Stories Behind the Songs

Latest Episodes:

McCoy Moore: Something To You Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 120 of Stories Behind the Songs, host Chris Blair sits down at The Listening Room in Nashville with singer-songwriter McCoy Moore. McCoy went from parking lot parties in small-town Florida to amphitheaters and arenas opening for HARDY.

McCoy signed with Sony Music and hit the road with Lauren Alaina and HARDY. He shares the moment he found out he was opening for HARDY and how he stays grounded through it all.

He talks about the influence of his mom and grandma, sharing the stage and the dream with his brother, and advice for new artists, starting with being a good person before anything else.

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Sail with us on Boots on the Water, Feb. 7-11, 2027.

Dylan Guthro: Missing Someone May 27, 2025

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In Episode 119 of Stories Behind the Songs, host Chris Blair sits down at The Listening Room in Nashville with songwriter and producer Dylan Guthro. Dylan played the demo of "Missing Someone" for his dad before he passed, which makes Dan + Shay's version even more meaningful.

From touring with Port Cities to landing a major Dan + Shay cut, Dylan shares the journey behind "Missing Someone," a song that sat quietly until the stars aligned.

He talks about evolving from artist to full-time songwriter and producer, songs like "Six Drinks Ago," finding his role in every co-write, and staying true to your voice in a town full of noise.

Songs discussed
Missing Someone (Dan + Shay)

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Sail with us on Boots on the Water, Feb. 7-11, 2027.

Robyn Ottolini: Airplane Bottle May 20, 2025

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In Episode 118 of Stories Behind the Songs, host Chris Blair sits down at The Listening Room in Nashville with singer-songwriter Robyn Ottolini. Robyn landed a deal with Warner Music Nashville over Zoom, and her breakup song "F-150" struck a chord with millions.

Robyn has been writing since 13. She talks about the viral success of "F-150" and performs a powerful live version. She also opens up about growing up in Ontario on country radio and Hannah Montana, adjusting to Nashville, and silencing imposter syndrome by trusting her voice.

She previews her single "Airplane Bottle," out May 30, and shares surreal career moments and some hilarious fan stories.

Songs discussed
F-150 (Robyn Ottolini)
Airplane Bottle (Robyn Ottolini)

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Sail with us on Boots on the Water, Feb. 7-11, 2027.

Carson Wallace: Made To Be Here May 15, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 117 of Stories Behind the Songs, host Chris Blair sits down at The Listening Room in Nashville with singer-songwriter Carson Wallace. Carson moved to Nashville from California at just 17, inspired by his uncle, a hit songwriter.

Growing up around top writers gave Carson a front-row seat to what it takes. He talks about his early days at Belmont, why he left to dive into music, his breakout TikTok moment, and the Kameron Marlowe hold that helped launch his artist journey.

He also shares his evolving sound, from ballads like "Ghost of My Chevy" to the genre-bending "Out of My Control," working with HARDY as a mentor and co-writer, and why releasing authentic music consistently moves the needle.

Songs discussed
Ghost in My Chevy (Carson Wallace)
Out of My Control (Carson Wallace)

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Sail with us on Boots on the Water, Feb. 7-11, 2027.

Brinley Addington: Chasing After You May 06, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 116 of Stories Behind the Songs, host Chris Blair sits down at The Listening Room in Nashville with songwriter and artist Brinley Addington. Brinley hosted the release for his album "Nobody's Favorite" at The Listening Room, a full-circle moment, and his motto is "I'm going to stay until everyone else goes home."

Brinley grew up on bluegrass and church music in Kingsport, Tennessee, and knew he wanted to chase music after a childhood trip to Nashville. He tells the story behind his first #1, "Chasing After You," which sat on the shelf for years before finding Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd.

He also talks about "This Party Sucks" on Ryan Hurd's album and writing "Burn 'Em All" with Kameron Marlowe.

