Stories Behind the Songs

In this episode, I sit down with singer-songwriter James Slater! James Slater has written songs for Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Jamey Johnson, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson, and Martina McBride. James has pretty much seen it all. From living in places like Miami, the Panama Canal, and Switzerland, he has so many stories to share. After spending years writing in LA and touring Europe with guys like Huey Lewis and Bruce Hornsby, he ended up settling in Nashville with one really specific goal: to be this city’s “piano man”. We’re going to dive into his story where we learn how he wrote High Cost of Living (nominated for song of the year) with Jamey Johnson, and In My Daughter's Eyes, released by Martina McBride. He shares many more stories, like how he once ran into Garth Brooks at Pancake Pantry and that time he had three legends—Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, and Rodney Crowell—cut his song, Open Season On My Heart. We discussed his remarkable career, working with country legends, and how authenticity has shaped his success. He performed a few hits and shared how perseverance and community have influenced his journey with music. SHOW NOTES: Keep up with James Slater- @Jamesslatermusic Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates: Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠HERE⁠ SBTSongs TikTok - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠ SBTSongs Instagram - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠ SBTSongs YouTube - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠ Chris Blair's Instagram - ⁠@chrisblairmusic⁠ Chris Blair's Website -   ⁠HERE⁠ The Listening Room's Website - ⁠HERE⁠ TLR's Instagram - ⁠@listeningroomcafe⁠ TLR’s TikTok - ⁠@thelisteningroomcafe⁠ A special shout out to our sponsors Sennheiser - ⁠https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us⁠ Alclair In-Ear Monitors - ⁠https://alclair.com/⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Rowe!  From navigating a music career during a pandemic to building his community of songwriters centered around faith, we dive into a little bit of it all this week. Jordan tells us about his early days playing drums in church, getting his start on the Georgia acoustic circuit, and how his path eventually led him to Nashville in 2019. That same year, he released his first EP while touring with Chris Janson. Throughout our conversation, Jordan shares the stories behind some of his most notable songs, like “Mama Ain’t Jesus,” a track inspired by a phone call with Lainey Wilson, and “Good News Sold,” written as a message for anyone facing difficult times. Also discussed in this episode: how Jordan launched Music Row Ministries, a weekly bible study held on Music Row, which was created to build community among artists and songwriters in a faith-driven way. He reflects on how prayer has shaped his career, including the turning point he experienced after a three-day prayer fast that led to unexpected opportunities… This one is filled with inspiring stories as we explore what it really means to stay true to your passion. Jordan plays a couple of his own songs too and opens up about how faith, perseverance, and community have shaped both his music and life. SHOW NOTES: Keep up with Jordan Rowe - @jordanrowemusic  Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates: Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE SBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongs SBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongs SBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongs Chris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusic Chris Blair's Website -   HERE The Listening Room's Website - HERE TLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafe TLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafe A special shout out to our sponsors Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

In this episode, I had the chance to sit down with the incredibly talented Johnny McGuire, who’s had quite the journey in country music. Originally from Dallas, Johnny moved to Nashville in 2012 with the dream of becoming a songwriter. Little did he know, his path would take some unexpected turns, from forming the duo “Walker McGuire” with Jordan Walker to carving out a successful solo career. We dive into his early days in Nashville and how everything changed when he found himself sitting next to Jordan Walker at the Commodore Grille—just a few days after arriving in town. We also talk about Johnny’s creative process, his experience writing for other artists, and his collaboration with Billy Ray Cyrus on “Chevys and Fords.” Plus, Johnny shares the story behind his latest hit, "Already Had It," which was featured in the 2024 movie “Twisters,” and what it was like to hear it on the big screen for the first time. We even dive into his thoughts on country music’s evolution, advice for aspiring artists, and how he’s been staying true to himself while navigating the industry. Our conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and, of course, some great tunes. Johnny also plays a couple of his own songs and opens up about his creative journey and what keeps him inspired. If you’re looking for some real, honest advice from someone who’s been through it all, Johnny’s got plenty to share.  SHOW NOTES: Other songs from Johnny mentioned in this episode -  Catch a Break, They Call Me Doc, Shop Radio CreatiVets - HERE Operation Song - HERE Keep up with Johnny McGuire - HERE Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE   SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - ChrisBlair.com   The Listening Room's Website - ListeningRoomCafe.com   TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   TLR’s TikTok - @ListeningRoomCafe   *A special shoutout to our sponsors* Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/ Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/ Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

