BOBBYCAST - Flatland Cavalry Lead Singer Cleto Cordero on Overcoming Stage Fright and Forming the Band
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “BOBBYCAST - Flatland Cavalry Lead Singer Cleto Cordero on Overcoming Stage Fright and Forming the Band” inside PodZeus.
Cleto Cordero, lead singer of Flatland Cavalry, joins The Bobbycast to share his journey from a small-town Texas upbringing to building a cult-like following and achieving over a billion streams. He discusses overcoming stage fright, the unconventional path of his band's rise—from playing empty rooms in Lubbock to selling out arenas with Luke Combs—while emphasizing the importance of persistence, authenticity, and trusting the process. Cleto reflects on the emotional power of music, citing John Mayer’s 'Stop This Train' as a pivotal moment that made him feel seen, and shares how his faith in songwriting, family support, and spiritual synchronicity guided him. He also opens up about the business side of music, including managing finances, hiring professionals, and the existential shift of moving to Nashville while staying true to his roots. Throughout, he champions resilience, vulnerability, and the idea that 'just keep going' through adversity—both on stage and in life.
Trust the process: Success often comes from consistent effort over time, not overnight fame.
Stage fright is real, but you don’t need substances to overcome it—just show up and keep going.
Your first audience is often your family and friends; honor them, even when the room is empty.
Financial literacy is essential in music—hire professionals early to avoid existential crises.
Authenticity beats perfection: The best art comes from vulnerability, not polish.
Introduction and Guest Intro
Bobby Bones introduces the episode with a montage of iHeartRadio podcast promos before welcoming Cleto Cordero, lead singer of Flatland Cavalry, and highlighting the band's journey from Texas road trips to global success.
Cleto’s Roots and Naming Story
Cleto shares his family background, explaining how he was named after his grandfather and how his wife and he named their daughter after her father, creating a meaningful cycle of legacy.
The Power of Music and Reading
Cleto discusses his love for metaphysical books like 'The Game of Life' and 'The Wisdom of Florence Scovel Shin,' and how fiction—especially Steinbeck and Hemingway—became a form of emotional nourishment after years of nonfiction.
The Band’s Unconventional Rise
Cleto recounts how Flatland Cavalry started as a college band in Lubbock, touring Texas towns and gradually expanding to the West Coast, building a fanbase one show at a time.
The First Concert That Changed Everything
“I remember, uh, stupidly, I get two songs. I said, can I write a song for the event? She's like, sure. And I have you ever written one? I'm like, no. So I remember I used to clean pools with my friend Roy Johnson... I said, man, I can't go clean pools with you today. I got to go finish this song.”
“Just keep going. If you don't stop, like, you can still achieve. So, yeah, you ever have a show where you think, man, that show sucked? But then people come up to you like, dude, that was awesome.”
“I remember just literally like, please God, don't let me embarrass myself. Let this go as good as it can go.”
“I remember, uh, stupidly, I get two songs. I said, can I write a song for the event? She's like, sure. And I have you ever written one? I'm like, no. So I remember I used to clean pools with my friend Roy Johnson... I said, man, I can't go clean pools with you today. I got to go finish this song.”
Host
Guest
Cleto Cordero
person
Flatland Cavalry
other
Bobby Bones
person
Caitlin Butts
person
Randy Rogers
person
John Mayer
person
Nashville
place
Willie Nelson
person
Steve Martin
person
Lubbock
place
BOBBYCAST - Bobby & Eddie Vote on the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!
The Bobby Bones Show • 31m • 3/31/2026
TUES PT 1: Bobby Did Something With His Daughter For The First Time + Did Lunchbox Get A New Job? + Awkward Barking Dog Situation
The Bobby Bones Show • 49m • 3/31/2026
TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD (TUES) Amy’s Paycheck Issue And Eddie Lost His Wallet
The Bobby Bones Show • 23m • 3/31/2026
TUES PT 2: Did Lunchbox Get On 'The Price is Right'?...We Find Out! + Cops Thought Bobby Was Lying
The Bobby Bones Show • 58m • 3/31/2026
Lots to Say: New Dad Duties, Owners Meetings, and Clutch Moments!
The Bobby Bones Show • 58m • 4/1/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “BOBBYCAST - Flatland Cavalry Lead Singer Cleto Cordero on Overcoming Stage Fright and Forming the Band” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime