Dalton Mills talks about the people and places behind the songs, how to protect vulnerable material in noisy rooms, and why honesty beats polish. The session wraps with a stripped‑down live performance.

Key Topics

• Roots, work, and songcraft
• Voice‑memo sketches to finished songs
• Picking the right rooms for intimate material
• Studio plans and near‑term touring

Featured Performance

Live acoustic track

For fans of Cole Chaney, Logan Halstead, and contemporary Appalachian songwriters.

From Miami’s punk and metal scene to Kentucky folk and Americana, WD Miller shares how he writes, tours, and builds. He explains writing “Dear John” the day John Prine died, finishing “Hard Times Like These,” juggling road work with Justin Wells and The Josephine’s, and why he’s hand‑building a secluded studio and songwriter retreat near Somerset, KY. We also dig into his upcoming album, “Child of the Kindly South,” and its redemption theme.

Highlights:

• Punk‑to‑folk journey and early band Los Bastardos Magnificos
• Busking during CMA weekend, 3rd & Lindsley show
• Craft behind “Dear John” and co‑writing “Hard Times Like These”
• Side‑player vs front‑person, honest feedback, and community
• Building a forest studio for writing, demos, and retreats
• New album: themes, vibe, and why some songs didn’t make the cut

WD Miller, John Prine, Dear John, Hard Times Like These, Child of the Kindly South, Somerset KY, songwriter retreat, Abby Hamilton, Magnolia Boulevard, Maggie Noel, Justin Wells, The Josephine’s, Kentucky music, Americana

Dalton Kiser reflects on a life shaped by family, church, and the woods. From sports to songwriter, he shares what small‑town grit taught him, why authenticity beats image, and how he’s approaching music with clear eyes now.

Key Topics

• Holler upbringing and blue‑collar pride
• The party‑phase pivot and taking the craft seriously
• Writing from real people and real places

Featured Moment

Stories and excerpts from Eastern Kentucky originals

For fans of Tyler Childers, CWG, and emerging Appalachian songwriters.