Ever wondered how punk and metal enthusiasts morph into celebrated songwriters? Unleash the story behind the musical transformation of Tribe and King, and choir aficionado turned songwriter, Ray Kwan Green, in a festival they never dreamt of being part of. Discover their musical journey, from their roots to their current fame, and hear first-hand experiences of their struggles, victories, and the unforgettable experience of singing in an old church, which played a significant role in their success. 

Want to carve a career in the music industry? Absorb practical advice from Tribe and King and Ray Kwan Green, learn about the hustle it takes to make it, and the power of never accepting "can't" as reality. Are you inspired by the sound of country music resonating within church walls? You're in for a treat as our guests share their gratitude for the success achieved and the power of grace in their lives. Hear their tales and tune into the rhythm of their journey, a testament to talent and perseverance that will inspire you to chase your dreams in the music industry.

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX.  IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

Ever wished you could peek inside the minds of songwriters and understand what motivates their creativity? Look no further! As your hosts, we invite you on the 266 Express for an intimate chat with the incredibly talented songwriters, Alexandra and Matt. Alexandra, a Dallas-based artist, reveals her journey from an Ohio teenager, crafting songs influenced by the likes of Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks, to her present-day excitement about her upcoming fifth single. Matt, a native Texan, walks us through his late start in guitar playing, his classical beginnings, and how he got swayed by the magic of blues and rock music. 

In a heartwarming conversation, Alexandra and Matt delve into their experiences at the Songwriter Festival, sharing impressions of the vibrant atmosphere, talented artists, and the overwhelming community spirit. They offer a rare glimpse into their songwriting processes and the inspirations that fuel their musical creations. As we wrap up, they let us in on where to find their music and their upcoming projects. So, fasten your seatbelts and join us for a melodious journey through songwriting, music, and the joy of festivals!

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX.  IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

Brace yourselves for an exciting journey into the world of musicians Hazy Blues and Jeremy Parsons, who joined us at the Old Bolivar Songwriter Festival in Sanger, Texas. They laid bare their creative processes, from Hazy Blues' evolution from a duo to a four-piece ensemble and their upcoming album release, to Parsons' transition from San Antonio to Nashville, using songwriting as a therapeutic outlet for his unique life experiences.

Immerse yourself in their shared and distinct stories that will inspire and entertain, as they delve into the dynamics of songwriting - solo versus group, and how their life experiences have influenced their music. Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even be inspired to pen your own lyrics as you join us on this musical adventure. Whether you're a fan, an aspiring songwriter, or just someone who appreciates good music and storytelling, this episode is a treat you don't want to miss.

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX.  IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

Ever wondered about the magic that unfolds when a group of individuals join forces to create a song? Get ready to be enchanted as we journey with Michael David Dean, an inspiring songwriter from Austin, Texas. Michael shares his captivating story of musical beginnings, the difficult decision to step away from music to raise a family and work a corporate job, and his eventual triumphant return to the realm of songwriting and performing.

This episode not only reveals the man behind the music, but also the essence of his craft. Michael delves into his creative process, the joy of collaboration, and the crucial role of emotion in songwriting. He also emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between personal life and career, and takes us through his current projects and future plans. Tune in and enjoy an intimate chat with Michael David Dean - don't miss his invaluable advice for those needing that extra push to pursue their dreams.

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX.  IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

Imagine finding your music rhythm while sponging off the dinner plates or spontaneously crafting a melody while taking a stroll. This week, we are thrilled to have Brittany Beckston and Jordan Shepherd, accomplished musicians with intriguing tales. Brittany shares her lifelong love for music and the huge leap she took by moving to Nashville to follow her passion. Jordan takes us on a journey from his bluegrass family roots to creating his unique sound inspired by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Leonard Skinnerd, and 90s country.

But the fun doesn't stop there. Brittany and Jordan pull the curtains back on their songwriting process, revealing how each composition takes a unique form. Ever wondered how the song 'Free Fall' came to life or how Jordan's household chores inspire his best songs? Get ready to discover captivating, behind-the-scenes insights into their creative process. They also discuss navigating different music genres and how their varied influences lend distinctiveness to their music. Whether you're a music connoisseur seeking inspiration or simply a fan of great tunes, this episode promises a delightful mix of personal stories, laughs, and meaningful insights.

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX.  IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

Experience the raw and real stories of Adara Kay and Ross Fleming, two seasoned songwriters who have graced the stage of the Old Baller Station Songwriter Festival. Their passion and determination will leave you captivated as they share the highs and lows of their musical journey- from their first nerve-wracking gigs to the refining fires of Middle Tennessee State University. They unravel how they thread their experiences and emotions into compelling lyrics and how their inspirations range from country legend Merle Haggard to pop star Taylor Swift and even Hannah Montana and Hellstorm. They shed light on the duality of their roles as singer-songwriters and the grit it takes to forge ahead in the ever-evolving music industry. Adara and Ross also reveal heartfelt moments that inspire them, like the sight of a young girl in the front row, belting out their songs with fervor.

