As we prepare to gather around the table this Thanksgiving, I'm taking a moment to reflect on what an incredible year 2025 has been for Keep Traditional Country Alive and the Picker of the Month series. What started as an idea to shine a light on the unsung heroes of traditional country music has grown into something far more meaningful than I could have imagined.
This year, I've had the chance to get to know and share with the world some of the most talented pedal steel players whom are in their primes and are destined for amazing things. Each conversation was a masterclass in dedication, artistry, and the pure love of the craft.
TO THE FEATURED PLAYERS:
Kevin Skrla – You kicked off this series and set the bar high. Your insights into the technical side of steel guitar, combined with your stories from the road, gave readers a real understanding of what it takes to be a working steel player in today's traditional country scene. Thank you for being willing to be the first and for trusting this platform.
Muskrat Jones – Your passion is infectious, brother. The way you talked about the instrument, your journey, and your commitment to keeping the traditional sound alive resonated with so many people. Your willingness to open up and share the real story behind the music made for one of the most engaging features we've published.
Caleb Melo – Your technical knowledge and the way you approach the steel as both an art form and a calling gave readers something special. Thank you for taking the time to answer those curveball questions and for diving deep into topics that most players don't get asked about. Your feature showed people what separates good players from great ones.
Adam Goodale – Closing out the year with your story will be the perfect way to cap off 2025. Your perspective on the industry, your approach to the instrument, and your journey through traditional country music provided insights that our audience won't forget. Thank you for your time, your honesty, and for being such a strong advocate for the steel guitar.
Special Shoutout to Preston Turner from the David Lewis camp. He was the one and only On Tour feature we did this year, and I could not ask for a nicer person to reach out to for that opportunity. Him and David's whole camp welcomed me in with open arms and were happy to give me whatever I needed to help spread the good word!
TO THE MUSICIANS WHO CONTRIBUTED:
This series wouldn't have been what it became without the voices of your peers and collaborators. To every artist who took time out of their busy touring schedules, recording sessions, and personal lives to contribute comments, perspectives, and quotes for these features – thank you. Your words added layers of depth and credibility that I couldn't have achieved alone.
Brennen Leigh – Your thoughtful insights about Kevin and Muskrat helped readers understand not just their technical ability, but their character and approach to music. Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective on both players. And Congratulations on Don't You Ever Give Up On Love dropping!
Summer Dean – You contributed to all three features we published, offering unique perspectives on Kevin, Muskrat, and Caleb. Your consistent support and willingness to speak to what makes each of these players special has been invaluable. Thank you for being such a champion of these artists. I can't wait to see and hear what you give the fans in 2026!
The Reeves Brothers (Matt and Cole) – Your words about Kevin as both a musician and a friend painted a picture of someone who goes beyond just playing great steel. Thank you for sharing those road stories and for being so generous with your praise.
Bonnie Montgomery – Your description of Wolfe Island Studios and Kevin's collaborative spirit helped readers understand the environment he's created. Thank you for those insights.
JD McPherson – Your perspective on Muskrat and the Tulsa music scene added important context to his story. Thank you for celebrating what makes that community special.
David Miner – That story about meeting Muskrat in Laramie and shutting down every bar in town was gold. Thank you for sharing those memories and your appreciation for his talent.
Colter Wall – Your words about Muskrat's dedication and passion for the instrument carried true weight. Thank you for taking time to contribute to his feature. And Congratulations on Memories and Empties dropping!
Jesse Daniel – Your four years working with Caleb gave you a unique perspective on his growth as a player and a person. Thank you for sharing those insights and for speaking so highly of him. 2026 is going to be a killer year for you and your camp sir, can't wait to see what is in the fold.
Jerry Zinn (West of Texas) – Your prediction that Caleb's name will be mentioned alongside the steel guitar legends was powerful. Thank you for contributing to his story.
Ben Arsenault – Your specific example of how Caleb elevated "Never Been the Boss" helped readers understand his intuitive approach. Thank you for that contribution.
Paul Melo – As Caleb's father, your perspective was both moving and enlightening. Thank you for reaching out, for sharing your pride, and for raising a son who understands what this music means.
You didn't have to respond to my emails or take my calls, but you did. You understood the mission: to give these steel players the recognition they deserve and to educate fans about the artistry that goes into every note they play. That kind of community support is what makes traditional country music different from the corporate Nashville machine. The fact that so many respected musicians in this scene believed in what we're doing here means everything.
TO OUR COMMUNITY:
To our 340,000+ followers; you are the heartbeat of this platform. Your comments, shares, messages, and unwavering passion for real country music are what fuel everything we do. You've shown up for these features, engaged with the content, and proven that there's a massive audience hungry for substance over flash. You're not just passive followers, you're advocates for a sound and a culture that refuses to die. Every time you share a post, every time you introduce someone to a new artist, every time you choose traditional country over whatever Nashville's algorithm is pushing, you're keeping this music alive.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026:
As we head into the new year, the mission isn't changing... if anything, it's expanding and evolving in ways that have me more excited than ever.
During this time, I will be graduating with my Associates in UI/UX Design (Website/App Development) and moving into my Bachelors, and will be just as busy in my personal life, as my music life, but the grind never stops!
The Picker of the Month series will continue with even more in-depth features on the players who deserve recognition. I'm refining my approach, asking better questions, and digging deeper into what makes these artists tick. Expect more behind-the-scenes stories, more technical insights, and more spotlight on the people who make traditional country music sound the way it should.
Also expect more than just Pedal Steel Players in the future!
But beyond that, I have a couple of special things in the works. I can't reveal all the details just yet, but let's just say that 2026 is going to see us take our celebration of pedal steel guitar to a whole new level. It's ambitious, it's going to involve some of the best players in the game, and it's going to be something the traditional country community has never seen before.
I'm also expanding my passion into the artist management realm through True to Tradition Management (a.k.a Triple-T Management) partnering with John-Carter from Honky Tonk Traditions to help independent artists who refuse to compromise their sound for mainstream acceptance.
The goal is simple: Help build careers for artists who want it, aren't afraid to chase it, and aren't afraid to be told "no", with any and every means outside the corporate Nashville system.
This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for every person who believed in this vision.
For the players who trusted me with their stories.
For the musicians who supported this work.
For the fans who showed up every single month to read, learn, and celebrate these artists.
Here's to preserving what matters.
Here's to supporting the artists who refuse to compromise.
And here's to a 2026 that's going to push this mission even further.
From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.
***Something I have NEVER done, but a few months ago I started a BuyMeACoffee, if you wish to help financially support KTCA to help me push out eve better content in 2026 the link is here. https://buymeacoffee.com/keeptcalive***
Please DO NOT feel like you have to, this is the first time I have ever posted this link ANYWHERE just truly because I have had people ask before where they could send donations!
Stay traditional,
Rusty