On That Note

Today, Riley Stillwagon from Recess Party returns to OTN to talk about their newest EP, 'This Must Be'.  Recess Party has been active in the local Atlanta / Athens music scene since the release of their debut album 'Paid In Full' back in 2023. They've created waves in the indie rock community here for a good reason.  Riley and I got to chat about the meaning behind these new songs and the EP as a whole, as well as production inspirations, tour advice, producing for other artists and much more! Catch them on their upcoming dates in North Carolina: Charleston 3/21 Greenville 3/27 Charlotte 3/28 Make sure to follow them on all socials @recessparty ! And follow the pod on instagram: @onthatnote_podcast

Savannah Hutson is an indie pop singer songwriter and actor based in Atlanta, GA! Her debut album, 'Patronizing' released back in October of 2025 and is comprised of nine dreamy, ethereal pop rock tracks that symbolize and explore the nine circles of Hell discussed in Dante's Inferno.  She is also an accomplished actor who recurs on ABC's 'Will Trent' as Young Angie, appearing in every season of the show so far! We got to discuss her love for video games, her creative process, working on set, balancing her musical and acting career, twenty one pilots and the inspiration she draws from Radiohead's OK Computer! Make sure to give her a follow on her socials!  Insta: @savannahutson  TikTok: @savannahhutson And follow the pod on insta too! @onthatnote_podcast

Today, I'm joined by my friend Eric Peters, the frontman of the incredibly fun and distinct Atlanta-based indie rock band Perfect Animal. Their new album 'Muscle', recorded at Argyle Records just came out and is their follow up album to their 2024 album 'Soft Applause'.  On this episode, Eric and I got to chat about his songwriting process, lineup changes, finding their groove, The Sopranos, musical influences and his favorite live show he's ever seen! We'll be playing a show together THIS SATURDAY (12/6/25) at Smiths Olde bar at 8 pm with Michael Carnes and Them In Uniform!! Come hang and dance the night away with us! And make sure to follow Perfect Animal as well as the pod on instagram! @perfectanimalband @onthatnote_podcast https://smithsoldebar.freshtix.com/events/perfect-animal-album-release-sobatl?utm_campaign=Freshtix&utm_medium=Freshtix&utm_source=Freshtix

I'm joined by Sydney Ward from Atlanta indie duo 'Sleepers Club'! Their sound is self described as "dreamy sleaze-pop" and they've been slowly releasing a string of five singles throughout this year, their most recent release being 'Fear Tower'. Sleepers Club, made up of Ward and her partner Damon Moon, started this project during the pandemic in 2020 as a way to cope with an increasingly volatile world. Now, we benefit from their work as they bring those songs to streaming services for us to hear! In this episode we discuss their songwriting process, reconnecting with old material, Shaky Knees, artist / producer dynamics and musical education! Give Sleepers Club a follow on their socials! @sleepers.club And don't forget to follow the pod @onthatnote_podcast

Zoe Bayani is a driving force in Atlanta's indie rock scene. Since she started  releasing music under her own name back in the fall of 2021, her sound has evolved from a more folky roots vibe to a hard rock / grunge sonic palette. Her newest single, 'Hear Me' is accompanied by an absolutely insane music video that is equally as cinematic.  On today's episode, we got to chat about her musical upbringing, the creative and logistical challenges that come with producing your own music video, advocating for your art during the production process and why 'Ultraviolence' by Lana Del Rey is her favorite album of all time! Give her a follow on all the socials @zoeibayani And follow the pod @onthatnote_podcast

Today, I'm joined by Sophia Taite, the front woman behind Atlanta's new and exciting indie rock band, Jaguar Glass.  Jaguar Glass is a 4 piece band comprised of all producers. Not only is Sophia a gifted singer songwriter, she's an incredible sound engineer at Maze Studios, The Eastern and The Masquerade here in Atlanta. Their new song, Zombie Ants brings a free flowing sound comprised of psychedelic guitars and synths and a steady drum groove. After hearing this for the first time, it's infectious chorus was repeating in my head all day. Sophia and I got to chat about her songwriting process, the role of a sound engineer in a studio versus a live venue, her favorite concerts and our mutual love for Radiohead! Give Jaguar Glass a follow on instagram @jaguar.glass And make sure to follow the podcast as well! @onthatnote_podcast

If you’re into bands like Alvvays, The Beths and Slow Pulp, then Baby Hollis might just be your new favorite indie rock singer songwriter based here in Atlanta! Hollis Griffin, AKA Baby Hollis just released her DEBUT single ‘Talking Stage’ and I was lucky enough to have her on the pod to get all the details regarding her musical leanings and inspirations behind the new music. We got to chat about Steely Dan, the utility of voice notes, what she looks for in a producer collaborator and her musical career leading up to the start of her solo project! Give Baby Hollis a follow on Instagram @babyhollis And don’t forget to give the pod a follow on your favorite podcast streaming service as well as on Instagram! @onthatnote_podcast

You may know Maggie Geeslin as the guitarist for local Atlanta indie rock band Lunar Vacation, but she's also an incredibly talented singer songwriter who's about to release her debut album 'Candy, Lights, Orchids' under the name Maggie FM! We got to chat about her songwriting process, tour life, consistently committing to her music, recording her debut album in three and a half days and what people may not know about being in a band like Lunar Vacation. Make sure to give Maggie a follow on instagram: @maggie_fm_ And follow the pod: @onthatnote_podcast

