I WAS IN THAT BAND!

This week on I Was In That Band!, we welcome drummer Linda Waring, whose remarkable career takes us deep into the Texas blues and rock scene.

Linda came up through DFW's legendary blues music scene, cutting her teeth at the infamous Cellar alongside contemporaries Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan. From there, she went on to play with Texas guitar great Bugs Henderson, country-rock outfit Calico, and hard-rock powerhouse Nitzinger.

Linda shares stories about her early days behind the drums, the wild atmosphere of The Cellar, and recording at Capitol Records in Los Angeles. It's a...

Guitarist, producer, and songwriter Brad Allen Williams joins Grady to trace his musical path from Memphis to Denton, New York, and Los Angeles. They talk about Brad's years at UNT and in the Denton music scene, touring and recording, building community instead of "networking," the art of being a great supporting musician, and his evolution from guitarist-for-hire to producer and recording artist.

Brad's albums Light Rivers and Economy are available wherever you stream music.

This week on I Was In That Band!, Grady sits down with Nashville singer-songwriter and former David Allan Coe pedal steel guitarist Dale Emerson Seigfreid.

Dale had a front-row seat to one of the wildest eras in country music, hitting the road with Coe as the outlaw country movement was taking shape. He shares stories from those days, gives his version of a few legendary tall tales, and even has a few George Jones tales to share along the way. Dale recalls what it was really like to be right in the middle of a scene that...

This week on I Was In That Band!, Grady visits with Simon Raymonde of Cocteau Twins and Bella Union.

Simon is a fantastic conversationalist and storyteller, and while we didn't dive as deeply into Cocteau Twins as I might have liked, we found plenty to talk about — particularly his life running the acclaimed indie label Bella Union.

We talk about Bella Union's early connection to the music coming out of Denton, Texas, how artists and independent labels can survive in today's musical climate, and the label's upcoming 30th anniversary.

Simon also published his me...

This week on I Was In That Band!, Grady sits down with one of his oldest friends, Dallas musician Jeff Gruber, for a conversation that feels a little more like two old friends swapping stories than a traditional interview.

Jeff has been a familiar face in the North Texas music world for decades, playing guitar, singing, writing and making music with a long list of bands and projects including Local 63, Sherman, Sunday Drive, The Slow Burners, Hess/Doosu, Bar Band, Squirrel + the Girl, Descender, and Bandolero.

Grady and Jeff go back to the early days...

This week on I Was In That Band!, Grady sits down with legendary drummer Bob Bert, whose remarkable career has taken him through some of the most influential bands in underground rock.

Best known for his time with Sonic Youth, Pussy Galore, Chrome Cranks, and Knoxville Girls, Bob shares firsthand stories from New York City's explosive art and music scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He talks about how he unexpectedly landed the drummer's chair in Sonic Youth, the creative energy that defined the era, and the friendships and connections that shaped his career.

This week on I Was in That Band!, I sit down with my drummer buddy Kris Killingsworth—better known to his friends and bandmates as "Tugboat."

Kris shares the story of his musical journey, from being the standout drummer in his hometown school band to getting a humbling reality check at the University of North Texas. We talk about finding your place among incredible musicians, the lessons that come with starting over, and how those experiences helped shape his career.

From there, Kris takes us through his years with the influential Texas Americana band Thrift St...

This week on I Was in That Band!, I'm joined by Chris Stamey. Chris has had an incredible career, from co-founding The dB's to performing with Big Star, as well as building an impressive body of solo work.

We spend some time talking about his new album, Modernism, a fascinating collection that reimagines classic songs alongside new takes on some of his own material. We also discuss his work as a producer and studio owner, and what it's like helping other artists bring their music to life.

I've admired Chris's music for years, so it...

This week on I WAS IN THAT BAND!, I sit down with my old friend, Danny Balis.

You may know Danny from his years in Dallas radio, but at heart he's always been a musician and songwriter. We talk about his current projects, Sir Daniel Esquire and Silver Skylarks, his love for the Denton music scene, and the community that helped shape him.

Danny shares stories about growing up in West Texas, finding his way to Dallas, and how music became a lifelong pursuit. We also discuss the creative drive that keeps him writing and...

This week on I Was In That Band!, Grady sits down with guitarist, producer, songwriter, and longtime friend Don Cento. Don has spent decades following his own creative path, whether that meant jazz, rock, Americana, instrumental music, or whatever else happened to catch his imagination.

