What Really Changed Koe Wetzel?

[music]. >> Is this thing on? What's up, you sexy. mother [ __ ] Welcome to another. episode of Dumb Blonde. From East Texas. bars to selling out arenas, this man has. turned heartbreak, bad decisions, and. real life into an entire movement. You. guys, I've been trying to get this mofo. on the podcast forever. Welcome, Koe. Wetzel.

Dude, you look so good. >> I appreciate it. >> What the hell's going on? We have to. talk about this glow up because. everybody online is noticing it. You. look happy, you look healthy. What's happening? >> Yeah, it's just uh a lot of changes, a. lot of big changes have been happening. over the uh last couple years. And uh. yeah, I think it was time I feel like. everybody's been kind of getting on this. health kick. Uh you know, seeing Jelly. do it obviously, and then. uh a lot of us, you know, me and Aaron. and and a lot of the guys just kind of. you guys just figured it was time to get.

our [ __ ] together. And uh. But yeah, no, it was uh I don't know. I. just I looked in the mirror one day and. I was like, "Damn." We were actually. doing promo for uh. for the Damn Near Normal uh world's. tour. And you know, after we dropped. before we dropped Nine Lives and stuff. And um I was on the lake fishing with my. buddy. He was like behind me doing some. content. We got back and I was looking. at myself. I was like, "God damn, I. didn't let myself go." I got on the. scale. >> Oh, no. >> about 2 years ago. And I was like, "I. got to get it figured out." So, kind of. started around then, I guess. And then.

uh I don't know. It's just uh you know, having baby girl come into the world and. uh all these things, I don't know, kind. [snorts] of. decided it was time to get get right. >> You got the dad glow up. >> Yeah, I didn't know that was a thing. And then uh. >> Well, you can go one of two ways. I've. seen it happen. Like they end up looking. hot like this, or they end up [ __ ]. looking like John Goodman. So. >> don't know. I think it I think I I would. have been pretty bad off if I had went. the other way. Where I was at before. So. >> Oh, I remember that when we were on tour. with you guys. You guys were [ __ ]. >> It was that, but yeah, whenever we were.

on tour together like I mean every night. was a party, too. I mean you know just. as well as I do. It was It was chaos. So, >> I don't know how you guys do it. My. husband was the same way. Like they. would drink every [ __ ] night and I'm. just like how do you guys like even. function and then do it again the next. day? >> Well, that was that was it to like to. get over the hangover we just start. drinking again and about that time it. was around around showtime and then you. know we would party together till 4:00. or 5:00 in the morning and then go back. into it. >> No, it was wild, but I'm proud of you. You look really good. Are you taking. peptides or anything? >> got on some peptides. Yeah, I love.

peptides. >> What's your stack? >> Um so I'm doing I'm doing like the BPC. 157, TB 500. Um I ran Reddit for for a little while. Um and. >> How did Reddit make you feel because I. took Reddit and that [ __ ] made me want. to off myself. >> It was It was good like the first two or. three weeks it was really good and then. it I don't know. I just couldn't drink. on it. Every time I drink on it that was. whenever it got really bad, but Um. >> Like sick? You get sick or you get like. sick? >> It was like It was like the worst. headache ever. Like super nauseous the. next day. Um but like I never had any bad side.

effects on it while I was on it and then. uh I ran for about two or three months. and then um got off of it and then I got. like GHK-Cu. and NAD+ and but I mean I feel like. Superman. >> You're doing all the good stuff. >> Yeah, the the energy levels like. everything about it. Like I don't It's. just kind of like a tool that I've been. using. You know, obviously that and. eating clean and being in the gym, too. So, um I don't know. It's just It's good. for like the mental health and. everything. Like everything about it, I. guess. So, um.

>> You seem more clear-headed and more. focused than I've ever seen you before. Like you can. >> was That was another thing. [clears throat] with the Reddit, too. Though like it was it it did [ __ ] [ __ ]. with my dopamine levels, I feel like a. little bit. Like stuff that I did enjoy. cuz I mean it just kind of suppresses. like your appetite along with other. things, I feel like. And so, uh. >> Bro, I couldn't even listen to music. >> Yeah. >> when I was on it. I was driving one day. with no sound. >> Yeah. >> And I was like, "This you know what? Something's [ __ ] wrong.". >> [laughter]. >> I was like, "This is up." Like I was. like, "At least half to If I'm not going. to eat, I need to listen to music, you.

know?". >> Yeah, but I mean but like that but that. helped a lot with, you know, the alcohol. and stuff because, you know, then I. would look at alcohol and be like, "I. can't drink this shit." You know, and so. that helped a lot with that as well and. just But that was cool coming off of. that because a lot of the stuff that, you know, it suppressed it kind of, you. know, carried over into what it is now. So, um yeah, the the whole drinking. thing I think I'm drinking like two or. three times a month, maybe. >> Wow. >> Yeah, so. yeah, the last time I seen you I don't I. think I had a bottle in my hand every.

every time I seen you. So, >> Cole, I don't even think you remember. that tour. >> I don't. It was It was a lot It was. chaos. It was. I don't know. It was. >> But isn't. >> It was a lot of fun. >> Isn't it so cool to look back on it and. then like looks and see how far you've. grown though? Like that's That's what. life is about. It's like evolve or die. So, and then that's what you're doing. and I think that you're setting a really. good example for guys that are in the. industry and that are in the same lane. as you because, you know, you would. think of like outlaw music and like, you. know, rock country and Texas Texas, you. know, uh music. You think of everybody.

just like, you know, kind of having. their own like wild streak and you do. still have your wild streak but you. you've kind of contained the beast. >> Yeah, no I I I think it's what it It's. It's good to have that happy medium. though, you know, being in it and and uh. I'm not saying, you know, I'm not I'm. not just uh you know, walking a straight. line nowadays, you know, I still have my. nights. Um to where I'll I'll go out and and as. much as I can. The hangovers are hurting. a little more these days, so it's not uh. >> That's age. How old are you? >> Um 33. I'll be 34 in July. >> still a baby. >> I know, everybody keeps saying that. I I.

feel like I'm 85 years old some days, you know, with the I don't know, aching. bones and uh. >> Wait till you hit your 40s and you're. like, "What the [ __ ] happened to. >> I've heard like people would tell me. that. They'd be like, you know, your 20s. are like wait till you get to your 30s. and you get to your 30s and like wait. till you get to your 40s and uh. Yeah, I don't know. We'll see. >> You sniff. >> alcohol in your 40s and you have a. hangover, dude. It's I I had to stop. drinking. I stopped drinking in my 40s. because it just was not worth the 3 days. of being. >> Are you Do you not drinking Do you not. drink. >> been sober since 2018 off alcohol. 2017.

off pills and cocaine and 2018 off. alcohol, yeah. I'm telling you, man. You. You just Sobriety is probably one of the. hardest journeys you'll ever take. So, I. I never try to like preach it to anybody. and everybody's journey is their own. But, when you learn how to control it, it's like the biggest blessing ever. >> it's the super drug. Like, that's you. know, and the older that I'm getting, you know, it's it's obviously seeming. more appealing to me and and it does, you know, like me slowing it down. Like. I said, I drink two or three times a. month and, you know, I'll go for the. week and a half, 2 weeks in between.

drinking and I'm eating super clean. I'm. going to gym 5 days a week, getting up. early in the morning, you know, and. watching the sun come up and having that. alone time for that 30 to 45 minutes in. the morning and just trying to get. everything together and and clear your. head and stuff. I feel so damn good, you. know, compared to, you know, back. whenever it was kind of going to bed at. that time, you know, and. and just trying to nurse the hangover. all day. But, no, I. I do feel Me and Parker talk about that. a lot. Um. >> Parker's crazy. >> Yeah, he's he's. >> [laughter]. >> He's on a different He's on a different.

level, though, you know. He's. Yeah, his uh. >> I had him in here, too, and I was. pointing out all the [ __ ] he was doing. I was like, "P, >> Yeah, well, yeah, we came up together. and so we had some good times. We had. some rowdy times and. uh you know, I I talked to we I talked. to him. He's one of my best friends. I. talk to him, you know, every other day. or whatever and and that's just how. that's how kind of that how our. conversations have changed as we've kind. of grown up and stuff and and he'll tell. you tell you the same thing. He'll go, "You know, I feel [clears throat]. He's in the best shape of his life right.

now, you know, he's he's doing all this. stuff. Just won album of the year at the. ACMs and stuff. And he's like, "You. know, it's it's crazy cuz you go out and. drink and it's like all that, you know, 10, 12, 15 days of you just being super. clean and working out and everything is. kind of depletes for a week. You feel. [ __ ] for a week and it's really hard to. get back to. So, um but now. there's a lot of us that are that are. really good place right now. I think uh. it's uh I don't know. It feels good to. feel good and I don't know. >> I'm proud of you. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. >> Is there anything else that you do. besides like songwriting? Like do you. journal? What do you do or do you like.

meditate? >> Um not so much. I've tried the. meditating deal, but um I don't know. >> [laughter]. >> It's hard. >> It is hard, right? And and I even tried. to get into like Was it the grounding. where where you walk out and get on the. ground? >> I get weirded out. I'm like, "What if. I'm stepping on dog piss?". >> I know. It's. It's weird. We We you know out in Texas. we got a bunch of sticker burrs and. everything else. So, I mean I don't. know. The grounding deal in the. meditation I heard is like really good. for it, but I got to like. >> The what? >> Cold plunge? >> Yeah, cold plunge. So, we got like cold. plunges and sauna at the house and stuff.

and I'll do the hot cold therapy and and. all that stuff, which is which is great, but um that and uh I'll do a bunch of. box breathing. It's been like really. good for me, especially like coming in. and doing all these podcasts and stuff. and and not knowing what we're going to. talk about and stuff. Like I woke up. this morning and and I walked outside. and it was just like. trying to do my box breathing and stuff, but um but now. >> so funny that you can stand in front of. thousands of people, but then come in to. do a podcast or having to sit one-on-one. with somebody just. >> It is I don't know what it is about it.

Like and I've always been that way. You. know, for the longest like the first. probably five or six years of our career. like from noise complaint till. probably before I signed with Columbia. So, I mean damn near five years. I had. like really no interviews and stuff like. that. And I loved that because. for for one it it gave people kind of. like uh it was like a mysterious deal. Like who is Koe Wetzel? What is this. music, you know? And we had a lot of. fans that wanted to know a lot about me, but at the same time it was. and it it really wasn't uh like uh it. was kind of like a and it and the.

anxiety and everything kind of came came. from all that, I guess, later on, you. know, after doing it a lot. Like it was. never that I didn't want to do them. It. was just, you know, we didn't we didn't. push the radio or anything like that. So, um I don't know. We just never. really did them. And then, whenever I. started doing them, I was like, "This is. crazy. This is This [laughter] is not. what I'm used to.". >> It could also be because you're kind of. sober now, too. So, you're not like. before you were probably showing up hung. over or drunk and like still having. something in your system. [clears throat]. >> And and I would, you know, to get. through them used to be to get through.

the podcast interviews and stuff like. that. I would I'd I'd go to the bar and. get pretty pretty loose and then get on. the podcast interview and drink then. And by the end of it, I'm spilling the. beans on everything and just and I'm. >> We should have got that, Co. >> That's what I told I told Cody and them. on the way over here. I was like, "Man, we should have grabbed some beers on the. way over here." And I was like, "No, hell no. I'd be saying all kinds. [laughter] of stupid [ __ ] on here.". >> That's all we need. That's so funny. All. right. So, I'm moving on. Let's talk. about how you grew up in East Texas. I. actually grew up. I'm from Texas myself. I'm from Houston.