Chris Ruediger joined me on today’s episode of Stories Behind the Songs to share his incredible journey from growing up in Massachusetts to making his mark in Nashville’s thriving music scene. After moving to Music City in 2017 with a passion for being part of the creative process, Chris quickly found himself immersed in the energy of Nashville’s songwriting and artist community.  In this episode, we dive into Chris’s story, including his first time at The Listening Room where he witnessed Hardy’s raw, unreleased music. We also talk about his venture into creating 615 House, a collaborative space for songwriters and musicians, born out of the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Chris shares his insights on the importance of branding, navigating the ever-changing world of social media, and how consistency and authenticity in content creation are key to making it in today’s music landscape. From the excitement of seeing artists hit milestones to the hustle of building a career during a global health crisis, Chris offers a candid look at what it takes to succeed. He also talks about the importance of collaboration, creative freedom, and finding your unique voice and brand as a creative. This episode is packed with valuable advice for anyone looking to break into the music industry or understand what it really takes to build a lasting career. Chris’s passion for music, marketing, community, and the process will inspire anyone chasing their own creative dreams. Like this  episode? Don’t forget to share it with friends and give us a follow. Because of you,we can continue bringing you the Stories Behind the Songs from the people who are shaping the industry. SHOW NOTES: Keep up with Chris Ruediger - HERE Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates: Listen/Subscribe/Follow -  HERE  SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs  SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - ChrisBlair.com  / The Listening Room's Website - ListeningRoomCafe.com   TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   TLR’s TikTok - @ListeningRoomCafe   *A special shout out to our sponsors* Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/ Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/ Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

Joining us on this week's episode of Stories Behind the Songs is Keio Stroud, a drummer whose journey through the music world is deeply rooted in family and faith—and whose career reads like a who's-who of country music icons. In this episode, Keio talks about how his Nashville journey began with a last-minute gig that led him to the city and eventually put him on the stage with some of the biggest names in country music like Big & Rich and Wade Hayes. From learning to play by ear alongside country radio classics like Brooks & Dunn to the early "music mafia" days in Nashville's legendary Fiddle and Steel Guitar Bar, Keio talks about the community that helped him thrive as a young musician. Keio shares stories like the time he met Guy Clark in his underwear, or the hours spent honing his skills on the road. He also offers invaluable advice on listening as an instrument in and of itself. For any aspiring musicians tuning in, Keio’s wisdom and passion are sure to inspire. Let's dive into his story! SHOW NOTES: Keep up with Keio Stroud - HERE Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE  SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - ChrisBlair.com   The Listening Room's Website - ListeningRoomCafe.com   TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   TLR’s TikTok - @ListeningRoomCafe   *A special shout out to our sponsors* Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/ Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/ Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

Lauren Hungate joins us on today’s episode of Stories Behind the Songs. Lauren has been writing for some exciting newer artists like MacKenzie Porter, Carter Faith, and Lauren Watkins, as well as household names like Anne Wilson, Carly Pearce, and most recently, Bailey Zimmerman. In this episode, we explore her story, from starting out as an intern with Capitol Christian, navigating Nashville writers’ rounds, and earning her first publishing deal right before the world shut down in 2020. She shares what it was like to perform alongside Carter Faith at the Opry, join Carly Pearce on stage at Bridgestone, and have her songs cut by rising stars like Anne Wilson and MacKenzie Porter. Her song “Holy Smokes” released by Bailey Zimmerman just went platinum and she recounts the inspiration behind it—a memory with her husband parked by a church, blending the sacred with the everyday. Tune in as she reflects on balancing faith with ambition, the mentors who helped her succeed, and advice for other young songwriters on how to navigate Nashville and make the most of every writing room. With standout songs like “Greener Pastures” and her latest single, “Coming Home to You (Bigger Houses),” this episode will inspire and entertain anyone passionate about music.If you liked this episode, make sure to share it with your friends and give us a follow. It is our mission to bring you the Stories Behind the Songs from the songwriters themselves and it's because of YOU that we get to keep going. SHOW NOTES: Keep up with Lauren ⁠⁠- https://www.instagram.com/lauren_hungate/profilecard/?igsh=MTBtdjFzMnFsZ2R5eA== Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates: Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sbtsongs SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - https://www.chrisblair.com/ The Listening Room's Website - https://www.listeningroomcafe.com/ TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   TLR’s TikTok - @TheListeningRoomCafe   *A special shout out to our sponsors* Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/ Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

