I WAS IN THAT BAND!

This week on I Was In That Band, I sit down with North Texas mainstay Reggie Rueffer — a true musician's musician whose career runs deeper and more varied than most folks realize. Reggie first made his mark with the band Spot, whose hit song broke nationally. From there, he stepped onto even bigger stages, including a standout run playing fiddle for country legend Charley Pride. Reggie shares stories from the road, lessons learned from playing with a Hall of Famer, and how he's navigated a career as a multi-instrumentalist across genres. These days, you'll still find him in the mix around DFW — playing bass, fiddle, and singing in a variety of projects.

This week on I Was In That Band, we sit down with Texas bassist Aden Bubeck — a player whose resume stretches from North Texas dancehalls all the way to the biggest stages in the world. Aden is a standout member of Raised Right Men and a University of North Texas jazz studies graduate whose career has taken him to the highest levels of the business. He's toured, recorded, and appeared on major broadcasts with Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, and Keith Urban, with credits spanning award shows, late-night TV, and international stages. A music director, producer, and Fort Worth Music Hall of Fame inductee, Aden is known for his deep pocket, great instincts, and serious tone. In this episode, we talk about the road from UNT to arena stages, what it takes to be a first-call bass player in Nashville and beyond, and how to balance high-level touring gigs with staying rooted in the Texas music community. We also get into mentorship, musical discipline, and the art of supporting a song without ever getting in the way.

This week on I WAS IN THAT BAND, I sit down with Eric Pulido — known for his work with Midlake, as well as his solo project EB The Younger and the creative collective Banquet. We talk about what it really means to stay creative over the long haul — building community, collaborating with friends, and continuing to push forward even when the path isn't clear. Eric also shares insight into his work offstage with Norman Roscoe, his Denton-based screen printing shop that's become a hub for local artists and ideas. It's a conversation about longevity, independence, and doing the work because you believe in it — not because it's easy.

This week on I WAS IN THAT BAND, we sit down with Noel Haggard for an honest and deeply personal conversation about legacy, identity, and growing up in one of country music's most iconic families. Noel shares what it was really like being raised by and around legends — and how much of his upbringing actually came from his paternal grandmother, who played a central role in shaping his life. We talk about the weight and honor of carrying on his father's legacy, and the challenge of carving out your own voice when the world already thinks it knows who you are.

This week on I Was In That Band, host Grady Sandlin sits down with Fort Worth troubadour Keegan McInroe. Keegan has built a life on the road, traveling across the United States and Europe sharing his songs with audiences far and wide. In this episode, we talk about how he first got into music, what sparked his love of the open road, and how a life spent traveling continues to shape his songwriting. Keegan writes with the eye of a storyteller — finding beauty, humor, and meaning in the heartbreaks and unexpected moments that come with a wandering musician's life. It's a conversation about chasing songs, following inspiration wherever it leads, and the kind of experiences that only come from miles on the highway.

This week on I Was In That Band, Grady sits down with Will Kapanos — best known for his work with early-2000s Denton favorites, Jet Screamer. Having known each other for years through the Denton music community, Grady and Will revisit their shared history, including their first impressions of one another and the scene that shaped them both. What follows is a deep dive into Will's musical development — the influences, risks, and creative drive that helped Jet Screamer gain real notoriety during the height of the indie rock boom. Will reflects on the band's rise, their experience touring the UK, and what it was like when long-held ambitions began turning into tangible opportunities. The conversation also explores the projects that followed, the evolution of his creative life, and the lessons that only time, distance, and experience can bring.

This week on I Was in That Band, I'm joined by Scott Danbom — longtime member of Centro-matic and South San Gabriel, current bandmate of Alejandro Escovedo, and the creative force behind his solo project Static Diary. Scott and I dig deep into the art of listening, adapting on the fly, and finding your voice inside someone else's music. We talk about tone, texture, instincts, and the subtle skills that separate good players from truly great sidemen. In my opinion, Scott is one of the best in the business — a musician who always serves the song while bringing something unique to every stage and studio he steps into. In this conversation, we unpack how he developed that mindset, the experiences that shaped him, and what it really takes to build a lasting life in music.

In this episode of I Was In That Band, host Grady Sandlin sits down with singer-songwriter Glen Mitchell. Originally from London, England, Glen's love for country music led him across the Atlantic to Nashville, where he built a career working as a "ringer" for major touring acts. After years in Music City, he recently relocated to North Texas, continuing to carve out his own path as an independent artist. Glen shares the story of how he discovered country music, what inspired his move to Nashville, and why he ultimately chose North Texas as his new home base. He also talks about stepping out on his own, developing his sound, and forming a powerful songwriting and performing partnership with his wife through their project The Royal South.

This week on I WAS IN THAT BAND!, I'm joined by Floramay Holliday for a wide-ranging conversation rooted in songs, stories, and the people who bring them to life. We dig into the lasting impact of Bob Weir and the Grateful Dead, how that music continues to shape the way artists think about freedom, feel, and community, and what it means to carry those ideas forward in your own work. We also talk about songwriting influences like Guy Clark, the importance of place and people, and how musical communities form, evolve, and sustain us over time. It's a conversation about influence, intention, and connection—and why the music matters just as much as the scene around it.

In this bonus episode of I Was In That Band, I sit down solo for the first time to share some personal reflections on Bob Weir and what his music has meant to me. I talk about how I first found my way into the Grateful Dead, what drew me in, and how that music became part of my life. I also reflect on the times I was lucky enough to see Bob Weir live, and how those experiences shaped my relationship with the band and the community around it.

This week on I Was In That Band, I'm joined by Denton native Claire Morales. Claire has been performing since childhood, and her journey has taken her through songwriting, recording, touring, and learning how to stay creatively engaged when those cycles start to feel routine. We talk about the work behind the work—how to keep things fresh, how to recognize when something needs to change, and how to avoid the trap of creative or performance monotony. Along the way, the conversation takes some turns you might not expect: trips, cults, reality, space, and the desert all make appearances as we explore the ways experience, environment, and curiosity shape an artist's perspective. It's a wide-ranging, thoughtful conversation about making music, staying present, and following ideas wherever they lead.

This week on I Was In That Band, Grady Sandlin sits down with longtime friend and collaborator Daniel Markham, a prolific West Texas singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose sound moves easily between many genres and influences. Daniel shares stories about his musical origins growing up in West Texas, the creative energy that keeps him constantly writing and recording, and his instinct for knowing when to edit, refine, or simply move on to the next idea. The conversation also looks back on more than a decade of working together, highlighting Daniel's thoughtful approach to music and his commitment to always moving forward. It's an open, engaging episode with one of the most driven musicians around.

This week on I Was In That Band!, Grady sits down with songwriter Daniel Rush Folmer. They talk about Daniel's music, their shared history in the North Texas scene, and the web of mutual friends and collaborators that shaped their journeys. The conversation also touches on addiction, recovery, and the healing power of creativity.

This week, Grady sits down with G.I. Sanders — musician, label owner, and lifelong advocate for North Texas music. From his early days playing in local bands to running a record store and a DFW-centric reissue record label, G.I. shares his story with candid humor and honesty. They talk about the evolution of the DFW music scene, lessons learned from life on both sides of the stage, and the passion that keeps him creating new opportunities for Texas artists.

This week on I Was In That Band, Grady sits down with instrumentalist, singer, composer, and creative force Poppy Xander. Known for her wide-ranging projects across genres, Poppy opens up about what it means to live as an artist with many interests and identities. We talk about feminism in the music world, the creative challenges of juggling multiple projects, and the balancing act between authenticity and self-promotion. Poppy shares her thoughts on developing a strong work ethic, carving out space for creative freedom, and staying true to her artistic instincts in an industry that often pushes artists to pick a lane.

This week on I Was In That Band!, my guest is Steve Carter—better known as Little Jack Melody. We dig into questions of identity, chasing success, band life, and the unforgettable disasters of the stage. Steve's singular perspective on music and living shines through in this candid and entertaining conversation.

