Dealing The Mobile Sound

Jack and Andy Bishop: Sharing a Passion for Music

Before they were selling out arenas and winning awards, the Red Clay Strays were just a group of South Alabama musicians trying to get anyone to pay attention.
In this episode of Dealing The Mobile Sound, host Eric Erdman sits down with Red Clay Strays bassist Andrew Bishop and his father, Jack Bishop, for a conversation about the band's early days, the friendships that started it all, and the unique sound that helped them get past "level one."
Andrew shares how a simple invitation to "come jam" in Citronelle changed the course of his life, how the band developed its high-energy style playing noisy bars on the Gulf Coast, and why their first show as the Red Clay Strays felt like the moment they became a real rock-and-roll band. “We owe so much to Mobile for showing up.” 
Jack offers a father's perspective, recalling the first time he realized Andrew had a musical gift, and the moment he knew the Strays had something different. He explains why having a sound all your own is the key to longevity and says, “Take all your favorite songs and all your favorite artists and put them in the blender. Pour out a cup, and that's the Red Clay Strays.”
The conversation also explores growing up around music, Andrew's surprising dream of becoming a police officer like his father, and the joy of watching your children carry forward a love of music.

Hosea London: Learning the Excelsior Tradition by Being in the Band

In this episode of Dealing the Mobile Sound, host Eric Erdman sits down with Hosea London–one of Mobile's most respected musicians and cultural leaders. Hosea shares how a band director's decision in elementary school steered him from trombone to trumpet–a choice that shaped the rest of his life. From playing at church teas and fundraisers to studying music in college, Hosea built a foundation as a classically trained trumpet player before discovering a love for jazz while working in Memphis.
 
Along the way, Hosea taught music at Mississippi Valley State University, worked in music therapy for the State of Alabama, and learned to play everything from trumpet and French horn to keyboards. He reflects on performing with legends like Joe Lewis and E.B. Coleman, mentoring young musicians through his Jazz Studio, and why he still embraces the challenge of classical music.
 
The conversation also explores the heart of Mobile's musical heritage through the Excelsior Band. Hosea explains why Excelsior is more than a band—it's a living tradition built on listening, instinct, and generations of musicians learning songs by playing them together rather than rehearsing them.

Noell Broughton: The Creator of Good Times

On this episode of Dealing the Mobile Sound, host Eric Erdman sits down with Mobile music venue legend Noell Broughton — the man behind Monsoons, The Brickyard, and some of the most unforgettable nights in Gulf Coast music history.
Noell reflects on his first concert — the night his dad’s band opened for KISS. Also the wild BayFest years, and when artists like Herbie Hancock, Incubus, and The Outfield passed through downtown Mobile venues.
The conversation traces Noell’s journey from opening 14 South in Fairhope at 23 years old to buying Monsoons in 1997 and helping build a music scene that often played until sunrise. He talks about the lawless chaos and freedom of downtown Mobile in those years, and why he’s always booked bands for one simple reason: “I want to hear the music, so I book the bands.”
There are stories about Afroman, Ugli Stick, and the fire that destroyed Monsoons on April 16, 2004 — along with Eric performing his song “Old Friend,” written from the memories of Monsoons.

Grayson Capps: A Bowl of Fresh Water and A Thorn in The Side

Eric joins singer-songwriter and Mobile music icon Grayson Capps. Grayson traces his path from studying theater at Tulane to fronting bands in New Orleans, landing a record deal at 21, and eventually making the leap to full-time musician after teaching John Travolta songs for the film *A Love Song for Bobby Long — all while landscaping or running a jackhammer during the day.
Grayson talks about the Frog Pond Sunday Social he built with Cathe Steele, the post-Katrina energy that started Hangover Sundays at Callahan's, and why he values harmony over competition. Grayson also shares his philosophy on music: a live audience is "the biggest bullshit meter in the entire world," and “the most beautiful things in life aren't marketable.” He explains what it means when a song creates that rare moment where "there's no you or me, there's a we."
Grayson also performs one of the favorite songs he’s written, The Junkman.

Ryan Balthrop: Leaving Songs Open for Interpretation

On this episode of Dealing the Mobile Sound, host Eric Erdman sits down with singer-songwriter Ryan Balthrop, whose music blends island rhythms with ’70s acoustic and Gulf Coast Soul.
Ryan tells about his first gig at the Sundowner in 1994, the early days of his band Slow Moses, and coming up in the early years of the Mobile music scene. He shares stories of chasing music to St. John in the Virgin Islands, the unexpected turns that kept him there, and how those years shaped his sound today. 
He also opens up about songwriting–leaving open space for interpretation and making a song universal. A moment in Mexico sparks the story behind his new song “Sell Out,” and there’s a live performance of “Blow This Dust Away.”

Johnny Hayes: Appreciating the Sun and Rain in Mobile

On this episode of Dealing the Mobile Sound, host Eric Erdman sits down with singer-songwriter Johnny Hayes. 
Johnny traces the moment he first “anted up” in music—from nervously asking to play a few songs during a bar break in Tuscaloosa to landing his first gig (it paid $50).
Johnny shares stories from Nashville, writer’s rounds, and a moment when a song didn’t land the way he expected.
He also plays “The Rain in Mobile” and reflects on his relationship with the community that has stayed with him through the highs and lows. In a city where the rain comes often, he says, you learn to appreciate the sunshine—and to trust that the hard seasons pass. That balance is what makes Mobile beautiful, and what inspired him to finally write a song about home.

Molly Thomas: Composing Without A Map

On this episode of Dealing the Mobile Sound, host Eric Erdman sits down with singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Molly Thomas.
Molly talks about gigging in high school in a jazz quartet—learning to improvise and get paid—then moving through orchestra work, folk bands, and rock and roll. She played in one of Mobile’s favorite bands, Slow Moses, before heading to Nashville in search of bigger opportunities.
She reflects on how the Mobile music scene has evolved and how her new album, Tumble Home, came together—writing songs with Ken Rose on a porch overlooking Mobile Bay, recording at home, and building lush string arrangements by ear, one instrument at a time.
Molly also shares stories of touring with her close friend Todd Snider, who passed away shortly after this conversation was recorded. She performs “Sorry,” and talks about following each song wherever it leads.

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.