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Meet MacKenzie Lee, a Boston-based singer-songwriter who's crafting a unique musical identity she calls "dark pop." Stepping into our studio with the confidence of someone who's found her authentic voice, Mackenzie shares the winding path that led her from childhood singing to college acapella performances and finally to her current work with Red 13 Records.

What makes MacKenzie's approach fascinating is her refusal to be boxed into conventional genres. Drawing inspiration from artists like Billie Eilish and Lana Del Rey, she's equally influenced by comedic musicians such as Bo Burnham and The Lonely Island—creative minds who blend impressive musical ability with clever, thought-provoking content. This unexpected combination hints at an artist determined to create music that's both emotionally resonant and intellectually engaging.

The conversation takes us through Mackenzie's formative experiences, including how her acapella background trained her ear to deconstruct songs into their component parts. "You really learn to appreciate every single piece that goes into a song," she explains, describing how this shapes both her listening habits and creative process today. We also discover the emotional significance behind the grand piano visible during our interview—a treasured inheritance from her grandmother, the only other musician in her family.

After discussing Mackenzie's debut single "Bad Taste on Love" and her upcoming release "The Ghost of Us," we shift to the latest country music news, covering artists like Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert supporting Texas flood victims. The episode culminates in a spirited debate about the greatest vocal collaborations of all time, with listeners passionately defending their favorites from Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton to modern pairings like Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood.

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com
• Virtually You: https://www.virtuallyyouva.com/

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What makes a country music legend truly important? Is it chart success, cultural impact, or lasting influence? Jay Franze and Tiffany Mason tackle these questions head-on while reviewing a controversial list of "The 25 Most Important Women in Country Music" that has them both fired up from the start.

The hosts share their predictions before diving into the rankings, confidently naming Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire as the obvious choices for the top spots. What follows is a passionate dissection of the list that places newer artists higher than established legends, sparking genuine outrage when they discover Dolly Parton ranks only seventh while Carrie Underwood claims the number one position.

"Where's her amusement park? Where's her giving back kids books that can't afford books? Where's her charity programs?" Tiffany questions, highlighting how the list seems to prioritize recent commercial success over decades of cultural impact and philanthropy. The conversation reveals a deeper issue about how female artists are evaluated in country music and the often arbitrary nature of industry rankings.

Between their good-natured banter, the hosts also cover breaking news from Nashville, including Morgan Wallen's youth charity work, an exciting potential Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton collaboration, and Australia's growing country music scene. They wrap up with listener submissions about the most underrated female vocalists, creating a show that celebrates women in country music while questioning who gets to determine their "importance."

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com
• Virtually You: https://www.virtuallyyouva.com/

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Uncovering the musical evolution of Gradients, this episode takes listeners behind the curtain with a Minnesota rock band crafting their sound somewhere in the gradient between hard rock, alternative, and metal. The conversation reveals how a college talent show in 2019 sparked what would become a serious musical endeavor, bringing together musicians with surprisingly diverse influences.

What makes Gradients fascinating is their authentic approach to creating music. Three of the members hold audio production degrees and live together, allowing for a constant creative environment where songs emerge organically—sometimes from structured writing sessions, other times from spontaneous late-night jams. The band discusses how their influences range from the Beatles and 70s hard rock to more modern acts like Royal Blood and Arctic Monkeys, creating a unique sonic fingerprint that defies easy categorization.

The episode dives deep into their recording process, with the band handling all aspects of production themselves using Logic Pro and carefully planned microphone techniques. We learn how they've evolved from quick demo recordings to more sophisticated production approaches, while maintaining the raw energy that defines their sound. Drummer Trevor, who joined more recently, shares his perspective on learning songs that were already recorded and how his punk-influenced style complements the band's sound.

Throughout the conversation runs a thread of friendship and camaraderie—from elaborate pranks (including fully carpeting a bandmate's bathroom) to their shared commitment to high-energy live performances. The band emphasizes how showmanship matters as much as technical skill, with the goal of creating memorable experiences for audiences. With upcoming performances at the Red Carpet in St. Cloud and a new album "Come What May," Gradients represents what happens when musical passion meets technical skill and genuine friendship.

Want to experience Gradients for yourself? Follow them on social media to catch their upcoming shows and hear their latest releases. Your next favorite rock band might be just a concert away!

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com
• Gradience: https://gradiencerock.wixsite.com/my-site

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