Songs discussed
Chasing After You (Ryan Hurd)
This Party Sucks (Ryan Hurd)
Burn 'Em All (Kameron Marlowe)

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Sail with us on Boots on the Water, Feb. 7-11, 2027.

Jenna Davis: Acting, Singing, And Owning Her Story Apr 29, 2025

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In Episode 115 of Stories Behind the Songs, host Chris Blair sits down at The Listening Room in Nashville with actress and singer Jenna Davis. Jenna is the first artist signed to SMACK, and witty songs are her favorite thing to write.

Jenna grew up around music in Texas and was in professional theater by fifth grade. Her journey took her from LA's acting scene to Nashville's writing rooms.

She talks about going from viral covers to original music, blending sharp songwriting with country roots, and what she has learned from Nashville's best.

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Sail with us on Boots on the Water, Feb. 7-11, 2027.

Big & Rich: Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 114 of Stories Behind the Songs, host Chris Blair sits down at The Listening Room in Nashville with the legendary duo Big & Rich. Being called "Big & Rich" everywhere they went started as a running joke, and became the name of a movement.

They toured with Lonestar right out of high school and became a duo almost by accident after nonstop writing sessions. They tell the stories behind "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)," a song no one wanted them to release, and "8th of November," inspired by a real veteran's story.

They also share how Jason Aldean got his start with their songs, why country music needs humor, and advice on staying grounded and betting on your songs.

Songs discussed
Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) (Big & Rich)
8th of November (Big & Rich)

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Sail with us on Boots on the Water, Feb. 7-11, 2027.

Andy Albert: Thinking 'Bout You Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 113 of Stories Behind the Songs, host Chris Blair sits down at The Listening Room in Nashville with hit songwriter Andy Albert. Andy and Marc Beeson once emailed Blake Shelton a demo after a Christmas party, and it worked.

Andy went from a small-town Georgia kid in an alt-rock band to writing country hits in Nashville. He talks about "She's Got a Way With Words," "Thinking 'Bout You" and "Bigger Houses."

He also shares what it means to be the glue in the writing room and to build a life from nothing.

Songs discussed
She's Got a Way With Words (Blake Shelton)
Thinking 'Bout You (Dustin Lynch)

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The Listening Room
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Sail with us on Boots on the Water, Feb. 7-11, 2027.

Matt Warren: Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain) Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 112 of Stories Behind the Songs, host Chris Blair sits down at The Listening Room in Nashville with hit songwriter Matt Warren. Matt was waiting tables at Chili's when a chance encounter with George Strait's guitar techs kickstarted his songwriting journey.

From frat parties in a Chevy van to selling T-shirts for Gary Allan, Matt's Nashville story is anything but boring. He talks about writing "Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)" and "Learning How to Bend," and getting fired in a positive way.

Twenty-four years in, he also opens up about a tough battle with addiction that almost took it all, the heartbreak, and the songs that changed everything.

Songs discussed
Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain) (Gary Allan)
Learning How to Bend (Gary Allan)

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Watch and listen
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The Listening Room
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Sail with us on Boots on the Water, Feb. 7-11, 2027.

Walker Hayes: Fancy Like Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 111 of Stories Behind the Songs, host Chris Blair sits down at The Listening Room in Nashville with Walker Hayes. "You Broke Up With Me" started right here at The Listening Room before becoming a massive hit.

Walker shares his journey from Alabama to Nashville, where a bold moment with Shane McAnally changed everything. He opens up about the struggle to get songs cut and the moment he realized people truly connected with his music.

He also talks about the viral "Fancy Like" moment with his kids, the power of a great title, and his belief that every person you meet is placed in your life for a reason, plus the inside scoop on hitting the road with Brad Paisley on the Truck Still Works Tour.

Songs discussed
Fancy Like (Walker Hayes)
You Broke Up with Me (Walker Hayes)

Follow Walker Hayes
Apple Music

Watch and listen
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Follow Stories Behind the Songs
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Chris Blair: Instagram | chrisblair.com

The Listening Room
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Sail with us on Boots on the Water, Feb. 7-11, 2027.

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