Join me for a candid conversation with Alex Key, an independent country artist from Wilkesboro, North Carolina. In this episode, Alex shares his insights on maintaining authenticity in country music, the importance of storytelling, and his experiences performing at iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry. We delve into the challenges and rewards of producing his own music, the influence of traditional sounds, and the evolving landscape of the country music industry. Whether you're a country music enthusiast or curious about the creative process, this episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into the world of an artist dedicated to keeping country music true to its roots.

For anyone who has been listening, it's been a personal goal of having an artist on the Podcast for years, and I am so appreciative of the time that Mr. Key took out of his schedule to talk with me on the road. You can find all of the links associated with his music down below. I promise you that it will feel as if you have been transported back in time.

Alex Key Links:

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@alex_key_music?si=AuAEaUHLomi4X0j8

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@alex_key_music

Website: https://www.alexkeymusicgroup.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex_key_music/?hl=en

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4kfrzXGnQDAszWsQr7aNSi?si=-9JAy1TDT9CW5wyugKsGTA

Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/alex-key/1457771274

We sit down with my buddy Austin as we discuss what makes Red Dirt and neo-traditional country unique and special compared to the mainstream. We feature artists like Dylan Gossett and Wyatt Flores, and trace the roots that trace back to Oklahoma and Texas, exploring how this sound has held onto its soul while the mainstream drifts ever further away. It’s part interview, part laid-back conversation between two country fans who just love the music and where it comes from.

email me at [email protected]

https://linktr.ee/ofthesteelguitarpod

Fiddle Intro by Miss. Rachel Crick

Follow her on instagram @rachelannecrick

Her Fiverr link is below! https://www.fiverr.com/s/j0GKlZ

Rest of Intro: Jeremy King

Fiverr

https://www.fiverr.com/s/8VRWNz

We break down Charley Pride’s iconic 1971 hit, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’.” With its smooth vocals,bright instrumentalsss and timeless charm, this song became more than just a No. 1 country single—it became a blueprint for love and longevity.

We explore the song’s origins, the cultural weight it carried during Pride’s rise as a Black country superstar, and the magic behind its simple, heartfelt advice. Whether you’re a lifelong country fan or just discovering the classics, this one’s a sweet slice of country gold.

We journey back to the Dust Bowl days and the heartache of the Great Depression, a time when America’s fields were cracked, but its spirit remained unbroken. As families lost farms and futures, country music became more than just a sound. It became a lifeline. From the desperation of the Dust Bowl to the resilience echoing from porch radios, we explore how economic despair gave rise to the second generation of country music. With steel guitars crying out across the plains and ballads of hardship and hope filling the air, this is the story of how music helped a nation hold on.

In this episode, I take a personal dive into Jason Aldean’s Grown Woman—a song that’s stuck with me in ways I didn’t expect. From the lyrics to the emotions it stirred up, we talk about how a simple country track can hit deep, bring back memories, and even shape how we see ourselves and others. Whether you're a fan of Aldean or just someone who's had a song change the way you think, this one’s for you.

email me at [email protected]

https://linktr.ee/ofthesteelguitarpod

Welcome to another episode of my Country Classic series! In this episode, I dive deep into the iconic song Big Iron, taking you through the historical background and the real-life Arizona Rangers who inspired it. We’ll explore the context surrounding this classic and how the story of a lone lawman and a dangerous outlaw speaks to themes of justice, fate, and heroism. Along the way, I’ll share my interpretation of what this song means and why it still resonates today.

A big shoutout to Rachel Crick for her amazing fiddle performance in the intro and to Jeremy King for the rest of the music that sets the tone for this episode as always.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the episode—feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback at [email protected].

"Of emotions, of love, of breakup, of love and hate and death and dying, mama, apple pie, and the whole thing. It covers a lot of territory, country music does."

~ The immortal Johnny Cash

Hiyah! I am still alive! :) I go over some details that explain the absence of the recordings, plans for the future, and some rambles upon this whole life thing! Stay tuned for more!

email me at [email protected]

https://linktr.ee/ofthesteelguitarpod

Just a fun little episode about road trip song suggestions. (Apologies for the intro missing, IMovie didn’t want to allow me to put it in afterwards.)

email me at [email protected]

https://linktr.ee/ofthesteelguitarpod

Songs I Can’t Write: https://open.spotify.com/track/22khti8fLqXsSCGRMWJLCG?si=NG6w7aBUSqeYoI4mySGsqg

Outlaws & Mustangs; https://open.spotify.com/track/22khti8fLqXsSCGRMWJLCG?si=NG6w7aBUSqeYoI4mySGsqg

Billy Don Burns: I Seen A Lot Of Highway: https://open.spotify.com/album/39PmEyNnyavj0wSuVURXXJ?si=6d2CCG7gQAK1G7WdGogagA