Our guest on Stories Behind the Songs this week is Will Bundy! From a small town near Bristol, TN, Will has such a cool story that was so much fun to get into. We dive deep into his journey from mowing lawns and farming to producing demos that landed him in writing rooms with some of Nashville’s biggest names right now like Riley Green, Thomas Rhett, and Ella Langley, as well as hit songwriters like Brett James, Forest Whitehead, and Ashley Gorley.  In this episode, you’ll hear about how he hustled to learn demo production when he couldn’t afford to hire anyone, carving out his niche in the industry as a “track guy”, his bold decision to rent out a studio on Music Row while living in Antioch, and writing his recent cut with Brad Paisley, “Truck Still Works”. He also shares stories about going on the road with Thomas Rhett and Rhett Akins and how that led to one of his career-defining songs, “Half of Me”.  With recent cuts for both Luke Bryan and Brad Paisley, PLUS producing the viral hit “you look like you love me” by Ella Langley, Will Bundy is a great example of how hard work, strong relationships, and sticking with it truly pays off. Make sure to watch to the full episode for some invaluable advice to young songwriters, and a performance of his hit with Thomas Rhett and Riley Green, "Half of Me”. If you liked this episode, make sure to share it with your friends and give us a follow. It is our mission to bring you the Stories Behind the Songs from the songwriters themselves and it's because of YOU that we get to keep going. SHOW NOTES: Keep up with Will Bundy ⁠⁠- https://www.instagram.com/willbundy32?igsh=cjk5Zm91Y3pnMmp4 Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates: Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sbtsongs SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs   https://www.tiktok.com/@sbtsongs SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - https://www.chrisblair.com/ The Listening Room's Website - https://www.listeningroomcafe.com/ TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   TLR’s TikTok - @TheListeningRoomCafe   *A special shout out to our sponsors* Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/ Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/ Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

Jordan Rager joins us this week on Stories Behind the Songs! Jordan landed his very first number one on the charts with a song called “All Out of Beer” by none other than Jason Aldean for his 2016 LP, They Don’t Know. We take a look at the stories behind a couple of his songs and get to hear a couple of them. In this episode, Jordan and I also talk about Whiskey Jam and the many nights he “snuck in” to meet people in the music industry, growing up with two loves–sports and music, spending 10 years in Nashville, and the process of making his upcoming EP. If you liked this episode, make sure to share it with your friends and give us a follow. It is our mission to bring you the Stories Behind the Songs from the songwriters themselves and it's because of YOU that we get to keep going. SHOW NOTES: Keep up with Jordan Rager ⁠⁠- https://www.instagram.com/jordanrager... Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates: Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sbtsongs SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - https://www.chrisblair.com/ The Listening Room's Website - https://www.listeningroomcafe.com/ TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   TLR’s TikTok - @TheListeningRoomCafe   *A special shout out to our sponsors* Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/ Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

Victoria Banks joins us for this week’s new episode of Stories Behind the Songs! Victoria is what some people in the music industry would call a “unicorn” - she writes her best stuff completely 100% (meaning all by herself), and she has several accolades to her name including the Canadian Artist and Songwriter of the Year.  Some of Victoria’s cuts include “Saints and Angels” by Sara Evans, “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” by Mickey Guyton, and the one-and-only Reba McEntire’s most recent single, “I Can’t”, and she shares the story behind each one of these songs.  In this episode, we also talk about how her song, “Saints and Angels” was edited and used as a post-9/11 anthem, “daring to suck” in co-writes, building a decade-long collaborative relationship with Mickey Guyton, teaching at Belmont where she can “be there for the beginning” of a student’s songwriting career, and getting that Reba cut with “I Can’t” 18 years after it was put on hold and seeing it debuted on The Voice. Victoria plays a verse and chorus of “Saints and Angels”, “I Can’t”, and an emotional rendition of “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” There’s so much good advice for aspiring songwriters in this one.. Thanks so much to Victoria for sharing some of her wisdom. Let’s get into it! SHOW NOTES: Keep up with Victoria Banks ⁠⁠- https://www.instagram.com/victoriabanksmusic?igsh=MXRrbHQwcGliMW5yOQ== Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates: Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sbtsongs SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - https://www.chrisblair.com/ The Listening Room's Website - https://www.listeningroomcafe.com/ TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   TLR’s TikTok - @TheListeningRoomCafe   *A special shout out to our sponsors* Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/ Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/ Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

