Tyler Summers Talks To Interesting Humans

Derek is a world traveler, musician, and entrepreneur. He's started many businesses and has some wonderful thoughts on getting through fear of failure and the hard work necessary to have success as a self employed person. He currently resides on a beautiful island "Flores" in Indonesia. He's truly travelled and lived taking with him the cultures he experiences. 

Kirch is an artist from Ohio who has a beautiful outlook on life. Rose up with two successful bands that have toured the US and landed record deals. His current project is 80's based and bathed in positivity. More Info - https://www.instagram.com/kirchandstuff/

Professional accordionist and multi-instrumentalist, Jeff Taylor, grew up in Batavia, New York, and began playing accordion and keyboards in his dad’s band when he was 10. He studied classical piano at the Eastman School of Music and was leader of a small jazz/rock group when he was in the Air Force in Ohio. He has lived in Nashville since 1990. Taylor counts among his performing highlights his two years as bandleader at the Ryman auditorium for the musical production Always, Patsy Cline, hundreds of shows as bandleader at Opryland theme park and on the General Jackson showboat, The Skaggs Family Christmas Tour, and many appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, backing numerous artists. He has recorded with Elvis Costello, Paul Simon, Harry Connick Jr., Keith and Kristyn Getty, Amy Grant, George Strait, The Chieftains, Martina McBride, Buddy Greene, Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs. He was a featured artist on the Ricky Skagg’s and Kentucky Thunder Instrumentals CD that won a  Grammy in 2007 for Best Bluegrass Album. Be

Christa Wells is an American singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee, with over 15 years experience in the music industry. As an indie artist, Christa has released five albums, developing a signature alternative-pop sound that is fresh, soulful, and enduring. Her latest project,Velveteen (April 2018) chronicles her own journey through suffering, singing relentless hope across the wide spaces of loss. In 2013 she also teamed up with fellow singer-songwriter Nicole Witt to create a folk-inspired collection of worship music under band name More Than Rubies. An award-winning songwriter, Christa has also collaborated with other Nashville artists to write hit songs such as “Held” (Natalie Grant), “Need You Now” + “God Help Me” (Plumb), and “Red Sea Road” (Ellie Holcomb. Christa is passionate about encouraging + mentoring fellow artists. In addition to devoting regular time to one-on-one songwriting coaching, she also serves one week each summer on staff with Masterpiece Ministries, an arts camp for high sch

Brad Turner is a Canadian jazz trumpeter and pianist. He has won three Juno Awards and six Canadian National Jazz Awards for categories including Jazz Trumpeter of the Year, Jazz Composer of the Year, and Musician of the Year. Turner graduated from R. E. Mountain Secondary School in 1985, and attended Western Washington University's jazz studies program. A year later he transferred to University of North Texas, and played and composed for the very well known One O'Clock Lab Band. He graduated from UNT in 1992 after finishing his master's degree. Upon graduation, Turner returned to Vancouver and formed the Brad Turner Quartet, which consisted of Bruno Hubert on piano, André Lachance on bass, and Dylan Van der Schyff on drums. The four have been playing together since, and have established themselves as one of Canada's most respected jazz groups. Turner was one of the founding members of the jazz fusion group Metalwood which formed in 1997. The members played together until 2003, and had a reunion album release

Montreal born Josh Trager is one of Canada's most prominent drummers. An alumnus and scholarship recipient of the Berklee College of Music, he is best known as a member of the platinum selling Sam Roberts Band. The band has released five albums, won six Junos, and has performed at Live 8, for the British Royal Family, and at many other high profile events, festivals and TV shows throughout North America and abroad. Prior to joining the Sam Roberts Band in 2005, Trager performed at the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Montreal Drum Fest, as part of the Yamaha Rising Star showcase (1999). He was a member of Mahogany Rush from 2001-2005, having been personally selected, at the age of 20, by guitar legend Frank Marino. Trager also appeared on numerous stages and recordings with many great artists; most notably: members of Barenaked Ladies, Jack Bruce (Cream) , Uli Roth(Scorpions), French pop star Jacynthe, James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins), See Spot Run, Torquil Campbell (Stars) and Jonas (supporting 2004 Van

Toronto native, living in Nashville since 2003, Chris has toured with sonicflood, Mat Kearney, Steven Curtis Chapman, Steel Magnolia, Eric Paslay, and many others. In 2012, Chris joined Thomas Rhett’s band, and has since fulfilled MD, band leading, and recording roles. When not touring, Chris owns and operates The Brown Owl Studio in Nashville, TN. For the 2017 Thomas Rhett tour, Chris is using a gold sparkle USA custom Gretsch kit.

Audrey Nicole Assad is an American singer-songwriter and contemporary Christian music artist. Her debut album, The House You're Building, was released through Sparrow Records in July 2010 and went to be named Christian Album of 2010[2] on Amazon.com and the Christian Breakthrough Album of the Year on iTunes.[3] She worked and toured with other CCM artists such as Chris Tomlin,[4] Tenth Avenue North, Matt Maher and Jars of Clay.[5][6] Her most recent album, Evergreen, was released in 2018.

