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 the music world. It’s a great conversation with someone who’s spent a lifetime behind the kit and around the gear.

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 country won’t want to miss.

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 have always admired his wit, talent, and boundless imagination. It was a real treat to have him on the show.

In this special episode of I Was In That Band, Jacob Furr joins Grady for a deep dive into their friendship, their experiences on opposite sides of the DFW music scene, and how personal loss has shaped their creative paths. As they reflect on the highs and lows of independent music, this conversation also serves as a behind-the-scenes look at the Highland Sound Tracks filming process. Along the way, producer Brian Hutson makes some off-mic appearances, while guest engineer Travis Bonnet jumps in with his own insights. It’s an episode filled with stories, laughter, and a raw look at the bonds that keep musicians going.

In this long-awaited episode of I WAS IN THAT BAND!, Grady sits down with Texas singer-songwriter Isaac Hoskins for a conversation that’s been sitting on the shelf since December 2024. Isaac shares the story of how he found his way to Denton, Texas, and the community that’s shaped his music over the years. They dig into Isaac’s early musical influences, the winding road of a working musician, and what “success” really means when you’re chasing songs instead of charts. This was actually the second episode we ever recorded, and we’re excited to finally bring it to you.

On this episode of I WAS IN THAT BAND!, I sit down with Kenny Withrow, the legendary guitarist of Edie Brickell & New Bohemians. We dive into his early days in the Dallas music scene, the formation and evolution of New Bohemians, and his time playing with the wild and funky Billy Goat. Kenny shares the moments that shaped his musical journey, and what continues to inspire him to pick up the guitar today.

This week on I WAS IN THAT BAND!, Grady sits down with Brent Best, the voice and pen behind Slobberbone, one of the most revered alt-country bands to come out of Texas. Brent shares the stories behind the band's formation, the work ethic that kept them going, and the musical influences that shaped their sound. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Slobberbone, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and a few laughs.

In this episode, we're joined by Adrian Hulet, frontman and songwriter of the progressive rock band Oso Closo. Adrian opens up about his musical journey, sharing the influences that shaped his sound, the early projects that paved the way, and the rise and eventual breakup of Oso Closo. We explore his creative process, how he crafts music that resonates, and how he balances the pursuit of his musical dreams with the demands of family life. It's a heartfelt, insightful conversation that offers a glimpse into the highs, lows, and everything in between of a life dedicated to music.

In this episode, we talk with Tom Pevear, a folk guitarist and singer from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tom discusses his musical journey, early inspirations, and the unique sound he has developed. He talks about his music's roots, his creative process, and the challenges of being an artist today. This conversation is an inspiring look into Tom's world.