The two share stories from years in the DFW music scene, memories of gigs and mutual experiences, and talk about Don's refusal to chase expectations in favor of following his muse wherever it leads. It's a fun and wide-ranging conversation between old friends about creativity, curiosity, and making the music you want...

Jimmy McDonough joins Grady Sandlin on this episode of I WAS IN THAT BAND! for a sprawling conversation about music obsession, biography writing, bootlegs, producers, record collectors, and the emotional toll of telling someone else's story honestly.

Best known for acclaimed books on Gary Stewart, Neil Young, Tammy Wynette, Al Green, and Russ Meyer, Jimmy reflects on the overwhelming response to I Am From The Honky Tonks and the nearly 40-year journey that brought the Gary Stewart story to life. The two dive deep into Gary's unreleased recordings, the mystery and romance of bootleg culture, and the i...

This week Grady visits remotely with longtime friend Nathan Brown — better known to many as Browningham — originally from Fort Worth, Texas.

Nathan talks about his musical beginnings, the creation and evolution of Browningham, and the years he spent taking his unique DIY project on the road before eventually settling back down in Fort Worth. Along the way, the conversation dives into music culture, touring life, and Nathan's famously passionate — and occasionally unpopular — opinions about music.

More than anything, this episode feels like an honest catch-up between old friends who've spent decades around the North Texas music sc...

This week on I Was In That Band, I sit down with North Texas mainstay Reggie Rueffer — a true musician's musician whose career runs deeper and more varied than most folks realize.

Reggie first made his mark with the band Spot, whose hit song broke nationally. From there, he stepped onto even bigger stages, including a standout run playing fiddle for country legend Charley Pride.

Reggie shares stories from the road, lessons learned from playing with a Hall of Famer, and how he's navigated a career as a multi-instrumentalist across genres.

These days, yo...

This week on I Was In That Band, we sit down with Texas bassist Aden Bubeck — a player whose resume stretches from North Texas dancehalls all the way to the biggest stages in the world.

Aden is a standout member of Raised Right Men and a University of North Texas jazz studies graduate whose career has taken him to the highest levels of the business. He's toured, recorded, and appeared on major broadcasts with Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, and Keith Urban, with credits spanning award shows, late-night TV, and international stages. A music director, producer, and Fort Wo...

This week on I WAS IN THAT BAND, I sit down with Eric Pulido — known for his work with Midlake, as well as his solo project EB The Younger and the creative collective Banquet.

We talk about what it really means to stay creative over the long haul — building community, collaborating with friends, and continuing to push forward even when the path isn't clear. Eric also shares insight into his work offstage with Norman Roscoe, his Denton-based screen printing shop that's become a hub for local artists and ideas.

It's a conversation about longevity, independence, and...

This week on I WAS IN THAT BAND, we sit down with Noel Haggard for an honest and deeply personal conversation about legacy, identity, and growing up in one of country music's most iconic families.

Noel shares what it was really like being raised by and around legends — and how much of his upbringing actually came from his paternal grandmother, who played a central role in shaping his life.

We talk about the weight and honor of carrying on his father's legacy, and the challenge of carving out your own voice when the world already th...

This week on I Was In That Band, host Grady Sandlin sits down with Fort Worth troubadour Keegan McInroe.

Keegan has built a life on the road, traveling across the United States and Europe sharing his songs with audiences far and wide. In this episode, we talk about how he first got into music, what sparked his love of the open road, and how a life spent traveling continues to shape his songwriting.

Keegan writes with the eye of a storyteller — finding beauty, humor, and meaning in the heartbreaks and unexpected moments that come with a...

This week on I Was In That Band, Grady sits down with Will Kapanos — best known for his work with early-2000s Denton favorites, Jet Screamer.

Having known each other for years through the Denton music community, Grady and Will revisit their shared history, including their first impressions of one another and the scene that shaped them both. What follows is a deep dive into Will's musical development — the influences, risks, and creative drive that helped Jet Screamer gain real notoriety during the height of the indie rock boom.

Will reflects on the band's rise, thei...

This week on I Was in That Band, I'm joined by Scott Danbom — longtime member of Centro-matic and South San Gabriel, current bandmate of Alejandro Escovedo, and the creative force behind his solo project Static Diary.

Scott and I dig deep into the art of listening, adapting on the fly, and finding your voice inside someone else's music. We talk about tone, texture, instincts, and the subtle skills that separate good players from truly great sidemen.

In my opinion, Scott is one of the best in the business — a musician who always serves the song whil...

In this episode of I Was In That Band, host Grady Sandlin sits down with singer-songwriter Glen Mitchell.

Originally from London, England, Glen's love for country music led him across the Atlantic to Nashville, where he built a career working as a "ringer" for major touring acts. After years in Music City, he recently relocated to North Texas, continuing to carve out his own path as an independent artist.

Glen shares the story of how he discovered country music, what inspired his move to Nashville, and why he ultimately chose North Texas as his new...

This week on I WAS IN THAT BAND!, I'm joined by Floramay Holliday for a wide-ranging conversation rooted in songs, stories, and the people who bring them to life.

We dig into the lasting impact of Bob Weir and the Grateful Dead, how that music continues to shape the way artists think about freedom, feel, and community, and what it means to carry those ideas forward in your own work. We also talk about songwriting influences like Guy Clark, the importance of place and people, and how musical communities form, evolve, and sustain us over time.

In this bonus episode of I Was In That Band, I sit down solo for the first time to share some personal reflections on Bob Weir and what his music has meant to me.

I talk about how I first found my way into the Grateful Dead, what drew me in, and how that music became part of my life. I also reflect on the times I was lucky enough to see Bob Weir live, and how those experiences shaped my relationship with the band and the community around it.

This week on I Was In That Band, I'm joined by Denton native Claire Morales.

Claire has been performing since childhood, and her journey has taken her through songwriting, recording, touring, and learning how to stay creatively engaged when those cycles start to feel routine. We talk about the work behind the work—how to keep things fresh, how to recognize when something needs to change, and how to avoid the trap of creative or performance monotony.

Along the way, the conversation takes some turns you might not expect: trips, cults, reality, space, and the de...

This week on I Was In That Band, Grady Sandlin sits down with longtime friend and collaborator Daniel Markham, a prolific West Texas singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose sound moves easily between many genres and influences. Daniel shares stories about his musical origins growing up in West Texas, the creative energy that keeps him constantly writing and recording, and his instinct for knowing when to edit, refine, or simply move on to the next idea. The conversation also looks back on more than a decade of working together, highlighting Daniel's thoughtful approach to music and his commitment to always...

This week on I Was In That Band!, Grady sits down with songwriter Daniel Rush Folmer. They talk about Daniel's music, their shared history in the North Texas scene, and the web of mutual friends and collaborators that shaped their journeys. The conversation also touches on addiction, recovery, and the healing power of creativity.

This week, Grady sits down with G.I. Sanders — musician, label owner, and lifelong advocate for North Texas music. From his early days playing in local bands to running a record store and a DFW-centric reissue record label, G.I. shares his story with candid humor and honesty.

They talk about the evolution of the DFW music scene, lessons learned from life on both sides of the stage, and the passion that keeps him creating new opportunities for Texas artists.

This week on I Was In That Band, Grady sits down with instrumentalist, singer, composer, and creative force Poppy Xander. Known for her wide-ranging projects across genres, Poppy opens up about what it means to live as an artist with many interests and identities.

We talk about feminism in the music world, the creative challenges of juggling multiple projects, and the balancing act between authenticity and self-promotion. Poppy shares her thoughts on developing a strong work ethic, carving out space for creative freedom, and staying true to her artistic instincts in an industry that often pushes artists t...

This week on I Was In That Band!, my guest is Steve Carter—better known as Little Jack Melody. We dig into questions of identity, chasing success, band life, and the unforgettable disasters of the stage. Steve's singular perspective on music and living shines through in this candid and entertaining conversation.

This week we welcome our friend and longtime collaborator Ryan Thomas Becker to the podcast. Ryan has a deep history with both Grady and producer Brian Hutson, and together they revisit years of shared experiences—musical projects formed, bands dissolved, and everything that came in between.

Ryan opens up about his creative path, the lessons learned along the way, and the excitement around his upcoming solo album, #1 Honey Puppy Momma.

It's a candid, funny, and heartfelt conversation with one of North Texas's most original voices in music.

My guest this week is the incomparable Jeffrey Barnes — a true multi-instrumentalist and a cornerstone of Denton's legendary band Brave Combo.

Jeffrey and I dig into his fascinating journey: from discovering his passion for music, to joining Brave Combo and helping shape their iconic, genre-bending sound that's brought polka, rock, and world music together in ways nobody else dared. We also talk about his favorite instruments, unforgettable gigs, and what keeps him inspired after decades of making music.

This week on I WAS IN THAT BAND! my guest is Texas songwriter Mark Allan Atwood. We dig into his lifelong focus on songwriting, his past and present band projects, and the winding path that's carried him through the Texas music scene. Mark shares candid thoughts on the current state of the music business and venues, the changes he's witnessed over the years, and where he sees himself headed next. It's a conversation equal parts reflection and forward motion, from an artist who's never stopped chasing the song.

This week on I Was In That Band, Grady sits down with Texas roots troubadour Guthrie Kennard. From his early days in Virginia rock bands to decades of hard-earned cred in the Texas blues and Americana scenes, Guthrie shares stories from the road, collaborations with legends like Buddy Miles, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Rocky Hill, and Marc Benno—and the songwriting philosophy that's carried him around the world. It's a ride through smoky clubs, European tours, and the heart of Texas music with one of the scene's most soulful voices.

This week on I Was In That Band, we sit down with the powerhouse that is Trees Marie — singer, songwriter, bandleader, and frontwoman of the Led Zeppelin tribute act The Battle of Evermore.

Trees is our first female guest, and we dive into what that means in a world where women are still fighting for equal footing in the music industry. We talk about the realities of fronting two very different bands, the hard-won clarity of sobriety, and the balancing act of working a full-time job while chasing musical passion on her own terms.

It's a...

This week on I Was In That Band!, Grady sits down with singer-songwriter and MAP (Mason Adams Project) frontman Mason Adams for a conversation about the winding road that led him to lead his own band. From early musical influences to navigating the ups and downs of fronting a project, Mason opens up about what it takes to keep the music—and the musicians—moving forward. They share laughs over genre labels and whether they really matter, and dive into the challenges and rewards of being the one steering the ship—especially through recent lineup changes.

In this special bonus release from I Was In That Band, Christopher Holt delivers a stripped-down, soul-stirring performance of his original song "Parallel", recorded live in the Highland Sound Tracks studio.

Accompanying himself on our vintage Fender Rhodes electric piano, Chris brings a quiet intensity to this intimate solo rendition—capturing the lyrical depth and melodic grace that have defined his work across decades of Dallas music.

On this episode of I Was In That Band, Grady catches up with longtime friend Christopher Holt—a pillar of the Dallas music scene whose journey has taken him from local jam bands to sharing the stage with legends.

From Walter Mitty, Olo Spo, and The Slack to his solo work and tours with Don Henley, Max Weinberg's Jukebox, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, and now The Eagles, Christopher's path has been anything but ordinary.

They talk about how tastes and directions change over time, what Christopher truly values in music, and what it means to...

This week on I Was In That Band: I'm joined by drummer, producer, and recording engineer Matt Pence. From his early days in Denton with Adam's Farm, to his time in the beloved Centro-matic, to his current work with Shakey Graves, Matt has carved out a career defined by intention and craft. We talk about his unique and calculated approach to music-making, the evolving landscape of the industry, and the deep value of long-standing creative relationships in both the studio and onstage.

This week on I Was In That Band, I'm joined by legendary DFW drummer Bruce Alford.

Bruce shares stories of his early days growing up in Mississippi, his move to North Texas for college, and how he built a reputation as one of the area's most versatile and in-demand drummers. We talk about the arc of his career, his deep interest in drums and gear, and how that led him to buying and selling modern used drums. What started as a side hustle has grown into Fort Worth Drum Emporium—his own business and current link to th...

On this episode of I Was In That Band, Grady sits down with Matt Hillyer — longtime frontman of Eleven Hundred Springs and a true staple of Texas music. Matt shares his journey from getting into the music business as a teenager, through the formation of Lone Star Trio, and into the decades-spanning run of Eleven Hundred Springs. He opens up about the breakup of the band, the challenges and freedoms of stepping out as a solo artist, and the lessons learned along the way. Full of stories, laughs, and honest reflections, this is a conversation any fan of Texas co...

This week on I WAS IN THAT BAND! I sit down with the incomparable Paul Slavens — a true legend of the Denton music scene.

From his groundbreaking work with the genre-bending band Ten Hands to his long-running Monday night residency at Dan's Silverleaf—where he famously improvised songs on the spot using audience-suggested titles—Paul has carved out a unique space in Texas music history. We talk about his musical journey, his fearless approach to creativity, and what keeps him inspired after all these years. I've had the pleasure of making music with Paul over the years and ha...