Podcast Summary: The Bobby Bones Show Episode: BOBBYCAST: Brandon Lancaster of Lanco on Coming Back After Losing Record Deal and Management + Fishing Competitions with Morgan Wallen + Writing ‘Greatest Love Story’
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Host: Bobby Bones
Guest: Brandon Lancaster of Lanco
Description: In this episode, Bobby Bones sits down with Brandon Lancaster from the band Lanco to discuss their journey of redemption after losing a record deal and management during the COVID-19 pandemic. They delve into the challenges of rebuilding their career, the creative process behind their hit songs, and the personal experiences that have shaped their music. Additionally, Brandon shares insights into his hobbies, including fishing competitions, and the importance of maintaining a balanced life amidst the tumultuous world of entertainment.

1. Reunion and Setting the Stage (00:00 - 04:36)

Bobby Bones welcomes Brandon Lancaster back to the studio, reminiscing about their last meeting in a small bedroom across town. They joke about the familiarity that social media brings despite not seeing each other in person for years.

Notable Quote:

• Bobby Bones [00:54]: "I really like Brandon and it's crazy because they've been nominated for so many awards like CMA's, American Music Awards, ACMs where they won New Duo Group of the Year and then just a couple things went wrong that snowballed but now they are back. It's a really great story."

2. The Downfall: Losing Record Deal and Management (04:36 - 13:53)

Brandon discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected Lanco's trajectory. Despite having a successful run with hit songs like "Greatest Love Story" and "Born to Love You," unforeseen circumstances led to the loss of their record deal and management. This period marked the beginning of significant challenges, forcing the band to pivot and adapt to a rapidly changing music industry landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Brandon Lancaster [04:39]: "Sometimes things don't go right for a long time, but if you just keep on going and you have the heart and determination you're putting in the work."
• Bobby Bones [11:30]: "Everyone was losing money and nobody wanted to spend the equal amount of money when they were pulling in less money."

3. Navigating the Wilderness: Independent Struggles (13:53 - 25:18)

After parting ways with their previous management, Lanco found themselves navigating the music industry as an independent band. Brandon emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships within the band and with their fanbase. They faced internal challenges, including lineup changes and the pressures of sustaining their livelihood without the backing of a major label.

Notable Quotes:

• Brandon Lancaster [15:49]: "We rely on it. That's where you realize, like, oh, we're friends. Because we don't have a tour schedule. We're not in the studio, but we're just like in Jared's yard chipping golf balls, running our mouths about stuff because we are friends."
• Bobby Bones [19:52]: "It's nice and entertainment if you can be."

4. Rebuilding the Team and Finding New Management (25:18 - 34:17)

Brandon recounts the process of finding new management through existing industry connections. Partnering with Riser House, an independent yet connected entity, allowed Lanco to regain momentum. This new team provided the necessary support to relaunch their career, balancing independence with industry leverage.

Notable Quotes:

• Brandon Lancaster [19:25]: "We have a new team and new energy and we are. It is kind of a version 2.0, but it's been."
• Bobby Bones [21:50]: "They have a new artist. Like, yeah, we can get your Lanco, but you have to take on Jimmy Johnson here."

5. Creative Process and Songwriting (34:17 - 54:50)

The conversation shifts to Lanco's songwriting methodology. Brandon highlights the blend of individual and collaborative efforts in creating their music. Songs like "Low Class Lovers" and "Honey" emerged from personal experiences and the tumultuous times they endured. The band values authenticity, ensuring that each song resonates with their journey and connects with their audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Brandon Lancaster [32:34]: "We have a song called Low Class Lovers on the record. That's a solo, right, that I just wrote that one by myself after going out with my wife on a date night and felt out of place in the environment that I was in and wrote a song about it."
• Bobby Bones [51:00]: "You bring in a song by yourself, you're like, this is it. They'll go, nah, I don't think this is it."

6. Balancing Personal Life and Career (54:50 - 68:08)

Brandon opens up about managing life outside of music, including raising his family and maintaining hobbies like fishing and golfing. He underscores the importance of perspective, especially after personal milestones such as buying a house and having a child. These experiences have influenced his music and provided a balanced outlook amidst professional challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Brandon Lancaster [17:34]: "I had a baby the end of 2020... I don't have a job. Because we make our money on the road. That's how selling those T shirts and playing Those how we really make our money."
• Bobby Bones [66:37]: "Every hobby I've ever had, I've turned it into content and then not loved it as much."

7. Engagement with Fans and Modern Platforms (68:08 - 74:00)

The duo discusses the evolving landscape of music consumption, from social media and streaming to traditional radio. Brandon emphasizes the necessity of adapting to these platforms to reach a broader audience while staying true to their artistic integrity. They explore the challenges of keeping up with trends without compromising their authentic sound.

