listening to music

Meet the man who makes "the snake pit" look like a walk in the park: Trippy McGuire, a veteran handler at the legendary Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo! From childhood jars of "specimens" to the high-stakes snake pit, Trippy shares why he swapped fear for fascination on this episode of Quick-Fire Quips. Plus, Alabama legends, hidden RV gems, and why he doesn't bleed red—he bleeds orange and blue.

Ever wondered what a Birmingham musician would hand an alien invader to explain Earth? For Cash Langdon, it’s all about funk, rock and ambient sound. In this episode of Quick-Fire Quips, he talks with host Baillee Majors about his 2025 record Dogs, the long-distance synth project for his band Caution and the "good" bad sound that comes from listening to music on cassettes. Plus, local music labels and radical bookstores, the beauty of biodiversity— and why you should never let someone sweep under your feet.

Ever tried to explain a rotary phone to a 10-year-old? Archiving the history of how we talk to each other is more than just collecting old gadgets—it’s about preserving our connection to the past. Volunteer archivist Brad Clasgens with Signals Museum of Information Explosion in Huntsville knows a thing or two about that. He's the latest guest on Quick-Fire Quips and has the full download from scrolling to streaming to syncing up. Plus, the history of fun and unusual devices!

65 years, 400 million records sold and FAME Recording Studios & Publishing Co. is still going strong! President Rodney Hall talks about the legacy of hit songs with Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors and answers which is actually better: vinyl, cassettes or CDs. Plus, why Swampers Bar & Grille is the place to be in The Shoals and the three essential albums for an alien invasion. You'll have to listen to find out which specific albums made the cosmic cut!

142 years young! Grab your black cap and necktie— we're talking all about Mobile's legendary Excelsior Band. The country's oldest marching jazz band is led by Hosea London. He chats with Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about preserving that beautiful, traditional jazz sound! Plus, the big beach debate (Gulf Shores vs Orange Beach), what's an acceptable dish for a potluck in the Port City and how the Yellowhammer State can make some progress.

APR Digital Content Reporter Aisha Smith interviews the founder and executive director of The Firehouse Community Arts Center, Eric Wallace, about his unconventional teaching space. Wallace also explains how the Firehouse is fostering a subversive movement in the local music scene.

Dan Drinkard is the owner of Seasick Records, an independent record store in Birmingham. Ever wonder what aliens would think of Earth's music? He tells Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about his extraterrestrial recommendations. Plus, the annual phenomenon that has customers camping outside of his store— and the legend of Alabama Shakes.

The Camellia Music & Arts Festival, three day music festival celebrating music, art and Southern culture, is coming to the Rocket City for its inaugural year in late April. The festival will be held at the Orion Amphitheater and feature artists like Gucci Mane and Kehlani.

The Auburn Community Orchestra is set to provide an evening of musical cheer. The annual holiday concert will take place at the Auburn United Methodist Church on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., featuring traditional and several sing-along tunes.

For BRELAND, the last few years have been a whirlwind. He released his debut album, 2022’s “Cross Country,” a fluid approach to country music that now feels prescient because it's the direction the genre continues to move in. He just released a new EP under the provocative title, “Project 2024," inspired by a trip he took to Selma.