Queen City Music Podcast

A podcast dedicated to the local music scene in Charlotte, North Carolina. The show host speaks with local musicians, music venues, shop owners and artisans in around the Charlotte metro region.

E101 - Carrie Ann, musician 08/02/2026

E101 - Carrie Ann, musician This month on episode 101 of the QCMP I’m sitting down with the amazing Carrie Ann. She’s carved out a wonderful niche for herself as a solo cover performer, but is also a member of The Black Crowes tribute band - Hard 2 Handle and One Bar Short - which performs jump blues and good time rock ‘n’ roll of the 50’s. She’s filling us in on how she developed her unique solo show, what it’s like playing in a tribute band and so much more. ___________________________________ Carrie Ann ___________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsors ________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/42261600

E100 - The1Civilian, Tap in Music and Entertainment 07/01/2026

E100 - The1Civilian, Tap in Music and Entertainment Well, here we are 100 episodes deep into the QCMP. I’m proud to have been spotlighting our local Charlotte music scene since 2017 by speaking with musicians, artisans, business owners and others who make up our music community. This month I’m speaking with Tina “The 1 Civilian” CEO of Tap In - Music & Entertainment LLC. Tap In is known for hosting local music showcases, open mics, and networking events for underground and independent artists across the Carolinas. However, they are also involved in artist management, event curation and so much more. But, I’ll let The 1 Civilian tell you all about it. ___________________________________ Tap In - Music and Entertainment, LLC ___________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsors ________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/41716020

E99 - Stan Cocheo, host of Musical Conversations 06/01/2026

E99 - Stan Cocheo, host of Musical Conversations If you’ve been listening to the QCMP over the years you know I like to speak with people from across the musical spectrum. This month is no different as my guest is Stan Cocheo, host of the internet radio show Musical Conversations. Stan has spoken to a wide range of artists from local Charlotte musicians like our friend Peyton Velligan to international stars like Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull. So this month I’m putting Stan in the hot seat and finding out how he became an interviewer. ___________________________________ Stan Cocheo ___________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsors ________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/41479720

E98 - Mike Prescott, guitarist 05/01/2026

E98 - Mike Prescott, guitarist This month on episode 98 of the QCMP I'm talking with guitarist Mike Prescott. You may know Mike best for his amazing guitar playing with The Hawthornes - a genre bending group whose music is hard to classify. Mike’s unique sound and broad range of influences make him one of Charlotte’s shining voices on six strings. _________________________________________________ Mike Prescott ___________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsors ________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/41041805

E97 - Payton Rose Velligan, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist 04/01/2026

E97 - Payton Rose Velligan, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist This month on episode 97 of the Queen City Music Podcast I’m sitting down with singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Payton Rose Velligan for what is the longest episode of the QCMP to date. You may recall Payton was on the podcast back in 2020 with her band mates in Irrashional - which was episode 31 to be exact. However, in the last 6 years Payton has been doing so much that I wanted to make sure we had time to talk about everything she has been up to. One of the highlights includes recently completing an epic tour as one of the newest members of the “Weird Al” Yankovic’s band on the 2025 “Bigger & Weirder” tour and getting to play Madison Square Garden! _________________________________________________ Payton Rose Velligan ____________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsors ________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/40675440

E96 - Edward Crowther, guitarist 03/01/2026

E96 - Edward Crowther, guitarist This month on episode 96 of the Queen City Music Podcast. This month I’m speaking with guitarist Edward Crowther who is quickly making a name for himself on the Charlotte scene. He’s a musician unafraid of wearing his influences like a badge of honor and his music reflects the true spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. Edward was kind enough to sit and talk about his journey as a young musician navigating the current landscape of the music business. _________________________________________________ Edward Crowther ____________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsors ________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/40221955

E95 - Kristi Ormand, singer/songwriter 02/01/2026

E95 - Kristi Ormand, singer/songwriter 2026 is off to a great start and on this episode 95 of the QCMP I’m pleased to be speaking with my friend singer/songwriter Kristi Ormand. Kristi has released several new singles recently and fronts the cover group StellaRising. I sat down with her discuss her musical history, the release of new music and who this Stella person actually is... ________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Kristi Ormand ____________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsors ________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/39871340

E94 - Coconut Groove Band, cover band 01/01/2026

E94 - Coconut Groove Band, cover band To kick off 2026 and this episode 94 of the QCMP I’m speaking with members of Charlotte’s most notable cover group - Coconut Groove Band. The group formed in the late 90’s and have developed a broad repertoire of songs which spans decades as well as genres. The band's deep catalog, along with their dedication to musical excellence has earned the Coconut Groove Band an impeccable reputation in the Charlotte area as well as being a top choice for entertainment for corporate events, weddings, festivals, and venues throughout the region. ________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Coconut Groove Band ____________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor ________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/39560295

E93 - The Spongetones, power pop band 12/01/2025

E93 - The Spongetones, power pop band This month on episode 93 of the QCMP I’m speaking with local music legends The Spongetones! The group formed in 1979 from a desire to play the music of the Beatles and other artists of the 1960s they admired. Their music can best be described as “Power Pop” highlighted by jangly guitars and Beatlesque vocals. Although their lineup has slightly changed over the years - the current lineup of Jamie Hoover, Steve Stoeckel, Pat Walters and Eric Wilhelm are in the studio to talk about The Spongetones past, present and future. ________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ The Spongetones ____________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor ________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/39200870

E92 - Rick Thurmond, Confluence 11/01/2025

E92 - Rick Thurmond, Confluence This month on episode 92 of the QCMP I’m speaking with Rick Thurmond from Confluence. If you are not familiar with Confluence, it is the must-attend annual gathering for music professionals, artists, and industry leaders across the Carolinas and the Southeast. Confluence was held here in Charlotte in October from the 8th - 11th. There were guest speakers and panel discussions during the day and evening performances throughout the city at some of our most popular venues like The Evening Muse. ________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Confluence ___________________________________________ Music Everywhere CLT _____________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor ________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/38838030

E91 - Sean Michael Smith, composer 10/01/2025

E91 - Sean Michael Smith, composer This month on episode 91 of the QCMP I’m speaking with self-trained composer Sean Michael Smith. Sean has an interesting background as a metal musician, with a foot in the classical realm. His first symphony “The Wolf” is to be performed on October 24th by the Charlotte Civic Orchestra at the Dale F. Halton Theater. A symphony is quite an ambitious work for a new composer, especially when it is the first piece they have written. __________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Sean Michael Smith ___________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/38347375

E90 - Local Music Business Roundtable, w/ Pam Taylor, Ephraim Sommers and Nicholas Rhodes 09/01/2025

E90 - Local Music Business Roundtable, w/ Pam Taylor, Ephraim Sommers and Nicholas Rhodes This month on episode 90 the QCMP has its first rountable! We're talking the business of music as a local musician. Host Matthew Ablan is joined by Ephraim Scott Sommers, Pam Taylor and Nicholas Rhodes. It's an interesting discussion between four musicians who are navigating the Charlotte scene. Featuring the songs "Man Enough" by Ephraim Sommers, "Mountain" by Pam Taylor and "It All Depends on You" by Matthew Ablan. __________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Ephraim Scott Sommers ______________________________________________ Pam Taylor ______________________________________________ Nicholas Rhodes ______________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/37884375

E89 - Philip Funderburk, cover artist 08/01/2025

E89 - Philip Funderburk, cover artist This month on episode 89 cover artist Philip Funderburk who can be found tickling the ivories as a soloist and dualing pianist. Philip digs into his background as a pianist, what brought him to Charlotte and a whole lot more! __________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Philip Funderburk ______________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/37609990

E88 - Big Greg, rap artist 07/02/2025

E88 - Big Greg, rap artist This month on episode 88 rap artist Big Greg also known as PLK “The Punch Line Kid”stops by to talk. Big Greg can best be described as "genre less" and has been cited as one of the most diverse artists in the south. Not to mention he’s received accolades from: Charlotte Music Awards, Carolina Music Video Awards (CMVA) and Indie Grind Music Awards (IGMA) to name a few. Equally at home in the studio or on a stage you can be sure Big Greg will always bring his best. __________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Big Greg ______________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/37231400

E87 - Desmond McDonald, bassist 06/02/2025

E87 - Desmond McDonald, bassist This month on episode 87 of the QCMP I'm speaking with bassist Desmond McDonald who recently finished a tour with blues/rock guitarist Eric Gales. Dez fills us in on his music background, what attracted him to the bass, plugging into the Charlotte music scene, the pressure of jumping into a tour and a whole lot more. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Desmond McDonald _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/36826360

E86 - Tara Taylor, vocalist 05/11/2025

E86 - Tara Taylor, vocalist This month on episode 86 of the QCMP vocalist and good friend Tara Taylor stops by to discuss her musical history, plugging into the Charlotte music scene and the various groups she performs with. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Tara Taylor _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/36524060

E85 - Matt Stratford, cover artist 04/01/2025

E85 - Matt Stratford, cover artist This month on episode 85 of the QCMP local cover artist Matt Stratford stops by to discuss his musical background, the local Charlotte scene, live sound and lots more! _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Matt Stratford _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/35950965

E84 - Nathan Harris, touring/session guitarist 03/01/2025

E84 - Nathan Harris, touring/session guitarist This month on episode 84 of the QCMP I’m speaking with Nathan Harris. Nathan is multi-talented and is a touring and session guitarist as well as a singer/songwriter. His recent release is the EP Moving On. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Nathan Harris _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/35417110

