In a riveting live podcast episode at the Mile of Music Festival in Appleton, Wisconsin, acclaimed songwriters Will Hoge and Dave Hause delved into the intersections of rock & roll, Americana, and cultural commentary. Both artists are known for their sharp lyrical insights, and their conversation on Nashville Now unveiled the stories behind some of their most powerful songs.
A Deep Dive into Musical Impact
During the festival, Hoge opened up about the inspiration behind “Whose God Is This?” from his 2022 album Wings on My Shoes, expressing his frustration with the dissonance he perceives in Nashville’s music industry. “In Nashville, especially in the music business, there’s a lot of talking about this Jesus and then living very differently than any of the books I’ve ever read about your Jesus,” Hoge remarked. “I was always incredibly annoyed by that.” This candid reflection highlights his commitment to authenticity in his songwriting.
The Punk and Country Connection
Hause, who emerged from the Philadelphia punk scene as the frontman of the Loved Ones, also discussed how genres can blend and inform one another. He cited the Clash as a pivotal influence, stating, “I do like ‘White Riot,’ but I also like ‘White Lightning’ by George Jones. The Clash is the embodiment of both of those things.” This connection underscores the evolving nature of musical genres and their shared roots.
Recent Projects and Musical Evolution
Both Hoge and Hause have been active in their creative pursuits. Hoge released his album Sweet Misery last year and followed up with a standalone track titled “The Epstein Files” in March, indicating his relentless drive to create timely music. On the other hand, Hause released his album …and the Mermaid in 2025 and is currently engaged in a three-album project that re-records Loved Ones songs alongside his brother Tim Hause. He is also working on new material, including “King of Madness,” a tribute to the late Lou Koller, the frontman of Sick of It All, who passed away this summer.
Listen Now
To dive deeper into this conversation and discover more insightful discussions about the indie music landscape, download and subscribe to Rolling Stone’s weekly country-music podcast, Nashville Now, hosted by deputy editor Joseph Hudak. New episodes launch every Wednesday and feature a variety of artists and personalities, accessible on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
