The Ranch Sitdown Podcast

Shayne Hollinger sits down with Travis Roberts and Cameron Allbright backstage at the 37th Larry Joe Taylor Texas Music Festival. Travis and Cameron are part of a new crop of Texas songwriters writing honest, emotional songs well beyond their years. They talk about writing from personal experience and why success in music looks different for every artist. They break down their songwriting process, from melodies and hooks to journals full of poems that never became songs. Travis previews his new lyric-driven record and talks about the rock and roll side of his sound.Cameron shares what it means to go from songwriter contest winner to the LJT stage and to see fans wearing his shirt in the crowd. Listen to more conversations with Texas, Red Dirt, and Americana artists on The Ranch Sitdown from 95.9 The Ranch.

Shayne Hollinger catches up with Fort Worth singer-songwriter Keegan McInroe at AmericanaFest in Nashville to talk about the third annual Fort Worth Songwriter Festival, happening November 12–15. Keegan explains how the festival, the flagship event of the nonprofit Fort Worth Songwriter Foundation, grew out of his desire to bring people together after the pandemic.  That idea started with his Willie Nelson tribute shows, The Willie Specials. This year the festival moves from Southside Preservation Hall to Tulips, with around 70 artists from Fort Worth, across the region, and around the world. He also talks about the foundation's year-round work to build bridges in the community through partnerships with groups like the YMCA and Fort Worth Sister Cities.  He describes what makes the Fort Worth music scene so collaborative and open to newcomers, and why fans across Europe light up when they hear you're from Fort Worth, Texas (Grand Theft Auto may have something to do with it).

#LarryJoeTaylor #TexasCountry #reddirt  Shayne Hollinger sits down backstage at the 37th Larry Joe Taylor Texas Music Festival & Chili Cook-Off with Texas country staple Wade Bowen, back at LJT after a couple of years away. Wade explains why he doesn't consider himself a Texas music icon yet, and names the legends he does put in that category: Robert Earl Keen, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Guy Clark, and Townes Van Zandt. He also takes a few playful shots in his friendly rivalry with Randy Rogers. He reflects on more than 20 years of playing LJT, a festival he calls an adventure unlike any other, and on the nightly challenge of building a setlist when you have a deep catalog and fans who expect the hits. Wade also opens up about a new record he made with Sean McConnell outside Nashville more than five years ago. He shelved it after 2020, then rediscovered it and found the songs mean even more to him now.  Plus, he shares plans for a 20th anniversary release of Lost Hotel, with unreleased studio tracks, acoustic and live recordings, and the album's first-ever vinyl.

Shayne Hollinger sits down backstage at the 37th Larry Joe Taylor Texas Music Festival & Chili Cook-Off with Texas music icon Randy Rogers, a fixture at LJT for more than 20 years. Randy shares some of his favorite festival memories: pedaling a borrowed bike across the grounds late at night, sleeping under the stage and in a dump truck, getting his bus pulled out of the mud, and playing campsite jams until 5 a.m. Shayne recalls a wild campsite dart game from last year's golf cart ride with Larry Joe. Randy also talks about his new venture, Dreamers Management, which works with rising artists like Cameron Albright, Travis Roberts, Ashton Naylor, and Hank Weaver. He explains why he has his artists write down their 1-, 5-, and 10-year goals, a habit that goes back to his early days working with Parker McCollum, and how mentoring young songwriters has re-energized his own writing. Plus, Randy covers what's next for the Randy Rogers Band, including a West Coast run and a finished new project, and the two businesses he and his wife Chelsea opened in New Braunfels: the Lost and Found Rooftop Bar and a candy store on the square. Stay tuned for more episodes of The Ranch Sit Down!

Season 4 of The Ranch Sitdown kicks off with a Texas country music icon, Aaron Watson! Host Shane Hollinger sits down backstage with Aaron for a candid conversation about staying relevant after 20+ years and 3,000 shows as an independent Texas artist. Aaron opens up about how social media transformed his bookings, his new 26-song album A Horse Named Texas, the record he calls the best of his career (Sounds Good to Me, produced by Brandon Hood), his "Neon Twangers" songwriting project, and recording his son Jake Watson's debut album this fall. Plus: Willie Nelson's inspiration, his challenge to Wheeler Walker Jr., and why family always comes first. Presented by Shiner Beer, Cinch, and RWN Contractors. New episodes weekly featuring the biggest names in Texas red dirt, country, and Americana music.

Fresh off his first appearance on the big stage at Larry Joe Taylor’s Texas Music Festival, rising Texas artist Logan Ryan joins Shayne Hollinger for a laid-back backstage conversation on this episode of The Ranch Sitdown Podcast. Logan performs an acoustic song live, talks about the creative process behind his debut album Kamikaze, shares stories from the road, discusses songwriting inspiration, and reflects on what it means to finally play one of the festivals he grew up hearing about. Plus, the guys talk touring, studio sessions, Texas crowds, and why Logan Ryan may be one of the next breakout names in Texas music.

On this episode of The Ranch Sitdown, Kolton Moore joins Shayne to talk about his latest album A Place That I Call Home, the meaning behind “Brave the Weather,” and how mental health, life on the road, and stepping away from music shaped his return. From rediscovering purpose to finding “home” wherever his family is, Kolton opens up in one of his most honest conversations yet.

In this episode of The Ranch Sitdown, Shayne sits down with Race Ricketts to talk about his journey from growing up in Olney, Texas to building his career as an independent artist. Race shares how early exposure to Texas and Red Dirt music shaped his sound, and how songwriting began as an outlet before becoming his full-time pursuit during COVID. The conversation dives into the discipline behind songwriting, the grind of managing an independent music career, and the realities of life on the road. Race also opens up about meaningful songs like “Pulling Weeds,” the creative process behind his upcoming album New Settlers Reunion, and the unexpected story of being gifted a song from Robert Earl Keen. From recording demos on a laptop in college to playing shows in liquor stores and embracing the 940 identity, this episode highlights the work ethic, authenticity, and mindset that drive Race Ricketts forward.

On this episode of The Ranch Sitdown, Shayne sits down with Parker Ryan for a conversation that covers everything from life on the road to the moments that shape an artist’s career. Parker shares what it was like stepping onto massive stages in front of thousands of fans while touring across the country, and how those experiences built his confidence night after night. He reflects on the contrast between playing for packed crowds in places like Georgia and South Carolina versus smaller, more intimate rooms—and how both have played a role in his growth. The conversation dives into his songwriting process, including the deeply personal story behind his song “Dad,” which nearly didn’t get released but ended up connecting with listeners in a powerful way. Parker also talks about writing songs inspired by love, family, and real-life experiences, including performing his single “Safe Tonight” live in studio. They also explore his musical influences, from Metallica and Stevie Ray Vaughan to Willie Nelson, and how those sounds shape his unique blend of storytelling and energy. Plus, Parker shares his vision for future music, including an ambitious concept for a vinyl-inspired album experience. From growing up on a chicken farm to playing in front of tens of thousands, this Sitdown gives a real look into the journey, mindset, and passion behind Parker Ryan’s music.

Shelby Stone joins Shayne on The Ranch Sitdown from MusicFest in Steamboat for a raw and honest conversation about her rapid rise, creative journey, and the reality behind success. Fresh off a major feature in Rolling Stone, Shelby opens up about imposter syndrome, the pressure of growth, and what it feels like to live the life she once prayed for. From writing deeply emotional songs like Traces to preparing for major moments like headlining Billy Bob’s Texas and opening for Ragweed and Turnpike, Shelby shares the behind-the-scenes truth of building a music career in real time. She reflects on her East Texas roots, her transition from cover gigs to original music, and the balance between Shelby Stone the artist and Shelby Stone the person. Plus, live performances and stories that highlight exactly why she’s one of the most compelling rising voices in Texas music today.