Tag

Nashville

Feb 18
Love21

Phil Vassar

By Music, Podcast No Comments

For 25 years, Phil Vassar has written and performed songs that defined an era of country music. But behind the hits like Just Another Day in Paradise, Carlene, and The Sound of a Million Dreams is a story of rejection, resilience, health scares, and hard-earned perspective.

This week on Here’s What We Know, Phil reflects on the roadblocks that nearly stopped him, the heart attack that changed his outlook, and why he believes songwriters are more like therapists than hitmakers. From owning his own bar in Nashville to outlasting the gatekeepers who said piano players would never work in country music, Phil opens up about what it really takes to build a lasting career.

This is a conversation about instinct, grit, healing, and the power of a song to carry you through the hardest seasons of life.

This episode is sponsored by:

In This Episode:

  • Writing Songs Is Therapy
  • “They Said Piano Players Don’t Work in Nashville”
  • Building a Following Before a Record Deal
  • The Hits They Hated
  • Knowing When You’ve Got Something
  • Surviving a Heart Attack and Stroke
  • Just Another Day in Paradise
  • The Story Behind Carlene
  • The Sound of a Million Dreams
  • Bands, Egos, and Going Solo
  • Toby Keith, Vince Gill, and Songwriting Brotherhood
  • Slowing Down After 25 Years
  • Ending with Piano Man

Quotations:

“Now I’m just going to play when I want to play and write when I want to write, you know, it’s just good.” ~ Phil Vassar

“Everybody in Nashville really respects songwriters. I mean, I think it’s because most artists don’t write their own songs.” ~ Phil Vassar

“I don’t want to be in a band because I’ll kill somebody, you know, and it’s just the way it is. And I realized that I’d rather sit on a stage with a piano and play my songs.” ~ Phil Vassar

“You can’t hide anything from a writer.” ~ Phil Vassar

“That’s the thing about your writers; they’re almost like therapists. It’s a therapy to write a song.” ~ Phil Vassar

Bio:

Phil Vassar is a chart-topping country artist and acclaimed Nashville songwriter whose piano-driven sound helped redefine modern country music. Raised in a home filled with Motown, gospel, bluegrass, and classic rock, Vassar developed an eclectic musical foundation that blends heartfelt storytelling with unforgettable hooks. Influenced by artists like Billy Joel and Elton John, he found his true voice behind the piano, crafting songs that resonate across generations.

Over a 25-year career, Vassar has earned two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards, ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist honors, and scored 10 No. 1 hits including “Just Another Day in Paradise,” “Carlene,” and “Six-Pack Summer.” As a songwriter, he’s penned major hits for Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Jo Dee Messina, and others, cementing his reputation as one of Nashville’s most versatile hitmakers.

Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of his breakout success, Vassar continues to tour nationally, blending his classic hits with fresh interpretations and new music. After surviving a life-altering heart attack in 2023, he brings renewed gratitude and perspective to both his life and career. At his core, Phil Vassar remains a passionate storyteller dedicated to creating songs that move people and stand the test of time.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.philvassar.com/

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

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

Jun 25
Love34

Meghan Patrick

By Music, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, Meghan Patrick returns to reflect on how her life and her music have evolved over the past few years. Meghan shares what it really takes to stay true in an industry that rewards masks more than authenticity.

We talk about the fatigue behind the spotlight, the courage it takes to walk away from toxic relationships (even when they’re family), and how songwriting helped her process deep personal wounds. Megan opens up about the emotional weight behind songs like “Blood From a Stone” and “Golden Child,” offering listeners comfort, connection, and clarity through her vulnerability. Listen now!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

In this episode:

  • Meghan’s evolution as an artist and human
  • The power of having a team who gets you
  • Choosing authenticity over virality
  • Healing through songwriting
  • The realities of navigating toxic family dynamics
  • Why drudgery is part of the dream

Quotations:

“If I have to be less myself to get you to like me, then you’re not for me, and that’s fine.”  ~ Meghan Patrick

“The first step is figuring out who you are, and that definitely does take some time.” ~ Meghan Patrick

“There was no way I was ever not gonna want to make music, write songs, or perform because that’s who I am.” ~ Meghan Patrick

“How many of those overnight viral sensations are actually gonna have longevity and still be able to maintain that for a long-lasting career? And I don’t hope that for any of them. And I’m not shading these people. That’s great for them. I’m not saying they’re undeserving or anything; I’m just saying that one viral moment does not mean that you are going to have a long-lasting career, and that’s the only kind of career I’m interested in.” ~ Meghan Patrick

“You know what is sustainable? Fans, real fans who love you, who will follow you to the ends of the earth, who will buy every record you make, who will spend, save for months and months to come see your show and then buy your t-shirts and that, when they get in the car with their friends, like, let me show you this song, and they want to play their favorite artist.” ~ Meghan Patrick

“Why do I feel have to act like I have more money than I do? That’s crazy. For the fans, they don’t care. Matter of fact, they might like me more if they understood that, like, yeah, I’m just like you. I’m struggling with this as well. And just being honest and real with your fans about what’s going on in your life. And that took a lot of courage for me to get to a place where I felt like I could do that, where I could let them know, like, I’m not perfect all the time. I don’t have it together all the time. And I’m struggling and frustrated with some of the same things that you are.” ~ Meghan Patrick

“I know that God gave me a gift of music, the gift to be able to sing and to be able to write songs, but I think even more importantly than that and beyond that, I realized that part of my calling was not just to sing and write songs; it was to use my gift to help others. It was to use my gift to talk about the hard stuff, the very real-life stuff that that nobody really wants to talk about because it’s uncomfortable.” ~ Meghan Patrick

“There are people walking around with a piece of their heart broken for their whole lives. I mean, it happens every day.” ~ Meghan Patrick

“I just wish people understood that, like, dude, put your time and energy into things you do like, not things you hate. If you don’t like it, then just move on.” ~ Meghan Patrick

Bio:

Meghan Patrick is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter originally from Ontario, known for blending raw vulnerability with fierce confidence. A two-time CCMA Female Artist of the Year with 19 CMAOntario Awards, Meghan’s music unpacks the grit, grace, and truth of life on her own terms. Her latest album, Golden Child, marks a powerful turning point, diving into personal healing, hard-earned wisdom, and what she now calls Big Sister Country, where strength and intimacy coexist. From bluegrass to funk to country, Meghan’s musical journey defies easy labels, but one thing’s clear: when she tells her story, people listen.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.meghanpatrickmusic.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MeghanPatrickMusic

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

Feb 26
Love22

Terry McBride

By Music, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with Terry McBride, a legendary figure in 90s country music. He was the lead vocalist and bass guitarist in the band McBride & the Ride. From growing up in a small Texas town to writing hits for country legends, Terry’s journey is all about hard work, passion, and a few surprising turns along the way. Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to use code “Gary20” to get 20% off your order!)

 (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!)

In this Episode:

  • Growing up in a ranching community and finding his passion for music
  • Learning from his father, regional musician Dale McBride
  • How Tony Brown’s recognition led him to a deal with MCA Records
  • Writing with legends like Guy Clark and shaping country music’s golden era
  • Tour life—from driving buses to fronting his own band
  • The hilarious and humbling reality of family honesty (yes, hair loss included!)

Quotations:

“You always want something better for your children. You hope they’ll go on and be happy and successful.” ~ Terry McBride

“I had such respect for those songwriters behind the scenes.” ~ Terry McBride

“You’ve got to have a guy that believes in you so much; other people eventually believe in you too.” ~ Terry McBride

“When the record button hits or the camera’s on, you got it, it’s your shot. You got to show what you got. You got to be good at it.” ~ Terry McBride

“Once you have the hits, it gets a little easier; it gets a lot more fun. You know, people are singing along. Now it’s just fun.” ~ Terry McBride

“I’ll take a hundred people who want to be there over 5,000 that are just whatever, you know? Cause it’s just so much fun for me.” ~ Terry McBride

“We’re small but mighty and that three-part harmony really fills up the band much bigger than it appears by just the four pieces.” ~ Terry McBride

“If you’re miserable and you have nothing to look forward to, then I don’t want to live like that.” ~ Terry McBride

Bio:

Terry McBride is a true Texas original—a chart-topping songwriter, frontman, and multi-instrumentalist with a career spanning four decades. From touring with his father’s band to forming McBride & The Ride and penning hits for Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, and many more, Terry’s impact on country music is undeniable. With multiple #1 songs, millions of airplay awards, and a recent induction into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame, he continues to write, record, and tour—both as a solo artist and with the reunited McBride & The Ride.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.terrymcbridemusic.com/

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

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

YouTube: @TerryMcBrideMusic

_______________

Feb 19
Love33

Jerry Flowers

By Music, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, we’re sitting down with Jerry Flowers, one of Nashville’s most respected musicians and songwriters. Best known as Keith Urban’s longtime band leader and bass player, Jerry has spent decades touring the world, playing massive stages, and shaping the sound of country music.

In this raw and honest conversation, Jerry pulls back the curtain on life in the music industry—sharing behind-the-scenes stories, the highs and lows of his journey, and what it really takes to make it in Nashville. Listen now!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter service!)

License #: 679261

In this Episode:

  • His journey from Pinch, WV, to Nashville and beyond
  • The early days as a founding member of The Ranch (Keith Urban’s first band)
  • Writing with Sam Hunt and the magic behind crafting a hit song
  • What it really takes to make it in music—talent, grit, and the right people believing in you

Quotations:

“When you first come here you think it’s impossible, especially if you’re from a really small town. But then you realize the more, the longer you’re here, like, it’s not that big of a business and you know these everybody you just need to find your people to.” ~ Jerry Flowers

“If you have everything when you move here, you’re most likely not gonna be willing to go through all the hard stuff that you’re gonna have to go through cause it’s gonna be hard. I don’t care who it is. It’s gonna be rough. And so if you don’t have that hunger, you’re not gonna stay.” ~ Jerry Flowers

“Most people that are jerks, they just don’t make it in this business because you have to be a fun hang, you have to be a good person to be around. And I think that’s the same with the label people too and management. It’s, like, you have to be a good, good person or I think it just, you get weeded out.” ~ Jerry Flowers

“Even at the lowest level and you’re still getting to do it, it’s still an absolute gift to be able to do it.“ ~ Jerry Flowers

“I watched the audience a lot more than the bands just to see what their reaction is.” ~ Jerry Flowers

Bio:

Jerry Flowers is a seasoned bassist, songwriter, and music industry veteran, best known for his longtime role as Keith Urban’s bass player and band leader. With a career spanning decades, Jerry has toured the world, shared the stage with music legends, and played a pivotal role in crafting chart-topping hits both on and off the road.

Originally from Pinch, West Virginia, Jerry’s musical journey began at just 12 years old, fueled by a passion for bass guitar. His talent and dedication took him from small-town gigs to global stages, touring with The Chicks, Counting Crows, and more.

Beyond performing, Jerry is an accomplished songwriter, earning #1 hits with Billy Currington, Jason Aldean, Sam Hunt, and Ryan Hurd. His musicality and creativity continue to inspire every session he’s in, making him a sought-after collaborator in Nashville’s thriving music scene.

Guest Contact Info:

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