In this episode, I sit down with the legendary duo @BigandRich— and their story is just as wild as their songs.From touring with @Lonestar right out of high school to accidentally becoming a duo after nonstop writing sessions, Big & Rich carved their own lane in country music. What started as a running joke — being called “Big & Rich” everywhere they went — became a name that would define a movement.We dive into the stories behind hits like “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” — a song no one wanted them to release — and “8th of November,” inspired by a real-life vet’s story. They share how @Jason Aldean got his start with their songs, why country music needs humor, and how the best songs often come from the craziest real-life moments.With advice on staying grounded, betting on your songs, and shaping the future of country music, this episode is packed with heart, laughs, and a whole lot of truth.SHOW NOTES:Keep up with Guest- @BigandRichOfficialStay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERESBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongsSBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongsSBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongsChris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusicChris Blair's Website - HEREThe Listening Room's Website - HERETLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafeTLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafeA special shout out to our sponsorsSennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-usAlclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
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1:07:44
Andy Albert: Thinking 'Bout You
This week I got to sit down with legendary songwriter, @AndyAlbert!From a small-town Georgia kid in an alt-rock band to writing country hits in Nashville, Andy’s journey is full of heart, hustle, and some wild stories—like the time he and Marc Beeson emailed Blake Shelton a demo after a Christmas party (it worked).We talk about “She’s Got a Way With Words,” “Thinking ‘Bout You,” and “Bigger Houses,” plus what it means to be the glue in the writing room and build a life from nothing.This one’s got laughs, honesty, and some serious songwriting gold. SHOW NOTES:Keep up with Guest- @Andy AlbertStay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERESBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongsSBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongsSBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongsChris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusicChris Blair's Website - HEREThe Listening Room's Website - HERETLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafeTLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafeA special shout out to our sponsorsSennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-usAlclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
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44:35
Matt Warren: Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)
In this episode, I sit down with @Matt Warren!From frat parties in a Chevy van to selling T-shirts for @Gary Allan, Matt’s Nashville come-up is anything but boring. He was waiting tables at Chili’s when a chance encounter with George Strait’s guitar techs kickstarted his songwriting journey—and he’s been chasing it ever since.We talk about writing hits like “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)” and “Learning How to Bend,” getting fired (in a positive way), and the tough battle with addiction that almost took it all. Now 24 years in, Matt reflects on the wild ride, the heartbreak, and the songs that changed everything.You’re gonna want to hear this one.SHOW NOTES:Keep up with Guest- Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERESBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongsSBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongsSBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongsChris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusicChris Blair's Website - HEREThe Listening Room's Website - HERETLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafeTLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafeA special shout out to our sponsorsSennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-usAlclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
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56:38
Walker Hayes: Fancy Like
In this week's episode I sit down with, @WalkerHayes!Walker takes us on his journey from growing up in Alabama to chasing his dreams in Nashville, where a bold moment with @Shane McAnally changed everything. He opens up about the struggles of getting his songs cut, the moment he realized people truly connected with his music, and how “You Broke Up With Me” started right here at TLR before becoming a massive hit.We also talk about the viral “Fancy Like” moment with his kids, the power of a great song title, and his belief that every person you meet is placed in your life for a reason. Plus, he’s gearing up to hit the road with @Brad Paisley on the “Truck Still Works Tour”—and we get the inside scoop.It’s one you don’t want to miss! SHOW NOTES:Keep up with Guest- @WalkerHayesStay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERESBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongsSBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongsSBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongsChris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusicChris Blair's Website - HEREThe Listening Room's Website - HERETLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafeTLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafeA special shout out to our sponsorsSennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-usAlclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
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1:21:33
Aaron Schilb: Nashville Tour Stop
In this episode, I sit down with the founder of Nashville Tour Stop, @Aaron Schilb!After moving to Nashville in 2017, he played his own shows before realizing his true passion was behind the scenes—curating and supporting artists rather than being on stage himself.We explore how @Nashville Tour Stop evolved from a small bar gig into a vibrant songwriter community, how losing his hearing at a young age influenced his path, and the challenges of managing a growing music platform. SHOW NOTES:Keep up with Guest- @AaronSchilb & @NashvilleTourStopStay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERESBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongsSBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongsSBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongsChris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusicChris Blair's Website - HEREThe Listening Room's Website - HERETLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafeTLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafeA special shout out to our sponsorsSennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-usAlclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
Welcome to Stories Behind the Songs. This is a weekly podcast hosted by Chris Blair in Nashville, TN. After over 20 years in Nashville and owner of the famous music venue The Listening Room, CB has become friends with some of the biggest names in music, the writers behind the hits and amazing industry leaders. In this podcast, he sits down with those friends and shares their stories. You’ll hear about the songs you know from radio, you’ll hear from brand new artists and much more. Whether you have dreams of being in the music industry or just love great music, this podcast is for you!
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