He’s known as the go-to authority for his hard rock and heavy metal expertise, but now radio and television personality Eddie Trunk is hitting the road. Taking viewers on a behind the scenes journey to experience the sights, sounds, stunts and culinary cuisine at some of the country’s legendary music festivals with his brand new AXS-TV series, “Trunk Fest”.

As one of the genres leading proponents as well as an encyclopedia of rock music [Trunk’s famous “Stump The Trunk” segment was a fan favorite on “That Metal Show”], “Trunk Fest” takes Eddie out of his comfort zone and has him doing things he never would do. Whether it’s getting schooled in the ways of motorcycle stunts with daredevil Doug Danger at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at Buffalo Chip or making jambalaya at the New Orleans Voodoo Fest + Art Experience, “Trunk Fest”  is more than just music. It’s an overall experience.

In addition to interviewing such diverse artists as George Thorogood, Taylor Hawkins [Foo Fighters] and Tom Morello and Chuck D [Prophets of Rage], the series also gives viewers an inside look into what really makes the festivals tick.

Future episodes of “Trunk Fest” include excursions to Kentucky’s Larger Than Life Festival; a jaunt to the California coast for the eclectic KAABOO festival, and a trip to scenic New York for Mountain Jam.

I recently spoke with Eddie Trunk about “Trunk Fest” and more in this exclusive new interview.

How did this new series, “Trunk Fest” come about?

Eddie Trunk: I had done some things with AXS over the last few years. Most recently, I hosted a documentary film series called “Reel To Real”. They came up with the idea of covering music festivals and wanted to know if I’d be interested in hosting. The executive producer, Evan Haiman, is an old friend and the two of us got together over lunch and talked. It was a no brainer and now here we are. What’s cool for me is that the show takes me a little bit out of my wheelhouse. It’s still music related and talking to artists, but it’s also about traveling and the festival experience. It’s taken me to some really cool places and taught me some things along the way as well.

What was the filming process like?

ET: Most of the shows we’ve done have been two day shoots. Normally, I’d come in and shoot all my segments [the interviews, the stand up] over the course of a day and the crew would usually stay on an extra day to shoot B-roll footage. Then it’s all edited up. It’s a great crew and they do a great job. We were in some amazing places shooting outdoors and the show looks incredible.

What was your favorite part about doing the series?

ET: I’ve interviewed artists my entire career in radio and TV and love it, but my favorite part about this series is that it’s not just doing interviews. It’s taking me out of my comfort zone; putting me in different situations and discovering things I normally wouldn’t discover. Like being on a motorcycle; firing guns; being to cities I haven’t been to in a long time and experiencing foods I’d never tried before. For me, it’s about the exploration. We have more festivals in America now than we’ve ever had and it’s cool to get out and explore what’s happening. The experience is the buzz word for this show.

Click here for a preview of the premiere episode of “Trunk Fest”.

You mentioned learning some things while filming this series. What were some of the revelations?

ET: One of the things I was surprised about was an episode we shot in New Orleans for Jazz Fest. It has of all the music genres (pop, hip-hop, rock, classic rock) but the least amount of jazz [laughs]. That was eye-opening. There was another huge festival in San Diego I’d never heard of called KAABOO, which was also really interesting. Then there were moments with Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Taylor Hawkins from Foo Fighters and Tom Morello, who’s a good friend. The whole experience has been phenomenal.

Did you always know you wanted to have a career in entertainment?

ET: The number one thing for me from the time I was in high school was how can I take the music I love and share it with other people? Over the last thirty-five years, I’ve done radio and TV; worked in a record store; did freelance journalism; worked for a record company; managed artists, and have written two books. But it’s never been about trying to promote me or becoming famous. It was always about promoting the bands and helping to push them.

You’ve always had a strong opinion when it comes to The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Has that opinion changed with the recent induction of bands like Deep Purple, KISS and Bon Jovi?

ET: It actually has. I’ve been a vocal opponent of the Hall of Fame but have to give credit where credit is due. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but seeing Alice Cooper, Rush, Bon Jovi and Deep Purple be in there is a positive movement. About four years ago, they [The Rock Hall] made me a voter, and that’s another good sign. Even though I beat the hell of them, instead of holding it against me, they brought me in and let me have a voice.

Are there any other projects you’re currently working on?

ET: Right now, my focus is on getting word out about “Trunk Fest”. Ever since “That Metal Show” ended, I’ve been busy doing radio. I do six live shows a week on Sirius/XM; one daily on a channel called Volume that airs every day from 2-4 p.m. ET and replays at 9-11 p.m. ET. Outside of that, I’m doing a lot of hosting and appearing at festivals. I also just recently got confirmed to go on tour with Deep Purple in November and host their shows in Mexico. After all these years to know artists and have these opportunities is amazing. I’m really lucky.

What excites you the most about the new series, “Trunk Fest”?

ET: A lot of people know me for being a music junkie, but this show has me doing things I normally wouldn’t do. The show is very real and honest. I also don’t go into a situation knowing all the background. I’m learning right along with the audience as we go. The other thing is that any festival I would normally go to would be more hard rock-based, but I went to one in Mexico for Zac Brown and others that focused more on EDM and pop. Even though that music might not be my favorite stuff it’s been really educational and I’ve learned a lot. I think the audience will as well.

Trunk Fest premieres Sunday, July 1^st at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT on AXS-TV