Hitting the Road

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Madison Hughes — a boundary-bending artist whose debut album All That I Am marks the arrival of a voice that’s as bold as it is soulful.

Madison has never been interested in choosing just one lane. From viral acoustic covers that put her on Nashville’s radar to prime-time TV performances and a creative upbringing steeped in American roots music, she’s been carving out a sound that lives between genres — part Americana, part blues, part indie folk, part modern country… and fully her own.

Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, in an entrepreneurial, music-loving household, Madison grew up backstage at her mother’s local festival, absorbing performances from artists like Shovels & Rope, Drew Holcomb, and Lera Lynn. She later studied digital film production, a skill that helped her blow up on TikTok before making the move to Nashville, where she found both her voice and her confidence.

From the southern stomp of “Losing the Grip” to the rainy-day atmosphere of “Nobody Knows Your Love,” Madison’s music feels like a road trip across the American landscape — gritty, honest, wide open, and full of soul. And at the center of it all is a voice that can whisper, wail, and soar, matched only by her storytelling.

This episode dives into self-discovery, independence, and what it looks like to build your own lane in a town full of lanes. Madison Hughes isn’t trying to be like anyone else — and that’s exactly why she’s one of Nashville’s most exciting new artists.

Tune in and hit the road with Madison Hughes. You’re gonna love this one.

Check out Madison’s music - https://www.madisonhughes.com/

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On this episode of Hitting The Road, we sit down with Sam Grow—one of country music’s most powerful voices and one of its most relentless storytellers. From booking his own shows and grinding through years of DIY hustle to watching his debut studio album Love and Whiskey hit #1 on iTunes with zero radio play, Sam’s journey is the definition of blue-collar perseverance.

We talk about the breakout moment that followed—how “Song About You” exploded to over 50 million streams and landed on Spotify’s Best Country Songs list, and how that success gave Sam the clarity and confidence to dig even deeper into his craft. His latest project, This Town, is his most personal yet: a raw, honest, and deeply human look at small-town life, heartbreak, loss, and the moments that shape who we become.

Sam shares stories behind the songs, the lessons he learned from playing in backyards across America during 2020, and why he believes music’s greatest purpose is helping people feel less alone. From pop-punk edges and ‘90s country influences to the emotional punch of “You Ain’t Gone” and the patriotic grit of “Kiss My Ass,” Sam walks us through the album that reconnected him to where he came from—and where he’s headed next.

If you’ve ever fought through something hard, chased down a dream, or leaned on a song to get you through, this conversation will hit home. Sam Grow is proof that your story matters, your roots matter, and you’re never walking through it alone.

Check out Sam's music - https://officialsamgrow.com/

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In this episode of Hitting the Road, we sit down with rising country star Drew Green for an in-depth conversation that pulls back the curtain on his remarkable path in music. Hailing from McMinnville, Tennessee, Drew shares how small-town life, family values, and a deep love for storytelling shaped his sound and songwriting.

We trace his journey from open-mic nights and co-writing in cramped Nashville rooms to landing cuts with major artists and releasing his own breakout singles. Drew opens up about the raw emotion behind fan-favorite tracks like “Good Ol’ Man” and “Hometown Tonight,” the challenges of staying authentic in a changing industry, and the late-night inspirations that fuel his music.

With humor and humility, Drew reflects on the highs of touring, the grind of the creative process, and what it means to write songs that resonate from dive bars to radio waves. Whether you’re a longtime country fan or just discovering his music, this episode is a front-porch chat with one of the genre’s most genuine voices.

Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, lessons from the road, and a sneak peek at what’s coming next from Drew Green. Perfect for anyone who believes great country music starts with a great story.

In this episode, we sit down with rising music artist NORA to go beyond the tracks and dive into the real story behind the name. Known for raw honesty and bold musical moments, NORA takes us on a journey through her beginnings, creative process, and where she is now. 

We talk about how she first found her voice, what inspires her to write the kind of songs she does (“music says what words can’t… it allows us to feel seen by each other in ways nothing else can”), and how she’s navigating the fast-paced world of social media (yes, we dig into TikTok moves!) and the live-tour grind. She opens up about her upcoming single “Kiss My Ass,” and what it means to her. 

Along the way, NORA gives listeners a peek behind the scenes—what it’s like to write from the heart, how she balances vulnerability with strength, and her aspirations for 2026. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a fan of authentic voices, or just curious about the music industry, this chat offers something real. 

Tune in for an honest conversation, a little laughter, and perhaps one or two surprises. Get ready: it’s just NORA — raw, real, and ready.

Check out NORA's Instagram - @its_justnora

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In this episode of Hitting The Road, we sit down with Tristan Tritt, a Georgia-born rocker who’s carving his own lane in the world of music. Though he grew up surrounded by country greats — as the son of legend Travis Tritt and brother to Tyler Reese Tritt — Tristan’s sound leans more toward the grit of Motörhead, Ozzy Osbourne, and Stone Temple Pilots than the twang of traditional country.

After studying music production and artist management on the West Coast, Tristan realized his real passion was on stage, guitar in hand, doing what he loves most: performing. With a bold mix of southern roots and heavy rock energy, he’s proving that authenticity and raw passion are the driving forces behind his music and his message — “I’m doing it my way.”

Tune in as we talk about his journey, influences, and what it means to stay true to yourself in an industry that loves to put you in a box.

Check out Tristan's music - https://www.tristantritt.com/

Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this episode, we sit down with Travis Bolt — the small-town Texas artist turning raw honesty into country gold. Known for his breakout viral hit “Never Tried Cocaine” (12M+ streams and counting), Travis opens up about the stories behind his songs, his unlikely rise from local gigs to signing with Gravel Road Records, and how heartbreak, redemption, and a little grit have shaped his sound.

Blending the outlaw spirit of Jerry Jeff Walker and Cody Jinks with the soulful touch of Ray LaMontagne and Amos Lee, Travis is carving a lane all his own — one rooted in truth, twang, and timeless songwriting. We talk about the power of vulnerability, the highs and lows that fuel creativity, and what fans can expect from his debut EP coming this spring.

If you love real stories and real country music, this one’s for you.

Check out Travis' music - https://www.travisboltmusic.com/

Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

This week on Hitting The Road, we sit down with Thelma & James — the powerhouse duo of married singer-songwriters MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge. What began as an impromptu writing session between two artists who had spent years pursuing their own successful careers has now evolved into something extraordinary.

Their first co-write in over a decade, “Happy Ever After You,” not only went Gold in Canada but also caught the attention of icons like John Mayer, Luke Combs, and Brandi Carlile — racking up over 20 million streams along the way. Now signed to Big Loud Records, Thelma & James are embarking on a brand-new chapter with their debut EP, Starting Over.

In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to rediscover your creative spark with the person you love, the beauty (and challenge) of blending marriage with music, and the serendipity that led to one of the most exciting new duos in country music.

Join us for a conversation that’s as honest, heartfelt, and inspiring as the songs themselves.

Check out Thelma & James - https://thelmaandjames.com/

Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this week’s episode of Hitting The Road, we sit down with Army veteran, country artist, and storyteller Scotty Hasting — a man whose journey from the battlefield to the stage is nothing short of inspiring. After being shot ten times while serving in Afghanistan, Scotty’s life changed forever. What could have been the end of his story instead became the beginning of a new one — a story of healing, hope, and purpose found through music.

Since picking up a guitar in 2020, Scotty has made an incredible mark in country music. Signed to Black River Entertainment, he’s released powerful tracks like “How Do You Choose” and “I’m America”, and even collaborated with legends Lee Brice and Dolly Parton on “’Til The Last Shot’s Fired.” From honoring fallen brothers to celebrating the spirit of our nation, Scotty’s music reflects both his patriotism and his perseverance.

In our conversation, Scotty opens up about finding peace in songwriting, overcoming the struggles of PTSD, and what it means to truly live with purpose. We also talk about his Grand Ole Opry debut, his mission to help other veterans through organizations like CreatiVets and Guitars 4 Vets, and his lighthearted side with his feel-good anthem “Pro Beer.”

Scotty Hasting’s story is a testament to resilience — and proof that sometimes the greatest battles lead to the most powerful songs.

Listen to hear how Scotty is using his music to heal, connect, and inspire others to keep going — no matter what they’ve been through.

Check out Scotty's music - https://www.scottyhasting.com/

Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this episode of Hitting the Road, we sit down with Nashville-based tour manager and front-of-house engineer Riley Vasquez—a behind-the-scenes pro who’s spent the last decade keeping live shows tight, efficient, and great-sounding across 4 continents and 20+ countries.

Riley’s résumé is stacked: he’s helped drive tours for bands like Colony House, Switchfoot, Walk the Moon, American Authors, COIN, and more. Along the way, he saw how tough it can be for crew to break in and move up—so in 2019 he founded Tour Collective to connect touring professionals with opportunities and help them build sustainable careers.

We dig into the nuts and bolts of life on the road, what makes a great tour manager, and the lessons Riley teaches in his new course, Tour Management Made Easy —designed for aspiring TMs, audio engineers, and anyone serious about running smooth shows. We also get into his early days as a student learning the ropes at MTSU.

If you’re curious about touring, want to level up your crew game, or just love the craft behind a killer live show, this one’s for you.

Check out Riley's work - https://www.rileyvasquez.com/

Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com

In this episode of Hitting the Road, we sit down with Florida native Emily Brooke, a powerhouse vocalist whose blend of heartfelt storytelling and undeniable stage presence has made her one of country music’s most exciting rising stars.

Emily first caught the nation’s attention as a Top 24 contestant on American Idol, where she wowed judges and fans with her stunning performances. Since then, she’s built an impressive career—sharing the stage with country heavyweights like Old Dominion, Kelsea Ballerini, and Russell Dickerson, while racking up millions of streams on standout singles including “Easy On Me,” “Think You’re Jolene,” and “Whiskey Side of Me.”

Beyond her success as a performer, Emily has carved out a reputation as a songwriter unafraid to lean into vulnerability, strength, and raw emotion. From major festival stages to intimate songwriter rounds, she continues to prove she’s a force to be reckoned with.

We talk about her journey so far, the inspiration behind her music, and what’s next on the road ahead.

Check out Emily’s music - https://www.emilybrookemusic.com/

Check out our sponsor - https://nashvillevans.com