Ten Year Town

Brice Long is a songwriter and artist from Hopkinsville, Kentucky. As a songwriter, he has written No. 1 hits including Gary Allan's “Nothing On But The Radio” and Jon Pardi's “Heartache On The Dance Floor,” along with Randy Houser's “Like A Cowboy,” which was nominated for CMA Song of the Year. As an artist, Brice recently released his new album, All I Ever Wanted.

In this episode, Brice shares the story of leaving Kentucky for Nashville, the years it took to land his first major hit, and the lessons he's learned from a career spanning decades in country music. 
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Shane McAnally is a songwriter, producer, and publisher originally from Mineral Wells, Texas. He is a 4x Grammy Winner, 2x ACM Songwriter of the Year, a Tony-nominated composer, and has written and/or produced over 50 number one songs. Some of his hits include Body Like a Back Road, recorded by Sam Hunt, American Kids, recorded by Kenny Chesney, and Merry Go Round, recorded by Kacey Musgraves. Recently, he was named as one of the New York Times’ 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters.

In Part 2, we discuss his TONY award winning musical, his publishing and record company SM...

Shane McAnally is a songwriter, producer, and publisher originally from Mineral Wells, Texas. He is a 4x Grammy Winner, 2x ACM Songwriter of the Year, a Tony-nominated composer, and has written and/or produced over 50 number one songs. Some of his hits include Body Like a Back Road, recorded by Sam Hunt, American Kids, recorded by Kenny Chesney, and Merry Go Round, recorded by Kacey Musgraves. Recently, he was named as one of the New York Times’ 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters.

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, we discuss Shane’s early days, including dropping out...

Charles Wesley Godwin is a country music artist and songwriter born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia. He first discovered his passion for music in college, picking up a guitar after realizing his WVU football dreams weren't going to pan out and watching the Avett Brothers perform at the 2011 Grammys. He spent years developing his sound by playing small bars, cafes, and breweries across the country—often sleeping in his car—before breaking through with his independent 2019 debut album, Seneca. He is currently signed to Big Loud and Warner Chappell, and following the success of albums like How the Migh...

Brad Tursi is a songwriter, guitarist, and member of Old Dominion. As a songwriter, he has penned hits for artists including Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley, and Luke Bryan, including Chesney's “Save It For A Rainy Day.” As a member of Old Dominion, he has helped create some of the band's biggest songs, including “Snapback,” “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart,” and “One Man Band.” He has a new solo album, Colorado, available everywhere June 12.

In this episode, Brad shares his journey from finding his dad's guitar in the attic in Connecticut to landing in Nashville, the chance encounter...

Jake Worthington is a country music artist and songwriter raised in La Porte, Texas. He first gained national attention as the runner-up on Season 6 of NBC’s The Voice before spending years developing his sound playing dance halls and honky-tonks across Texas. His latest record, When I Write The Song, was released in 2025, and he is currently signed to Big Loud Texas. Worthington has shared stages with artists including Stoney LaRue and Post Malone, and is currently an opener on Luke Combs’ Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old stadium tour.

In this episode, we discuss Jake’s journey from garag...

In this bonus episode, we take a look at the songwriting and philosophy of Tom Petty—what made his songs work, why simplicity matters, and what artists can learn from the way he approached music and career.

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If you want to read the Mundanity of Excellence you can find the PDF here:
https://academics.hamilton.edu/documents/themundanityofexcellence.pdf

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This episode is sponsored by The Graphic Guitar Guys (https://thegraphicguitarguys.com) They create custom guitar wraps used by artists and festivals across the industry. A great option for pr...

Randy Montana is a songwriter and artist raised in Nashville, Tennessee. He has written songs recorded by artists including Luke Combs, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore, Riley Green, and many others. His No. 1 hits include “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” “I Hope You’re Happy,” “Pretty Heart,” and “Sleepless In A Hotel Room.” On March 16, 2026, Montana claimed the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

In this episode, we discuss Randy’s path growing up in Nashville, the stories behind some of his biggest songs, his approach to songwriting, and many other stops along the way.

