Episode 274 - Kustom Entertainment CEO, Stan Ross & Charlie "Chopper" Anderson

Episode 274 - Kustom Entertainment CEO, Stan Ross & Charlie "Chopper" Anderson

In this episode of The Raised Rowdy Podcast, hosts Nick Tressler and Kurt Ozan sit down with Kustom Entertainment CEO Stan Ross and longtime Nashville musician Charlie "Chopper" Anderson for an inside look at the business behind live music, festivals, and fan experiences. Stan shares the story of launching Kustom Entertainment and Kustom Tickets, his vision for building a more transparent ticketing platform, and the future growth plans for the company's rapidly expanding festival portfolio. Chopper reflects on his decades-long career as a touring and session musician, including time spent performing alongside legends like Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, and Johnny Rodriguez. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of festival culture, the importance of creating memorable experiences for both artists and fans, and the challenges of operating large-scale events. Stan also discusses the 30-year legacy of Country Stampede, how Eric Church stepped in to save the festival after Luke Bryan's illness, and Kustom Entertainment's plans to expand into new markets and genres. From ticketing transparency and artist hospitality to camping culture and the future of live entertainment, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build unforgettable music experiences. Follow on Social Media: Stan Ross: @kustomentertainment Charlie Anderson: @chopperanderson Kustom Entertainment: @kustomentertainment Country Stampede: @countrystampede Nick Tressler (Nicky T): @raisedrowdynick Kurt Ozan: @kurtozan251 Raised Rowdy Podcast: @raisedrowdypodcast Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

Episode 273 - Larry Fleet

In this episode of The Raised Rowdy Podcast, hosts Kurt Ozan and Nick Tressler catch up with Tennessee native Larry Fleet to discuss his latest album Another Year Older, life on the road, songwriting, fatherhood, and staying true to who he is in an ever-changing music industry. Larry shares stories about raising his kids, his family's love of Mexican food (including a dog named Cheese Dip), and how growing up in a small town continues to shape both his music and worldview. He also opens up about producing Another Year Older himself, stripping back the production to focus on storytelling, and creating a record that reflects faith, family, hard work, love, loss, and the everyday experiences that connect people from all walks of life. Along the way, Larry dives into the realities of today's touring market, the importance of authentic live performances, his thoughts on AI tools like Suno, and why he believes country music should always feel personal and relatable. The conversation also touches on touring internationally, the success of “Where I Find God,” mentoring younger artists like Dasher, and appreciating every stage of the journey—from sleeping in a Winnebago and selling merch for gas money to selling out theaters around the country. It's a candid, funny, and heartfelt conversation with one of country music's most genuine storytellers. Follow on Social Media: Larry Fleet: @larryfleet Kurt Ozan: @kurtozan251 Nick Tressler (Nicky T): @raisedrowdynick Raised Rowdy Podcast: @raisedrowdypodcast Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

Episode 272 - Ashley Anne

In this episode of The Raised Rowdy Podcast, hosts Kurt Ozan and Nick Tressler sit down with rising country artist Ashley Anne to talk about her deeply personal new EP Generational Heartbreak, navigating life as a young artist in Nashville, and learning how to stay authentic in an industry that constantly pushes artists to fit a mold. Ashley opens up about the inspiration behind songs like “Love Looks Like,” “Happy Birthday,” and “Paloma,” sharing vulnerable stories about family trauma, relationships, friendship, and healing from the past while trying to build a future. She also dives into the importance of female friendships in country music, her experiences touring with artists like Avery Anna and Max McNown, and the emotional rollercoaster of chasing a music career while hearing both “yes” and “no” along the way. The conversation also touches on finding confidence in her own artistry, embracing her Virginia Beach roots, going viral online, receiving encouragement from Luke Combs, and preparing to open for Zach Top in her hometown arena. Ashley’s honesty, self-awareness, and passion for connecting with fans make this one of the most heartfelt and inspiring episodes yet. Follow on Social Media: Ashley Anne: @ashleyannemusic Kurt Ozan: @kurtozan251 Nick Tressler (Nicky T): @raisedrowdynick Raised Rowdy Podcast: @raisedrowdypodcast Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

Episode 271 - Clint Black

In this episode of The Raised Rowdy Podcast, hosts Kurt Ozan and Nick Tressler sit down with legendary country artist Clint Black for an in-depth conversation about his new book The Killin’ Time, the stories behind his iconic career, and the mindset that helped shape one of country music’s most respected artists. Clint opens up about the creative process behind writing the memoir, his dedication to artistic integrity, and why staying true to the music always mattered more than chasing trends or commercial expectations. The conversation dives deep into his early days grinding through the Texas music scene, co-writing classics with Hayden Nicholas, recording demos in a garage, and the rapid rise that led to becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry just a few years after breaking onto the scene. Clint also shares unforgettable stories involving legends like Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, and even dinner parties with Hollywood icons during his years living in California with wife Lisa Hartman Black. From surviving difficult label battles and launching his own record company to reflecting on fatherhood, legacy, and the future of country music, Clint delivers one of the most insightful and inspiring conversations the podcast has featured. Follow on Social Media: Clint Black: @clint_black Nick Tressler (Nicky T): @raisedrowdynick Kurt Ozan: @kurtozan251 Raised Rowdy Podcast: @raisedrowdypodcast Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

Episode 270 - Braxton Keith

In this episode of The Raised Rowdy Podcast, hosts Nick Tressler and Kurt Ozan sit down with rising Texas country artist Braxton Keith to talk about his whirlwind weekend at Stagecoach Festival, including joining Post Malone on stage for a surprise performance of “Cozy.” Braxton dives into his Texas roots, growing up around legendary dance halls and honky tonks, and how traditional country music shaped the sound of his upcoming album Real Damn Deal. The conversation explores balancing modern country success while staying true to classic influences like Merle Haggard, George Strait, and Marty Robbins. Braxton also breaks down fan-favorite songs like “Own This Bar,” the process of building a catalog for live shows, and the importance of grinding it out on the road market by market. From Australian crowds learning every lyric to packed Texas dance halls and upcoming nationwide touring plans, this episode captures an artist fully stepping into the next phase of his career while keeping country music at the center of it all. Braxton Keith: @braxton.keith Nick Tressler (Nicky T): @raisedrowdynick Kurt Ozan: @kurtozan251 Raised Rowdy Podcast: @raisedrowdypodcast Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy