Podcast Summary: "If Sh*t is Good, It’s Good with Koe Wetzel"

Podcast Information:

• Title: On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer
• Host: Country Thunder | Pod People
• Episode: If Sh*t is Good, It’s Good with Koe Wetzel
• Release Date: March 6, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of "On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer," host Troy Vollhoffer sits down with renowned country artist Koe Wetzel. The conversation delves deep into Koe's personal life, his journey in the music industry, and his perspectives on the evolving landscape of modern music. The episode offers listeners an intimate look behind the scenes, enriched with candid insights and memorable anecdotes from Koe's career.

Early Life and Background (00:43 - 01:26)

Koe Wetzel opens up about his roots in Pittsburgh, Texas, painting a vivid picture of his small-town upbringing. Located about two and a half hours east of Dallas, Pittsburgh embodies a "small town vibe" that Koe cherishes. He shares, “It's a really small town... they consider us pretty much Louisiana” (01:07).

Growing up, Koe was deeply involved in sports, particularly football, which played a significant role in his early life aspirations.

Transition from Football to Music (01:26 - 02:23)

Troy inquires about Koe’s transition from football to music, a pivotal moment in his life. Koe narrates, “I played football, got a scholarship to go play college football... but I was like, man, screw this, I'm out” (01:31). An ankle injury and subsequent surgery forced him to reevaluate his path. Coupled with increased performances and lifestyle changes, Koe realized that music offered better opportunities and fulfillment than pursuing a career in the NFL. This decision marked the beginning of his dedicated journey into the music industry.

The Texas Music Scene vs. Nashville (02:23 - 08:05)

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the distinctiveness of the Texas music scene compared to Nashville. Koe emphasizes, “It's like you said, it's a song scene. It's... Texas is pretty much its own country” (02:51). He highlights the richness and diversity within Texas, noting that artists there can tour year-round without repeating cities, a testament to the state's vast landscape and vibrant music culture.

Troy adds, “sure. Enjoying your music... the whole Texas scene is like two different worlds” (02:23), underscoring the unique identity Texas artists maintain. Koe acknowledges the diminishing feud between Texas country and mainstream country, attributing it to the blending of genres. He remarks, “Music's music, so it is what it is” (02:51), reflecting his belief in the universal language of music beyond genre constraints.

Despite the strong Texas foundation, Koe admits to spending more time in Nashville, aligning with his evolving musical style. “I've been spending a whole lot more time in Nashville than past years” (08:05), he states, recognizing Nashville’s influence and infrastructure in shaping contemporary country music.

Signing with Columbia Records (03:35 - 04:34)

Troy shifts the conversation to Koe's significant career milestone: signing with Columbia Records in 2020. Koe describes the journey, “I never had any plans of signing a record label... but we felt... there’s only so much you can do as an independent artist” (03:40). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in this decision, as uncertainty in the music industry led Koe to seek the support and resources a major label could provide.

Koe shares his satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “they backed me 110%” (04:34), highlighting the collaborative and empowering relationship he has with Columbia Records.

Musical Influences and Style (04:34 - 05:26)

Exploring his musical influences, Koe provides a multifaceted view shaped by diverse genres. “I grew up on like, older country mama... old rock or... Eminem and 50 Cent and rap and hip hop” (04:43). This eclectic mix, combined with his discovery of grunge and pop-punk during his formative years, contributes to his unique sound that transcends traditional genre boundaries.

Troy commends Koe’s innovative approach, saying, “I really dig how you just smash stuff together... it’s so unique and it’s so refreshing” (05:18), to which Koe modestly responds, “Thank you” (05:25).

"Damn Nearly Normal" and Collaborations (05:31 - 07:25)

The conversation transitions to Koe's single "Damn Nearly Normal," a track born out of a collaborative writing session with Gabe Simon and Amy Allen. Koe explains, “we had like a three or four day just kind of write and record session” (05:31). The song reflects on the divergent lifestyles of musicians compared to those living typical 9-to-5 lives, capturing the essence of Koe's experiences in the music world.

