If you’re poking around Season 3, Episode 18 of “Load-In Through the Back” looking for soulful songwriting, honest reinvention, and the quiet power of independence — you’ve found it.

Our guest is Nicki Bluhm, the Americana singer-songwriter behind Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers, who recently released a brand-new solo record crafted entirely on her Tennessee farm — tracked between hay baling, trail rides, and the kind of wide-open quiet that somehow begs for you to plug in a microphone.

She joins us to break down how this recording process differs from her past projects, the magic (and regional loyalty) of SHEETZ, navigating the ever-shifting music industry as an independent artist, the undeniable power of a solid team, Steve Poltz, and what it really takes to tour more than 200 days a year.

Nicki’s latest album, “Rancho Deluxe,” dropped October 3, 2025, and is available wherever you listen. Be sure to follow @NickiBluhm across social media to stay in the loop, and visit NickiBluhm.com for merch, tour dates, and more.

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