Western Grunge Tapedeck

Latest Episodes:

WGT #112 - Joe Fink of Hand Drawn Records Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Howdy cowfolk! Tracer, Gage, and Kyler sit down with Joe Fink of Hand Drawn Records for a deep dive into the world of vinyl record production. From the nuts and bolts of how records are made to the magic of colored pressings, Joe breaks it all down. They talk about turntable setups, the artists he’s working with, and a friendly reminder to never say “vinyls.” Of course, it wouldn’t be a WGT conversation without some curveballs thrown in.. like aliens. Don't miss it!

Intro/Outro - Trenton Fletcher

Hand Drawn Records: https://www.handdrawnrecords.com/

Joe Fink: https://www.instagram.com/thejoefink/

Western Grunge Tapedeck: https://www.westerngrungetapedeck.rocks/

WGT #111 - Chris Thomas and Kyle Carter of Born & Raised Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Howdy folks! Brennan and Brook host Chris Thomas and Kyle Carter of Born and Raised festival to discuss the intricacies of festival promotion. They explore the evolution of the Red Dirt and Americana music scenes, the impact of social media on artist recognition, and the community aspect of festivals. The conversation dives into the challenges of booking artists, the importance of data in music promotion, and the passion that drives festival promoters. Don't miss it!

Intro/Outro - Trenton Fletcher

Born & Raised Festival: https://www.bornandraisedfestival.com/

Western Grunge Tapedeck: https://www.westerngrungetapedeck.rocks/

WGT #110 - J Jaggers and Jordan Davis Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

NCAA champion wrestling coach J Jaggers and rising high school coach Jordan Davis join Brennan for a crossover of sports and music you didn’t know you needed. They talk about the songs that soundtrack their practices, favorites from our scene, and Laurel Cove Festival. From vinyl collections to the glory days of mp3 players, DVDs, and Redbox, the conversation weaves between nostalgia and now. They also dive into the realities of coaching, how NIL changes are reshaping the sport, and the moral conundrums that come with it.

Intro/Outro - Trenton Fletcher

Western Grunge Tapedeck: https://www.westerngrungetapedeck.rocks/

WGT #109 - The Smokin' Oaks Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

Colton, Slaid, Noah, and Conner of The Smokin’ Oaks sat down with Tracer and Kyler for a chaotic good time. They covered everything from guitar pedals and concert posters to hairstyles and brick collections. The guys shared stories about wild shows (including a moped crash and a snakebite that didn’t stop the music), live albums, new music on the way, and the origin of their band name.

Also discussed: football, fishing, King of the Hill, and the cultural importance of Kangaroo Jack.

This one’s part interview, part fever dream. Don't miss it!

Intro/Outro - Trenton Fletcher

The Smokin' Oaks:

Website - https://thesmokinoaksmusic.com/home

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thesmokinoaks/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Smokin-Oaks-61550484332955/

Western Grunge Tapedeck:

Website - https://www.westerngrungetapedeck.rocks/

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/westerngrunge

WGT #108 - Coltt Winter Lepley Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

Howdy folks! Fresh off the release of his debut album, Coltt Winter Lepley joins Tracer, Trey, and Libby for a wide-ranging conversation that covers way more than just music. We get into Coltt’s roots, influences, and former life as a racecar driver. They also dive into the diverse corners of Appalachia, Cincinnati chili takes, the legend of the Toilet Wizard, heirloom George Foreman grills, and that one time Coltt played a secret show for a motorcycle club. Don't miss this one!

Intro/Outro - Trenton Fletcher

Coltt Winter Lepley:

Website - https://www.colttwinterlepley.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/colttwinterlepley/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/colttwinterlepley

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@colttwinterlepley

X - https://x.com/CowboyColtt

Western Grunge Tapedeck:

Website - https://www.westerngrungetapedeck.rocks/

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/westerngrunge

WGT #107 - Trenton Fletcher 2 Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Friend of the pod and voice behind our intro, Trenton Fletcher is back for a second round, and it’s a good one. Brennan and Tracer sit down with him to talk about his new record and why intention might just be the secret ingredient to a lasting album. They also detour into conspiracies (AI and otherwise), recap standout live shows from the year, break down every track on the upcoming album, and even brush off the iFunny dust. If you’ve been here since Episode 7, this one’s for you.

Intro/Outro - Trenton Fletcher

Trenton Fletcher:

Website - https://www.trentonfletcher.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/trentonfletchermusic/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TrentFletcherMusic/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@trentonfletcherofficial

X - https://x.com/TrentFletcher

Western Grunge Tapedeck:

Website - https://www.westerngrungetapedeck.rocks/

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/westerngrunge

WGT #106 - Max Stalling Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Howdy cowfolk! Max Stalling has long been a steady hand in the Texas scene, but in this episode, he sits down with Gage and Tracer to talk about how the landscape has shifted under everyone’s boots. From the changing role of radio and the rise of playlists, to the venues getting harder to break into as buyouts ramp up, it’s a grounded and honest look at the realities of today’s Texas music circuit. Max also shares stories behind his latest music, thoughts on the resurgence of vinyl, and the tale of one particular door at Gruene Hall that just happens to have Willie Nelson’s name on it.

Intro/Outro - Trenton Fletcher

Max Stalling:

Website - https://www.maxstalling.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/max_stalling/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MaxStalling

X - https://x.com/maxstalling

Western Grunge Tapedeck:

Website - https://www.westerngrungetapedeck.rocks/

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/westerngrunge

WGT #105 - Grungees Halfway Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Howdy cowfolk! It's that time again! The Grungees are halfway home. The gang runs through the current front-runners in every category if the year ended today, sharing favorites, surprises, and a few hot takes from the committee. Somewhere along the way, it all unravels into conspiracies, cryptids, ghost encounters, and general chaos. Consider this your official halftime report... with a tinfoil hat.

Intro/Outro - Trenton Fletcher

Western Grunge Tapedeck:

Website - https://www.westerngrungetapedeck.rocks/

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/westerngrunge

WGT #104 - Jordan Lee King Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

This week, Libby and Trey sit down with Jordan Lee King to talk about what it means to call Appalachia home, including the beauty and the heartbreak, and why telling both sides matters. They dig into Laurel Cove, new music on the way, and the stories behind the songs. There’s talk of staying and building something where you’re from, instead of running from it and how much intention that really takes. Don't miss it!

Intro/Outro - Trenton Fletcher

Jordan Lee King:

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/jordanleeking

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jordanleeking/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JordanLeeKingMusic/

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jordanlee_king

X - https://x.com/JordanLee_King

Western Grunge Tapedeck:

Website - https://www.westerngrungetapedeck.rocks/

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/westerngrunge

WGT #103 - Colby T. Helms Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

Howdy folks! This week, Libby and Kyler sit down with Colby T. Helms to talk about his debut album Tales of Misfortune and the vision behind it. They dig into his love of concept records, the musical history of Virginia, and his hope to send a piece of Appalachia with his songs wherever they go. They also touch on his influences, his love for physical media, trend cycles, and where bluegrass fits in the broader picture. Don't miss it!

Intro/Outro - Trenton Fletcher

Colby T. Helms:

Website - https://www.colbyhelms.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/colby.t.helms/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/colbythelmsmusic/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@colby.t.helms

Western Grunge Tapedeck:

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/westerngrunge