Troy Cartwright: Songwriter's Journey from Texas to Nashville

Country artist Troy Cartwright recently released his EP 'Etc. All the Rest,' an homage to the expansive landscapes of West Texas. Raised in Dallas, Cartwright found inspiration in the vast, flat terrains of West Texas, which deeply influenced the EP's themes and imagery. He aimed to imbue the music with a strong sense of place, akin to Springsteen's 'Nebraska' or Tom Petty's 'Southern Accents.'

The EP's title track is inspired by a friend's story of waking up disoriented in a hotel room. Cartwright describes the song as depicting someone who acknowledges their life is amiss without pinpointing the exact cause. This narrative perspective became central to the entire project, capturing a feeling that is difficult to articulate.

Cartwright began his music career in Texas in the early 2010s, performing with notable artists before moving to Nashville in 2017. He was struck by the strong sense of community among songwriters there. Since establishing himself, his songs have been recorded by artists like Ryan Hurd and even Nickelback. He later launched the podcast 'Ten Year Town' to highlight this community.

Through 'Ten Year Town,' Cartwright explores the often-intense process of songwriting and interviewing. He likens cracking open a song or an interview to cracking a nut, where eventually, the true essence is revealed. Hosting other writers on the podcast is as crucial to his musical journey as his own life experiences, offering a platform for shared vulnerability and revelation.