Is Paul Cauthen Country’s Reformed Rebel?

·57 min·5 clips

Paul Cauthen wrote 'Cocaine Country Dancing' while living in a Dallas hotel room, a song that later bought his house.

The episode opens with host Joseph Hudak introducing the show from the Nashville Now cabin and previewing the interview with Paul Cauthen, nicknamed 'Big Velvet'. Hudak first discusses the week's country music news, focusing on Ella Langley's new album 'Dandelion', produced partly by Miranda Lambert and featuring her hit 'Choose in Texas'. He notes Langley's album bookends with a folk song cover and includes a cover of Kitty Wells' 1952 song 'It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels'. The interview with Paul Cauthen begins with casual banter about Key West and Nashville weather before delving into his music. Cauthen talks about his breakout song 'Cocaine Country Dancing', written during a wild period living in a Dallas hotel room. He discusses his new album 'Book of Paul', describing it as an embodiment of his true self rather than catering to trends. Cauthen reflects on his Texas upbringing in Tyler, sharing anecdotes about his youth. He reveals a significant personal shift, citing his decision to cancel shows in 2025 to focus on mental and physical health after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Cauthen opted for holistic treatment, which shrank the tumor, and discusses becoming a father soon. He explains the creation of his 'Big Velvet' stage persona, comparing it to characters like Alice Cooper and Eric Church's 'The Chief'. Cauthen touches on his religious background and how it influences his music, including the song 'Cigarettes and Billy Graham'. He shares collaborations with artists like Shibuzee and Jake Worthington. Cauthen recounts writing songs for Beyoncé, with six tracks put on hold, and how meeting Lana Del Rey led to a duet at Stagecoach. The conversation covers his touring plans, stage presence, and the legacy he wants to build. The episode concludes with a 'Here Now' segment featuring Cauthen's songs, and closing remarks from Hudak and co-host Steve John.

As heard by us

A cabin conversation that links stage fire, heartbreak, faith, and songs as therapy.

After a sponsor-heavy opening, the piece settles into the Nashville Now cabin with Joseph Hudak and Paul Coffin, the Texas singer-songwriter known as Big Velvet.

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Why you'd press play

You want Paul Coffin talking stage lightning, a broken-heart stretch, and Book of Paul.

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