Tailgate Beers

In this Tailgate Beers episode recorded at the Tailgate N' Tallboys festival in Bloomington, Josh Ross catches up with the Austin & Ryan about his rapid rise since his last appearance, including landing his first U.S. Top 10 radio single and releasing a summer collaboration with Akon—an artist he grew up admiring—which has quickly become one of his biggest streaming successes. He talks about strategically dropping music midweek, the growth of the festival circuit, and how returning to familiar markets helps build a loyal fanbase. Beyond music, Ross shares updates on buying a house, getting a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever to dive deeper into hunting, potential NHL performance opportunities, and heavy touring plans across the U.S., Canada, and possibly overseas. He also opens up about finding happiness in his personal life, keeping relationships private, and how that mindset may subtly shape the tone of his upcoming project.

This Tailgate Beers episode leans into the wild, behind-the-scenes side of life on the road as Fox N’ Vead joins the podcast from Tailgate N’ Tallboys in Bloomington, Illinois. The band shares how four very different personalities and musical tastes collided to form a sound rooted in rock, country, and punk influences, and how early struggles—from shaky first practices to quitting steady jobs—pushed them to fully bet on themselves. They reflect on the grind of touring, writing as a unit, and learning from artists like Kameron Marlowe, Gavin Adcock, and Ole 60, who not only gave them opportunities but also real-world advice on how to grow. Along the way, the conversation highlights the group’s unfiltered humor, genuine friendship, and deep respect for fans who travel long distances to support them, painting a picture of a band that’s equal parts chaos, gratitude, and momentum as they carve out their place in the scene.

On this episode of the Tailgate Beers podcast, Austin & Ryan sit down with Nuthin Fancy CEO Jackson Grove at the Tailgate N’ Tallboys festival to talk about how a laid-back idea born from farm nights with friends turned into a fast-growing lifestyle brand. Grove shares how Nuthin Fancy evolved from a hobby into a full-time business during his final years of college and the COVID era, the risks he took sending free hats to artists, and how early relationships—most notably with Hardy—helped propel the brand into the country music spotlight, including a hat landing in the Country Music Hall of Fame. He discusses the importance of authentic relationships, strategic collaborations with artists, festivals, and motorsports, and maintaining creative control while slowly expanding into retail. Throughout the conversation, Grove reflects on staying grounded, enjoying the ride, and building a brand centered on quality, community, and genuine connections rather than hype.

Austin and Ryan catch up with country artist Dylan Schneider backstage at Tailgate N’ Tallboys. Dylan talks about his journey from Indiana to Nashville, the grind of early gigs, breaking into the country scene, and what it’s like balancing life on the road with writing and recording. From festival stages to behind-the-scenes moments, this episode gives a real look at one of country’s rising acts.

Austin and Ryan sit down with country artist Graham Barham at Tailgate N’ Tallboys in Clinton, Iowa. Graham shares his story of growing up in Louisiana, moving to Nashville, and chasing down songs that tell his truth. The conversation ranges from life on the festival circuit to building a young career in country music, with plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes stories along the way

Austin and Ryan sit down with rising country artist Bayker Blankenship backstage at Tailgate N’ Tallboys in Clinton, Iowa. Bayker opens up about turning 20, building a young band from scratch, going from factory work to record deals, and sharing the stage with Whiskey Myers. The conversation drifts from career milestones and touring with Lainey Wilson to fishing, golf, and even the great washcloth debate, classic Tailgate Beers style!

Day two at Tailgate N’ Tallboys in Clinton, Iowa brings the guys from Ole 60 to the Tailgate Beers Podcast. Jacob and Dwight sit down with us to talk about life on the road, growing up in Owensboro, KY, and how a few buddies playing music turned into something that’s connecting with fans across the country.

We dive into songwriting, their commitment to only performing music they’ve had a hand in creating, and the raw authenticity that’s driving their rise. The band shares stories from festivals like Railbird, shotgun beers with fans at the campground, and what it feels like to finally hear a crowd sing their lyrics back at them.

There’s plenty of talk about the Cubs vs. Cardinals rivalry, influences like Treaty Oak Revival, and how Ole 60 is carving their own space in country and Americana. It’s a laid-back, genuine conversation about music, roots, and keeping it real on and off the stage.

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In this episode of Tailgate Beers, country singer-songwriter Cole Goodwin joins the crew for a lively and heartfelt conversation that dives into his musical journey from Georgia to the Ryman stage, his deep roots in hunting and fishing, and his passion for family and old-school country. Recorded before his set opening for Vincent Mason in Peoria, Cole brings his Southern charm, quick wit, and a love for chocolate milk and outdoor life to the table. Whether he's talking about turkey hunting tactics or performing songs that reflect his authentic style, Cole proves he's an artist to watch—and a natural fit for the Tailgate Beers vibe.

In this episode of Tailgate Beers, rising country artist Vincent Mason joins the crew at Crusens in West Peoria for a lively, behind-the-scenes look at his fast-track journey through the music scene. From swapping stories about wild tour nights with Gavin Adcock to reflecting on the roots of his songwriting and the unexpected rise of his hit “Hell is a Dance Floor,” Vincent gives fans an authentic glimpse into his path from dorm-room recordings to major festival stages. With charm, humor, and insight, this episode captures the spirit of an artist on the cusp of something big.

In this heartfelt and refreshingly candid post-show episode of Tailgate Beers, country artist Spencer Crandall joins hosts Ryan and Austin for an unforgettable conversation straight off the stage at Crusens in West Peoria. As the first guest to appear immediately after performing, Spencer opens up about life on the road, staying healthy, and navigating sobriety with honesty and humor. The episode takes a deep dive into self-worth, friendship, and the power of personal growth, all while keeping things grounded with laughs, food talk, and a few wild hypotheticals. It's raw, real, and a must-listen for fans of meaningful conversations and independent country music.