Tx2Tn Podcast Ep229 Eli Howard & The Greater Good

Tx2Tn Podcast Ep229 Eli Howard & The Greater Good

Eli Howard is a singer-songwriter from Molalla, Oregon, known for his heartfelt storytelling and electrifying performances. He’s dedicated to his craft and deeply committed to creating honest music that connects deeply with his audience.Most artists chase fame, but Eli Howard’s story proves true success comes from authenticity and pedal-to-the-metal passion. From a small town in Oregon to touring the U.S., Eli shares how writing songs became his way of exploring the world—42 states and counting—without losing his roots. His journey is full of raw honesty, from the frustration of the music business to the pure joy of performing live in legendary venues like Green Hall and the Bird’s Nest Listening Room.In this episode, Eli reveals the secrets behind his songwriting process—how inspiration strikes unexpectedly, why he believes songs are divine gifts, and the importance of getting out of his own way in the creative flow. He breaks down the art of crowd work, sharing tactics for connecting authentically with audiences, and how he navigates the challenges of touring, including the brutal reality of logistically making it all work while balancing family and health.You’ll discover: how Eli’s small-town upbringing in Molalla fuels his big dreams, why he prefers performing over recording, and the importance of community venues like Buck's and the Bird’s Nest for independent artists. Plus, he opens up about his future projects with legendary producer Tim Lightyear, his love for legendary musicians like Todd Snider and Brent Cobb, and his honest perspective on tribute bands, social media, and the power of staying true to your craft.This episode is essential listening for musicians, songwriters, and fans of authentic artistry. Whether you're chasing a music dream or just looking for inspiration to keep going, Eli’s story reminds us that success isn’t about fitting in, but about standing out with integrity and a whole lot of heart. Don’t miss Eli’s upcoming single, “In a Perfect World,” and his wish to one day headline a theater stage — because real talent, combined with genuine passion, always finds a way.

Tx2Tn Podcast Ep228 Hayden Redwine

Hayden Redwine joins Texas to Tennessee to share the story behind his journey from Colorado City, Texas, where rodeo, ranching, and oil field work shaped his early life, to becoming a full-time songwriter and performer. He talks about discovering songwriting as his true home, learning guitar by watching 80s rock videos, and finding his voice during the pandemic and through personal loss. The conversation also covers his new collaborative project Moon Howlers with Ross Cooper and Zach McGinn, the similarities between rodeo and touring life, his memorable trip to the Netherlands where fans sang his songs back to him, and the emotional story behind his song “The Quiet,” which is raising funds for Kerr County flood relief. With humor, honesty, and heart, Hayden reflects on what it really means to “make it” and why writing songs on his own terms matters most.

Tx2Tn Podcast Ep227 Justin Slinkard

In this episode of Texas to Tennessee, the hosts sit down with Justin Slinkard for a fun, music-heavy conversation that traces his path from growing up on classic country and red dirt music to becoming a songwriter and performer in the Fort Worth scene. Justin shares how rodeos, old cassette tapes, and artists like Pat Green, Ragweed, Dwight Yoakam, and Radney Foster shaped his taste, and how he eventually found his way into writing and performing his own songs.The conversation digs into Justin’s creative process, including how he writes when inspiration hits, why he prefers physical legal pads for full songs, and how co-writing with close friends still plays a role in his work. He also talks about the unique Fort Worth music community—supportive, collaborative, and hustle-driven—and how that scene gave him the confidence to perform originals for the first time.The episode also covers Justin’s song “Tyler Rose,” the milestone of hearing it on the radio, and his goals for the next year: more full-band shows and putting together a record. The hosts wrap with rapid-fire questions, favorite venues, and a few laughs about Buc-ee’s, Little Debbie snacks, and bucket-list rooms like Billy Bob’s, Cain’s Ballroom, Red Rocks, and the Ryman.Key themes: * Growing up on classic country and red dirt * Learning songwriting through repetition and practice * The value of community in the Fort Worth scene * Moving from solo acoustic gigs toward full-band shows * Big venue goals and the next record on the horizon

Tx2Tn Podcast Ep226 Jarret Forrester

This episode features Jarrett Forrester, a country/Americana singer-songwriter from Greenville, South Carolina, talking about his music career, life on the road, and how he built things by working hard and booking his own shows.He shares how he got started, why performing comes naturally to him, how he approaches songwriting, and what it takes to keep a music career moving. The conversation also includes some fun trivia, quick questions, and talk about his favorite songs, influences, and upcoming shows.

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.