Ep. 45: Justin Shanholtzer
It's all about the story, and the Southern Oklahoma native is a story teller at heart. Shanholtzer began writing his own original lyrics as a teenager. Shortly after, he learned to play guitar, and it wasn't long before those lyrics became more than just words on a page. He started playing shows at local bars before venturing out and eventually working his way around Oklahoma and Texas. Working with Red Dirt legend Mike McClure and producer Caleb Shirtum in McClure's Boohatch Studio, he recorded and released two singles "Where I Need to Be (ft. Mike McClure)" and "Take a Drive." In 2019, Shanholtzer began to piece together what would become known as the Blacktop Rodeo to play Original Red Dirt Country music, as well as 90s and newer Country/Red Dirt/Texas Country covers. Justin Shanholtzer and the Blacktop Rodeo consists of Shanholtzer on Lead Vocal and Guitar, Jack Hogan on Lead Guitar, and Alec Cripps on Bass Guitar. Their six song debut EP "18 Wheels" was released August 7. 2021.