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Zach Abend is a songwriter and producer originally from Syracuse, New York. He has co-written songs for artists including Morgan Wallen, HARDY, LOCASH, Kenny Chesney, and Blake Shelton. His #1 songs include writing Kenny Chesney’s “Take Her Home,” LOCASH’s 2025 single “Hometown Home,” and most recently as a writer on HARDY’s “Favorite Country Song.” He is currently published by Relative Music Group.

In this episode, Zach talks about his path from Syracuse to Nashville, his approach to songwriting and production, and his philosophy behind creating songs that connect with artists and audiences.

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Mitchell Tenpenny is a singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. He broke through with his multi-Platinum No. 1 hit “Drunk Me” and has since earned additional chart success with songs like “Truth About You,” “At The End Of A Bar” (with Chris Young), and “We Got History.” He has released multiple albums including Telling All My Secrets and This Is The Heavy, and has toured with artists like Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, and Jordan Davis. He is currently on his Speed Of Light Tour.

In this episode, Mitchell talks about growing up in Nashville, his path to his first No. 1, the reality of s...

This episode originally aired on January 20th, 2025. 

Kip Moore is an artist and songwriter originally from Tifton, Georgia. He has several multi-platinum records including songs like “Somethin’ ‘bout a Truck,” “More Girls Like You,” and “The Bull.” He is also known for his live show and a rabid touring audience that spans the US, the U.K., Australia, South Africa, and Europe. “Solitary Tracks” was February 28th, 2025; he is currently signed to Virgin Music Group. 

In this episode we discuss the level of songwriting craftsmanship in Nashville, why the live show is so important, making records, breaking in S...

Parker McCollum is an artist and songwriter originally from Conroe, Texas. He has earned multiple No. 1 hits including “Pretty Heart,” “To Be Loved By You,” “Handle On You,” and “Burn It Down,” and was named ACM New Male Artist of the Year in 2022. His 2025 self-titled album PARKER MCCOLLUM marked his fifth studio release, and he just released a deluxe edition on March 20th, 2026.

In this episode, we discuss Parker’s upbringing in Texas, the making of his latest record, the pressure and expectations that come with success, and many other stops along the way.

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Today’s guest is songwriter and artist Ben Chapman. Originally from Lafayette, Georgia, Ben is now based in Nashville and has written songs for artists including Muscadine Bloodline, Brent Cobb, Hayes Carll, and Flatland Cavalry, among others. He is also the founder of Peach Jam, a quarterly live series at The Basement East that features his band and a rotating lineup of guest artists.

He has a new record, Feet On Fire, set for release in May, with the title track dropping Tuesday, March 24th.

In this episode, Ben talks about his path from Lafayette to...

Chase McGill is a songwriter originally from Columbus, Mississippi. He has written multiple No. 1 songs, including “Break Up in the End” recorded by Cole Swindell and “Lose It” recorded by Kane Brown. His songs have also been recorded by artists including Luke Combs, Sam Hunt, and Morgan Wallen. McGill is a multiple-time CMA Triple Play Award winner, including in 2026 for the songs “Happen To Me” (Russell Dickerson), “I Got Better” (Morgan Wallen), and “20 Cigarettes” (Morgan Wallen). He is currently published by Universal Music Publishing Group.

In this episode, we discuss Chase’s journey from Mississippi to Nashville, the stories behind som...

Lee Thomas Miller is a GRAMMY-nominated songwriter born in Nicholasville, Kentucky. He has written multiple No. 1 songs, including “The Impossible” (Joe Nichols), “You’re Gonna Miss This” (Trace Adkins), and “In Color” (Jamey Johnson). “In Color” earned both the CMA and ACM Song of the Year awards. Miller currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). He has cuts with artists including Brad Paisley, Terri Clark, George Strait, Randy Travis, and many others.

In this episode, we discuss Lee’s path into songwriting, the stories behind some of his biggest hits, his ro...

Chris Blair is the founder and owner of The Listening Room Cafe, one of Nashville’s premier songwriter venues. Since opening its doors in 2006, The Listening Room has become a cornerstone of the city’s songwriting community, hosting hit writers, rising artists, and industry showcases while giving audiences an up-close experience with the stories behind the songs.

