Hitting the Road

This week on Hitting The Road, we sit down with western music standout Olivia Harms—a true rhinestone cowgirl carrying forward her family’s legacy while forging her own path. Born to Western Music Hall of Famer Joni Harms and raised on a 150-year-old Oregon ranch, Olivia has been on stage since she was two days old and hasn’t slowed down since.Blending Texas grit, Bakersfield twang, and Nashville tradition, Olivia has crafted her signature Country Western Honky Tonk sound—showcased on her 2021 album Rhinestone Cowgirl and Texas chart-climbing singles like “Hey There Cowboy” and “This Ain’t My First Rodeo.”We talk about life growing up on the ranch, running her career as a one-woman operation, writing with Nashville greats, and the whirlwind experience of being selected by Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton for their CBS/Paramount+ series The Road, where she toured with Keith Urban each week.Now living on a California cattle ranch with her husband, Olivia continues touring nonstop with her band, The Roadrunners—staying true to her western roots every step of the way.This is Olivia Harms on Hitting The Road.Check out Olivia's music - https://www.oliviaharms.com/Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

This week on Hitting The Road, we sit down with breakout country artist Ryan Waters, whose rise has been anything but ordinary. Raised on small-town values and a baseball diamond, Ryan eventually found himself pulled away from the sport he’d spent years chasing—and straight into the arms of the music he’d always loved. With the same grit that once fueled his athletic career, he taught himself guitar, vocals, and songwriting, and one viral moment changed everything.After posting his song “Chevrolet You Down” on TikTok (at his sister’s urging), Ryan racked up more than a million views, over 6,500 pre-saves, and now more than 9 million Spotify streams. That momentum carried him to Nashville, where he doubled down on his craft and delivered a run of streaming hits including “Tomorrow’s Not Tonight” (10M+ streams) and his 2023 cover of “Chasing Cars” (7M+ streams).In this conversation, Ryan opens up about the shift from baseball to music, finding his voice on and off social media, the grind behind the successes, and how growing up in a small town continues to shape his sound. It’s an honest, grounded, and inspiring look at one of country music’s rising voices.Tune in—this is a good one.Check out Ryan's music - https://www.officialryanwatersband.com/ Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Madison Hughes — a boundary-bending artist whose debut album All That I Am marks the arrival of a voice that’s as bold as it is soulful.Madison has never been interested in choosing just one lane. From viral acoustic covers that put her on Nashville’s radar to prime-time TV performances and a creative upbringing steeped in American roots music, she’s been carving out a sound that lives between genres — part Americana, part blues, part indie folk, part modern country… and fully her own.Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, in an entrepreneurial, music-loving household, Madison grew up backstage at her mother’s local festival, absorbing performances from artists like Shovels & Rope, Drew Holcomb, and Lera Lynn. She later studied digital film production, a skill that helped her blow up on TikTok before making the move to Nashville, where she found both her voice and her confidence.From the southern stomp of “Losing the Grip” to the rainy-day atmosphere of “Nobody Knows Your Love,” Madison’s music feels like a road trip across the American landscape — gritty, honest, wide open, and full of soul. And at the center of it all is a voice that can whisper, wail, and soar, matched only by her storytelling.This episode dives into self-discovery, independence, and what it looks like to build your own lane in a town full of lanes. Madison Hughes isn’t trying to be like anyone else — and that’s exactly why she’s one of Nashville’s most exciting new artists.Tune in and hit the road with Madison Hughes. You’re gonna love this one.Check out Madison’s music - https://www.madisonhughes.com/Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

On this episode of Hitting The Road, we sit down with Sam Grow—one of country music’s most powerful voices and one of its most relentless storytellers. From booking his own shows and grinding through years of DIY hustle to watching his debut studio album Love and Whiskey hit #1 on iTunes with zero radio play, Sam’s journey is the definition of blue-collar perseverance.We talk about the breakout moment that followed—how “Song About You” exploded to over 50 million streams and landed on Spotify’s Best Country Songs list, and how that success gave Sam the clarity and confidence to dig even deeper into his craft. His latest project, This Town, is his most personal yet: a raw, honest, and deeply human look at small-town life, heartbreak, loss, and the moments that shape who we become.Sam shares stories behind the songs, the lessons he learned from playing in backyards across America during 2020, and why he believes music’s greatest purpose is helping people feel less alone. From pop-punk edges and ‘90s country influences to the emotional punch of “You Ain’t Gone” and the patriotic grit of “Kiss My Ass,” Sam walks us through the album that reconnected him to where he came from—and where he’s headed next.If you’ve ever fought through something hard, chased down a dream, or leaned on a song to get you through, this conversation will hit home. Sam Grow is proof that your story matters, your roots matter, and you’re never walking through it alone.Check out Sam's music - https://officialsamgrow.com/Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this episode of Hitting the Road, we sit down with rising country star Drew Green for an in-depth conversation that pulls back the curtain on his remarkable path in music. Hailing from McMinnville, Tennessee, Drew shares how small-town life, family values, and a deep love for storytelling shaped his sound and songwriting.We trace his journey from open-mic nights and co-writing in cramped Nashville rooms to landing cuts with major artists and releasing his own breakout singles. Drew opens up about the raw emotion behind fan-favorite tracks like “Good Ol’ Man” and “Hometown Tonight,” the challenges of staying authentic in a changing industry, and the late-night inspirations that fuel his music.With humor and humility, Drew reflects on the highs of touring, the grind of the creative process, and what it means to write songs that resonate from dive bars to radio waves. Whether you’re a longtime country fan or just discovering his music, this episode is a front-porch chat with one of the genre’s most genuine voices.Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, lessons from the road, and a sneak peek at what’s coming next from Drew Green. Perfect for anyone who believes great country music starts with a great story.

In this episode, we sit down with rising music artist NORA to go beyond the tracks and dive into the real story behind the name. Known for raw honesty and bold musical moments, NORA takes us on a journey through her beginnings, creative process, and where she is now. We talk about how she first found her voice, what inspires her to write the kind of songs she does (“music says what words can’t… it allows us to feel seen by each other in ways nothing else can”), and how she’s navigating the fast-paced world of social media (yes, we dig into TikTok moves!) and the live-tour grind. She opens up about her upcoming single “Kiss My Ass,” and what it means to her. Along the way, NORA gives listeners a peek behind the scenes—what it’s like to write from the heart, how she balances vulnerability with strength, and her aspirations for 2026. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a fan of authentic voices, or just curious about the music industry, this chat offers something real. Tune in for an honest conversation, a little laughter, and perhaps one or two surprises. Get ready: it’s just NORA — raw, real, and ready.Check out NORA's Instagram - @its_justnora Check out our sponsor - ⁠https://nashvillevans.com

In this episode of Hitting The Road, we sit down with Tristan Tritt, a Georgia-born rocker who’s carving his own lane in the world of music. Though he grew up surrounded by country greats — as the son of legend Travis Tritt and brother to Tyler Reese Tritt — Tristan’s sound leans more toward the grit of Motörhead, Ozzy Osbourne, and Stone Temple Pilots than the twang of traditional country.After studying music production and artist management on the West Coast, Tristan realized his real passion was on stage, guitar in hand, doing what he loves most: performing. With a bold mix of southern roots and heavy rock energy, he’s proving that authenticity and raw passion are the driving forces behind his music and his message — “I’m doing it my way.”Tune in as we talk about his journey, influences, and what it means to stay true to yourself in an industry that loves to put you in a box.Check out Tristan's music - https://www.tristantritt.com/Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this episode, we sit down with Travis Bolt — the small-town Texas artist turning raw honesty into country gold. Known for his breakout viral hit “Never Tried Cocaine” (12M+ streams and counting), Travis opens up about the stories behind his songs, his unlikely rise from local gigs to signing with Gravel Road Records, and how heartbreak, redemption, and a little grit have shaped his sound.Blending the outlaw spirit of Jerry Jeff Walker and Cody Jinks with the soulful touch of Ray LaMontagne and Amos Lee, Travis is carving a lane all his own — one rooted in truth, twang, and timeless songwriting. We talk about the power of vulnerability, the highs and lows that fuel creativity, and what fans can expect from his debut EP coming this spring.If you love real stories and real country music, this one’s for you.Check out Travis' music - https://www.travisboltmusic.com/Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

