The Road to Stagecoach

This week on the Spout Podcast, we’re doing something a little different for Stagecoach weekend. In this special bundled episode, we bring together three separate conversations with Josh Ross, Corey Kent, and Willow Avalon — three artists heading into one of country music’s biggest weekends, each with a very different story, sound, and lane right now.  Josh Ross talks about the emotion behind “Give Her Hell,” why he’s drawn to songs that hit harder emotionally, and how he moves between stripped-back country, power-ballad energy, and full-scale live intensity. He also opens up about the personal side of his songwriting, the meaning behind sequencing records, and why some of the deepest songs are the ones that stay with people the longest.  Corey Kent joins us to talk about the rise of “Empty Words,” how fan reaction helped push the song forward faster, and why trusting instinct still matters in a world obsessed with data. He reflects on the long road from Oklahoma to Nashville to Texas, losing a publishing deal, working at a pavement company during COVID, and building a career that now includes platinum records, a No. 1 song, and a place on major festival stages. It’s a conversation about conviction, resilience, and what happens when the fans finally meet the vision.  Then there’s Willow Avalon, who brings one of the most distinct voices in the genre right now. She gets into the story behind “Easy on the Eyes,” the songwriting perspective behind “Cardinal Sin,” and the next chapter following Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell. Her conversation is funny, sharp, thoughtful, and full of the kind of honesty that’s making more and more people pay attention. From viral songs to vintage country influences to building a career in real time, Willow sounds every bit like an artist having a moment on her own terms.  Three artists. Three very different journeys. One Stagecoach special. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices