We recently had the opportunity to meet up with Randy Houser at his label's office on Music Row to discuss his debut album.  Other topics discussed ranged from David Letterman, The "Trailer Park," Ronnie Dunn comparisons, his roots and of course "badonkadonks."

Recently Roughstock had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Cold River Records recording artist Katie Armiger about her career, who inspires her, the inevitable Taylor Swift comparisons (since Katie's about a year younger), and her song "Bleed" and how it came about.

Taking risks often comes with payoffs that are quite satisfying rewards.  Jimmy Wayne's recent Number One single "Do You Believe Me Now" is certainly a risk that paid off handsomly.  In an interview with Roughstock, Jimmy also discussed those that helped him along the way and much more.

Craig Hand came onto the national country music scene in 2006 with the single "Direct Connect."  With one album and a failed label deal under his belt, Craig Hand has since released "Satisfy You" with a new label.  He recently sat down and candidly discussed his career with us. Among the interesting topics were his thoughts on the changing music industry, his love of traditional country music and being the cover model for Playgirl Magazine's "country" issue.

Independence. We all strive for it.  Despite music still being in label-artist models, all artists still want independence. But the strong artists recognize the need to have a good team around them.  In a candid interview, River Run Records' artist Charlie Allen discusses them and other industry-related issues. 

With the release of Major label debut "Jet Black & Jealous" imminent, Eli Young Band's Mike Eli took the time out of his busy schedule to talk with Roughstock about his band's roots, the recording process behind the new album and addressed those who think the band has sold out.

After building a buzz around nashville as a dynamic stage show, Trailer Choir was offered a record deal by Toby Keith.  The trio took the record deal and then set about recording songs for their debut album.  Read what the trio had to say about their career so far.

Passionate. That’s the first word that springs to mind when discussing music with Jason Matthews. The songwriter of hits such as Billy Currington's "Must Be Doing Something Right," Julie Roberts' "Break Down Here," Kevin Denney's "That's Just Jesse" and others, Jason loves what he is doing and has strong, passionate opinions about the industry that he works in as both an artist and a songwriter. Read what he had to say about a variety of topics including the internet, TV, radio and being a songwriter.

With her debut album set to be released on August 19, 2008, Crystal Shawanda recently took the time to sit down and talk with Roughstock's Matt Bjorke. Topics discussed ranged from her admiration for people like Wynonna Judd and Tina Turner to what country music and the fans mean to her.

Jeff Bates has been kicking around the music circut for over 25 years and has survived personal demons along the way to achieve a level of success that many artists dream of. Over the course of a half-hour, Jeff talked with us about a variety of topics and was particularly passionate about the music industry and, of course, his fans.