Further discussing collaborations, Koe talks about working with Parker McClellan. “I was like, sure, let's kill her” (06:27), referencing the lyrical decision-making process. The success of Parker, whom Troy praises as “a great guy” (07:11), underscores Koe's commitment to fostering talent within the Texas music scene.

Touring and Current Projects (07:24 - 08:05)

Koe provides insights into his extensive touring schedule, noting a reduction from previous years due to shifting priorities and external factors like the pandemic. “We're doing a lot less shows than we're used to... closer to 200 shows a year” (07:32). Currently, he's performing between 125 to 150 shows annually, balancing his time between touring and personal endeavors.

Residing in Weatherford, west of Fort Worth, Koe remains deeply rooted in Texas. He muses about potential future moves, “maybe I'll buy me a house up in the mountains or something” (07:48), but for now, Texas remains his home base, offering a strong foundation for his career.

Views on the Modern Music Industry (08:05 - 10:33)

Koe shares his thoughts on the current state of the music industry, particularly the rise of genre fluidity and digital platforms. “I hate when people put a genre on songs. If this is good, it's good” (08:48), he asserts, emphasizing the importance of quality over classification. He praises the accessibility of music production and distribution in the streaming era, stating, “it's so easy to make music now... it's really cool” (00:07).

The discussion shifts to the impact of platforms like TikTok on artist discovery. Koe is cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the talent of TikTok artists while emphasizing the necessity of live performance skills. “We started out on the road... a lot of these TikTok artists are phenomenal musicians” (09:21). He encourages new artists to be prepared to deliver compelling live performances, drawing from his own experiences of earning listeners’ attention in bars and on the road.

Troy nods in agreement, highlighting the evolution from traditional means of discovery to modern digital avenues. “The new age radio, honestly,” (10:20) Koe elaborates, recognizing TikTok as a transformative force akin to radio's historical role in music promotion.

Conclusion (10:33 - End)

As the episode draws to a close, Koe reflects on the excitement of performing and the relentless energy he brings to his shows. Despite a playful admission of being hungover, he remains focused on delivering high-energy performances, promising, “we're gonna make it really loud” (11:30).

Troy expresses admiration for Koe’s artistry and spirit, likening him to legendary figures like Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash. He commends Koe’s ability to infuse fun and authenticity into his music, wishing him continued success.

Final Thoughts

This episode of "On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer" offers a comprehensive look into Koe Wetzel's life and career. From his small-town origins and athletic endeavors to his dynamic presence in the Texas music scene and beyond, Koe emerges as a multifaceted artist unbound by genre constraints. His commitment to authenticity, coupled with his adaptability in an ever-evolving industry, underscores his position as a formidable force in contemporary country music.

Listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of modern musicians, the importance of genuine connections with audiences, and the limitless possibilities afforded by today's digital landscape. Koe's candid reflections and unwavering passion make this episode a must-listen for fans and aspiring artists alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Koe Wetzel (00:07): “I hate when people put a genre on songs. If the good, it's good... the way it's kind of evolving. We're seeing it firsthand and it's really cool.”

• Koe Wetzel (01:07): “It's a really small town... they consider us pretty much Louisiana.”

• Koe Wetzel (01:31): “... figured out I could get more women by playing the guitar and get more free beer by playing guitar than ever having any chances of going to the NFL.”

• Koe Wetzel (02:51): “Music's music, so it is what it is.”

• Koe Wetzel (03:40): “there’s only so much you can do as an independent artist... it was time we take that step.”

• Koe Wetzel (04:43): “I grew up on like, older country mama... Eminem and 50 Cent and rap and hip hop.”

• Koe Wetzel (05:31): “we had like a three or four day just kind of write and record session.”

• Koe Wetzel (08:48): “If this is good, it's good.”

• Koe Wetzel (09:21): “a lot of these TikTok artists are phenomenal musicians.”

• Koe Wetzel (10:20): “TikTok is kind of the new age radio, honestly.”

Timestamp Reference:

• All timestamp references correspond to the minutes and seconds indicated within the episode transcript provided.