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]

Did you miss the Old Bolivar Station Songwriter Festival?  Over the next few weeks, we will release interviews with some of our performers.  Listen to their stories about getting into the business and their career climb.

This episode features Jacob Muniz & JJ Roberson.

Listen to JJ Roberson:  https://www.facebook.com/jjrobersonmusic/
Liston to Jacob Muniz:  https://www.facebook.com/jacob.muniz.7/

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]

Buddy Jewell will be the headliner of the upcoming Old Bolivar Station Songwriter Festival.  Listen to the story of his rise to fame.

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]