Nashville's Oversaturation, 90-Second Songs & High-Energy Live Performances (ft. Aconundrum)

How does a high-energy pop-rock band blend 80s Van Halen guitar riffs, church choir gospel harmonies, K-pop nostalgia, and jazz theory without being boxed into a single genre? In this episode of Two Beers with the Band, host Chris Schrum sits down with Jeff Kuruma and Josh from Murfreesboro, half of Tennessee's own Aconundrum. Together, they break down the frustrations of navigating Nashville's oversaturated music scene, winning Murfreesboro's Battle of the Bands, and developing a "genre-fluid" sound that spans everything from 90-second prog-rock challenges to disco-inspired pop. The duo also discusses opening live shows with TV theme song icebreakers, the theatricality of Gene Simmons and Paramore, and why every independent band needs to operate like a business. ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this interview, host Chris Schrum catches up with Murfreesboro pop-rock band Aconundrum. Together, they explore: Navigating Nashville's Oversaturation: How local bands from Murfreesboro and surrounding areas carve out space in a scene flooded with world-class talent. "Genre-Fluid" Songwriting: Blending 80s rock, R&B, pop, jazz, and gospel choir arrangements into a cohesive, unboxed sound. The Art of the Live Icebreaker: Using iconic TV theme songs (X-Men, King of the Hill) to break down audience walls and transition seamlessly into original tracks. Studio Dynamics & Time Constraints: Balancing epic 7-minute tracks like 'Coup d'Etat' and 'Ledges' with self-imposed 90-second song writing challenges. The Business of Being a Band: Why treating a band like a business—always closing sales on merch, records, and digital engagement—is essential for indie longevity. CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Cold Open & Track Teaser: 'Led' 00:40 - Welcome Aconundrum & Member Introductions 01:45 - Frustrations with Nashville's Oversaturated Music Scene 05:12 - Murfreesboro vs. Nashville: Access to Opportunities 06:23 - Drink Check: Southern Tier Pumpking Ciders & Apple Floaties 12:56 - Musical Roots: Church Choirs, Van Halen & Eddie's $1,600 Guitar 18:54 - Discovering Live Performance Inspiration: Paramore & Green Day 20:23 - How Aconundrum Formed at Cracker Barrel 23:06 - Earliest Memories & How K-Pop / Instrumentation Influenced Songwriting 27:36 - Defining 'Genre-Fluid': Blending 80s Arena Rock, Gospel & Jazz 31:07 - Songwriting Breakdown: Adding Church Choirs to 'Coup d'Etat' 39:08 - Off-Stage Chaos vs. On-Stage Energy 44:00 - 'Without Order There Is No Chaos' & Writing Process 49:48 - The Live Transformation: 'Dance, Damn It' & Explosive Energy 54:30 - Opening Shows with TV Theme Song Icebreakers (X-Men, Game of Thrones) 01:00:48 - 1,000 Casual Listeners vs. 100 Sweaty Fans (The Business of Music) 01:05:00 - Origin of the Name 'Aconundrum' 01:06:52 - Challenge Accepted: Writing 90-Second Prog-Rock & Rap Tracks 01:15:08 - The Story Behind 6-Minute & 7-Minute Epic Tracks ('Ledges' & 'Coup d'Etat') 01:19:58 - Second Drink Check: TheInfamous Strawberry-Rita Test 01:29:00 - Stealing Visuals: Kiss Pyro, The Office DVD Bouncing Logo & Stagecraft 01:32:07 - Murfreesboro Scene History: Barfield Park, Burro Stock & City Gigs 01:38:00 - Why MTSU & Local Colleges Should Sponsor Local Bands 01:41:30 - Rapid Fire Questions & The Great Baking / Muffin Science Tangent 01:54:00 - Closing Thoughts, Future Shows & Final Cheers #TwoBeersWithTheBand #Aconundrum #MurfreesboroMusic #NashvilleBands #GenreFluid #PopRock #ChrisSchrum #CoupDEtat #Ledges