The Neon Eon

On Episode 11, we're joined by our first present-day and new artist, BJ Barham, the lead vocalist and chief lyricist of American Aquarium. The North Carolina-based Barham and AA released a surprise album today--the aptly titled Slappers, Bangers & Certified Twangers, Vol. 1--the band's ninth full-length studio album and first covers record. As you expect the 10 songs found on Slappers are an ode and tribute to the music, songwriting, and artists of the early '90s.
During this episode, we talk about the early inspiration behind the project, the blue-collar anthems and earnest storytelling of the '90s collection, how '70s & '80s rock songwriting influenced country music, early memories of listening to the radio in rural North Carolina, and why & how bands and artists like Sawyer Brown, Sammy Kershaw, and Patty Loveless wound up seeping into the American Aquarium sound.
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Today's theme music is "Rollin'" by Lauren Duski.

This week on The Neon Eon, I'm joined by country music superstar Sara Evans. We talk about breaking into the industry and forming her sound, embracing her Missouri roots and singing songs about small-town life, writing and/or recording massive hits like "Suds in the Bucket," "Born to Fly," and "A Real Fine Place to Start," why country music thrived when unique and distinct accents and voices were supported on radio, album deep cuts, and why she felt it was essential to record songs like Lori McKenna's "Bible Song" early in her career.
Like and Follow The Neon Eon on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Patreon. Check out The Neon Eon Overall Playlist here and The Neon Eon: The Songwriters Playlist here. Subscribe to New Slang here.
Today's theme music is "Rollin'" by Lauren Duski.

This week on The Neon Eon, I revisit an older episode of New Slang, an interview with country music legend Clint Black. During this hour-plus conversation, Black gives incredible insight, detail, and perspective on his storied career. We go back and talk about his breakthrough debut album Killin' Time (which last year was its' 30th year anniversary), how being in the public eye changed his songwriting, how he and guitarist Hayden Nicholas formed an unbeatable songwriting & creative team, writing & collaborating with the likes of Merle Haggard, how "going electric" helped shape and expand his artistic process, and his latest album, Out of Sane.
*This episode was originally aired on New Slang back in the Summer of 2020.*
Like and Follow The Neon Eon on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Patreon. Check out The Neon Eon Overall Playlist here and The Neon Eon: The Songwriters Playlist here. Subscribe to New Slang here.
Today's theme music is "Rollin'" by Lauren Duski.

This week on The Neon Eon, Larry Stewart of Restless Heart stops by to talk about the band's '80s roots, their quick rise in country music, Restless Heart's longevity and consistency all these years later, their string of #1 hits, why radio helped make them successful, being country's soft rock band, and Larry's underrated '93 solo album Down the Road.
Like and Follow The Neon Eon on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Patreon. Check out The Neon Eon Overall Playlist here and The Neon Eon: The Songwriters Playlist here. Subscribe to New Slang here.
Today's theme music is "Rollin'" by Lauren Duski.

Welcome back to The Neon Eon. We kick off February being joined by singer-songwriter Terry McBride. McBride began making a name for himself as a bass player playing for the likes of Dale McBride (his father), Delbert McClinton, Rosie Flores, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and others down in his native Texas before bursting onto the scene as the lead vocalist and chief lyricist of the trio McBride & The Ride. Later, he'd be recognized as a hit songwriter for the likes of Brooks & Dunn and Reba McEntire. During this conversation, we talk about those early Texas roots, establishing McBride & The Ride, hanging out with Guy Clark, recording the breakout album Sacred Ground, hitting it off with Ronnie Dunn, writing "If You See Him/If You See Her," and making his way back to recording albums once more.
Like and Follow The Neon Eon on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Patreon.
Today's theme music is "Rollin'" by Lauren Duski.