This week we welcome our friend and longtime collaborator Ryan Thomas Becker to the podcast. Ryan has a deep history with both Grady and producer Brian Hutson, and together they revisit years of shared experiences—musical projects formed, bands dissolved, and everything that came in between. Ryan opens up about his creative path, the lessons learned along the way, and the excitement around his upcoming solo album, #1 Honey Puppy Momma. It's a candid, funny, and heartfelt conversation with one of North Texas's most original voices in music.

My guest this week is the incomparable Jeffrey Barnes — a true multi-instrumentalist and a cornerstone of Denton's legendary band Brave Combo. Jeffrey and I dig into his fascinating journey: from discovering his passion for music, to joining Brave Combo and helping shape their iconic, genre-bending sound that's brought polka, rock, and world music together in ways nobody else dared. We also talk about his favorite instruments, unforgettable gigs, and what keeps him inspired after decades of making music.

This week on I WAS IN THAT BAND! my guest is Texas songwriter Mark Allan Atwood. We dig into his lifelong focus on songwriting, his past and present band projects, and the winding path that's carried him through the Texas music scene. Mark shares candid thoughts on the current state of the music business and venues, the changes he's witnessed over the years, and where he sees himself headed next. It's a conversation equal parts reflection and forward motion, from an artist who's never stopped chasing the song.

This week on I Was In That Band, Grady sits down with Texas roots troubadour Guthrie Kennard. From his early days in Virginia rock bands to decades of hard-earned cred in the Texas blues and Americana scenes, Guthrie shares stories from the road, collaborations with legends like Buddy Miles, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Rocky Hill, and Marc Benno—and the songwriting philosophy that's carried him around the world. It's a ride through smoky clubs, European tours, and the heart of Texas music with one of the scene's most soulful voices.

This week on I Was In That Band, we sit down with the powerhouse that is Trees Marie — singer, songwriter, bandleader, and frontwoman of the Led Zeppelin tribute act The Battle of Evermore. Trees is our first female guest, and we dive into what that means in a world where women are still fighting for equal footing in the music industry. We talk about the realities of fronting two very different bands, the hard-won clarity of sobriety, and the balancing act of working a full-time job while chasing musical passion on her own terms. It's a candid, thoughtful, and at times funny conversation with a seriously talented artist who's been through the fire and keeps moving forward. Whether you know Trees from the local scene or you're just now discovering her work, you'll want to hear what she has to say.

This week on I Was In That Band!, Grady sits down with singer-songwriter and MAP (Mason Adams Project) frontman Mason Adams for a conversation about the winding road that led him to lead his own band. From early musical influences to navigating the ups and downs of fronting a project, Mason opens up about what it takes to keep the music—and the musicians—moving forward. They share laughs over genre labels and whether they really matter, and dive into the challenges and rewards of being the one steering the ship—especially through recent lineup changes.

In this special bonus release from I Was In That Band, Christopher Holt delivers a stripped-down, soul-stirring performance of his original song "Parallel", recorded live in the Highland Sound Tracks studio. Accompanying himself on our vintage Fender Rhodes electric piano, Chris brings a quiet intensity to this intimate solo rendition—capturing the lyrical depth and melodic grace that have defined his work across decades of Dallas music.

On this episode of I Was In That Band, Grady catches up with longtime friend Christopher Holt—a pillar of the Dallas music scene whose journey has taken him from local jam bands to sharing the stage with legends. From Walter Mitty, Olo Spo, and The Slack to his solo work and tours with Don Henley, Max Weinberg's Jukebox, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, and now The Eagles, Christopher's path has been anything but ordinary. They talk about how tastes and directions change over time, what Christopher truly values in music, and what it means to keep going—still chasing dreams, still searching for meaning through sound.

This week on I Was In That Band: I'm joined by drummer, producer, and recording engineer Matt Pence. From his early days in Denton with Adam's Farm, to his time in the beloved Centro-matic, to his current work with Shakey Graves, Matt has carved out a career defined by intention and craft. We talk about his unique and calculated approach to music-making, the evolving landscape of the industry, and the deep value of long-standing creative relationships in both the studio and onstage.