We’ve got a TLR favorite on this week’s episode of Stories Behind the Songs - Adam Craig! Adam has so many impressive cuts like “Church Pew or Bar Stool” by Jason Aldean, “Close Your Eyes” by Parmalee, and George Strait’s 2024 single from his upcoming album, “MIA Down In MIA”.  We dive into those songs as well as the story behind his unreleased Cody Johnson cut written with Jordan Walker and Matt Rogers that will be on Cody’s next album.  Adam also talks about his past publishing and record deals, moving to Nashville to be an artist, playing the Opry stage, writing for a “viral moment”, and trying to impress the songwriting icon, Dean Dillon. We also get a verse/chorus of “Church Pew and Barstool” and “MIA Down In MIA”.  Adam is a good friend of mine and a regular on our stage, and I’m so glad we got the opportunity to dig deeper into his story and career and, of course, his songs! SHOW NOTES: Keep up with Adam Craig ⁠⁠- @adamcraigofficial Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates: Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sbtsongs SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - ChrisBlair.com   The Listening Room's Website - ListeningRoomCafe.com   TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   TLR’s TikTok - @TheListeningRoomCafe   A special shout out to our sponsors: Sennheiser Imperfect Aesthetician Alclair In-Ear Monitors --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

Cody Hibbard joins us for this week’s new episode of Stories Behind the Songs! Cody is an artist and songwriter to watch here in Music City. Just a month ago, he released his second full length album, Long Ride in a Short Bed, featuring songs like “Rollin’” and “Set In My Ruts”.  We dive into the title track, “Long Ride in a Short Bed” as well as “Had It Been A Boy”, and Cody plays a verse/chorus of both of those incredibly moving songs. In this episode, we also talk about solo-writing versus co-writing, learning to play on a pawn shop guitar, finding the right group of people here in Nashville who push him as a songwriter, landing a deal with Sony, and being proud of who he is and where he comes from. So good to dig a bit deeper into Cody’s story - make sure to give a listen to his recent album release and come see him play live here at The Listening Room! SHOW NOTES: Keep up with Cody Hibbard ⁠⁠- @codyhibbard_ Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates: Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sbtsongs SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - ChrisBlair.com   The Listening Room's Website - ListeningRoomCafe.com   TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   TLR’s TikTok - @TheListeningRoomCafe   *A special shout out to our sponsors* Sennheiser Imperfect Aesthetician Alclair In-Ear Monitors Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

Craig Campbell joins us this week on Stories Behind the Songs!  Like most of our guests, Craig grew up in a musical family, but he started his career as a correctional officer. He knew music was his passion so he spent a lot of his time playing in bars and bands on Broadway. It’s a good thing he did because he was discovered while playing “The Stage” on Broadway and landed his very first record deal. He shares his journey from performing there to writing his debut single, "Family Man," while starting his own family, and how early hits like "Family Man" and "Fish" shaped his career. He also tells the story of how he wrote "Outskirts of Heaven" with Dave Turnbull in just two hours.  Craig's music has touched many lives, and today he's re-releasing some of his greatest hits in a new project titled “Almost Greatest Hits,” featuring re-records and a few new songs. We also discuss his experience writing for other artists, like Garth Brooks and Trace Adkins. This week - you’ll get to hear Craig play an unreleased track, discuss the upcoming projects and writes he is working on, and the next steps in his entrepreneurial journey with his restaurant, Grindstone Cowboy. Make sure to check out Craig’s newest project and keep an eye out for more new releases coming out throughout the fall! And follow us, Stories Behind the Songs, here: Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE   SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - ChrisBlair.com   The Listening Room's Website - ListeningRoomCafe.com   TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   TLR’s TikTok - @TheListeningRoomCafe   Shoutout to our sponsors: Sennheiser Imperfect Aesthetician Alclair In-Ear Monitors --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

