Texas Queen of Country Music Bri Bagwell Talks Vans, Vocals, and a Chihuahua Named Whiskey

By Kristina, NWKS Radio

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to interview Texas Female Artist of the Decade in her natural habitat, let me set the scene: August 1, 2025, Central Station in Dodge City, Kansas. The rain stayed away this time, so I finally got to see a full Bri Bagwell show after her 2023 Central Station set was cut short. She and “The Banned” (yes, that’s what they call themselves) opened for Micky and the Motorcars at Dodge City Days, and it was worth the two-year wait.

After the show, I climbed aboard Bri’s RV—her new home on the road since retiring the cursed Sprinter van—and was immediately greeted by Whiskey, her 13-pound chihuahua-bulldog-terrier mix with the personality of a diva and the ears of a professional roadie. “If you hear yawning or sighing, it’s not me—it’s her,” Bri laughed as Whiskey settled into her lap. In true Bri fashion, drinks and snacks were offered immediately. The band drifted in and out during the interview, listening in as we swapped stories.

Life on the Road… and Repairs

Bagwell is no stranger to the grind of touring, playing over 150 shows a year and racking up more road miles than a long-haul trucker. She’s learned a few things along the way—mostly about how not to travel.“That van almost ended my career,” she said of her old Sprinter. “One year I spent $23,000 on repairs. Twenty-three thousand! Now, with this Ford RV? No problems. Mostly bought it for my dog, but, you know… my band gets to ride in it too.”

The RV is more than just wheels; it’s a rolling sanctuary for both Bri and Whiskey. “She has separation anxiety, so I used to keep her on stage. Someone told me it was bad for her ears, so I bought her these expensive headphones from Amazon. Turns out she loves them,” Bri grinned. “She’s basically the most spoiled road dog in America.” And Bri isn't the only one spoiling Whiskey, guys from The Banned had her out in the audience listening to Micky and the Motorcars and visiting VIP ticket holders for awhile.

The Music Keeps Coming

Bagwell’s been busy in the studio too. She recently released “Hit the Highway,” a rockin’ road anthem born from 20 years of crisscrossing the country. “They say write what you know,” she told me. “And I know the road.” Another new track, “Show Me,” is a sultry number I got to preview before its release. “I knew you’d like it,” she laughed after seeing my reaction. “We’re going to have people making out on their lunch breaks.” I can't wait for it's release to share it with you on my show Lunchtime on 97.9 (Tuesdays from noon to 1 on FlyOver Country 97.9)

And there’s more coming. In early 2026, she’ll release “Texas 20,” a not-quite-greatest-hits collection featuring 14 number ones and fan favorites like her Kylie Frey duet “Girls Just Wanna Fun.”

A Career That’s Pure Country Royalty

Bri Bagwell’s stats read like a Texas country music fairy tale:

• 14 #1 singles on the Texas Radio Chart (latest: “Ain’t That Love”)

• 9 wins for Female Vocalist of the Year

• Texas Female Artist of the Decade award

• Shared stages with Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert, Dwight Yoakam, Kacey Musgraves, and more

  
  

People Magazine even grouped her with Ashley McBryde and Morgan Wade as one of country music’s “truth-tellers.”

Quick-Fire Bri

In true radio style, I hit her with some rapid-fire questions:

• Turkey or roast beef? “Roast beef. Not a turkey fan.”

• Skinny jeans or bootcut? “Skinny—for me. Bootcut for the guys.”

• Superpower wish? “Never lose my voice, no matter how late I stay up. Basically, I want Stoney LaRue’s vocal cords.”

• Beauty essential? “Eyelashes. They go on, and I’m good.”

Keeping It Real

Bagwell knows the world is changing—AI music, digital everything—but she’s doubling down on authenticity. “People still want live music. They want something real. And when you give it to them, you can feel it—it’s like they’ve been craving it.”

Between the laughter, the dog hair, and the snack offers, one thing was clear: Bri Bagwell is still hitting the highway, still making music that matters, and still making every interview feel like you’re just two friends hanging out in an RV… with a little dog wearing headphones.

You can find her music, tour dates, and podcast Only Vans at BriBagwell.com—and no, she will never DM you to sell you an ugly T-shirt.

Hear the full audio interview here: