Tag

country artist interview

Jun 17
Love44

Michael Peterson

By Author, Faith, Music, Personal Growth, Podcast No Comments

What keeps a person moving forward after loss, trauma, disappointment, and heartbreak?

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with country music artist Michael Peterson, known for hits like Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie, From Here to Eternity, and When the Bartender Cries.

Michael shares the story behind the music, how he survived a childhood marked by abuse, loss, and learning challenges. He almost gave up on music twice, and then one phone call came right when he needed it most.

We also talk about what Michael calls “The Habit of Hope,” a simple but powerful practice that helped him keep going when life gave him every reason to quit.

Michael went on to become a platinum artist in country music, a published author of eight books, and someone who’s performed for deployed service members across three continents. But his real story starts much earlier, and it’s about learning to see 50 feet ahead when you can’t see 50 miles.

If you’ve ever questioned whether your hard work is worth it, this episode is for you.

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

In this episode:

  • Overcoming childhood trauma and finding meaning
  • Why “overnight success” took 25 years
  • The habit of hope and how to redirect your thoughts
  • What happens when you almost give up right before your breakthrough
  • Why learning disabilities don’t define you
  • How to keep making art when nobody’s watching
  • The power of second seasons in life and career
  • Why you might have already done your best work and don’t know it yet

Quotations:

“I just am always very appreciative of the gifts that come from having a tough life when I see it in other people. I just think, man, they’re strong; their character is strong.” – Michael Peterson

“I needed encouragement. So I sought encouragement.” – Michael Peterson

“I’m a writer. I’ve had a publishing deal and almost continually been writing for people since I was 24 years old. And I’ve been a writer, and I just think, how did I, a kid who couldn’t read very well, end up with a career as a writer?” – Michael Peterson

“I just realized, if they say, well, people can’t change, well, people do change. I’ve seen my mom change. I’ve seen my life change. So there’s a certain grace in that I find it easier to extend to other people because people have extended that grace to me.” – Michael Peterson

“We can get discouraged when we just measure our destination by where we currently are.” – Michael Peterson

Bio:

Michael Peterson is a country music artist, singer-songwriter, author, and speaker. He’s had multiple hit records, including “Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie,” “From Here to Eternity,” and “When the Bartender Cries.” He’s written or co-authored eight books and has performed over 300 shows for deployed service members. His new albums, “Down on the Farm” and “We Are Veterans,” are being released commercially for the first time through Star Vista Records.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.michaelpetersonmusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpetersonmusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.peterson.106

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc30Jzs0yP_UbAFa3prIJxw

May 20
Love28

Kyle Clark

By Music, Podcast No Comments

What if the biggest moments in your life come down to one simple decision?

Show up.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with rising country artist and songwriter Kyle Clark for a conversation about faith, songwriting, Nashville, and the unpredictable moments that can change everything.

Kyle shares the story behind how one late-night decision to “just show up” led to a song eventually recorded by Blake Shelton after first being held by HARDY and Morgan Wallen.

The episode explores creativity, resilience, purpose, and the small moments that shape our lives forever.

If you’ve ever wondered whether the little decisions in life really matter, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the moments that change everything begin with simply walking through the door.

This episode is sponsored by:

Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!

(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) License #: 679261

In this Episode:

  • How hit country songs are really written
  • Moving from Georgia to Nashville
  • Leaving college to pursue music full-time
  • Learning to trust timing instead of forcing outcomes
  • Why great songs sometimes sit for years before finding the right artist
  • The role faith plays in creativity and songwriting
  • The emotional reality of chasing a dream in Nashville
  • Why vulnerability matters in both music and life
  • How persistence and consistency open unexpected doors
  • Why “showing up” became the defining lesson of his career

Quotations:

“I’m always surprised by how a song can come about.” – Kyle Clark

“The chemistry of a room can change what direction you’re going that day.” – Kyle Clark

“I’m telling you, you win the wife over or the girlfriend, whatever it is; that is how you seal the deal on getting a cut in Nashville.” – Kyle Clark

“The difference between when I want it and when I need it. God knows. And it happens every single time.” – Kyle Clark

“As much as I want something, God always knows when I need it.” – Kyle Clark

Bio:

Kyle Clark is a songwriter, artist, and producer born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised in the small town of Jefferson, Georgia. His love for country music, paired with a diverse range of influences and a strong work ethic, has shaped his unique sound. After winning the 101.5 Kicks Radio competition in Atlanta two years in a row, Clark’s music caught the attention of hit songwriter and producer Jordan Schmidt (Kane Brown, Tyler Hubbard, Jason Aldean). In 2019, Schmidt offered Clark a joint venture publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing. Within a year, Clark co-wrote his first RIAA-certified Platinum single, “Villain” by Lily Rose. 

When the global pandemic hit, Clark focused his energy on producing his own music, learning from his mentor Jordan Schmidt and his roommate Jacob Durrett (Morgan Wallen, ERNEST). His dedication paid off in early 2022 when a video of his song went viral on TikTok, driving over 21,000 pre-saves for “Hope It’s Hot Out,” which was released on May 27, 2022. The track crossed 1 million streams in its first week and has since amassed over 40 million streams independently across all platforms. 

In 2024, Clark signed a new publishing deal with Relative Music Group, and has since landed cuts with major country acts including HARDY, Blake Shelton, Dylan Scott, Jon Pardi, Mitchell Tenpenny, Restless Road, Mackenzie Carpenter, Erin Kinsey, and Chayce Beckham.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.kyleclarkmusic.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KyleClarkMusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyleclarkmusic/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kyleclarkmusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KyleClarkMusic