Barefoot Country Music Fest 2026: Behind the Scenes in Wildwood, NJ

[00:00:09] What's going on everybody? Welcome back to the Whiskey Riff Raff Podcast. My name is Quinn and we've got a special episode for you today. This one is a compilation of interviews that we did at Barefoot Country Music Fest while we were up in Wildwoods, NJ last month. We did all kinds of activities with artists. We played mini golf, we hung out on the boardwalk, and we talked to some really big names. We talked to Tracy Lawrence, Chase Rice, Emily Ann Roberts. There's a whole lot of other artists and I hope that as you're listening to this podcast maybe you discover a new favorite.

[00:00:38] We even talked to Tequila Randy who was kind of the de facto mascot for Barefoot Country Music Fest and Carolina Country Music Fest so it'll be great to hear from him. But we've got these interviews coming up together so you don't have to go anywhere. They're all right here. If you are more of a video person we've got all these interviews also on our YouTube channel so make sure to go and seek those out. Just search Whiskey Riff if you're interested in watching rather than listening. But if you're here, you clicked on this podcast, you're ready to listen to some interviews from Barefoot Country Music Fest.

[00:01:07] So without further ado, here they are. What's going on everybody? This is Quinn from Whiskey Riff and I'm sitting here with a country music legend. I hope you don't mind if I say that. Tracy Lawrence. Tracy, how are you doing? Quinn, I'm doing good, man. Good to see you again. We're sitting kind of in the backstage area at the Barefoot Country Music Fest. Yes.

[00:01:45] You click it into gear once you get on stage? I'm sure you're pretty used to this kind of stuff. Yeah, without a doubt. I'm pretty low-keyed. I don't really do a lot on show days anymore. I've had some physical, some joint issues. I mean, there for years I'd either get up and go to the gym and work out or go to the golf course or whatever. I had to dial that back a little bit in the last year. I'm waiting until the end of the year to have some surgery done. So I'm kind of stuck in a hole right now. But man, I'm just kind of taking it easy through the day.

[00:02:13] And after all these years, I think you can pretty much just flip the switch on and step right into it and go from there. I mean, you said you've been taking it easy, but you guys are touring a lot. How is it being out on the road? I don't know if we want to say, but we kind of worked through a tour bus malfunction, but it's all going to be sorted out, I think, by the time you play. Yeah, it will be. It should be getting here about 6 or 6.30. And it's just, you know, I bought a couple of new buses in December, so we've rolled into them this year.

[00:02:40] But it's little things break. You know, a few weekends ago, we lost the radiator in my bus and left it up in Pennsylvania and got it fixed and just got it back. And then last night they woke me up about 4.30 in the morning and we had a fuel pump that went out, so we had to be towed in again. So it's not very far away and it's just simple fixes. It's just frustrating. It just kind of breaks the flow of your day up. And I feel as though, like as a musician, as an artist, there's a lot of adapting and overcoming in your career and that's just maybe another example, right?

[00:03:09] You know, I don't stress the small stuff anymore. Just roll with the flow. You know, what are you going to do about it? It's not like there's anybody you can blame it on. I mean, machines break down. I don't care how new they are. You know, a lot of foreign parts aren't made the way that we make things here or the way we used to make things here in this country. You put brand new stuff on and then six months later they're breaking anyways. It's just part of it. You just roll with the flow. And like I mentioned, we're kind of in the backstage area at Barefoot Country Music Fest in Wildwoods, New Jersey. Yes.

[00:03:36] Have you had a chance to kind of look around a bit or explore? I haven't been off this bus today. I haven't done anything. When they got me up this morning about 4.30, we were on the side of the road for a couple of hours. By the time I got my bags and everything, I went back to the back and laid down and went back to sleep. And I basically laid around all day and done a whole lot of nothing. But you're going to be well rested for your performance. And you get to take in the sights and sounds when you're up on stage. Yeah, and I was here just a couple of years ago, I mean two or three years ago. The last time I was here at this festival, I think we were here with Dan and Shay.

[00:04:05] So I've been here before. Man, you know, it's just another show. It's just another show. But I know playing at a beach festival, there often feels like there's another, there's a vibe to it, right? Do you see the difference in the crowd at a beach festival versus maybe a normal or even just another concert? The thing that I notice about these things, it depends on what day you play. Since we're early on in the festival and I was just at the one in Myrtle Beach that is the sister to this festival. And we played on the Sunday.

[00:04:32] You can tell the Sunday crowd is a little bit more subdued than the Thursday, Friday crowd. Because they've been here for three or four days. They've been partying in the sun. They've been drinking for a whole time and they're a little bit fried. So they're a little bit less enthusiastic as they are. So hopefully we'll have a very energetic crowd. I'm sure you will. I know a lot of people I've already heard. There's a lot of buzz about, you know, seeing you tonight. So I think you'll have a great crowd for sure. And, you know, speaking of crowds, you've got your own audience music-wise. But you've also got your own podcast.

[00:04:59] And we had a chance on the Whiskey Riff Raff podcast to have you on ours a little bit ago and talk to you, I think, maybe last year. But you're staying busy with that, too. So it feels like there's a lot of balls up in the air for you. But you stay busy and the podcast is one of those things that has really taken off for you. It has. And it's been real healthy for me, too. A couple of changes this year. You know, this is our fourth year. The first three years, we were doing it in the front of my other tour bus. So when I changed coaches, my front lounge is configured a little bit different. And we knew that I was going to have to make some changes.

[00:05:28] So we had a spare office at my management company. So we were able to do a build-out. And that's been really nice because I don't have to sit up and tear down every time. You don't think about those things. But every time we take podcasts, I was having to set everything up. So we would try to do two or three days at a time where we had at least two acts a day. And trying to schedule artists, the ebb and flow of that, cancellations and things, trying to work around people's schedules has been very difficult. Now that everything's set up all the time, it's like, you know, I just had Cole Swindell.

[00:05:57] I've been trying to get Cole on this podcast for several years. I mean, since early on. And he doesn't live in Nashville anymore. So you get a day with him, I can do one podcast at a time. So I don't have to sit up and tear down. I'm able to just pop in there and knock that out. So that's been really more user-friendly for us. And it's given me the opportunity to get to know a lot of these other acts that I don't typically think I would have a chance to sit down and have a lengthy conversation with. Well, that's what I was thinking is more so than anything, it's just like an excuse for you to sit down and talk to somebody for an hour. Yeah.

[00:06:26] Otherwise, the schedules sometimes might not allow that. And there's a huge generation gap, too. And, you know, I don't want to be unapproachable. So it's given me the opportunity to at least lay a foundation to a relationship. And when I'm at these festivals, these young kids that come up, they're not intimidated to come up and say hello. So we've already got past that. So that's been very cool for me. And kind of speaking of those relationships, is there anybody that you feel like you've kind of taken on a mentorship role of in country music?

[00:06:55] I don't know if I would say that, but I hope that a lot of them know that if they have any questions, you know, it's a different climate out there these days. I mean, we grew up, us that came up in the 90s, man, it was a different time. No social media. There are a lot of different tools in the game now. I mean, we still come with the same passions, but there are a lot of other different things going on. So, you know, if they ever call, I'll be glad to give my advice.

[00:07:22] I just try not to put my foot in my mouth in places that I'm not asked to. And in the 90s, did it feel like people were kind of lifting each other up more? Or does it feel like, you know, you said it's a different climate. So I was just wondering what you... You know, for me, I think that most of us were really very supportive of each other. It seems like there's a little bit more animosity between artists and maybe it's label to label more so too now. Maybe so.

[00:07:49] And more of the West Coast mentality of everything's a competition. I think we were all proud for each other's success. And I think everybody kind of had their own lane. Nothing really overlapped. You know, guys like Mark Chestnut and I, we were very appreciative of what each other... And we were actually fans of each other. And Bird and Joe Diffie and, you know, all the guys that I was touring with a lot. I think we were all very proud when each other had success, when we had a record reach the top of the charts because it's a very special thing. Yeah, it's good to celebrate one another.

[00:08:19] And do you remember anybody back in that day that kind of lifted you up or kind of even mentored you? Do you have any names? John Anderson did a lot and so did George Jones. Wow. I love George. I got to spend a lot of time with Jones early on in my career. And, you know, my time with George, he was more of a grandfather figure to me because he had kind of stopped drinking by that point. And I got to tour with Jones a lot. And that was a very special thing for me. I really appreciated that friendship a lot. I would imagine so.

[00:08:47] I mean, that's one of the names of country music. When you talk about, you know, the Mount Rushmore's of country music, his name comes up a lot. Yeah, he's there, man. Oh, there you go. Yeah. Yeah, that's George Strait, George Jones, Keith Whitley, and Merle Haggard. So that's my Rushmore. That's awesome. Yeah, I hadn't noticed that. So thanks for pointing that out. And then in your own music career right now, I think was your last album, Hindsight 2020? Was that the last time? No, I did an EP. Was it two years ago that I just put out?

[00:09:17] I can't even, I'm going black. I can't remember the name of it right now. Well, no worries. Yeah, I mean, I'm sure we can find it. I just did, I think there was five songs on it. Okay. And that's the only thing I've done since Hindsight 2020. I've been writing a little bit over the last year. I was going to ask, yeah. And I'm starting to move in that direction. You know, I just, I'm starting to kind of find a pathway. I just, I don't want to redo stuff that I've already done. I appreciate the fact that traditional country music has come back in vogue to some degree.

[00:09:48] I don't want to chase what anybody's doing. I don't want to do stuff that I've already done. So, so much of it is about trying to write something that's really fresh for me that I slink my teeth into. I just, I just haven't found it yet where I've just really, you know, that, that hub song that makes me say, I'm ready to go cut this. I haven't found that song yet. That really is the centerpiece of what I'm looking for. And I think that that's a good thing that you're letting the songwriting itself kind of lead you in that direction. You're not forcing anything. And I don't think anybody expects you to.

[00:10:15] And at this stage of my career too, you know, there, there's a lot of people that are feeding the machine and they're cutting stuff all the time. Yeah. And, and, and I hope this doesn't come across wrong because I really chew on this a lot. You know, when I put the EP out, I was very proud of it. There's some things on that that I thought were really good quality stuff. I didn't write any of it. I was kind of in a writer's block and I said, I've got to cut some stuff. Manus Manus was pushing me. So I like, I found some songs that I liked and nothing ever happened with it. You know, we did social media releases.

[00:10:43] We really weren't working radio, but, but nothing really got any traction. And what it, it, it just woke me up to the reality that the fans that are coming to see me, I don't know if they really want to hear that much new stuff from me. I mean, I've got enough hits that, that I'm, that I'm trying to lay out a show structure and trying to get to as much of that stuff that they were familiar with from the, the, the heyday of my career and, and add a few covers in that add some personality to the set.

[00:11:08] And I might put one new song in the show, but as far as going in and cutting up and getting passionate and cutting a full album and, and really, I, you know, what does it really mean? I mean, is it, what does my fan base really want? I don't know. I don't have the answer to that right now. Gotcha. And you don't have to have the answer. And like you said, I mean, I think fans are going to be happy tonight to, to see you up on stage playing some of your hits. And you mentioned the traditional country kind of coming back into, uh, you know, the, the main focus of, of country music right now.

[00:11:36] Who are some of those names that you really just appreciate what they're doing? Oh, Zach Topp, especially, I think a lot of him. Uh, you know, I love Lainey's stuff. Lainey's getting a little bit more pop, but she's still got that country thread. And I'm very proud for all the success that she's having. There's some young acts, uh, you know, Ella Langley's doing real good traditional country stuff. Uh, Mae Estes, I mean, she hadn't had anything that really popped. I love Frank Ray's stuff. He's gotten some, cutting some good honky tonk stuff.

[00:12:03] There's several of them that I've got to know through the podcast that I've had a chance to spend a little time with that. They haven't had that big hit that kind of sets them on, on the course yet, but they're like a matter of time, but they're cutting good country stuff. There's some good stuff out there. And I saw that you had, you hosted your celebrity golf tournament recently. Uh, maybe talk a little bit about that just for people that aren't familiar. Cause it looked like a, I saw some videos. It looked like it was a really fun time for everybody out there. It was. I think this was our fifth year. I've been doing my charity event for over 20 years, but we added a golf tournament back in several years ago.

[00:12:32] Uh, just, you know, it's, it's, uh, we raised quite a bit of money, but money was down a little bit this year. The economy seems to have tightened up some and there's so many golf tournaments like, I mean, I'm getting a call every week. I think it's like there's a golf tournament every Monday, Tuesday throughout the spring and even into the fall. Uh, but it's, it's still a great time. And it's really the engine that, that, that gives us the capital that we use to fund a lot of these charities and things that we do.