This week on I Was In That Band, I'm joined by legendary DFW drummer Bruce Alford. Bruce shares stories of his early days growing up in Mississippi, his move to North Texas for college, and how he built a reputation as one of the area's most versatile and in-demand drummers. We talk about the arc of his career, his deep interest in drums and gear, and how that led him to buying and selling modern used drums. What started as a side hustle has grown into Fort Worth Drum Emporium—his own business and current link to the music world. It's a great conversation with someone who's spent a lifetime behind the kit and around the gear.

On this episode of I Was In That Band, Grady sits down with Matt Hillyer — longtime frontman of Eleven Hundred Springs and a true staple of Texas music. Matt shares his journey from getting into the music business as a teenager, through the formation of Lone Star Trio, and into the decades-spanning run of Eleven Hundred Springs. He opens up about the breakup of the band, the challenges and freedoms of stepping out as a solo artist, and the lessons learned along the way. Full of stories, laughs, and honest reflections, this is a conversation any fan of Texas country won't want to miss.

This week on I WAS IN THAT BAND! I sit down with the incomparable Paul Slavens — a true legend of the Denton music scene. From his groundbreaking work with the genre-bending band Ten Hands to his long-running Monday night residency at Dan's Silverleaf—where he famously improvised songs on the spot using audience-suggested titles—Paul has carved out a unique space in Texas music history. We talk about his musical journey, his fearless approach to creativity, and what keeps him inspired after all these years. I've had the pleasure of making music with Paul over the years and have always admired his wit, talent, and boundless imagination. It was a real treat to have him on the show.

In this special episode of I Was In That Band, Jacob Furr joins Grady for a deep dive into their friendship, their experiences on opposite sides of the DFW music scene, and how personal loss has shaped their creative paths. As they reflect on the highs and lows of independent music, this conversation also serves as a behind-the-scenes look at the Highland Sound Tracks filming process. Along the way, producer Brian Hutson makes some off-mic appearances, while guest engineer Travis Bonnet jumps in with his own insights. It's an episode filled with stories, laughter, and a raw look at the bonds that keep musicians going.

In this long-awaited episode of I WAS IN THAT BAND!, Grady sits down with Texas singer-songwriter Isaac Hoskins for a conversation that's been sitting on the shelf since December 2024. Isaac shares the story of how he found his way to Denton, Texas, and the community that's shaped his music over the years. They dig into Isaac's early musical influences, the winding road of a working musician, and what "success" really means when you're chasing songs instead of charts. This was actually the second episode we ever recorded, and we're excited to finally bring it to you.

On this episode of I WAS IN THAT BAND!, I sit down with Kenny Withrow, the legendary guitarist of Edie Brickell & New Bohemians. We dive into his early days in the Dallas music scene, the formation and evolution of New Bohemians, and his time playing with the wild and funky Billy Goat. Kenny shares the moments that shaped his musical journey, and what continues to inspire him to pick up the guitar today.

This week on I WAS IN THAT BAND!, Grady sits down with Brent Best, the voice and pen behind Slobberbone, one of the most revered alt-country bands to come out of Texas. Brent shares the stories behind the band's formation, the work ethic that kept them going, and the musical influences that shaped their sound. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Slobberbone, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and a few laughs.

In this episode, we're joined by Adrian Hulet, frontman and songwriter of the progressive rock band Oso Closo. Adrian opens up about his musical journey, sharing the influences that shaped his sound, the early projects that paved the way, and the rise and eventual breakup of Oso Closo. We explore his creative process, how he crafts music that resonates, and how he balances the pursuit of his musical dreams with the demands of family life. It's a heartfelt, insightful conversation that offers a glimpse into the highs, lows, and everything in between of a life dedicated to music.

In this episode, we talk with Tom Pevear, a folk guitarist and singer from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tom discusses his musical journey, early inspirations, and the unique sound he has developed. He talks about his music's roots, his creative process, and the challenges of being an artist today. This conversation is an inspiring look into Tom's world.

On this episode, we sit down with Garrett Owen, a masterful singer-songwriter known for his soulful storytelling and intricate guitar work.  Garrett opens up about his journey through music, the influences behind his hauntingly beautful sound, and the moments that shaped his artistry.