Motherhood, “Fort Worth” With Randall King & Staying True to Texas Country | Kylie Frey
Kylie Frey returned to Heart of the Gulch during CMA Fest 2026 for a conversation about motherhood, making music with Randall King, her Texas country roots, and the next chapter of a career that has now taken her through a decade in Nashville.
A friend of the show and returning guest, Kylie joined host Tony Mendoza to talk about just how much life has changed since her first Heart of the Gulch appearance.
At the center of that change is becoming a mother—an experience that has given Kylie a new perspective on life, songwriting, and what she wants from her career.
Kylie Frey during her Heart of the Gulch interview discussing “Fort Worth,” Randall King, and Texas country music.
Motherhood Changed More Than the Music
For Kylie, becoming a mom didn't simply add another responsibility to an already busy life in country music. It changed the way she sees nearly everything.
That new perspective has naturally found its way into her songwriting.
Kylie explains how motherhood has opened up an entirely new season of creativity, giving her different emotions and experiences to pull from as she prepares the music that will define her next chapter.
“Fort Worth” With Randall King
Of course, we couldn't have Kylie back without talking Texas Country.
Kylie teamed up with fellow Texas country artist Randall King for “Fort Worth,” a duet that has taken on a life of its own during their live shows.
The two have toured together across Texas, giving fans plenty of opportunities to hear the collaboration live.
And then came the line dance.
Kylie shares how a dance was created around “Fort Worth” and how the song has continued connecting with audiences, adding another layer to a collaboration already built around two artists deeply connected to Texas country music.
Ten Years in Nashville
CMA Fest 2026 also comes during a major personal milestone for Kylie: 10 years in Nashville.
A decade in Music City has brought plenty of lessons, but one principle continues to guide her career—protecting her artistic integrity.
Kylie opens up about refusing to compromise her heart or the kind of artist she wants to be, even as the country music industry and the expectations surrounding artists continue to change.
It's an approach rooted in knowing who she is and where she came from.
Tony Mendoza, host of Heart of the Gulch, interviewing Kylie Frey at CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville.
A New Album and the Next Era
Now Kylie is preparing for another major step: a new full-length album.
She gives Heart of the Gulch an early look at the sound she's developing and what fans can expect from this next era of her music.
One song remains particularly personal: “Rodeo Queen.”
Kylie's connection to rodeo culture has long been part of her identity and music, making the song an especially meaningful piece of her catalog.
The next project gives her an opportunity to bring together the different parts of her life—artist, songwriter, Texan, rodeo cowgirl and now mother.
Kylie Frey talks “Fort Worth” with Randall King, 10 years in Nashville, and staying true to her Texas country roots.
Confidence, Community and Women in Country Music
Kylie also gets candid about something that can affect artists at every stage of their careers: impostor syndrome.
After a decade in Nashville, she shares what she's learned about confidence and offers advice for artists trying to find their footing in the industry.
The conversation also turns to Jenna Paulette, motherhood, friendship, and the importance of women in country music supporting one another while navigating careers and families.
For Kylie Frey, the next chapter isn't about abandoning what got her here.
It's about allowing everything that's happened along the way to make the music even more personal.
From motherhood and “Fort Worth” with Randall King to a new album on the horizon, Kylie Frey is entering her next decade in Nashville with a clearer sense of exactly who she wants to be.
Watch Kylie Frey on Heart of the Gulch
Watch the full Kylie Frey interview from CMA Fest 2026 as she joins Tony Mendoza to discuss motherhood, “Fort Worth” with Randall King, Texas country music, rodeo culture, 10 years in Nashville, her upcoming album and what's next in 2026.
Interview Chapters
0:00 — Kylie Frey Interview at CMA Fest 2026
0:41 — How Motherhood Changed Kylie Frey's Life & Music
1:30 — Writing Country Music After Becoming a Mom
2:29 — Kylie Frey & Randall King Explain “Fort Worth”
3:58 — Inside the Making of “Fort Worth” & Its Viral Line Dance
4:49 — Celebrating 10 Years in Nashville
5:53 — Why Kylie Frey Won't Compromise Her Heart or Integrity
6:49 — New Album Preview: The Sound of Kylie Frey's Next Era
7:35 — Why “Rodeo Queen” Is Kylie Frey's Most Personal Song
8:19 — Impostor Syndrome, Confidence & Advice for New Artists
9:53 — Jenna Paulette, Motherhood & Supporting Women in Country Music
10:46 — New Album, New Music & What's Next in 2026
Tony Mendoza is the Nashville-based host and creator of Heart of the Gulch, featuring conversations with country artists, songwriters and personalities from Nashville and beyond.
