Mama Tried General Store

Lee McNiel

Interviews and updates for the red dirt music scene.  

Episodes

  1. 26 JAN

    Upcoming Update - January 25th, 2026 - Mile 0 Fest

    Podcast Episodes  If you’ve ever stood shoulder-to-shoulder in a crowded room, beer sweating in your hand, waiting on a songwriter to prove something — you’re in the right place. This is the Mama Tried podcast, And this is our very first episode. No radio polish. No industry spin. Just a check-in on what’s happening right now in the Red Dirt and Texas country music scene — the way it’s always moved… from the stage outward. WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK This week isn’t about a big, flashy album drop. And honestly — that’s kind of the point. This scene has never needed a calendar reminder to matter. What is happening… is movement. Bands are back on the road, playing regional rooms — the kind of places where songs get tested before they ever get recorded. The floors are sticky, the amps are loud, and the crowd knows every word by the second chorus. That road-work is still the backbone of this scene. Always has been. This week MILE ZERO FEST BEGINS One of the bigger markers of this week — If you know… you know. It’s not just a festival — it’s a family reunion.  A place where artists loosen up, fans lean in, and songs show up early… sometimes before they’re finished. A lot of music that ends up meaning something starts in weeks like this — played live, shaped by the venue, and carried forward by word of mouth. NEW MUSIC — BETWEEN THE LINES Now, no major surprise albums dropping this week — but don’t confuse quiet with still. Late January is when a lot of artists and bands are finishing records, teasing new songs live, posting studio photos without saying much. If you’re paying attention to setlists right now, you’re probably hearing the future. This scene doesn’t announce things. It lets the songs speak first. WHY THIS MATTERS As country music gets bigger, shinier, and louder everywhere else… This scene keeps doing what it’s always done. Writing honest songs. Playing real rooms. And letting the fans decide what lasts. That’s why weeks like this matter. They’re the quiet build before everything breaks loose in the spring. So if you love this music — go to the show. Listen close. And stay for the encore. This is episode one. And if you’re still listening… you’re on the right track. Alright — that’s your Mama Tried update for the week. We’ll see you down the road.

    2 min

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Interviews and updates for the red dirt music scene.