But, I thought it was great to find out. that you grew up around the Fort Worth. area cuz I literally have a hat that. says Fort Worth famous. >> Yeah. >> Um growing up in East Texas, um it means everybody knows your. business. Like, everybody's in your. business. So, what's the dumbest rumor. you've ever heard about yourself back. home? >> I don't know. I have no idea. >> [snorts and sighs]. >> I'm sure there's some spicy ones you. don't want to tell us. >> Yeah. I'm I'm [laughter] trying to think. of one. >> He's trying to be politically correct, Co, right now. >> I I really am. And that's the sober.

thoughts is sober thoughts of me right. now. I'm trying to I don't know. Um. >> You're fine. You don't have to answer. it. >> Yeah. Well, I'm just trying to think of. one, actually. Yeah, I'll plead the. fifth on that one, I guess. >> So, growing up you grew up with a mom. that was a touring musician. Can you. tell me about that and take me on that. journey? What life is like? >> Yeah, she [clears throat] I mean, she. wasn't she didn't tour like all the. time. It was kind of like a weekend gig. deal. Um she just played like opera. houses and stuff like that for you know, stand-in bands. And she we'd go around.

to, you know, every other weekend to. opera houses and uh little auditoriums. and state or county fairs and [ __ ] and. she just kind of play all her cover. songs and stuff and so I grew up around. live bands and uh. going to these shows. I was a little. [ __ ] kid that was like a running. through the the crowds and everybody was. like, "Where's this kid's parents?" you. know, and. >> [laughter]. >> and my dad he he worked his ass off a. lot. He was always gone a lot. So, uh. you know, if mama didn't want to leave. me with my grandparents, you know, she. she let me tag along and then.

that actually kind of. you know, transformed into me getting on. stage with her at a young age and and. being able to play with these bands and. um. I don't know, it was a lot of fun. It. was a cool childhood to be able to to. come up around all that and to kind of. um. I don't know, see what I kind of liked. about. um each band member that I was around. and and what instruments I wanted to. play and just kind of how to work a. stage at a very young age. So, it was it. was a lot of fun and and to this day, you know, she'll still she'll see some. she's she always thinks her baby does. the best on stage, but I know sometimes.

that that's not the case, but she'll. still like her take me every now and. then, which is it's a good thing. I like. having her come to the shows. She loves. to come out and and to get in the crowd. and and let everybody know that I'm her. baby. So. >> Aw, I love your sisters. They follow me. on TikTok and they're awesome. >> Yeah, they're a trip. >> Yeah, they're sweet. >> she's she's starting to make Woods. TikTok famous, I guess. She. She [laughter] At first I didn't even. know she was like posting her on, which. I don't care, but. I started seeing all these videos and.

and ZK's a trip by herself and then. Woods I'm sure she's going to take after. her aunts, too. So, >> I mean, that kid we're and we're going. to talk about Woods in a second, but she. has your face. Like I mean, that you. cannot deny that baby. >> Yeah. >> She I feel so bad cuz Bailey carried. her, but literally birthed you. >> Yeah, I know I I tell everybody, you. know, I kind of feel bad for whenever. she first came out cuz she did look so. much like me and now she's starting to. look more like Bailey, which is a good. thing, you know, [clears throat] but um. yes, there's no denying that one. Uh.

that's that's that's a fact. >> So, growing up in such a musical family, what were some of your inspirations for. the sound that you have now? >> So, I like I came from a bunch of. different backgrounds. Like my mom, obviously, she was into like old-timey. country and then '90s country. So, like. anywhere we went, it was between like. that and like gospel and worship music. Um and then with my dad, riding around. with him, it was all like old-school. rock and hip-hop. Like hip-hop was his. his thing. Like anywhere. >> his favorite hip-hop artist? >> Oh, man, he was a big 50 Cent. Like he.

liked New Age, you know? He he he messed. with like all the old stuff as well, but. like. >> 50's album back then was I loved it. It. was my stripping song. >> or Die Tryin' is still to this to this. day is still one of my favorite records. like of all time. But, like it was it. was one of them like uh one of those one. of those things that me and Daddy would. go out. wherever wherever it was or whatever we. were doing, and he would play, you know, that record or Eminem's record, and the, you know, the non-edited version and the. parental advisory and uh and right.

before we get out of the truck, he'd. say, "Hey, listen here. You go in there, you tell your mom we listened to this. [ __ ] and it'll be the last time we we. listen to it." And I was so I was like, "All right, cool." That was like our our. little uh secret that we had. And then, you know, every now and then I'd I'd. blurt out a line or something, and Mom. would be like, "Where the [ __ ] did you. hear that?" You know, [laughter] you. know, and. And so, uh yeah, she was she was pretty. strict on me as far as like what I got. to listen to. But, uh but Gary Dell was. was a a real one and let me let me just. kind of crash out on all of it. >> Did you ever want to do rap? Did you. ever want to be a rapper?

>> No, not really. Uh you know. >> Ernest used to rap, which I find. hilarious. >> [laughter]. >> He's cold, too. >> No, he's great. Yeah, I know he's great. >> Um no, I I grew up around a lot of a lot. of friends that did and stuff, and and I. used to flow a little bit, but I just. never I was just more like a vocal. melody kind of guy, you know? Like uh I. love Anthony Hamilton, right? And so, like that was one of my favorites. growing up. My My cousin uh uh uh Chase, he I remember whenever I first got my. first iPod, I guess like the Nano or. whatever it was that came out.

We didn't have a computer at the house. so all I gave it to him to put all his. music on and he gave it to me and it. came with like everything that I never. heard before like a bunch of Eminem, a. bunch of like Anthony Hamilton and stuff. like that. So. he was another big influence on on why I. listen to the stuff I do and and how it. kind of transformed my sound I guess. today. >> I love that. So going from a musical. family, of course you're in Texas so you. play football. Football's huge. Take me. on that journey of playing football but.

also didn't you get kicked out of. college for. too many wild nights? >> Yeah, too many wild nights. >> I don't even believe that Co. >> Mhm. I know it's crazy to think nowadays, right? >> Yeah. >> No, yeah so. in Texas, you know, football's life. It's. it's it's kind of everywhere. It's it's. hard to get away from and and just just. as like it's music, you know, and so. yeah, I came up playing football. Come. from a very athletic both sides of my. family very athletic as well and. my granddad he was one of the only All.

