The Road Less Traveled

Shelby Ballenger wrote one of her first songs while working as a beer girl at a golf course. Needless to say, she's come a long way in her musical career. Only 5 years later, Shelby is playing across the state with unbridled confidence, while letting her dynamic personality shine through. On this episode of "The Road Less Traveled," we discuss her journey in music and her goals, dreams and aspirations. We recorded this episode at The Post Office Studio in Fort Worth, Texas. Shelby Ballenger: https://www.facebook.com/Shelbyballengermusic/Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/Podcast Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Rob Redwine returned to the show to re-share his remarkable story of triumph after nearly dying on stage. To say that Rob has maximized his second chance on life would be an understatement. He is scratching every creative itch that he has – from writing award-winning screenplays, to his books and his new TV show. Rob shared the story behind his music during a sit-down conversation at The Post Office Studio.Rob Redwine: https://robredwinemusic.comThe Muse on TCN: https://tcncountry.net/rob-redwine.htmWeirdo on Amazon: http://ow.ly/eNur50EMi5qBroken Heart on Amazon: http://ow.ly/itIG50EMibITickets to live-audience show with Jon Stork: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/3999946/rlt--greenville-texan-theaterDrew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/CH Lonestar Promo: https://chlonestarpromo.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Kylie Frey is country – through and through. She knows that, and she has whole-heartedly embraced that truth. Kylie's genuine authenticity comes across in her music and in her songwriting, and that is exactly why we wanted to bring her on The Road Less Traveled. Originally from Opelousas, Louisiana, Kylie has blazed an inspiring trail on the Texas Music Scene and let that momentum carry her all the way to Nashville. Through it all, Kylie has never forgotten who she is – a third-generation rodeo girl. (She even has the incredible distinction to be called a “Louisiana state goat-tying champion.”) We can't wait for Kylie to share her story on the stage at The Texan Theater. She has been quoted as saying: “I just wanna own my story so much it makes someone else own theirs.”Kylie Frey: https://www.kyliefrey.comDrew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Texan Theater: http://www.zacwilkersonmusic.com/Hunt County Tunes for Tots: https://www.facebook.com/HuntCountyTunesForTotsKincy Abstract and Sabine Title Company: https://www.kincy-sabine.com/index.htmMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

Zach Romo might be the hardest working artist on the Texas Music Scene. When he's not on stage, he's probably on a tractor or working cattle. That dedication and hard work is starting to pay off for this Hunt County native and USMC veteran. He's blazing an incredible trail with his music, emerging as a legitimate rock star on the scene. Zach Romo fans don't kind of like him ... they love him. That was one of the main reasons we wanted to bring him on The Road Less Traveled. Another big reason, Zach loves Hunt County. When we were planning this 6-month series at The Texan Theater, he was one of the artists we were determined to get on the show. I'm so grateful that he said yes. Because there will be a time in the next couple of years, when we won't be able to get Zach Romo on the show. Spoiler alert: He's about to blow up!Zach Romo Band: https://www.facebook.com/ZachRomoBandZRB/Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Texan Theater: http://www.zacwilkersonmusic.com/Women in Need: https://www.wintexas.org/Kincy Abstract and Sabine Title Company: https://www.kincy-sabine.com/index.htmMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

Josh Weathers might be the best entertainer on the Texas Music Scene. His recipe for creating raving fans is two-fold. The biggest thing, he's not afraid to show his heart and soul on stage, but he also commands a room with his incredible voice and dynamic personality. You don't just kind of like Josh Weathers - you love him! The cool part of Josh's story is the fact that his God given talent has taken him to places he never dreamed possible, including a high-profile gig with a sniper rifle pointed directly at him (true story). That's what happens when you give it up to God and lean into your faith, and that is exactly what Josh Weathers did as he began to blaze his own trail in Texas Music. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Defining Audacity Family. This will be his third time to be on The Road Less Traveled.Josh Weathers: https://joshweathers.com/Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Texan Theater: http://www.zacwilkersonmusic.com/Hunt County Children's Advocacy Center: https://www.ccnetx.org/Kincy Abstract and Sabine Title Company: https://www.kincy-sabine.com/index.htmMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

Matt Hillyer helped start the band Eleven Hundred Springs in 1998. Over the course of two decades, and 11 albums, Hillyer and his band have proven time and again that they deliver everything that makes the classics so timeless: amazing songwriting, great performances and distinct personality. In 2020, Eleven Hundred Springs released their new album “Here ‘Tis” on State Fair Records. Hillyer enjoys “good music, real people, and most of all - family.” This is his first time on the Road Less Traveled.Matt Hillyer on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthillyermusic/Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Texan Theater: http://www.zacwilkersonmusic.com/Kincy Abstract and Sabine Title Company: https://www.kincy-sabine.com/index.htmMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

She's not a household name ... yet! But Jackie Darlene is one of the brightest stars on the Texas Music Scene, and she is about to break through. As a songwriter, she has a powerful one-two punch – she's genuine and she's not scared to show her guts. That is an inspiring combination. Her heart and tenacity definitely come out in every song she writes. Jackie also has a family legacy in music, which helps fuel her fire. Her first full-length album is about to be released, which will help take this incredible singer/songwriter to the next level. Jackie has been on the Defining Audacity Radio Show and Podcast more than any other artist. This time, she'll be on the big stage where she belongs.Jackie Darlene on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackiedarlenemusic/ Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Texan Theater: http://www.zacwilkersonmusic.com/Kincy Abstract and Sabine Title Company: https://www.kincy-sabine.com/index.htmMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

For 10 years of his music career, Adam Hood was just background noise in many of the venues he was playing. His audiences were more concerned with the eight ball in the corner pocket or chasing tail. Then this masterful storyteller, songwriter and musician came to Texas, and he was embraced with both arms. His incredible music started to be celebrated and showcased. Other artists took notice. He's written for and with some legendary names in Texas and Nashville. The last time he came on The Road Less Traveled, he described his music as “story-driven, roadhouse rock.” His lyrics have the power to speak to your soul and make you jump in your car and chase the sunset.Walt Wilkins: https://www.adamhood.com/Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Texan Theater: http://www.zacwilkersonmusic.com/Kincy Abstract and Sabine Title Company: https://www.kincy-sabine.com/index.htmMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

The landscape of the Texas Music scene is beautiful, and it's the amazing singer/songwriters that celebrate that beauty. Each one of these artists brings a wonderfully great perspective to the genre – each perspective is unique and powerful. Our two featured artists on this Road Less Traveled exemplify that. Walt Wilkins is a poet that can pierce your soul with one verse. Zac Wilkerson writes powerful blues ballads, filled with fire. The respect for each other's music runs deep. That is why Drew Myers asked them to share the stage for one night at the Texan Theater in Greenville, Texas. Walt and Zac are both card-carrying members of the Defining Audacity Family. They have both been on The Road Less Traveled before.Zac Wilkerson: http://www.zacwilkersonmusic.com/Walt Wilkins: https://www.waltwilkins.com/Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Texan Theater: http://www.zacwilkersonmusic.com/Kincy Abstract and Sabine Title Company: https://www.kincy-sabine.com/index.htmMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

Like a handful of artists on the Texas Music Scene, Luke Prater honed his music skills in church. Now, this emerging singer/songwriter is leaning on his faith as he chases his dreams. With a brand new EP out and big plans on the horizon for 2021, Luke shared the story behind his music during a sit-down conversation at The Post Office Studio.Luke Prater: http://www.lukepratermusic.com/Tickets to live-audience show with Jackie Darlene: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/7353164/rlt-jackie-darlene-greenville-texan-theaterDrew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/CH Lonestar Promo: https://chlonestarpromo.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Ronda Ray has an amazing light about her. It shines bright. But in the midst of Covid and a crossroads in her music career, her light started to dim. Ronda Ray realized quickly that she was not a quitter. She chose to lean on her faith and stay in the fight. This is her powerful story of perseverance. #storybehindthemusicRonda Ray: https://www.rondaraymusic.com/Tickets to live-audience show with Adam Hood: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/3729228/rlt-adam-hood-greenville-texan-theaterDrew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/CH Lonestar Promo: https://chlonestarpromo.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

John Pops Dennie has been in and out of music for most of his life, but now he's all in! And just like the name of his brand new album, he's got "Something to Say." This is an inspiring story of not giving up on your dreams. John Pops Dennie: https://johndennie.com/Tickets to live-audience show with Walt Wilkins & Zac Wilkerson: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/6443886/rlt-wilkins-wilkerson-greenville-texan-theaterDrew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/CH Lonestar Promo: https://chlonestarpromo.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

We're releasing this episode of "The Road Less Traveled" on Oct. 1, 2020. Tomorrow – Oct. 2 – David Adam Byrnes will be releasing his brand new album, Neon Town. This podcast will give you a new appreciation for this album, because DAB had to fight and scratch and claw to make it a reality - from backward recording deals to a global pandemic. DAB's story is one of perseverance and stubbornness. David Adam Byrnes: https://www.davidadambyrnes.com/Tickets to live-audience show with Walt Wilkins & Zac Wilkerson: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/6443886/rlt-wilkins-wilkerson-greenville-texan-theaterDrew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/CH Lonestar Promo: https://chlonestarpromo.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

It's amazing where faith will carry us. Curtis Grimes can't (and won't) disagree with that statement. This two-time Male Vocalist of the Year would still be playing baseball if it was up to him. Music was supposed to just be a hobby. But God had other plans and starting opening doors (and closing others) to put Curtis on the biggest stage of his life. Over the last few years, Curtis has leaned into his faith and started to be true to himself. Now he knows that he's exactly where he's supposed to be. Curtis Grimes: https://www.curtisgrimes.com/homeTickets to Drew Kennedy live-audience show: https://texantheatergreenville.com/show-details/2020/9/24/the-road-less-traveled-featuring-drew-kennedy-with-joey-mckgeeDrew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/CH Lonestar Promo: https://chlonestarpromo.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Joey McGee doesn't have a life list or a bucket list. He has a "If I Win the Lotto List." It's a fun way to put your goals, dreams and aspirations in the spotlight. The only problems ... 1) This singer/songwriter doesn't play the lottery, and 2) His list is full of powerful things that are designed to empower other people. This is an insightful episode of "The Road Less Traveled."Joey McGee: https://www.joeymcgee.com/Tickets to Drew Kennedy live-audience show: https://texantheatergreenville.com/show-details/2020/9/24/the-road-less-traveled-featuring-drew-kennedy-with-joey-mckgeeDrew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/CH Lonestar Promo: https://chlonestarpromo.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Amelia Presley has a powerful story. It revolves around abuse, faith, redemption and forgiveness. She was abused for 13 years, starting when she was 3 years old. In her 20s, she reached her breaking point and wrote a song about her hell. Nine months ago, she finally started to speak out. After all these years, Amelia Presley said she can finally be her true self. #powerofstory

Damon Curtis lived with regret for several years. It all revolved around his dad losing his battle with cancer and the unexpected death of a very close friend. This talented singer/songwriter had to find a way to forgive himself. And he eventually did. All it took was a hand up from a friend and finding his faith. This is a powerful and inspiring story of redemption about an emerging artist on the on the Texas Music scene. This episode is presented by CH Lonestar Promo. Damon Curtis: https://damoncurtis.com/Tickets to Drew Kennedy live-audience show: https://texantheatergreenville.com/show-details/2020/9/24/the-road-less-traveled-featuring-drew-kennedy-with-joey-mckgeeDrew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/CH Lonestar Promo: https://chlonestarpromo.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Left Arm Tan is unlike any band on the Texas Music Scene. They're proud of that. Their lyrics are smart, they put an emphasis on harmony and they stay true to themselves. For the last 10 years, this band from Fort Worth has celebrated the journey. I was honored to finally get them on the show. I sat down with Daniel Hines and Brian Lee at The Post Office Studio. Left Arm Tan: https://leftarmtan.com/Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Lindsey Lane has powerful story that started with a simple whisper. During a Bible study at church, the verse Isaiah 54 popped into her head. (Lindsey will admit ... she wasn't even sure there were 54 chapters in the book of Isaiah.) But when she looked it up, her life changed forever. She quit her job and now this singer/songwriter is blazing a new trail on the Texas Music Scene. It's a completely different world from teaching third-grade math.Lindsey Land: https://www.lindseylaneofficial.com/Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Brittany Oviedo always wanted to be more than just a pretty face on the Texas Music Scene. She wanted to be an artist. It's evident on this episode of "The Road Less Traveled" that she has already accomplished that goal. She is staying true to herself, and that is coming through in awesome her music. On this episode, we discuss her journey, the importance of family in her life and her goals, dreams and aspirations. #powerofmusicBrittany Oviedo on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittanyoviedomusic/Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Tiona Campbell was simply following a whisper from the Holy Spirit when she started her music career at the age of 35. Her story, which has had its hardships, is a reminder to listen and be willing to jump. Besides being transparent with her faith, on this episode of "The Road Less Traveled," Tiona talks about the power of creating a vision board and they discuss her goals, dreams and aspirations. #liveonpurpose

The definition of hootenanny is: "an informal gathering with folk music and sometimes dancing." It's also the unique sound created by a super cool group on the Texas Music scene. I got the chance to sit down with two members of The Bodarks, Shelly New and Jeff Brooks. We discussed how the band was born, Covid-19 and their goals, dreams and aspirations. The Bodarks: https://www.thebodarks.com/Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

