red dirt music

This week Pete interview’s Eric Birk.  Eric is a huge supporter of live music and attends well over 100 shows per year.  He’s developed a relationship with many of the acts he goes to see perform.  Artist, Gus Burns has even made a T-shirt that honors the dedication of fans like Eric that simply says “Be Like Birk”.

We’re also excited to say that we are now an affiliate for Sweetwater.  So, the next time you need any new strings, picks, microphones, recording gear, etc. make sure to use this link!

We’re also excited to say that we are now an affiliate for Sweetwater.  So, the next time you need any new strings, picks, microphones, recording gear, etc. make sure to use this link!

Today is Sunday, March 19^th, 2023 and Carly and I are thrilled to release this episode with a young singer and songwriter that’s on his way up.

But first, let me remind you that the #1 way you can support our podcast is by becoming a patron at our Patreon Page.

We’re also an affiliate for Sweetwater now so anytime you need to buy new gear, make sure to use the link on our website.  Both can be found by clicking the “Support The Podcast” tab at thetroubadourpodcast.com.

Today’s guest, JD Clayton is a native of Fort Smith, Arkansas and things are really starting to happen for this kid.  His new Album “Long Way Home” is getting lots of attention and if you check out his tour schedule at www.jdclaytonofficial.com you’ll see just how busy he is right now.  As you’ll hear during the interview, the songs that make up the album were born during Covid, mostly while JD was working for a landscaping company in Nashville.  So, in the past few years, JD has went from a day laborer to a guy who’s opening shows for the likes of Dwight Yoakam and being a featured artist on the ever-popular Jam in the Van series.

JD and I also go down the rabbit hole on vintage Gibson J-50 guitars and his performance of one of my favorite John Denver songs called “This Old Guitar”.

Links for all this stuff can be found in the show notes for this episode.

So let’s get into it!  Here comes Episode #170 and our visit with a great new artist I expect you’re going to be seeing and hearing a lot of soon; JD Clayton.

We’re also excited to say that we are now an affiliate for Sweetwater.  So, the next time you need any new strings, picks, microphones, recording gear, etc. make sure to use this link!

 Today is Sunday, March 5^th, 2023 and it’s a big day here on The Troubadour!   This episode unofficially marks the beginning of our 6^th season of The Troubadour Podcast!    And I’ve got to give some credit where it’s due.  If Carly Evans hadn’t agreed to join me on this little idea of mine, after I struggled through that first season of about a dozen episodes on my own, I can tell you with 100% confidence, The Troubadour would have never made it this far.   So a huge shout out to my wonderful co-host and friend, Carly!

There’s another reason why today’s episode is so special.  Back in the 1990s when I was spending lots of time in the cab of a tractor or swather during my teens, songs from today’s guests were in regular rotation on the local FM station.  As you’ll hear on the show today, the band McBride & The Ride was formed in 1989 as a brain-child of Nashville record producer Tony Brown.  Tony was aware of individual talent he saw in Terry McBride, Ray Herndon and Billy Thomas and brought them together and the band was formed.  After a good run together, which included 5 top 5 singles back then, the group eventually went their separate ways but all remained active musicians, playing and writing for some of the best artists in country music.

But now in 2023, the band is back at it, releasing new music and touring as a group again. Carly and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have them as guests on today’s show.  If you’ll recall, Terry was our guest on Episode #100, and to have the entire group here on today’s show was simply a thrill.

Within the show notes for today’s episode, you can check out the YouTube link for their new single “Marlboros and Avon” complete with their signature and unforgettable harmonies.

This interview was certainly a pleasure to be a part of and I can’t wait to catch the band live sometime soon.  For you Texas listeners, McBride & The Ride will be playing at the Kenney Store in Kenney, TX on April 28^th , and they’ll be at The Texan Theatre in Cleveland, TX on April 29^th.  For my Kansas brethren, they’ll be playing at Knuckleads in Kansas City on June 1^st.