Catch the second half of our episode as we engage with Derrick Hay, a multifaceted singer-songwriter and music producer. Derrick shares a sneak peek into his upcoming single that promises to be a hit. He also zooms in on the vital role of social media and streaming platforms in shaping a musician's career in this digital age. This conversation is a goldmine for anyone intrigued by the modern music scene, the intricate art of songwriting, and the unyielding determination necessary to carve out a niche in this industry. So, spark your inspiration, listen carefully and who knows? You might even find yourself humming along!

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX.  IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

Ever wondered how isolation during a pandemic can be transformed into a journey of self-discovery and creativity? Tune into our conversation with Tara Grace and Anthony Prater, two blooming musicians who have done just that, and more. Tara Grace, a new resident of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, talks about her creative process during COVID-19 that led to her first ever recording project. Listen on as she shares how she channeled her personal experiences into her songwriting, spinning tales of heartbreak into beautiful melodies. 

Now meet Anthony Prater, a San Antonio native, who shares his evolution from a teen playing heavy rock and punk to launching his first solo EP this year. He delves into his growth as a songwriter, and how he has uniquely blended music and history in his recent works. The duo further discuss their evolving songwriting styles and inspirations, naming influences from a spectrum of music genres, and the process of staying authentic in an industry that often demands conformity. Don't miss these fascinating insights into the songwriting craft from these promising artists.

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX.  IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

What do truth, love, and the power of music have in common? They form the backbone of a truly impactful song, or so say our guests for this episode, the renowned songwriters Ron Grimes and Stefan Prigmore. Ron and Stefan are here to share their remarkable journeys in the music industry, and we promise it's a narrative you won't want to pause. 

We kick things off at the Old Bolivar Station Songwriter Festival, where Ron and Stefan pull back the curtain on their creative processes and talk about the essence of songwriting. Hear it from Ron himself as he recounts his inspiring story from strumming his first guitar at 10 to co-writing chart-topping songs with Leanne Rimes, and learn about Stefan's unique path, one marked by struggles with addiction and the healing power of songwriting. Closing on a high note, we reveal the winner of our songwriter contest, Jordan Shepard, a talent you’ll definitely want to keep an ear out for. So, tune in, and let's celebrate the craft of songwriting and the magic of music together!

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX.  IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

Meet the effervescent Kim Ewing, a musical powerhouse from the heart of Texas. Our chat with Kim takes you through her incredible journey, starting from the age of 10, when she first picked up a pen to express herself through lyrics, to the momentous occasion when she strummed her first guitar chords at 21. As she weaves the tale of her life in music, you'd get to hear about her seminal Christian piece, "Could it Be?", which marked the beginning of her inspiring songwriting career. Join us in the nostalgia as she remarks on the forgettable lyrics but the unforgettable title of her first song.

An exciting part of our conversation with Kim revolves around her unexpected discovery of the Bolivar Street Songwriter Festival through a Facebook ad. She recounts her experiences performing at the festival, her awe-inspiring encounters with fellow musicians, and her admiration for the musical maestro, Ron Grimes. You also get a peek into her performances in East Texas, especially at local wineries and Kitchen's Hardware and Deli in Mineola. Kim's radiant endorsement of the festival is a call to all budding musicians and songwriters and an invitation to dive into the enriching world of songwriting. This episode is a beautiful montage of Kim's vibrant musical journey and an inspiring exploration of songwriting's captivating world.

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX.  IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

Get ready to mark your calendars folks! We've got the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Amanda Gibson, giving us an exclusive on the 45th Annual Downtown Sellabration Festival. With an impressive line-up of food trucks, vendors, games, raffles and even a mechanical bull ride, it's promising to be an event to remember. Amanda walks us through how this community-oriented festival has grown and blossomed over the years. We also get an insider's peek into the beneficiaries of this grand event, such as Casa of Denton County.

We're not just about the big events, though. In the second part of our conversation, we get personal with Amanda as she shares why the warm, small-town atmosphere of Sanger was the perfect choice for her and her family. Our chat turns to the recent Songwriter Festival and how even the smallest events can have a profound impact on the community. We also get a sneak peek into the Chamber's plans for the upcoming holiday celebration in partnership with the City of Sanger, along with some exciting details on the Safe Spook event in Downtown Sanger that's just around the corner. So, pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate, and join us for an episode filled with celebration, community spirit, and small-town charm.

If you would like to support Beaver Builders as they raise money for CASA, please call 940-458-7354.

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX.  IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]