Podcast
Proximity Playlist
Hosted by Gino D · EN
The Proximity Playlist is a local Chattanooga podcast dedicated to shining a spotlight on the vibrant music scene of Chattanooga and its surrounding areas. Each episode invites listeners on a journey through the heart and soul of the local music community, featuring talented musicians and bands who call this region home.
Through in-depth interviews, captivating storytelling, and plenty of tunes of all genres, Gino D helps tell the stories of the up and coming artists from Chattanooga.
The Proximity Playlist is brought to by WanderLinger… Where Local Flavor Meets Community. Located right in the heart of Downtown on Station Street. Get their menu, beer selection, events, and more at WANDERLINGER.COM
Please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist, support local music in the Chattanooga area, and make sure to follow along!
If you are a local musician and you would like to be featured on The Proximity Playlist… please send mp3 or wav files of your songs as well as any and all social media and video links you’d like to share, to Gino D at gino@wdodradio.com
Submissions DO NOT have to be clean edits, however if selected you will need to provide a clean version for radio airplay.
If you get selected for a spot, Gino D will be in contact with further instruction. All genres of music are welcome, but please understand Hits 96 is a Top 40 radio station so we are looking for music that will appease a mainstream audience. Any further questions, please do not hesitate to send them to Gino D. Thank you!
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Armando
3d ago01:07:31Tap to summarizeEvery artist has a story, and this week's guest on The Proximity Playlist, presented by WanderLinger, has a journey that's taken him from Toronto to all over the world. While making his way through Tennessee with The Big City Night Band, Canadian singer-songwriter Armando stopped by the Hits 96 studio to talk with Gino D about music, life on tour, and the experiences that have shaped his career. The visit came during a Tennessee tour that included stops in Nashville, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, and Manchester, giving Armando the opportunity to connect with new audiences across the state. In this bonus episode, Armando shares how he got started in music, what it's like traveling and performing with his band, and the inspiration behind his releases, "Love Again", "4th of July," and "Broken Glass". The conversation also dives into the creative process, building a fanbase beyond Canada, and what listeners can expect from him in the months ahead. Whether you're discovering Armando for the first time or you've already become a fan, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at an artist who's passionate about connecting with people through music. A big thank-you to our presenting sponsor, WanderLinger, for supporting Chattanooga's local music community and making The Proximity Playlist possible. Make sure you follow WanderLinger on socials, visit WANDERLINGER.COM and go to their Jello, Jams, and Jorts event on July 18th. Press play to hear Gino D's full conversation with Armando, and don't forget to follow Armando on social media and visit his website to keep up with new music, upcoming tour dates, and future releases. ARMANDOMUSIC.COM Instagram: @armandoscarlatojrFacebook: @musicarmandoYouTube: @armandomusic2025Spotify: ArmandoPlease subscribe to The Proximity Playlist, support local music in the Chattanooga area, and make sure to follow along! If you are a local musician and you would like to be featured on The Proximity Playlist… please send mp3 or wav files of your songs as well as any and all social media and video links you’d like to share, to Gino D at gino@wdodradio.com
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Matt Ryan
3w ago01:02:06Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Proximity Playlist, Gino D sits down with rising country artist Matt Ryan — a songwriter carving out his own lane with a sound rooted in 90’s country storytelling and shaped by modern life, faith, and raw personal experience. Originally from Rockmart, Georgia and now based near Athens, Matt’s journey into music is still in its early chapters, but it’s moving quickly. After picking up guitar just a few years ago, he immediately began writing songs and has already built a growing catalog inspired by real-life moments, unexpected turns, and the kind of stories that don’t need embellishment to hit hard. Throughout the conversation, Matt opens up about what pushed him to take music seriously, how everyday life continues to fuel his songwriting, and why authenticity matters more than perfection in a genre built on storytelling. They also talk about his influences — from Travis Tritt and Randy Travis to newer voices carrying the 90s country spirit forward — and how he’s working to blend that classic sound with his own modern perspective. They dive into the highs and challenges of being an independent artist, including hearing his music on the radio for the first time, navigating