Notable Quotes:

• Brandon Lancaster [56:22]: "Radio... it's still a platform that people really invest in and pay attention to..."
• Bobby Bones [70:44]: "It's a dance that never ends. But."

8. Future Plans and Upcoming Projects (74:00 - 73:12)

Looking ahead, Lanco is gearing up to release their album "We're Gonna Make It," which encapsulates their journey through highs and lows. They plan to embark on summer festival tours and fall/winter tours, aiming to reconnect with their fanbase and attract new listeners. The band remains optimistic about their trajectory, leveraging their experiences to fuel future successes.

Notable Quotes:

• Brandon Lancaster [69:01]: "This album, this is, you know, years in the making. And it's our life."
• Bobby Bones [70:23]: "You're right about qualifiers in the way of their different qualifiers for the different rabbits."

9. Hobbies and Personal Interests (73:12 - 77:00)

Beyond music, Brandon shares his interests in sports, particularly fishing tournaments and golf. He and his bandmates participated in bass fishing competitions during the pandemic and enjoyed golfing as a recreational activity. These hobbies serve as outlets for relaxation and camaraderie among the band members.

Notable Quotes:

• Brandon Lancaster [35:28]: "I used to fish a lot. That's gotten harder. Tripp and I used to, like, seriously fish. Like, tournaments don't get you that."
• Bobby Bones [36:03]: "You got to put the little weights in. You gotta put."

10. Challenges with Social Media and Content Creation (70:18 - 74:00)

The discussion touches upon the struggles of maintaining a social media presence. Both Bobby and Brandon express frustration with the ever-changing algorithms and the pressure to create content that aligns with current trends. Brandon emphasizes his preference for focusing on music and authentic interaction over chasing viral moments.

Notable Quotes:

• Brandon Lancaster [70:25]: "It's a dance that never ends. But. And when I say it didn't go well, it's not. It doesn't go well. It just is, like, for me, it's way more fun, like writing a song or playing a show."
• Bobby Bones [70:44]: "It's a dance that never ends. But."

11. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (74:00 - End)

Bobby Bones wraps up the conversation by highlighting the resilience and strategic mindset of Lanco in overcoming industry setbacks. Brandon reiterates the band's commitment to their music and fans, expressing gratitude for the support that has enabled their comeback. They encourage listeners to follow Lanco's journey and stay tuned for their upcoming releases and performances.

Notable Quotes:

• Bobby Bones [71:53]: "But you're not fully, but it's mostly."
• Brandon Lancaster [72:14]: "Yeah, I'm never on my personal."

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience and Adaptation: Lanco's journey underscores the importance of resilience in the face of unexpected industry challenges, such as the loss of a record deal during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Importance of Team and Relationships: Strong interpersonal relationships within the band and with new management have been pivotal in their comeback.

• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Navigating personal milestones alongside career challenges has provided Brandon and his bandmates with valuable perspective and motivation.

• Navigating Modern Music Platforms: Adapting to the evolving landscape of music consumption, from streaming to social media, while maintaining artistic integrity remains a critical focus.

• Future-Oriented Mindset: With upcoming releases and tours, Lanco is poised to leverage their experiences and renewed energy to strengthen their presence in the music industry.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Bobby Bones [00:54]: "I really like Brandon and it's crazy because they've been nominated for so many awards like CMA's, American Music Awards, ACMs where they won New Duo Group of the Year and then just a couple things went wrong that snowballed but now they are back. It's a really great story."

• Brandon Lancaster [04:39]: "Sometimes things don't go right for a long time, but if you just keep on going and you have the heart and determination you're putting in the work."

• Brandon Lancaster [15:49]: "We rely on it. That's where you realize, like, oh, we're friends. Because we don't have a tour schedule. We're not in the studio, but we're just like in Jared's yard chipping golf balls, running our mouths about stuff because we are friends."

• Brandon Lancaster [32:34]: "We have a song called Low Class Lovers on the record. That's a solo, right, that I just wrote that one by myself after going out with my wife on a date night and felt out of place in the environment that I was in and wrote a song about it."

• Brandon Lancaster [17:34]: "I had a baby the end of 2020... I don't have a job. Because we make our money on the road. That's how selling those T shirts and playing Those how we really make our money."

• Brandon Lancaster [56:22]: "Radio... it's still a platform that people really invest in and pay attention to..."

• Bobby Bones [70:44]: "It's a dance that never ends. But."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting Lanco's journey through adversity, their strategic rebuilding efforts, creative endeavors, and personal growth. The inclusion of notable quotes with timestamps provides authenticity and allows readers to delve deeper into specific moments of the conversation.