Brandon Rhyder - A Texas Music Journey

<p>Brandon Rhyder’s backstory in becoming a modern-day staple of the Texas and Red Dirt Music scene sounds familiar, yet is totally unique.  In the beginning, a small spark is lit inside the aspiring artist.  They ponder their life and the gravity of the decision to seriously give the dream of being a touring and recording artist an honest to goodness shot. Then, through a series of events, that small spark gets fanned into a flame and through hard work, dedication, perseverance and <strong>“conviction”</strong> leads to a successful career.  Sounds simple doesn’t it…</p> <p>But in Brandon’s case, before any of that happened, it took a little encouragement from his friend Ricky to make him seriously consider giving the music business a shot; and when he did, it completely changed the trajectory of his life. </p> <p>Brandon grew up in northeast Texas, but it really wasn’t until he attended college at UT-Tyler that he even considered picking up the guitar.  Once he did, it was a natural evolution for him to start stringing chords together behinds the words he’d already been writing.  But, that’s almost where the story ends.</p> <p>After graduation, Brandon did what most good boys and girls do; he entered the workforce, took a steady job and settled down with his wife.  The thought of pursuing a career in music hadn’t even crossed his mind. </p> <p>He and his new wife built a home and began what looked to be a very “normal” life.  Interestingly enough, within a year of building the home, and through the encouragement of the home builder himself, (the previously mentioned Ricky), Brandon and his wife headed for Austin.  They put a for-sale sign in the front yard and took off to chase the music dream.  Almost 20 years after making that decision now, it’s certainly proved to be the right one.</p> <p>In this interview with Brandon he talks with us about his early years in Austin and slowly building a following.  Then, he explains that after meeting and sharing the stage with legendary singer-songwriter, Walt Wilkins, th