[00:12:57] So it's, you know, we, uh, we try to raise as much money as we can and put as much of it back into the community as possible. And I think, you know, we're doing what we can. I think that's a great way to do it as well. It gets everybody involved. Everybody has a lot of fun and staying in the sports lane. I know last time we talked to you on the whiskey riffraff podcast, you delivered some great scorching hot takes about the current landscape of college sports and anything else. Do you have any, any more hot takes in you about, you know, where sports are right now,

[00:13:25] at least in the college level or really any sports take that you have? You know, it's, it's very interesting to watch what's happening in college sports just because of the NIL. And, and, uh, you know, some of these kids are getting huge contracts. You know, it's, it's changed it all. And, and a lot of, a lot of it feels kind of sad to me that it's taken the pure love of the sport away. I do, I do understand that, that a lot of these kids feel like, uh, college sports have been taken advantage of them for a long time.

[00:13:51] But the thing that people forget is that football is the engine that drives a lot of things at those universities. Right. And all of a sudden, all those, you know, lacrosse team and the swim team and the golf team and all those that don't generate a lot of revenue. Football has been funding a lot of that stuff. That's right. Boosters and donors and all that things. It's now all that money is going to pay your football quarterback and your running back and your wide receiver and those things. So it's, it's going to affect a lot of other things.

[00:14:15] And I think we're going to see it deteriorate some things, which makes me very, very sad for what that's going to do to college sports down the road. Not particularly football. You know, you've got football, basketball, basketball. But just everything around it. But it's everything around it. I mean, you, I mean, it's like the golf tournament is the engine that drives everything that we do. Football in all reality is the engine that funds college sports. It really always has been. And I know you're a big into sports and you're a big sports fan. Is there anything else outside of music that you're really passionate about? You know, I love golf so much.

[00:14:44] And sad, I have to have an ankle replacement surgery at the end of the year. So I haven't been able to play a lot. I've been wearing a brace around. It's just getting the cowboy boots on a struggle for me right now. I'll get that taken care of at the end of the year. And then I'm going to be off my feet for several months. But I'm ready to get it done. It's been pretty frustrating. But I love golf. I love watching the Masters. I love playing the game. I'm a terrible golfer, but I absolutely love it. I've made some of my best friends that I've traveled over the last 35, 36 years. Some of my best friends that I have that I stay in touch with, I've met through golf on

[00:15:14] the golf course. People that I've come in contact with through what I do out here touring. So it's probably my favorite sport. Gotcha. Yeah. And I mean, I'm sure you've met a lot of people through music as well. There's no doubt about that. And there's going to be a lot of people out there tonight at the Barefoot Country Music Fest cheering you on, ready to see you. Awesome. And so we're grateful that you gave us some time to sit down before you go out there. I know you're a busy guy. Appreciate you.

[00:15:45] What's up, everyone? It's Shelby with Whiskey Rip. And we are on top of a bar at Barefoot Country Music Fest with Chase Rice. So welcome to the beach. Thank you. You know, you play a lot of shows, but what makes a festival different and what makes a beach festival different? Well, beach festivals are a lot of fun. They're just, you feel it. I mean, the energy's nuts. It's a Sunday, so it's a little less chaotic, I think, than, you know, Friday, Saturday shows. But I love coming to the beach, especially up north in this time of year because it's

[00:16:15] not blazing hot right now. True. It feels pretty good. Yeah. But the energy's just high. You got roller coasters going. You got music playing everywhere. It's a cool deal. Do you notice an energy difference between Friday, Saturday, and Sunday? Yeah, usually. Everybody's. Everybody. Because, I mean, usually if we've played all weekend, it's our last show, too, so we've done two or three shows already. They're barely hanging in there because they've been here for three days, but it's all good. Everyone's sunburned, but they're excited for more music. That's right.

[00:16:44] And do you have any pre-show rituals even this far into your career, or do you kind of just let whatever happens happen? We've always done a shot and a prayer, and then we have this chant that we do before I go on stage. It's called the Good, Better, Best chant that came from my high school. It actually got huge this past year because the Bears were doing the Good, Better, Best thing when they'd win football games. Me and Ben, their coach, played on the same team. Nice. So that came from our high school team, and we do that. It just gets you out of a funk when you're tired.

[00:17:14] Got it, yeah. Today it's going to be hard to even scream it. Yeah, but. The voice is shot. You'll do it. Yeah, we'll get it done. And you just put out a new song called Connie Liu. Can you share a little bit about that song and what it's about? I know I've seen some information on your social media. Yeah, it's, I've written a lot of songs about my dad, and this was finally my mom's time to have a song. Her name, her original name was Connie Liu Phillips. Okay. And yeah, I just wanted to write a song for her and about her and her love story with my

[00:17:42] dad, and I didn't want it to, I'm really good about writing sad songs, like just ripping people's hearts out. I didn't want that to be this. She's been through enough heartbreak in her life losing him 18 years ago. It's Father's Day today. Yes, it is. But yeah, I wanted to be fun at a good memory floor. Okay, love it. And do you have any songs from early on in your career that you feel like, you know, just are like the epitome of you? Because I know you've gone through a transition between some of your older stuff and newer stuff.

[00:18:11] I was talking with Gavin Adcock yesterday about it. We were in Chicago. We were talking, you know, you got the Ready, Set, Rolls, The Eyes on You, the Drink a Beer Talk, and God, I'm in. Those are the three biggest hits I probably had. But when I look back at my early career, like there were some signs of kind of what I'm doing now. Even the production back then was still a little more slick than what I would have wanted now. But Carolina Can has always been one that I hold on to.

[00:18:39] I think I might re-record that one, kind of how we do it now with a fiddle or something or a harmonica or whatever. But that's always been a go-to for me. Jack Daniels of Jesus, I played it for the first time in 10 years a couple weeks ago. So that was cool. I had signs of what I'm doing now back then. I just wasn't really hammering down on it. And now it's pretty solidified what I'm doing. People questioned it on the first I Hate Cowboys record. They're not questioning it anymore.

[00:19:06] I don't know where it's going to go on this next one, but kind of loose the start of it. A lot of harmonica. Got it. Love to hear it. You mentioned Jack Daniels, so I have to ask about your dog. Jack, how's he doing? He's good. He's over in the truck right now. It's a motor home, to be clear. He's not like in a truck that's not on. He's good, though. We just had a time in Chicago, a boys trip. We were at a bachelor party.

[00:19:34] So he got to go to his first Cubs game. He's running around on the field after the game. He's having a hell of a time this offseason. He had about 750 ducks last year, retrieved, which is a huge year for as much as I get to do it. But he's having a blast. He's got a little elbow issue. He's getting old like his dad. I got elbow shoulders. He's pretending like he's got an elbow thing now. He's taking a break right now, but he's enjoying the beach. He loves the beach? He loves the beach. Okay, good.

[00:20:01] He drinks all the salt water, eats all the sand, and then I'm stuck with that for about three days. Yeah. It's not fun. It happens. Yeah. And now you've been also pretty candid about how you wanted to take a step back from touring and being on the road as much. Where are you with that journey now? I'm loving it, first of all. It's just weird to me. Yeah. It feels like I just kind of got kicked off the team, which I did it myself, by the way. And then all of a sudden I'm back on a random game day. That's what it kind of feels like to me.

[00:20:30] But it's been a blast. I didn't realize how bad I needed the time off until I did it. And there was no doubt that I was going to do it once I decided. I think we have 20-something shows this year compared to 80, which I normally have. So I've got a lot more time at home, sports, chilling. I'm going to start taking care of myself a little better and try to get back in shape. I'm not getting younger, so I want to get on top of that. And I spent a week with my family in North Carolina last week. I'm going to spend another one in two weeks on 4th July with them.

[00:20:59] So I'm going to get to say yes to a lot of stuff I've never gotten to say yes to. Okay, very cool. So it's been really cool. Awesome. And now, when you have that time off, are you paying attention to what's going on in country music? Are you kind of like off the grid? I paid a little bit of attention. I watched ACMs this year for the first time in a while. I was really happy to see it. It just seemed like, one, everything was positive. Everybody was supporting each other for the most part, especially females. I've been paying a little bit of attention. I was at the Morgan Show last night.

[00:21:27] Ella was there, Zach John King, and Gavin. So I keep up with it, but at the same time, I've definitely stepped away. So when I watch ACMs, I'm not really paying attention to anything after that. Well, I was going to ask, what are the positives you've seen? Would you just name a couple? Are there any negatives of the music industry you're still seeing that you'd like to change? To be honest, the only thing I can change is me. I can't control what everybody else is doing. People are bickering.

[00:21:57] People are hating each other. People are loving each other, whatever it is. I can't control that in any way. I can only control my relationships and who I am as a dude. So I'm just trying to lock down on that, continue to spend time with families, continue to write songs and write what's me. I think that's the biggest key that I've taken from my career is I've taken some wrong turns trying to be other people, and I got nowhere. I mean, I actually had success with it, which is the crazy part.

[00:22:24] But now it's a lot more fun for me and fulfilling to write an album or write songs that I'm like, nobody else can do this. This is my song. And that may not be the immediate impact, super big, viral song, but I think it has longevity in it. I've been doing this for 13 years now, and I'm still here. I plan on being here for 15, 15, 20 more. So, yeah, I think that's going to allow me to sustain being here, talking to you in 20 years. Yeah. Maybe.

[00:22:53] Because you can only control you, is there anything online that you kind of want to set the record straight? I'm sure rumors are told all the time about you. Is there anything? Now's your opportunity. I don't know what's being told about me. I haven't paid attention to that. There's nothing big in the news right now, but I'm just saying. Okay, I was about to say, do you know something I don't? You have the opportunity just to set the record straight since you can control only you. Yeah, no, I don't know what's being said about me. I don't really, I don't pay attention to it. Okay. You'll hear all this stuff, and some of it's good,

[00:23:22] but you're only going to pay attention to the bad. So, I try to keep out of the news as much as I can. All right. But, you know, sometimes you get thrown in the mix, but I feel like I'm okay right now. And let's end on some beach questions. What is your ideal beach day like? I need a beach bar. I can't go over there with these people and sit and stare at the water and go jump in the ocean. I don't, I become the bottom of the totem pole when I get into that ocean, the food chain. There.

[00:23:51] I don't really feel like getting heat. So, I don't really want to sit on the beach all day. I need to be over here at the beach bars and have music playing, and that's my vibe. And this is kind of like the water I grew up on in Florida and North Carolina, similar. I want to go to the bluer water. I want to bloom, get on a catamaran. Yeah. The dream. Slow it down a little bit. And last question. If you were not performing today, who would you be catching during Barefoot Country Music Fest? Who would I be going to watch? Who would you be watching?

[00:24:20] Who would you be front row for? Ah, Eric. Of course. Yeah, I love Eric. I was with him actually a few weeks ago in Florida. We golfed together down there for a North Carolina thing. I'm surprised he's here because the North Carolina Tar Heels right now are playing game two of the finals in the World Series right now. So, we're winning right now as of the time I walk over here. Okay, well then I'll actually end with what's your favorite Eric Church song? Probably Those I've Loved. That's a good one.

[00:24:50] It's never a hit, I don't think. I think that's my favorite too. Yeah, it's a good one. Those I love, Lord. It hurts so good. Yeah, he's real good at that. He's got a lot of awesome songs. He's done a really good job of that, like creating something that only he can create. And I think he did that very much on purpose. And you probably resonate being from the same area of Carolina at least. We're from 45 minutes away from each other. So, we got a good thing going there in the state of North Carolina. Awesome. But, yeah, I'd go see him. Yeah, well, I can't wait to catch your set. And welcome to Jersey Shore. Thank you. It's been a blast.

[00:25:28] How's it going, everybody? This is Quinn from Whiskey Riff. And I'm standing here with Emily Ann Roberts. Emily, we were just talking off camera, off audio, that you're really busy right now. But you're here at Barefoot Country Music Fest right now. How has this weekend been for you? Oh, well, it's been a wild weekend. So, this is our fourth show in a row. So, I'm excited for a couple days at home in the garden. Sure. But it's been awesome. I love festival scenes.

[00:25:59] Yeah. I'm really excited to be here. It's a beautiful area. I haven't been up here myself either. And now it's like I'm checking into, you know, hey, what would a vacation look like here? It's that kind of place where, at least for my perspective, we've come. It's been very welcoming. It's been a whole lot of fun. It's a family-friendly area. Yeah. Have you been able to explore Wildwoods at all while you're here? Well, we walked over to like a little boardwalk area over there and got a coffee. And I've been eyeing this wooden roller coaster that's right in front of us.

[00:26:27] And I want to get my whole band on that booger and have fun. But I don't know. So, you're a roller coaster person. You would jump on. I'm roller coasters. Yes. Well, we should have. If we could have somehow arranged this, I think the camera and audio problem would have kind of been an issue there, just trying to get a good audio and camera interview there.

[00:26:56] But hopefully you do make it on there because that would be one of those things that you would definitely remember about Barefoot Country Music Fest. And it's a beautiful, like you said earlier, it's a beautiful scenery around the festival itself. Have you had a chance to get on the beach at all or is the boardwalk as far as you've gotten? Boardwalk is as far as I've gotten. But, so. Okay. Just enjoy the music. You know, I want to be on the main stage later on down the road.

[00:27:25] But I'll tell you, today I'm thankful that I get to enjoy. You know, we did my set. And festivals are a good way to, I feel like, win over some new fans and maybe play in front of some people that may have not bought a ticket to your show, even though you're very talented. I don't know why someone wouldn't buy a ticket to your show. But how is it kind of putting together a set list for a crowd that you know may have

[00:27:55] just kind of walked over from another stage or just might be at the festival? Well, that's a good question. We always try to throw a cover in. Now, I'd like to probably play more than one, but our set's only 30 minutes long. So, I want to squeeze as much Emily Ann music as I can. So, we usually do a cover to get everybody singing along. And then I like to keep it super up-tempo and fun. It's early in the day. I just want to keep everybody's spirits high and get them excited.

[00:28:21] So, I just keep that at the forefront of my mind and think about putting on the best party show I can and then just getting to chit-chat with the fans as much as I can from the stage two and hopefully connect with them. And you have some built-in fans from your time on The Voice, right? Yes. How cool is that to be able to connect with fans that maybe followed you then and are still following you right now? It is so cool because that was 10 years ago. And I've grown a lot and a lot has changed since then.

[00:28:48] But it's really neat to meet the folks who say, like, I'm going for you. Yeah. Because I'm able to thank them in person. So, that's been really, really cool. How crazy is it that that's 10 years ago though already? I know. It's wild. Where does the time go? Where does the time go? I know. I wish we could grab hold of it. But it just flies away. Yeah. But, yeah. I have learned so much. And I feel like, you know, I didn't go to college. But I've gone to Country Music College.

[00:29:13] I've been able to tour with Clint Black and Cody Johnson and Megan Maroney and Blake Shelton. And I've learned so much. And now this year we started playing headline shows, which has been incredible. So, it's been a good journey. But sometimes it feels like yesterday and other days I feel like it's been 100 years since I was on the one. But I'm thankful for all of it. And you just named a stellar list of country music stars there.

[00:29:42] What's the one thing you feel like you've learned from them that you've really kind of applied to your own career? Well, I think the biggest thing I've learned is all fans want to do when they come to a show is have fun and be a part of an experience. And I think a lot of times growing up, if you think about performing or singing, at least I did, I always wanted to be perfect or make sure everything went smooth. And I don't think that's what the crowd cares about. The crowd wants to be a part of it.

[00:30:12] And folks like Megan and Cody and Blake have shown me we are just creating an atmosphere for them to get to have fun. And that should be the number one most important priority. And I've been able to see that with my own eyes with all those acts. And that's the biggest lesson that I've learned. And I'm thankful for that. That's awesome. And you mentioned growing up. You grew up in Knoxville, correct? So not too far from Nashville. But how was that growing up in Knoxville?

[00:30:41] Because that's a really fun town, Tennessee. Oh, it's so fun. Yeah, I love Knoxville. And it's really great because... Are you a Tennessee fan? Of course I'm a Tennessee fan. Okay. I figured so. I figured so. I don't want to bring my sports fandom into this. I'm a local University of Louisville fan. University of Louisville? That's right, yeah. Kentucky? That's right, yeah. It's a long story. We'll talk about it after. But Tennessee. Tennessee. Yes, I am a dime.

[00:31:10] So close to the Appalachia Mountains. I know that that shaped me as an artist and a songwriter. Yeah. Being so close to the mountains. Mountain music is just in me. At least once in their life. Oh. So there's the... I can attest to that. Gatlinburg is one of my favorite places to go. So you do a yearly vacation there. You're there multiple times. It's not a bad drive for you at all from Knoxville. But are you in Nashville now? Yes. Okay.

[00:31:40] Still not a bad drive though. Not at all. We go every chance we get. Okay. Awesome. What's your favorite thing to do? I know we're on the beach right now. But a mountain vacation. What are you looking to do? Well, you've got to eat good food. Yeah. And you've got to go on good hikes. So I would recommend eating at Calhoun's. Getting used some chicken tenders. Barbecue. The biscuits are amazing. And again, you need to go work that off. And you need to go hike the chimneys. And go all the way to the top.

[00:32:06] And it is one of the most beautiful, most beautiful hikes. But you can't go wrong with the Smokies. There's all kinds of hikes. And I feel like this is a... I might be reaching on this transition. But Smoky Mountains Bears. You're a part of the Country Bear Music Jamboree. Forgive me if I said that wrong. No, it's not. But can you explain to people that might not know that? I feel like that's a really fun fact about you. That you are the voice of one of the Country Bears, right? Yes.

[00:32:34] So I'm the voice of Trixie of the Country Bear Music Jamboree and Disney in Orlando, Florida. Disney World. And that happened just, I guess, two years ago. They hired Mac McAnally, who is a legend, to produce the new soundtrack for the Country Bear Music Jamboree. And a fine man named Brett found me and listened to my debut record and said, that's Trixie.

[00:33:04] Wow. So he reached out and that's how I got the opportunity. So anyways, really, really cool. I got to work with Mac McAnally and record in Nashville. And sings our song at Disney, who knows how many times a day. And they told me whenever I put my vocal arm, they said, how does it feel to know that your voice is going to be at Disney forever? And I said, how long is forever? And they said, at least 50 years.

[00:33:32] So I could be in my 70s and still hearing Disney sing at Disney World with my voice. That's got to be surreal. And were you a Disney fan prior to that all working out? Well, I've always been a fan of Disney movies. But growing up, we were Dollywood people. Understandably. So we didn't go down to Disney much. But my mom and daddy actually got to go see Trixie for the first time last week. We took them down to Disney for their first time and gave them the whole experience.

[00:34:00] So we have become quite the Disney people. I would imagine so. I mean, if you're a part of an attraction, it's hard not to be a fan of Disney. I mean, that's a really cool thing about yourself. I think fans watching might also be interested. What outside of music are you interested in? Because I know music takes up a lot of your time. But what are you doing whenever you're just maybe trying to relax on an off day if you have one? Yeah, well, I have all kinds of hobbies. I'm like a collector of this. You mentioned gardening earlier. Yes.

[00:34:29] So I call myself Ye Homey Ma because I'm young but I'm into the old-timey stuff. So I love crocheting, gardening. I love canning, food, cooking. I love any type of crafty thing and homemaking. If it's old school, I'm probably into it. And old school, is there any sort of old school musical inspirations that you have? Oh my gosh. Yeah, I think that I was raised up on some of the best folks in concert music and they're all kind of old school.

[00:34:58] I guess nowadays, Ricky Skaggs, Dolly Parton, Patti Loveless, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss. Those are probably some of my favorites. Have you met Dolly before? Yes. I got to meet Dolly when I was on The Voice. Okay. Awesome. I mean, a lot of people don't get that opportunity. So what was it like meeting Dolly Parton? This is going to sound so sacrilegious because I love Jesus and I'm a Christian. But it was like meeting Jesus. Oh my gosh. She is precious. She's like this tall.

[00:35:27] Her legs are like the size of my arm. She's one of a kind. She's a living legend. I mean, one of the biggest names in country music history. So it's really cool that you got to meet her. And I mean, Dollywood too. I mean, you're a fan of Dollywood and then get to meet the person behind all of that. That's got to be pretty surreal. But just to wrap up, I know you've got other things to get off to do. Some fun stuff it sounds like. Maybe riding a roller coaster. But you have plenty of great songs.

[00:35:54] What's the song that you're the most proud of that you have? Wonderful and not toxic love in your life. I think a lot of country music is filled with on-again, off-again relationships and kind of turmoil.

[00:36:20] And I like being able to share with people that if you look for a good life partner, that it can be wonderful. And relationships don't have to feel like a roller coaster ride. So I'm really proud of that message and that song. That's definitely one that's probably not being sung about all that often when it comes to music. You're exactly right about that. And just for fans that are tuning in and want to know, is there any new music on the way? Or is there anything that fans can get excited about? Yes.

[00:36:45] I have new music coming out in less than a week, actually. That I haven't talked about except for today. Okay, perfect. So, yeah. And then even more, I mean, let's just say in the next two months there will be three new songs. Okay, awesome. Well, it's really exciting. Very exciting. There will be new music coming all year long, but a lot right around the corner. Awesome. Well, Emily, thank you so much. I know you had to take a little bit of your time to come and speak with Whistler. We really appreciate it.

[00:37:13] Everybody that's watching, make sure to go check out some new music from Emily Ann Roberts. Thank you so much. Thank you, buddy. It was good hanging with you. Thank you. Walk in Wildwood, New Jersey with Ty Myers. Yes. Welcome to Jersey Shore. Thank you. I mean, this is wonderful.

[00:37:40] Honestly, the first time I've gotten out from backstage all day, and I'm really glad that y'all got me out here because it's actually amazing. I'm going to have to play a game or something. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Are you a funnel cake guy? Like, what's your kind of like... Oh, funnel cake for sure. Okay. I'm like, you know that, like, like the old cartoons where it, like, drags you by the nose? That's literally what I am with fun. That's so funny. Now, because we're at the beach, I have to ask what your ideal beach day is like. Oh, gosh. That's tough. Not really, though.

[00:38:07] I mean, like, some snacks and a cooler for sure, and then you got to bring, like, a ball. It's some sort of game. But I'm not like... I won't go sit in the water for, like, three hours. I'll go in for a little bit to cool off. But I'm more of an outside getting as much sun as I can take, which is not very much. Not a lot. Fair. And are you a beach music guy, or do you... Oh, yeah. Okay. Oh, yeah.

[00:38:34] My mom loves Kenny Chesney, so I grew up on, like, all of his music. So we play it, like, at Christmas even, but it's definitely on a beach. Yeah, yeah. And I'm a huge Jimmy Buffett fan, so always. Yeah, love it. And because we're at Barefoot Country Music Fest, what's it like playing a festival versus, like, your own headline show? Oh, it's definitely different. I mean, it's always going to be different when, you know, somebody, you know, comes for you only versus, you know, coming for a whole selection of different types of music. But I love it.

[00:39:04] Because I've always said this. It reminds me of, you know, when I grew up playing, and I would play... Not everybody's coming to listen to you, right? Yeah. But you have to give them a reason to pay attention to listen, and I love that. Yeah. It's, like, my favorite. So, I mean, I look forward to festivals all year. Awesome. And you've been on the road right now, opening up for Luke Combs. Yes. How have those shows been? Oh, they're amazing. I mean, they just put you in awe every time. I mean, you walk into a stadium, a different stadium every night, and it's just... It kind of takes a while for your brain to comprehend it all.

[00:39:33] It's really an amazing experience, and it's been so much, so much fun. Like, ridiculous amounts of fun. You just wrapped up the U.S. portion, but you're about to go overseas. Is that correct? Yes, correct. And have you been before? I have been overseas twice. Once. The first time was just for my birthday last year. Okay. And then this last time was in March for Country to Country, which was a blast and amazing, and I can't wait. It's going to be...

[00:40:01] Going even more places and even more activities is going to be awesome. What are you looking forward to the most about over there? Oh, gosh. I mean, I love Paris, which is where I went the first time and spent most of my birthday there. It's like my favorite city ever on earth. It's perfect. So I'm looking forward to getting back there. We're playing a few shows in front of castles. Okay. Yeah, no, that's really cool. That's pretty cool. It's going to feel like I'm in a fairy tale or something.

[00:40:30] And then we're doing three shows at Wendley. Okay. Back to back. I mean, amazing. Or sorry. Three. I'm thinking so. Maybe. Maybe two. Two or three. I want to say it's three. It's okay. You're not the only artist. It's not the other schedule. No worries. Don't quote me. I saw recently on social media that you have a flip phone. Is that true? Yes, but I'm working on getting a new one right now. I've got to find some time off because I left mine in Miami at a hotel room. I was so tired.

[00:40:57] I woke up and I was like, oh, where's my phone? And I had my regular phone that I kept in my backpack. And I was like, where's my flip phone? And I was in a hurry. I was already late. And I was like, just leave it. So back to the iPhone it is for now. I got it for like $35 at a deal at T-Mobile. I can just get another one. It's not a good deal. Love it. So online, you're also known as a Gen Z blues guitarist. I don't know if you've seen that, but that's trending. You got the word around town. That's what I hear. So how do you feel about that title?

[00:41:27] I mean, I'll take that for sure. I mean, that's an honor. I've always seen the guitar playing as something that I carry heavy on my shoulders because it's something that people care a lot about it. And I care a lot about it. So it's something that I feel it's really important to me. And so the fact, I mean, I'll take the title and wear it proudly. It's awesome. It's something I care a lot about in my life. And last time we talked to you, you were getting ready to release your album. Now the album is out.

[00:41:57] The world has it. And what has the reaction been like? Oh, it's awesome. I mean, my fan base is just the greatest. They're always excited about new music. And that's just a blessing for me. But it's definitely something different I tried. You know, it's a soul blues album, southern rock album, which is, you know, different than my first record. And they've taken it amazingly. You know, it's great to watch the love of music kind of transcend boundaries.

[00:42:25] And it's something I strive to create and something I love to see in my crowd. And do you think you'll continue with the southern rock and blues or you'll go back to kind of the... Well, it's definitely, you know, as a writer, I'm always trying to, you know, expand my craft and see where my mind can go. And challenging myself is something that, it's the best part of writing for me. So, yeah. Yeah. So, I always strive for that and I'm always shooting for that. So, who knows where, you know, an album will take me.

[00:42:54] But, I just, that's my favorite part of writing ever. Awesome. Okay, I have a little bit of rapid fire for you. Okay. What is the most unexpected part of touring so far? Oh, unexpected part of touring. Recently, the catering has stepped up its game. On loop especially, but everywhere. Yeah, I'm sure. Yeah. But, oh my God. I've been eating Like a King every night. And it's, we're talking crab legs this long. It's ridiculous.

[00:43:23] I'm getting spoiled. I was expecting something negative. So, the fact that that's a positive, that's great. What's a song by you that you wish more fans knew? Oh, that's a good one. Love is Two-Faced. Okay. I love that song. I feel like it's not unknown, but it's not as known as I thought maybe going into it. You know, there's songs that go the other way. Yeah. But, that one was definitely one that I fell in love with when I wrote it. And there's people that love it. There's definitely people that love it.

[00:43:52] And what's the biggest I've made it moment so far? Oh, God. I mean, definitely stepping into Allegiant Stadium. You know? Oh, yeah. That first show. That first Luke Cohn show. It's like, this is the type, this is the level of show you can only dream of. You know? Like, you only have visions of it at night while you're sleeping. And for it to be coming true is just something you can't experience anywhere else. And what's a habit that you picked up while on the road? Oh, God. Probably a lot, I'm sure. Yeah, definitely a lot. Sleeping in too late?

[00:44:22] That would be me for sure. Definitely. Definitely. No, it's been bad. I don't want to copy yours. I don't want to copy yours. What's the latest you've slept in? Oh. I don't know. It's always like I have an alarm in my head at like 11.30. I mean, it's pretty late. 11.30 is pretty late. Oh, yeah. But like, I've definitely slept in at like one or two before. Yeah. If the room's dark, you know, it's like a cave. You wouldn't even know. Yeah, exactly. And what's a song that you've had on repeat right now? Oh, God.

[00:44:52] Young Hearts Run Free. Okay. Candy Stanton. Yeah. It's like a, it's an old one. It's like a 60s song. But it's so like disco. Just makes you want to dance a little. It's a good song. Well, I love every time we get to talk to you. But what is something that you're hoping that we're talking to you about in a year, five years from now? Oh, that's a really good question. Well, I hope we're talking about my new latest album that's crushing. Yes. That's what I hope for.

[00:45:20] But I hope we're talking about how amazing we all are doing as well. Awesome. Well, thank you so much for hanging out. Awesome. I can't wait to see your set during Bearfoot Country Music Fest. Oh, I can't wait to play. Awesome. Yeah. Well, thank you so much. What's going on, everybody? This is Quinn. We're at Bearfoot Country Music Fest, and I'm sitting here with Chris Lane. Chris, I know you're a busy man, but thank you for sitting down for a couple minutes and talking to us.

[00:45:49] Thanks for having me. So we're at Bearfoot Country Music Fest. We're in Wildwoods. It's a really interesting area. It is. Have you ever been here before? What are you doing? I have been here one time before to this festival. Okay. I think it maybe was the first year, maybe second year they actually had it. And a really interesting thing happened that night. Okay. So I was playing main stage. I think I was not direct support, but right before direct support.

[00:46:17] And I think maybe it was Dan and Shay headlining Billy Curranton as direct support and then me. Billy Curranton got stuck, couldn't make it. So I had the opportunity to move up into the direct support slot, got to play to a sea full of people that night. Wow. I played a much longer set than I was anticipating. So whenever you have to adapt on the fly like that as an artist, what's going through your head? Is that just?

[00:46:43] I think for me personally, I always just try to make sure to entertain the crowd in the best possible way. So I think that night I added in a few more covers because I think my set went from a 45 to maybe like a 75. Yeah. So I had to add in a few more covers that night that people could sing along to and have a good time. So when you're at a beach festival, are you thinking maybe I'll throw in a couple of beach songs? Like are you throwing a Jimmy Buffett song in?

[00:47:11] I'm not, but I have a few beach style songs. One I did with Dustin Lynch called Tequila on a Boat that I don't play a ton. But on a day like today where we're at the beach, it just kind of feels like the right song to play. So we'll add that one in the set. And I'm sure you play a ton of festivals. What's the vibe like at a beach festival like this one that we're sitting at? They're really cool, man. Another one we just played, Carolina Country Music Test right there in Myrtle Beach. There's another really fun one. The vibe's just good. You know, everybody's happy. We're at the beach.

[00:47:41] It's hard to be upset. I agree. I agree. So yeah, you got the beach, country music. It just feels like the perfect combo. And here you got five miles of coastline here at Wildwoods. Have you had time to explore any of it? I know you're probably kind of- Unfortunately, no. We flew in early this morning and came over from Philly. So we've had a lot of travel this week. I wish I'd gotten a chance to kind of walk around on the beach, just hang out and all that kind of stuff. But yeah, we had to get after it this morning. And as a touring musician, how do you make the most of it?

[00:48:10] Because you're getting to go a lot of places, but maybe not getting to experience those places as much as you would. Yeah, most of the time you do get to experience it a little bit because you're in a bus. But this week in particular, it was a lot of fly dates for me. So in general though, you can go out and experience most places you go to because you just walk off your tour bus. For me, I typically get off the bus in the morning and I go play golf all day long. That's my go-to. It's my favorite thing in the world to do.

[00:48:38] I always say I play country music so I can golf. And how's the golf game? Do you have a handicap? Yeah, I do. Now that I have three young kids, my game has went the opposite direction that I want it to go. But, you know, I can get it around. I know what I'm doing. It really depends on the day. So I'm not bad, but I'm not great. I want to be a lot better. Yeah. Well, there's only so much time in the day, I'm sure. You've got to divide it up somehow. Yeah, when I'm off the road, you know, it's one of those things. I'm with the kids and there's no golf.

[00:49:08] So when I'm on the road, I'm getting it in. Yeah. And do you have a favorite course that you've ever played before? Yeah, I mean, it's going to sound like I'm bragging, but I'm not. It's just it is one of my favorite courses, Augusta National. Wow. Okay. Lots of country artists have had the opportunity to go do that. Playing shows in Augusta, there's a certain show that they offer to take you out there. So everyone wants to go play that show. And I think everyone listening wants to know a little bit about that experience.

[00:49:37] You don't have to get into too much detail, but what's the coolest part about playing at Augusta National? Man, it's just, you know, the history there is unbelievable. We got to start our day off playing the par three and then we got to go play 18. It's just, it's spectacular. Like there's nothing's out of place. It's literally perfection. And that's a full day right there too, but a great day it sounds like. And you're big, you're big into sports. Would you say golf is kind of the sport that you love the most? Golf is the sport that I love.

[00:50:02] Playing the most now at my age, but I'm a big football guy, big baseball guy as well. As I play college baseball, so sports have just been in my life like forever. Do you feel like your college athletic background kind of prepared you for touring life? Because you're probably traveling a lot doing that too. Yeah, yes, you are traveling a lot. Yeah, I think you're just, you get used to kind of grinding and the road can be a grind.

[00:50:29] Even when you're in a nice tour bus, like traveling in general can just be or feel like a grind. It's nice to be home too, 100%. So how many weeks of the year are you probably on the road? It kind of depends. You know, I'm 13 years into my career, so I'm a little more picky with what I take right now, especially with young kids as well. But I would say I'm anywhere in that 65 to 90 range, which is drastically different than even five to six years ago

[00:50:58] when I was out there just playing three shows a week. And how is it juggling the music career with being a dad? It can be hard. There's no doubt about it because you want to be there for your kids as much as possible, especially when they're this age. So my approach is I've just taken what I felt like I should take and what feels like it makes sense to me, but not overbearing my schedule. But you know what? There's another side to that that I think about a lot.

[00:51:27] When you're a performer, you've got to be out in front of people. You know, our careers are so up and down, and you've got to be out there. So it can be hard to juggle for sure, I would imagine so. Any new music that fans can look out for? Are you working on anything? Yeah, I'm working on music right now. I have some songs that I'm very excited about, and even some collaborations that have randomly organically happened, and I'm looking forward.

[00:51:55] I don't know when that will potentially happen, but got some stuff. Any hints on some of those collaborations that people can be looking out for? Yeah, I mean, I'm not going to say the name just in case it doesn't actually happen, but one is a massive pop artist that kind of just organically happened, and yeah, I think people will be super surprised.

[00:52:20] It's been really cool to see country music and all kinds of other genres kind of blend together and overlap, and so that's probably just going to be another example of like, hey, country music's cool again. Let's get it in there. Yeah, I think guys like Morgan Wallen have really opened the door for a lot of that stuff. So yeah. Thank you, Morgan. Yeah. And what are you listening to? Like, what are you queuing up? I know you're probably having to listen to a lot of your own music. As I've talked to artists, they tell me that you have to listen to your own stuff just to make sure you like it and it's ready to go.

[00:52:50] Oh, yeah, for sure. Outside of your own, what are you liking right now? Man, I just had this conversation with somebody last night, a PD of a radio station, because of my playlist before the show. Yeah. He was like, wow, so this is what you listen to? I was like, this is what I listen to, it's what I warm up to. It's a ton of Kenny Chesney, like all the old Chesney songs that I grew up on and loved, all the old McGraw songs that I grew up on and loved. So yeah, I mean, anything 90s I love. Those are some timeless songs.

[00:53:19] Yeah, timeless songs, you're right. I don't get a ton of time to listen to new music, really, from anybody, much less anything I put out myself, because my kids are always requesting Smash Mouth All-Star. Okay, so that's interesting. Smash Mouth's always going to be big with the kids. Every time we get in the car, that has to go on, and I'm like, bro, I can't listen to this song anymore. Any other that have the set list for your kids other than Smash Mouth, what else are they asking to hear?

[00:53:49] Honestly, it's really just that song, but I will say this. You know, kids, they get bored very easily with any kind of music. They just want to be on in the next. But the one song that I've collabed on with the person that I was just talking about, I played it in the house a lot. And the kids absolutely love the song. And I can't explain it because it doesn't sound like a song that they would be into.

[00:54:17] But it's my four-year-old, his name's Dutton, he is obsessed with this song. So I feel like maybe it's a good sign. Is Dutton the name? Is that inspired by Yellowstone? It was. Originally, yeah. Obviously, it was the family's last name, but my wife brought it up when we were watching it a long time ago. She was like, if we ever have a boy, when we decide to have kids, we should name him Dutton. And I was like, ooh, I do like that name. And then it wasn't, you know, a year after that, we found out we were having a boy. But perfect.

[00:54:46] Yeah, it's crazy how life kind of works out like that sometimes, right? And do your kids, your family, like to listen to your music? Are you the type that will cue it up? I know you said you were playing that one song. Yeah, they get used to hearing, like, demos, because I like to bounce the demos off my life and just say, hey, what do you think about this song? Is she a tough critic? She can be, for sure. Yeah. No doubt about it. But that's great to have somebody. It is.

[00:55:15] In the sense of, I'm trying to remember which one it was, but there's been one that she didn't hear that ended up being a really strong song for me. Yeah. Gotcha. And one of your biggest songs, no doubt, obviously, is I Don't Know About You. And we have a lot of people ask sometimes what that favorite beer is that you're referring to in the famous lyrics. So can you spill the beans on that? Like, what was that favorite beer that you bought?

[00:55:41] Well, lyrically, in the song, it was written as a Bud Light because in the bridge it says, I know you like Bud Light. I know you got blue eyes. So I'm assuming that's what it is. Okay. If you ask me what my favorite beer is, I'd probably roll with like a Modelo or something like that. Nothing wrong with that little lime. Yeah, lime down in it. Awesome. Well, that'd be a great time to drink one here at Barefoot Country Music Festival. Oh, yeah. Perfect place. With the beach and the breeze coming off the ocean. I think I'm going to roll with tequila today, though. Tequila would be a good one as well.

[00:56:10] Well, Chris, thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us. Thanks for having me. Best of luck with your set. Chris Lane right here. Everybody go listen to new music and be on the lookout for some new collabs coming up. Heck yeah. Everyone, it's Shelby with Whiskey Riff and we are backstage in Wildwood, New Jersey at Barefoot Country Music Fest with the fray. Welcome to the beach. Welcome to Jersey Shore. Hello, Shelby. Good to be here.

[00:56:38] Now, you guys have played at just about every location probably possible. What makes a festival and specifically a beach festival so special and in Jersey? We have not played on this beach in New Jersey, have we? I don't believe so, no. No. I think being barefoot, pun intended. Sure, sure. Yeah. Is what makes this festival great. Yeah. I mean, we've had incredible shows in New Jersey.

[00:57:04] So this is actually a very new experience for us being in a country festival and country environment. And honestly, like, kind of badass that we're playing a country festival. We never saw that on the bingo cards. But to be in the mix of Post Malone and Tucker, it's going to be a fun night. Yeah. And now, you know, you guys aren't necessarily country, but every country fan I know pretty much knows your guys' music anyways. Have you seen that crossover at all within your audience?

[00:57:35] You know, there's been, like, country artists that have covered our songs, which has been pretty wild to see. Like, Jordan Davis played Over My Head a bunch on his tour. I think Wyatt Flores even cut one of your guys' songs as well. Did, yeah. You know, and, like, what an honor that, like, you know, our music can work in different genres. But, I don't know. What do you think, Ben? Yeah. I mean, music's music. You know, we're honored to be here. Yeah. Fair.

[00:58:02] Now, how does Save a Life kind of left a mark? And, I mean, all of your music really has left a mark spanning generations. Do you guys kind of see that when you look out in the crowd? Is it young, old, everything in between? I mean, like, what Ben was saying is true. Like, music, it doesn't know age, you know, and it doesn't know time. And even, like, when a song comes out, it doesn't know that it's new.

[00:58:27] And I think people listening to songs, too, like, whether, you know, a song is 20 years old, and maybe that's the era we're living in right now, it's, like, how people listen and consume music, is that, like, it doesn't matter as much anymore. And maybe it's just, like, if it resonates, then it's now. But it has been incredible just to see, you know, where, like, the fact that people are coming out to our shows.

[00:58:55] Like, we thought, I mean, we went away for eight years and thought people would forget about us. Like, I was kind of banking on that. Like, we had a good run. It was an incredible time. But, you know, we're going to fade off into a little, you know, somewhere in the sky. But you guys are back and better than ever with a new album. I'd love if you could share a little bit about the new album. Yeah, this new album, A Light That Waits, has been a long time coming for us. Like Joe said, we went away for a while.

[00:59:24] And, you know, in the process of reemerging from that dormant state, new music was kind of paramount to the beginning of this new chapter. So this record represents that. It represents the beginning of the phrase second chapter of hopefully many. And we're really proud of it. Excited to be out. We're going to be out all summer on the road playing it. And introducing the new songs to the old ones and seeing how they all get along. And it's exciting. Okay, awesome.

[00:59:54] Now, I'm going to ask you guys a couple country music questions, of course. Now, is there a country artist that you guys grew up on or even, like, an older song that, like, always resonated with you guys as you have made music? And you don't have to force it just because we're at a country festival. I grew up where my dad used to work at a bunch of country music festivals on the video crew. And so I grew up, like, one of my summer jobs was, like, working country music festivals. And when I was a high school kid, I thought it was cool to not like country music, you know?

[01:00:24] So I was like, I hate country. But now in hindsight, looking back, I was, like, introduced to, like, the epitome of 90s, early 2000s, like, top of the top. So I have a soft spot for 90s country, you know? There's a lot in that. But, you know, other than that, George Strait's King, you know? True. So there you go. I also, yeah, did not grow up in a country music household.

[01:00:53] My dad really did not. I don't think he actively disliked it. He just didn't have any. But he did have more than one Garth Brooks record. And I can remember loving those as, like, a 10-year-old, thinking, like, man, that, what's the record with the Ain't Going Down Until the Sun Comes Up? Songs, like, I remember listening to that over and over, like, this sounds awesome. It's lovely. Still do. I love it. What about for you? I mean, I think Willie Nelson's king. Yeah, yeah, there's two kingdoms for sure. There's two kingdoms.

[01:01:23] Yeah. King of Austin, king of country, I think. Yeah. One of. Fair. And then as musicians, what are you guys actually listening to, country music or not? Like, I'd love to know what you're currently listening to. Well, actually, just yesterday, the guitar player from the Kings of Leon put out a solo album that's, like, ambient, really, really, vibey, ambient instrumental music. So as of this morning, that's what I was listening to. Okay.

[01:01:52] It's funny. I was also listening to that in the car today as I was driving in. And, yeah, and it is very ambient, but Emily made me turn it off. She said it's kind of bringing us down. And I thought that wasn't fair to Matt. I did not listen to that this morning. Yeah, I did not. And I did not know it came out. So, but I'm going to listen to it soon.

[01:02:20] So that'll be what I'm going to listen to next. Okay. And now as musicians and songwriters, is there a song that you think, like, is the epitome of songwriting, a song you wish you would have wrote? Oh, my God. So many come to mind. Oh, my God. I was at Red Rocks this week. I took my dad to Paul Simon for his birthday slash Father's Day.

[01:02:42] And I was reminded of the, I mean, Paul Simon as a songwriter is probably up there, but specifically the boxer is so incredible. Even more specifically, the last verse of the boxer just wrecked me. Like, wrecked me. I'm going to say the same thing. Honestly, honestly, I did grow up listening to Paul Simon. He's one of my major influences.

[01:03:09] So any of his songs, I would have loved to have written. Okay, awesome. And now you guys are in a new era of the band. What can fans expect from this new tour from you guys? We are having the time of our life, to be honest. You know, to share, like, the story of 20 years, too, and new music and the body of work.

[01:03:32] I mean, that's like, if you would have told us when we started this, you know, 23 years ago, that we'd be doing this today and playing five albums worth of music and experiencing that with our fans and what that means at different points in all of our lives and the stories that are all connected. And it is truly a gift. And, yeah, we're going to bring it. It's going to be a lot of fun. Okay, awesome. Well, that's it. Thank you guys so much for hanging out. Thanks for having us.

[01:04:01] Can't wait to see you guys in staff. Let's go, country. How's it going, everybody? This is Quinn from Whiskey Riff, and I am standing next to quite the legend, Tequila Randy. Randy Lookabelle is your actual name, but a.k.a. Tequila Randy. CCMF. CCMF, yeah. So thank you so much for being here. Right now we're at Barefoot Country Music Fest.

[01:04:30] We're actually a ways down the beach from where Barefoot's happening, but in the Wildwoods area. And we want to thank the Mahalo Resorts, the Icona Diamond Beach and the Mahalo Diamond Beach. And we're standing just off to the side of the Star Beach Bar. Yep. So there's a lot of cool things down here. But first things first, I just want to ask, would you be willing to kind of give your story once again for people that are watching this interview? How did you become Tequila Randy?

[01:04:57] Well, it was that Friday night at CCMF. Luke Bryan was up taking a shot of tequila. And he poured his band members a shot. And then he took a swig. And I pointed up at him and said I wanted a shot. So he passed the bottle down to me. And when he did, I was going to just take a swig. And I was like, well, I'm either going to go big or go home.

[01:05:24] So I took the whole thing and just chugged it all down. It was at least half a bottle from the video that I saw. Yeah, they said three quarters. That's what Luke said. Three quarters of it. And Luke, I saw the video. A lot of people have seen the video. He's just like, hold on a second. What just happened? And from then on, you've been Tequila Randy, right? Tequila Randy, yep. And they had, I believe, T-shirts the next day. Yep. You've got your own merchandise.

[01:05:48] Just talk about kind of the whirlwind that that's been, you know, from Carolina Country Music Fest and now standing here at Barefoot Country Music Fest. I'm sure it's been crazy. Yeah, completely crazy. I would have never thought. The next morning when I woke up, it had gone viral. Yeah. And I thought when we went to the Carolina Country Music Fest, get a couple high fives and a couple pictures. But no, it was like picture after picture.

[01:06:16] I mean, we probably took six, seven thousand selfies in one day. And I mean, we couldn't even go 100 yards in three and a half hours because everybody was stopping us. So me and my wife, we had to get cops to escort us. No kidding. Yeah. It was just that crazy. That's one of the things you have to deal with when you're a celebrity, right? It was. It wasn't just an overnight sensation. It was literally like you drank a half a bottle sensation. I mean, as soon as the tequila was gone out of that bottle, you were a celebrity and everybody loved you.

[01:06:46] And I heard that you got the tequila bottle signed by Luke Bryan, right? So where is that tequila bottle now? It is at home and a shelf. Okay. Not on the mantle? Not on the mantle, right? As soon as you walk in the door, there's a big hutch and it's sitting right in the front. And that's going to be a conversation piece. Oh, yeah. And I got a can of beer from Post Malone that he drunk part of and he handed it to me and said, you're the party. So I drunk it and kept it.

[01:07:16] And in these moments, I mean, are you able to take a breath and take it all in? I'm sure, like we just said a second ago, it's been crazy for you to go through the last couple of weeks, but it's like you're able to soak it in and digest all these moments. Oh, yeah. It's just like, it's fun. Yeah. I'm just a laid back person. I'm not for the attention. And I'm just like, hey, I'm just here to have fun. You only live life once. Exactly. Exactly.

[01:07:43] And you told me just a little bit ago before we started recording that tequila might not even be your go-to liquor. But, I mean, you're going to have to get used to drinking it now. We've got some tequila shots here that we'll do here in just a little bit. But what is it, moonshine? Moonshine or fireball? Fireball. Okay. I don't meet a lot of people that go for fireball. Oh, I love fireball. Love some fireball. Have you gotten any sponsorship offers? Not yet. But, I mean, you're keeping an eye out for those, I'm sure. Oh, keep an eye out for sure.

[01:08:11] What would your ideal sponsorship look like if somebody came knocking at your door and said, we want you to be the mascot of blank? Oh, I'd be the mascot, advertise for them, whatever. They can use my face, whatever they want to do. And, I mean, you've almost been kind of a de facto mascot for Carolina Country Music Fest and Barefoot Country Music Fest. Obviously, it's a great event. We're here in New Jersey, a beautiful area in the Wildwoods area.

[01:08:39] Have you had a chance to kind of explore this? Yeah, the boardwalk and everything. So, that's pretty neat. I'd like to come back and enjoy it. Sure. Because when you come up here for the festival, that's all you've got time for is you're at the festival all day. You come home and sleep or the motel, and then you're back up there the next day. So, you don't have time to enjoy the stuff. That's true, yeah. And then you've got to rest up for the next day, it seems like. But it's been great. How have you enjoyed?

[01:09:09] I know you're from the Myrtle Beach area, right? No, I'm from Lexington, North Carolina. Lexington, North Carolina. Okay, gotcha, gotcha. So, this up here in New Jersey, a little bit different than the North Carolina area. But it's still, I think everybody's been welcoming. Oh, yeah. It's been a really cool place to be. Beautiful, everybody's friendly and everything. Yeah. And so, another question I wanted to ask is, Tequila Randy sounds like it's a song waiting to happen.

[01:09:34] Do you have any desire to turn your entire story into some sort of song? Well, I know there at the end, after I did take my shot, Luke Bryan did put me into his song, Me and My Wife. Wow. So, if he wants to write a song about it, more power to him. I think that that could definitely happen. Any other artist besides Luke Bryan who you wouldn't mind to say, hey, I'm thinking about writing a song called Tequila Randy.

[01:10:02] Do you got any favorite artists that would be a dream come true for you to write that song? Well, there's a couple that I've met. I did a shotgun with Tucker Westmore yesterday. Did shots with Chris Lane. Uh-huh. And then the... Everybody's been bringing you up on stage. CCMF, Dasha. Yep. Did a shoeie. Mm-hmm. I saw that video. And met her again last night. And she's like, we was backstage waiting to go out with Tucker.

[01:10:31] And she's like, I can't believe you're turning on me. Turning on you. Because you're going out with Tucker. And I was here. I was like, well, I waved at you to get me on stage. She goes, oh, you're a traitor. And that's got to be just a surreal thing. Oh, it is. I'd have never thought. I mean, it's just... I mean, meet country artists. And then they're the one that wants you to come up on stage with them. I don't contact them or anything. I think so. Exactly.

[01:10:57] And are you going to plan on making Barefoot Country Music Fest and Carolina Country Music Fest an annual tradition? I know you've been going to Carolina Country Music Fest for quite some time. We went four times so far to Carolina Country Music Fest. Okay. And this is our first year for Barefoot. Gotcha. And it won't be the last. Gotcha. It sounds like you're going to be welcomed back with open arms to both events as long as you want to be. And I know that you've got to get going here in a little bit to get over to Barefoot

[01:11:24] Country Music Fest to get set up for all the artists that are going to be playing today. Yeah. But is there anything else that you want people to know about Tequila Randy? Is there anything that you want to get out there? I'm just a laid back old country boy. Laid back old country boy. That is about to do a tequila shot with me. Does that sound good? That sounds good to me. Awesome. So, Tequila Randy, thanks so much for taking some time to talk with Whiskey Riff. Oh, yeah. Enjoy it. And I guess here we go. Here we go.

[01:11:57] All right. Be on the lookout for Tequila Randy. He's going to be at really any festival. It seems like you're everywhere, wherever you look. So, thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us today. Thank you. We appreciate it. Hey, it's Shelby with Whiskey Riff, and we are at Barefoot Country Music Fest in Wildwood, New Jersey. You can kind of see it behind us. And I am with Zane, the lead singer of The Wilder Blue.

[01:12:27] So, welcome to the beach. Thank you. I didn't know they had beaches this far north. It's pretty cool. I know. This is my first time, too. I like it. It's actually a lot more beautiful than I was expecting coming from California. Yeah. What is your perfect beach day like? I'm kind of a bodyboarding guy. I went to high school in Southern California, and I wasn't good enough to surf, so bodyboarding was a little more accessible, you know?

[01:12:54] You just have to lie down and let the wave do its thing, pretty much. It's pretty fun, though. Yeah, I wish you guys had more time to explore. I know. Have you guys ever played this area before? Once with Luke Combs, I think. Fun. Yeah. That was pretty fun. Yeah, that is pretty fun. So, if people didn't get to catch you on that show, and this is their first time hearing you perform, what is your elevator pitch to them?

[01:13:23] Well, I'd describe this as like a cross between the Eagles and Alabama. Okay. That's a great cross. So, yeah. Country or version. But we got, of the Eagles, we got lots of five-part harmonies, and we're pretty diverse genre-wise. What song would you tell people to go listen to first out of your guys' catalog? Hmm. I guess Palomino Gold.

[01:13:47] It's our most popular, and most people seem to gravitate towards that one, so it's a good, it's pretty close to the center of the bullseye of what we do. Did you think that one was going to be a hit, or it just kind of surprised you? Um, a little bit of both. I mean, I figured it would probably do well. It's got that kind of two-stepping feel that I know Texans like, but I don't know if I

[01:14:14] would have necessarily picked that one to be our most popular so far. What would you have picked? It doesn't surprise me that Dixie is as popular, Dixie Darling is as popular as it is, because it kind of, it's a good story song, it's got a good sing-along chorus. I'm kind of expecting the single we put out today, honestly, to move up that popularity

[01:14:39] chart pretty quick, because it's probably the easiest sing-along song we've ever put out. Okay. And we've been playing it live, it's called Texas Women, and you know, at one venue we had people were like, release that song! And they were like, we were like, when are you going to release it? And we were like, well, coming up. And they were like, release the song! Release the song!

[01:15:03] I've never had an audience chant for us to release a tune before, but it came out last night at midnight. Awesome. And it features Tracy Bird, which is awesome. Yeah. So do you just message him and be like, hey, you want to be on this song? Yeah. That simple? Yeah, because Tracy, so I first opened for him when I was doing my Zane Williams solo act for a few days, and then we, with the Wilder Blue, we've played with him before.

[01:15:31] And so he's always been super nice, he's taken me bass fishing before, so we've gotten a chance to hang out, and he's a genuine fan of the band. And so when I had the idea that, like an older legendary guy could sing the boss man lines in that song, I immediately thought of Tracy. And yeah, I just texted him and he, he, he, I knew he would be cool about it, and he was. Yeah, I'm excited to see what that song does. Yeah.

[01:16:01] Now you guys, I know you're from all over, but the band is kind of known as a Texas country band. What do you think it is about Texas that really keeps pushing the envelope in country music? It just seems to be more popular and popular and popular, which is amazing. Yeah. Well, we Texans like to do things our own way. And we got kind of an independent nature. We don't like being told what to do, or what to listen to, or how to do things.

[01:16:28] And so I think what you get is a little bit more diversity and maybe a little bit more authenticity when you can kind of, artists feel a little bit more free to be themselves. Like there aren't as many gatekeepers. Like I lived in Nashville for nine years, and I love the town. There's so many talented people there. You do, it's kind of your job to impress the gatekeepers, and then they're the ones that can help launch your career.

[01:16:56] Whereas in Texas, it's more your job to just impress the fans. Okay. And there's no middleman. So if you just put together a band, start playing shows and impress the fans, you can grow something organically in Texas. And I think not having the middleman involved, it just makes for more diversity, I guess. And can you name another Texas artist or band that you really are championing right now too? Championing.

[01:17:26] Let me think. First thing I thought of was just the Randy Rogers band, but that was just because I look up to those guys, and they're part of the reason I started the Wilder Blue. Presley Hale has been opening for us a few times, and I've really enjoyed getting to know her. Shelby Stone. Shelby Stone. She recorded one of my songs.

[01:17:55] Oh really? It's track two on her album Silver Year. Okay. A song called Killing Time. So that's been fun. I'm excited to see Braxton Keith doing really well. You know, I first met Cody Johnson when he was about, well younger than Braxton is now. Cody recorded one of my songs like in 2009, something like that. That's crazy. You've been doing this a long time. Yeah.

[01:18:25] Braxton reminds me a lot of young Cody. Okay. I mean, Cody's pretty young. Yeah. So because you have been doing this so long, what do you think is like the biggest lesson you've learned from doing your solo act to full band? Uh, man you gotta do it because you love it. The popularity is a mysterious thing. It comes and goes. It comes for some people easily.

[01:18:54] And I think the more you focus on the music and the less you focus on popularity, probably the better it is for your mental health. And it's not easy living on the road. Right. Um, yeah, there's a, there's a balance to be struck there. I've been married for 26 years and I've got a 16 year old boy and a 13 year old girl and they still like me and they know who I am.

[01:19:24] So that's been good. Um, and when I'm home, I focus as much as I can just on family stuff. But, uh, it's a hard road to hold being a musician, but I mean, I say hard. But it's also super rewarding. So it's a, I think it's worth it. Yeah. You just gotta kinda be willing to be poor and do whatever it takes to make it work. You choose your hard. Yeah.

[01:19:52] And being on the road, I'm sure some crazy things happened. Can you share a couple of those crazy road stories that come with all bands? Ha ha ha. Well, so one time it was right after I played the Opry for the first time. So I was on a big high and we were on our way to Galveston and we stopped in Houston to eat lunch. And someone stole our van and trailer. Um, while we were having lunch, dude. So we came out and we were like, did you move the van? Did you move the van?

[01:20:21] Who moved the van? Well, anyway, I had just put in a GPS tracker. Cause I was sick and tired of hearing about my friends having all their stuff stolen. So I pulled out this tracker. I see him going down the highway. Long story short, a fan came. I jumped in her VW bug and we followed the people because the cops were pretty slow to respond.

[01:20:46] And then they ended up, we got our trailer back that day and they didn't catch anybody that day. And our van got away and we never got back any of the stuff that was in the van. But a year later they arrested 120 people, like a whole ring of organized crime. And it kind of got all started because of my little GPS tracker leading them to that, to that house where they dropped the trailer off. It's definitely a crazy one.

[01:21:14] I can't, people lose stuff on planes all the time and get stuff stolen. Those are like the number two ones I always see in bands and artists. Very unfortunate. Anything you take on the road, you just kind of have to be at peace with it getting broken or something. Or stolen or wrecked or flooded or whatever. Yeah. Okay, switching gears. I have a little bit of rapid fire, but I'm going to start off with a big one. Okay. What is the best country album of all time? In your opinion. I know, I know. Crap. Might not be that rapid.

[01:21:46] How about, I'm just going to say Dixie Chicks. Well, the Chicks wide open spaces. Okay. That's a great one. Yeah. What is your favorite road snack or food stop? Uh, so I bring, these days I bring my own snacks so I can be healthy. I eat chomps, which are crazy expensive, but it's worth it. Baby bells, cashews, try to stay away from sugar and carbs and stuff.

[01:22:15] Well, since you're talking about it, what is, how do you get Beachbody ready? So, in our trailer, after we unload it, there are these two by fours that are at the right height for pull ups. Mm-hmm. So, I've worked my way up to doing about 75 pull ups a day, uh, in like six sets. And then I've got this YouTube guy, shout out to Dan and Tiff. Dan the Hitman.

[01:22:42] They have like a million subscribers on YouTube and he does these workouts, um, that are 30 minutes with no equipment necessary. So, I do those YouTube workouts and it's great because I just follow along with whatever he does and I can do it in truck top parking lots and green rooms and, um, I might go out to the beach and do one later today. But it's a way of like, you gotta keep moving, use it or lose it, you know? Yeah, yeah.

[01:23:11] And what are you listening to while you're at the beach? It's a different vibe. It might not even be country. Hmm. Um, I try to keep up with the current state of things. So like Midland just came out with a record. That's probably the most recent one I'll listen to. My buddy Brent Cobb just came out with a record. I still haven't listened to that one yet. Oh, it's good. I feel like I'm always struggling to just keep up with the pace of new music coming out.

[01:23:40] Every Friday. And then, um, but if I'm really just chilling, then like if I'm at home cleaning the house or something, I'll either put on 70s rock or 90s country usually. Can't go wrong. And then can you name an artist or band that you would love to open up for that you haven't already? I mean, Luke Combs is already a really big one. So, yeah. I'd love to do some shows with Charlie Crockett. Okay. Yeah. Marcus King, um, Sierra Farrell.

[01:24:08] We met Sierra at the Opry and she was super sweet. Um, I think we're all big, huge fans of her. So that would be great. But, uh, we're down for whatever, you know, we're, we've, our music fits in a lot of different, I guess, places. So. Awesome. Well, thank you so much for hanging out with us. I can't wait to catch your set later. Thanks, Shelly.

[01:24:34] What's going on everybody? This is Quinn from Whiskey Riff and I'm sitting here or standing here with Slater and Nellie. We usually are sitting whenever we talk to artists, but today we're doing a little bit, uh, different. So we are at, uh, I believe it's the Starlux mini golf course and we're going to play a three hole match on the ocean course. Uh, they were happy to have us out. Slater, your golf game. How is it? We're going to see how it goes today. We're going to see how it goes. That's right.

[01:25:04] Well, we should probably go ahead and get some putters and a couple softballs here and let's get started. Alright, let's do it. Let's do it. Does it matter which? Okay. Yeah, this is perfect. Should be. I think, I don't know. These are, these are new ones maybe. Okay. What color do you want? I'll go green. Okay. I'm going to go red. Alright. Red and green, Christmas on accident. Yeah. Alright. Green's going to win though. Here's the first hole Slater.

[01:25:32] And I'm also going to be just kind of asking some questions about country music, barefoot, country music fest. Of course, you've already played that at this point. That's right. How was that earlier today? It was so much fun. I've never been to Jersey. So playing here was, it was a lot of fun. You know, we, the band have been, we've been rehearsing really hard and tight and I'm really excited the way that it all turned out. It seemed like everybody had a good time listening. Awesome. Yeah. It's always fun. And I'll let you go ahead and go first. Alright. Looks like number one's pretty straight forward here. Alrighty. Some shark fins on the right. Do we line it up here? That sounds good to me.

[01:26:03] Oh, way too much heat. Oh boy. Not bad. This might be a cakewalk for you. Now, Slater, I know that one of the big things about you, you're a young artist, but you seem pretty wise and mature beyond your years. Would you agree with that compliment? You know, I'd try to be. Living in Nashville and everything, being an artist at 19, it's the best, but it also

[01:26:29] comes with a lot of maturity and living with a lot of people that are older than me and being around them all the time. So, you grow up quick, but it's what I love to do. So it's worth it, I guess. And you are from Atlanta, Georgia, right? From Atlanta. And so you just recently moved to Nashville. That's it. Yeah, I moved in August. I'll let you go ahead and go for that putt. You get a putter's length away from the wall if you want to take it. Okay, I'll take it. There you go.

[01:26:58] I'm trying to distract my shot. That's horrible timing for you. Ah! Good putt. Tap that in, that's good with me, Slater. Alrighty. We're getting there. Getting warmed up. So living in Nashville, Slater, how has that been as an adjustment? You know, it's been really fun. I've always wanted to kind of branch out of Atlanta as much as I love it. And being able to move to somewhere where everybody likes to do the same thing as me,

[01:27:24] and it kind of drives my competition, drives like, drives my determination to do what I've moved to Nashville to do. Sure. And speaking of driving competition, I was in in two, you were in in three for the first hole, we've got two holes left, alright? That's right. And I don't know if I said before, but if I didn't, we're moving on to hole number two. If I beat Slater, I get to ask him a question. If I don't beat Slater, I don't get to ask him a question at the end. It's not looking so good right now. Looking like you're gonna get to ask me a question.

[01:27:55] Alright. So here we are, Slater number two. A little bit of a split fairway, got some water hazard on the left it looks like. Okay. A lot of people, a lot of people before you hit, know you from American Idol. Right. And how many years ago was that? That was 2025 season, so really it was, yeah, about a year and a half ago. Does it feel like it's been that long? No, it feels like it was just yesterday, but it also feels like it was 10 years ago at the same time. Sure. And is it great to kind of have almost a built-in fan base from that,

[01:28:23] that kind of follows you from place to place? It is. That's the biggest blessing is that American Idol gave me so many people to share my music with. Really just grateful for that platform and everybody on that show was so awesome. And so being able to carry that crowd to my music has been really awesome. Yeah. And really grateful to have all those fans and we just are building it from there. Sure. Excited about it. Well, go ahead. Swing away, Slater, on number two here. Get a good kick. There you go. There we go. Not bad at all. Come on, we'll take it.

[01:28:53] Which right now we're on the wild woods of New Jersey, I guess you could call that. There's all kinds of stuff down here. I know you probably haven't had a lot of opportunity to get out outside of the Barefoot Country Music Fest. Except for right now, of course. But this is pretty awesome. But what are your thoughts on being here for Barefoot Country? It's pretty dang cool. Obviously, I love a lot of music that came out of Jersey. Springsteen being one of them. Yeah. Lots of great talent coming out of here.

[01:29:20] And I never really knew what it was all about, but now I kind of see. At least I get to see the nice beach side of it. Exactly. Are you a fan of beach music? I like beach music. I like beach music a lot. The right kind of beach music. That might be in. Ah. There we go. I jinxed it on purpose. I'm a big Jimmy Buffet fan. I don't know. Oh, I love Jimmy Buffet. Okay. But I honestly, I grew up mostly with Kenny. Because my mom is such a big Kenny fan. That's a good one too.

[01:29:50] They're at the Sphere right now watching them. Oh boy. All right. Tap it in. All right. This is where we got to, I got to tighten up. You're in for three. I've got to putt here for two before I putt. I wanted to ask, is there an album on the way? Is there music that you're working on right now? We got a lot of good music coming. Okay. We just released this single in May, Hey Georgia. And then we released another one June, These Please. We got another one coming in July.

[01:30:19] And then we got a special thing coming in August with more songs. More songs than I've ever put out. Oh wow. Okay. So I'm excited about it. See if I can tap this one in. All right. All right. Yeah, yeah. I'm not, hey, I'm just, we're just playing. This is a friendly game of course. Oh, I know it. But I think that gives me a two stroke lead going into our last hole here, Slater. Unless I hole in one this, we're going to have a problem. And it looks like you could. This is another one, got some water left and right. I think that's a seal on the, on the left. Oh my goodness. Scoring some water out of his nose.

[01:30:49] So that's definitely a water hazard for sure. Oh yeah. But I'll let you go ahead, Slater. Go ahead, swing away. All right. We better do better this time. That looks good. Good line. Really good. I appreciate it. Definitely great speed. Look at that. Wrong clock's twice, ah. Which we, uh. Broken clock is right twice a day. That's right. And we, we talked a little bit earlier kind of about American Idol and you're obviously

[01:31:18] here for a festival, but what's your day to day look like as an artist? Man, I'm doing a lot of writing right now. I'm in a, in a, in a real big writing season. I love doing everyday waking up and getting to write about something new. Um, but my buddy Benny G, he said you can't write songs about writing songs. So it's good to get out and do things like this and just, you know, live life a little bit cause it's pretty easy to just write songs that don't mean a whole lot.

[01:31:45] But when you're, when you live life and you go do things and come back to Nashville and you write, that's when you can really write. And I feel like I've been able to do that recently a lot. So, and what's, what's your favorite part of, you know, kind of being a country music artist is the performing, is it the songwriting, is it the being in the studio? There's all kinds of different, different parts of it, but what's your favorite? There's a lot. I really like the live performance part. I think you get one impression on new people every single time that you perform.

[01:32:14] And there's a lot of people out there. Um, and anybody you can put on your side is, is people you want to have on your side as a musician. So I love the live performance part. And in golf, that's good with me. You can tap that in. You didn't even have to. All right. I have to mess up pretty big to not win the match. Eat at the double bogey. Let's see what happens here. Ah, well, great game. Great match, Slater. I'm going to ask you a question. It's not invasive. It's not too personal. All right.

[01:32:43] I just wanted to know, you know, you're, you're so young. What's, what's the next five years look like for Slater? We got a lot of new music coming, like I said, which I'm really excited about. I feel like I've been able to put out some music and had really great, like response from that. And doing that just made me want to keep doing it, you know? So, um, we got a lot of new music. Like I said, in August, we got a little surprise coming and, um, it's going to leave people with enough. I'm trying to say this the right way.

[01:33:10] It's going to leave people with enough to hold them over until we get the album out. Sounds good. So, thank you so much for taking the time out of, uh, this weekend. Barefoot Country Music Fest. Fans that are watching, make sure to look out for some new music from Slater coming this year. There's going to be a lot of exciting things coming from your side of the country music world. So, thanks so much. Thank you.

[01:33:29] I'm with Whiskey Rip and we are in a honky tonk, the honky tonk of Wildwood, New Jersey. And we're sitting with one of Nashville's most underrated country stars, Channing Wilson. So, happy to hang out with you. Welcome back to your country music fest. Glad to be here. Yeah, it's good to see you. Good to see you too. On the beach. On the beach. Yeah. Which, I mean, it's a great place for a country music festival.

[01:33:59] What a better way to celebrate country music than walking around in shorts. And are you also performing in shorts as well? You know, if I don't get back in time, I will be. Okay, okay. And this is not your first time playing the festival. You said this is your fourth time playing the festival. Yeah, I did two years in the songwriters tent with all my buddies. And then when I put my Dead Man record out in 23, we got booked to play the main stage. And this year we're on the Patron stage. All right.

[01:34:28] And what is the crowd like in New Jersey? Because this is my first time being here. You know, when I was growing up, I used to hear, you know, the country people were in the south. But obviously when I got older enough to travel and you come to New Jersey and Pennsylvania and all down through here, there's so many just backwoods hillbilly country folk, man. And they love country music up here. Yeah. Some of my best fans are up this way.

[01:34:53] I was doing my research and this place is brand new and it's due to the popularity of the festival that New Jersey needed their country music bar. So it's really cool to see. This is a cool bar. And since you've been here and you know the area, what are your favorite spots around here? Well, it's always the food spots. You know, Philly's, we stopped and had a cheesesteak after we landed yesterday. Us too. Yeah, yeah. And where'd you guys go? Andalos. Okay. That's a great spot. Where'd you go? We went to Skinny Joey's. Okay. Yeah.

[01:35:20] And so if you head north up the beach, there's White House Hoagies up in Atlantic City. It's incredible and we, all the food locations are the best up here. The best, okay. But this area, I mean obviously Atlantic Sea is great. Wildwoods, it literally says it in the name of the place. You know what you're getting. It's a great time. And down the road a little bit, Cape May, I've done some time down there fishing and it's beautiful. I love the country up here.

[01:35:49] And you've been busy before your set doing this, but also you were at the pool party before this. Oh yeah, I got a, yeah my buddy Rob Snyder was having a pool party and I owed him a favor. Okay. And he cashed in. Love that. So I had to play a few songs this morning by the pool. Love that. Now, for people who haven't heard your live set before, what should they expect during a festival? What is your live set like? Well, you know our set is, during a festival we always try to step it up just a little bit

[01:36:19] more higher energy and maybe throw one sad song maybe in case somebody's hurting and needs one. But we just try to, we try to keep our set up and people are standing in the sun. A lot of them are here to see me, but they're also here to see the headliners and I'm trying to win them over. And so we're just going out and performing, trying to put on the best show we can and meet people as quick as we can. Now as an artist who's also a songwriter, do you have like a format that you always follow?

[01:36:46] Like whether it's melody first, lyrics first, or does it kind of just come together? Yeah, you know with me I always kind of just grab the guitar and start picking a tune and I'll start trying to play a melody, something simple usually and just really get lost in my head and just start making up phrases and words and just reaching out, trying to find it, pull it down, see what's out there. That's really my process. Okay, great.

[01:37:14] And what is the one song that you feel like fans resonate with most during the live show? Anything that probably has to do with crushing a cold beer because that's what everybody's thinking about. Yes. It's hot outside, you know. But really I think fans nowadays are really smart and they're listening and you better be writing good songs because there's a lot of people writing good songs for them to choose from and you better be one of them.

[01:37:43] So they're out there, they're drinking beer and having fun, but they're also listening and they're judging and taking notes. Okay. Now I know we just recently talked about you having new music out. Do you have any updates since we talked last? Yeah, I mean we're getting ready to make an announcement real soon. Okay. Yeah, that's really all I can say right now. Just know that I'm not blowing smoke, but honestly, I don't know when this is coming out, but maybe I'll be able to by the time this comes out. Okay, awesome. And let's bring it back to the beach.

[01:38:13] What is your perfect beach day? For me, I love the beach fish. Okay. So I've got the whole set up, multiple rods. I got the sand spikes that hold the rods with the umbrella and the tackle box and the cooler. And maybe I'm down in Orange Beach next to the Floribama trying to catch a pompano or a speckled trout. And if I don't catch anything, that's fine too. But if I catch something, even better. Okay. Awesome.

[01:38:40] And now I have a little bit of a rapid fire based on Humpty Tompkins. We're in a Humpty Tompkins. What is your go-to drink? Well, I haven't been drinking. You know, I've been off on the wagon for almost two years now. It used to be a Jack and Diane. That was my go-to way back in the day. But my last run was, I mean, I was just a pro. So it was vodka on the rocks, tequila on the rocks. That's the way I was rolling her soda.

[01:39:07] But I mean, in a Humpty Tomp to me, there's nothing better than just beer seems to taste better in a country music setting for some reason. And it just does. Nowadays it's Waters and today it's Diet Pepsi. All right. And what is your favorite food to order when you're not at the bar or a Humpty Tompkins? Wings. Wings? Is there anything else? Are you like buffalo? Yeah, just buffalo, hot as you can get it with a bunch of ranch and celery.

[01:39:36] And hopefully surrounded by some good friends of mine. It's good times. Now, are you ever the guy who requests music from the band? Yeah, but I always listen to them first. I try not to be a butthole about it and walk up and show off my knowledge. But if I can tell a band seems to have a really good taste in music, I'll try to stump them. Yeah. Yeah, just with something that I know they'll know.

[01:40:05] And if it's not a too advanced band, what song are you requesting? Probably I'll just throw up a little tip in the tip jar and ask them to play an original. Oh, that's right. That's usually what I do. I like that. Yeah, because I want to, you know, a lot of times, especially nowadays, there's so much competition that bands feel like that they have to play covers and they can't play original music. So if I come up on a tip of $20 for it, then they have to play it. Yeah. So it gives them a chance to loosen up and play one of their own songs. Yeah.

[01:40:34] And what is your personal favorite honky tonk? You had to just choose one. I know there's so many. I mean, you'd have to... There's a lot of people that's going to kill me, but I mean, it'd be Billy Balls for me. Okay. Yeah, I mean... I mean, they ride bulls in there. They sell brisket. Yeah. Every time I go in there, the Texas champion line dancers are in there getting it. You know, it's a potluck dinner at the tables up front. It's, you know, it's just... It's one of the coolest places I've ever been.

[01:41:03] And every time I go to Fort Worth, I try to sneak in for a minute. Okay. Yeah, no. Gotta love Texas. Yeah, for sure. And if you're walking the boardwalk, there's a ton of those arcade games, fair games. What game do you think you're probably best at? Probably Mortal Kombat 2. Okay. I was a Gen Xer, so I used to hang out in arcades a lot. Yeah. And Mortal Kombat 2 or, you know... Of course, you know, I was also a veteran at Losers, so the golf game, you know... Yeah.

