Podcast Summary: On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer – Episode: “That’s Hardy Looking for Arrowheads”
Introduction
In the May 29, 2025 episode of On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer, host Troy Vollhoffer sits down for an engaging conversation with Hardy, the multi-platinum country artist known for hits like “One Beer” and “Truck Bed.” As the founder of the Country Thunder Music Festival, Troy provides listeners with an insider’s view of the music industry, and this episode delves deep into Hardy's illustrious career, his evolution as an artist, the supportive Nashville songwriting community, and his personal passion for archaeology.
Career Highlights and Evolution
The episode opens with Troy expressing his excitement about featuring Hardy, highlighting his significant achievements, including 60 number-one hits and notable accolades at the CMAs for his duet with Lanny Wilson on “Wait in the Truck” which won Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
Hardy reminisces about his first podcast appearance during the early stages of his career:
“[...] we didn’t have so much to talk about because his career was very early in his career [...]” (00:25)
Troy and Hardy discuss the rapid progression of Hardy's career over the years. Hardy reflects on feeling like he’s entering his "sophomore, junior year of school," noting the emergence of a new generation of artists while he himself gains more experience.
Hardy shares his observations on the evolving music scene:
“I’m already seeing this. The second guard, like the new guard [...] Who’s going to be the cat? Who's going to be one of these 10 or 15 artists that are about to [...]” (02:21)
Embracing Musical Diversity
A significant portion of the conversation centers on Hardy’s musical versatility, particularly his seamless transition between country and rock genres. Troy commends Hardy for his ability to perform diverse styles live, which has been well-received by audiences.
Hardy explains the inspiration behind his shift towards rock music:
“Songs like Boots and Sold Out and some of the songs that were, like, really teetering into the rock world [...] Sold out blows it out of the water live [...]” (04:10)
He discusses the pivotal moment when his live performances of rock-infused songs received overwhelming positive reactions, encouraging him to fully explore this genre in his album “Mockingbird and the Crow.”
Hardy reflects on maintaining authenticity despite musical shifts:
“I have been so inconsistent even from the beginning, that my fans are just like, you know what I mean? [...] It works because it's just me.” (05:37)
The Nashville Songwriter Community
Troy and Hardy delve into the unique and supportive nature of the Nashville songwriting scene. Hardy emphasizes the non-competitive, collaborative environment that fosters creativity and mutual support among songwriters.
Hardy passionately describes the Nashville songwriting culture:
“The culture of being a Nashville songwriter is so different, and it's also so supportive and like, it really tries not to be competitive and dog eat dog or anything like that. [...] the Nashville songwriter scene is like the coolest shit ever.” (00:07)
They discuss the vital role of songwriters in the industry, highlighting the disparity between the earnings from streaming versus traditional radio play. Hardy advocates for better compensation for songwriters, stressing the importance of rewarding creativity beyond hit singles.
Hardy voices his concerns about songwriter compensation:
“I think labels should start shelving out points for album cuts for artists like Morgan who can have [...] make 250 grand because it was on.” (07:02)
The Songwriters Tent and Industry Insights
Troy introduces the concept of the Songwriters Tent at Country Thunder, an initiative to spotlight and support emerging songwriters. He acknowledges the contributions of industry veterans like Jimmy the Jet, who mentor the next generation.
Hardy shares his admiration for industry peers:
“I have known Jim for a really long time [...] I love Jim, man.” (10:02)
They discuss the growing recognition of songwriters, likening their anonymity in Nashville to famous artists elsewhere. Hardy highlights the importance of songwriters in shaping the music we love, often remaining unsung heroes behind the scenes.
Hardy illustrates the hidden talent in songwriting:
“There's such a culture and there's such a cool thing to these guys that just look like dudes [...] But you would never know that they wrote like Craig Wiseman.” (11:22)
Hardy’s Journey as an Artist and Collaborations
The conversation shifts to Hardy's journey from songwriter to performing artist, detailing his collaboration with producers like Joey Moi. Hardy credits Joey for pushing him to harness his potential and shape his musical identity.
Hardy discusses his first tour experience and breakout moments:
“My first time ever on a moving tour bus was Nashville to Hartford [...] I did, yeah.” (15:42)
He recounts opening for FGL’s legendary tour, where songs he wrote like “Up Down” achieved number-one status, solidifying his place in the industry.
Hardy acknowledges the impact of influential producers:
“He [Joey Moi] could be tough [...] I wouldn't have it any other way.” (18:01)
Personal Passions: Archaeology
Beyond music, Hardy shares his passion for archaeology, a hobby that connects him to history and his hometown roots. He narrates how a friendship in college led him to discover a fascination with finding arrowheads on his family’s land.
Hardy recounts how he got hooked on archaeology:
“Within 10 minutes, we found one. And the next morning, we go back, and we found another, and then another.” (21:01)
This segment highlights Hardy’s appreciation for uncovering untold stories and the parallels between his musical journey and his archaeological pursuits.
Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Troy and Hardy reminisce about their longstanding friendship, touching upon personal anecdotes like their wedding and mutual respect. Troy praises Hardy as a songwriter poised for the Songwriters Hall of Fame and commends his dynamic live performances.
Troy concludes with high praise for Hardy:
“He’s a special guy. He's a special talent, and we just really want to thank him for coming out today.” (23:30)
Listeners are encouraged to follow Hardy’s upcoming world tour and stay connected with Country Thunder’s platforms for future episodes and festival updates.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Hardy (00:07): “The Nashville songwriter scene is like the coolest shit ever. I love it.”
- Troy (05:04): “The lines that are no longer there anymore... and you can do that live and just make that transition like that. And the crowd eats it up.”
- Hardy (09:15): “You should be able to make a living being a songwriter with two hits. [...] it doesn't pay songwriters six figures is like ridiculous.”
- Hardy (13:55): “It's just a. The. This. The Nashville songwriter scene is like the coolest shit ever. I love it.”
- Hardy (22:53): “It's just that whole process of, like, I was the first guy to find this. No telling what happened to it and how I got there...”
Final Thoughts
This episode of On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer offers a comprehensive look into Hardy’s multifaceted career and personal interests. Through candid discussions and insightful anecdotes, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Hardy’s contributions to country music, his dedication to songwriting, and the supportive community that nurtures his creative endeavors.
For more information on Hardy’s tour dates, visit hardyofficial.com, and stay updated with Country Thunder’s latest news by following their social platforms.
Note: This summary is intended for those who haven’t listened to the episode and aims to provide a clear and concise overview of the key discussions and insights shared by Troy and Hardy.