Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Music Row

Tenille Townes drops by Music Row to chat with Leake about recording music on a train, County Music Hall of Fame inspiration and how much she spent on Uber to fix a cheap shower piece on the tour bus. Plus, news on Boots and Hearts, Chayce Beckham, and Owen Riegling. We also give a quick update on a  few shows you might want to check out in the next couple weeks.

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Singer songwriter CCMA winner Aaron Goodvin drop by Music Row to talk writing, his early days in Nashville, sobriety, and how he can't line dance. Plus we will give a music industry update, along with some bands on tour that you might want to check out.

Owen Riegling grew up in small town Ontario, started playing guitar when hew was 10 and nobody knew about it until later in high school. Hear how he put the guitar down for years and eventually found it again with a passion to get better. Owen won the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist program in 2022, and went on to sign a full deal with the record label Universal Music. Owen also talks about how he would cover the Tragically Hip when starting out in the bars and how Chief by Eric Church had a massive influence on him. 

Join us as SiriusXM Satellite Radio Host and all-around awesome guy, Buzz Brainard, shares his journey from the early days of studying broadcasting in college to gracing the stage as an actor. Buzz takes us through his remarkable path that led him to Nashville, where he now hosts one of the biggest country radio programs in the world. Discover how it all started and how it's going in this captivating chat with Buzz Brainard.

Wyatt Flores drops by music row to discuss songwriting, the ranch back in Oklahoma, how he trusts his friends judgement in his songs and more. Leake also talks about the CMA Awards, the CCMA announcement, County Thunder and bands you should see on tour.

Australian country star James Johnston drop by Music Row to chat about songwriting, playing shows in South Africa, and some stereo typical things that you should do when you visit Australia. We also chat with Patrick Guay from Montreal's Lasso Festival and why you should go in 2025. Leake also brings you the latest on tour info, plus a CMA, and Grammy Awards update.

In this episode, Emmett Jerome shares his inspiring story of moving from southern Alberta to Vancouver during the pandemic. Initially focused on building houses and attending school, Emmitt found his true passion playing live music. His talent caught the attention of 604 Records, which eventually ended up leading to a record deal. Tune in as Emmitt discusses his career evolution, musical influences, and memorable busking experiences. Plus, enjoy a special performance of his latest track, "Rocky Mountain Son."

Singer-songwriter Andrew Hyatt drops in on Music Row. Andrew, a Canadian Country Music Award winner and the recipient of the SiriusXM Top of the Country award, has recently released a new EP titled L is For.... We'll be diving into his journey, discussing the ups and downs artists often face once a tour wraps up, building an audience, writing for himself, and his experiences touring with TJ Miller and Shawn Austin on the Mixtape Tour. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation with Andrew Hyatt as he shares his experiences, inspirations, and the stories behind his latest work.

In this captivating episode of Music Row, we delve into the remarkable journey of Conner Smith, a prodigious talent who penned his first song at the tender age of six and secured a music deal at a young age. Smith's career reached a historic milestone in 2024, when his single "Creek Will Rise" soared to the top of the UK Country Airplay chart, making him the first artist to achieve this feat.

Join us as Conner shares the stories behind his music and expresses his deep love for Nashville, the city that has shaped his musical career. Discover the inspirations that drive his songwriting and the experiences that have defined his rise to stardom. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his music, this episode offers an intimate look into the life and passion of Conner Smith. 

Tune in for an unforgettable conversation with one of country music's brightest stars!

In this captivating episode of "Music Row," host Jeff Leake sits down with the multitalented Cameron Whitcomb to explore the remarkable highs and lows of his musical journey. From the humble beginnings of his career, Cameron shares candid stories of working on the pipeline, a job that molded his work ethic and resilience. He opens up about his courageous battle with sobriety, shedding light on how music has played a pivotal role in overcoming his addiction. 

Listeners will get an inside look at Cameron's unique path to fame, including how he garnered attention by posting songs on Reddit. These moments of vulnerability and creativity ultimately led him to the spotlight on "American Idol," where his performances captured the hearts of viewers.

Join us on this episode of "Music Row" for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of persistence, the importance of mental health, and the incredible journey of a musician who has truly walked the road less traveled.

Tune in for an unforgettable episode filled with insights, laughter, and the real stories behind the music.

In this episode of the Music Row Podcast, host Jeff Leake sits down with Jake Worthington as he discusses tour vans breaking down, becoming a father to a newborn, his time on The Voice, and growing up in La Porte, Texas.

In this episode, host Jeff Leake sits down with rising country star Mackenzie Carpenter to discuss her journey from small-town Georgia to the heart of Nashville’s music scene. Mackenzie opens up about growing up in a musical family, the moment she made the decision to move to Nashville, and writing with Lily Rose and Megan Moroney.