social media as a new voice in a crowded space, and the excitement of building toward live band performances and bigger stages. We also get into his latest release “NEON ON,” and what it means to him to grow not just as an artist, but as a songwriter first — someone focused less on chasing trends and more on telling honest stories that connect.If you’re a fan of country music that leans into storytelling, faith, and real-life experiences, this conversation is one worth hearing. Follow Matt Ryan on all social media! Instagram: @mattryanmusicFacebook: @mgiudice2TikTok: @mattryanmusicYouTube: @MattRyanMusicOfficialSpotify: Matt RyanApple Music: Matt Ryan The Proximity Playlist is brought to by WanderLinger… Where Local Flavor Meets Community. Located right in the heart of Downtown on Station Street... with LIVE Music every weekend, All You Can Eat Wings and Trivia on Wednesdays, and NOW serving BRUNCH on Saturday and Sunday! Get their menu, beer selection, events, and more at WANDERLINGER.COM and follow them on Instagram and Facebook! Please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area and make sure to follow Hits 96 on Instagram! Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on Season 3 of The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at gino@wdodradio.com
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Alva Leigh
May 2801:08:52Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Proximity Playlist with Gino D, brought to you by Wanderlinger, we sit down with Chattanooga artist Alva Leigh for a conversation about songwriting, motherhood, reinvention, and the spaces in life where art and humanity collide. Alva’s path through music has taken her from the Mississippi Gulf Coast to Nashville, across the Atlantic to London, and eventually back to Tennessee — collecting experiences that now shape the deeply personal songs found on her latest album, Wilderness. Known for blending thoughtful lyricism with dreamy pop textures and emotional honesty, Alva creates music that feels intimate without losing its sense of wonder...and she calls it "Mom Pop". Throughout the episode, we talk about balancing creativity with family life, the emotional weight behind her songwriting, the evolution from her time in the acclaimed Americana duo Lewis & Leigh to her solo work, and how Chattanooga’s creative community helped inspire this current chapter of her career. We also dive into the stories behind songs like “Home Again,” featuring Call Me Spinster, “Me Before the You,” and “Builder of the Bones,” exploring themes of identity, grief, hope, and transformation along the way. And if you want to experience Alva Leigh LIVE, you can catch her performing this Friday at Nightfall at the First Horizon Pavilion! For more details about Nightfall go to NIGHTFALLCHATTANOOGA.COM If you enjoy conversations that go beyond the music and into the real-life experiences that shape it, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Follow Alva Leigh at ALVALEIGH.COM and stay up to date on where she'll be performing next! Instagram: @alva_leighFacebook: @alvaleighTikTok: @alvaleighYouTube: @alvaleighSpotify: Alva Leigh The Proximity Playlist is brought to by WanderLinger… Where Local Flavor Meets Community. Located right in the heart of Downtown on Station Street. Get their menu, beer selection, events, and more at WANDERLINGER.COM and follow them on Instagram and Facebook! Please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area and make sure to follow Hits 96 on Instagram! Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on Season 3 of The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at gino@wdodradio.com
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Luke Simmons
May 2101:17:08Tap to summarizeChattanooga has a way of producing artists who feel deeply connected to the stage — and Luke Simmons is one of them. Luke’s musical journey in Chattanooga started when he was living out of his car and busking on the walking bridge to share his music with anyone willing to listen. From those humble beginnings, he has grown into a talented performer who has now headlined some of the city’s biggest music events, including Nightfall this Friday at the First Horizon Pavilion. In this episode of The Proximity Playlist with Gino D, brought to you by Wanderlinger, we sit down with the voice behind Luke Simmons & The Lovestruck. A project rooted in soul, blues, and rock traditions, but shaped by a modern energy that refuses to sit still — Luke’s music lives in that space where emotion meets performance. His songs aren’t just written; they’re delivered with a raw authenticity that resonates deeply. Whether performing in an intimate venue or on a festival stage, Luke’s presence carries the weight of years of showing up, playing live, and building a sound that connects directly with audiences. Throughout the conversation, he opens up about his path as an artist in the local music scene, the influences that shaped his style, and the themes that continue to inspire his songwriting — love, hope, and resilience woven through a sound