ASH-PHALT : A Podcast All About Life On The Road

ASH-PHALT Ep. 16 | Brian Russell Collins: Touring with Jelly Roll, the Opry & A Cause to Rock

What does it take to build a career as a professional drummer in Nashville—and use that success to make a real difference? On this episode of ASH-PHALT, I sit down with Brian Russell Collins, a Nashville music industry veteran, touring drummer, and the founder & CEO of A Cause to Rock. Brian shares his journey from chasing the dream in Music City to performing on some of the biggest stages in country music, including the Grand Ole Opry and Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest. Throughout his career, Brian has shared the stage with artists including Jelly Roll (Beautifully Broken Tour), Brooks & Dunn (Reboot Tour), Brothers Osborne, Dierks Bentley, Justin Moore, Kip Moore, Lily Rose, Josh Gracin, Jon Langston, Dillon Carmichael, Allie Colleen, Royale Lynn, Scoot Teasley, Adam Sanders, Joey Green, and Dani Rose. But Brian’s story goes far beyond touring. As the founder of A Cause to Rock, he’s using the power of music to help families affected by cancer and to bring the Nashville community together through incredible events like Fight for Nashville. We talk about giving back, finding purpose, life on the road, what it takes to survive in the music industry, and why success means so much more when you use it to serve others. If you love country music, Nashville, songwriting, the behind-the-scenes life of touring musicians, or hearing the stories behind the people who make the music happen, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Be sure to follow ASH-PHALT on Spotify and wherever you listen to podcasts, leave a rating if you enjoyed the episode, and share it with a friend. Connect with Brian Russell Collins: 🥁 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianrussellcollins Learn more about A Cause to Rock: 🎸 https://www.acausetorock.org/ 🎧 Listen to ASH-PHALT on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and wherever you get your podcasts. 🌐 Follow Ash Taylor: Website: ashtaylor.com Instagram: @ashtaylorcountry Facebook: Ash Taylor Music YouTube: @AshTaylorCountry About ASH-PHALT: Hosted by award-winning Nashville recording artist and songwriter Ash Taylor, ASH-PHALT features conversations from the road with musicians, creators, entrepreneurs, and fascinating people who are building extraordinary lives outside the ordinary. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, comment, and give it a thumbs up.Your support helps us continue sharing these stories from the road. #ASHPHALT #AshTaylor #NoSurfHouse #Diesel #TouringMusician #IndependentArtist #Songwriter #MusicianLife #Podcast #LifeOnTheRoad

How No Surf House Is Creating a Home Away From Home For Touring Musicians | ASH-PHALT Episode 15

While on tour in Cleveland, Ohio, Ash Taylor sat down on the front porch of No Surf House with Diesel, one of the organization’s founders, for a conversation about community, creativity, and what it means to support independent artists. For touring musicians, life on the road can be exciting, rewarding, exhausting, and sometimes lonely. No Surf House was created to help change that by providing a welcoming place for traveling artists to rest, connect, recharge, and find community while pursuing their dreams.In this episode, Diesel shares the story behind No Surf House, how the organization got started, the challenges and rewards of building something bigger than yourself, and why supporting independent musicians matters now more than ever. Topics include: • The story behind No Surf House • Life as an independent touring musician • Building community through music • The realities of life on the road • Taking risks and following unconventional dreams • Why artists need places to belong Whether you’re a musician, songwriter, entrepreneur, creative, traveler, or simply someone pursuing a dream, this conversation is full of inspiration, perspective, and practical wisdom. A huge thank you to Diesel and everyone at No Surf House for their hospitality, friendship, and for the incredible work they’re doing for the creative community. 👇 Have you ever taken a chance on a dream? Tell us about it in the comments! No Surf House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving touring musicians and fostering community through hospitality, connection, and support. If this episode resonates with you, please consider learning more about their work, making a donation, or sharing their mission with others.Learn more about No Surf House or support their mission: www.nosurfhouse.org 🎧 Listen to ASH-PHALT on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and wherever you get your podcasts. 🌐 Follow Ash Taylor: Website: ashtaylor.com Instagram: @ashtaylorcountry Facebook: Ash Taylor Music YouTube: @AshTaylorCountry About ASH-PHALT: Hosted by award-winning Nashville recording artist and songwriter Ash Taylor, ASH-PHALT features conversations from the road with musicians, creators, entrepreneurs, and fascinating people who are building extraordinary lives outside the ordinary. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you’re listening. Your support helps us continue sharing these stories from the road. #ASHPHALT #AshTaylor #NoSurfHouse #Diesel #TouringMusician #IndependentArtist #Songwriter #MusicianLife #Podcast #LifeOnTheRoad

