Shows
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 24 - Claire MoralesThis week on I Was In That Band, I'm joined by Denton native Claire Morales. Claire has been performing since childhood, and her journey has taken her through songwriting, recording, touring, and learning how to stay creatively engaged when those cycles start to feel routine. We talk about the work behind the work—how to keep things fresh, how to recognize when something needs to change, and how to avoid the trap of creative or performance monotony. Along the way, the conversation takes some turns you might not expect: trips, cults, reality, space, and the de...
2025-12-2257 min
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 23 - Daniel MarkhamThis week on I Was In That Band, Grady Sandlin sits down with longtime friend and collaborator Daniel Markham, a prolific West Texas singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose sound moves easily between many genres and influences. Daniel shares stories about his musical origins growing up in West Texas, the creative energy that keeps him constantly writing and recording, and his instinct for knowing when to edit, refine, or simply move on to the next idea. The conversation also looks back on more than a decade of working together, highlighting Daniel's thoughtful approach to music and his commitment to always...
2025-12-021h 07
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 22 - Daniel Rush FolmerThis week on I Was In That Band!, Grady sits down with songwriter Daniel Rush Folmer. They talk about Daniel's music, their shared history in the North Texas scene, and the web of mutual friends and collaborators that shaped their journeys. The conversation also touches on addiction, recovery, and the healing power of creativity.
2025-11-1052 min
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 21 - G.I. SandersThis week, Grady sits down with G.I. Sanders — musician, label owner, and lifelong advocate for North Texas music. From his early days playing in local bands to running a record store and a DFW-centric reissue record label, G.I. shares his story with candid humor and honesty. They talk about the evolution of the DFW music scene, lessons learned from life on both sides of the stage, and the passion that keeps him creating new opportunities for Texas artists.
2025-10-271h 29
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 20 - Poppy XanderThis week on I Was In That Band, Grady sits down with instrumentalist, singer, composer, and creative force Poppy Xander. Known for her wide-ranging projects across genres, Poppy opens up about what it means to live as an artist with many interests and identities. We talk about feminism in the music world, the creative challenges of juggling multiple projects, and the balancing act between authenticity and self-promotion. Poppy shares her thoughts on developing a strong work ethic, carving out space for creative freedom, and staying true to her artistic instincts in an industry that often pushes artists t...
2025-10-0745 min
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 19 - Steve Carter (Little Jack Melody)This week on I Was In That Band!, my guest is Steve Carter—better known as Little Jack Melody. We dig into questions of identity, chasing success, band life, and the unforgettable disasters of the stage. Steve's singular perspective on music and living shines through in this candid and entertaining conversation.
2025-09-231h 20
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 18 - Ryan Thomas BeckerThis week we welcome our friend and longtime collaborator Ryan Thomas Becker to the podcast. Ryan has a deep history with both Grady and producer Brian Hutson, and together they revisit years of shared experiences—musical projects formed, bands dissolved, and everything that came in between. Ryan opens up about his creative path, the lessons learned along the way, and the excitement around his upcoming solo album, #1 Honey Puppy Momma. It's a candid, funny, and heartfelt conversation with one of North Texas's most original voices in music.
2025-09-151h 22
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 17 - Jeffrey BarnesMy guest this week is the incomparable Jeffrey Barnes — a true multi-instrumentalist and a cornerstone of Denton's legendary band Brave Combo. Jeffrey and I dig into his fascinating journey: from discovering his passion for music, to joining Brave Combo and helping shape their iconic, genre-bending sound that's brought polka, rock, and world music together in ways nobody else dared. We also talk about his favorite instruments, unforgettable gigs, and what keeps him inspired after decades of making music.
2025-09-021h 24
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 16 - Mark Allan AtwoodThis week on I WAS IN THAT BAND! my guest is Texas songwriter Mark Allan Atwood. We dig into his lifelong focus on songwriting, his past and present band projects, and the winding path that's carried him through the Texas music scene. Mark shares candid thoughts on the current state of the music business and venues, the changes he's witnessed over the years, and where he sees himself headed next. It's a conversation equal parts reflection and forward motion, from an artist who's never stopped chasing the song.