This week, Danny Myrick and I sit down in the beautiful Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. We're here for our very first TLR on the Road show and I just had to get some time with Danny to dive into the stories behind some iconic songs he has written.. Danny has some classic cuts like ⁠“International Harvester” by Craig Morgan⁠ and ⁠“She’s Country” by Jason Aldean⁠, and we dive into both stories on this week’s episode.  We also talk about his friendship and collaboration with the late, great ⁠Leslie Jordan⁠, and how, together, they were able to get ⁠Dolly Parton⁠,  ⁠Tanya Tucker⁠,  ⁠Eddie Vedder⁠,  ⁠Brandi Carlile⁠, and ⁠Chris Stapleton⁠ on the same album - ⁠Company’s Comin’. ⁠ Through this project, Danny also developed a friendship with Eddie Vedder (no big deal), and he shares how he unintentionally convinced Eddie that “Maybe there is a God?” In this episode, Danny also shares what he’s got going on right now - writing with some exciting up-and-comers and bigger artists, and we talk about the changing landscape of the industry, coming up with original guitar licks, and how his great success has come since being 40.  So good to catch up with Danny here in Coeur D’Alene… Let's get into it! SHOW NOTES: Keep up with Danny Myrick ⁠HERE⁠ Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates - Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠HERE⁠ SBTSongs TikTok - ⁠@SBTSongs⁠ SBTSongs Instagram - ⁠@SBTSongs ⁠ SBTSongs YouTube - ⁠@SBTSongs ⁠ Chris Blair's Instagram - ⁠@ChrisBlairMusic ⁠ Chris Blair's Website - ⁠HERE⁠ The Listening Room's Website - ⁠HERE ⁠ TLR's Instagram - ⁠@ListeningRoomCafe⁠ TLR’s TikTok - ⁠@TheListeningRoomCafe⁠ *A special shout out to our sponsors* ⁠Sennheiser⁠ ⁠Imperfect Aesthetician⁠ ⁠Alclair In-Ear Monitors⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

Rebecca Lynn Howard is today’s guest on Stories Behind the Songs! Rebecca is an artist and songwriter who has cuts with artists like Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, and John Michael Montgomery. Her 2002 single, Forgive, is a crowd-favorite here at The Listening Room, so we dive into the story behind that song – including how Faith Hill almost cut it until Rebecca played it for her own A&R guy and knew it was meant for her.  In this episode, we also discuss her clever 2024 single, "Hoedown” written with Nathan and Stephanie Chapman, her longtime friendship and collaborative relationship with Lee Brice, being influenced by all-time great vocalist, Trisha Yearwood, and playing bass in her band, The Loving Mary Band, which was featured on Steven Tyler’s 2016 country album, We’re All Somebody From Somewhere. Rebecca also performs a killer verse/chorus of “Forgive” and “Hoedown”.  With an album coming out in the next year and continuing to tour on-and-off with Lee Brice, make sure to stay tuned with all that Rebecca has going on! Podcast Show Notes: Rebecca's Instagram: @RebeccaLynnHoward Rebecca Lynn Howard on Spotify: HERE The Loving Mary Band's Instagram: @LovingMaryBand The Loving Mary Band on Spotify: HERE And follow us, Stories Behind the Songs, here: Listen/Subscribe/Follow: HERE SBTSongs TikTok: @SBTSongs SBTSongs Instagram: @SBTSongs SBTSongs YouTube: @SBTSongs Chris Blair's Instagram: @ChrisBlairMusic Chris Blair's website: ChrisBlair.com TLR's Instagram: @ListeningRoomCafe TLR's TikTok: @ListeningRoomCafe TLR's website: ListeningRoomCafe.com #SBTSongs And thanks, as always, to our sponsors! We appreciate the support from Sennheiser, Imperfect Aesthetician & Alclair In-Ear Monitors Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

Faren Rachels joins us for this week’s new episode of Stories Behind the Songs! Faren has been a longtime friend and co-writer of Lainey Wilson and has several cuts with her including “Weak-End” and “This One’s Gonna Cost Me” off of her 2022 breakout album, Bell Bottom Country.  In this week's episode, Faren also talks about some of the songs that she’s released herself like her powerful 2023 single, “The Rug” written with Austin Goodloe and Lydia Vaughan. She shares about not wanting to be a part of the “artist rat race”, getting a FaceTime call from Lainey right after winning a Grammy while sitting on the sofa in a facemask, going on tour with Luke Combs where she played with Brantley Gilbert and Willie Nelson, playing arena shows in a writers’ round format, and developing her very own Nashville songwriters’ girls club.  Don’t miss Faren’s upcoming September shows at The Listening Room Cafe in Nashville, TN to hear her amazing songs like “The Rug” and the stories behind them. Podcast Show Notes: Faren's TikTok - @FarenRachels Faren's Intagram - @FarenRachels Faren's YouTube - @FarenRachels Faren's music on Spotify - here And follow us, Stories Behind the Songs, here: Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE   SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - ChrisBlair.com   The Listening Room's Website - ListeningRoomCafe.com   TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   TLR’s TikTok - @ListeningRoomCafe   #SBTSongs And thanks, as always, to our sponsors! We appreciate the support from Sennheiser, Imperfect Aesthetician & Alclair In-Ear Monitors --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