The Voice, Reba & The Road: What It REALLY Takes | Jordan Rainer | ASH-PHALT Ep. 14

Everyone sees the stage… not everyone sees the road it took to get there. This week on ASH-PHALT, I’m joined by Jordan Rainer—from The Voice (Team Reba McEntire) to carving her own lane in country music. We talk touring, chasing the dream, and the real, unfiltered side of the music industry—what it takes, what it costs, and why it’s all worth it. We also dive into her latest project, The Outlaw Revival—a unique, immersive fan experience where you can explore all 10 songs, unreleased behind-the-scenes footage, lyric sheets, album notes, and more. 🎧 Experience the full project here: http://jordanrainerofficial.com/theoutlawrevival (Two tracks are currently available on streaming platforms, with more to come—but the full album lives exclusively inside this experience.) If you’ve ever chased a dream, questioned the path, or wondered what it really takes to make it… this one’s for you. 🎙️ Welcome to ASH-PHALT. Come ride along. 📲 FOLLOW + CONNECT Follow ASH-PHALT: Instagram @Ashphaltpodcast Follow Ash Taylor: https://ashtaylor.com Follow Jordan Rainer: https://jordanrainerofficial.com Special Shoutout to our sponsor Liberty Wear Apparel. Shop at the link below and use code : ASH 15 for 15% off your order! https://www.liberty-wear.shop

The Road From The Righteous Brothers To Solo Artist | Bucky Heard | ASH-PHALT Episode #13

What does it really take to go from chasing a dream… to becoming part of one of the most legendary duos in music? In this episode of ASH-PHALT, I sit down with Bucky Heard of The Righteous Brothers to talk about life on the road, the moments that changed everything, and what it’s really like stepping into a legacy bigger than yourself. From small-town beginnings to the national stage—and now into his journey as a solo artist—this conversation dives into persistence, pressure, passion, and the road that leads you where you’re meant to be. If you’ve ever chased something big… this one’s for you. 🎧 ABOUT ASH-PHALT Hosted by Ash Taylor, ASH-PHALT is a podcast all about life on the road—featuring real stories from artists, songwriters, and touring professionals living it every day. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE: * The road that led Bucky Heard to The Righteous Brothers * What it’s like stepping into a legendary role * Life on tour and behind the scenes * The transition from group success to solo artist * Advice for anyone chasing a dream in music 👉 DON’T FORGET: 👍 Like this video 💬 Drop a comment—what was your biggest takeaway? 🔔 Subscribe for more stories from the road 🛣️ FOLLOW ASH-PHALT: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more New episodes drop the first Tuesday of every month Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashphaltpodcast [Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashphaltpodcast] 🎸 FOLLOW ASH TAYLOR: Instagram: https://instagram.com/ashtaylorcountry [Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashphaltpodcast] Website: https://www.ashtaylor.com [Website: https://www.ashtaylor.com] 🎤 FOLLOW BUCKY HEARD: Website: https://www.buckyheard.com [Website: https://www.ashtaylor.com] Stream his new album BreathLess: https://open.spotify.com/album/1oMiCpCwd9xwxj4sGa9QA2?si=gcDbMOPmRZqXQnL7oBjEEQ [https://open.spotify.com/album/1oMiCpCwd9xwxj4sGa9QA2?si=gcDbMOPmRZqXQnL7oBjEEQ] Big Thanks to our sponsor Liberty Wear Apparel https://www.liberty-wear.com

That’s a Wrap, Y’all! Road Recap & What’s Coming Down the Road — ASH-PHALT PODCAST | Episode #12

ASH-PHALT • Episode 12 That’s a Wrap, Y’all! Road Recap & What’s Coming Down the Road Thanks so much for tuning into ASH-PHALT this year and riding along with me through all the wild, beautiful, exhausting, unforgettable moments of life on the road. This short and sweet episode is just a little year-end wrap-up to say thank you and to give you a quick look at what’s coming next. I’m sharing a few highlights, a few lessons, and a hint at what I’ve got planned for the new year — new guests, new stories, new cities, and even more behind-the-scenes conversations about the real life of a touring artist. Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to hit the road again with you in 2026. See you in the new year on ASH-PHALT.