Jay Jennings is a 3 time Grammy award winning jazz trumpeter with jazz super group Snarky Puppy. His newest project, The YAYennings Quartet, was born upon his move to Los Angeles in 2017. The group consists of Bob Reynolds (Snarky Puppy, John Mayer), Jose Perez (Poncho Sanchez) and Ross Schodek (Poncho Sanchez). It is a chordless quartet with an early 1950’s west coast bebop sound. All compositions written by Jay Jennings. Jay grew up in the small town of Grapevine, TX. He was lucky to have a piano in the house growing up, which he considers his introduction to music education. Jennings started playing the trumpet at age 11, and by 15 he was already playing professionally. In high school he was selected to the Texas All-State Jazz Ensemble both sophomore and senior years and was selected for the High School Grammy Jazz Ensemble, which performed at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, CA. Jennings auditioned as a college freshman and was selected for a jazz soloist chair in the world renowned One O'cl

Nashville’s Jeremy Lister started connecting with music while growing up in the middle of Mississippi. A son of a preacher, he began singing and learning harmonies in church at the age of two. Lister moved to Nashville in 2003, bringing his first EP, Shooting Star, with him. In 2005, he released his second EP, So Far, followed by the release of his Just One Day EP on Warner Bros. Records. That same year, he was invited to join the Ten Out of Tenn collective of singer/songwriters, which included then up-and-coming artists such as Andrew Belle, K.S. Rhoads, and Gabe Dixon. In 2010, he joined a cappella group Street Corner Symphony for the second season of NBC’s "The Sing-Off." The group became a fan favorite, eventually claiming the second-place title in the competition. Ben Folds invited them out on the road immediately following their success on the show, which launched their touring career. Street Corner Symphony performs dozens of headlining shows all over the world each year. Lister released his

Alex Kline is a producer/singer/songwriter in Nashville, TN who is signed to Reviver Entertainment Group. Alex Kline produced the upcoming album from Big Machine Label Group artist Tara Thompson and co-wrote seven songs on the record, including “Someone to Take Your Place.” Kline served as co-producer on Australian artist Adam Brand’s No. 1 country album Get On Your Feet, and co-wrote Ronnie Dunn’s 2016 single “Damn Drunk.” Kline has also produced for and written with country music stalwarts such as Rascal Flatts, Reba, Bill Anderson, Mason Ramsey, Tenille Townes and others.

Kyle is a touring and session bassist who also is an ultra marathon runner. Kyle and I had a great chat about touring do's and don't's, some lessons he's learned along the way, addiction and choosing the right path, finding your way to a healthier lifestyle in an industry built for over indulgence, and his running escapades which are prolific and full of life lessons within themselves. You can find him at https://www.instagram.com/kylewhalum

Had a great chat with Dane Bryant about the scene in Nashville, how he's involved in a song going from written to blossoming in the session world, and his days touring with Clint Black, Take 6, and Olivia Newton-John. Most importantly he shares his insights on what goes into being a successful sideman and session musician by building a reputation full of respect for the past, service to those that are coming up, and always making sure the song gets the attention it deserves. You can learn more about Dane at https://danebryantmusic.com.

Had a wonderful chat with Grammy Nominated Mixer/Producer Jonathan Roye who’s worked with Kelsea Ballerini, Kid Rock, Owl City, Ludacris, and Snoop Dogg. We set a record for the Podcast and spent just shy of three hours chatting about being an entrepreneur in the music industry, the importance of failing again and again, and the hard work it takes to get to where you love your daily process. Most importantly we spoke about being grateful for the opportunities Nashville offers, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people that are more advanced so you can grow and learn.

Ben maintains a busy schedule year-round, playing sessions around Nashville from the famous recording studios of Music Row to his own East End Studio. He is a versatile musician, producer, and engineer. As a producer, Ben can be found working alongside singer/songwriters, indie artists and up-and-coming country acts. He hand-cultivates their creations with industry expertise, helping them realize the full potential of their individual visions. He also produces a diverse collection of music for television and film sync placement. Ben has recorded and toured with many of Nashville’s top recording artists including: Sister Hazel, Joe Nichols, Frankie Ballard, Greg Bates, Aaron Tippin, Ty Herndon, Jana Kramer, Jimmy Wayne, Jon Pardi, and Steve Azar. You can find it him at http://www.benjacksonmusic.com

Marc Rogers is a Juno-nominated bassist, producer, and composer. He has worked with Rachel Platten, Nelly Furtado, Tryon, Chantal Kreviazuk, Raine Maida, Nikki Yanofsky, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Barbra Lica, Norah Jones, The Philosopher Kings, Fefe Dobson, Anjulie, The Blind Boys Of Alabama, Lionel Richie, Bernard Purdie, K'naan, Kreesha Turner, Al Jarreau, Jarvis Church, Gary Burton, Lisa Fischer, Joe Lovano, Mike Stern, Robi Botos, Terri-Lynn Carrington, Adam Rogers, Dave Binney, Kelly Jefferson, Lewis Nash, Rahzel, Holly Cole, and many others.

Luanne Warner Katz is a percussionist who has spent time with the Oregon Symphony amongst others. She is venturing out to reach people with her brand new show "Play Like A Girl." She has some beautiful thoughts on finding what your soul wants to say and moving towards that in a performance setting.

Chris is a singer-songwriter-guitar player in Hamilton/Toronto. He has some interesting takes on creativity, his other creative outlets in drawing, and his ideas of building an audience one person at a time. You can find it him at http://chris-chambers.com

Dani Elliott is a singer songwriter in Nashville TN who has toured with Miley Cyrus, Sheryl Crow, Amos Lee, MIA and Allen Stone to name a few. Had a great chat about touring dynamics, her creative process, and the transition she is making from becoming a touring artist to a self-starting independent artist. Big leap, and she's meeting it head on. She can be found at http://daaniofficial.com​​​​​​​

Dabney Morris is a composer/producer/arranger in Los Angeles, CA. He was a member of the band WILD CUB and shares stories of being in the band, band dynamics, and we go deep into consumption of music and creativity. You can hear more from Dabney at http://www.dabneymorris.com