Tyler Smilo’s road through redemption (and Erie, Pa.) arrived at Smilo & The Ghost

When Tyler Smilo moved to Erie, Pa., in 2012, he didn’t know anybody in town. He found an open mic a few blocks from his apartment and went down to the Crooked Eye. Banjo player Dominick DeCecco was hosting, and mandolin player Adam McKillip was on the list with him. Years later, all three were playing together in Smilo & The Ghost.

Smilo joins Frank and Falls to tell that story and explain how a run through West Virginia and Kentucky turned into “Hello Kentucky.” The chorus grew out of the difference between two shows, and Smilo sent the idea to Bill Taylor and the Appalachian Heatherns, who joined him on the recording. Falls has a soft spot for the song for obvious reasons, but he’ll also tell you the chorus is the kind that follows you home.

The conversation gets into why the band put out the four-song EP Phantom, what playing festivals in Kentucky opened up for a band from Erie, and how Smilo’s recovery changed what he wanted his songs to do. He talks about taking painful experiences and making something beautiful from them. Frank also gets him talking about his eye for old furniture and what he likes about bringing something worn back to life.

Before the interview, Frank and Falls compare notes on the Americana Music Association Honors & Awards. Falls also has a first-hand report on the Ghost from Louisville and Unbroken Circle, where he saw how much the musicians give of themselves onstage.

For Pickin’ the Grinnin’, Frank goes with Chicago country crooner Andrew Sa and his debut album American Rough. She remembers first hearing that voice when he opened for Nathan Graham at Fitzgerald’s. Falls picks Winchester, Ky.’s Them Lasses, whose harmonies, sunflowers and between-song banter made their live set stick with him.

Start with “Hello Kentucky,” then spend some time with Phantom and Twang & Fire. Find the band’s music and upcoming shows on its website, along with Smilo’s Songs & Stories project.

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Notes and links

• Get the Roots Music Rambler Backstage Pass on Patreon
• Smilo & The Ghost online
• Twang & Fire on Spotify
• Smilo & The Ghost on Facebook
• Smilo & The Ghost on Instagram
• Smilo & The Ghost on TikTok
• Smilo & The Ghost on YouTube
• Bill Taylor & the Appalachian Heatherns on Roots Music Rambler
• Roots Music Rambler Store
• Roots Music Rambler on YouTube
• Roots Music Rambler on Instagram
• Roots Music Rambler on Facebook

Pickin’ the Grinnin’ picks

• Frank — Andrew Sa
• Falls — Them Lasses

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Theme music is “Sheepskin & Beeswax” by Genticorum. Copyright 2026, Falls+Partners. Music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association.

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