In this episode, we discuss Chris’s path to opening The Listening Room, the role songwriter venues play in Nashville’s ecosystem, building a sustainable live music business, and many other stops along the way.

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Why I Listened to 2,000 Minutes of Tchaikovsky Last Year

We are living in the age of "frictionless" music. The algorithms know what we want before we do, the dopamine is cheap, and the content is served to us on a silver platter. But as Charles Bukowski once said of classical music: "It washes the crap right out of me."

Lately, it feels like there’s a lot of crap to wash out.

In this episode, I’m stepping away from the "business" of music to talk about the Aura and the Subl...

Isaac Gibson is a songwriter, vocalist,and guitarist originally from Castlewood, Virginia, and the frontman of 49 Winchester. Formed in Appalachia, the band has released five studio albums while building a devoted fanbase through constant touring. In 2025, 49 Winchester signed with MCA and Lucille Records, where they are currently working with Dave Cobb on a new full-length album scheduled for release in 2026. The band recently released a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” as their first new music under the partnership.

In this episode, we talk about Isaac’s upbrin...

Kelly Archer is a songwriter originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, and is currently signed as a writer with RED Creative and Sony Music. Kelly has written hits for many country artists, including number 1 songs with Brett Young, Justin Moore, Corey Kent, Travis Denning. Her song “I’m Gonna Love You”, recorded by Cody Johnson featuring Carrie Underwood, is Cody's current radio single. 

In the episode, Kelly shares how she moved to Nashville from Canada to pursue songwriting, advice she’d give her younger self, her journey to her first #1, how her last two singles were over 5 years old and m...

Jerry Roe is a Nashville-based session and touring drummer. He has played on records for artists including Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, HARDY, and many others, and is also a member of the heavy duo Frendship Commanders. Roe is regarded as an A-list session drummer and has built a career recording and touring at the highest level of the music industry.

In this episode, we discuss Jerry’s approach to recording sessions, how he prepares (or doesn’t prepare) for studio work, his advocacy for musicians’ rights and union membership, and many other stops along the way.

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Josh Osborne is a songwriter originally from Virgie, Kentucky. He has written numerous No. 1 songs, including “Body Like a Back Road” (Sam Hunt), “Drunk Last Night” (Eli Young Band), “Merry Go ’Round” (Kacey Musgraves), “Come Over” (Kenny Chesney), and “Get Along” (Kenny Chesney). Osborne has been nominated five times for Songwriter of the Year by the ACM and has received multiple CMA Triple Play Awards. In 2020, he won the ACM Song Of The Year for "One Man Band." 

In this episode, we discuss Josh’s journey into songwriting, how he approaches the craft, staying inspired over a long career, the evolutio...

The music industry is panicking about AI in 2025, and I get it. But before we spiral, let's look at history. In this episode, I break down the "Quartz Crisis" of the 1970s—when Swiss watchmakers faced extinction from cheaper, more accurate Japanese technology—and how they not only survived but thrived by doubling down on craft and human artistry.

The parallels to Nashville's songwriting community are striking. AI can churn out background music and sync tracks, but it can't replicate the human stories, the cultural legacy, or the one-of-one artistry that makes music matter.

In t...

Tom Douglas is an ACM Award-Winning and Grammy nominated songwriter signed to Sony Music Publishing. Tom has had his songs cut by many legendary artists including Tim McGraw, Lady A, Keith Urban, Eric Church, and more. His song “The House That Built Me,” recorded by Miranda Lambert, went on to win the Song of the Decade Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards. 

On this episode, Tom shares his journey, from moving to Nashville two different times, to having his first Number 1 be a solo-write, how he stays inspired, and much more.

#countrymusic #tomdouglas #mirand...

Hayes Carll is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter originally from The Woodlands, Texas. He has written and recorded multiple albums, including KMAG YOYO, Lovers and Leavers, and Trouble In Mind. The 2010 film Country Strong featured his song “Hard Out Here,” and artists like Kenny Chesney, Lee Ann Womack, and Brothers Osborne have recorded his work. His song “Chances Are” was nominated for Best Country Song at the 2016 Grammy Awards.

In this episode, we discuss Hayes’ upbringing, how his time in Crystal Beach helped shape him, the influence of songwriters like Ray Wylie Hubbard on his career, and many other stops alon...

J.T. Harding is a songwriter originally from Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He has written multiple No. 1 hits, including “Smile” recorded by Uncle Kracker, “Somewhere With You” recorded by Kenny Chesney, and “Sangria” recorded by Blake Shelton. His catalog also includes cuts by artists such as Keith Urban, Darius Rucker, Jake Owen, and others. In addition to his songwriting career, Harding released a memoir in 2022 titled Party Like a Rockstar, chronicling his path into the music business. He is currently published by Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

In this episode, we discuss J.T.’s journey from Michigan to Na...

We’ll be back with a new episode next week. In the meantime… here is a replay of one our favorite Ten Year Town stories. 

Stephen Wilson Jr. is a country singer and songwriter originally from Southern Indiana. He is signed to Big Loud Records and has toured with HARDY, Brothers Osborne and more. Stephen’s debut album “Son of Dad” was released in September 2023 to critical acclaim. In addition to his success as an artist, Stephen has had cuts as a writer with Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne, Caitlyn Smith and others. 

In this episode we discuss S...

Happy thanksgiving everyone! We’re off this week. This is a re-airing one of our favorite episodes from this year. 

Ben Rector is a singer songwriter originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Over the past decade, he has built a dedicated fanbase through consistent touring and a catalog of self-written, self-released albums. His 2015 album Brand New debuted in the Billboard Top 10, with the title track going RIAA Platinum. He is currently on tour and just released his new album The Richest Man In The World.

In this episode, we talk about Ben’s journey from indie beginnings to ch...

Katie Dean is a music executive originally from Augusta, Georgia, with over two decades of experience in country radio promotion. She previously served as Senior Vice President of Promotion at Universal Music Group Nashville, where she helped lead radio campaigns for artists including Parker McCollum, Jordan Davis, Jon Pardi, and many others. In 2023, she became the label head of Leo33, where she has played a key role in developing CMA Award nominee Zach Top.

In this episode, we discuss Katie’s path through the music industry, how radio promotion really works, her role at Leo33, the rise of...

Ward Davis is a singer, songwriter, and musician originally from Monticello, Arkansas. As a songwriter, his work has been recorded by Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Cody Jinks, Trace Adkins, and many others. He has several critically acclaimed records in his own right, including Black Cats and Crows and songs like "Get To Work Whiskey" and "Another Bad Apple."

In this episode of Ten Year Town, we talk about Ward’s path from Arkansas to Nashville, his evolution as an artist, and the stories behind some of his most powerful songs.

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Lee Brice is a GRAMMY-nominated country artist, songwriter, and producer originally from Sumter, South Carolina. Over the course of his career, he has earned multiple No. 1 singles as both a performer and songwriter, including “A Woman Like You,” “I Drive Your Truck,” “Hard to Love,” “Rumor,” and “Memory I Don’t Mess With.” As a writer, his songs have also been recorded by Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, and the Eli Young Band — whose version of “Crazy Girl” became a multi-week No. 1 hit. Brice has received multiple CMA and ACM Awards, and just released a new single “Killed The Man.” 

Laura Veltz is a four-time GRAMMY-nominated songwriter and artist originally from New York City. Her credits include hit songs for Maren Morris (“The Bones,” “I Could Use a Love Song”), Dan + Shay (“Speechless”), Lady A (“What If I Never Get Over You”), and Demi Lovato (“29”). In 2023, she was nominated for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical at the GRAMMY Awards. She is currently published by Big Machine Music.

In this episode of Ten Year Town, we talk about Laura’s journey through Nashville, her creative process, the evolution of modern country songwriting, and the stories behind some of her biggest songs.

Adam Wright is a two-time GRAMMY-nominated songwriter, artist, and musician originally from Newnan, Georgia. His songwriting and musicianship have led to collaborations with some of Nashville’s most respected artists, including Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, John Legend, Brandy Clark, Robert Earl Keen, and many others.

In this episode of Ten Year Town, we dive into the stories behind his songs “Billy Get Your Bicycle” and “Yellow Bird” from his new record Nature of Necessity, as well as his creative process, book recommendations, and more.

