The Hang! As Seen On Almost Famous Magazine!

In this episode of The Hang, host Scott Saldinger sits down with Austin Eisner and Colin Fausnaught from the Nashville-based indie rock band Austin and the Powers. The duo opens up about how the band formed in the wake of the pandemic, fueled by a desire to make meaningful music and reconnect with their creative roots. What began as a cover band quickly evolved into a distinctive indie pop rock act, blending early 2000s influences with a modern new-wave sensibility. Their songwriting process—often guided by two trusty whiteboards—is highly collaborative, and many of their songs are built around fictional characters inspired by real-life experiences.
The conversation dives deep into their artistic journey, from high school music programs to Nashville's vibrant creative community, where they've found both inspiration and support. They also discuss their rapidly growing streaming success and the momentum it has created. A highlight of the episode is their recent cover of Sabrina Carpenter’s hit single “Taste,” where they share the process of honoring the original while making it uniquely theirs. Austin and Colin also reflect on the power of live performance, their connection with fans through shows and merch, and their long-term goal to take their music on the road through touring. From humble beginnings to a promising future, this episode captures the spirit of a band determined to leave their mark on the indie music scene—one song, one show, and one whiteboard at a time.
#AustinAndThePowers #indierock #nashvillemusicscene #taste #sabrinacarpenter #austinpowers #colorado #headsup #nexus 
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Join Scott Saldinger on this captivating episode of The Hang as he sits down with rising New York City singer/songwriter Leo Lovechild. In this in-depth interview, Leo shares his musical journey, from his early days writing songs at 13 to performing live in NYC by 15. He delves into his songwriting process, the challenges of navigating social media as an artist, and his experience performing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Leo discusses his upcoming album, Skyscraper Country, offering insights into its themes and the inspiration drawn from his NYC roots. He emphasizes the importance of supporting local artists and staying true to one's authentic voice in the music industry.
Tune in to hear Leo's perspective on the evolving music scene, his aspirations for collaboration, and the role of literature and poetry in shaping his songwriting approach.
#LeoLovechild #TheHangPodcast #nycmusicians #SongwritingProcess #nyc 
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Step into the world of Nic Collins, drummer and key member of the band The Effect, as he delves into the band's journey, sound, and upcoming album in this engaging interview. Nic, known as the son of legendary musician Phil Collins, along with Trev Lukather, son of Steve Lukather, Toto, crafted a unique blend of rock and pop with influences from the 80s and 90s to create a sound fresh and new bringing back power rock!
In this in-depth conversation, Nic shares insights into The Effect's collaborative process, songwriting approach, and the completion of their awaited album. He discusses his drumming techniques, musical influences, dream collaborations, and the impact of performing alongside his father and being part of Genesis' final tour.
Moreover, Nic provides a glimpse into his other project, Better Strangers, and their quest for a new lead singer. He talks about upcoming tours, his current playlist, and even reveals what he might have pursued if not for drumming.
Don't miss this chance to discover the inner workings of The Effect, Nic's drumming prowess, and the exciting future ahead for both bands! 
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Join us for an exclusive 1:1 hang with Tim Howar, the dynamic lead vocalist of Mike and the Mechanics, as he delves into his diverse career in music and theater. Tim shares his journey from his love for Canada to his experiences in New York, where he embraced his versatility as a performer. Discover his excitement for upcoming projects, including a concert with the National Orchestra Wales and a new rock operetta musical called Undead Valley. Tim discusses his roles in unique musical productions, the importance of taking risks in the theater industry, and his admiration for artists like Fickle Friends, The Toms, and Roachford. Learn about his passion for Canadian music, his upcoming performance at the Isle of Wight festival, and his work on a solo album. Plus, enjoy some fun tidbits about his love for Hawkins Cheezies and his appreciation for his fans.
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Join host Scott Saldinger in this engaging episode of "The Hang" as he reunites with Spencer Hannabuss and James FitzGerald from London's own rock orchestra, The 286. 
In this in-depth conversation, Spencer and James reflect on the band's evolution over the past two years, including lineup changes such as the addition of a new drummer, and how these developments have influenced their unique fusion of rock and classical music.
They delve into their personal musical journeys, sharing insights into their influences from iconic bands like ELO and The Beatles, and how these inspirations shape The 286's distinctive sound.
The discussion also explores the collaborative nature of their songwriting process, highlighting the dynamic and evolving approach they take to create music that resonates with both new listeners and long-time fans.
Spencer and James share their excitement about upcoming projects, including a new EP set to release soon, and their aspirations for touring in 2025, with a particular dream of performing in the United States.
They emphasize the importance of authentic fan engagement, discussing how building a global fanbase through social media and direct interactions has fostered a sense of community and loyalty among their audience.
Throughout the interview, you'll gain insights into the band's creative process, their commitment to connecting with fans, and the challenges they face in the ever-evolving music landscape.
Don't miss this opportunity to get an inside look at The 286's journey, their musical influences, and what lies ahead for this innovative London-based band.
For more information about The 286 and their music, visit their official website
To purchase their latest releases, check out their Bandcamp page
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#The286 #RockOrchestra #LondonMusicScene #TheHangInterview #newmusic2025