Americans to come from Pittsburg, Texas. You can't wear number 12 at Pittsburg. They retired his number and. so just like a bunch of you know, I came. from a background of you know, it was. you had to play sports whether you liked. it or not but. um. >> [clears throat]. >> so I ended up getting a football. scholarship to Tarleton State in. Stephenville. Went up there and and snapped my leg and. had to have surgery and I came back and. I was kind of in the time that we were. we were putting the the band together. and starting to to gig a lot more and.

kind of travel and play music and so uh. yeah, I once I came back I was like I'm. tired of getting up at 5:00 a.m. every. morning. I'm tired of [ __ ]. yelling at me. So yeah, I told them to kick rocks and. started chasing this music dream and. then I stayed in school for another year. so it would have been my two my second. year at Tarleton State. And. like I said, we were playing a lot of. music and I like chasing women and. drinking beer a lot more than going to. school. And so, [laughter] they told me. to get [ __ ] and. >> Throwing throwing balls with a bunch of.

dudes. >> Yeah, no. Yeah, I was tired of tackling. dudes and. no, it was [clears throat]. I think it was looking back now, it was. one of the better things that could have. happened to me cuz that led to so many. more opportunities, I feel like. You know, there's no telling where where. I'd be in life had I stuck it out. And. honestly, I'll tell you where I'd. probably be pouring concrete, honestly, back in East Texas with my family. So, yeah, I think there's there's a lot of. opportunity in that. And. back then, my my folks did not think. that that way, you know, about it. They. were pretty upset with me and it was.

kind of you know, you got to figure this. [ __ ] out pretty pretty early on. And. lucky lucky for me, you know, I had a. lot of cool guys around me they helped. shape the sound that we had. And. you know, eventually having people [ __ ]. with the music the the way they did. Kind of give us this opportunity to. continue playing and and living this. life that we get to. So, >> When did you realize that music was. actually going to like make it for you? Because after you get kicked out of. school, are you thinking like. really have to like. make something happen in music or I'm. going to go back to pouring concrete.

with my family? >> Yeah, it was. you know, it was kind of a bunch of. different things. Um. cuz after after I got out of school, it. wasn't we were playing a bunch of shows, but it was like three or four a month. Like it wasn't we didn't have a a huge. touring schedule. And you know, it was. just us doing it. We didn't have a. manager, booking agent, none of that. stuff. So, we're doing everything on our. own. Um and so, that was that was kind of like the. the all right, we got to go we got to go.

ahead and get it. And then, I go to. jail. I get picked up, you know, I'm I'm. kind of skipping around on jobs. I can't. really keep a job just cuz you know, I'm. I'm drinking and I'm partying my ass off. and stuff. And so, I'm bouncing around. I finally get picked up in Stephenville. for. um a PI, which I don't really remember. I was I was um. I left the party. I think my truck broke. down. Um. And they found me out in the middle of a. soccer field. And and so, I kind of woke. up in jail, not really knowing what had. happened. And and ended up staying there.

for about 2 or 3 days. And finally, um. you know, kind of coming out of it. Called my dad. And and my dad said, you. know, he was [clears throat] he was never. going to be. super upset with me unless I went to. jail. And so, having to call him on that. after that situation, it was. uh it was pretty hard, you know. And and. he did you know, he just said, "Hey, you're grown ass dude, you know." He He. was like, "I raised you the way I did, you know. I. know what kind of person you are." He's. like, "But you got to figure this [ __ ]. out, you know." Um and so, s- ever since that moment, it was kind. of like, all right. It's kind of like uh.

like fight or what is it? The. >> Fight or flight? >> Yeah, yeah. Fight or flight. And. and uh. you [clears throat] know, it was one of. tho- them moments that. man, I'll never forget it. I was laying. in bed one night. And I was kind of I. didn't have any money. I was broke, you. know. I was. it felt like the music wasn't going. anywhere. The songs I was writing didn't. really make a whole lot of sense. Didn't. mean a whole lot to me. Um man, and and. I prayed about it. I was like, "God, if. this is what you really want me to do, you got to let me know like soon. Cuz if.

not, then I am I'm either going to go to. the oil patch out in West Texas or I'm. going to go back to East Texas and I'm. going to pour concrete." And uh I'll. never forget that because. >> [clears throat and cough]. >> you know, I went out and started writing. these songs for Noise Complaint. Um we. put out Noise Complaint. And within, you. know, 2 weeks, we're selling out shows. all over Texas. And that was kind of a a. moment for me that I was like, "All. right, this is this is your calling. This is what God set you out to do." So, you need to figure it out. And then and. really hammer down and really, you know,

go all in on that. And then and with. that, you know, I met Zeb with Red 11. Uh that's my manager now. You know, Zeb. Hurt. And and um. you know, the pieces just really started. falling into to place for us and um. yeah, it's just kind of. led led up to everything that that is. now, you know, it's it's kind of crazy. from where it started to to where it is. now and you know, taking the time to. look back and enjoying and enjoying. those small moments like that, you know, as shitty as they were, as as rough as. some of those moments were um to how. good everything is now, it's uh it's a.

blessing, so. >> It is such a blessing and I and you. should be proud of yourself. I remember. when I first started hearing about you. Um I think you were like going viral on. X and I think like. one of the social media platforms and. that's how I. had found out about you and I was just. like, "Who is this?" And then my husband. found out about you [clears throat] and. he was just like, "Oh my god, I love Co. You have to hear Co." And so like we. were all Co in the house and then you've. just like watching just the. transformation and I understand what. you're saying because there's sometimes. where Jan I will just sit down and we'll. just be like, "Dude, do you remember. like when we were in a 18-passenger van,

you know, driving from show to show and. it's like sometimes I really miss those. days because it was so simple, you know, and then you look at to where everybody. is now and it's just like, "Holy shit.". Like. >> It's a wild ride. >> It's uh and it's you know, [clears throat] it's it's crazy to. think, you know, they say, you know, the. the these are the best these are the. best days right here. You don't realize. the best days until they're over with, right? And and we talk about that a lot, you know, going from, you know, piling. everything in the back of my pickup and.

driving across Texas for these shows. into the van into the bigger van into. the bus and now, you know, we're flying. around on jets and stuff and it's crazy. to even think about, you know, but cuz. back then, you know, we never in our. wildest dreams thought about that, you. know, much less plan to you know, all. these thousands of folks that come out. and listen to us, you know, but uh every. there was in every single one of those. moments, there was really great times. that were had and some of the best. moments and but we just didn't know how. good we had it, you know. >> Yeah. >> And uh I don't know, I think, you know, with life and getting older and.

everything, I think the best is yet to. come, and so I think it's uh I don't. know, just a a good way to look at life. and kind of go into each day with. >> I love that. I love that perspective. Um. coming in the industry though, did. people first embrace your sound, or do. you feel like you had to like really. prove yourself? >> Uh so like whenever we first came in? >> Yeah, like when you first came in and. like even trying I know how hard it is. to get on radio, you know? So you have. to do the whole dog dog and pony show. with them. So what was it like trying to. even. get played on the radio?

