Making Memories on the Road with Wesley Spangler

Some conversations feel easy from the start — like sitting down with a friend who already understands the road you’re on. That’s exactly how this Talk and Tunes episode with Wesley Spangler felt.

Wesley is a working country musician who has spent years playing everywhere from local bars to weddings, festivals, and stages across multiple states. He joined me for a laid-back porch conversation about music, travel, and why connection matters more than anything else when you step on stage.

From the beginning, Wesley made one thing clear: every show deserves the same energy, no matter the setting. Whether he’s performing solo acoustically or with a full band, his goal is to make the audience feel like they’re part of the experience — not just watching it.

One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was how Wesley uses technology to enhance his acoustic performances. With tools like a drum machine pedal and vocal harmonizer, he’s able to create a “full band” feel even when he’s playing solo. But he was quick to point out that no amount of gear replaces reading the room. You have to play to the audience in front of you — not the one you wish you had.

That mindset has served him well in some unexpected places, including a short residency with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Wesley shared stories about performing everywhere from a barbecue bar to a theater on board, even taking part in a patriotic anthem for a military celebration. He described the experience with pure excitement, saying every country artist should try it at least once. It was different, fun, and unforgettable — the kind of opportunity that reminds you why you started playing music in the first place.

Weddings were another highlight of the conversation. Wesley has played countless weddings over the years and insists that every single one is unique. From emotional first dances to funny moments you couldn’t plan if you tried, he believes weddings are about memories — not perfection. Whether tips are flowing or not, seeing people genuinely enjoy the music is what makes the night worthwhile.

One of the most heartfelt moments Wesley shared was about a close friend, Matthew, who loved music deeply. During a cruise they took together, Wesley invited him on stage as his “beats guy,” giving them a final shared memory doing something they both loved. It was a powerful reminder of music’s ability to create moments that last far beyond the stage.

As a touring musician, Wesley has logged an incredible number of miles — sometimes over 80,000 in a single year. But even with the long drives and constant movement, he still finds joy in the spontaneity of it all. If there’s live music nearby, he wants to be part of it. That curiosity and love for community keeps him grounded.

At the heart of this episode is a simple truth Wesley lives by: music is infectious. When artists focus on joy instead of pressure, that energy carries into the crowd. Whether it’s a cruise ship, a wedding dance floor, or a quiet acoustic room, connection is what turns a performance into a memory.

🎙️ Listen to the full episode of Talk and Tunes with Wesley Spangler on our podcast page — also available on Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

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Remember to Be Kind to each other and Keep it Country!

The Music, The Makers, And the Road in Between!