Join Scott in an engaging conversation with Steve "Smiley" Barnard,  renowned drummer, writer, producer, and author of the book "Clang." 
Discover how Steve's childhood experiences with music shaped his passion for drumming and led him to play with iconic acts like Robbie Williams, Joe Stummer and The Mescaleros, and The Alarm. Gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of being in a band, the challenges of fame, and the importance of staying true to your craft.
Explore Steve's transition from playing covers in local bars to performing on global stages, and the profound impact of his experiences with legendary musicians. From sliding doors moments to invaluable life lessons, this conversation offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of a seasoned musician.
From memorable encounters with legends like Mike Peters to navigating the dynamics of band auditions and tours, Smiley delves into the intricacies of the music industry. Learn about the importance of simplicity in music, the power of silence, and the art of laying down a groove as Smiley shares his experiences and production stories.
Discover the inspiration behind Smiley's book "Clang," filled with entertaining anecdotes from his encounters with celebrities and musicians. Dive deep into Smiley's songwriting process, where he believes songs fall out of the sky and how he captures them in moments of creative brilliance.
Explore the essence of Smiley's Friends, a project where Smiley collaborates with diverse musicians on compelling albums. Learn about the missed musical opportunity with Karl Wallinger and the impact of seizing moments in the world of music.
Smiley's Friends  
Record at Sunshine Corner Studios 

Step into the world of Fastball with an in depth interview featuring Tony Scalzo, singer, bass player, and keyboardist of the renowned Austin-based band. In this engaging conversation, Tony dives deep into the band's latest album 'Sonic Ranch,' sharing insights into their creative process, recording experience at Sonic Ranch in West Texas, and the collaborative nature of their songwriting.
Discover how Fastball's unique blend of musical influences, including nods to bands like The Knack and The Police, shapes their distinctive sound and approach to touring. Tony discusses the evolution of Fastball's music, from their earlier hits to the fresh tracks featured on 'Sonic Ranch.' Get a sneak peek into the upcoming tour, where fans can expect a dynamic setlist showcasing a mix of beloved classics and new favorites.
Tony also delves into Fastball's Patreon platform, offering exclusive content for fans and highlighting the band's commitment to creating cohesive, artistically rich albums. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Fastball's music, this interview provides a captivating glimpse into the band's creative journey and their dedication to delivering memorable musical experiences. 

Join us for an inspiring interview with singer-songwriter Billy Harvey, a renowned musician whose music has touched countless lives. In this conversation, Billy shares insights into his musical journey, including overcoming challenges such as recent arm surgery that impacted his guitar playing ability.
We delve into Billy's passion for writing political and social songs that resonate with listeners without being preachy. His experiences living in Nashville and becoming a father have significantly influenced his songwriting, adding depth and authenticity to his music.
Billy discusses the unique challenge he undertook with his album 'Bullseye,' where he aimed to write and record one song a day. He also shares about his other projects, including 'The Arsonist' and his band RadioBot, offering valuable perspectives on the creative process and finding balance in musical expression.
Discover Billy Harvey's diverse musical influences, from guitar legends like Eddie Van Halen and Jeff Beck to singer-songwriters like Steve Earle. He also shares his current listening preferences, exploring old records from the 70s that continue to inspire his creativity.
Get ready to dive into the world of Billy Harvey, an artist dedicated to leaving a positive impact through his music and ongoing collaborations, including an exciting project, RadioBot. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a seasoned musician and passionate creator.
@BillyHarveyguyWebsite

Welcome to an exclusive 31-minute interview with German musician Jack McBannon, where he takes us on a fascinating journey through his musical evolution and the creation of his latest album 'Tennessee.' Join us as McBannon discusses his transition from singing in German to English, drawing inspiration from American and English-speaking music that has shaped his unique sound.
In this conversation, McBannon shares the story of how he connected with John Carter Cash and recorded 'Tennessee' in the legendary Cash Cabin, a testament to his dedication to pursuing dreams and breaking through self-imposed limitations. He delves into the themes and inspirations behind his songs, including the titular track 'Tennessee' and 'Turn Around,' offering insights into his songwriting process and the personal stories woven into his music.
McBannon also highlights the differences between his albums 'True Stories' and 'Tennessee,' discussing the evolution in production styles and songwriting approaches. He gives a sneak peek into the upcoming release of a making-of video, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of 'Tennessee.'
Don't miss this engaging interview with Jack McBannon, where he shares his passion for music, plans for touring, and the authentic journey behind 'Tennessee.' Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation with a talented musician who continues to captivate audiences with his heartfelt melodies and storytelling prowess.  @jackmcbannon  
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Join us for an exclusive interview with Essex-born musician @benmckelvey as he shares insights into his remarkable music journey and entrepreneurial ventures.
Starting off in the pop punk scene and later transitioning into a successful solo singer-songwriter, Ben McKelvey has experienced diverse facets of the music industry. He opened for renowned acts like Mike and the Mechanics and toured extensively throughout the UK and Europe, gaining valuable experiences along the way.
The pandemic brought challenges to the music industry, but Ben adapted by launching a fan club subscription business and delving deeper into the business side of music. He founded his own record label, Lower Your Shoulder, and expanded his interests into fitness and clothing.
In this interview, Ben discusses his involvement in various projects, including the Campaign for Nothing and his punk duo called Doubt Kills. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and consistency for aspiring musicians and shares his musical influences, which include legends like Paul Weller, Johnny Cash, Brian Fallon, and Blink-182.
Don't miss out on Ben McKelvey's recommendations for the latest albums from Blink-182, Gaslight Anthem, and Frank Turner. Tune in to gain insights, inspiration, and a glimpse into the multifaceted world of Ben McKelvey's music and entrepreneurship journey!