The power of music is real. So is the power of story. After sitting down and really getting to know Season Ammons, my appreciation for this incredible singer/songwriter grew exponentially. I already knew she had a cool vibe, but now I know where it comes from. This is powerful conversation about music, life and Tik Tok. #powerofstorySeason Ammons: https://www.seasonammons.com/Season Ammons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theseasonammons/Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Isaac Jacob almost gave up on his music career in 2019. His mom encouraged him not to. He listened to his mom. Ever since that fork in the road, amazing doors have started to open for this singer/songwriter on the Texas Music Scene. Isaac is another testament to the power of staying in the fight and not quitting. Isaac Jacob Band: https://www.isaacjacobband.com/Isaac Jacob Band on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaacjacobbandDrew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Dave Martinez may be the most interesting guy on the Texas Music Scene. (He's definitely the only city council member and postman.) I enjoyed sitting down with him again, discovering his love affair with Turkey, Texas, and getting coached up on BBQ. We recorded this episode at The Post Office Studio in Fort Worth, Texas. Dave Martinez Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/panhandleconfessional/Hotel Turkey: https://hotelturkeytexas.com/Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Joshua Ray Walker was just starting to catch fire - before a global pandemic brought his music career to an uncertain and scary stop. For 10 days, he didn't know which way was up, but he vowed to stay in the fight. His goal was to regain that momentum. We were fortunate to get him on "The Road Less Traveled" before he continued his trajectory of blowing up. Links:Joshua Ray Walker website: http://www.joshuaraywalker.com/High Wide & Handsome: https://www.highwideandhandsometx.com/Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/Bed music: https://www.bensound.com

Bonnie Bishop's Instagram handle is "@bonniebishopforrockstar." It's perfect! Because she is ... a rockstar. I had a very insightful conversation with this Grammy Award-winning songwriter. We discussed everything from college football and social injustice to the unique smell of a Mercedes Benz.

This is a powerful story of redemption. Tommy Dussault has had some dark times. Drugs and alcohol shutting out the light. But this singer/songwriter from Fort Worth, Texas, is holding his demons at bay and finally making inroads on the Texas Music scene. Tommy got very real and transparent on this episode of "The Road Less Traveled." Links:Tommy Dussault on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tommydussaultmusic/Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/Bed music: https://www.bensound.com

Zac Wilkerson has amazing perspective on music and life. He finally got the opportunity to share that on this particular podcast. You see, Zac has shared his story with us before ... so this time, we were able to have a different type of conversation – from vinyl records to his kids playing music to being an "outsider" on the Texas Music Scene. It's a different conversation, but an awesome conversation with an amazing singer/songwriter.Links:Zac Wilkerson web site: http://www.zacwilkersonmusic.com/Zac Wilkerson on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZacWilkersonMusic/Drew Myers: https://www.drewmyers.life/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/Bed music: https://www.bensound.com

Hayden Haddock hasn't been making music very long. Just a few years ago, he wouldn't play in front of anyone. Now, some people are tabbing him the next big thing in Texas Country Music. His journey has been crazy, and some people disagree how he's gotten to where he is. But Hayden takes it all in stride and continues to do what he loves.Links:Hayden Haddock web site: https://haydenhaddock.com/Hayden Haddock on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haydenhaddockmusic/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/Bed music: https://www.bensound.com

Brandon Rhyder gets real on this episode of "The Road Less Traveled." He discusses his trials and tribulations that almost cost him his music career – not to mention his life. He also discusses the silver lining he discovered during that difficult time. Also on this episode ... we discuss how he's dealing with the Covid-19 chaos ... his other creative outlets ... and he talks about his new album coming out. This episode, which is sponsored by CH Lonestar Promo, was recorded at The Post Office Studio in Fort Worth, Texas.Links:Brandon Rhyder web site: https://brandonrhyder.com/Brandon Rhyder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandonrhydermusic/The Post Office Studio: https://www.thepostofficestudio.com/CH Lonestar Promo: https://chlonestarpromo.com/Bed music: https://www.bensound.com

In the near future, I won't be able to get Mike Harmeier on my radio show/podcast. He's the frontman for the badass band Mike and the Moonpies, and they're about to BLOW UP! I got the chance to sit down with Mike backstage at the Larry Joe Taylor Music Festival. I LOVED our conversation, talking about his family, his band and how he lives on purpose.Purchase the recent album from Mike and the Moonpies (Steak Night at the Prairie Rose): https://amzn.to/2KHO9Ds