So let’s get to it!  Here comes Episode #169 and our visit with Terry McBride, Ray Herndon and Billy Thomas of McBride & The Ride.

CALLING ALL HEARTS ACOUSTIC AT THE CASTLE

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Hey everybody – We are back with another new episode of The Troubadour!

Before jump into today’s episode remember that The Troubadour is now an affiliate for Sweetwater.  So, the next time you buy any new strings, picks, microphones, recording gear, etc. make sure to use the link on our website!

If you want some free podcast swag check out our Patreon page.  Links for both can be found in the show notes for this episode or by clicking on the Support the Podcast tab at thetroubadourpodcast.com. 

On today’s episode we’re interviewing Texas singer-songwriter Austin English.  Austin has been paying his dues in the scene for well over a decade now.  He’s played everywhere from the White Elephant Saloon in the Ft. Worth Stockyards all the way to famed venue’s like Gruene Hall. 

His 6 feet 6 inch frame has always made him stand out in a crowd but lately it’s his music that has people looking his way.  We have a great chat with him in this episode and if you’re a Texas listener or if you want to road trip from further out, he’s playing the Blue Light in Lubbock this coming Wednesday, February 22^nd and he’ll be at Hoot’s Pub in Amarillo this coming Friday, February 25^th.

So, let’s roll the tape on episode #168 featuring Austin English.

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Hey everybody – We are back with another new episode of The Troubadour!

Before jump into our interview with Austin honky-tonker’s The Western Express, remember that The Troubadour is now an affiliate for Sweetwater.  So, the next time you buy any new strings, picks, microphones, recording gear, etc. make sure to use the link on our website!

If you want some free podcast swag check out our Patreon page.  Links for both can be found in the show notes for this episode or by clicking on the Support the Podcast tab at thetroubadourpodcast.com. 

Today’s guests are Stephen and Phill of the Austin band The Western Express.  If you like real honky-tonkin music you’re gonna dig these guys.  What started as two dudes who found each other through Craigslist ads, has developed into a band that’s now been featured in the iconic Honky-Tonk Times and has headlined a stage at the Houston Rodeo.

Their 2022 album, Lunatics, Lovers & Poets was produced by veteran producer and songwriter John Evans and will not disappoint with it’s Texas border-town honky-tonk vibe.  They’ve got a new project in the works with Evans again at the helm so be looking for that soon!

So, let’s jump in to episode #167 featuring The Western Express.

Honky-Tonk Saints Video

Cover of Dwight Yoakam’s “1000 miles from Nowhwere” Video

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Wanna give Pete and Carly a hand at The Troubadour AND get some free swag?

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE TROUBADOUR PODCAST'S PATREON PAGE

 Hey everybody – We are back with another new episode of The Troubadour!

Before we get started, remember that The Troubadour is now an affiliate for Sweetwater.  So, the next time you buy any new gear make sure to use the link on our website!

The Troubadour Podcast also now has a Patreon page to fund this little operation so you can now support the show and earn some free podcast swag.  Links for both can be found in the show notes for this episode or by clicking on the Support The Podcast tab at thetroubadourpodcast.com. 

One of our newest Patreon supporters is our buddy Justin Landers out of Oklahoma.  Justin is a big part of Orange Peel Altus and they always bring in some great musical artists at their events.  For more info go to orangeconnection.org and check it out.

Today’s guest on the show is a Troubadour Podcast Alumni and we’re glad to have him back.  Michael Kelton first appeared on the show back on Episode # 110.  Along with putting on his Sideman Song Swap acoustic live shows at various venues around Texas, he’s also an accomplished songwriter and plays drums in Pat Green’s band.  I’m not sure how he gets everything done in his life with everything he’s got going on, but we’re about to get some insight on that.

Unfortunately or fortunately, however you want to look at, I wasn’t able to take part in this episode and Carly had to fly solo interviewing Michael for this episode and she did a great job.

So, let’s jump in to episode #166 featuring our buddy, Michael Kelton.

Wanna give Pete and Carly a hand at The Troubadour AND get some free swag?

