Dallas native Troy Cartwright has new music out for the new year. His new single, Over You by Now takes listeners on a journey of heartbreak. When Cartwright sings, he has a way of making the listener feel like they can visualize what he is singing about.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Dallas! I loved growing up there – it’s got a style and pace all its own and it’s a big part of who I am today. 

Who are some of your musical inspirations?

As a songwriter, I’ve always been drawn to guys like Hayes Carll, Ryan Adams, Tom Petty, and stuff like that. They’ve all got their own style and prose and it has definitely weaved its way into a lot of my songwriting. Sonically, I’m really drawn to the sound of artists like Chris Stapleton, Brothers Osborne, The Eagles, and Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. I think that rock sound really resonates with me and I’m always trying to find new and creative ways to bring that into my artistry. 

What got you into playing music?

Songs always spoke to me. They helped me explain a lot of feelings I couldn’t articulate. That got me in the door – and then the thrill of the live performance is what got me fully hooked. The first time you step on the stage and hit somebody in the heart, you never forget it. It is the best feeling in the world. To combine the two, playing my songs for a live audience, is magic. 

What is your favorite venue to play in Texas? Do you have a dream venue?

Late last year I got to headline at the Kessler Theater (Dallas). That was a dream of mine and very special. I have a deep love for a venue out in Lubbock, Texas, called the Blue Light. They were the first place to ever give me a shot to headline my own show in a city I wasn’t from. If you’re in the Texas scene you know – it’s legendary. I would love to do a multi-night run at Gruene Hall someday – I’ve opened up some shows there a few times but never on my own. That’s on my bucket list. 

Is there any new music fans can expect to hear soon?

Yes, I’ve been in the studio all week making the best album of my life. 

What is your favorite place in Texas?

There’s no place like home. I lived in East Dallas for a while after college. Those were the glory days and I just love going back there any chance I get, it feels like home to me.

Do you have a dream collaboration?

If I could collaborate with any artist in the world, it would be Chris Stapleton. He has inspired me with his music and his songs so much and I hope I get the chance someday.

Anything else you would like fans to know?

As far as there being anything I’d like the fans to know: I just hope they understand how hard these artists work to bring them the music that they love. At every level, from the local guys who are trying to graduate from open mics to their own shows, to the guys in the van and trailer, all the way up to the stadium acts – it is 100% fueled by a deep love of making music. There isn’t one guy or girl out there on the road who hasn’t taken it on the chin at least a dozen times in one way or another, and not one songwriter who hasn’t had their work rejected 1,000 times but kept writing them anyway. I think music comes from a very sacred place. Not every song is my favorite, but I think it’s easy for folks to hate on this or that sound – or how this guy just got lucky or how this artist fell off with their last record … I don’t subscribe to any of that. I have so much love for everybody out there trying to make it happen. I know how hard it is just to survive. So I really appreciate every day that I get to wake up and do music. I’m lucky. I remember a lot of days in the not-too-distant past where I wasn’t sure I’d get to. I work hard but I don’t ever take it for granted. I’ve got a lot of gratitude for every person who puts on one of my songs or comes out to one of my shows. So I guess I just hope the fans know that.

Give Troy a follow on Instagram. 

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Cover Photo Erika Rock

Emily Hord is the Assistant Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine and a native Texan. She graduated from Texas A&M University and in her free time, she enjoys going to see live music and spending time with her friends and family.