zak Perry & The Beautiful Things. Don’t Miss It!

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Mixing country music with the hard-hitting stomp of rock & roll, Cory Marks prepares to release new music. Full of autobiographical storytelling, guitar-driven anthems, drinking songs, and breakup ballads, his songs are rooted in the influence of Cory's hometown, where he grew up surrounded by the salt-of-the-earth residents of North Bay, Ontario. It was there where he began playing drums at ten years old. Whenever he wasn't banging along to songs by Deep Purple, Ozzy Osbourne, and Rush, he was listening to his parents' country records, developing a deep appreciation for outlaws like Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard. Those two genres — classic country and amped-up rock — would eventually join forces in Marks' own music, earning him a string of gigs with heavyweights like Toby Keith and Brantley Gilbert along the way. 
 
 Before launching his songwriting career, and changing the trajectory of his life, Marks would prove himself in the hockey rink and pursue dreams of becoming a fighter pilot. He strapped on his first pair of skates at 3 years old, eventually earning a spot on the university hockey team at Royal Military College, and was a dominating presence on the ice, thanks to his 6-foot 1 inch, 220-pound frame. Prior to attending college, he enrolled in a private pilot school where he logged in almost 100 flight hours and eventually had the opportunity to fly one of those hours with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds in the summer of 2017. He continues working towards his private pilot license. 
 
 While in college, he never stopped playing music but did so privately… that is, until he joined his teammates at a local bar one night, and found himself pushed onstage when the regularly-scheduled musician took a break. "My friends knew I played a little music, and they were chanting for me to do some songs," he remembers. "It was a packed little bar. I did two originals and two covers, and afterward, people were coming up to me and asking where I was playing next. I didn't have an answer for them, because this was literally the first time I'd ever sung in front of anyone." Cory began making weekly trips to the bar, hopping on stage with each visit. As time went on, he wrote a new batch of songs, hit the road, and hasn't looked back since. 
 
 A road warrior, Cory has built a strong following not only in Canada but also in America, where he has been recording with award-winning producer, Kevin Churko. Along with Kevin’s son Kane – the Juno Award-winning producer and songwriter, the three of them worked together in Churko's Las Vegas studio, capturing the energy and electricity of Cory's live show. It was a natural partnership. Like Cory, Kevin had grown up playing drums, eventually expanding his career to include collaborations with country artists like Shania Twain and rock icons like Ozzy Osbourne. "We both appreciate country music greats like Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings, but we love the heavier side of rock & roll and metal, too," Cory says of his producer and mentor. "We decided to mash it all together. It's funny because when I was growing up, my favorite records were Ozzy records. I dreamt of having that kind of production on one of my own records. Sure enough, seven years into my career, I've partnered with the producer who worked on all those albums. What a cool circle."