Ten Year Town

Latest Episodes:

Episode 85: Logan Mize Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Logan Mize is a country artist and songwriter from Clearwater, Kansas. Since releasing his debut album in 2009, he has built a career as both a signed and an independent artist. Along the way, he has amassed over 350 million streams and several RIAA Gold certifications. He is currently published by Big Yellow Dog Music.

In this episode, we discuss Logan’s journey from Kansas to Nashville, building a career outside the traditional industry system, what it takes to tour and raise a family, the inspiration behind Prairieville, and many other stops along the way.

This episode's "stat of the week" is brought to you by https://chartmetric.com/.

This episode is also sponsored by The Graphic Guitar Guys. They create eye-catching custom guitar wraps for some of the biggest artists and festivals in the music industry. Their work is perfect for adding a unique touch to album pre-sale bundles or VIP package items—check them out and discover how they can transform a guitar into a show-stopping work of art.

New Episodes every Tuesday.
Find the host Troy Cartwright on Twitter, Instagram.
Social Channels for Ten Year Town:
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This podcast was produced by Ben VanMaarth.
Intro and Outro music for this episode was composed by Troy Cartwright, Monty Criswell, and Derek George. It is called "Same" and you can listen to it in it's entirety here.
Additional music for this episode was composed by Thomas Ventura.
Artwork design by Brad Vetter.
Creative Direction by Mary Lucille Noah.

Episode 84: Muscadine Bloodline Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

Muscadine Bloodline is a country music duo from Mobile, Alabama, made up of Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton. Since forming in 2015, they’ve built a strong independent presence in the country music scene. Their single “Me On You” was certified Gold by the RIAA in 2025, and they received their first ACM nomination for Duo of the Year the same year. In late 2024, they joined Post Malone as a supporting act on his “F-1 Trillion Tour,” performing in cities across the U.S.

In this episode, we discuss Muscadine Bloodline’s journey from Alabama to national recognition, the power of staying independent, building a fanbase, touring, and many other stops along the way.

This episode's "stat of the week" is brought to you by https://chartmetric.com/.

Episode 83: Monty Criswell Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

Monty Criswell is a Grammy-nominated songwriter originally from Satsuma, Alabama. Over his 30-year career, he has over 300 cuts and his songs have been recorded by some of the most recognizable names in the format including George Strait, Eric Church, Trace Adkins, Parker McCollum, and Scotty McCreery. Criswell has received multiple award nominations, including two Grammy nominations for Country Song of the Year ("I Saw God Today" and "Just Fishin'") and a CMA Single of the Year award for "I Saw God Today." He is currently published by Spirit Music Nashville and Fluid Music Revolution.

In this episode, we discuss Monty's journey from Alabama to Nashville, his cancer diagnosis and how that changed the trajectory of his life, the stories behind some of his most iconic songs, and many other stops along the way.

This episode's "stat of the week" is brought to you by https://chartmetric.com/.

On Writing, Creativity, and Finding a Honey Tree Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

This is a special bonus episode featuring some thoughts on The Writing Life by Annie Dillard.

If you'd like to dig a little deeper you can read more here: https://troycartwright.substack.com/p/finding-a-honey-tree.

Episode 82: Scott Friedeck Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Scott Friedeck is the founder of The Graphic Guitar Guys, a company based in Dripping Springs, Texas that creates custom graphic-wrapped guitars for artists, festivals, and major music brands. Originally from southeast Texas, he founded his company 13 years ago. What started as an idea while touring with Texas artists like Robert Earl Keen and Ryan Beaver has grown into a full-scale business producing thousands of guitars each year. His work has been used by artists including George Strait, Gary Allan, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Reba, and Brooks & Dunn.

In this episode, we discuss how a road gig turned into the starting of The Graphic Guitar Guys, working with Robert Earl Keen, what he loves about Nashville, the growing music infrastructure of Texas, and many other stops along the way.

This episode's "stat of the week" is brought to you by https://chartmetric.com/.

Get tickets to Troy's Tin Pan South show here: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/troy-cartwright-paul-jenkins-special-analog-at-hutton-hotel-tickets/13733224?pl=NSAI

Episode 81: Simon Tikhman & Chief Zaruk (The Core Entertainment) Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk are the co-founders of The Core Entertainment, a music company specializing in artist management, records, and brand partnerships. Since launching in 2019, The Core has built a roster that includes Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, Josh Ross, and Nickelback. In 2024, their artists had multiple chart-topping singles, sold out international tours, and were named CCMA Management Company of the Year. Additionally, The Core recently announced a partnership with Universal Music Group to launch The Core Records.
In this episode, we discuss Simon and Chief’s careers, the growth of The Core, and how they work with artists like Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, and Nickelback. We also cover their approach to management, artist development, and the evolving landscape of the music business.

Episode 80: Deric Ruttan Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Originally from Bracebridge, Ontario, Deric Ruttan has written multiple No. 1 hits for artists like Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, and Jason Aldean. His songwriting credits include chart-topping songs such as “Mine Would Be You,” “Any Ol’ Barstool,” and “What Was I Thinkin’.” As an artist, he has released several albums of his own, earning JUNO and Canadian Country Music Award nominations. He is currently published by Sony Music Publishing and Stoneleigh Road Songs.

In this episode, we discuss Deric’s journey from Canada to Nashville, the stories behind some of his biggest songs, his favorite moments, and many other stops along the way.

Episode 79: Craig Wiseman (Part 2) Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

Craig Wiseman is a Grammy-winning songwriter and one of the most successful hitmakers in country music history. Originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, he has written over 30 No. 1 songs for artists like Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, and Florida Georgia Line. His catalog includes career-defining hits such as “Live Like You Were Dying,” “The Good Stuff,” and “Summertime.” In addition to his songwriting success, he is the founder of Big Loud Publishing, which has grown into one of Nashville’s most influential music companies. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.

In part two of this episode, we discuss the story behind the creation of big loud, his best advice, and what's next.

This episode's "stat of the week" is brought to you by https://chartmetric.com/.

Episode 79: Craig Wiseman (Part 1) Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Craig Wiseman is a GRAMMY-winning songwriter with over 30 No. 1 country hits. Originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, he has written songs for Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, and Florida Georgia Line, including “Live Like You Were Dying,” “The Good Stuff,” and “Summertime.” He founded Big Loud, now a major Nashville music company, and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.
In part one of this episode, we discuss his journey from Mississippi to Music Row, the stories behind his biggest songs, and his writing process. Part two covers the founding of Big Loud, his advice for songwriters, and more.

This episode's "stat of the week" is brought to you by https://chartmetric.com/.

Episode 78: Hayes Carll Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

Hayes Carll is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter originally from The Woodlands, Texas. He has written and recorded multiple albums, including KMAG YOYO, Lovers and Leavers, and Trouble In Mind. The 2010 film Country Strong featured his song “Hard Out Here,” and artists like Kenny Chesney, Lee Ann Womack, and Brothers Osborne have recorded his work. His song “Chances Are” was nominated for Best Country Song at the 2016 Grammy Awards.
In this episode, we discuss Hayes’ upbringing, how his time in Crystal Beach helped shape him, the influence of songwriters like Ray Wylie Hubbard on his career, and many other stops along the way.

This episode's "stat of the week" is brought to you by https://chartmetric.com/.

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