If Country songwriting is defined by storytelling, then shouldn’t all stories be included? This week’s guest has made it his mission to combine queer stories with the genre that he grew up loving, without diluting himself in the process. Fancy Hagood has been on a journey of self-discovery since he left his home in Arkansas for the bright lights of Nashville when he was just 17, and as he shares in this episode, it’s been a turbulent ride…Fancy has always taken up space in defiance of school bullies and industry nay-sayers, emboldened by a strong and supportive family and a musicality that feels anointed. Here, he shares many stories from that journey, including what it was like coming out to his Christian family, how pop fame in L.A. crushed his self-esteem, and ultimately, how he turned disappointment into gratitude and found freedom and community as an independent artist.

If one quote could sum up this episode, it’s this: “It was a big lesson in, I don’t need to listen to nobody who is not me!” This is an inspiring story of self-expression and self-belief that everyone needs to hear.

Listen to all of the songs discussed in this episode by searching Country Roads Podcast Playlist on Spotify, and hit save, so you always have our specially curated Country playlist whenever you need it.

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