Dealing The Mobile Sound

Phill Proctor and Stan Foster: The Godfathers of Mobile Music

On this episode of Dealing the Mobile Sound, host Eric Erdman sits down with Phil Proctor and Stan Foster — a duo whose music is at the heart of Callaghan’s Irish Social Club.
Phil was the first musician to ever play Callaghan’s, starting out solo before years with Dog River Boys, Deluxe Trio, and ultimately Phil and Foster. Stan moved to Mobile in 2005 from Birmingham, where he played in regional favorites Telluride and Rolling in the Hay. Introduced by local musician Ben Jernigan, the two teamed up and have anchored Wednesday nights at Callaghan’s for more than eleven years.
Blending bluegrass roots with improvisation and jam-band freedom, Phil and Stan push toward original songs. Phil shares how they built a crowd that came expecting something new, and Stan talks about how being forced into bass solos made him a better musician–he once joined a band before he even owned a bass.
In this episode, Phil and Foster debut their new song, “Lounging,” and reflect on how they’ve helped shape the Mobile sound — one Wednesday night at a time.

Emily Stuckey: The Dental Hygenist Who Broke Loose

On this episode of Dealing the Mobile Sound, host Eric Erdman sits down with singer Emily Stuckey, whose path to the stage took time and courage.
Emily shares how she didn’t begin performing until her mid-to-late twenties, held back for years by shyness and a fear of vulnerability. At the time, she was working as a dental hygienist, spending her days cleaning teeth while soulful music played overhead—Etta James and other powerful voices on repeat—lighting something deep inside her. All Emily wanted to do was sing. Music became a refuge during her parents’ divorce, but it took years for her to feel secure in her talent.
Emily discusses her new album, If You Only Knew, recorded with her trio The Krickets at SunDrop Sound, and performs “Rain.” She also shares a memorable story about meeting Aerosmith at the Grand Hotel.
 
 

Garrett Howell Brings Listeners Into The Room

On this episode of Dealing the Sound of Mobile, host Eric Erdman sits down with songwriter Garrett Howell, who first picked up a guitar at 19 after returning home from seminary—a run that lasted about one gig. Years later, Garrett found his way back to music. Raised in Lucedale, Mississippi, Mobile always felt like the natural next step.
Garrett recently took a leap of faith, leaving his construction job to pursue touring opportunities that have already taken him to California, opening for The Record Company and on the road with Blues Traveler, including a show at the Ryman Auditorium. Garrett performs “Very Best Friend” on the podcast and talks about writing songs that make listeners feel like they’re right there with him.

Symone French Found Her Flow in Mobile

On this episode of Dealing  The Mobile Sound, host Eric Erdman sits down with singer Symone French, whose musical story begins early and comes back around in its own time. She won a fourth-grade talent show singing a Destiny’s Child song with her best friend, formed a tiny band called Charmed, and played one birthday party before stepping away from music for nearly 15 years. While working at Mellow Mushroom, she was encouraged by Phil and Foster, who had regular gigs there, to step back onstage.
Raised on Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrison, Santana, Lauryn Hill, Tina Marie, Prince — along with country, jazz, gospel, and rap — all of it shaped her sound. In her early 30s, Symone went through major life changes and began writing songs to reflect them, finally finding a place where she could go with the flow. 
She also shares the unforgettable moment she opened for Macy Gray and was invited backstage to play her hero’s biggest hit. In the episode, Symone performs “Flow” and “Love’s Still a Losing Game.”
 
 

Abe Partridge: Being on This Side of the Curtain

In the first episode of “Dealing The Mobile Sound,” Abe Partridge talks about starting songwriting in his mid-twenties while pastoring a church, creating music for himself as a way through hard seasons. He shares why mystery matters in art and how painting and songwriting helped him navigate loss of faith and community. Abe performs “I aint sacred no more” and reflects on recording with Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth.

Dealing The Mobile Sound Trailer

Dealing The Mobile Sound is a podcast about the songs and stories behind Mobile music. Hosted by Eric Erdman and recorded around a poker table in the back room at Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, the show brings together local musicians to talk about the music that shaped them — and the city that shaped the music. New episodes drop starting January 19.