Drivin' N' Cryin' is a legendary southern roots rock band from Athens, Georgia that doesn't get the credit it deserves for bridging the hap between the jangly alternative pop that Athens made famous worldwide through bands like R.E.M. and Guadalcanal Diary with what was to be become more widely known as Americana and alt-country in the 1990's. Bands like Old 97's, Uncle Tupelo, and Drive-By Truckers owe an immense debt to Drivin' N' Cryin'. Although frontman and songwriter Kevn Kinney hails originally from the upper Midwest, his songs are steeped in the imagery of the south. It is from his song "Honeysuckle Blue" that we took the name for the compilation. "Runnin' through these caverns of gold runs a river of death indeed." For many in western North Carolina this image hits way too close to home. As we come upon the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene and its devastation I caught a few minutes of Kevn's time before Drivin' N' Cryin' took the stage at the Grey Eagle in Asheville.

Michigan transplant Liam McKay is the long-time singer and guitarist for Asheville area heavy indie rock band Call The Next Witness. Liam's distinctive voice fires the passion behind the band's mixture of early '90s grunge rock with a knack for pop hooks and interesting song structures. Liam invited us to his home and we spoke about how Top 40 radio, abstract painting, and the Asheville music community has influenced Liam's music.

Lenoir native John Hawkins is a multi-instrumentalist mostly known around Asheville as the drummer in power pop trio John Kirby & The New Seniors, but John has also been a singer-guitarist in rock bands for decades. John currently operates The Yancys, a recording project with many North Carolina and regional artists participating in the band's indie pop sound reminiscent of mid-1990s heart-on-the-sleeve big guitar power pop. I spoke to John about the difference between being in front of a band and being behind a band, and how a surprise benefactor helped rebuild his home studio when Helene's flood waters invaded his basement.

Asheville Americana singer-songwriter Jenny Bradley is a singer's singer. Jenny performs all over Western Carolina as a solo artist and with many Asheville groups, including Moon Water, a duo with her teenage daughter. Jenny has been very active on the Ashville music circuit for the past five years and hosts several open mics and residencies around town. We spoke to Jenny about her background as a music educator to the rich and famous in New York City and how Covid-19 aided her late blooming as a songwriter and performer.

Asheville trio John Kirby & The New Seniors blends old school pop metal licks with the wild-eyed abandon Minneapolis punk rock and the songwriting chops of skinny tie 1980's power pop. Fans at live shows are treated to three part harmonies, guitar pyrotechnics, and a loud rock and roll good time. I spoke to singer/guitarist John Kirby about the band's origins, John's upbringing in a music nerd's home, and how a chance phone call aided his Hurricane Helene recovery.

Madison Maxwell is the keyboardist, singer, and songwriter for Bombay Gasoline, a band that been active on the Asheville, NC music scene since 2018. The band's music is intense and combines the heavy musicianship of progressive metal with a gothic vibe and a penchant for 70s rock classicism. We spoke to Madison about her musical origins, her love of 70s classic rock heroes, crafting 21st century protest music, and Madison's very personal connection to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

On this first episode of the Caverns of Gold podcast host Kelly Minnis talks with Dave Baker, the singer/bassist/songwriter for Asheville, NC psychedelic pop group The Long Distance Relationship.