Episode 103: John Strohm

Episode 103: John Strohm

Author: Troy Cartwright September 16, 2025 Duration: 1:00:09
John Strohm is a musician, songwriter, lawyer, and music industry executive originally from Bloomington, Indiana. He began his career as a drummer in Indiana’s punk scene before co-founding the indie rock band Blake Babies. He also played guitar and drums in The Lemonheads and has released several solo records, including his most recent in 2023. Strohm became a prominent entertainment attorney in Nashville, representing artists like Bon Iver, The Civil Wars, and Alabama Shakes. He later serv...

There’s a saying in Nashville that it takes a decade to become an overnight success, a notion that gives Ten Year Town its name and its soul. Hosted by artist and songwriter Troy Cartwright, this isn't just another interview series; it's a series of honest, sometimes gritty, conversations held in the spaces where music is made and careers are built. Troy brings listeners directly into the room with hit songwriters, working musicians, and the executives who navigate Music Row's complex landscape. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair at a late-night writing session or a candid coffee talk, where the gloss of the industry fades away to reveal the real stories. You’ll hear about the early struggles, the unexpected breaks, and the relentless hustle required not just to reach the top, but to maintain a life and a career there. The podcast thrives on specificity-the details of a failed pitch, the anxiety before a big show, the collaboration behind a familiar lyric. It’s about the craft, the business, and the fragile balance between art and ambition. For anyone curious about the human beings behind the songs and the sheer perseverance it takes to build something lasting in music, Ten Year Town offers a genuine, unfiltered perspective you won't find in a press release.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Ten Year Town
Podcast Episodes
Episode 84: Muscadine Bloodline [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:05
Muscadine Bloodline is a country music duo from Mobile, Alabama, made up of Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton. Since forming in 2015, they’ve built a strong independent presence in the country music scene. Their single…
Episode 83: Monty Criswell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:19
Monty Criswell is a Grammy-nominated songwriter originally from Satsuma, Alabama. Over his 30-year career, he has over 300 cuts and his songs have been recorded by some of the most recognizable names in the format includ…
On Writing, Creativity, and Finding a Honey Tree [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:19
This is a special bonus episode featuring some thoughts on The Writing Life by Annie Dillard. If you'd like to dig a little deeper you can read more here: https://troycartwright.substack.com/p/finding-a-honey-tree. New E…
Episode 82: Scott Friedeck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:36
Scott Friedeck is the founder of The Graphic Guitar Guys, a company based in Dripping Springs, Texas that creates custom graphic-wrapped guitars for artists, festivals, and major music brands. Originally from southeast T…
Episode 81: Simon Tikhman & Chief Zaruk (The Core Entertainment) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:14
Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk are the co-founders of The Core Entertainment, a music company specializing in artist management, records, and brand partnerships. Since launching in 2019, The Core has built a roster that i…
Episode 80: Deric Ruttan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:14
Originally from Bracebridge, Ontario, Deric Ruttan has written multiple No. 1 hits for artists like Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, and Jason Aldean. His songwriting credits include chart-topping songs such as “Mine Would…
Episode 79: Craig Wiseman (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:02
Craig Wiseman is a Grammy-winning songwriter and one of the most successful hitmakers in country music history. Originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, he has written over 30 No. 1 songs for artists like Tim McGraw, Bl…
Episode 79: Craig Wiseman (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:12
Craig Wiseman is a GRAMMY-winning songwriter with over 30 No. 1 country hits. Originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, he has written songs for Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, and Florida Georgia Line, includi…
Episode 78: Hayes Carll [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:14
Hayes Carll is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter originally from The Woodlands, Texas. He has written and recorded multiple albums, including KMAG YOYO, Lovers and Leavers, and Trouble In Mind. The 2010 film Country S…
Episode 77: Adam James [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:38
Adam James is a songwriter originally from Loami, Illinois. He has written songs for Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, and many others. He recently achieved his first #1 hit with Chesney’s “Knowing You…