Show Notes
Special guest Ira Dean sits down with Tracy Lawrence on the bus this week to discuss his storied career, favorite memories, life lessons and more. The country artists go back to the beginning to discuss early musical influences, those that paved the way for them and key industry players that helped them along the way. Ira discusses the method behind his songs and how each chapter of his life is reflected in his music – from the best of times to his lowest points, and what he hopes fans take away from his music. Tune in today to hear the artists favorite moments together and what’s to come!
More from TL's Road House
This week on TL’s Road House, Tracy Lawrence welcomes longtime friend and hit songwriter turned country artist Wyatt McCubbin. With songs recorded by Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson and Zach Top, Wyatt shares how his small-town Ohio roots and love for traditional country music have shaped his career as one of Nashville’s most sought-after songwriters. The two dive into Wyatt’s debut album, 650, produced by Dave Cobb, discussing the experience of recording live to tape and the transition from writing hits for other artists to releasing music of his own. Wyatt and Tracy recall unforgettable moments of their careers and reflect on the lasting impact of country music’s greatest storytellers. Tune in for a conversation about songwriting, country music legends and the importance of staying true to your roots.
Lauren Watkins brings her Nashville native roots to this week’s episode of TL’s Road House! Lauren sits down with Tracy Lawrence to talk about growing up in Music City, leaving home for Ole Miss and realizing along the way that she was meant to pursue a career in music. Lauren dives into the songwriting behind her new album If I’m Being Honest, working with her husband and producer Will Bundy and finding inspiration in the people and experiences closest to her. She also reflects on touring with artists like Luke Bryan and Lainey Wilson, going out on her first headline tour and the full-circle moment of making her Grand Ole Opry debut. Don’t miss the fun conversation as they get into everything from Ole Miss football and turkey hunting to navigating social media and Nashville’s changing music scene.
Wheeler Walker Jr. holds nothing back on this week’s episode of TL’s Road House! The unapologetic country singer joins Tracy Lawrence for an unfiltered conversation about building a career on his own terms, breaking Nashville’s rules and why he’s ready to retire after a decade in country music. Wheeler looks back on recording his first album with Dave Cobb, unexpectedly landing in the Top 10 on the country charts and proving there’s a path in country music outside of the traditional label system. He and Tracy also share stories about the wilder side of country music, years of touring and legends like George Jones and Waylon Jennings, while Wheeler opens up about his final album and tour and why he wants to walk away while he’s still having fun.
Elizabeth Nichols brings her quick wit to this week’s episode of TL’s Road House! The rising singer-songwriter joins Tracy Lawrence to talk about her unconventional journey from law school to pursuing music full time and how living in Australia unexpectedly sparked her love for writing country songs. Known for turning relatable moments and everyday observations into clever lyrics, Elizabeth shares the influences behind her lighthearted approach to songwriting and how simply writing like she talks has helped shape her sound. She also opens up about finding an audience through social media, stepping away from law school after landing a record deal and gearing up for her first U.S. headlining tour, with plenty of laughs about dating, Nashville life and everything in between.
Stepping into a new chapter after more than a decade as one half of Maddie & Tae, Maddie Font joins Tracy Lawrence for her first podcast appearance as a solo artist. Maddie opens up about the emotional transition from the duo, her lasting friendship with Tae and how her faith has guided her through the uncertainty of starting over. She explains why she chose to step away from the major label system and bet on herself as an independent artist, how working on her upcoming album has revealed a new side of herself vocally and the inspiration behind her debut solo single, “Drive Me Around.” Plus, Maddie shares some exciting personal news, expecting her second child. Listen in as Tracy and Maddie talk parenthood, finding balance between family and career, and staying grounded through life’s different seasons.