Episode 47 - 65 North Pickers - Ripping Strings & Kentucky Things

🎻🔥 In this rip-roaring episode of What’s The Reason For This?, we’re joined by Kentucky’s own 65 North Pickers—and let’s just say these boys came in picking hot. From dorm room jam sessions in Richmond to festival stages and viral reels, Quentin, Jake, and Nate walk us through how a random roommate match turned into one of the most exciting young bluegrass bands on the rise. 🚀
✨ Episode Highlights:
🪕 Dorm Room to Greenlights – How a busted football ankle, a mandolin, and a love for bluegrass led Quentin, Jake, and Nate to find each other at Eastern Kentucky University, forming a band built on friendship, fun, and fiery picking.
🎶 “It’s Only Real Till It All Falls Down” – The backstory behind one of their originals, written for their Greenlights live album, capturing the band’s blend of heartfelt storytelling and driving rhythm.
🎸 New Country Blues – Why this Emmett Band cover rips so hard live, the band’s philosophy on honoring bluegrass traditions while keeping the energy fresh, and how the song became a setlist staple.
⚡ Illusions After Dark – The mandolin-led instrumental that brings their metal influences into bluegrass, proving you can shred without losing soul.
🏈 Bears vs. Packers Trash Talk – Of course, it wouldn’t be What’s The Reason For This? without Kodi giving Nate (and all Bears fans) some grief, while whiskey-fueled banter keeps the laughs rolling.
🥃 Whiskey, Fishing, and Touring – From cheap whiskey rankings to fishing stories and Kentucky festival plans, the boys talk about life on the road and how they keep their music grounded in community.
If you’ve ever wanted to hear what the future of bluegrass sounds like while laughing your ass off, this episode is for you. The 65 North Pickers are here to remind us that picking can be tight, fast, and fun—and that the best music is made with friends who aren’t afraid to rip it live.
🎧 Listen now and catch them on tour soon—all dates at ⁠65northpickers.org⁠ 🎶 And yes, you better believe we talk about “banjo face”...
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