that feels both familiar and fresh. If you’re drawn to music that feels honest, organic, and built for live connection, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Follow Luke Simmons at LUKESIMMONSANDTHELOVESTRUCK.COM and stay up to date on where he’ll be performing next! Instagram: @lukesimmonsandthelovestruckFacebook: @lukesimmonsandthelovestruckYouTube: Luke SimmonsSpotify: Luke Simmons & The Lovestruck The Proximity Playlist is brought to by WanderLinger… Where Local Flavor Meets Community. Located right in the heart of Downtown on Station Street. Get their menu, beer selection, events, and more at WANDERLINGER.COM and follow them on Instagram and Facebook! Please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area and make sure to follow Hits 96 on Instagram! Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on Season 3 of The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at gino@wdodradio.com
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Tya J
May 1501:04:54Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Proximity Playlist, Gino D sits down with a rising R&B artist from Cleveland, TN, Tya J. They had an honest conversation about music, growth, heartbreak, healing, and finding confidence through creativity. Known for her soulful vocals, neo-soul influences, and emotionally transparent songwriting, Tya J opens up about the experiences that shaped her artistry — from discovering music through family and early songwriting, to overcoming personal struggles and turning real-life emotions into records that connect deeply. They also dive into the stories behind her songs “Scratch,” “Losin’ My Mind,” and “Unstable,” along with the creative process behind her project View from 772. Throughout the conversation, Tya shares what it means to stay authentic as an independent artist while building her sound and carving out her own space in today’s R&B landscape. If you love raw storytelling, smooth melodies, and conversations that go beyond the surface, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Follow Tya J and keep up with her musical journey: Instagram: @officialtyajTikTok: @tya_jYouTube: OfficialtyajSpotify: Tya J The Proximity Playlist is brought to by WanderLinger… Where Local Flavor Meets Community. Located right in the heart of Downtown on Station Street. Get their menu, beer selection, events, and more at WANDERLINGER.COM and follow them on Instagram and Facebook! Please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area and make sure to follow Hits 96 on Instagram! Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on Season 3 of The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at gino@wdodradio.com
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Tucker Underwood
Mar 2700:56:05Tap to summarizeOn the latest episode of The Proximity Playlist, Gino D sat down with Tucker Underwood. A local country artist living in Ringgold, GA, who is on the rise… and his journey is just getting started. Growing up around music and developing a deep connection to it early on, Tucker has begun carving out his own path with a sound that blends modern country with elements of southern rock and beyond. He originally started his musical journey performing in karaoke venues with his father, which helped him hone his stage presence and connect with audiences. He credits his wife as his muse, inspiring and supporting him every step of the way. Still very early in his career, he’s already gaining traction — stepping onto some big stages, releasing music, and building a foundation that continues to grow with each new opportunity.In this conversation, Tucker shares insight into what it’s like to be in the early stages of chasing a dream — learning, evolving, and figuring things out in real time. It’s a look at the mindset, the motivation, and the moments that are shaping him into the artist he’s becoming. With lots of new music on the horizon and big goals ahead, this is just the beginning. Listen now to the full interview with Tucker Underwood and make sure to follow Tucker on all social media! Instagram: @tuckerunderwoodmusicFacebook: @tucker.underwood.9TikTok: @tuckerunderwoodmusicYoutube: @tuckerunderwoodofficialSpotify: Tucker Underwood And please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area and make sure to follow Hits 96 on Instagram! Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on Season 3 of The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at gino@wdodradio.com
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T. Rizer
