Show Notes
Braxton Hamblen joins the Texas to Tennessee Podcast to talk about growing up in small-town Colorado, finding his voice as a performer, and the way rodeo and music overlap in his life. He also shares the story behind his upcoming single, Cactus Flower, plus how he connected with producer Ben Walagoski and fiddler Wes Barlow.We discuss Braxton’s writing process, stage comfort, early musical influences, and why he still gets nervous before bigger shows even though performance feels like home.Key topicsBraxton shares how Alt, Colorado shaped him, from growing up around rodeo to sneaking into music scenes as a kid.He explains that he started music young, but really doubled down during COVID by locking himself in his room and relearning guitar and songwriting.In the episode, he says performance is his favorite part of music, even though he is naturally introverted offstage.He talks about writing in bursts, sometimes turning out 15 songs in a week after getting blocked for months.Braxton describes his writing process as something that has to happen with a guitar in hand and in a quiet space, not on the fly.He and the hosts dig into the similarities between rodeo life and music life, especially the travel, the drift, and the responsibility of taking care of a team.He opens up about self-worth struggles early in his career and how comparing himself to other artists made him question his progress.Braxton previews Cactus Flower, an acoustic duet with fiddle and backing vocals that started as a personal song about a girl he met in Estes Park.He explains how sneaking backstage at Greeley Stampede led to meeting Wes Barlow and eventually connecting with producer Ben Walagoski.He gives a rundown of upcoming shows across Wyoming, Colorado, and beyond, plus mentions his family hat shop, Hamblin Hats.
More from Texas to Tennessee with Soule Gravy
Texas country with a soul core, family-band chemistry, and a live show built on harmonies, hot guitars, and songs that actually mean something. The Reed Brothers sit down to talk about the sound they're sharpening right now, the new album they're building, and why their best music comes from keeping enough room for the studio to surprise them. Keegan and Kyle Reed trace the band’s path from San Antonio roots and childhood nights at Cibolo Creek Country Club to the present-day version of the group, where recording, writing, and performing all feed each other. You’ll hear how their process has evolved from learning the ropes in the studio to co-producing as a full band, why they don’t want to overcook a song before it gets recorded, and what changes when the people creating the parts are the same people who will take them on stage. We break down the songwriting habits that actually work for them, from midnight text ideas and voice memos to songs that arrive fully formed on the road. Kyle talks about the pull of the studio and the thrill of hearing parts come together in real time, while Keegan opens up about writing with the band in his head and chasing the moment a song finally feels alive.They also get into the live experience that sets the Reed Brothers apart - harmonies, tube amps, a blend of country, rock, and R&B influences, and a rotating cast of voices that keeps each set fresh. Nate’s standout vocals, Jordan’s country-leaning bass work, their side project Les Odessa, and the covers that fit their lane all come up, along with the brothers’ long history of playing with and learning from Adam Hood, Jason Isbell, Keith Gattis, and the rest of the Texas songwriting world.If you care about family bands, well-built songs, or the kind of roots music that still feels dangerous when the lights go down, this one is for you. You’ll come away with a better sense of how the Reed Brothers make their records, why their live show lands, and what’s coming next as they roll out a full album the right way.Perfect for listeners who love Texas music, thoughtful songwriting, and bands that sound even bigger when you’ve seen them in the room.
Twin Fin: Building a Sound—and an Audience—of Their Own How do you grow a band when your music doesn’t fit neatly into one genre? Robbie Kelly of Twin Fin joins the Texas to Tennessee Podcast to talk about making surf-country, Americana, and reggae-inspired music in Hawaii—and finding fans far beyond the islands. Robbie shares how he builds songs on acoustic guitar, brings the band into the studio process, and creates a lively, crowd-focused show with unexpected covers and plenty of personality. He also reflects on the surreal feeling of selling out venues in cities where the band had never played, hearing fans sing along, and discovering how deeply a song can become tied to someone’s memories. The conversation gets into the realities of touring from Hawaii, the costs and risks of life on the road, choosing openers, and why playing live helps Twin Fin connect with listeners when their sound is difficult to categorize. Plus, the guys put Robbie through rapid-fire questions and the podcast’s signature Little Debbie snack debate. A warm and candid conversation about creative collaboration, independent music, and building a career one show—and one fan—at a time.
