Meet Me For Coffee

In this episode, I sit down with Crystal Shawanda, fresh off a 2026 JUNO nomination for Blues Album of the Year for Sing Pretty Blues.But this conversation goes way deeper than awards.Crystal opens up about rebuilding her career on her own label, navigating personal loss, and how music became her way of processing grief, addiction, and healing. From losing close family and friends to addiction, to rediscovering her voice through blues, this is a raw and powerful conversation about resilience.What We Talk AboutHer 2026 JUNO nomination and the emotional reaction behind itReleasing Sing Pretty Blues independently on her own labelThe loss of her longtime manager and learning to move forwardHow grief and addiction shaped the album’s messageThe personal stories behind songs like “Changes” and “Dirty”Why music became her therapy during some of the hardest moments of her lifeThe impact of addiction on families and communities across CanadaGrowing up with country, blues, and rock—and finally blending them into her true soundBreaking free from genre boundaries and becoming fully authentic as an artistWhy This Episode MattersThis episode hits on something bigger than music.It’s about:Grief and how people carry itThe real impact of addiction on familiesFinding strength in vulnerabilityAnd learning that healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means growingCrystal’s journey shows that sometimes your most powerful work comes from your hardest moments.About Crystal ShawandaCrystal Shawanda is a JUNO-nominated artist from Wiikwemkoong First Nation. She first broke out in country music before evolving into a powerful voice in blues.Her latest album, Sing Pretty Blues, blends country, blues, and soul—marking a new chapter where she fully embraces every part of her musical identity.If you enjoyed this episode, follow Meet Me For Coffee Podcast for more real conversations with artists and storytellers.

In this episode, Paul McCoy, the voice behind 12 Stones, joins the show to reflect on the band’s incredible journey.We talk about the early days of 12 Stones, their rise during the 2000s rock boom, the songs that connected with fans around the world, and what it means for the band to return with new music in a new era.Paul also shares insights into their newest single and how the band is experiencing a resurgence that has longtime fans excited for what’s next.If you grew up on early 2000s rock or followed the band’s journey, this conversation gives a behind-the-scenes look at one of the era’s most recognizable voices.Please subscribe for more content! Thank you for listening www.meetmeforcoffee.co

In this episode of Meet Me For Coffee, George Panayi sits down with Ontario’s own  @AndyColonico  — country singer-songwriter and frontman of  @revivetherose  .We dive into:Balancing rock and country identitiesWhat really happens behind the scenes in country songwritingCo-writers and ghostwriters in NashvilleThe rise of TikTok in breaking new artistsReviving the Ontario rock sceneWhy honesty in music is making a comebackFrom viral TikTok moments to SiriusXM spins, Andy shares how staying authentic and disciplined has changed everything.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with boundary-pushing artists.

Dave Genn of legendary Canadian rock band 54-40 joins Meet Me For Coffee for a thoughtful conversation about longevity, creativity, and what it takes to keep making meaningful music in an ever-changing industry.While 54-40 formed in 1981 in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, Dave has been a member of the band since 2003, contributing to its modern era and ongoing evolution. In this episode, Dave reflects on joining an already-established band, navigating legacy while continuing to push creatively, and the mindset required to stay inspired over decades of music-making.We also talk about 54-40’s upcoming album PORTO, a record that represents renewal, reflection, and the band’s continued commitment to honest songwriting and artistic growth. From adapting to industry shifts to honoring the past without being trapped by it, this conversation explores why 54-40 continue to resonate with audiences today.☕ Grab a coffee and enjoy a deeper conversation.

Preacher Stone is back — and a lot has changed since the last time they sat down with George Panayi.In this return appearance on Meet Me For Coffee, the band opens up about what it really takes to keep going as a rock band in 2025. Touring realities, industry burnout, brotherhood, streaming economics, and why authenticity still matters when algorithms don’t care.The conversation also dives into their upcoming UK tour with The Revenant, what international touring looks like right now, and why connecting with real fans still beats chasing trends.If you’re a musician, creative, or just someone who believes rock isn’t dead — this episode is for you.☕ Grab a coffee. This one goes deep.

In this episode, George sits down with Sam from Revenant, one of the most exciting rising heavy acts making noise right now. Sam opens up about the band’s grind, creative process, and how they’re carving out their own path in today’s music landscape. From songwriting and studio work to the realities of building a following from the ground up — this is a raw, honest look into the mind of an artist on the rise.If you’re into heavy music, band stories, or how modern artists push forward in a crowded scene, you’re going to love this one.🔥 Topics CoveredRevenant’s evolution and soundSam’s approach to writing and recordingLife on the grind as an emerging heavy artistThe mindset it takes to break through in 2025Inspirations behind the new musicHow the band stays motivated and connected to fansWhat’s coming next for Revenant👤 Guest: Sam (Revenant)Follow Revenant for updates, new music, and upcoming shows:https://www.revenantsongs.co.uk/☕ About the Host: George PanayiHost of Meet Me For Coffee, featuring musicians, actors, creators, and the most interesting minds in entertainment.

Ivan Doroschuk—frontman of iconic new-wave band Men Without Hats—joins Meet Me For Coffee to talk creative process, the story around “The Safety Dance,” staying relevant across decades, touring memories, and what’s next for the band.If you love music interviews with real substance, you’re in the right place. New episodes weekly—subscribe and turn on notifications!In this episode:Origins of Men Without Hats & the Montreal sceneHow “The Safety Dance” exploded (and what people get wrong)Songwriting, synths, and evolving the live showLongevity: reinvention, resilience, and fansWhat’s coming up for Men Without Hats⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Intro00:35 Ivan joins the show03:10 Early days & influences08:30 Writing “The Safety Dance”12:45 Breaking worldwide15:40 New music & projects18:20 Wrap🎙️ About Meet Me For CoffeeConversations with artists and creators from rock to pop culture—hosted by George Panayi. Grab a mug, tune in, and escape with great stories.👍 If you enjoyed this, like, comment your favorite MWH song, and share with a friend.

Alt-rock risers Blame My Youth sit down with George Panayi to break down “The Break,” the band’s writing process, big-chorus production, touring highlights, and what’s next. We get into honest lyrics, studio gear, and how the band keeps the energy high on stage.🎧 Listen to Blame My Youth: https://open.spotify.com/artist/48sKVtcDwCMxPbqCzAQMbP?si=mq2UkVsDR3iGPK3agC9Wlgwww.blamemyyouth.com📺 Watch more artist interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@UCmyk0bANzJxnpTxwmjolJ7A 🔔 Subscribe for weekly interviews & behind-the-scenes: https://www.youtube.com/@UCmyk0bANzJxnpTxwmjolJ7A Chapters00:00 Intro00:35 Why this era matters for BMY03:10 Writing with no filter07:40 “The Break” — song story & hooks11:20 Studio & production talk15:05 Tour moments & fan favorites19:30 What’s next for Blame My Youth22:20 Quickfire + outroAbout  @blamemyyouth  Known for massive choruses and no-filter storytelling, Blame My Youth continue to push alternative rock forward with high-energy tracks and festival-ready performances. In this interview we unpack the mindset behind “The Break,” the creative habits that keep the songs sharp, and the road that’s ahead.Follow Blame My YouthIG: @blamemyyouth • TikTok: @blamemyyouth] • X: @blamemyyouth • Site: www.blamemyyouth.com Meet Me For CoffeePodcast: https://linktr.ee/mmfcpodcast• IG: @mmfcpodcast • Site: www.meetmeforcoffee.coSponsor/guest inquiries: venicenorthmedia@gmail.com