Joe Galante and Ida Mae

06/11/19 • 100 min

One is credited with developing the careers of Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, The Judds, and Wu Tang Clan. The other is developing their own sound and adding art to rock. Joe Galante, former RCA Chairman and President, and British Blues/Rock artists Chris and Stephanie of Ida Mae climb into the attic to talk about their music careers. Ida Mae wasn't Chris and Stephanie's first project together. Hustling and running with the current with Kill It Kid gave them their first taste of a record deal. Through crazy turns, they've decided to end their heavier sound of Kill It Kid for the now Ida Mae sound we know. I was able to catch Ida Mae in between Greta Van Fleet and Blackberry Smoke dates, and before their Bonnaroo show. I instantly fell in love with their lyrics and poetry to their music. There was something classic about them that made them tangible and not stuffy or pretentious as some lyrics can be. We talk about life in the UK, recording and writing for their newest record Chasing Lights, and dive into a couple of stand out songs from the record. Chasing Lights is out now and you can stream it or go to for everything. Follow them @idamaemusic. Joe Galante is a music industry executive. He is noted for his role in developing the careers of Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Vince Gill, Clint Black, Miranda Lambert, and The Judds, Dave Matthews Band, Wu Tang Clan, and among others. Galante began working at RCA Records in New York in 1971. He was transferred to RCA Nashville in 1974; although originally intended to be a temporary stay, Galante remained in Nashville as a director at the label. During the early years of his career, he was criticized because he lacked a traditional background in the music industry. Galante continued to be promoted at the label, becoming vice president of promotion and marketing. In 1982 he was named head of RCA's Nashville division; then 32, he became the youngest person ever named to run a major country record label. In 1990, Galante returned to New York to become national president of RCA Records. He returned to Nashville in 1995 to run the RCA and BNA labels in Nashville as chairman RLG/Nashville. He was named the chairman of Sony Music Nashville in 2007 and served in that position until 2013. With Galante as president, RCA Records was the number one country label for 11 years in a row. We talk about the highs and lows of his career, what made certain acts work, and who really got the ax.

Previous Episode

Jeff Hanna of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Austin Plaine

Music documentaries, new music, and reflecting on a 54-year career with Jeff Hanna and Austin Plaine. Austin and I talk the inevitable dad talk and how music doc's are ruining our lives. We eventually get to his latest release and style. Jeff Hanna, front member of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and I reflect on a 54-year career across multiple genres of music. Insightful and picking up on life's subtle moments, artist and songwriter Austin Plaine shares some insight into his process. Originally from Minnesota, Austin turned away from a legal career to write and record music in Nashville, TN. Releasing his latest record on June 28th, Stratford, Austin popped into the attic to talk about his songs and style. It's Gucci-good. Follow him @austinplaine for updates and visit for tour dates. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was founded around 1966 in Long Beach, California, by singer-guitarist Jeff Hanna. As part of the Southern California scene, past members include Jackson Browne, Jimmie Fadden, Jimmy Ibbotson, Bernie Leadon, and others that have influenced and shaped the sound of American Rock music. The band's successes include a cover version of Jerry Jeff Walker's "Mr. Bojangles". Albums include 1972's Will the Circle be Unbroken, featuring such traditional country artists as Mother Maybelle Carter, Earl Scruggs, Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, Merle Travis, and Jimmy Martin. A follow-up album based on the same concept, Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Two was released in 1989, was certified gold, won two Grammys, and was named Album of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards. In our conversation, we take the time to understand the 60's and the "Jug Band" era of the band's history. We interweave hidden gems like Steve Martin's backing band for "King Tut", recording Will the Circle Be Unbroken, touring the USSR, the highs and lows of a career in music, and even being banned from radio for blasphemy. The band tours to this day and you can see all their tour dates by visiting , and follow them at @nittygrittydirtband.

Next Episode

Natalie Hemby and Hailey Whitters

Breaking down the hits, talking about home, and holding hands on the struggle bus with Natalie Hemby and Hailey Whitters. Both songwriters, but one is a member of the Highway Women and the other is living in a 10 year town with The Dream. Behind a great song is a songwriter with crazy abilities to be able to pen those songs. Most of these tracks you've heard might have been penned by Natalie Hemby. Songs and projects include Kacey Musgraves' Golden Hour, Miranda Lambert's "White Liar", "Automatic", "Highway Vagabond", Little Big Town's "Pontoon" and "Tornado", Republican Hair's "Fuck A Bomb", songs for the motion picture A Star Is Born, and way more than what can fit here. Always being connected to the industry doesn't give you a free pass. We go through Natalie's personal, family history and connections that even though it sounds like you get a pass. Natalie has proven time and time again that she is a staple in the songwriter community. We talk about trying to do the artist thing, quitting music, and coming back strong. We break down some of her biggest hits including "Rainbow" and "Always Remember Us This Way". Then her unique, supernatural ability to write songs like the way she does is discussed. Natalie also shares some news about a new album in the works after her critically acclaimed, Puxico. To keep up with Natalie and to follow updates about the Highway Women supergroup, give her a follow @wruckestrike on Instagram and Natalie Hemby on Facebook. Hailey Whitters is 12 years in, in a 10 year town. I felt connected with Hailey, not just as a fellow musician but someone who is on her journey of figuring things out too. Her latest project, not yet released, The Dream is an introspective look into the cycles of life. Not just an artist, as a songwriter Hailey penned Little Big Town's "Happy People", and continues to show up every day in the songwriting room. We talk about her latest releases "10 Year Town" and "The Days" and looking for validation in life beyond a like and when to start trusting yourself. Life's journey and challenges continually change for Hailey, as it does for everyone, but for the conversation, we take a look at past songs and look at the growth up to the present. Follow Hailey @haileywhitters to keep up when The Dream will be released and go to for tour dates with Maren Morris, Lori McKenna, and Brent Cobb.