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Hayes Carll is Only Human | Houston Public Media

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Hayes Carll: “Only Human” – A Story of Music, Heart and Houston

In a recent interview on Houston Matters, Houston Public Media’s flagship talk‑show, Hayes Carll—the Texas singer‑songwriter known for his gravel‑toned voice and unflinching lyricism—opens up about the realities of life on the road, the creative process that fuels his songs, and why, at the end of the day, he remains “only human.” The episode, which aired on September 2, 2025, weaves together Carll’s personal history, his latest record, and a candid conversation about the role of music in healing both the performer and his audience.


From a Small Texas Town to Houston’s Music Scene

Carll’s roots are firmly planted in the heart of Texas. The interview begins with a look back at his upbringing in a modest town near Dallas, where he first picked up a battered acoustic guitar in the backyard of his parents’ home. “I never knew there was a whole world beyond the fields,” he recalls, echoing a sentiment that has become a hallmark of his storytelling. The early influences—folk legend Bob Dylan, country greats like Hank Williams, and the raw authenticity of the Texas honky‑tones—are cited as the bedrock of his musical identity.

The article notes that Carll moved to Houston in his early twenties, a decision that marked a turning point. He found a vibrant community of musicians and a city that, despite its sprawling skyline, nurtured a sense of closeness among artists. The Houston Public Media link to the Houston Matters show page offers a deeper dive into Carll’s first gigs at the famed House of Blues and the smaller, intimate venues on Westheimer Road, which helped him cultivate a dedicated fan base.


The Human Side of an Artist

Carll’s new album, The Road Ahead (released in August 2025), is framed as a collection of “raw, honest narratives that touch on love, loss, and the everyday struggles that bind us.” In the interview, he explains how the title reflects his own journey: “I’m on a road that’s always changing. The music’s my map, but it’s also my compass.” A key highlight is the song “Only Human,” which the article identifies as the centerpiece of the record. The track blends acoustic riffs with a subtle electronic backdrop, illustrating Carll’s willingness to experiment while staying true to his roots.

The conversation also touches on Carll’s vulnerability. He shares that the song was born from a period of intense self‑reflection following the departure of a close friend. “You realize how fragile everything is,” he says. “I wanted to put that into a song.” The Houston Matters episode features a segment where Carll plays a stripped‑down version of the track, allowing listeners to experience the emotional core of his storytelling.


Touring, Community, and the Power of Performance

Carll’s touring schedule in 2025 is highlighted as both extensive and deeply personal. The interview chronicles a recent headline tour that began in Houston and wound its way through the Gulf Coast, ending at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—an event that blends cultural heritage with contemporary music. Carll emphasizes that performing in front of a crowd is an act of “shared humanity.” He explains that each concert feels like a conversation, where the audience’s reactions help shape the song’s final form.

The article references a link to Carll’s official website (https://www.hayescarll.com), where fans can find tour dates, an official merch store, and a behind‑the‑scenes blog that details the making of The Road Ahead. Carll’s active engagement with fans is also noted through his social‑media presence; a mention of his Instagram feed showcases candid moments from tour bus conversations and the creative process in the studio.


The Bigger Picture: Music as Therapy and Outreach

Beyond the personal, Carll discusses his commitment to community outreach. The interview highlights his partnership with the Houston Foundation for Mental Health, a collaboration that began in 2024 after a series of benefit concerts. “Music has always been my therapy,” Carll says, “and I want to use it to help others find their own voice.” The Houston Matters segment includes an anecdote about a benefit concert in Houston’s East End, where local residents gathered to support mental‑health initiatives and celebrate Carll’s new music.

The article also nods to a previously published feature on Houston Public Media that covers Carll’s environmental activism. A link to that story provides context: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/houston-matters/2023/06/15/428921/carll-stands-for-sustainability. In that piece, Carll reveals his advocacy for sustainable touring practices—using biodiesel generators and partnering with local charities to offset carbon footprints.


Closing Reflections

The episode concludes with Carll reflecting on the paradox of being “only human.” He acknowledges that, while his music can lift spirits, it also mirrors the imperfections of everyday life. “I’m just a kid with a guitar,” he says, “trying to make sense of a world that’s constantly moving.” The interview, rich with anecdotes and thoughtful analysis, offers listeners an intimate look at the man behind the music and the enduring truth that, no matter how polished or profound the art, the heart of a performer remains unflinching and authentic.

With The Road Ahead and the Houston Public Media coverage, Hayes Carll reaffirms his place at the intersection of country roots and contemporary storytelling. His commitment to community, transparency about his struggles, and willingness to share the raw side of his art make him a resonant voice not only in Texas but across the broader American music landscape.

For more on Hayes Carll’s tour, you can check his official site or stream his latest album on Spotify. Houston Public Media’s “Houston Matters” archive offers additional insights into the artist’s impact on the local community.


Read the Full Houston Public Media Article at:
[ https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2025/09/02/529899/hayes-carll-is-only-human/ ]