Texas to Tennessee with Soule Gravy

Tx2Tn Podcast Ep225 Ashton Naylor

This episode is a conversation with Texas singer-songwriter Ashton Nailer about how he got into music, what shaped his sound, and how he’s building his career the hard way: through live shows, co-writes, and constant gigging. He talks about starting music later than some, leaning into performance as his strongest lane, and learning by playing covers, writing songs, and getting comfortable being on stage. The hosts also dig into his Texas roots with a fun “Why are they famous?” segment centered on San Marcos, which leads into a wider talk about Texas music culture and the people who shape it.Ashton shares how Lubbock, South Plains College, Blue Light, and the Texas scene helped him sharpen his craft, meet the right people, and figure out what kind of artist he wants to be. He also talks about being open to recording other writers’ songs, the role of melody in his writing, and how mentorship from Randy Rogers has helped him open doors and stay grounded.

Tx2Tn Podcast Ep224 Jive Mother Mary

Jive Mother Mary is the kind of band that sounds like they’ve spent years in smoky bars, busted-up vans, and long drives between towns, and they’ve come out the other side still swinging. Mason Keck talks about the band’s 20-year run, starting when he was a teenager, and how they’ve stayed together by keeping the right mix of good songs, good hangs, and a real love for what they do.Their sound is a mashup of southern rock, blues, country, funk, and classic rock—think guitar harmonies, big riffs, and melodies you can actually remember. Mason says they’ve always been about writing songs that feel good to play but still mean something, whether it’s a heartbreak tune about his dog, a stormy “hope this ain’t that bad” kind of song, or a road-weary anthem about life on tour.The episode also gets into their move to Nashville, the chaos of COVID, the value of community, and how much local music scenes and podcasts still matter. Bottom line: Jive Mother Mary is a working band, a real-deal road band, and they’ve built it the hard way—by showing up, playing hard, and staying true to themselves.

Tx2Tn Podcast Ep223 Curtis Grimes

This episode is a straight-up working-man’s story about chasing a dream, getting knocked around a few times, and still showing up with your boots on.Curtis Grimes talks about going from baseball pitcher to country singer, grinding through Texas gigs, getting a break on The Voice, and later playing the Grand Ole Opry. The heart of it is simple: he’s built a life by hustling, staying grounded, and writing songs that actually mean something to real people.

Tx2Tn Podcast Ep222 Carley of Hotel Turkey WSG cohost Bill Corbin

On this episode we have Carley of Hotel Turkey and special guest cohost Bill Corbin. Hotel Turkey ain’t just a venue — it’s the kind of place where real music still matters. A tiny town in the middle of nowhere turned into a hangout for songwriters, working musicians, and folks who actually care about the craft. Carly and the crew built it around respect, good food, good steaks, and a no-BS love for live music. Artists don’t just show up, play, and leave — they come there to breathe, write, drink a beer, and feel like family.

Tx2Tn Podcast Ep221 Eric Bolander

Episode: Exploring Kentucky Roots, Music Journey, and Artistic Collaboration with Eric BolanderIn this episode, Eric Bolander shares his captivating journey from growing up in eastern Kentucky to becoming a talented singer-songwriter and visual artist. We dive into his influences, songwriting process, and the synergy between his music and visual art, offering valuable insights for independent musicians and creators alike.Main Topics Covered: * Eric’s background and early influences from Kentucky’s Appalachian and country music scenes * His evolution from metal and rock bands to Americana and folk songwriting * The role of success stories like Tyler Childers and others in inspiring Kentucky artists * His creative process for writing songs: capturing moment inspiration vs. disciplined routines * Collaboration with artist Nicholas Jamerson on the album Old Tattoo and the significance of album artwork * The importance of live performance and stages, from solo gigs to band synergy * The significance of vinyl records, pressing processes, and supporting regional shops * Connecting with fans, community recognition, and memorable moments at festivals * His visual arts background influencing album artwork and merchandise designs * Upcoming projects and how to support Eric’s music