[01:41:32] I can't think of the name of it right now. Golden Tee. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, I know. Love that. Okay. And last question, just because some people watching this video discovered you at Barefoot Country Music Fest, what is the one song you would tell them to go look up of yours? Right now, I would say there's a song that the TV show Marshalls had on their finale called The Sunday Morning Blues.

[01:41:57] And it'd become the fifth most Shazam song of the week in all of music, period, after that TV show. And so it's been shooting up, you know, and so that's the one everybody's really digging right now. It's three years old, but go check it out. It's, you know, you can't get more me than that song. And then just let it play and something rowdy will come on after that. Yeah, I think that was my first song I ever heard by you too that got me hooked. Awesome. Love it. Well, thanks for hanging out with us. Yeah, thanks for having me, Shelby.

[01:42:26] Love to be hanging out with a honky tonk on the beach. Yeah, absolutely. It's fun. It's fun. What's going on everybody? This is Quinn from Whiskey Riff and I'm standing right next to a very important man. This is Bob Durkin. He is the president and co-founder of Southern Entertainment. And you've been quite busy this weekend, I would imagine. And in the weeks and months leading up to it with Barefoot Country Music Fest. Yeah, absolutely.

[01:42:56] I mean, it's an all year thing preparing for it. Obviously security is number one organization and then getting the talent ready. But yeah, it's been a phenomenal week. We love coming to Wildwood. The people of Wildwood are great. The local businesses are great. Everyone welcomes open arms. So we love coming to Wildwood and the last few days have just been amazing. It's been like, headliners have been crying on stage. Biggest crowds we've ever had. Beautiful weather. So we couldn't ask for more. And you've got 30 years of experience doing this.

[01:43:24] I believe over 500 live events. That number might be even bigger. Yeah. But clearly you have experience doing this. But what is it like? Because like you just said, it's a year long thing for it to finally get here. And you're here, you're standing on the grounds. Obviously we're standing right now in front of the famous Wildwood sign. Yep. But Barefoot Country Music Fest just steps away down here. But just to be in this weekend, this moment, what does it feel like for you? Yeah. All year long when you're planning security and you're in the office, you know, it's just

[01:43:52] like any job and you're not really focused on what it's going to look like when it's done. You're just making sure that police are good, you know, the traffic patterns are right, and it's going to be safe. And then our sponsors are happy that the artists are lined up. And then when you get here, it's sort of a rush of adrenaline, you know? Yeah. It takes a lot out of you, but the people keep you going. And it just is a great vibe, especially on the beach. I mean, festivals are great. There's just something about the beach that you can't replace. And so everyone on our team just gets so much energy and feeds off the energy of the people.

[01:44:21] So it's really exciting, you know? And I mean, there's nothing better. Do you personally have any time to breathe during the festival? Do you get to sit or stand and watch a little bit? Or are you mostly kind of running around in the behind the scenes? I've seen you. Like I said earlier, you're an important man. You're always seeming like walking somebody, riding somebody somewhere. Yeah, there's always something to do with our team is so great. And this is our sixth year. So we really think have it down pat. So it's not nearly as much operational logistics I have to do.

[01:44:49] So I can spend more of my time on preparing for next year. A lot of the artist managers are here who have other different artists. They get to see the event for the first time. So we talk about artists for next year, you know, and try to perfecting things and make sure people are having a great experience. That's our number one thing. But yeah, our team is so great that I've been able to focus on things that can build the future and doing more things in Wildwood while I'm here. And you had some premier names this year as you always do here at Barefoot Country Music Fest.

[01:45:15] Miranda Lambert, Kelsey Ballerini, Post Malone, Eric Church, the Headliners. Those are some big names. Can you describe, you know, any sort of details about what it's like to confirm some of those artists and have them as a part of your festival? Yeah, I mean, we're blessed that, you know, the biggest names in country music want to come to our festival that we're able to talk to them about it. And the funny thing, you know, is when you first start, you've got to convince them what your vision is. You know, like, where is Wildwood? No one's ever been to Wildwood. And so the beach is amazing.

[01:45:45] You see it between the boardwalk and the ocean. It's an amazing backdrop. Five miles of coastline. Five miles of coastline. And the pier has, you know, amusement parks on both sides with the neon lights. But also, are people going to come? And then once, you know, we have, like you said, history in it. They trust us. So it was great the first year to get Carrie Underwood, you know, Dan and Shay, Zach Brown, and to convince those people to take a chance on us. But it's been great to see how it turns the tables.

[01:46:11] And now, after we send some of these video and drones back and the artists go back to Nashville, we start getting phone calls. You know, everyone saying, who are you putting next year? So-and-so would love to come next year. So it's a great feeling to have to go there and, you know, convince people that what we're doing is going to be great. Then once they see it, you know, they kind of lean into it and they all want to play the festival. Sure. So, you know, 35,000 people, it's a great feeling to have them sing your song back to you.

[01:46:37] And so, yeah, I think it's been great to get that feeling. And it's kind of rewarding to know that, you know, artists really love to play the festival and they want to come back or they want to come for the first time. Yeah. And I know you're the president and co-founder of Southern Entertainment, like I said earlier. You're probably focusing more so on getting artists that will please the fans that are going to attend Barefoot Country Music Fest. But let's just, I'm just curious, do you have any sort of like, hey, you know what? I'd love to hear Eric Church. Let's see if we can get him here. Do you have any favorite artists that you're personally trying to get to these festivals?

[01:47:07] Yeah. I mean, obviously we do this. I'm a music lover. I mean, I think everyone in the industry is. I love all different types of music and country music, you know, being from New York, I got into it, I think, late. So some of the newer country artists, I try not to let it skew, but absolutely. Like if we have a chance to get somebody that I love and Eric Church is one of those guys, I might go a little bit harder, you know. But we definitely give the people what they want. There's some artists that I don't listen to or I found out and at the festival became a fan of, that kind of thing.

[01:47:36] And so it is hard not to be, you know, subjective and stay objective. But we try to give the fans what they want, but we're music lovers. Sure. I mean, I can't not be excited about Post Malone. Exactly. It's going to be phenomenal. There is one thing we do too called Southern Rounds and it's the singer songwriter thing. And the songwriters go up there and they tell the story. We have one of the guys who wrote most of Zac Brown's hits and a couple of Luke Combs hits. And that part is phenomenal. And that's, I think, something that's near to my heart and I really enjoy doing.

[01:48:06] We kind of put them there and hoping that other people do and I think they have. Yeah. I mean, there's so much to do whenever you're inside the grounds of Barefoot Country Music Fest. There's also a lot to do outside of it. And you already talked a little bit about, you know, sending the drones and showing a little bit of what Wildwoods has to offer. How would you describe this area? You know, maybe for someone that hasn't been here before, they're thinking about it. What would be your selling point for Wildwoods New Jersey? I mean, I would tell people that it's a beach paradise.

[01:48:31] That, you know, that's the greatest thing about the festival sitting in the middle of a beach paradise. And, you know, we open the doors at one. People don't show up to three or four. We're fine with that because we know they're enjoying beaches. They're enjoying jet skis. They're fishing. They're playing golf. They're playing mini golf. And we really push people and we partner with a lot of businesses. If you're going to get the whole experience of Barefoot, you got to go check out Wildwood. And it's great seeing these video logs that people put together on their way home or their hole for the weekend. And, you know, they're in the beach.

[01:49:02] They're having dinner at one of the great restaurants. And then they're at our festival. And so they get that whole experience. I mean, spending the day at the beach with your family and friends about three or four o'clock getting changed and walking down a boardwalk to music. I mean, I don't think it gets better than that. I don't think so either. And it is a very family friendly area. I've noticed that there's a lot of families inside, you know, enjoying the music together. That's obviously another selling point for Barefoot, right? Absolutely. Like if you bring your kids, it's fine. And the parents can have a good time, but with kids too.

[01:49:29] And that's what country music is about too, I think, you know, that we honor, you know, make a safe place for family. You know, the vets, the first responders, like country music is so great with all those pillars that I think it's built on. And your first year at Barefoot was 2021. Is that right? That's right. Okay. And you're already signed through 2030 to continue to be here. Yep. At this location. So obviously you see until 2030, that's a commitment for Barefoot Country Music Fest.

[01:49:56] But is the long term vision just to stay here for as long as you can? Absolutely. If we had our brothers and we had our choice, we'd be here forever. So I mean, that's kind of what the city felt comfortable with going. We felt comfortable committing to it. But I think, you know, by 27 and we already have, you know, the headliners that we're almost done working on, you know, we'll get tickets on sale in a couple months. By 28 or 29, we'll be talking about 35. Yeah, that's awesome. Yeah. That's a great news because I've also seen that a lot of locals are coming here.

[01:50:23] It's not it's it's both a destination and an opportunity for people that already live here to enjoy all the music that you guys are kind of putting together for everyone. Yeah, absolutely. And all up and down the Jersey Shore, you know, I mean, you from Atlantic City down Cape May Stone Harbor, people are coming from Spring Lake. And I think it's really becoming a New Jersey festival. The Jersey Shore gets split up south and north, but we have people coming from from all sides. And that's great to see.

[01:50:47] It's great to see country really hit the northeast because this is where I'm from and being able to put a festival like this and see people sing these songs back. So it's really great. What's your favorite part about putting something on like this? Because obviously, like I already read your bona fides. It's it's all kinds of things that you put on as far as live events go. But what's your favorite part about putting together a festival? You know, when when when people stop me and just tell me what a great time they had or I'm at a restaurant, I overhear a conversation about how they love it.

[01:51:15] And, you know, you try to stay away from comments on social media. But at the same time, you can't help yourself. And people just say, I had a great time. People tell me they've been here every single one. And they just support us because I think people understand how hard it is to put on, but that it's become something special. And it's because of the people and it's because of the businesses. But, you know, when you see someone really recognize that they love it and that they're coming back and kind of what your vision was is actually what people think about it. And that's really rewarding and a great, great part of this.

[01:51:45] And you've mentioned a couple times that you're you're from this kind of New York, New Jersey. Yeah. Right. How important was it and how how rewarding is it, I guess, for you to be able to bring Barefoot Country Music Fest to New Jersey? I mean, you know, growing up without any country music, you know, in Long Island, New York and not really be familiar with it, moving down south and then falling in love with country music. To see it with all the people I came from and you see on the Today Show now and you see Eric Church selling out in Long Island, you see all these country artists going to the garden.

[01:52:15] You're like, wow, they finally get it because I mean, the storytelling country music is phenomenal. So to be able to come up here and talk about, you know, how we grew up and being down here as a kid and then being able to bring country music and seeing them embrace it has been a great feeling. You know, my family, cousins, you know, when we first started, they might have been like, what is this? And now they they know all the bands and their kids are into it. It's great. And one can make an argument that you kind of helped this area start to become a little bit more country music fan filled. Yeah. Would you take any credit for that?

[01:52:45] No, I mean, we'd love to be part of it. You know, creating more visibility of country music helps everybody. High tide rises all ships. So we'd love to lean in with the radio stations because they're doing a great job of continuing to bring country music here and they're promoting it. They love to see us here. And I think it's a joint, you know, when I see the tours coming through and we hope to just be a part of it and hope that, you know, our platform helps bring more people into country music and introduce it to people. And, you know, we love to do that for the young artists. There's a ton of country artists in Jersey and New York, you'd never think.

[01:53:13] And so we have this platform with the biggest country artists in the world. And so we'd love to bring them in, play our smaller stages, play earlier in the day, introduce them to our fans and then, you know, get them hopefully some more supporters. And that that that's what's great. I mean, so seeing it in this area has been rewarding. And being from Long Island in New York, I'm sure people that are watching can see you got a little New York Knicks Barefoot Country Music Fest hat.

[01:53:37] I don't know if that was specially made or or what, but it was we we had a good week, you know, and I knew it was going to be a good weekend after after watching that. We waited so long. Yeah. And so, you know, I mean, we don't pick sides. We went every fan base to come to the festival. But being from New York, it's been a special feeling. And just a personal question. The New York Knicks win the NBA championship, like what goes through your mind? You know, we're on the about to put Barefoot Country Music Fest on. So it was like this is phenomenal.

[01:54:05] It's going to be a great week, you know, when when things are going right and everything's clicking, it just made me feel like we're going to have great weather. We're going to have a great show, you know, because the Knicks came through and I think that's what's happening. It's it's been a great week so far. We've still you and I standing here. We've still got Post Malone, Eric Church and plenty of other artists to see. Yeah. But I want to thank you so much for your time. Thank you so much for bringing country music up to New Jersey with Barefoot Country Music Fest. And Bob Durkin, thank you so much. Thank you.