Ten Year Town

Troy Cartwright
  • 4.9 (100)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join Troy Cartwright as he sits down with hit songwriters, musicians and music city execs to discuss their journey through Music Row, the uncertainties of getting started and what it takes to stay at the top. 

  1. 2D AGO

    Nashville Snowpocalypse Check In, Kelly Archer, and Chasing A Dream

    Kelly Archer is a songwriter originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, and is currently signed as a writer with RED Creative and Sony Music. Kelly has written hits for many country artists, including number 1 songs with Brett Young, Justin Moore, Corey Kent, Travis Denning. Her song “I’m Gonna Love You”, recorded by Cody Johnson featuring Carrie Underwood, is Cody's current radio single.  In the episode, Kelly shares how she moved to Nashville from Canada to pursue songwriting, advice she’d give her younger self, her journey to her first #1, how her last two singles were over 5 years old and many other stops along the way.  New Episodes every Tuesday New Episodes every Tuesday. Find the host Troy Cartwright on Twitter, Instagram. Social Channels for Ten Year Town: Youtube Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok 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.

    53 min

  2. JAN 20

    Jerry Roe: Recording, Touring, and Advocacy in Modern Music | Ten Year Town Ep. 114

    Jerry Roe is a Nashville-based session and touring drummer. He has played on records for artists including Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, HARDY, and many others, and is also a member of the heavy duo Frendship Commanders. Roe is regarded as an A-list session drummer and has built a career recording and touring at the highest level of the music industry. In this episode, we discuss Jerry’s approach to recording sessions, how he prepares (or doesn’t prepare) for studio work, his advocacy for musicians’ rights and union membership, and many other stops along the way. -------------------------------------------------- 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. --------------------------------------------------- Troy Cartwright is a Nashville-based artist and songwriter originally from Dallas, Texas. His songs have collectively garnered hundreds of millions of streams, and he is currently signed to Big Machine Music for publishing. Cartwright has written songs recorded by Cody Johnson, Nickelback, Ryan Hurd, Josh Abbott Band, and has upcoming cuts with several A-list artists. #JerryRoe #SessionDrummer #NashvilleMusicians #StudioDrummer #MorganWallen #LukeCombs #HARDY #FrendshipCommanders #MusicIndustry #UnionStrong #MusiciansRights #Drumming #TenYearTown #TroyCartwright New Episodes every Tuesday. Find the host Troy Cartwright on Twitter, Instagram. Social Channels for Ten Year Town: Youtube Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok 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.

    58 min

  3. JAN 13

    Josh Osborne on Body Like a Back Road, Songwriting Longevity & Creativity | Ten Year Town Ep. 113

    Josh Osborne is a songwriter originally from Virgie, Kentucky. He has written numerous No. 1 songs, including “Body Like a Back Road” (Sam Hunt), “Drunk Last Night” (Eli Young Band), “Merry Go ’Round” (Kacey Musgraves), “Come Over” (Kenny Chesney), and “Get Along” (Kenny Chesney). Osborne has been nominated five times for Songwriter of the Year by the ACM and has received multiple CMA Triple Play Awards. In 2020, he won the ACM Song Of The Year for "One Man Band."  In this episode, we discuss Josh’s journey into songwriting, how he approaches the craft, staying inspired over a long career, the evolution of the music business, and many other stops along the way. -------------------------------------------------- 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. --------------------------------------------------- Troy Cartwright is a Nashville-based artist and songwriter originally from Dallas, Texas. His songs have collectively garnered hundreds of millions of streams, and he is currently signed to Big Machine Music for publishing. Cartwright has written songs recorded by Cody Johnson, Nickelback, Ryan Hurd, Josh Abbott Band, and has upcoming cuts with several A-list artists. #JoshOsborne #Songwriter #CountryMusic #BodyLikeABackRoad #MerryGoRound #KennyChesney #SamHunt #EliYoungBand #KaceyMusgraves #Songwriting #MusicBusiness #Nashville #TenYearTown #TroyCartwright New Episodes every Tuesday. Find the host Troy Cartwright on Twitter, Instagram. Social Channels for Ten Year Town: Youtube Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok 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.

    59 min

  4. JAN 8

    AI, Swiss Watches, And Craftsmanship

    The music industry is panicking about AI in 2025, and I get it. But before we spiral, let's look at history. In this episode, I break down the "Quartz Crisis" of the 1970s—when Swiss watchmakers faced extinction from cheaper, more accurate Japanese technology—and how they not only survived but thrived by doubling down on craft and human artistry. The parallels to Nashville's songwriting community are striking. AI can churn out background music and sync tracks, but it can't replicate the human stories, the cultural legacy, or the one-of-one artistry that makes music matter. In this episode: • The Swiss watch industry's comeback strategy and what songwriters can learn from it • Why derivative music is most at risk (and how to avoid making it) • The case for treating music like treasure, not content • 3 things new artists should focus on to AI-proof their careers If you're a songwriter, artist, or just someone who cares about the future of music, this one's for you. 📧 Email me: troycartwright.music@gmail.com 📝 Read more on my Substack: Letters to Myself  New Episodes every Tuesday. Find the host Troy Cartwright on Twitter, Instagram. Social Channels for Ten Year Town: Youtube Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok 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.

    13 min

  5. JAN 6

    Tom Douglas on Life, Writing "The House That Built Me," and Staying Inspired

    Tom Douglas is an ACM Award-Winning and Grammy nominated songwriter signed to Sony Music Publishing. Tom has had his songs cut by many legendary artists including Tim McGraw, Lady A, Keith Urban, Eric Church, and more. His song “The House That Built Me,” recorded by Miranda Lambert, went on to win the Song of the Decade Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards.  On this episode, Tom shares his journey, from moving to Nashville two different times, to having his first Number 1 be a solo-write, how he stays inspired, and much more. #countrymusic #tomdouglas #mirandalambert #musiccomposition #songwrtiing New Episodes every Tuesday. Find the host Troy Cartwright on Twitter, Instagram. Social Channels for Ten Year Town: Youtube Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok 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.

    48 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    The Drunken Poet's Dream: Hayes Carll on Finding Meaning and the Process of Songwriting

    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 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. --------------------------------------------------- Troy Cartwright is a Nashville-based artist and songwriter originally from Dallas, Texas. His songs have collectively garnered hundreds of millions of streams, and he is currently signed to Big Machine Music for publishing. Cartwright has written songs recorded by Cody Johnson, Nickelback, Ryan Hurd, Josh Abbott Band, and has upcoming cuts with several A-list artists. #hayescarll #Songwriter #TenYearTownPodcast #TroyCartwright #TexasCountry #Americana #SingerSongwriter #FolkMusic #CrystalBeach #Galveston #TheWoodlands #OldQuarterAcousticCafe #TexasMusicRevolution #KHYI #LostHighwayRecords #RayWylieHubbard #DrunkenPoetsDream #TroubleInMind #LittleRockAlbum #ChancesAre #DownTheRoadTonight #JimmyBuffett #BobDylan #WillieNelson #TownesVanZandt #JohnPrine #SongwritingProcess #CreativeOutput #CoWriting #MusicCareerAdvice New Episodes every Tuesday. Find the host Troy Cartwright on Twitter, Instagram. Social Channels for Ten Year Town: Youtube Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok 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.

    52 min

  7. 12/09/2025

    J.T. Harding on Writing No. 1 Hits for Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton & More | TYT Ep. 112

    J.T. Harding is a songwriter originally from Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He has written multiple No. 1 hits, including “Smile” recorded by Uncle Kracker, “Somewhere With You” recorded by Kenny Chesney, and “Sangria” recorded by Blake Shelton. His catalog also includes cuts by artists such as Keith Urban, Darius Rucker, Jake Owen, and others. In addition to his songwriting career, Harding released a memoir in 2022 titled Party Like a Rockstar, chronicling his path into the music business. He is currently published by Sony Music Publishing Nashville. In this episode, we discuss J.T.’s journey from Michigan to Nashville, the stories behind some of his biggest hits, his creative process, and many other stops along the way. -------------------------------------------------- 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. --------------------------------------------------- Troy Cartwright is a Nashville-based artist and songwriter originally from Dallas, Texas. His songs have collectively garnered hundreds of millions of streams, and he is currently signed to Big Machine Music for publishing. Cartwright has written songs recorded by Cody Johnson, Nickelback, Ryan Hurd, Josh Abbott Band, and has upcoming cuts with several A-list artists. #JTHarding #Songwriter #KennyChesney #BlakeShelton #UncleKracker #SomewhereWithYou #Sangria #CountryMusic #Nashville #Songwriting #HitSongs #PartyLikeA Rockstar #TenYearTown #TroyCartwright #MusicBusiness #CountrySongwriter New Episodes every Tuesday. Find the host Troy Cartwright on Twitter, Instagram. Social Channels for Ten Year Town: Youtube Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok 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.

    53 min

  8. 12/02/2025

    Stephen Wilson Jr. on Son Of Dad, The Power of Slowing Down, and Going from Scientist to Rockstar

    We’ll be back with a new episode next week. In the meantime… here is a replay of one our favorite Ten Year Town stories.  Stephen Wilson Jr. is a country singer and songwriter originally from Southern Indiana. He is signed to Big Loud Records and has toured with HARDY, Brothers Osborne and more. Stephen’s debut album “Son of Dad” was released in September 2023 to critical acclaim. In addition to his success as an artist, Stephen has had cuts as a writer with Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne, Caitlyn Smith and others.  In this episode we discuss Stephen’s journey from rural Indiana to middle Tennessee, his previous career as a scientist, his career change to songwriter, and the inspiration behind his record. New Episodes every Tuesday. Find the host Troy Cartwright on Twitter, Instagram. Social Channels for Ten Year Town: Youtube Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok 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.

    55 min
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4.9
out of 5
100 Ratings

About

Join Troy Cartwright as he sits down with hit songwriters, musicians and music city execs to discuss their journey through Music Row, the uncertainties of getting started and what it takes to stay at the top. 

Information

  • Creator
    Troy Cartwright
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    142
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ten Year Town
  • Show Website
    Ten Year Town

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