Off Mic, Off the Record

Long time friend and Independent singer/songwriter Michael Padgett drops by for a visit to discuss: origins of his career in Texas Music, embellishment in songwriting, unknown common threads friends of 20 plus years didn't know they had, the local connection to Pure Country, the oddity of how alcohol is legal and other substances are not, Michael's life in real estate, and Hitler escapin...

Texas Independent singer/songwriter Landon Hoffman is poised to make a huge splash in the coming years with his unique brand of music.  Through soulful vocals fueled with some solid melodic energy, I am anxiously awaiting Landon's debut album.  On today's episode we discussed:  Life through music, the beauty of lake life, the benefits of Wildfire and Green Day.  Landon shares two tunes o...

Montana native Marcedes Carroll is an independent singer/songwriter who takes influence from not only those who came before her, but her environment and life to craft some amazing art.  On this episode we discuss: how life imitates art, experiences in the world of biology and anatomy, why listening to vinyl is so enriching and haunted mansions? Marcedes shares 3 songs, 2 off of her debut album alo...

In the long standing tradition of west Texas storytellers, Spencer wood is crafting his own brand of prose meets hard times.  Through powerful narratives around progress and the dying art of life in 3/4 time, if you listen long enough you'll find parallels to your own life.  On today's episode we discuss: The art of tattoos and why getting a person's name inked on your body may be a...

Kayla Ray is Texas born independent singer/songwriter who's unconventional lyrics are among some of the best on the scene today.  Through deep understanding of the human psyche, Kayla proved to be hands down one of the coolest guests I have had to date.  On this episode we discuss:  The difference between being neurotic and purpose, what a recitation is, how our environment and past do not de...

Justin Ross is a singer/songwriter who leans toward the heavier side of rock with a blues flair.  On today's episode we discuss: life at 40, the vastness of the paranormal world and what is bullshit, how wearing many hats in life can lead to doors opening, and of course, his new music.  Justin shares 3 new songs.  We had a blast playing catchup and just generally being a pair of jackasses.  E...

Texas independent singer/songwriter Kayla Jane is finding success off of her first full release through real, raw, genuine emotions.  On today's episode Kayla and I discuss:  How to occupy your time to the fullest, what it means to truly be genuine, how to overcome addiction and reclaim your life as your own and along the way Kayla shares three amazing tunes off of "Filthy Hands".  ...

Alabama native Adam Hood is in my opinion one of the most prolific singer/songwriters on the scene today.  Through a healthy dose of realism in his highway songs or his approach to blue-collar life and love, Adam continually proves he is in touch with the listener.  On this episode we discuss: the lore and tradition of both Auburn and Texas A&M universities, a peek behind the curtain of the wo...

McKenna Kasowski is an independent singer/songwriter who is starting to create buzz around her honest and deliberate writing.  On this episode we discuss: transitions in life and how that creates art, regionalism and how much of an influence it has over growth and style, the craziness that is Dexter and supernatural encounters?  KcKenna also shares the new single, one previous release as well as a...

Zach Welch is a Texas independent singer/songwriter and purveyor of sad songs.  On this episode we discuss: hazards of being a punk teenager and how reflecting on bad decisions makes us who we are today, meeting celebs in real life, the importance of skee-ball and the claw game, as well as the oddities of The State Fair of Texas. Zach shares two songs off the album along with an amazing track that...

Reed Barton is an independent singer/ songwriter who is very versed in several aspects of life and music.  On this episode we discussed: living healthy, music being more than just songs, the allure of Hemingway and what it's like to tour his former home in Cuba, and the food of NYC.  OH, there's a bit of music in there too.  Reed share two amazing songs with us, one of which is exclusive...

A native of New Mexico who now calls Texas home, Josh Grider has solidified himself as a staple of the Texas Independent Music scene.  Through countless number 1 singles to his prolific portrayal of the goodness, Josh continues to showcase a standard of songwriting that is at the heart of what the better parts of life can be.  Join us as we discuss: first experiences with underground country, the...

A graduate of Texas A&M University (Gig'Em) Ben has solidified his place along the recent resurgence of artists coming out of College Station.  Ben brings a unique blend of soulful infused rock/ Americana/Roots music.  On this episode Ben and I discuss the blending of genres to form what we now call independent music, what it takes to truly utilize social media outlets to better a music c...

