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Feb 2025

Beyond the Playlist: The Unfiltered World of Music’s Most Passionate Voices

When you’ve done over 750 interviews across a span of more than a decade, you don’t just host a podcast—you become a conduit for the stories that are often overlooked in the music industry. For Hammond, the creator of Beyond the Playlist, his mission has always been about more than just spotlighting the familiar names. His show is a journey into the untold, the underappreciated, and sometimes, the misunderstood parts of the music world.

Launched over ten years ago, Beyond the Playlist is a breath of fresh air in the crowded podcast landscape. The format isn’t just about promoting the latest albums or checking off typical interview questions. Instead, it’s about connecting with the people behind the music—whether they’re household names like Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater, or lesser-known yet equally talented artists like Karen Jonas or Omar Najmi, a renowned tenor. This long-running show covers everything from progressive rock to opera, with one common denominator: a deep love for the art of music.

“We’re all musicians, storytellers, and people,” says Hammond when discussing the varied genres of his guests. It’s this perspective that’s allowed him to dive deep into their creative processes, highlighting what drives them to push boundaries. His ability to connect with each guest on a personal level, despite their fame or niche, is a testament to his unique style—one that’s both grounded and profoundly empathetic.

But what sets Beyond the Playlist apart is more than just its guests. It’s about how Hammond approaches his interviews, bringing with him a background that’s as diverse as the musicians he interviews. Before becoming a podcast host, he spent years working as a crisis counselor, a rehab counselor, and even as a liaison between the courts and people awaiting potential release from jail. His career was built on asking the right questions, on listening closely, and on understanding the complexities of human experience. This skill set has translated seamlessly into his work on Beyond the Playlist, where he crafts interviews that move past surface-level questions to dive into the heart of his guests’ lives and art.

“I don’t ask the first easy question,” says Hammond. “I go one layer deeper. And that often leads to something far more meaningful.” His approach has created a space where even the most seasoned musicians can discover something new about themselves. “Some of them have told me that the interview feels like therapy,” he adds with a smile.

One of his most memorable moments was with Howard Levy, the harmonica virtuoso, who improvised on the spot during their conversation. “It was spontaneous, free, and pure,” says Hammond. “That moment was unique, and it’ll never be recreated.” And that’s exactly what makes Beyond the Playlist so special—each episode feels like a one-of-a-kind experience.

What’s also refreshing about Beyond the Playlist is the authenticity that Hammond brings to the table. He’s not just a fan of the music; he’s a genuine admirer of the artists and their struggles. “The stories of struggle and sacrifice are universal,” he says. “It’s not just about the fame—it’s about the journey.” His guests, from musicians to opera singers, all share a common bond: their deep love for their craft, no matter the challenges they face.

For many artists, the balance between evolution and staying true to their core sound is a delicate one. [Your Name] has witnessed firsthand the tightrope that musicians walk, navigating the push to grow while keeping their fans. “Evolve too far, and you risk alienating your audience. But don’t evolve enough, and you’re just repeating yourself,” he explains. It’s this nuance that informs his work, and it’s something that his listeners have come to appreciate year after year.

What’s clear from speaking with Hammond is his relentless dedication to the craft of music and the art of storytelling. Beyond the Playlist isn’t just about the music—it’s about the people who create it, the sacrifices they make, and the passion that drives them to keep going. “At the end of the day, I just want to shine a light on the art of music and the people who dare to communicate through that medium,” he says.

And while it’s hard to predict exactly where Beyond the Playlist will go from here, one thing’s for sure: wherever it heads, the journey will continue to be a fascinating one. For listeners, it’s not just about hearing from their favorite artists—it’s about understanding the heart and soul behind the music, one conversation at a time.

Catch Beyond the Playlist wherever you listen to podcasts, and discover the artists who are redefining the soundtrack of our lives.