>> Well, I think I think, you know, coming. up in the we came up in the Texas. country scene, the Red Dirt scene down. in Oklahoma and Texas, and. so I feel like for the longest time um. you know, we started we put out our. first EP like in 2013. Um. and then we did a record after that out. in 2014-15, and then Noise Complaint. So. for two records pretty much, I feel like. we were trying to do something that. everybody else was doing. We weren't. like I wasn't being 100% myself. I was. being myself, but my music wasn't it.

wasn't showing that a lot, right? And so. um. with Noise Complaint, it was one of. those deals that it was the first time. that I would just went in. all in and was just like, you know, this. is 100% me. I'm going to tell it exactly. what I want to. I want it to be rowdy. I. want it to be crazy. And not to say that. I'm the first rowdy crazy [ __ ]. to come out of Texas scene or the Red. Dirt scene, cuz I'm not, but I think at. that moment uh I just wanted to be um I. just wanted to be different than anybody. else, you know? I didn't want to be. cookie-cutter in any way. I wanted to be.

100% us, you know? Cuz we were you know, we were 20 21, 22, 23 years old. I mean, we were we were kind of would have been. coming out of college if we would have. stuck around, but. >> [laughter]. >> but no, I mean, it was it was we were. still in that party era, man. It was. like, you know, we're we're young, wild, and free, and so taking that to the. shows and just going crazy and playing. to these college crowds and playing to. the same kids and and people that are. going through the same [ __ ] as we are in. this, you know, coming of age um um.

like era of ourselves. And so. that was super huge for us is just to be. 100% authentic, not try to be anything. like anybody else. And so. in the Texas red dirt saying, you know, you can tour around year-round all over. Texas and the surrounding states and um. and you know, we're playing for, you. know, tens of thousands of people, you. know, pretty quick and. that was before we even tried anything. with radio because we we did it for so. long without radio that we felt that we. didn't really need it. And um.

it wasn't till recently, I mean, last. last year, 2 years ago that. we took a stab at radio um just because. um. we kind of felt in ourselves that it was. uh we had basically done everything that. we possibly could on our own without, you know, anybody's help. And so. >> You always sometimes you hit that. ceiling and it's like you need help to. get to the next level. >> And I'm not one of I'm not the ones to. be, you know, I I hate asking people for. for stuff, you know, I hate asking. people for help. I feel like I can.

always do it on my own and that's 100%. not the case. And you know, I feel like. you can always use your use help from. somebody. And so. getting to play all these mainstream. festivals and stuff over the last like. four or five years, you know, I was just seeing the way. these crowds acted, you know, up north. and and places that weren't familiar. with our music and stuff. And I was. like, a lot of these folks and fans that. are coming out and listening to these. are listening to. people and artists that have multiple. number number ones on radio. And so that.

was kind of the moment um whenever we. cut nine lives, uh I went to. Ben Maddahi, my A&R with uh Columbia, and I was like, "Yo, I think I think. this is the right time for us to go to. radio. Um. and I think we have it with a high road. I think that's the If we're going to do. do one, we might as well do it with with. this tune." And. um we got Jessie on it, which is a. absolute dog. She's a She's a superstar. I love Jessie. Got her to [clears throat] come on it. and. The controversy that surrounded I had to.

stand up for her. I felt so bad. Yeah, and it was like you know and and I was I. was doing the same thing and it and it. was just kind of like. It was It was It was so ignorant and I. you know it was but she she's such a dog. and such a fighter like every every time. she would like clap back I was just like. reposting it and I was like [ __ ]. everybody. [laughter] Like this is it. was so stupid that it happened but. >> But it was great publicity. >> 100% you know you can't you can't do. that you can't do that stuff on your own. affiliate. It was so organic and.

everything that happened and you know. again I hate that that that had to. happen and to her so early on in her. career too but the way she handled it I. was like yeah definitely I definitely. want these people around me. I want her. on this song you know and I thought that. she made that song what it is you know. especially you know it especially with. everything that happened. Um and you. know. first first single out to radio and it. and it does what it did it was it was a. you know. beyond us how you know how that helped.

out and then we start playing these. these festivals we go back to these same. festivals that people really didn't know. who we were and and you know they're. singing every word to damn near every. song so it's. I don't know it's it's crazy to to look. for help sometimes whenever you think. you don't need it so. >> Yeah. You have a great catalog too but I. think one of my favorite things about. you is you're not afraid to say the word. in your songs. [laughter]. I love that about you and what is it. crazy Yeah is it where you're just like. Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> And every time I'm like yeah. I always.

get behind you I'm like yeah Cole. All right so let's talk about this new. album night the night champion. Tell me. about it like what is different about it. what's the sound what is your favorite. songs like tell me all the details about. night champion. [clears throat]. >> Yeah so the night champion it's Um, it's. a a record that kind of made itself, like we didn't go into it thinking that. um, you know, thinking that we were. going to to make a record, you know. Obviously, we wanted to put out some. music following up the success of of Non. Lives and and High Road and all these. songs. So, we honestly went in to write.

some songs just to have out, you know, throw out some singles, do this, do. that, and. The Night Champion kind of wrote itself, you know, we go in to write a song and. then we come out with three and this. was, you know, three or four times of. doing that and before we knew it, we had. this uh we had this record. And so, um, yeah, it's it's kind of a it's kind. of a. um, an accumulation of um, the last 10. years, basically, of me playing music. Like, from Noise Complaint, you know, feel like every every chapter of my life. is is uh an album that I put out, you.

