Summary

In this episode from 2015, we sit down with T. Hardy Morris, best known as the frontman of Dead Confederate, to talk about how his music has evolved and what went into making his latest album, Drowning on a Mountaintop.

Hardy opens up about the creative process behind the record, including how he’s been experimenting with different sounds, like blending pedal steel into a rock setting, and how that’s shaped the feel of the album.

We also talk about the collaborative nature of his work. He shares stories from his time with the supergroup Diamond Rugs and reflects on the strong musical relationships he’s built over the years.

Throughout the conversation, Hardy gets into how his lyrics and music come together, usually in a pretty natural, unforced way. His songwriting leans into both his country roots and the raw edge of grunge, and Drowning on a Mountaintop really shows that mix.

If you're curious about how genre lines blur, or how an artist stays grounded while constantly growing, this episode gives a great look into Hardy’s creative world.

Show Notes

In this episode, we catch up with T. Hardy Morris to talk about his latest solo album, Drowning on a Mountaintop, and the path that’s led him here.

• Hardy, known for his work with Dead Confederate and the supergroup Diamond Rugs, shares stories from his early days growing up in Augusta, Georgia. Those early community experiences helped shape his creative outlook.
• We talk about how his sound has evolved over time, landing in a space that blends rock and country in a way that feels both fresh and familiar.
• The conversation takes a closer look at the making of Drowning on a Mountaintop, including how working with producer Adam Landry helped shape the album’s tone and texture.
• Hardy opens up about his songwriting process, especially how lyrics and music come together naturally for him, with an emphasis on honesty and emotional impact.
• Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his solo work, this episode offers a real look into Hardy’s creative world and what drives him as an artist.

Links

• T Hardy Morris
• T Hardy Morris on Bandcamp
• You may also enjoy our conversation with Folk Family Revival
• After you buy music or see a show, we'd love your support with a few bucks in our Tip Jar
• Sloane Spencer now hosts a Gen X sleep podcast, Sleep with Rock Stars

Chapters

• 00:08 - Introducing T. Hardy Morris and His New Album
• 03:03 - The Evolution of Sound: Collaborating with Adam Landry
• 08:25 - Exploring the Intersection of Country and Grunge
• 12:57 - New Connections in Music
• 14:29 - Transition to New Music Ventures

Takeaways

• Hardy talks about his new album, Drowning on a Mountaintop, which brings together a mix of rock and country influences in a way that feels fresh but grounded in tradition.
• He shares how his songwriting tends to evolve naturally, and how experimenting with pedal steel helped shape the album’s sound.
• Collaboration plays a big role in his creative process. Hardy talks about working with...