Will Hoge and Dave Hause appeared on Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast at the Mile of Music Festival, performing and discussing songs that challenge religious hypocrisy and social norms. Their conversation matters because it highlights how both artists use roots, rock and Americana music to make cultural and political observations while remaining independent musicians.

Hoge explained that his 2022 song “Whose God Is This?” was prompted by what he sees as a mismatch between professed Christianity and behaviour in Nashville’s music industry. Hause, formerly of Philadelphia punk band the Loved Ones, described his blend of punk and country influences, citing the Clash and George Jones; Hoge released Sweet Misery last year and “The Epstein Files” in March, while Hause is working on an album featuring a tribute to Sick of It All singer Lou Koller.