know, I kind of throw that into the. record that I'm that's out at that time, you know. And you can look back on every. um, chapter of my life and I feel like. each one of the records that I've put. out of has kind of been each chapter of. it. And so, um, this record is no. different from that. Uh, I think that. um, The Night Champion is kind of a a. wrap on. probably the last 10 years of my life. and and the last 10 years of me playing. music. Um, it's just kind of. maybe shutting, maybe closing the book.

for a little bit, you know, and I don't. I don't know what I'm what I'm trying to. get across is whenever I say that. Um, no means by no means am I quitting music. or anything like that, you know, but um, I just think with the sound that I've. had for the longest time, um, you know, Non Lives is kind of a a stretch for us. as far as the way our music went, you. know, we had, you know, four rock. albums, basically. Um, Southern. [clears throat] rock. uh, with a little twang of country. Um, and then Non Lives came out and it was. kind of a you know, a more mature me, uh.

super uh vulnerable. Um, and this record. isn't too far off from Non Lives. It's. al almost like a continuation of that. record and uh but yeah, and all The. Night champion the name and everything. comes from. um you know this kind of uh the last 2. years of my life and kind of getting. everything you know all my ducks in a. row and getting more my health online. with my physical mental health. everything about it you know and uh just. kind of that that change you know it's.

kind of like me coming out of the night. uh a champion basically and not you know. being you know in jail or or dead you. know I think that's kind of uh. I think in a sense in my mind I'm I'm. somewhat of a champion from coming out. from that especially. >> Absolutely. >> these last 2 years of my life and and. where I am. uh with everything so that's kind of the. whole essence of of uh the new record. coming out and we're really excited. about it we're got some really cool. songs on there and I think it's got a. little bit uh for everybody that you. know if you've been a fan from the very.

beginning or if you're a fan. uh a newer fan I think it's uh it's got. a lot of lot of stuff that uh you'll be. able to pick out and be like oh well. this is from this part this is from this. part so. >> Do any of the songs have it? >> I [laughter] don't know. I prob- yeah I'm going to I'm going to. go ahead and say yes it is. There's There's a lot of [ __ ] too so. >> I love it. What's your favorite song on the album? And is [clears throat] there anything. that you can share with us today. >> Yeah. there's a tune that I wrote with uh Nick. Carpenter from Medium Build um called.

The Man uh. I think we talk I'll play it here in a. little bit if that's cool but but. there's a lot of there's a lot of cool. tunes on there there's uh you know I I. love the the rock stuff the more heavier. stuff um there's one called Magnet. that's on there that's uh. a banger it's one of my one of my. favorites but there's a lot of slow sad. sappy [ __ ] too and. >> Yeah. >> and uh I'm a sucker for a slow sad. country song so um we got a few of those. on there. >> sad? Are you I feel like you have all. the happiness. right now. >> kind of the deal too is um.

is a lot of these songs were written. with three three years ago probably so. >> Got you. >> kind of before this transition started. So, and so that's what I try to keep. telling these all the fans and. everything is like, "You're not going to. be able to hear the change in this. record just because. it was done prior to, you know, Woods. and. and this kind of change that's happened. for me. So, I think people are going to. listen to him like, "This [ __ ]. is lying." Like, [laughter]. "He ain't changed none." But,

no, it's it's a cool it's a cool record. and we're really excited about it. So, and I I hope that uh. hope everybody gives it a listen and and. digs it, too. >> And it drops June. >> June 12th. >> June 12th. When you sit down to write a. song, what usually comes first? Like. lyrics, melody? >> Melody. I'm a melody guy. I'm. love Nirvana, huge Kurt Cobain guy and. and that that grunge sound and. everything. So, one of his deals was. melody first, lyrics second. And so, that's kind of the whole process of us.

We'll, you know, we'll stay up late. drinking and we'll kind of get a bunch. of memos of voice memos and just guitar. licks and stuff like that. And then once. we get in that space, we'll we'll bring. out old [ __ ] that we hadn't heard in a. couple years or whatever and be like, "This is pretty cool. I don't know where. we were at whenever we [laughter] put it. all together." But, yeah, it's uh. it's a cool process and it's it's helped. out a lot in the past and hopefully it. it helps out on this record, too. >> Because you're known for being like. brutally honest, is there ever a song. that you listen back to and you're like,

"Fuck, didn't I put that in there?". >> 100%. Yeah, 100%. [laughter]. And then and there's there's a couple on. this record where I was very iffy about, >> [clears throat]. >> you know, how are people going to kind. of how are people going to kind of. interpret it and um. with everything that's going on in my. life right now, how are people going to, you know, take this, you know, or. whatever. But, at the same time like, you know, that's kind of that's kind of. therapy for me. Getting getting those hard things that. it's hard for me to say it's to anybody.

else out, you know, in the world and and. honestly with people that, you know, message me and like, you know, I was. going to off myself or I was going to, you know, your music helped me so much. and then I found your music and stuff. like that, you know, it's. it's not only therapeutic for me. I. found that it's therapeutic for other. people as well. So, if there if there's. something out there that I can write and. that can help somebody else, I think. that's that's kind of what what I'm put. on this earth to do. I think as musician. as as artist, I I feel like that's. something that we shouldn't be afraid to.

do, all right? We shouldn't be able to. afraid to go out and and talk about. things that are super hard to talk about. and and worry, you know, how people are. going to interpret it. But, um. >> But, that's what makes you relatable. though and that's what your fan base. craves and needs is that that um. connection. And so, you doing that is. why you have such a fierce fan base. >> Yeah, for sure. No, it's uh. it's it's it's crazy at the same time. Like I said, I'm I'm I'm glad to help, you know, and and I'm glad that people. there are people out there that feel the. same way that I do and and uh you know,

if I can help it's it's always a plus. So, >> So, I'm sorry, he keeps snoring over. here and I'm like shaking and I'm trying. to wake him up. Um so, tell me about the song The Man. that you want to show us. What what what. is it about [clears throat] and what's. kind of the vibe and all that jazz cuz I. want to hear some of it. >> So, I think it's kind of um it's it's. about, you know, um a guy just not. knowing if he's if he's worth it, you. know, if he's worth um if he's worth. love, if he's worth um. being exactly who this woman thinks that.