This week on Hitting The Road, we sit down with Thelma & James — the powerhouse duo of married singer-songwriters MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge. What began as an impromptu writing session between two artists who had spent years pursuing their own successful careers has now evolved into something extraordinary.Their first co-write in over a decade, “Happy Ever After You,” not only went Gold in Canada but also caught the attention of icons like John Mayer, Luke Combs, and Brandi Carlile — racking up over 20 million streams along the way. Now signed to Big Loud Records, Thelma & James are embarking on a brand-new chapter with their debut EP, Starting Over.In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to rediscover your creative spark with the person you love, the beauty (and challenge) of blending marriage with music, and the serendipity that led to one of the most exciting new duos in country music.Join us for a conversation that’s as honest, heartfelt, and inspiring as the songs themselves.Check out Thelma & James - https://thelmaandjames.com/Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this week’s episode of Hitting The Road, we sit down with Army veteran, country artist, and storyteller Scotty Hasting — a man whose journey from the battlefield to the stage is nothing short of inspiring. After being shot ten times while serving in Afghanistan, Scotty’s life changed forever. What could have been the end of his story instead became the beginning of a new one — a story of healing, hope, and purpose found through music.Since picking up a guitar in 2020, Scotty has made an incredible mark in country music. Signed to Black River Entertainment, he’s released powerful tracks like “How Do You Choose” and “I’m America”, and even collaborated with legends Lee Brice and Dolly Parton on “’Til The Last Shot’s Fired.” From honoring fallen brothers to celebrating the spirit of our nation, Scotty’s music reflects both his patriotism and his perseverance.In our conversation, Scotty opens up about finding peace in songwriting, overcoming the struggles of PTSD, and what it means to truly live with purpose. We also talk about his Grand Ole Opry debut, his mission to help other veterans through organizations like CreatiVets and Guitars 4 Vets, and his lighthearted side with his feel-good anthem “Pro Beer.”Scotty Hasting’s story is a testament to resilience — and proof that sometimes the greatest battles lead to the most powerful songs.Listen to hear how Scotty is using his music to heal, connect, and inspire others to keep going — no matter what they’ve been through.Check out Scotty's music - https://www.scottyhasting.com/Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this episode of Hitting the Road, we sit down with Nashville-based tour manager and front-of-house engineer Riley Vasquez—a behind-the-scenes pro who’s spent the last decade keeping live shows tight, efficient, and great-sounding across 4 continents and 20+ countries.Riley’s résumé is stacked: he’s helped drive tours for bands like Colony House, Switchfoot, Walk the Moon, American Authors, COIN, and more. Along the way, he saw how tough it can be for crew to break in and move up—so in 2019 he founded Tour Collective to connect touring professionals with opportunities and help them build sustainable careers.We dig into the nuts and bolts of life on the road, what makes a great tour manager, and the lessons Riley teaches in his new course, Tour Management Made Easy —designed for aspiring TMs, audio engineers, and anyone serious about running smooth shows. We also get into his early days as a student learning the ropes at MTSU. If you’re curious about touring, want to level up your crew game, or just love the craft behind a killer live show, this one’s for you.Check out Riley's work - https://www.rileyvasquez.com/Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this episode of Hitting the Road, we sit down with Florida native Emily Brooke, a powerhouse vocalist whose blend of heartfelt storytelling and undeniable stage presence has made her one of country music’s most exciting rising stars.Emily first caught the nation’s attention as a Top 24 contestant on American Idol, where she wowed judges and fans with her stunning