Kyle Garrett is turning “indie Texas country” into a real career, and the path is messier, funnier, and more strategic than most artists ever admit. He opens up about his new single, “High Livin’,” the radio push behind it, and its strong debut on the Texas Country Music Chart.Hosts Talbo and Soule Gravy get Kyle talking about the nuts and bolts of building a music career—from writing and recording with producer Tim Lightyear at Cosmic Mama to sending radio stations handwritten gifts and navigating the slow, awkward reality of booking his own shows. The Austin-based singer-songwriter has been steadily building momentum through relentless live performances, a growing catalog, and a sound that draws on rock, country, and pop-punk.In this episode, Kyle shares: How “High Livin’” grew from an inside joke with his band into a song about working hard for the life you want Why Tim Lightyear’s dive-in-and-push-it approach in the studio can be nerve-racking—but rewarding What radio promotion looks like for an independent artist, and why Kyle sees it as another avenue for marketing How persistence and proof of audience demand can help artists book shows Why respect, professionalism, and putting thought into a live show matter The conversation also gets into the emotional side of the grind: unanswered emails, small wins, support from family and friends, and the reality that progress often comes inch by inch—not overnight. For artists, songwriters, and anyone curious about the work behind an independent music career, Kyle’s candid stories offer a look at what it takes to keep going.
Silverada’s Mike and Omar join the Texas To Tennessee Podcast at Memphis’ historic Hernando’s Hideaway for an honest conversation about life as working musicians—the grind, the wins, the burnout, and what keeps them moving forward. They talk about the different parts of a music career, from songwriting and performing to recording and handling the business behind the scenes. They share what it feels like to hear their songs unexpectedly on the radio, why some tracks become live favorites while others hold a special place in the studio, and how fans and fellow musicians make life on the road more meaningful.The conversation also explores the pressure artists face to stay productive and visible, and why Silverada is learning to trust its own instincts while making new music. Along the way, Mike and Omar reflect on the Grand Ole Opry, music community, touring, and the memorable venues and people that make the journey worthwhile.If you enjoy Texas country, Americana, and the stories behind the songs, this episode offers a candid look at the work—and the people—that keep the music going. Home | Silverada
North Springs Music Festival with Gracie Yates and Brock Burton Gracie Yates and Brock Burton talk about how they built their music careers from local shows into regional touring, all while staying grounded in songwriting, fan connection, and a strong online presence. They also share what makes North Springs feel less like a traditional festival and more like a family reunion, with artists, fans, and venues all mixed together.In this episode, they get into their musical roots, how TikTok helped them reach new listeners, and why original songs still matter most to them. They also discuss festival culture, the difference between corporate events and community-driven shows, and the realities of booking, traveling, and building momentum as independent artists. Gracie Yates | Singer + SongwriterBrock Burton (@brock.burton_music) • Instagram photos and videos Key topics Gracie Yates shares how her music started during COVID with TikTok, after years of playing drums in bar bands and gradually finding her voice as a singer. Brock Burton talks about being a songwriter first, playing originals from the start, and learning how to balance original material with covers in long bar sets. Both artists explain how social media helped them connect with fans, book shows, and turn online attention into real-world ticket sales and audience growth. They discuss North Springs Music Festival as a community-centered event that feels more like a family picnic or reunion than a corporate festival. The conversation highlights the importance of venue and festival support, including how scenes like Unbroken and Laurel Cove create closer artist-fan interaction. Gracie and Brock describe what it feels like when strangers and peers respond strongly to their songs, from requests at open mics to emotional reactions at listening rooms. They talk about building a touring life through persistence, networking, and cold outreach, including Gracie booking herself across the country. Brock and Gracie both mention upcoming releases, with new singles already out and more studio work planned for later in the year. The episode closes with a rapid-fire conversation about merch, favorite concerts, and dream podcast guests like Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jason Isbell, and Evan Felker.