About this episode
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. You can support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to show some love. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads , and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook .