Sessions At The Root
Become a Guest on Sessions At The Root
Share Your Sound. Tell Your Story. Connect With Community.
Sessions At The Root is more than a performance — it’s a platform.
Recorded live in front of a studio audience at The Rooted Cup, our show highlights musicians through meaningful conversation and intimate acoustic performances. We exist to dig into the roots — the journey, the influences, the lessons, and the heart behind the music.
If you're a solo artist or part of a smaller band with a story to tell, we’d love to hear from you.
Who We’re Currently Featuring
At this time, we are focusing on:
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Solo musicians
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Duos and smaller bands
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All musical genres welcome
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Local and regional artists
(We’ll be expanding to other types of performers in the near future.)
If you have heart, originality, and a story worth sharing — you belong here.
What the Show Format Looks Like
Each recorded episode includes:
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Up to a 20-minute interview with host Todd Mertens
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Approximately 10 minutes of recorded live performance
(Typically up to 3 songs, depending on song length)
After recording, performers may continue playing for the live audience.
There is a seperate soundcheck for:
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The interview segment
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The performance segment
What We Provide
The following equipment is available for your performance:
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Main speaker system (facing live audience)
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Monitor speaker system
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Microphones, stands, and microphone cables
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Mixing board (used only by show crew to record for production)
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Professional video recording
Performers Are Expected To Bring
Guests performers are expected to provide the following items to perform:
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Instruments
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Instrument Cables
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Pedals / sound-enhancing equipment
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Personal amplifiers (if needed)
Performances are designed to be intimate and acoustic in nature — lower volume, unplugged-style settings that match the warm atmosphere of The Rooted Cup.
Be Prepared. Be Comfortable.
We want you to feel confident and at ease.
Guests will:
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Receive interview questions ahead of time
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Have a clear understanding of the format
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Know what to expect before show day
You will also have the opportunity to promote:
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Upcoming shows
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Album releases
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Merchandise
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Social platforms
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Special projects
This is your moment to tell your story the way it deserves to be told.
Sessions At The Root is a curated show.
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Submissions are reviewed weekly
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Duos and smaller bands
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All applicants are notified
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A waitlist is maintained
We are intentional about building a diverse and meaningful lineup that reflects the talent and heart of our community.
Selection Process
Guest Expectations
To maintain a professional and smooth experience, we ask that all guests:
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Promote the show leading up to their appearance
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Arrive early at a predetermined time
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Provide a bio and photos (and/or video links) in advance
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Keep all content family-friendly (no explicit material)
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Respect the intimate acoustic setting and volume expectations
There is currently:
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No fee to perform
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No payment provided
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No tickets sold to the public
This is a community-driven platform designed to elevate artists and strengthen connection.
Guest Benefits
Your appearance on Sessions At The Root is more than a gig — it’s a professional media asset. Think of this as your video biography. This recorded event becomes something you can share with venues, festivals, booking agents, fans, and followers. It’s an opportunity to shine — to present not just your sound, but your journey.
As a guest performer, you’ll receive:
Filmed Performance
Global Promotion
Soulful Audience
Access to your full recorded video episode, a professionally looking showcase of your music and story
Promotion through our website, social media platforms, and YouTube
Live audience exposure
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule my session?
Once your application is reviewed and accepted, our production coordinator will reach out with available dates. Sessions are typically recorded on Sunday mornings at The Rooted Cup to ensure a focused, intimate atmosphere.
Is there a fee to be featured on the show?
There is absolutely no cost to apply or record your session. Sessions At The Root is a curated platform designed to support and showcase independent artists and storytellers.
What should I expect on recording day?
Recording day is a relaxed and professional experience. It begins with a brief soundcheck and technical walkthrough, followed by an intimate filmed performance and a deep-dive conversation with our host in the cozy environment of the coffeehouse.
What are the criteria for guest selection?
We prioritize artists who perform original music and have a compelling story to share. While we draw from a faith-inspired tone, we welcome storytellers of all backgrounds who value authenticity and thoughtful connection.