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Ben Johnson is a GRAMMY-nominated songwriter, producer, and artist originally from Meridian, Mississippi. He has earned 11 No. 1 songs, including “Truck Bed” recorded by HARDY and “One of Them Girls” recorded by Lee Brice. His songs have also been recorded by Morgan Wallen, Justin Timberlake, Charlie Puth, Jelly Roll, John Legend, Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, and many others. 

In this episode, we discuss Ben’s journey from Mississippi to Nashville, his approach to writing across genres, the stories behind some of his biggest hits, and many other stops along the way.

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Brent Cobb is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and musician originally from Ellaville, Georgia. He’s released several critically acclaimed albums, including Shine On A Rainy Day, Keep ‘Em on They Toes, and his most recent endeavor, Ain’t Rocked In A While. In addition to his success as an artist, Cobb is also an accomplished songwriter, with songs recorded by Luke Combs, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Riley Green, and many more. His song “Snakebite” was recently featured in the Paramount+ series Landman.

In this episode, we discuss his unorthodox journey to Nashville...

Matthew Ramsey is an artist and songwriter originally from Buchanan, Virginia. As a founding member and lead vocalist of Old Dominion, Ramsey has contributed to the band’s string of chart-topping hits including “Break Up With Him,” “Written in the Sand,” “Hotel Key,” “One Man Band,” and “I Was On A Boat That Day.” The band has won the Academy of Country Music Award for Group of the Year a record breaking eight consecutive times. In addition to his success in Old Dominion, Ramsey has co-written songs recorded by Kenny Chesney, Sam Hunt, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Dierks...

In today’s episode of Ten Year Town, Troy takes a step back from the noise of marketing hacks and algorithm tricks to talk about something deeper: the art itself. Making music can feel like pulling the lever on a slot machine: the lights flash, it feels like progress, but often it leaves you right where you started.

This episode, A Field Guide for Going Slow, explores what it means to create work that lasts and why slowing down might be the key to fulfillment in a fast-paced industry. Drawing from conversations with artists like Steven Wilson Jr...

John Strohm is a musician, songwriter, lawyer, and music industry executive originally from Bloomington, Indiana. He began his career as a drummer in Indiana’s punk scene before co-founding the indie rock band Blake Babies. He also played guitar and drums in The Lemonheads and has released several solo records, including his most recent in 2023.

Strohm became a prominent entertainment attorney in Nashville, representing artists like Bon Iver, The Civil Wars, and Alabama Shakes. He later served as President of Rounder Records from 2017 to 2022. Currently, he is a partner with Meitus Strohm. He also has a Substack ca...

Bear Rinehart is a GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist originally from Seneca, South Carolina. He is the frontman and co-founder of the band NEEDTOBREATHE, and in 2019, he launched a solo project under the name Wilder Woods. Over the course of his career, he has released multiple charting albums and toured extensively across the U.S. and beyond.

In this episode, we talk about Bear’s journey through the music industry, how he balances solo work with band life, his best advice, and many other stops along the way.

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Ruston Kelly is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter originally from Georgetown, South Carolina. His catalog includes songs like “Mockingbird,” “The Weakness,” and “Rubber,” as well as his cover projects Dirt Emo Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. His fourth studio album, Pale Through The Window, is set to release on September 12, 2025.

In this episode, we talk about Ruston’s journey through Nashville, his creative process, his upbringing, and many other stops along the way.

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This episode is also sponsored by The Graphic Guitar Guys. They create eye-catching custom guitar wraps for some of the biggest artists and festivals...

Liz Rose is a GRAMMY-winning songwriter originally from Dallas, Texas, and raised in nearby Irving. Her songs have been recorded by artists including Carrie Underwood, Gary Allan, Eli Young Band, Taylor Swift, Little Big Town, and many others. She is the co-writer behind some of Taylor Swift's biggest hits, including “You Belong With Me,” “Teardrops on My Guitar,” and “All Too Well.” Her song “Girl Crush,” recorded by Little Big Town, won both the CMA and GRAMMY Award for Best Country Song.

In this episode, we talk about Liz’s unconventional path into the music business, how she approaches co...