Show Notes
Classical and jazz-trained guitarist Michael Rye shares how he went from Suzuki violin lessons at age five to a lifetime of guitar. We talk about his all-instrumental album If These Hands Could Talk and why he wanted it to be 100% guitar with no vocals, overdubs, or studio tricks. Michael breaks down how he thinks about fingerstyle, session work in a remote-file world, and why reputation and referrals are everything when people need you to deliver fast. He also walks through his upcoming teaching platform, Intuitive Guitar Academy, built like a structured curriculum with beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, plus printable practice materials. We get into practice habits, choosing a first song, how he maintains a large collection of purpose-built guitars, and the real-world gear routines that keep him consistent on stage.
More from Look who it is!
From playing nearly empty bars in Nashville to opening for artists like Jake Owen, LOCASH, and Lakeview, country music artist and actor Jet Jurgensmeyer knows what it means to put in the work. On this episode of Look Who It Is, Dane sits down with Jet to talk about life on the road, his latest single "Sane to My Crazy," and the songwriting process behind his music. Jet shares stories from his early performances, what it's like balancing college with a growing music career, and why those small moments—like hearing someone sing his lyrics back to him—make it all worthwhile. They also dive into his acting career, working with Nashville's top session musicians, and what's next as he prepares for life after graduation. From the empty rooms to the bigger stages, Jet's journey is a reminder that every show and every song is part of the story. Listen now to hear the full conversation!
Devin Trout is back on Look Who It Is! for the first time since his appearance last year. We catch up on everything that’s changed since then, including touring with Chase Matthew, playing shows around the world, opening for Jason Aldean, and taking on a bigger role behind the scenes. Devin talks about preparing tracks for TV performances, doing more session work, and getting ready to head into the studio as Chase uses his touring band to record new music. We also get into life on the road, what goes into putting together a live show, learning his role as a rhythm guitarist, some unforgettable tour stories, and what he’s looking forward to next. A relaxed conversation about touring, recording, growing as a musician, and everything that happens in between.
Stephen Ridley is a British pianist who left investment banking behind and went on to perform in 77 countries around the world. In this episode, Stephen shares stories about performing for 28,000 people in Uzbekistan, playing piano for 24 hours straight, improvising an entire concert after only seven minutes of rehearsal, and meeting artists including Sting and Robbie Williams. He also explains why more than 160 professionally recorded songs remain unreleased and how some of the best moments in his life have come from plans going completely off course.
Jackson Hymel joins Dane to talk about going from recording pop-rap songs on an iPhone at 10 years old to writing country music and recording professionally in Nashville. Jackson shares how he accidentally became a left-handed guitarist despite being right-handed, found Young Outlaw Music through ReverbNation, and worked with producer Brent McCollough on “Love Again” and the upcoming “Ups and Downs.” He also opens up about turning his first heartbreak into music, overcoming nerves onstage, and balancing his senior year of high school with building a music career. Follow Jackson at @jacksonhymelmusic and listen to “Love Again” wherever you stream music.
Cody Ikerd joins Dane on Look Who It Is! to talk about starting the Sidewinders and bringing rock energy to outlaw country. From playing drums in metal bands to fronting his own country band out of Bedford, Indiana, Cody shares the stories behind their first shows, finding their sound, and earning recognition at the Josie Music Awards. We also get into songwriting, the album The Nineteenth State, and the reality of keeping an independent band going while balancing full-time jobs, family, and social media. Learn more about Cody Ikerd and the Sidewinders: https://codyikerdmusic.com/