Podcast Summary: The Bobby Bones Show – Episode 508 with Troy Cartwright

Introduction

In Episode 508 of The Bobby Bones Show, host Bobby Bones welcomes Troy Cartwright, a multifaceted artist known for his songwriting, performing, and hosting the podcast Ten Year Town. Released on April 25, 2025, this episode delves deep into Troy's artistic journey, the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the music industry, and the parallels between songwriting and other disciplines like golfing.

1. Introducing Troy Cartwright and Ten Year Town
Bobby Bones opens the conversation by highlighting his connection to Troy through Troy's podcast, Ten Year Town.

• [01:24] Bobby Bones: "Troy has a podcast called Ten Year Town. That's how I was introduced to him. It's a really good podcast. It's, I would say, a better version of this show."

Troy appreciates the introduction and discusses the unique perspective his podcast offers, differentiating it from mainstream shows.

2. Troy's Journey in the Music Industry
Troy shares his initial success and subsequent challenges within the music industry.

• [06:28] Troy Cartwright: "I'm loving it still. Oh, yeah. It's been a lot of work, but it's been really rewarding."

He recounts moving to Nashville with momentum from his early works and quickly securing a record deal, which later led to an identity crisis as he struggled to maintain his artistic voice amidst industry pressures.

3. The Creativity and Struggle of Songwriting
The conversation shifts to the essence of songwriting and its similarities to golfing.

• [10:31] Bobby Bones: "Define a number or give me a number."
• [10:32] Troy Cartwright: "Right. There's something I heard one time about like increasing your luck surface area so you still got it."

Troy emphasizes the importance of persistence and increasing one’s "luck surface area" to enhance creative opportunities, likening the process to taking numerous swings in golf to find the right one.

4. Navigating Genre Gatekeepers and Algorithms
Bobby and Troy discuss the shift from traditional gatekeepers in the music industry to algorithm-driven platforms.

• [10:07] Troy Cartwright: "Something's got to break soon."
• [10:32] Troy Cartwright: "Right. There's something I heard one time about like increasing your luck surface area so you still got it."

They explore how the democratization of content creation allows artists more freedom but also introduces new challenges in gaining visibility without traditional support.

5. Collaborations and Writing for Other Artists
Troy elaborates on his work writing for prominent artists like Ryan Hurd and Cody Johnson.

• [33:53] Troy Cartwright: "I didn't write on that one. I wrote on the one before."
• [35:37] Troy Cartwright: "He likes it."

These collaborations highlight Troy’s versatility and the nuanced differences between writing for himself and for other established artists.

6. Authenticity vs. Commercial Success
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around staying true to one's artistic identity versus conforming to commercial demands.

• [16:04] Bobby Bones: "If you don't stand for something, you'll stand for anything."
• [16:17] Troy Cartwright: "Nobody knows anything. You do eventually have to get back to a place where you go, like, what do I want to say?"

Troy reflects on how record deals and industry expectations can dilute an artist's unique voice, leading to dissatisfaction and a loss of creative edge.

7. Reflections on Fame and Maintaining Edge
The hosts draw parallels between their experiences and legendary artists like Tom Petty and Bob Dylan.

• [43:17] Bobby Bones: "He was at the top of the mountain."
• [48:50] Troy Cartwright: "You have to have a very strong sense of self to be able to operate that way."

They discuss how even the most revered artists face challenges in maintaining authenticity and relevance as their fame grows, often leading to perceptions of them becoming "corny."

8. The Role of Podcasting in Artistic Expression
Troy speaks about how hosting Ten Year Town has enriched his understanding of diverse artistic journeys.

• [61:08] Bobby Bones: "Other people's stories have made me not feel as alone."
• [62:36] Troy Cartwright: "There's a real opportunity right now for honest conversations and authenticity."

Podcasting serves as a platform for Troy to explore and share in-depth stories, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding among creatives.

9. Embracing the Creative Process and Overcoming Insecurities
The episode concludes with discussions on embracing the unpredictability of creativity and the importance of persistence despite insecurities.

• [60:15] Bobby Bones: "It's absurd to think that... dedicate their time and money to come and do it."
• [61:08] Troy Cartwright: "You have to fall in love with what the process is and not what the result is."

Both hosts emphasize the significance of staying present in the creative moment, valuing the process over the outcome, and supporting one another's artistic endeavors.

Notable Quotes

• [10:32] Troy Cartwright: "There's something I heard one time about like increasing your luck surface area so you still got it."
• [16:04] Bobby Bones: "If you don't stand for something, you'll stand for anything."
• [43:45] Bobby Bones: "He wasn't saying they weren't great and I could understand that."
• [58:00] Troy Cartwright: "There are some days you're in the presence of something really powerful."

Conclusion

Episode 508 of The Bobby Bones Show offers an insightful exploration into Troy Cartwright's artistic journey, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of maintaining authenticity in a commercialized industry. Through candid conversations, Troy and Bobby shed light on the parallels between different creative endeavors, the evolving landscape of music distribution, and the enduring importance of staying true to oneself. Listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of songwriting, the impact of digital platforms, and the value of honest, authentic storytelling in both music and podcasting.

Additional Information

For more on Troy Cartwright and his podcast Ten Year Town, listeners can find all relevant links and information in the episode notes.