Talk about the greatest name ever! Buck is an independent singer/songwriter from Texas who is also one of the most genuine people on the planet.  On this episode we explore misconceptions about heritage, how awesome the 90's were, passion projects, the importance of real history lessons, and music we love.  Buck shared 2 unreleased songs with us as one of his most influential songs. I really,...

Mike Valliere is a Texas independent singer/songwriter and current member of Copper Chief.  Join us as we discuss life without smartphones, the complexities of 80's and 90's kids movies, the sheer disparity between what's accepted in pop music vs other genres, and how mental health is underplayed in today's society.  Mike shares some amazing music, and I'm here to tell you...

Formed from the music they were raised on with a twist of modern rhythm, The Band Laredo are in the infant stages, but its members are far from rookies.  Join us as we discuss the current climate of music, what coffee is really all about, favorite drummers, and how to brew the perfect cup of tea.  They share four tunes with us, including the new single and two unreleased tracks.  I am a fan and fi...

Dalton Domino has become a mainstay in the Texas and Independent music scene through his profound songwriting and sometimes the antics.  In today's episode we discuss: What Honcho Music group is all about, how to avoid pitfalls as a new artist, the stark reality of what makes family family, how to help those experiencing homelessness, and a very personal look at addiction. Dalton shared two n...

A fourth generation native Texan, Adrian Johnston has been creating and crafting her own brand of independent music for many years while successfully spearheading the G.R.I.T. tour.  Along the way she also runs a B&B as well as a very popular boutique in Jefferson, Tx.  Join us as we play catchup and discuss: personal probable spiritual encounters, why music is such a powerful tool, fantastic...

Bubba Bellin is an independent singer/songwriter who's main focus is Soul Country as well as being a very accomplished pedal steel player. You might say he is making R&B music in 3/4 time.  Join us as we discuss: Cell phone addictions, 90's music favorites as well as the importance of a good brush popper.  I'm sure we got off topic, but Bubba shares some amazing music. Do you ha...

Kolton Moore is a Texas-based independent singer-songwriter and an avid outdoorsman who runs his own outfit.  On this episode we discuss: what it means to truly hunt vs just shooting, New Zealand, recognizing Texas landmarks in film, the importance of handshakes in a disconnect culture and the innocence of writing at a young age.  Kolton shared some of his newer music along with a staple of his th...

Texas Independent artist Mike Stanley is a man of many hats.  This singer/songwriter doesn't do downtime, he's always being creative, and on this episode we dive into his many talents.  We also discussed the power of addiction and how to overcome, the importance of being sincere and dogs.  Agatha makes a bunch of noise too.  Oh, the music- Mike shared his new single as well as this being...

Nashville based singer/songwriter Brandon Steadman dropped by and he and I had an amazing time catching up as we discussed: how heartbreak influences our writing methodology, renewing the Texas vs Texas A&M rivalry, the art of watching a song being born, and hangovers.  Brandon also shared 3 amazing songs, one of which may be in my top five favorites of the year.  This was a blast! Do you have...

I can honestly say this was by far the most fun I have had doing one of these podcasts.  I sat down with Matt, James, Steven and Johnny to discuss/ramble about:  Double decker bus rides during a blizzard, first pet names, peace during the pandemic as well as influences.  Oh, they played  the new single along with a few others.  This one is a can't miss friends! Do you have feedback? Tell us w...

Born and based out of Louisiana, Lucas and Co. are beginning to solidify a hold on the independent music scene in Texas as well as across the country.  Join us as we talk all the things: Growing up, resets during the pandemic, brotherhood through it all as well as what drives us as humans.  I was truly blessed to hang with this amazing group of musicians.  Also, that last tune is absolute solid go...

I am truly blessed to have the diversity of guest's I've had so far. Chris Watson is an accomplished accompanist who has shared the stages with some of the biggest acts in the Funk/Soul/ R&B vein of music as well as a successful career as a front man for The Chris Watson Band and currently with Retrophonics.  Today we took a deep dive into music theory, misconceptions of musicians, a...