performances. Since then, she’s built an impressive career—sharing the stage with country heavyweights like Old Dominion, Kelsea Ballerini, and Russell Dickerson, while racking up millions of streams on standout singles including “Easy On Me,” “Think You’re Jolene,” and “Whiskey Side of Me.”Beyond her success as a performer, Emily has carved out a reputation as a songwriter unafraid to lean into vulnerability, strength, and raw emotion. From major festival stages to intimate songwriter rounds, she continues to prove she’s a force to be reckoned with.We talk about her journey so far, the inspiration behind her music, and what’s next on the road ahead.Check out Emily’s music - https://www.emilybrookemusic.com/Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this episode of Hitting the Road, we sit down with one of Nashville's upcoming artists, Conner Sweet, whose voice and style carry the heart of traditional country music while leaning into modern influences.Growing up in a family of singers and musicians, Conner was destined to make music his life’s work. Inspired by legends like George Jones, Johnny Cash, and Alan Jackson, along with today’s stars such as Eric Church and Jason Aldean, he’s built a sound that feels both timeless and fresh.Conner’s breakout moment came in 2020 when his debut single “Times Like These”—a heartfelt song about the Nashville tornado that took on new meaning during the pandemic—connected with listeners across the country. The song climbed into the Top 40 on the Billboard Country Indicator Chart and landed as one of the most played independent country songs of the year.On stage, you can often find him bringing down the house on Broadway, where fans get a front-row seat to the energy and soul he pours into every performance. In this conversation, Conner shares his journey so far, what family and authenticity mean to him, and how he’s setting the stage for what’s next in his career.Check out Conner's music - https://connersweet.comCheck out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this episode of Hitting the Road, we sit down with Baylee Littrell, an artist stepping boldly into a new season of honesty, faith, and creative freedom. Many first discovered Baylee on American Idol Season 23, where he auditioned with an original song and later delivered one of the show’s most talked-about moments with his heartfelt performance of “Hey Jesus.” Written during a season of struggle and doubt, the song became both a deeply personal prayer and the catalyst for Baylee’s renewed sense of purpose—now released as the lead single from his upcoming album.From childhood memories of introducing the Backstreet Boys on stage to making his Broadway debut at just 13, Baylee has spent his life moving between music, acting, and visual art. His journey has taken him from opening stadium shows on the DNA Tour to showcasing his own blend of indie, pop, country, and rock on projects like 770-Country and Vol. 1. Alongside music, his paintings and illustrations reflect the same raw emotion and search for connection that drives his songs.With a new record on the horizon, Baylee is embracing this next chapter with a sound that defies genre and a message rooted in authenticity, faith, and acceptance.Check out Baylee's music - https://bayleelittrell.com/Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this episode of Hitting the Road, we sit down with Nashville-based artist Zauntee, whose journey from teenage dreamer to nationally recognized voice in Christian hip-hop and pop is a story of perseverance and purpose.Born in Tampa, Florida, Zauntee started writing songs and making beats in his bedroom at an early age. By the time he was in his teens, he had already begun building a grassroots following with a message of hope and authenticity that set him apart in the genre. His breakout single “God Taught Me” racked up millions of streams, catapulting him onto national stages and earning him a reputation as one of the bold new voices in faith-driven music.Now based in Nashville, Zauntee has gone on to release projects like 3:34 and The Stonebrook Project, blending trap beats, pop hooks, and raw honesty into a sound that connects with both mainstream and faith audiences. With streams in the tens of millions, he’s proving that his mission-driven music has wide resonance.We talk about his early hustle, what it means to stay true to your calling in the music industry, and how he’s carving out a unique lane at the intersection of hip-hop, pop, and worship.Check out Zauntee's music - https://www.zauntee.com/Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