2025-08-181h 15
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 15 - Guthrie KennardThis week on I Was In That Band, Grady sits down with Texas roots troubadour Guthrie Kennard. From his early days in Virginia rock bands to decades of hard-earned cred in the Texas blues and Americana scenes, Guthrie shares stories from the road, collaborations with legends like Buddy Miles, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Rocky Hill, and Marc Benno—and the songwriting philosophy that's carried him around the world. It's a ride through smoky clubs, European tours, and the heart of Texas music with one of the scene's most soulful voices.
2025-07-281h 06
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 14 - Trees MarieThis week on I Was In That Band, we sit down with the powerhouse that is Trees Marie — singer, songwriter, bandleader, and frontwoman of the Led Zeppelin tribute act The Battle of Evermore. Trees is our first female guest, and we dive into what that means in a world where women are still fighting for equal footing in the music industry. We talk about the realities of fronting two very different bands, the hard-won clarity of sobriety, and the balancing act of working a full-time job while chasing musical passion on her own terms. It's a...
2025-07-071h 08
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 13 - Mason AdamsThis week on I Was In That Band!, Grady sits down with singer-songwriter and MAP (Mason Adams Project) frontman Mason Adams for a conversation about the winding road that led him to lead his own band. From early musical influences to navigating the ups and downs of fronting a project, Mason opens up about what it takes to keep the music—and the musicians—moving forward. They share laughs over genre labels and whether they really matter, and dive into the challenges and rewards of being the one steering the ship—especially through recent lineup changes.
2025-06-231h 04
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 12a BONUS: Christopher Holt – "Parallel" (Live at Highland Sound Tracks)In this special bonus release from I Was In That Band, Christopher Holt delivers a stripped-down, soul-stirring performance of his original song "Parallel", recorded live in the Highland Sound Tracks studio. Accompanying himself on our vintage Fender Rhodes electric piano, Chris brings a quiet intensity to this intimate solo rendition—capturing the lyrical depth and melodic grace that have defined his work across decades of Dallas music.
2025-06-1905 min
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 12 - Christopher HoltOn this episode of I Was In That Band, Grady catches up with longtime friend Christopher Holt—a pillar of the Dallas music scene whose journey has taken him from local jam bands to sharing the stage with legends. From Walter Mitty, Olo Spo, and The Slack to his solo work and tours with Don Henley, Max Weinberg's Jukebox, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, and now The Eagles, Christopher's path has been anything but ordinary. They talk about how tastes and directions change over time, what Christopher truly values in music, and what it means to...
2025-06-061h 23
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 11 - Matt PenceThis week on I Was In That Band: I'm joined by drummer, producer, and recording engineer Matt Pence. From his early days in Denton with Adam's Farm, to his time in the beloved Centro-matic, to his current work with Shakey Graves, Matt has carved out a career defined by intention and craft. We talk about his unique and calculated approach to music-making, the evolving landscape of the industry, and the deep value of long-standing creative relationships in both the studio and onstage.
2025-05-291h 40
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 10 - Bruce AlfordThis week on I Was In That Band, I'm joined by legendary DFW drummer Bruce Alford. Bruce shares stories of his early days growing up in Mississippi, his move to North Texas for college, and how he built a reputation as one of the area's most versatile and in-demand drummers. We talk about the arc of his career, his deep interest in drums and gear, and how that led him to buying and selling modern used drums. What started as a side hustle has grown into Fort Worth Drum Emporium—his own business and current link to th...
2025-05-121h 27
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 09 - Matt HillyerOn this episode of I Was In That Band, Grady sits down with Matt Hillyer — longtime frontman of Eleven Hundred Springs and a true staple of Texas music. Matt shares his journey from getting into the music business as a teenager, through the formation of Lone Star Trio, and into the decades-spanning run of Eleven Hundred Springs. He opens up about the breakup of the band, the challenges and freedoms of stepping out as a solo artist, and the lessons learned along the way. Full of stories, laughs, and honest reflections, this is a conversation any fan of Texas co...
2025-04-281h 42
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 08 - Paul SlavensThis week on I WAS IN THAT BAND! I sit down with the incomparable Paul Slavens — a true legend of the Denton music scene. From his groundbreaking work with the genre-bending band Ten Hands to his long-running Monday night residency at Dan's Silverleaf—where he famously improvised songs on the spot using audience-suggested titles—Paul has carved out a unique space in Texas music history. We talk about his musical journey, his fearless approach to creativity, and what keeps him inspired after all these years. I've had the pleasure of making music with Paul over the years and ha...
2025-04-141h 34
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I Was In That Band! EP 07 - Jacob FurrIn this special episode of I Was In That Band, Jacob Furr joins Grady for a deep dive into their friendship, their experiences on opposite sides of the DFW music scene, and how personal loss has shaped their creative paths. As they reflect on the highs and lows of independent music, this conversation also serves as a behind-the-scenes look at the Highland Sound Tracks filming process. Along the way, producer Brian Hutson makes some off-mic appearances, while guest engineer Travis Bonnet jumps in with his own insights. It's an episode filled with stories, laughter, and a raw look at...
2025-04-011h 10
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 06 - Isaac HoskinsIn this long-awaited episode of I WAS IN THAT BAND!, Grady sits down with Texas singer-songwriter Isaac Hoskins for a conversation that's been sitting on the shelf since December 2024. Isaac shares the story of how he found his way to Denton, Texas, and the community that's shaped his music over the years. They dig into Isaac's early musical influences, the winding road of a working musician, and what "success" really means when you're chasing songs instead of charts. This was actually the second episode we ever recorded, and we're excited to finally bring it to you.
2025-03-171h 12
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 05 - Kenny WithrowOn this episode of I WAS IN THAT BAND!, I sit down with Kenny Withrow, the legendary guitarist of Edie Brickell & New Bohemians. We dive into his early days in the Dallas music scene, the formation and evolution of New Bohemians, and his time playing with the wild and funky Billy Goat. Kenny shares the moments that shaped his musical journey, and what continues to inspire him to pick up the guitar today.
2025-03-042h 13
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 04 - Brent BestThis week on I WAS IN THAT BAND!, Grady sits down with Brent Best, the voice and pen behind Slobberbone, one of the most revered alt-country bands to come out of Texas. Brent shares the stories behind the band's formation, the work ethic that kept them going, and the musical influences that shaped their sound. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Slobberbone, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and a few laughs.
2025-02-171h 36
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 03 - Adrian HuletIn this episode, we're joined by Adrian Hulet, frontman and songwriter of the progressive rock band Oso Closo. Adrian opens up about his musical journey, sharing the influences that shaped his sound, the early projects that paved the way, and the rise and eventual breakup of Oso Closo. We explore his creative process, how he crafts music that resonates, and how he balances the pursuit of his musical dreams with the demands of family life. It's a heartfelt, insightful conversation that offers a glimpse into the highs, lows, and everything in between of a life dedicated to music.
2025-02-031h 52
I WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 02 - Tom PevearIn this episode, we talk with Tom Pevear, a folk guitarist and singer from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tom discusses his musical journey, early inspirations, and the unique sound he has developed. He talks about his music's roots, his creative process, and the challenges of being an artist today. This conversation is an inspiring look into Tom's world.
2025-01-2059 minI WAS IN THAT BAND!I WAS IN THAT BAND! EP 01 - Garrett OwenOn this episode, we sit down with Garrett Owen, a masterful singer-songwriter known for his soulful storytelling and intricate guitar work. Garrett opens up about his journey through music, the influences behind his hauntingly beautful sound, and the moments that shaped his artistry.
2025-01-062h 24
You Can't See Us with Starfire and CharliePodcast #45Phone call from Grady Don Sandlin; Starfire and Charlie talk with ET and Big Dan about unnecessary censorship, planned obsolescence, and the situation in Liberia; Song of the week by Jack White
2012-05-0400 min