The THRILL of the Ride | Cody Bartels Talks BULL RIDING and Performing LIVE

 

ZHZ Podcast #22: Indie Country Vibes with Cody Bartels (Tacoma, WA)

Welcome back to the ZHZ Podcast! In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with indie country singer-songwriter Cody Bartels, hailing from Tacoma, Washington. Cody joined us for a special livestream and shared stories, music, and insights into his creative process. If you missed the live draft, here’s a recap of the key moments from our conversation.


Getting to Know Cody Bartels

Cody opened up about his roots in Tacoma and how the Pacific Northwest has shaped his sound. He talked about growing up surrounded by a mix of city grit and rural landscapes, which comes through in his honest, heartfelt songwriting. Cody’s journey from local open mics to building a loyal following online is a testament to his dedication and love for music.

Songwriting Inspiration and Process

One of the highlights of the episode was hearing Cody discuss his songwriting process. He shared how inspiration often strikes during quiet moments—sometimes while driving, sometimes late at night with just a guitar in hand. Cody emphasized the importance of authenticity in his lyrics, drawing from real-life experiences and emotions to craft songs that resonate with listeners.



Live Performance: Magic Draft

Listeners were treated to a live performance of Cody’s latest single, “Magic Draft.” The song, with its catchy melody and raw storytelling, captures the spirit of indie country. Cody explained the story behind the track, revealing how it was inspired by a spontaneous night out with friends and the magic of unexpected moments.

Advice for Aspiring Musicians

Cody offered valuable advice for up-and-coming artists: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. The more you play, the more you grow.” He also stressed the importance of community, encouraging musicians to support each other and collaborate whenever possible.



What’s Next for Cody Bartels

Looking ahead, Cody teased some exciting new projects, including an upcoming EP and more live shows around the Pacific Northwest. He’s passionate about connecting with fans both online and in person, so be sure to follow him for updates.


Watch the Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Wp1QUWSuF7s

Stream Cody Bartels’ Music & Connect

For more information about Cody Bartels, upcoming shows, and to stream his music, check out his Linktree below:

https://linktr.ee/codybartels


Thanks for tuning in to the ZHZ Podcast! Stay tuned for more conversations with rising stars in the indie music scene.