E83 - Joe May, Independent Artist 02/01/2025

E83 - Joe May, Independent Artist This month on episode 83 of the QCMP I’m pleased to be speaking with independent artist Joe May. You may remember Joe from episode 40 of the QCMP when he was on with several band members from his Pluto Gang. This month Joe is back talking about his dive into being a solo artist, his new single, upcoming album and studio Alta Mira. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Joe May _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/35020410

E82 - Greazy Keyz 01/01/2025

E82 - Greazy Keyz Happy New Year and I hope 2025 is off to a great start for you. This month on episode 82 of the QCMP Greazy Keyz is back and this time in the studio! The last time he was featured on the podcast was back in 2020 on episode 33 and we needed to do a virtual interview as the pandemic had just started. He’s had a lot going on in these few short years so I’ve asked him back to fill us in! _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Greazy Keyz _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/34638790

E81 - Troy Conn, guitarist 12/01/2024

E81 - Troy Conn, guitarist This month on Episode 81 of the Queen City Music Podcast Matthew speaks with guitarist Troy Conn. The two talk about Troy's musical history, performing, working with like minded musicians, teaching and navigating social media! _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Troy Conn _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/34209895

E80 - Flame Tides 11/01/2024

E80 - Flame Tides This month on Episode 80 of the Queen City Music Podcast Matthew speaks with Flame Tides. A melodic heavy groove duo featuring Hayley Moran and Rocketman McNeely. The duo discuss how they came together, navigating the Charlotte scene, what defines their sound and a whole lot more! _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Flame Tides _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/33631682

E79 - DJ Citron, Electronic Dance Music 10/01/2024

E79 - DJ Citron, Electronic Dance Music This month Matthew talks with DJ Citron. Citron talks about the history of DJ'ing - what it is and what it's all about, how he became a DJ, a run down of the Charlotte scene, and a whole lot more! _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ DJ Citron _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/33255572

E78 - Nicholas Rhodes, The Raven & The Road 09/01/2024

E78 - Nicholas Rhodes, The Raven & The Road This month Matthew talks with Charlotte native Nicholas Rhodes who works under the moniker "The Raven & The Road". The two discuss Noicholas' journey in music from jazz to rock, from ensemble to solo performer guitar teaching, his podcast and much, much more! _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Nicholas Rhodes _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/32853642

E77 - Douglas Armstrong, Midwood Guitar Studio 08/01/2024

E77 - Douglas Armstrong, Midwood Guitar Studio This month on Episode 77 Matthew speaks with Douglas Armstrong owner of Midwood Guitar Studio. It's been some time since Douglas was last on the podcast, but he's back to update us on what's been happening at MGS. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/32338502

E76 - Fault Reset, metal band 07/01/2024

E76 - Fault Reset, metal band This month on episode 76 of the Queen City Music Podcast host Matthew Ablan speaks with Patrick "PJ" Justice and Warren Wheless founding members of the metal band Fault Reset. The guys discuss how the band came together, the song writing process, the local metal scene, the "in's and out's" of harsh vocals and so much more! _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Fault Reset _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/31971497

E75 - Matthew Ablan, musician/educator 06/01/2024

E75 - Matthew Ablan, musician/educator The Queen City Music Podcast celebrates its 75th episode! This month the microphone is turned on Matthew Ablan as his old friend Ken Kellner visits and sets out to interview the interviewer. Ken and I dig into growing up and getting into music together and where my journey in music has taken me. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Ken Kellner _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/31560992

E74 - Scott McLaughlin, media composer/multi-instrumentalist 05/01/2024

E74 - Scott McLaughlin, media composer/multi-instrumentalist This month Matthew Ablan speaks with media-composer, multi-instrumentalist and former music educator Scott McLaughlin! _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Scott McLaughlin _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/31062763

E73 - Prog for Wishes 04/01/2024

E73 - Prog for Wishes This month Matthew Ablan speaks with Matthew Hedrick, founder of Prog for Wishes. Prog For Wishes is an annual Progressive Rock Concert of All-Star Charlotte Musicians Benefiting Make-A-Wish. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Prog for Wishes _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/30615313

E72 - Neal Carter, solo acoustic cover artist 02/28/2024

E72 - Neal Carter, solo acoustic cover artist This month Matthew Ablan speaks with solo acoustic cover artist Neal Carter. Matthew and Neal discuss playing out, cover tunes, being a solo acoustic player, stage attire and more! _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Neal Carter _________________________________________________ Matthew Ablan ______________________________________________ Sponsor _________________________________________________ Local Partners /episode/index/show/qcmusicpodcast/id/30143523

Queen City Music Podcast

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