Today, I had the pleasure of interviewing a new addition to the Atlanta indie music scene. Cooks of Cassidy moved to Atlanta from Kansas last year and has been ingratiating herself in the community ever since. I found her song 'By The Pail' on TikTok a month or so ago and have been obsessed with it ever since. After she dropped another banger, 'Sparrow's Ticket', I knew I had to have her on the pod. We got to chat about her songwriting process, lyrical world building, film editing and why Hop Along is her favorite band! Make sure to follow her on social media  ⁨@CooksOfCassidy⁩   And follow the podcast on instagram @onthatnote_podcast 

On today's episode of OTN, alternative singer songwriter Ad Astra joins me to talk about her EP, 'Anxious Avoidant Attachment Style'. Released in May of this year, her debut project combines elements of classical, dark pop and alt rock. This concoction of genres paired with Ad Astras vision will guide you on a voyage of heart break and romantic self discovery. We got to chat about he creative process, Lana Del Rey, breaking away from her religious upbringing, externalizing deep emotions into her art and how being an "evil c*nt" in her childhood eventually led to her family growing even closer.  Be on the lookout for her new album set to drop next year and give her a follow @officialadastra on social media! Make sure to follow the pod on instagram @onthatnote_podcast

Jake Chisenhall joins the pod to talk about his debut EP Be Steel, My Heart, a lush collection of songs pulling from the Beach Boys and classic Great American Songbook influences. We also dive into his work in music journalism, favorite classic album covers, Bob Dylan, his work in other projects like Sunset Honor Unit and Floral Portrait, and plenty more.

Jackson Welch is back on the pod, this time repping his band Champagne Lane and their debut album The World In Your Eyes. He and his bandmate Jake Rogers spent five years producing the record, and we get into what that long process was really like. We also talk yacht rock influences, Mk.Gee, nerding out on gear, and plenty more.

On this episode of On That Note, I’m joined by Trevor Griffin, frontperson of Atlanta band Tavern Breakfast. We talk about their two new singles, “Roll Down” and “Nature Coast,” and dig into the songwriting process behind them. Trevor shares some of the band’s musical inspirations, how they prepare for live shows, and what’s next for Tavern Breakfast as they continue carving out their place in the Atlanta music scene.

On this episode of On That Note, I’m joined by multi-instrumentalist, producer, and member of The Hensleys, Ezra Pounds. Fresh off the release of his debut solo album I Wanna Go To The Beach—a project he wrote, played, and produced entirely himself—we dive into the creative process behind the record, the energy of his release show, the art of collaboration, and the musical advice that’s shaped his journey. We also chat about his favorite jazz composers and how their influence sneaks into his own sound. Make sure to follow Ezra on instagram @epnds and the podcast @onthatnote_podcast

On this episode of On That Note, I’m joined by Karson Kern—better known as St. Bruce—to talk about his debut EP, Leave Me as I Am. With its haunting indie folk flare, the record has drawn comparisons to artists like John Mayer and Dave Matthews. We get into his production and songwriting process, navigating the Atlanta music scene, and how he balances his creative life as both a musician and working actor.

On this episode of On That Note, I’m joined once again by my most frequent guest, Elijah Johnston. He’s back with a brand-new album, Stupid Soul, out now on Strolling Bones Records. We dive into the songwriting process behind the record, the themes and intentions that shaped it, and the emotional thread tying it all together. Elijah also shares how Brian Wilson continues to influence his work—and, naturally, we discuss what kind of food best represents his music.

I’m joined by Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Adeline Hill! We dive into her debut album A WIDE RANGE OF EMOTION!, a collection of indie pop bangers perfect for fans of The Japanese House and Bleachers. We talk about her musical inspirations, the importance of clear communication between artists and producers, and her bold decision to skip college and fully commit to her music career. Follow her on instagram @adelinehillmusic And follow the pod @onthatnote_podcast

On this episode of On That Note, I sit down with Atlanta native and rapper Idris French to talk about his powerful new album Truth Over Drums, a project that hits hard both lyrically and rhythmically. We dive into his musical influences, the relentless work ethic that’s fueled his journey, and his deep dedication to his craft over the years. Idris also shares the pivotal moment when, at just 23 years old, he announced to his family during Christmas that he was going all-in on music. This is a conversation about passion, persistence, and the power of betting on yourself. https://www.instagram.com/therealidrisfrench/ https://www.instagram.com/onthatnote_podcast/

On this episode of On That Note, I’m joined by Atlanta-based artist and producer Mad Ace..., a sonic architect known for his experimental approach to synths and genre-bending production. With deep roots in the indie scene through his work with Athens-turned-Atlanta rock outfit Wieuca, Mad Ace... has spent years crafting sounds that toe the line between chaos and cohesion. He’s gearing up for the release of his new album Heartcrymes, dropping June 28th—a deeply personal yet playfully glitched-out project that blends emotional storytelling with warped electronic textures. His newest single “Big Star” is out now, complete with an accompanying music video that dives headfirst into his offbeat visual world. We get into all of that and more—his production roots, evolution as a songwriter, and how the Atlanta DIY scene continues to shape his creative voice.

On this episode of On That Note, I sat down with Athens-based singer-songwriter Lane Marie, fresh off the release of her stunning new single, Changing. We talked all about her unique songwriting process, the emotional core behind her lyrics, and how therapy and self-reflection have shaped both her music and her personal journey. This conversation went deep, got personal, and was an absolute blast