Wide Open Country with Matt Alpert

My guest today is Kyle Coroneos, a.k.a “Trigger,” the man behind the popular blog Saving Country Music. If you read about independent country music on the Web, you’ve probably discovered his site. A writer based in Austin, Texas, Coroneos is one of the most passionate and vocal music journalists covering American music. The title of his […]

Redd Volkaert is one of the best country guitar players in the world today, and he’s a personal hero of mine. His talent is no secret in the country world. He’s played lead guitar for several legends, including Merle Haggard, George Jones and Dolly Parton, just to name a few. Redd is also a pillar […]

Mike and the Moonpies are a honky-tonk band from Austin, Texas. Their 2015 album Mockingbird was one of the most authentically country albums released last year. The record, along with their relentless touring schedule, has pushed them from Texas into the national spotlight. While they are a Texas band, don’t put them in the familiar boxes. They […]

Kyle Park is a Texas country music star and one of the best performers in the scene. When Kurt and I were playing Texas country music together, we’d see Kyle’s name on the marquees and hear his singles on the radio. It was a real treat to hang out with him and pick his brain about […]

Our guests today are Shane Smith and the Saints, one of the most talented, up-and-coming bands in the Texas scene. They’re not exactly straight ahead country or Red dirt. They blend a lot of different musical styles and even some world music into their sound. One description I’ve heard is Bruce Springsteen meets Mumford and Sons, […]