Send Johni & Jess a text

Virginia roots. Nashville dreams. And a bass-baritone voice made for country music.

At just 26, Grayson Walsh is building his place in Nashville with a sound that blends traditional country storytelling, neon-bar energy and a little cinematic heartbreak. Raised in Glen Allen, Virginia, Grayson went from singing in choir to performing with JMU’s Exit 245, studying opera, writing his own music and eventually packing up for Music City to chase the career he knew he wanted.

Grayson joins Johni and Jess to talk about finding his sound, why heartbreak has been pretty good for his songwriting career, and the reality of trying to stand out in a city overflowing with talent. He takes us behind songs including “Fall In Fall Out,” “I-81” and “New Pontoon,” shares how an unexpected connection landed him an opportunity to perform at a VIP pre-show event for Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour, and gives us a preview of what he's working toward next.

He also gets very real about what it actually takes to make it in Nashville: showing up, staying determined and refusing to change your musical identity just to please someone else. And, because this is The Hook, we also uncover the important stuff — including his Diet Dr. Pepper obsession, inability to throw a football, and a level of Marvel fandom that includes Captain America pajamas.

And when you hear what Grayson considers the ultimate sign that he's finally “made it,” you might understand exactly why we're excited to see where this story goes next.

Find & Follow Grayson Walsh

Instagram & TikTok: @GraysonWalshOfficial

Listen to Grayson Walsh on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube and Amazon Music.

Grayson says to start with “New Pontoon” — then, after you “run through a wall,” follow it up with “Fall In Fall Out.”

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess. This is where music, art, and passion come together. We sit down with musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries to discover the moment they got hooked, the stories that shaped them, and the journeys that followed. Our mission is to give independent artists a voice.

Stay Connected & Get Hooked!

Visit our website to learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and discover more stories.

🌐 Website: www.johniandjess.com

Follow us on social media for new episodes, exclusive behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming guest announcements, and more!

• Facebook: The Hook with Johni & Jess
• Instagram: @thehookwithjohniandjess
• TikTok: @johniandjess

Love what you're hearing?

Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave us a review! Share your favorite episodes with friends and fellow music lovers. Every listen, share, and review helps us reach new audiences and continue bringing you the stories behind the artists you love.

The Hook with Johni & Jess — Where passion begins with a moment.