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Of The Steel Guitar

Of The Steel Guitar

by Cole L

Music Commentary Music Interviews

Season 2

Keeping Country Authentic: A Candid Conversation with Alex Key

Join me for a candid conversation with Alex Key, an independent country artist from Wilkesboro, North Carolina. In this episode, Alex shares his insights on maintaining authenticity in country music, the importance of storytelling, and his experiences performing at iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry. We delve into the challenges and rewards of producing his own music, the influence of traditional sounds, and the evolving landscape of the country music industry. Whether you're a country music enthusiast or curious about the creative process, this episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into the world of an artist dedicated to keeping country music true to its roots. For anyone who has been listening, it's been a personal goal of having an artist on the Podcast for years, and I am so appreciative of the time that Mr. Key took out of his schedule to talk with me on the road. You can find all of the links associated with his music down below. I promise you that it will feel as if you have been transported back in time. Alex Key Links: Youtube: https://youtube.com/@alex_key_music?si=AuAEaUHLomi4X0j8 TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@alex_key_music Website: https://www.alexkeymusicgroup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex_key_music/?hl=en Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4kfrzXGnQDAszWsQr7aNSi?si=-9JAy1TDT9CW5wyugKsGTA Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/alex-key/1457771274

Pickin' Truth: A Red Dirt Revival

We sit down with my buddy Austin as we discuss what makes Red Dirt and neo-traditional country unique and special compared to the mainstream. We feature artists like Dylan Gossett and Wyatt Flores, and trace the roots that trace back to Oklahoma and Texas, exploring how this sound has held onto its soul while the mainstream drifts ever further away. It’s part interview, part laid-back conversation between two country fans who just love the music and where it comes from. email me at Ofthesteelguitar37@outlook.com https://linktr.ee/ofthesteelguitarpod Fiddle Intro by Miss. Rachel Crick Follow her on instagram @rachelannecrick Her Fiverr link is below! https://www.fiverr.com/s/j0GKlZ Rest of Intro: Jeremy King Fiverr https://www.fiverr.com/s/8VRWNz

Country Classics: Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'

We break down Charley Pride’s iconic 1971 hit, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’.” With its smooth vocals,bright instrumentalsss and timeless charm, this song became more than just a No. 1 country single—it became a blueprint for love and longevity. We explore the song’s origins, the cultural weight it carried during Pride’s rise as a Black country superstar, and the magic behind its simple, heartfelt advice. Whether you’re a lifelong country fan or just discovering the classics, this one’s a sweet slice of country gold.

Dust, Depression, and the Rise of Country Grit

We journey back to the Dust Bowl days and the heartache of the Great Depression, a time when America’s fields were cracked, but its spirit remained unbroken. As families lost farms and futures, country music became more than just a sound. It became a lifeline. From the desperation of the Dust Bowl to the resilience echoing from porch radios, we explore how economic despair gave rise to the second generation of country music. With steel guitars crying out across the plains and ballads of hardship and hope filling the air, this is the story of how music helped a nation hold on.

Grown Woman, Grown Me

In this episode, I take a personal dive into Jason Aldean’s Grown Woman—a song that’s stuck with me in ways I didn’t expect. From the lyrics to the emotions it stirred up, we talk about how a simple country track can hit deep, bring back memories, and even shape how we see ourselves and others. Whether you're a fan of Aldean or just someone who's had a song change the way you think, this one’s for you. email me at Ofthesteelguitar37@outlook.com https://linktr.ee/ofthesteelguitarpod

The Country Classics: Big Iron

Welcome to another episode of my Country Classic series! In this episode, I dive deep into the iconic song Big Iron, taking you through the historical background and the real-life Arizona Rangers who inspired it. We’ll explore the context surrounding this classic and how the story of a lone lawman and a dangerous outlaw speaks to themes of justice, fate, and heroism. Along the way, I’ll share my interpretation of what this song means and why it still resonates today. A big shoutout to Rachel Crick for her amazing fiddle performance in the intro and to Jeremy King for the rest of the music that sets the tone for this episode as always. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the episode—feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback at Ofthesteelguitar37@outlook.com. "Of emotions, of love, of breakup, of love and hate and death and dying, mama, apple pie, and the whole thing. It covers a lot of territory, country music does." ~ The immortal Johnny Cash

Season 1

I'm Back!

Hiyah! I am still alive! :) I go over some details that explain the absence of the recordings, plans for the future, and some rambles upon this whole life thing! Stay tuned for more! email me at Ofthesteelguitar37@outlook.com https://linktr.ee/ofthesteelguitarpod

Road Trip!

Just a fun little episode about road trip song suggestions. (Apologies for the intro missing, IMovie didn’t want to allow me to put it in afterwards.) email me at Ofthesteelguitar37@outlook.com https://linktr.ee/ofthesteelguitarpod Songs I Can’t Write: https://open.spotify.com/track/22khti8fLqXsSCGRMWJLCG?si=NG6w7aBUSqeYoI4mySGsqg Outlaws & Mustangs; https://open.spotify.com/track/22khti8fLqXsSCGRMWJLCG?si=NG6w7aBUSqeYoI4mySGsqg Billy Don Burns: I Seen A Lot Of Highway: https://open.spotify.com/album/39PmEyNnyavj0wSuVURXXJ?si=6d2CCG7gQAK1G7WdGogagA

Discography Deep Dive: Daryl Singletary

Today, we jump into one of my favorite artists whom I think showed us that, “there is still a little country left.” A man of neotraditional style, a smooth yet dark voice, and country songs with true meaning during a drought of such in the 2000s. email me at Ofthesteelguitar37@outlook.comhttps://linktr.ee/ofthesteelguitarpod

JellyRoll, Family Ties, and NASCAR

Yep, i’m back! I apologize for the hiatus for the last two weeks, but as you all know, life has it’s own way of being crazy! In today’s episode, we jump into my experience at two different concerts, some new albums that have been dropping, and Talladega! email me at Ofthesteelguitar37@outlook.comhttps://linktr.ee/ofthesteelguitarpod

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