With countless songwriting credits under his belt (Nickelback, Ryan Hurd, Josh Abbott Band) and more than 30 episodes of his podcast Ten Year Town recorded, Big Machine’s Troy Cartwright has more than earned his keep in Music City.
Growing up in Dallas, Troy found his calling early. Immersed in a community that sang as often as it prayed, he developed not only a voice but a profound connection to musical expression.
When it came time for college, the Berklee College of Music in Boston wasn’t just a choice; it was a statement. It was here that Troy dove deep into the craft, surrounded by diverse influences and driven by a desire to expand beyond the familiar. “I learned a ton about music and just about myself,” he said in a recent interview with BRIDGE.
But the real test came after graduation.
The transition from the classrooms of Berklee to the often unforgiving world of the music business could have taken him out. “I did an internship at a mechanical royalties company… and I was like, this is not it. I do not want to enter the music business this way.” Instead, it clarified his true desire – to make music, not just work in it.
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Returning to Texas, Troy leveraged the sanctuary of his parent’s home to launch his career. From small gigs around Dallas to the music scenes of Austin and Lubbock, he built his audience the hard way—one show at a time. His move to Nashville in 2016 marked a new chapter, discovering a community of songwriters that fueled his creative spirit further.
“I told myself I just gotta keep moving forward and use everything that I know, and all of the connections that I have, and all the hard work that I know it requires.”
However, the industry is as brutal as it is beautiful. Troy faced a harsh reality when he was dropped from his label—a blow to any artist. Yet, instead of retreating, he found in that low point a new beginning. Freed from the constraints of label expectations, Troy’s independent releases have resonated deeply with listeners, earning him millions of streams and growing his fan base significantly.
At the same time, he began creating a community with his podcast, Ten Year Town. In it, he further showcases his reflective nature and commitment to the music community as a whole.
“I really just wanted to make the podcast that I wished existed when I was getting started on my journey.”
Through conversations with fellow musicians, he explores the journeys and struggles that shape an artist, offering both wisdom and solidarity to those walking the path behind him.
Troy’s story is not just about music. It’s about navigating the highs and lows with grace, about turning setbacks into stepping stones, and about the relentless pursuit of one’s artistic voice amidst the cacophony of doubts and setbacks.
With some big cuts coming this year, Troy continues to write, record and remain a beacon for aspiring artists—a reminder that resilience can indeed tune the heartstrings of success.
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