“When She Calls Me Cowboy,” Traditional Country & Honky Tonks | Spencer Hatcher
Spencer Hatcher is bringing the dance floor back to country music.
The rising country artist joined Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza during CRS 2026 in Nashville to talk about “When She Calls Me Cowboy,” his traditional country sound, and why honky-tonk culture remains such an important part of his music.
Spencer Hatcher discusses “When She Calls Me Cowboy,” traditional country music and creating songs made for the honky-tonk dance floor.
Country Music Made for Dancing
Spencer's approach to country music is refreshingly simple: make songs people can have fun with, dance to, and share with someone they love.
That philosophy comes through in songs like “When She Calls Me Cowboy,” “The Way She Lies,” and “Honky Tonk Hideaway,” blending classic country storytelling with enough modern energy to introduce the sound to a new generation.
For Tony, who grew up around Texas country and two-step culture, it's also a sound that immediately feels familiar.
Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza interviews rising traditional country artist Spencer Hatcher during CRS 2026 in Nashville.
Finding an Audience in Texas
Interestingly, Spencer isn't from Texas. He's from Virginia.
But his traditional sound has connected strongly with Texas country fans, where dance halls, honky tonks and two-stepping remain deeply connected to the culture surrounding the music.
Spencer talks about seeing that audience grow and his hopes of eventually bringing his live show across the Lone Star State with a Texas run.
From Bluegrass to Traditional Country
Before building his current sound, Spencer's musical foundation began with bluegrass.
That background helped shape his musicianship and appreciation for traditional music before his career eventually led him to Nashville and a deal with Stone Country Records.
It's a journey that hasn't always been easy.
Spencer Hatcher talks about his Virginia and bluegrass roots, growing Texas fanbase and the journey behind his country music career.
Overcoming a Life-Changing Accident
Spencer also opens up about a serious accident that nearly changed the trajectory of his career before his breakthrough.
Rather than ending the dream, the experience became another chapter in a story that has now taken him from his Virginia roots to becoming an emerging name in traditional country music.
With “When She Calls Me Cowboy” introducing more listeners to his music and songs like “Honky Tonk Hideaway” showing exactly where his heart is, Spencer Hatcher is helping keep country music made for the dance floor alive.
Watch Spencer Hatcher on Heart of the Gulch
Watch the full Spencer Hatcher interview from CRS 2026 as he joins Tony Mendoza to discuss “When She Calls Me Cowboy,” traditional country music, Texas fans, honky-tonk culture and the journey behind his career.
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.