he is, you know? And I think it's I. think that goes into a lot of, you know, everyday life, not just, you know, if. you're in a relationship, but just kind. of everyday life. I think there's a lot. of of a question especially with me, you. know, I go through. um a lot of days where it's kind of. like, am I am I doing what I'm supposed. to be doing? Am I um. you know, am I this person that people. think I am, you know? And and and it's. just like it's a bunch of nonsense that. our our brains kind of trick us trick us. into thinking that you know that we're. not good enough you know or whatever it.

is and so this was kind of this is kind. of where we kind of went with it at. first and. the song can be kind of um. it can kind of be brought in however. people want to you know bring it into. them but. um I think it's just kind of it's kind. of one of those tunes that um me and. Nick were kind of going through it kind. of simultaneously you know between our. personal lives at the same time and and. we got in I think halfway through the. song we were kind of like so which way. are we going to go with this. >> [laughter]. >> are we going to go this way or that way.

and that's what I'm that's what going. back to what I said earlier it's kind of. um. it's kind of how it can be you know. however the listener wants to yeah. absolutely and however the listener. wants to to take it in so. >> You have such a talent for. >> Appreciate it. >> just expressing things and getting. evoking emotions out of people when I. first heard it I was like. >> [laughter]. >> it was so good. >> Thank you. >> Night Champion is coming out June 12th. you guys have to go and get the album. Let's talk about Bailey and Woods. So I.

know that you and Bailey just got. engaged like congratulations. I'm so excited for you. >> Yeah it [clears throat] was. I feel like it's been a long time coming. you know we dated back in in college for. a couple years and then. split up for a few years. and then kind of got back together and. it's kind of been on and off for just. kind of a a very long time and then um. probably over [clears throat] the last. let's say probably two two and a half. years we kind of like rekindled that. flame that we've had for a while and.

um. >> [clears throat]. >> you know it's it's really cool because. she's seen me at my worst and she's seen. me at my best and so it's it's um. she's she's such a dog man she's. she's one of my favorite people you know. she's one of my best friends if not my. best friend I guess I guess I got to say. best friend. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah it's not to be your wife. >> Yeah right yeah for sure no but um she's. phenomenal, you know, and then um Woods. comes along. Biggest blessing in my life by far.

Um. >> What was it like being at the birth? >> It was It was crazy. So, we were on We. were actually on We were on tour with. Hardy. It was the first weekend with. Hardy. We finished the record on Wednesday. Um. She calls me Wednesday evening. I'm here. in Nashville. I'm leaving to go to San. Diego for the first show on Thursday. She calls me and is like, "Hey, I think. that I might go into labor early. You. need to You need to figure out if you're. coming back or not." I was like, "Well, I'm leaving to go to San Diego, but you. know, let me know.".

So, I fly to San Diego that night, get. there late. I go to sleep. At 4:00, she. calls me in the morning. She's like, "Hey, you need to get here. I'm I'm. fixing to go into labor." I was like, "All right, cool.". So, I get there and you know, I don't I. I had been sober for a a month. I knew. that I wanted to be completely sober. whenever Woods got here, you know, and. kind of take it all in and everything. and um. I walk in. I'm dog tired. Not as tired. as [clears throat] her, obviously, but. uh. yeah, it was just an experience. Everything about it It was beautiful.

Um. Yeah, it was when that baby girl came in. and I. I looked at her for the first time and. looked into her eyes. It was just like a. flip a a little flip switched in my. brain, man. It was like everything. leading up to this point has been. uh to do this, you know, and um. that's that's my little angel, man. It's. It's kind of crazy. I feel like I'm. probably going to go to jail here in. about 16 18 years whenever [laughter]. little boys start coming in or whatever, but no, I'm excited. She's uh.

yeah, she's [clears throat]. No, both of them they're they're such a. blessing [laughter] in my life. They're. They're They're my everything and and. so, I get to spend the rest of my life. with Bailey and and so, raise Woods and. it's just uh I don't know. It's It's. like I said earlier, you know, I'm in a. really good place right now. I feel. better than I ever have. And they're. they're one of the main reasons behind. that. And so, it's uh Yeah, it's it's. crazy. It's wild. It's uh. It's great. Everything's good about it.

>> The growth is admirable. Um let's talk about her name Woods. because what is your name? You're a. really good. >> Roper Madison Co Wetzel. >> Yeah, so I thought it was really cute. that you're Roper and she's Woods. Like. how Texas can you get, dude? >> I know. It was Man, we kicked around a. bunch of different names and um you. know, it was. I don't know. We I liked Woods for um. you know, a boy or a girl or whatever it. was. And um yeah, whenever she got here. it was I knew that I wanted to to name.

her after me some somehow, you know, but. Bailey wouldn't let me name her Roper or. Co. So, uh. >> [laughter]. >> we had to. had to go with Madison. >> tainted. You can't name our daughter. that.". >> Yeah, for sure. Yeah, no uh and Madison. was my granddad's name. So, it was his. middle name. And so, keeping that name. alive in the family and uh Woods fits. her perfect, man. She's She's already a. little handful. She's starting to get. her personality. Um which she likes to be left alone a. lot, which is. right up my alley and Bailey's alley as.

well. So, >> [clears throat]. >> she's uh. If you mess with her. >> Do what? >> She's independent. >> Yeah, she's Yeah, she's very. independent. And so, like if you mess. with her too long, she'll start like. shaking and like it's the cutest thing. in the world, but man, she's uh yeah, she's a handful already. I We've got our. hands full, no doubt. >> Yeah, I'm excited for you. >> Thank you. >> Well, before I let you go, I'm going to. ask you some uh quick hitter questions. and you just have to answer. >> Well, I know I [ __ ] suck at these, you know that. >> to You're going [clears throat] to be. good. You're going to be good. And. they're not like the ones that were on.

the bus. >> Okay, thank [laughter] god. >> I saw him set up. He was like, "Oh, fuck." I almost made it through. >> will take that tequila [laughter] now. >> Uh and you know what's so funny is on. the bus, that's the first thing you did. You said, "Where's the tequila?". >> [laughter]. >> Things. >> See, things haven't changed a bit. >> Yeah, no, not at all. >> [clears throat]. >> All right, so what's the worst hangover. city? >> Man, Fort Worth, Texas, by far. Yeah. >> I feel like parts of Texas just smell. weird. >> Yeah, no, it is. >> Worth is one of them.

