Adam Odor Gives Grammy-Winning Advice, Drew Moreland Appears on Ep. #8 of The Hook
You never know what’s going to happen, or who is going to show up to The Hook. But no matter who appears or what they perform, it’s hard to put into words the kind of magic, music, community, and camaraderie that happens at Sagebrush on Sundays.
You really have to be there to appreciate it in full. But for those that can’t be, it’s all captured on video for the rest of the world to see.
Episode 8 of The Hook taped on July 26th featured special guest panelist Adam Odor. The Grammy-winning producer and engineer has worked with the likes of Jason Boland and the Stragglers, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Colter Wall, and produced that incredible run of Mike and the Moonpies/Silverada records Steak Night at the Prairie Rose (2018), Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold (2019), and One To Grown On (2021), the latter of which was the last album to receive a 10/10 score here at Saving Country Music. He also co-produced the band’s self-titled Silverada album from 2024.
Adam Odor gave keen insight, valuable feedback, and told some really cool stories throughout the episode. Ultimately though, The Hook is all about the songs and their writers. Nathan Kearney of the band Kearney’s Rangers started the show off with a great song called “Tempest.” Kearney is one of those characters who as soon as he walks out on stage, you buy into what he’s doing before he even sings a word, and then when he does start singing, he doesn’t let you down.
Otis Wilkins followed, who has to be one of the most unique singers in the short history of The Hook. His song “Best Way to Find a Repair” sparked a lot of discussion on the panel, and how putting the emphasis on certain parts of words can really change the complexion of a song. He earned his second Silver Patch in consecutive weeks.
Austin always gives way to unique characters, and that’s exactly what Colin McDonald is. Along with running the social media account @dailyaustinmusic, being a preacher/minister, and a father of four, he proved he’s a great songwriter and storyteller. Starting his song “Higher” off with a story, he had the whole audience riveted, and almost earned himself a Gold Patch according to co-host Caitlin Cannon.
Jake Busby is officially The Hook’s most prolific performer, and that’s a good thing if he continues to bring songs to the stage like “Mixed Up Man.” The guy has a way of exorcising his demons through songwriting in a way that must be cathartic for him, and is satisfying for the audience.
The next two performers really showed the contrast in performances on The Hook. Camille Terracina made her second appearance on The Hook, and channeled her rage from a “good Christian woman” stealing her man into an impassioned performance and song. Alex Evans in her third appearance has officially charmed The Hook with her understated, but efficient and ferocious songwriting delving into the duality of love, and giving voice to the violence some women face domestically.
The Hook is infinitely thankful to producer Evan Boyer, who’s been driving down from the Dallas/Fort Worth area most weeks to work on The Hook behind-the-scenes, and it was about time he got up to perform. He made the opportunity worth it with his song “My Friend” that he’ll be recording with record producer Tim Lightyear and releasing soon.
It’s always great when someone plays a wild card on The Hook, and that’s what bass player Mary Cherry did by showing up and octave lower than everyone else, and drawing compliments from the panel. Hopefully she becomes a recurring character on The Hook. Hunter Baugh also made a big impression with his song “Tense & Nervous (Take Up My Hand).”
Well-respected Texas songwriter Drew Moreland broke a two year writing slump and showed up to The Hook with a new song “Five Black Dresses” that knocked our socks off. For those that don’t know, Moreland released a self-titled album in 2018 completely independently that blew up a little bit and gave him a national name. He’s flown a bit under-the-radar more recently because as he says, he just doesn’t know how to promote himself. But as he proves with the new song, he’s definitely still got it.
Zak Fernandez had everyone mesmerized with his fingerpicking. He’s one of those guitar players you could listen to and watch for hours. It was the perfect compliment to his song “Weighted Down.” Then Gold Patch winner Thomas M. Pritchett closed out the show for a second week performing the first song he ever wrote.
The next taping of The Hook happens on Sunday, August 2nd from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at Sagebrush in Austin. If you want to sign up for a chance to perform, arrive by 2:30.
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The Hook is not just for songwriters. Fans of songwriting are also encouraged to stop by. For more information, visit savingcountrymusic.com/thehook. Please subscribe to The Hook’s YouTube Channel, and follow The Hook on Instagram and Facebook.
You can now also stream the audio of The Hook via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, PocketCasts, as well as Deezer and other major podcast networks.
The Hook is sponsored by Ear Trumpet Labs, Keystone Artist Connect, The Willie Bus, Mule Kick Productions, JWA Media, and Sagebrush.
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