Podcast Summary: Bussin' With The Boys - Episode: "Back Of The Bus | Thomas Edwards Is The Next BIG Thing In Music + Playing Hungover For Tennessee"

Release Date: June 19, 2025

Host Information:

• Hosts: Will Compton & Taylor Lewan
• Podcast: Bussin' With The Boys
• Description: FanDuel presents "Bussin' With The Boys." Join NFL players Will Compton and Taylor Lewan as they dive into conversations with various guests. Visit FanDuel

1. Introduction of Guest: Thomas Edwards (00:03 - 03:35)

The episode kicks off with hosts Will Compton and Taylor Lewan introducing their guest, Thomas Edwards, an emerging recording artist, songwriter, and music aficionado. Though technically their first guest in recording order, this episode marks Thomas's official feature on "Back of the Bus."

Notable Quotes:

• Will Compton (00:03): "We have a very special treat for you today."
• Thomas Edwards (00:26): "I'm a Vol for life."

2. Thomas's Background and Early Life (03:35 - 08:02)

Thomas shares his roots, highlighting a rich musical heritage. His great-grandfather played banjo for June Carter, and musicality runs deep in his family. Initially pursuing football at the University of Tennessee, Thomas's NFL aspirations were derailed by a shoulder injury during his senior year. This setback prompted him to pivot towards music, a passion deeply ingrained from his upbringing.

Notable Quotes:

• Thomas Edwards (01:30): "I grew up playing a lot of music. My family is a big music family."
• Thomas Edwards (02:35): "When you get hurt in football, you go from 100 miles an hour to zero."

3. Transition from Football to Music (08:02 - 12:35)

Post-injury, Thomas recounts his decision to leave a stable job managing a large warehouse for Tractor Supply to fully embrace his musical career. This bold move was fueled by his realization that the high-profile life at Tennessee wasn't fulfilling his true desires. Relocating to Franklin, Kentucky, Thomas immersed himself in songwriting, eventually leading to his first publishing deal in March 2024.

Notable Quotes:

• Thomas Edwards (03:35): "I moved to Franklin, Kentucky, which is like an hour and 15 minutes north of here in Nashville."
• Thomas Edwards (05:04): "I just cold emailed the CEO of Tractor Supply... It just worked. That's genius."

4. Insights on Creativity and the Music Industry (12:35 - 27:00)

The conversation delves into Thomas's creative process and the challenges of navigating the music industry. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, authenticity, and letting go of the need for external validation. Thomas discusses how writing tirelessly—composing over 200 songs in two years—helped him refine his style and understand his musical identity. He also highlights the significance of networking within Nashville's vibrant songwriting community.

Notable Quotes:

• Thomas Edwards (08:02): "You just figure out how to do it, you know, and that's kind of the approach that took the whole time."
• Thomas Edwards (11:00): "A Marathon is 26 miles and runners are crazy and they don't like the finish line."

5. Favorite Movies and Cultural Influences (27:00 - 39:35)

Thomas shares his passion for cinema, highlighting his favorite films like Pixar's "Soul" and Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite." He appreciates movies that offer deep existential insights and excellent storytelling. The discussion touches on how these films influence his creative mindset and artistic approach.

Notable Quotes:

• Thomas Edwards (23:46): "My favorite movie is Soul. Pixar movie. It's just pound for pound."
• Thomas Edwards (24:38): "Parasite is incredibly existentialist. It's about how existing isn't this pomp and circumstance."

6. Live Performances and Festival Experiences (39:35 - 35:09)

Thomas recounts his experiences performing at various music festivals, including the Key West Songwriter Fest and the Carolina Country Music Festival. Despite challenges like bad weather and unexpected stage changes, these performances have been pivotal in building his confidence and expanding his fan base. Thomas underscores the importance of live shows in establishing longevity in the music industry.

Notable Quotes:

• Thomas Edwards (30:22): "Playing shows has been awesome. It's the icing on the cake, man."
• Thomas Edwards (35:09): "Longevity in music comes from playing live shows."

7. Nashville's Music Scene and Community (36:17 - 38:56)

The trio discusses the competitive yet supportive nature of Nashville's music scene. Thomas highlights the collaborative spirit among songwriters and artists, emphasizing that genuine relationships and mutual support are key to sustained success. He praises fellow artists like Dalton Davis and Jake Hess for their talent and integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Thomas Edwards (36:17): "The people that last in this business are good people."
• Thomas Edwards (37:46): "I love cheering everybody on. There are different ways to do it in this business and everyone can have success."

8. Light-Hearted Discussion on Sandwiches (39:35 - 55:02)

Adding a fun twist to the episode, Thomas engages in a humorous segment discussing his love for sandwiches. He details his perfect sandwich—an ultimate combination of roast beef, Chipotle Gouda cheese, mayonnaise, spicy mustard, spinach, lettuce, tomato slices, garlic pickles, French onion straws, salt, pepper, oregano, and deli dressing. The hosts and Thomas banter about their favorite sandwich spots in Nashville, showcasing the camaraderie and relaxed atmosphere of the podcast.

Notable Quotes:

• Thomas Edwards (47:12): "Sandwiches are the most important part of American culture, really."
• Thomas Edwards (53:27): "It's just irrelevant. Three women."

9. Upcoming Music Releases and Future Plans (55:02 - 66:14)

Towards the end of the episode, Thomas reveals his exciting plans to release new music under his record deal. He introduces his upcoming single, "Drunk Enough," a personal and entertaining track that encapsulates his personality. Thomas expresses his enthusiasm for engaging with fans and building his presence in the music world. The episode concludes with a live performance of a song co-written by Thomas, showcasing his musical talents and offering listeners a taste of his upcoming work.

Notable Quotes:

• Thomas Edwards (55:47): "We're starting with a song called 'Drunk Enough.' It's such a fun song, dude."
• Thomas Edwards (57:35): "I'm the king of the callback, man. I understand comedy."

Conclusion:

This episode of "Bussin' With The Boys" offers an in-depth look into Thomas Edwards's journey from a college football player to a burgeoning music artist. Through candid conversations, heartfelt anecdotes, and playful banter, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Thomas's dedication, creative process, and aspirations in the music industry. The blend of personal stories and professional insights makes this episode both engaging and inspiring for aspiring creatives and fans alike.