Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where we harness the healing power of music to lift the soul. In today’s episode, host James Cox sits down with Tim King who was literally on the road, pulling over in the dark‑lit front seat of his car—to chat with SOiL’s longtime bassist Tim King.

Tim walks us through the band’s upcoming UK return in October‑November 2026, the back‑story behind their wildly popular Play It Forward covers album, and the creative process that finally pushed SOiL back into the studio for a brand‑new record slated for 2026. He also shares the quirkiest of tidbits—from his 12‑string Hamer/Thunderbird experiment and his signature “up‑pick” technique to the personal posters that once covered his bedroom walls.

Between anecdotes about the band’s evolving lineup, a rapid‑fire “tone or technique” rapid‑fire round, and a surprising confession about “How I Live Without You” from Con Air, Tim gives us a behind‑the‑scenes look at life on the road, the challenges of being an indie‑label artist, and why every genre—metal, hip‑hop, country, or pop—has its own vital place in the human experience.

Grab your headphones, press play, and get ready to hear why, when words fail, music always finds a way to speak. 🎧✨

In today’s episode, host James Cox sits down with Chicago‑born jazz virtuoso Brian Culbertson – a multi‑instrumentalist, composer, producer, and the man behind the acclaimed album “Day Trip.”

From Brian’s early days tinkering on piano at eight, picking up trombone in the school band, and discovering the magic of a home studio at twelve, to his modern‑day workflow that blends live horns, synth‑laden beats, and the Output Arcade plug‑in that sparked the track “Sandcastles,” the conversation drifts through:

The instrument journey: why piano became his songwriting hub, how drums shaped his groove sense, and the challenge of playing piano passages that push his limits.

Music theory & learning: a down‑to‑earth take on why theory is “baby steps” and how a good teacher can make it approachable for anyone.

Creative influences: everything from Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower of Power to classical, EDM, Mongolian metal (The Hu) and dark hip‑hop—showing how eclectic listening fuels fresh ideas.

Production vs. performance: why the studio feels like home, the painstaking process of polishing a record, and the tricks he uses to translate studio vibes to a live stage.

The “Day Trip” story: how nine songs were written in just four days with co‑writer Nicholas Cole, and the emotional contrast between rapid bursts of inspiration and years‑long labors of love.

Beyond the music: Brian’s passion for wine, the creation of his signature blends, the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway he co‑hosts, and the balance of artistry with entrepreneurship.

Get ready for a deep dive into a musician’s mindset, a handful of quirky anecdotes (no secret studio rituals—just a shower and a good vibe), and plenty of tips for anyone who dreams of turning a musical spark into a polished record.

Press play, lean back, and let the conversation remind you why, when words fall short, music always finds a way to speak.

Welcome back to When Words Fail Music Speaks, the show that explores how music can lift us out of depression, anxiety, and everyday struggles. In today’s episode, host James Cox—your “professional handicapped” guide to the power of sound—sits down with Grammy‑winning arranger, composer, and multi‑instrumentalist Fletch Wiley.

We dive deep into Fletch’s remarkable story: a childhood trumpeter from Seattle who chased his dream to the University of North Texas, survived a battle with drugs, found a life‑changing conversion to Christianity in 1971, and has since devoted his talent to ministry, touring the world with his wife under the Heart and Art initiative.

From the nuts‑and‑bolts of jazz—Fletch’s recommendations for newcomers (Chuck Mangione, Kirk Whalum, Chris Bodie) and his take on the “all‑wrong‑notes” myth—to the art of arranging across genres (worship, film scoring, children’s music, theater, and big‑band projects), the conversation reveals why he believes jazz is “the highest form of music” because it demands real‑time improvisation, listening, and technical mastery.

Listeners will also get practical tips for getting into jazz, a behind‑the‑scenes look at his global benefit concerts (Turkey, Egypt, Albania, Nigeria, South Africa), and a few lightning‑round fun facts that showcase his personality—favorite coffee, dream super‑band lineup, the instrument that would complain the most, and the single piece that moves his soul (Beethoven’s 2nd Movement of the 7th Symphony).

Whether you’re a seasoned jazz aficionado, a country‑music lover, or simply searching for the therapeutic resonance of melody, this episode offers inspiration, humor, and a heartfelt reminder that music really does speak—and can heal. Tune in, settle in, and let Fletch Wiley’s story and wisdom harmonize with your own journey.