We’ve got Sammy Arriaga on this week’s brand new episode of Stories Behind the Songs! I’ve known Sammy for over 10 years, and it was such a good time to catch up with him today.  Sammy and I talk about his 2021 album release, Boots x Beats, which features songs like “COUNTRY SIDE” and “take my phone.” Sammy goes into how the Miami music scene he was raised in with heavy R&B and EDM influences meshed with the storytelling of country music to create the unique sound he has today.  We dive into his recent single, “The Boat”, which he shares the story behind and plays a verse/ chorus of. Sammy plays several other songs including “COUNTRY SIDE,” one of his popular Spanish covers, and a fan-favorite unreleased track.  In this week’s episode, we also discuss 615 House, his recent tour of the U.K. with fellow rising country artist, Gareth, how to maintain artistic integrity while also writing for sound bites and short attention spans (using the example of Ella Langley and Riley Green’s smash hit, “you look like you love me”), how the title of his 2016 EP, Banjos ‘n’ Bongos, doubles as his motto as an artist, and the amazing advice he would give to his younger self - to lead with humanity over ambition as a songwriter. If you enjoyed this week’s episode, make sure to share it with your friends and give us a follow. It’s our passion to share the Stories Behind the Songs, and it’s because of listeners like you that we are able to continue doing it. It was great sitting down with Sammy - enjoy! Podcast Show Notes: Sammy's TikTok - @SammyArriaga Sammy's Instagram - @SammyArriaga Sammy's YouTube - @SammyArriaga Sammy's Website - SammyArriaga.com And follow us, Stories Behind the Songs, here: Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE   SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs   ⁠ SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   ⁠ SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   ⁠ Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - ⁠ChrisBlair.com⁠   ⁠ The Listening Room's Website - ⁠ListeningRoomCafe.com⁠   TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   ⁠ TLR’s TikTok - @ListeningRoomCafe   ⁠ And thanks to our sponsors! Sennheiser - ⁠https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us⁠ Imperfect Aesthetician - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/⁠ Alclair In-Ear Monitors - ⁠https://alclair.com/⁠ #SBTSongs --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

Today marks exactly 1-1/2 years since we re-launched the Stories Behind the Songs Podcast. So, we thought we'd take you back to our very first episode with the amazing and beautiful Carly Pearce! Carly has been a very good friend for many years and when I originally had this idea to do this podcast, Carly was my very first guest and she had just put her first single out to radio. This was February of 2017! It’s funny to see how far we have come with video quality since then and I had a lot less gray hair (haha) but since we have been doing this for 78 weeks in a row now, I thought I would dive into the archives and share this beautiful story from Carly. She talks about how she got started from being listed in Rolling Stone as a top 10 artist to watch, her first single with the Josh Abbot Band “wasn’t that drunk” and when we recorded this episode it was a week after her debut single Every Little Thing. Since then she has obviously come so far and I feel like I’m constantly sending her texts about how proud I am of her. I hope you enjoy this special throwback episode, hearing more of Carly’s story from the beginning, hearing her talk about Busbee who was her producer and just an industry icon that unfortunately passed away back in September 2019, and the story behind every little thing and more. Carly, I’m so proud of you and you’re absolutely crushing it. I hope everyone out there loves this and continues to support us here on the podcast, share it with all of your friends and make sure to go see Carly in concert and support her incredible career! And maybe we will get her in here again soon to talk about everything going on now and how the last 7 years has been. Here is my dear friend on this special throwback episode, Carly Pearce. Podcast Show Notes: Carly's website - CarlyPearce.com Carly's Instagram - @CarlyPearce Carly's TikTok - @CarlyPearce Carly's YouTube - @CarlyPearce And follow us, Stories Behind the Songs, here: Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE   SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - ChrisBlair.com   The Listening Room's Website - ListeningRoomCafe.com   TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   TLR’s TikTok - @ListeningRoomCafe   And thanks to our amazing sponsors! Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/ Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