On the Music Row Podcast, hosted by Leake, JoJo Mason joined as a guest to discuss the exciting Country Night Across Canada Tour with Steven Lee Olsen. JoJo shared insights about his journey in music, his passion for connecting with fans, and his experiences touring alongside Steven Lee Olsen. 

In this captivating episode of the Music Row Podcast, host Leake welcomes Brandon Wisham to share his inspiring journey in the country music scene. Brandon opens up about the transformative moment of being discovered by rising country star Bailey Zimmerman, a pivotal point that set his career into motion. Together, they delve into Brandon’s path to success, his approach to crafting impactful music, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Stephen Wilson Jr. joins Leake on the Music Row Podcast for an unforgettable conversation! Dive into Stephen's journey from rural Indiana to the heart of Nashville, where he transitioned from a career in microbiology to becoming a celebrated singer-songwriter. They discuss the emotional depth of his debut album Søn of Dad, the influence of his late father, and how boxing became a therapeutic outlet for his creative mind.

In this episode of The Music Row podcast, host Jeff Leake sits down with the talented Christian Hayes. Hayes shares his journey from growing up in Rome, Georgia, to becoming a rising star in the music industry. AI Buddy drops by for some music news and some bands worth checking out live over the next few weeks.

In this episode of "The Leake in Review," host Leake sits down with rising country music star Kashus Culpepper. They dive into Kashus's journey from discovering his voice in church at a young age to making his debut at the Grand Ole Opry. Leake and Kashus also explore the triumphs of his rapid rise in the music industry. Tune in for an insightful and heartfelt conversation with one of country music's most promising new talents.

In this episode of the Music Row Podcast, host Leake welcomes the talented singer-songwriter Dalton Davis. Dalton shares his journey from his early days riding bulls to becoming a successful musician. He discusses the challenges and joys of being a singer-songwriter, and how he stays grounded and enjoys the ride, even when opening for big names like Midland and Dwight Yoakam.

In this episode, Leake provides an in-depth analysis of the 2025 Juno Award nominees, highlighting standout artists like Josh Ross, and Tyler Joe Miller, Dallas Smith and Mackenzie Porter. He shares his predictions on who might take home JUNOs awards and discusses the significance of this year's nominations. Special guest Chayce Beckham drops in to chat about his essential items for life on tour, plus the right piece of heavy equipment for everyone. 

Today's guest on Music Row is Devin Cooper—a prolific songwriter who, in 2024, released his 22-song album, Good Things: Deluxe Edition. But beyond his musical talent, Devin is an extraordinary giver.

Check this out: He started working for Alberta Health at just seven years old, founded a charity event that has now raised over $100,000 for Alzheimer’s research and care, and even donated 80% of his liver to his father.

When you hear Devin speak, you can truly sense that he’s part of a community much bigger than just music. His drive and dedication are nothing short of inspiring—he’s got an unstoppable motor. Maybe it all started when his mom took him to see Nickelback at six years old.

In this exciting episode of Music Row Podcast, country music star Jess Moskaluke sits down with Leake for a deep dive into her journey, her latest music, upcoming Life for Me tour, social media's impact and doing your own nails. 

In this engaging interview, Niko Moon opens up about several fascinating topics. He discusses his approach to wellness and how he prioritizes mental and physical health while touring, drawing wisdom from his time with Zac Brown—the experience he humorously refers to as “the school of Zac Brown.” Niko also talks about his charitable work through the Happy Cowboy Foundation, highlighting its mission to support communities in need. On a lighter note, Niko shares his excitement about Stagecoach Festival and reveals the artists he's most looking forward to seeing there. He also teases fans with insights about his new album, offering a glimpse into the creative process behind his music.

It's a heartfelt and inspiring episode that blends personal stories, music industry insights, and a touch of humor.

On this episode, Dallas Smith joins the program to discuss another No. 1 single on the country music charts, what he looks for in young talent, and his early days as an artist—quickly rising to tour the world and sell millions of albums.

This week on the Music Row Podcast, host Jeff Leake welcomes Nate Haller, one of Canada's rising country stars. Known for his energetic performances and distinct vocals, Nate shares insights into his journey from session musician to solo artist, writing music in Nashville and more.

This week on Music Row Podcast, Leake sits down with Canadian singer-songwriter Kyle McKearney to discuss his latest album. Kyle opens up about his journey from his early days in music to the experience of touring with the Queen musical We Will Rock You. He shares stories from the road, creative inspirations, and crafting his sound.