On this episode of Hitting the Road, we sit down with CJ Solar — a songwriter and artist who’s been shaping the sound of country music for more than a decade. With cuts by Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, Justin Moore, and plenty of others, CJ has proven he knows how to write a hit. But his own music tells the rest of the story: southern grit, rock ‘n’ roll edge, and country heart. Named one of Rolling Stone’s “New Artists You Need to Know,” ASCAP’s “Artist-Writer of the Year” nominee, and Music Row’s Independent Artist of the Year, CJ is gearing up for a new project that captures the energy of his live show and sets the tone for 2025. Tune in as CJ shares the journey, the stories, and the songs that are defining his next chapter.Check out CJ's music - https://www.cjsolar.com/Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this episode of Hitting the Road, we sit down with Oklahoma native Jake Banfield, whose journey from college basketball player to rising pop-country artist is as unexpected as it is inspiring.After a knee injury sidelined his athletic career, Jake began teaching himself how to play and write original music. Blending the influences of 80’s hair bands, 90’s and 2000’s hip-hop and R&B, old school rap, and country music from every decade, he quickly carved out a sound that’s both versatile and uniquely his own.Starting from humble beginnings, Jake’s fanbase grew to over 1M followers across all platforms, eventually landing him on an upcoming Fall tour with Uncle Kracker.With over 20 million Spotify streams and breakout singles like “Lasso” earning millions of plays, Jake’s mix of pop, country, rock, and hip-hop continues to resonate with music fans everywhere. We talk about his unlikely start in music, what it’s like to carve out his own path, and the road ahead as he works toward his first full-length project.Check out Jake’s music - https://www.jakebanfieldmusic.com/Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this episode of Hitting the Road, we sit down with singer-songwriter Nolan Taylor, whose raw storytelling and haunting melodies have taken him from small-town Ohio to the national stage.Raised in Blanchester, OH, Nolan’s journey is steeped in the grit and beauty of rural life — from hard winters and factory work with his dad to navigating family struggles that shaped his perspective and his art. Music became his refuge, drawing early influence from The Grateful Dead, Pinegrove, and the iconic MTV Unplugged sessions of the ’90s.After years of relentless gigging across West Virginia, Virginia, and Kentucky, Nolan’s breakout moment came in 2023 when a live performance of his song “68” in the woods went viral, amassing over 2.6 million views on the Radio WV YouTube channel. Now signed to Atlantic Records, he’s making waves with songs like “Wicked Ways” — each track a blend of hard-earned wisdom, lived experience, and a voice that cuts straight to the soul.We talk about his path from playing anywhere that would have him to connecting with millions online, the stories behind his songs, and what lies ahead for an artist who’s found his voice in the quiet spaces between the big cities.Check out Nolan’s music - https://www.nolantaylormusic.com/Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this episode of Hitting the Road, we catch up with rising country artist Cody Cozz, a Pueblo, Colorado native whose voice and drive have taken him from the Rocky Mountains to the heart of Music City. Signed to Craig Campbell’s Grindstone Records from 2022 to 2024, Cody made waves with his debut national single “On My Way,” which premiered on CMT and earned him a nomination for the Rocky Mountain Country Music Awards’ New Artist of the Year, along with a Fan Army Award win.With a sound rooted in modern country, and his high-energy live shows, Cody has rubbed elbows with the likes of Jon Pardi, Chris Young, Randy Houser, Koe Wetzel, Easton Corbin, and Travis Tritt. We dive deep into his journey from small-town shows to national tours, and what it looks like to navigate the music industry with authenticity and grit. Tune in for stories from the road, lessons learned, and what’s next for an artist who’s just getting started.Check out Cody's music - ⁠https://codycozzofficial.com/⁠Check out our sponsor - ⁠https://nashvillevans.com

In this episode of Hitting the Road, we sit down with Sarah Fleshner, founder of 362 Entertainment, a dynamic artist management company redefining how music, storytelling, and community converge. From Texas to Nashville, Sarah brings a fresh perspective to every artist she has the pleasure of working with.Discover 362 Entertainment’s mission to shape every phase of an artist’s career, from breaking through to sustaining success. Sarah’s work blends performance with purpose, creating magic from the smallest details to the grandest stages—and she’s just getting started. Check out Sarah's work - https://362entertainment.com/Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com