The Sound of Texas Podcast

Mike Harmeier joins The Sound of Texas Podcast live from the Rusty Nickel Ice House to talk about Silverada’s upcoming album, life on the road, songwriting, touring without the bus, vintage guitars, new singles, and how the band’s sound continues to evolve with fresh influences and live experimentation.

Carson Jeffery and Slade Coulter join Cole Sheriff live from the Ranch Music Series for a laid-back, honest conversation about life in the Texas music scene. From recording albums in Dripping Springs and Lubbock living rooms to grinding it out on the road, both artists share what it really takes to build a career in country music. Carson dives into his latest record, the shift from Nashville back to Texas production, and the importance of keeping a tight-knit band on and off stage. Slade talks about crafting music with his touring group, balancing family life with the road, and experimenting with recording styles outside of traditional studios. The episode also explores iconic Texas venues like Gruene Hall and Blue Light, the realities of touring life, staying healthy on the road, and why having a “good hang” matters just as much as musical talent. Recorded on-site in Fort Worth, this is a true behind-the-scenes look at two rising Texas artists navigating the highs, challenges, and culture of the road.

Cole Sheriff sits down with Wilder Blue live from the Ranch Music Series at Rusty Nickel Icehouse for a conversation that dives into the band’s evolution, creative process, and life on the road. The group shares insight into their recording journey, from working in places like Asheville, Los Angeles, and El Paso, to the realities of mixing live recordings across different venues. They also open up about the collaborative nature of being in a multi-member band, where ideas are constantly exchanged and honesty is key to shaping their sound. The episode touches on the excitement of playing major stages, including sharing bills with legendary artists like Vince Gill, while still appreciating the “homey” feel of intimate, community-driven shows. Wilder Blue also reflects on their musical influences, the importance of strong vocal bands, and how they continue to push their sound forward with each project. Recorded in the middle of a high-energy live music environment, this episode captures both the personality and professionalism that define Wilder Blue today

Recorded at the newly renovated Texas Amphitheater in Glen Rose, this episode features a sit-down with Jason Boland ahead of his performance. Boland reflects on nearly three decades on the road, the art of live albums, and how songs evolve over time. He shares insight into his songwriting philosophy, the importance of staying authentic, and why certain songs become staples in every set. Plus, a look at the venue’s transformation and what it means for the future of live Texas music.

Cole Sheriff sits down with Race Ricketts at Heim Barbecue in Weatherford for a deep dive into his brand-new 14-song project New Settlers Reunion and the reality of life as a working Texas artist. Race shares what it’s like balancing weekend touring with real life, building routines on the road, and navigating the highs and challenges of the “weekend warrior” grind. The conversation also explores songwriting inspiration, from writing in the mountains of New Mexico to selecting the final tracks that shaped the record. Plus, they get into the resurgence of vinyl, the importance of full albums in a singles-driven era, and what’s next for Race as he continues to grow his sound.

Cole Sheriff sits down with Sam Anderson of the Quaker City Nighthawks at Heim Barbecue in Weatherford for a conversation on life as an independent band, navigating the modern music industry, and the evolution of the Texas music scene. Sam shares stories from years on the road, from touring in a Triton V10 van to landing song placements in TV, and breaks down what it really means to operate without a record label. The two dive into songwriting dynamics, the shift toward releasing singles, and how streaming has changed the way artists survive and adapt. This episode is a real look at the grind, the freedom, and the creativity behind one of Texas’ most unique bands.

Cole Sheriff sits down with acclaimed songwriter and artist Sean McConnell inside the historic green room at Billy Bob’s Texas before his show at the world’s largest honky tonk. Sean shares stories from life on the road, building chemistry with his touring band, and the journey from early tip-jar gigs to a career spanning decades of songwriting. He also dives into the creation of his latest record “Skin,” the evolution of his sound, and what it means to release a project that truly feels complete. Along the way, Sean reflects on balancing touring with family life and offers honest advice for aspiring songwriters trying to find their voice.

On this episode of The Sound of Texas Podcast, host Cole Sheriff sits down with Texas country artist Mike Ryan at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky tonk. Mike shares stories from his journey through the Texas music scene, from playing more than 200 shows a year in small sports bars to headlining iconic stages across the state. The conversation dives into the realities of life on the road, the importance of building a strong band and touring camp, and how the transition from van tours to a tour bus changed everything. Mike also opens up about fatherhood, balancing family with a music career, and the proud moments that come with raising kids while chasing a dream. Plus, he talks about the guitars that shaped his sound, his longtime green Telecaster, and why Fort Worth and Billy Bob’s Texas remain special places in his career.

The Sound of Texas Podcast heads to the Michelob Ultra Roadhouse at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo for a powerful conversation with Texas red dirt standout Presley Haile. At just 23 years old, Presley is writing songs with the depth and maturity of a seasoned songwriter. In this episode, she opens up about growing up in FFA, touring harder every year, finding routine on the road, and building a tight-knit creative circle with Race Ricketts, Nick, and Niles. She shares how “Deep End,” currently climbing the Ranch charts, came together during a chaotic stretch of label conversations and life pressure, and why she leans into metaphor to soften, or sometimes sharpen, the emotional edges of her songwriting. Presley also talks about writer’s block, the pressure to keep releasing music, and why she writes songs she’ll still want to sing at 60 years old. Influenced by Townes Van Zandt, Gillian Welch, and the Canadian western sound, she’s carving out a lane that doesn’t chase trends but instead focuses on authenticity and longevity. If you care about Texas red dirt, real songwriting, and artists building careers brick by brick, this is a must-listen episode.

The Sound of Texas Podcast heads backstage at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas for a milestone night with Wynn Williams. After 10 years of grinding full-time in Texas country music, Wynn makes his long-awaited debut at the world’s largest honky tonk, and he joins Cole Sheriff to reflect on the journey that brought him here. From playing solo in College Station bars for a couple hundred dollars to releasing his full-length album Country Therapy and touring across multiple states and countries, Wynn shares what it truly takes to build a sustainable independent music career. He opens up about surviving the pandemic as an artist, investing his own money into records, assembling the right team around him, and staying focused while younger artists explode overnight through social media. This conversation dives into the business of Texas country, the emotional toll of life on the road, balancing marriage with long tour runs, and the pride that comes from earning every step forward. It’s a real, honest look at perseverance in an ever-changing music industry, recorded on the night Wynn steps onto one of the most iconic stages in Texas. If you care about the grind behind the glory, this episode is a must-listen.

The Sound of Texas Podcast launches from the iconic Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo at Dickies Arena, featuring Texas country powerhouse Bri Bagwell. In this conversation, Bri opens up about her rodeo roots, life on the road, traveling in a 50-foot rig with her dog Whiskey, and the emotional highs and lows of touring nonstop from Steamboat to Mexico to Fort Worth. She reflects on the journey from 2016 heartbreak and career transition to stepping confidently into 2026, highliting it as the “Year of the Horse.” Bri also shares the story behind her legendary red boots, building a loyal touring band (with alumni now playing for Cody Johnson and Wade Bowen), staying mentally healthy on tour, and producing her hit podcast Only Vans while traveling coast to coast. Recorded live at the Michelob Ultra Roadhouse, this episode captures the heart of Texas country music with authenticity, grit, humor, tacos, and a whole lot of cowboy hats. If you love Texas country, rodeo culture, behind-the-scenes tour stories, and real conversations with artists shaping the scene, this episode is for you. Subscribe, rate, and follow for more stories from the road.