Shaylen Talks Chris Young, CMA Fest Growth & Building a Career Through Persistence!

Rising country artist Shaylen joins Tony Mendoza on Heart of the Gulch during CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, career growth, and creating a sound that's uniquely her own.

Known for blending country, pop, rock, and early-2000s influences, Shaylen has amassed more than 160 million career streams while becoming one of Nashville's fastest-rising artists. She discusses collaborating with Chris Young on One Of Us, making her mark at the Grand Ole Opry, and the incredible journey that has taken her from an independent artist submitting herself to CMA Fest to performing on the Dr Pepper Amp Stage, one of the festival's biggest stages.

Tony and Shaylen also explore the importance of believing in yourself, embracing every opportunity, and continuing to push forward despite setbacks. Along the way, the interview takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious series of flickering lights creates a memorable "poltergeist" moment during the conversation.

From songwriting and live performances to career milestones and personal growth, Shaylen shares the lessons she's learned while building a loyal fanbase and establishing herself as one of country music's exciting new voices.

If you're a fan of country music, Nashville singer-songwriters, female country artists, CMA Fest, artist success stories, and authentic music conversations, this interview offers an inside look at Shaylen's remarkable journey and what's next for her career.

About Tony Mendoza

Tony Mendoza is a Nashville-based media personality, host, executive producer, and digital storyteller. He is the creator and host of Heart of the Gulch, where he has interviewed hundreds of country music artists, entertainers, and industry leaders while covering major events including CMA Fest and Country Radio Seminar. His work focuses on authentic storytelling, artist development, and the evolving landscape of country music.

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