Feb 2701:01:12Tap to summarizeChattanooga’s own T. Rizer joins Gino D on The Proximity Playlist for an in-depth conversation about the journey behind the music. From early days experimenting with production to building his own labels and carving out a lane in Southern hip-hop, T. Rizer has taken a hands-on approach to every chapter of his career. He’s not just focused on making records — he’s focused on ownership, growth, and doing things on his own terms. In this extended sit-down, we talk about the evolution of his sound, what fuels his creativity, performing for live crowds, navigating the realities of social media, and the mindset it takes to stay independent in today’s industry. We also dive into his upcoming project, Can’t Please Everybody, a release that promises a more personal look into his life and perspective. It’s an honest conversation about ambition, lessons learned, and what it means to build something where you’re from — and for the people around you. Listen now to the full interview with T. Rizer on The Proximity Playlist. Follow T. Rizer on Social Media!Instagram: @423twistTikTok: @trizer531Spotify: T. Rizer And please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area and make sure to follow Hits 96 on Instagram! Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on Season 3 of The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at gino@wdodradio.com
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Jarian Green
Jan 3000:51:50Tap to summarizeThis week on The Proximity Playlist, Gino D sits down with rising Chattanooga-area POP/R&B artist Jarian Green for a deep dive into his newest project, Heart vs. Mind. Known for blending smooth vocals with modern pop, R&B, and hip-hop textures, Jarian is building momentum with a sound that balances emotional honesty and polished production. In this episode, Jarian talks about the inspiration behind the EP, how his songwriting has evolved, what drives his creative decisions, and how identity and self-reflection shape his music. The conversation also explores his performance background, growth as an independent artist, and what’s ahead in this next chapter. The Proximity Playlist is Hits 96’s ongoing artist spotlight series — connecting listeners with emerging local talent and the stories behind the songs. Follow Jarian Green...Instagram: @jariangreenofficialFacebook: @jariangreenofficialTikTok: @jariangreenofficialYouTube: @JarianGreenSpotify: Jarian Green And please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area and make sure to follow Hits 96 on Instagram! Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on Season 3 of The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at gino@wdodradio.com
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Bindy
Dec 1201:18:30Tap to summarizeOn the final episode of Season 2 of The Proximity Playlist, Gino D introduces you to Bindy, a versatile and talented artist hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a solo artist, producer, and engineer, she crafts music that seamlessly blends R&B, soul, indie hip-hop, rap, and pop — creating a sound that’s both innovative and deeply personal. With a background rooted in early rhythm and harmony experiences, Bindy’s artistry reflects resilience, vulnerability, and empowerment. Her influences include legendary artists like Brandy, Queen Latifah, Ariana Grande, and Jhene Aiko, all of whom inspire her to push musical boundaries while staying true to herself. Currently in the studio working on her second album, Bindy is focused on expanding her reach and building meaningful connections with listeners around the world. Check out her music video for her song, Proper at hits96.com and click play to hear her story, her influences, and what’s next for this rising star!Follow Bindy on all Social Media! Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Youtube /Spotify And please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area and make sure to follow Hits 96 on Instagram! Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on Season 3 of The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at gino@wdodradio.com
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One For The Road
Dec 501:28:57Tap to summarizeMeet One For The Road, a dynamic band emerging from the North Georgia mountains with a sound that’s a true reflection of their Southern roots. Combining elements of country, rock ‘n’ roll, and honky-tonk, they craft music that’s both high-energy and heartfelt. Each member brings a unique influence—from classic country legends like Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard to Southern rock icons like The Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd—resulting in a versatile and authentic sound. Since forming, Zach Crumley, Jaithan Neal, Joe Morgan, and James Lasley have been dedicated to telling real stories through their music, emphasizing life lessons, faith, and uplifting messages. With a debut album on the horizon and a strong presence in the local scene including a LIVE show at Songbirds on January 3rd, they’re poised to take their music to new heights in 2026. Listen to The Proximity Playlist as Gino D talks to the band about their story, their influences, and what’s next for One For The Road. Follow One For The Road at ONEFORTHEROAD.US and on all Social Media! Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Youtube /Spotify And please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area and make sure to follow Hits 96 on Instagram! Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at gino@wdodradio.com
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