Ben Chapman** is a rising Nashville-based singer-songwriter and artist from LaFayette, Georgia (born December 20, 1997).

At 16, he received key advice from fellow townsman and songwriter Channing Wilson to move to Nashville—but not until age 21. He followed it exactly, relocating on New Year's Day 2019.

Chapman first built a reputation as a songwriter, securing a publishing deal with Hillary Lindsey's Hang Your Hat Music in 2021. His songs have been recorded by artists including Flatland Cavalry, Shelby Lynne, Muscadine Bloodline, the Steel Woods, Hayes Carll, Brent Cobb, and Marcus King.

He launched his artist career with the debut album *Make The Night Better* (2022), followed by others, culminating in *Downbeat* (December 2024, produced by Anderson East). He describes his sound as "southern-funk jam-band country," blending influences like the Allman Brothers Band, Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, the Grateful Dead, and classic rock.

He's known for energetic live shows, hosting the recurring Nashville event **Peach Jam** (since 2022, featuring artists like Brent Cobb, Hayes Carll, Lainey Wilson, and Lukas Nelson), and has made his Grand Ole Opry debut.

By 2025–2026, he's released additional projects (including *Feet on Fire* and singles like "Everything's Different"), toured extensively, and focused on his own artistry while continuing to write for others.

Ben Chapman, the Nashville-based singer-songwriter, has the following official social media profiles and website (as of early 2026):

- **Official Website**: https://www.benchapmanmusic.com/

(This is his main site, featuring music, shows, store, about info, and links to new releases like "Everything's Different.")

- **Instagram**: @benchapman (https://www.instagram.com/benchapman)

Primary account with updates on singles, tours, and porch jams (around 43K followers).

- **X (Twitter)**: @benchapmanmusic (https://x.com/benchapmanmusic)

Active for announcements and sharing music.

- **Facebook**: https://www.facebook.com/benchapmanofficial

Official page with posts, videos, and event info (over 27K likes).

- **YouTube**: @benchapmanmusic

https://www.youtube.com/@UCf1k8qO-DEwjw4vqCissdaQ

Features official music videos, lyric videos, and visualizers.

- **TikTok**: @benchapmanmusic

https://www.tiktok.com/@benchapmanmusic

For short clips and country-funk content.

Rhett Embry is an emerging singer-songwriter and rock musician known for his raw, gritty sound that blends **Southern rock**, **grunge** influences, and elements of **Texas/red dirt country** or "y'allternative" vibes. He hails from small-town roots in **Alabama**, where he grew up immersed in the backwoods culture that heavily informs his honest, personal songwriting. He has since become associated with the broader Southern and Texas music scenes, often performing and collaborating in Texas venues and circles.

### Background and Style

Embry crafts deeply personal music that explores themes like **heartbreak**, **ambition**, **small-town struggles**, and emotional vulnerability. His style fuses Southern grit with unfiltered rock energy—described as "Southern grunge" or raw rock with storytelling roots. He's often compared to or grouped with artists in the Texas independent/red dirt scene, such as Dylan Wheeler (with whom he has collaborated), along with others like Mac Hankins, Pecos & The Rooftops, Koe Wetzel, and Giovannie and the Hired Guns.

He writes, composes, and performs his own material, emphasizing authenticity and emotional depth over polished production. His performances are noted for their "grit and fire," making him a standout live act with rowdy, high-energy shows.

- Embry released his **debut album**, *Slow Burn*, in 2025 (announced around July 2025 on his socials, with tracks totaling about 38 minutes across 12 songs). The album is available on major platforms and marks his full-length introduction to wider audiences.

- Key singles and tracks include:

- **Make Me Feel** (his most streamed, with over 365,000 streams on Spotify as of recent data; often listed as a 2024 single, sometimes featuring or associated with Dylan Wheeler).

- **Dirty Dreams** (a standout track with a music video/performance that's been praised for its intensity; featured in live sessions and YouTube uploads highlighting his fiery delivery).

- **Time** (2023 single).

- **Out To Dry**, **Someone Else**, **Movin' On**, and others from the album or EPs.

- Spotify: Around 4.8K monthly listeners, with steady growth.

- Instagram (@rhett.embry):

- Active on TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube for live performances and interviews.

Rhett Embry represents the new wave of independent Southern/rock artists breaking through via streaming, social media, and grassroots live shows. Still early in his career (debut album in 2025), he's gaining traction as "a guy to watch" for his authentic voice, powerful performances, and ability to channel personal stories into gritty, relatable rock. Fans of Southern rock, Texas country-rock, or grunge-infused storytelling often discover him through recommendations in that scene. For the latest, check his Instagram, Spotify artist page, or streaming platforms where *Slow Burn* and his singles are available.

Tx2Tn Ep188 Sam Donald

Tx2Tn Podcast Ep187 Matt Hillyer with guest cohost Bill Corbin

TJ Wicks is a country and western swing musician, singer-songwriter, and performer based in Oklahoma.

He hails from Chickasha, Oklahoma, where he has developed his musical skills over more than a decade. His musical journey started at age 12 when he began taking guitar lessons. Some earlier profiles mention he was born in Indiana and moved to Oklahoma at age 7, with influences from his father's background.

- Facebook: @Tjwicksmusic

- Instagram: @tjwicksandthetophands

Tx2Tn Podcast 185 Kenny Wayne Shepherd

The Calamity Janes are a Texas-based country music group consisting of three sisters from Waxahachie, Texas. They are known for their tight, signature "blood harmonies" bold and sassy songwriting, clever lyrics, and southern grit, blending influences from bluegrass, classic country, gospel/soul, classic rock, independent music, and Texas/Red Dirt styles.

Their sound draws from personal experiences, with collaborative songwriting (primarily led by Courtney and Arwyn). They emphasize live performances featuring harmonies, instruments like banjo and mandolin, a cappella moments, and adaptable sets for crowds. The sisters divide roles: Arwyn handles finances and social media ("Boss Wa"), Alyssa manages booking/scheduling, and Courtney oversees merchandise and the website. They remain independent/unsigned, self-managing booking and operations, with aspirations to become a full-time act in the vein of the Pistol Annies, The Judds, or Dixie Chicks.

Key releases and achievements include:

- Debut EP *Roots and Wings* (well-reviewed by Dallas Observer, OneStopCountry in Nashville, and others).

- Multiple charting singles on Texas Regional Radio (all top 40, with eight top 50 singles total).

- 2017 Texas Regional Radio Music Awards (TRRMA) New Band of the Year.

- 2018 TRRMA Song of the Year for “Pullin’ Weeds.”

- Recent top 5 single “Friday Night” (2025, an ode to Fort Worth Stockyards honky-tonk culture, recorded live at Palmyra Studios on the original Abbey Road console; released in partnership with Heart of Texas Music Group).

- Radio airplay on six continents, extensive U.S. touring, and multiple 2025 radio music award nominations (Americana and Texas categories).

They are preparing to release their debut full-length studio album *Blood Harmony* in 2026, alongside national touring dates.

For more, check their official site:

https://txcalamityjanes.com

Bleu was kind enough to join us at Mile Zero Fest 2026 to talk his current EP To The End, taking a break and more.

Bleu Edmondson Website

https://bleuedmondson.com

Sponsored by

Breakers Marina

https://thebreakersmarina.com/

Robot Monkey

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797 Distillery

https://www.797distillery.com

Joe Eskridge Music

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Bleu Edmondson is a renowned **Texas country** and **Red Dirt** singer-songwriter known for his raw, soulful voice, intense live performances, and heartfelt lyrics that blend heartland rock influences (like Bruce Springsteen) with authentic Texas storytelling.

Hailing from Texas (with roots tied to Dallas and later associated with New Braunfels), Bleu initially focused on sports before picking up a guitar in college. He began writing songs around age 19 and got serious about music in his early 20s, self-releasing his debut album *Southland* in 2001 after boldly sending demos to legendary producer Lloyd Maines.

He quickly rose as one of the most promising figures in the Texas music scene, delivering high-energy shows with his band (often called the Bleu Edmondson Band) and crafting anthems like "Southland" that became staples in the Red Dirt and Texas country circuits. Albums such as *The Band Plays On*, live releases, and later works showcased his willingness to take risks—mixing rebellious energy, emotional depth, and a refusal to chase mainstream polish.

Known for his enigmatic stage presence (complete with signature hat and raspy delivery), Bleu built a dedicated following through relentless touring, patriotic spirit, and genuine connection with fans. He was part of the same wave as artists like Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen.

After a multi-year hiatus starting around 2017—stepping away due to the grind of independent touring and industry frustrations—Bleu made a powerful return in 2025 with the EP *To the End*, produced with longtime friend Wade Bowen. The release marked his first new music in a decade, earning praise for its big production, renewed vocal strength, and honest reflection on life.

Today, Bleu continues performing select dates across Texas (check bleuedmondson.com for the latest tour info), delivering music that's unfiltered, provocative, and deeply rooted in real-life experiences—proving he's still a force in the Lone Star State's independent music world.

In this engaging conversation, Paul Thorn shares his journey from professional boxer to successful musician, highlighting his deep connections to Memphis and the importance of independence in the music industry. He discusses the evolution of his career, the significance of building relationships with fans, and the impact of social media on his outreach. Thorn reflects on the changing landscape of country music and the personal experiences that shape his songwriting, particularly in relation to life and loss. The discussion culminates in his thoughts on the future of music and the importance of authenticity in connecting with audiences.

Sting, The Police, Jeff Beck, Toby Keith, Memphis

songwriting, Elvis

Based in Galveston, Texas, the Brandon McDermott Band is a staple of the Texas Country and Red Dirt music scene. Known for their high-energy live performances, the band blends traditional country storytelling with a modern, rock-influenced edge.Band ProfileGenre: Texas Country / Red Dirt / AmericanaOrigin: Galveston, TexasCurrent Members: * Brandon McDermott – Lead Vocals, Acoustic GuitarNathan Taylor – Lead Guitar, VocalsSolomon Garcia – BassBrent Topa – DrumsMusic & Career HighlightsThe band first gained attention with their debut album, Mile Marker Zero (2010), named after the start of I-45 in Galveston. They followed this with Across The Causeway (2021), which featured the Top 50 Texas Music Chart single "43rd and R" and a collaboration with legendary songwriter Ray Wylie Hubbard. Their most recent release is the 2025 EP, Dreams Or Something Else.They have shared the stage with notable artists such as Kevin Fowler, Josh Abbott Band, Aaron Watson, and even the 90s rock band Poison.Connect with the BandYou can find the Brandon McDermott Band on the following platforms:Official Website: brandonmcdermottband.comStreaming: Apple Music | SpotifyBooking & Contact: Official Contact Page