Adam Hood – On Writing for Miranda Lambert & Whiskey Myers

Episode Title: Adam Hood – Country Soul, Songwriting, and Southern Truths

Published: November 2024
Hosts: Ronnie and TJ
Guest: Adam Hood

About This Episode

In this deeply personal and unforgettable conversation, The Rugged Revival Podcast sits down with Adam Hood, one of the most respected singer songwriters in modern American roots music. Known for his blend of country, soul, and blue collar storytelling, Adam reflects on his Alabama upbringing, the church stages where he first learned guitar, and the two decade grind that shaped him into the songwriter he is today.

Adam talks about discovering songwriting through John Hiatt, performing in the Texas music scene, the discipline it takes to write great songs, and the emotional journey behind fan favourites like The Harder Stuff and Once They Are Gone. He also opens up about sobriety, fatherhood, the modern pressures of social media, and how gratitude and endurance guide every step of his career.

From writing rooms with Brent Cobb and Miranda Lambert to standing in the Grand Ole Opry circle, Adam shares honest insights that remind listeners why he is often called the artist’s artist.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and Ronnie’s return
02:40 – Who Adam Hood is and why he matters
03:35 – Growing up in small town Alabama
04:12 – Early music lessons and discovering guitar
04:48 – First gigs, church stages, and youth group bands
05:47 – Playing college town venues and weekend bars
07:12 – Alabama, Mississippi, and the deep Southern music culture
08:40 – Finding a home in the Texas music scene
10:05 – Early musical influences from Travis Tritt to John Hiatt
12:06 – Discovering songwriting and the John Hiatt turning point
13:56 – Studying the greats and shaping his own sound
17:20 – How simplicity and honesty make great songs
19:27 – The nerves of performing and the two decade grind
20:57 – The evolution of live music and social media
23:31 – Fast fame and the reality of overnight success
25:15 – Learning to run your own race
27:14 – Balancing work, family, and touring life
29:35 – Adam’s wife, team, and trusted collaborators
30:48 – Social media, audience connection, and keeping things manageable
33:00 – The ethics of criticism and helping younger writers
37:14 – Building genuine listeners one person at a time
40:50 – Bringing American roots music to the UK
42:10 – Adam’s Grand Ole Opry debut
43:44 – Standing in the circle for the first time
45:18 – Backstage stories and meeting country legends
48:00 – The rules, rituals, and reality of the Opry
50:02 – Choosing songs for the Opry performance
50:55 – The Harder Stuff and sobriety
52:34 – How one song helped listeners change their own lives
53:38 – Working with Flatland Cavalry, Miranda Lambert, Cody Jinks and more
55:42 – Writing Beat That Train with Cleto Cordero
57:04 – Long friendship and creative history with Brent Cobb
01:00:07 – Favorite collaborators
01:02:22 – Why songwriting matters most
01:03:54 – Adam’s personal favourite songs
01:07:59 – The mystery and process of writing great songs
01:12:56 – The most difficult song he ever wrote
01:15:30 – The best advice Adam has ever received
01:17:45 – Future projects and next steps
01:21:10 – Talk of a UK festival and future plans
01:24:00 – Closing thoughts
01:25:04 – Adam’s exclusive live performance

Key Takeaways

• Adam grew up in blue collar Alabama and began learning guitar through church.
• Early inspiration came from Travis Tritt, John Hiatt, Delbert McClinton, and classic Southern songwriters.
• The Texas music scene became a second home and shaped his career.
• Social media changed the industry but also makes music discovery possible for independent artists.
• Songwriting remains Adam’s greatest passion and source of satisfaction.
• The Harder Stuff marked a personal turning point in his sobriety journey.
• His Grand Ole Opry debut in 2022 was a defining moment in his career.
• Collaborations with Brent Cobb, Miranda Lambert, Flatland Cavalry, Cody Jinks and more reflect his influence across modern Americana.
• Gratitude, endurance, and staying true to his identity guide every decision.

Sound Bites

"It feels good to feel special."
"I learned early that simple is not stupid. Simple is hard."
"The Harder Stuff came from realising I wanted to remember the good moments."
"Three hundred real fans are better than a million followers who never listen."
"Run your own race. Do not give up."
"Songwriting is the most satisfying thing I do."

About Adam Hood

Adam Hood is a singer songwriter from Opelika, Alabama, known for his powerful blend of country, soul, Southern rock, and roots storytelling. His blue collar upbringing, years playing college bars, and lifelong commitment to songwriting have made him one of the most respected voices in Americana.

Adam has written songs recorded by Miranda Lambert, Cody Jinks, Brent Cobb, Little Big Town, and many others, while his own albums showcase the honesty and grit that define his sound. From The Harder Stuff to Downturn to Bills in Alabama, his songs reflect family, sobriety, resilience, and the lived realities of working people.

His Grand Ole Opry debut in 2022 marked a major milestone in a career built on endurance, craft, and authenticity.

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