Jenna LaMaster is a talented up-and-coming singer-songwriter here in Nashville and if you haven’t heard of her yet, you definitely will soon. We loved having her on as this week's guest on Stories Behind the Songs Podcast! She started out in Nashville working 14 hour days at a ranch outside of town before signing a publishing deal at Shelter Music - which she signed mid-pandemic! She has several cuts with Ashland Craft including “Your Momma Still Does”, written with Jonathan Singleton and released by Ashland back in 2021. Jenna also shares the story behind her own 2023 release, “Drunk Thoughts” which was written with Lee Star and Whitney Duncan.  In this episode, we also talk about growing up in a competing rodeo family in Northern California, building her camp here in Music City with other female writers like Lainey Wilson and Faren Rachels, and learning how to decide which songs to keep for herself and which to offer up to other artists. Jenna also plays a verse/chorus of “Your Momma Still Does” and “Drunk Thoughts”. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and give us a follow.  It’s our passion to share the Stories Behind the Songs, and it’s because of listeners like YOU that we are able to continue doing it. I loved getting to hear a bit more of Jenna’s story and can’t wait for y’all to hear it as well! Podcast Show Notes: Jenna's TikTok - @HeyItsJennaLaMaster Jenna's Instagram - @JennaLaMaster Jenna's Website - JennaLaMaster.com Drunk Thoughts on Spotify, Apple Music & More And follow us, Stories Behind the Songs, here: Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE   SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - ChrisBlair.com   The Listening Room's Website - ListeningRoomCafe.com   TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   TLR’s TikTok - @ListeningRoomCafe   #SBTSongs And thanks to our sponsors! Sennheiser Microphones, Alclair In-Ear monitors and Imperfect Aesthetician - we appreciate all of the support! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

Rachel Thibodeau is this week’s guest on Stories Behind the Songs! Rachel has not only written for some of the biggest names in country music but is also working with some of the most exciting up-and-coming talent in Nashville. You may know her from her long-time collaborative relationship with Luke Bryan with whom she wrote Billy Currington’s massive hit, “Good Directions” on his 2005 album, Doin’ Somethin’ Right. She also has several cuts with Martina McBride and is working to develop the incredible new artist, Styles Haury. Rachel plays a verse/chorus of “Good Directions” and a sneak peak of Styles’ unreleased next single. In this episode, we also talk about the one-on-one co-writing process with Luke Bryan, starting a publishing company with John and Martina McBride (just because she had the guts to ask!), recording at the legendary Blackbird Studios, mentoring young, female writers, and seeing her first #1 sign on Music Row for “Good Directions”. If you enjoyed this week’s episode, make sure to share it with your friends and give us a follow. It’s because of listeners like you that we are able to continue sharing the Stories Behind the Songs. We hope you enjoy this episode and follow Rachel Thibodeau! Podcast Show Notes: Rachel's Instagram - @RachelThibodeauMusic Rachel's Website - Here Rachel's LinkTree - Here And follow us, Stories Behind the Songs, here: Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE   SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - ChrisBlair.com   The Listening Room's Website - ListeningRoomCafe.com   TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   TLR’s TikTok - @ListeningRoomCafe   And thanks to our sponsors! Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/ Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support

For this week’s new Stories Behind the Songs, we’ve got Lexie Hayden here with us! Lexie has some hilarious stories about getting her start here in Nashville - like when she was put on the spot as an intern to sing live on the Bobby Bones radio show. We talk about her 2020 release, You Heard Right and why she’s excited to be putting out her first full length album soon, not during a pandemic. We also talk about her collaborative relationship with Priscilla Block (who she met as a server here at TLR) and the co-writing process behind Priscilla’s hit single “My Bar”. Lexie gives us a performance of "My Bar” as well as an unreleased song off of her upcoming project, “Call It A Crush”. On that note, be sure to stay tuned for her full-length album that’s coming out this August, as well as her album release show that will take place here on the 29th!  If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and give us a follow.  It’s our passion to share the Stories Behind the Songs, and it’s because of listeners like YOU that we are able to continue doing it. And follow us, Stories Behind the Songs, here: Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE   SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs   SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs   Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic   Chris Blair's Website - ChrisBlair.com   The Listening Room's Website - ListeningRoomCafe.com   TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe   TLR’s TikTok - @ListeningRoomCafe   Sponsors: Sennheiser Imperfect Aesthetician Alclair In-Ear Monitors --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support