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Wanna give Pete and Carly a hand at The Troubadour AND get some free swag?

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE TROUBADOUR PODCAST'S PATREON PAGE

 CHRIS CANTERBURY

Happy 2023 everyone!

As a bit of news to start out, Carly and I are thrilled to announce that The Troubadour Podcast is now an affiliate for Sweetwater.  I’ve been buying guitar strings and live gear through Sweetwater for years now.  Carly has been equipping her home-studio with audio and recording gear from Sweetwater for quite some time as well.  By using the Sweetwater link at thetroubadourpodcast.com when you order your gear, it will cost you nothing extra but, the podcast will receive a small percentage of your order and will help us fund this little operation.  Sweetwater’s customer service is second to none AND they throw in a little bag of candy with every order which is also a cool touch.  So, if you don’t mind, anytime you get ready to order music, audio or recording gear in the future, even if it’s just a set of your favorite strings, please consider using the Sweetwater link at thetroubadourpodcast.com that will take you right to Sweetwater’s website.  Carly and I would be very appreciative. 

Also, don’t forget, The Troubadour Podcast now has a Patreon page where you can support the show and earn some free swag from us to boot.

For the first new episode of the year, we’re starting out with an interview with singer-songwriter Chris Canterbury. 

Chris has a great new record out called “Quaalude Lullabies”; the name of the project itself had me interested from the get-go.  The record is described as a nine-track collection of mostly sad songs and honest insight into razor-edged topics like addiction depression and loneliness.  With a description like that, and as a songwriter myself who digs on that kinda subject matter, I knew I wanted to hear this stuff and learn more about this guy.

Chris is originally from Louisiana but now calls Nashville home.  I think you guys are really gonna enjoy this visit.

So let’s get to it!  Here’s the first episode of 2023 on The Troubadour Podcast featuring singer-songwriter, Chris Canterbury!

Wanna give Pete and Carly a hand at The Troubadour AND get some free swag?

CLICK HERE

Wanna give Pete and Carly a hand at The Troubadour AND get some free swag?

CLICK HERE

Welcome to today’s episode! 

Our guests today help us bring you an episode with lots of laughs and conversation about music among many other things as you’ll soon hear.  Sean and Sal of the Austin based band, The Ransom Brothers were simply a hoot to have on the show.  And what’s more – they also play some damn good original music influenced by the like of the Allman Brothers, The Marshall Tucker band and Outlaw Country.

Within their sound you’ll hear slide and twin guitar riffs as well as some fierce fiddle playing.

We talk about their new album, Resurgence, their method of recording the project as well some other wild shenanigans involving these guys.

To find out more about The Ransom Brothers, their music and where they are playing next, go check out www.theransombrothers.com .

Now on to the show!

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Hey friends - welcome to today’s episode!! 

Today, Oklahoman and lead singer and songwriter of the band Ragland is with us.  Autumn Ragland, who fronts the band that bears her name, is certainly a talented artist I’m glad we were able to hook up with here on the Troubadour.

Carly and I often receive submissions of music or suggestions on artists we should interview on the show.  That’s exactly how Ragland came to me.  A simple Facebook message led to what culminated in this interview you are about to hear, and I’m very glad it did.  Now Carly was already very aware of Ragland but I’ve got to admit that I wasn’t.  Between everything going on in my daily life, including being a single dad, holding down a full-time job, and performing on weekends myself, I just don’t have that much time to go check out acts I’m unfamiliar with.  Regrettably, I don’t even listen to terrestrial radio or use apps like Spotify or Pandora very much.

So, when I first heard some of Ragland’s music including some of their new songs about to hit the airwaves, well, let’s just say I was impressed.  Autumn can write and has a great voice.  I’m stoked about being introduced to Autumn and Ragland and I think there’ll probably be some big things on the horizon for this band.

To find out more about Ragland, including tour dates and how you can get some Ragland music into your own ears, go to https://www.thebandragland.com  .

Now on to the interview!

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