Music has a way of bringing the past into the present. Memories receive new life through thoughtful lyrics and well-composed chords. Dom Frucella skillfully uses both to give us “Sweet Margaret Ann,” a tearfully sensitive ballad in memory of his grandmother. In this episode of Eighty Unplugged, AD “Eighty” Cuffee and Dom talk about the timelessness of music and how the heart and soul of experiences shape past and future songwriting.

The journey of lyricists, poets, and songwriters is rooted in the pursuit of how music can shape perspectives and inspire community. In this special episode of Eighty Unplugged, AD “Eighty” Cuffee sat down with three songwriters to explore these concepts on a practical level. We’re happy to welcome Jeremy Gross, Jimmy Mowery, and Walkney as the familiar favorites making up the first ever songwriting discussion panel. 

With an acoustic rendition of “She’s Only Sleeping When it’s Raining,” Augustine handles the difficult topic of depression with grace and empathy in this episode of Eighty Unplugged. He delves into what makes this song so meaningful to his listeners, and why he’s excited to share new music with his community.

Alyssa Malvoisin crafts a realistic yet emotionally impactful scenario in her song, “Sober.” The 21-year-old Tyrone, PA native is already moving audiences with her soulful vocal tone and honest stage presence. In this episode of Eighty Unplugged, Alyssa breaks down the song lyrics and describes her songwriting process in an exclusive interview.

Eighty Unplugged debuts a new series: “Why I Wrote…”. This series provides authors with an opportunity to reflect on the inspirations and experiences that influenced their work.

 Our latest guest, Walkney, is a seasoned musician who is passionate about his craft. Gritty, soulful, and honest, he chose to premier an acoustic version of his upcoming single, Emotion. Join us as he breaks down the lyrics and gives us some songwriting insight.

Love’s Not Enough” is a song I wrote during a turning point in my relationship—when infatuation faded and real partnership began. In this episode of Eighty Unplugged, I break down the meaning behind the lyrics and explore how love, compromise, and sacrifice shape long‑term relationships. This blog dives deeper into the story behind the song, the live audience’s interpretations, and the lessons I learned about growing with someone rather than staying the same.

Season One of Eighty Unplugged sought to illuminate and recognize both the writers and the process. Over eleven episodes, seven writers invited us to explore these ideas further by each performing an especially meaningful song and delving deep into its lyrical content.

An in-depth look at the meaning behind my song “Moment of Hope,” featuring a live performance, lyric breakdown, and reflections on autonomy and the parent-child relationship.

Jimmy Mowery, known for NBC’s The Voice, joins Eighty Unplugged to perform his original song “Damaged Goods.” Blending emo storytelling, pop, and country influences, Mowery shares an honest, emotional performance rooted in personal growth and heartfelt songwriting.

Central Pennsylvania songwriter Jeremy Gross (Desperate Sounds) delivers a powerful live performance of “I Remain” for Eighty Unplugged, blending raw storytelling, acoustic grit, and emotional honesty rooted in real life experience.

Eighty Unplugged hosts its first-ever live podcast episode at the MNTG Music and Arts Festival in Altoona, PA, featuring an interview and live performance of “Georgia” by independent singer-songwriter Alea Reid.

Western Pennsylvania songwriter Alyssa Hankey joins Eighty Unplugged to discuss Appalachian identity and perform her song “West of the Ohio,” exploring working-class roots, regional history, and authentic folk-country storytelling.

My Hero Zero’s Jason Olcese joins Eighty Unplugged for an intimate interview and stripped-down performance of “Nothing But Love,” discussing songwriting, identity, and the evolution of his music within Pennsylvania’s live music scene.

Songwriter Eighty is joined by her husband JJ on Eighty Unplugged for a live performance and honest discussion of her song “Muddy Waters,” exploring regret, perspective shifts, stoicism, and learning to move forward with a healthier mindset.

Folk storyteller Coltt Winter Lepley joins Eighty Unplugged for an in-depth interview and performance of “The Ghost of Emmaline Bryn,” exploring Pennsylvania history, folklore, and the modern murder ballad tradition.

In this episode of Eighty Unplugged, songwriter Eighty performs her song “Wasting Time” live and reflects on loneliness, insecurity, and the fear of being unproductive, sharing the personal meaning behind the lyrics and her journey toward self-acceptance.

On this episode of Eighty Unplugged, songwriter Eighty performs and reflects on her song “All In Due Time,” a message of encouragement about patience, kindness, and finding identity, written for her younger sister during a time of personal transition.

In this episode Eighty, a Singer/ Songwriter and our podcast host, performs the song “Expectations”. A song about being optimistic while still being uncertain about the next steps in life. Joining her in this episode is her husband, JJ Cuffee.