>> Fort Worth, yeah. Well, it's just all. the you know, you got the stockyards, you got all the you got all the cattle. and everything always running through, but yeah, it's I was going to say Vegas, but I feel like that'd be too cliché. And so, yeah, Fort Worth, Texas, it's. it's uh you know, we live right down the. road. We live in Weatherford. Um and we. were we were just there at the PBR. finals this weekend and I'm pretty sure. today it's been what, 3, 4 days since. Saturday night and I think I'm just now. getting over my hangover, so shout out. Fort Worth. [laughter]. >> What's your most chaotic tour story?

>> Uh. um man. >> That you can tell now that's not that's. politically correct. >> Yeah, we saw a girl get her [ __ ]. tattooed in Waco, Texas one time. >> she getting tattooed? >> I don't know, it was like a star. It was. like a a big star. I mean, her [ __ ]. had to been that big around. Like it it. man. >> Damn. >> I was. >> like a tree trunk. >> And my and my boy left his shop in Waco. Um yeah, we were. >> with tattoo and all, buddy. >> you. >> [laughter]. >> Actually, he wasn't the one doing it or. I wouldn't let him tattoo me again, but. we we were in there. We were all kind of.

getting something. It was like right. before a show and we're all in there. drinking and just bullshitting and then. uh one of his buddies comes in and he's. like, "Hey, y'all got to come check this. out. She's cool. She wants you to check. it out." We're like, "All right, well.". Then we walk in there and she's just I. mean, spread eagle and it was but it's a. [ __ ] about that big around. Like it. was like. >> You could count the rings around it. Like a tree trunk. That's crazy. >> Shout out to her, man. I hope she's. doing. >> I love a queen that can just put it all. out there. >> And I hope I hope she's doing okay, to. be honest. She was a sweet girl.

>> [laughter]. >> All right, what's the song you wish you. wrote? >> Oh, um man. um. >> You can plead the fifth. >> Yeah. >> You pass. >> Man, yeah, we'll pass. We'll We'll Let's. come back Let's come back to it. >> All right, what's the weirdest celebrity. DM you've ever gotten? >> Mm. >> You got to spill the tea. Give us a. little tea. >> I don't know. >> I know you got some weirdos creeping in.

your DMs. >> know Like you and Jelly and like y'all. are about the only celebrities I really. know. Like honestly, like I don't. Um. I don't know. Trying to think. >> All right, what's an artist you want to. collab with? >> Um. >> That you haven't yet. >> Mm. Man, dead or alive or just. >> Yeah, dead or alive, sure. >> Man, Mac Miller would have been great to. get with. And then I was me and me and. Bailey both we we love Mac and I've. always been a fan and and you know,

whenever he passed away, that was the. first time that I'd felt like I'd like. lost like a family member or best friend. before. Like I was so distraught. whenever I found out that we were. actually in New York whenever I found it. out and man, it was rough. Like we all. just went straight to the bar and. started drinking that night and. but yeah, man, it's he was I feel like. he was gone obviously gone way too soon, but the music that he was making. you know, coming up on his music was. always great, but the music he was. making right there at the end was. some of my favorite music still to still. this day and and it sucks I never got to.

meet him or or collab with him, but. yeah, it was it would have been great to. have a tune with that dude. >> That's a good one. What's your most. toxic trait, Co? >> Oh, toxic trait? >> Now, especially now that you're on the. good the the straight and narrow, right, buddy? >> Yeah. All right, I'm trying to think. about some of the [ __ ] I've done. [laughter] over the last couple weeks. Um. Mm. Oh, man. I'm hard to be around after I've been. like taking a nap or something. I don't. know if that's a toxic trait. >> You're You're grumpy when you wake up.

from a nap? >> and it's bad because you know, I'll be. at the house and I'll take a nap or. whatever and Bailey will be like, "Hey, do you mind helping out with Woods or. whatever doing or whatever it is?" And. I'm just like so appalled that she would. ask me to do something [laughter] as as. soon as I woke up from a nap. Uh, but I. don't I don't I don't know if that's a. Yeah, we'll call that a toxic trait. >> It's cuz you have to get your bearings, you know, you just woke up. And I think. anytime I take a nap [clears throat] and. wake up, I'm I'm like way worse than I. was before I took the nap. >> I would sometimes I just force myself to. stay awake cuz if I know if I take that.

nap then it's going to be hell on. everybody, so. >> For sure. And last question, what's your. favorite thing about Texas? >> Uh, the people. I love the people of. Texas, you know, it's. um, you know, growing up in East Texas. knowing everybody um, and now. you know, cuz we toured in Texas so much. and I have friends and no matter where. I'm at in Texas I feel like I can call. up anybody and, you know, have a if I'm. broke down or have a ride or but it just. it feels like home, you know, it's just. no matter where I go in the world, you. know, we're kind of all over the place.

and touring and doing this and that, uh, you know, it always just kind of. soothes my soul a little bit to know. that eventually I'll get to go to home. get get get to go home to Texas and I. don't know it's super homey and and the. people are fan- fantastic and, uh, I. don't know, man, it's. yeah, bury me down in Texas. >> Aw, I love that. Kolby, thank you so. much for coming on the podcast finally. Was it was it bad? >> No, this was great. No, it makes me want. to do uh, more podcasts now. >> There you go. >> We'll do another one here before uh, before too long and. >> Listen, come back on the couch anytime.

you want. I'm always here for you. >> Appreciate it. >> So proud of you and your growth. Congratulations on getting married and. I'm just so excited for you. >> Thank you. Well, I appreciate it. Yeah, we'll uh, we'll see y'all soon. Thank. you for having me. >> Absolutely. Thank you guys for tuning in. to another episode of Dumb Blonde. I'll. see you guys next week. Bye. >> [music].