Welcome to Stories Behind the Songs. This is a weekly podcast hosted by Chris Blair in Nashville, TN. After over 20 years in Nashville and owner of the famous m...
In this episode, I sit down with the founder of Nashville Tour Stop, @Aaron Schilb!After moving to Nashville in 2017, he played his own shows before realizing his true passion was behind the scenes—curating and supporting artists rather than being on stage himself.We explore how @Nashville Tour Stop evolved from a small bar gig into a vibrant songwriter community, how losing his hearing at a young age influenced his path, and the challenges of managing a growing music platform. SHOW NOTES:Keep up with Guest- @AaronSchilb & @NashvilleTourStopStay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERESBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongsSBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongsSBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongsChris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusicChris Blair's Website - HEREThe Listening Room's Website - HERETLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafeTLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafeA special shout out to our sponsorsSennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-usAlclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
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47:04
Kris Rochester: Behind The Mic
In this episode, I sit down with longtime radio personality and artist manager @KrisRochester!Kris shares how he landed a job in the radio industry—eventually scoring a gig in San Diego, where he worked alongside some of the biggest names in country music. We talk about his all-time favorite interviews (including a president or two) and what it was like sitting down with legends like @Kenny Rogers.We dive into how streaming music has changed, Kris also opens up about his transition from radio to artist management, and the challenges of breaking an artist in today’s music landscape.This episode is packed with stories, insights, and a real look at what it takes to make it in the industry. Let’s get into it!SHOW NOTES:Keep up with Guest- @KrisRochesterStay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERESBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongsSBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongsSBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongsChris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusicChris Blair's Website - HEREThe Listening Room's Website - HERETLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafeTLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafeA special shout out to our sponsorsSennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-usAlclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
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41:04
Liz Rose: From Pitching Songs to Writing Hits
In this episode, I sit down with award-winning songwriter and publisher @Liz Rose!Liz Rose didn’t start writing songs until later in her life, but once she did, she never looked back. After working with songwriters through her own publishing company, she eventually started writing alongside them. This led to a publishing deal and a career filled with some of country music’s biggest hits.We dive into her partnership with Taylor Swift, and how their chemistry lead to her co-writing 16 of her biggest hits, like "Fearless." Liz also opens up about co-writing the Grammy and CMA Song of the Year, “Girl Crush,” released by Little Big Town, as well as recent hits like Parker McCollum’s “Burn It Down.” We also discuss the biggest challenges in the industry today, and the importance of songwriter education.SHOW NOTES:Keep up with Guest- @Liz RoseStay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERESBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongsSBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongsSBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongsChris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusicChris Blair's Website - HEREThe Listening Room's Website - HERETLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafeTLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafeA special shout out to our sponsorsSennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-usAlclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
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55:01
Pam Tillis: A Lifetime In Music
In this special episode, I sit down with the legendary @PamTillisWe talk about her incredible career and the 25th anniversary of her Grand Ole Opry membership.Music has surrounded Pam since day one—literally. Her father moved her to Nashville as a baby, and from that moment on, she was immersed in every kind of sound imaginable. Growing up, she explored all genres, experimenting with different styles in high school before finding her own voice in country music.We talk about the songs that shaped her journey, from “Don’t Tell Me What to Do”—which hit No. 1 on Cashbox—to “Maybe It Was Memphis,” the song that earned her a Grammy nomination and solidified her as one of country’s most distinctive voices. Pam also shares how she knows when a song is meant for her and when it's meant for someone else, plus why “write what you know” is advice she still stands by today.With a career spanning decades, Pam Tillis has proved that authenticity and storytelling never go out of style.Keep up with Guest- @PamTillisStay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERESBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongsSBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongsSBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongsChris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusicChris Blair's Website - HEREThe Listening Room's Website - HERETLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafeTLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafeA special shout out to our sponsorsSennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-usAlclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
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59:13
Lonestar: Our 2 Year Anniversary! - A Legacy Of Hits And Harmonies
In this special episode from the Boots on the Water cruise, I sit down with Lonestar to talk about their legendary hits and decades in country music. I couldn’t think of a better fit to help us celebrate our 2-year Stories Behind The Songs Anniversary! We dive into “Amazed”—a song that says what men struggle to put into words, spending nine weeks at No. 1—and “I’m Already There,” which became an anthem for military families after 9/11. They share career highlights, from playing the Ryman to performing overseas for the troops, and offer advice on making it in the industry.With ten No. 1 hits and 30+ years together, Lonestar proves that brotherhood and great songs stand the test of time. Don’t miss this episode! SHOW NOTES:Keep up with Guest- @LonestarStay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:Listen/Subscribe/Follow -HERESBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongsSBTSongs Instagram -@sbtsongsSBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongsChris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusicChris Blair's Website - HEREThe Listening Room's Website - HERETLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafeTLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafeA special shout out to our sponsorsSennheiser -https://www.sennheiser.com/en-usAlclair In-Ear Monitors -https://alclair.com/
Welcome to Stories Behind the Songs. This is a weekly podcast hosted by Chris Blair in Nashville, TN. After over 20 years in Nashville and owner of the famous music venue The Listening Room, CB has become friends with some of the biggest names in music, the writers behind the hits and amazing industry leaders. In this podcast, he sits down with those friends and shares their stories. You’ll hear about the songs you know from radio, you’ll hear from brand new artists and much more. Whether you have dreams of being in the music industry or just love great music, this podcast is for you!