This week on Music Row Podcast, host Leake welcomes The Band Loula, featuring Malachi and Logan, for an engaging discussion about their journey, sound, and their current tour with Dierks Bentley. From behind-the-scenes tour stories to insights on their evolving sound, it’s a conversation music lovers won’t want to miss.

June 2025

Jun. 12 – Toronto, ON

Jun. 14 – Tinley Park, IL

Jun. 19 – Chula Vista, CA

Jun. 20 – Phoenix, AZ

Jun. 21 – Albuquerque, NM

Jun. 26 – Los Angeles, CA

Jun. 27 – Wheatland, CA

Jun. 28 – Mountain View, CA

July 2025

Jul. 10 – Virginia Beach, VA

Jul. 11 – Bristow, VA

Jul. 12 – Mansfield, MA

Jul. 18 – Cincinnati, OH

Jul. 19 – Noblesville, IN

Jul. 31 – Salt Lake City, UT

August 2025

Aug. 1 – Nampa, ID

Aug. 7 – Camden, NJ

Aug. 8 – Raleigh, NC

Aug. 9 – Charlotte, NC

Aug. 14 – Buffalo, NY

Aug. 15 – Holmdel, NJ

Aug. 16 – Bethel, NY

Aug. 21 – Savannah, GA

Aug. 22 – Birmingham, AL

Aug. 23 – Biloxi, MS

Aug. 24 – Gainesville, GA (Smithgall Arts Center)

Aug. 28 – New York, NY

Aug. 29 – Burgettstown, PA

Aug. 30 – Clarkston, MI

This week, The Music Row Podcast goes full throttle with Leake as he welcomes the high-octane country-rock powerhouse, The Road Hammers. Known for their electrifying sound and outlaw spirit, the band dives into the evolution of their music, and the road-tested wisdom they've gathered along the way.

The band also shares a story about playing a gig in southern Ontario when a massive power outage hit the entire region. Undeterred, they fired up a few generators and delivered a special set—one that lucky fans who were there still reminisce about today.

On this week’s Music Row, Dierks Bentley sits down for an honest, roots-deep conversation about his latest journey—The Broken Branches Tour and the album that inspired it. Dierks opens up about the album's collaborators and his ongoing feud with the band Hot Country Knights.

On this episode of the Music Row Podcast, Jeff Leake sits down with rising country star Tucker Wetmore to talk about his debut album What Not To and the journey that shaped it. From heartbreak ballads to party anthems like “Brunette” and “Drinkin’ Boots,” Tucker opens up about the lessons learned through loss, ambition, and football. It’s an honest, high-energy conversation with one of country’s boldest new voices, blending raw emotion with a rock-solid sense of identity.

On this episode of the Music Row Podcast with Leake, Mallory Johnson dives deep into the making of her latest album Over the Party. She opens up about the emotional weight behind the songs, talks about a family of touring musicians and bridesmaid dresses. 

This week on the Music Row Podcast with Leake, country artist Kalsey Kulyk joins the show to share her journey of resilience and creativity. She recounts life on the road during COVID, touring in a retrofitted van while keeping her music alive, and opens up about the lessons she learned from working with Niko Moon. From songwriting insights to the stories behind her sound, it’s an episode packed with heart, hustle, and harmony.

In this episode, James Barker sits down with Jeff Leake to unpack the band’s new album One of Us—a bold, hook-filled tribute to small-town roots, heartbreak, and the kind of nights that end with a chorus and a cold beer. But it’s not all studio talk. James recounts a now-legendary moment from their European tour—a heated argument over a burrito in Germany.

In this episode, we sit down with the Jack Wharff Band - Big Machine’s newest breakout act - to talk about their rise from viral TikTok moments to headlining stages across the country. The band opens up about meeting each other at an open mic, tour life, their fusion of country, rock, and bluegrass, and the stories behind the songs that are turning heads in Nashville and beyond.

In this heartfelt and gritty episode, Johnny Van Zant joins host Jeff Leake to reflect on his decades-long journey with Lynyrd Skynyrd, the legacy of Southern rock, and the personal weight of carrying his late brother Ronnie’s torch. The conversation dives into the band’s resilience through tragedy, reinvention, and cultural shifts, with Johnny sharing stories from the road, the studio, and the soul of Skynyrd’s music.

This week on The Music Row Podcast, host Jeff Leake sits down with rising country star Carter Faith for an intimate conversation ahead of her debut album, Cherry Valley, dropping October 2025. Carter opens up about her journey into country music, and what it's like travelling with her band.

In this special episode of Countdown to Lasso, host Jeff Leake gears up for the 2025 LASSO Montréal Festival, Canada’s premier country music celebration. We sit down with Patrick Guay from evenko, the promoter behind the festival, to get the inside scoop on what fans can expect this year—from the headliners to the hidden gems.

You’ll also hear exclusive interview clips from some of the rising stars hitting the stage, including:

Kashus Kulpepper, who discovered his love for guitar while stationed in Spain during COVID

Tucker Wetmore, Wyatt Flores, and Cameron Whitcomb, each bringing their own unique sound and story to Montreal

Whether you're a die-hard country fan or just curious about the festival vibe, this episode sets the tone for an unforgettable weekend of music, community, and cowboy boots.

LASSO Festival runs August 15–16, 2025, with LASSO in the City kicking things off on August 14.

In this episode of the Music Row Podcast, we’re gearing up for Canada’s biggest country music celebration—Boots and Hearts Festival! From what to expect to what to pack, we’ve got your festival survival guide ready. Plus, we hear from some of the standout artists lighting up the stage this year, including Dallas Smith, Cameron Whitcomb, Stephen Wilson Jr., Mackenzie Carpenter, Owen Riegling, and Andrew Hyatt. Whether you're camping under the stars or just coming for the music, this episode sets the tone for an unforgettable weekend.

In this episode of Music Row Podcast, host Leake sits down with rising country artist Callum Kerr for a candid conversation about songwriting, storytelling, and the road ahead. Callum opens up about moving from Scotland to Texas, acting, Dustin Lynch, the Grand Ole Opry and his new EP Roots Under Me.

They dive into the highs and lows of life on tour, the creative process behind curating emotionally honest music, and how Callum balances artistry with authenticity. Plus, Leake breaks down the week’s biggest country headlines—from Miranda Lambert’s flood relief efforts to HARDY’s return to his country roots, Riley Green’s ’90s revival, and Elle King’s journey toward redemption.

In this episode, host Leake sits down with acclaimed music journalist Geoffrey Himes to unpack Willie Nelson: All the Albums, Himes’ sweeping new book that chronicles every solo and collaborative album Willie Nelson has released—from his earliest recordings in the 1950s to his latest work in 2025.

Together, Leake and Himes explore the evolution of Nelson’s sound and spirit, Their conversation dives into the cultural and emotional context behind Nelson’s music, revealing how personal struggles—divorce, death, IRS battles—shaped some of his most powerful work.

In this episode of The Music Row Podcast with Leake, Teigen Gayse opens up about her journey from small town B.C. to Nashville’s neon-lit stages. With charm and honesty, she shares the stories behind her breakout singles, the emotional weight of writing from lived experience, and the hustle it takes to stand out in Canada’s evolving country scene. Leake and Teigen riff on radio play, TikTok traction, and the power of staying true to your roots—even when the industry tries to shape you. It’s a heartfelt, high-energy ride through the making of a modern country artist.

Country artist Josh Ross joins the Music Row Podcast to reflect on his journey from football fields to festival stages, fresh off winning Entertainer and Single of the Year at the 2025 CCMAs. Ross talks about the importance of authenticity, buying a new house so he can cut the grass, and how he co-wrote over half of later tonight and listened to over one thousand tracks that were pitched to him for the remain cuts on the release.

Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Josh Ross, this episode is a heartfelt ride through the making of a modern country storyteller. 

In this episode of Music Row Podcast, host Leake sits down with rising country artist Preston Cooper, one of Big Machine’s freshest signings out of Nashville. The conversation dives deep into Preston’s gritty songwriting roots, being the singing mailman and about finally taking the giant leap into country music. 

On this episode of Music Row, we sit down with Kashus Culpepper—an artist whose debut album Act I drops this January and promises to shake up the scene. Kashus brings raw honesty, cinematic ambition, and a voice that’s ready to be heard. We talk about the making of Act I, the mindset behind the music, and the people he dreams of meeting—from icons to collaborators. This is more than an album—it’s the opening act of a career built on purpose, passion, and possibility.

Act I Tracklist

1. Intro (Kashus Culpepper, Jordan Dozzi, Jacob Durrett)
2. Southern Man (feat. Marcus King) (Kashus Culpepper, Bear Rinehart)
3. Alabama Beauty Queen (Kashus Culpepper, Luke Preston, Diego Urias)
4. Woman (Kashus Culpepper, Anderson East)
5. Break Me Like (Kashus Culpepper, Grady Block, Hank Compton)
6. Believe(Kashus Culpepper, Foy Vance)
7. Stay(Kashus Culpepper, Jordan Dozzi, Jacob Durrett)
8. Mean To Me (Kashus Culpepper, Oscar Charles, Diego Urias, Matt Warren)
9. Broken Wing Bird (feat. Sierra Ferrell) (Kashus Culpepper, Brian Elmquist)
10. Better Weather (Kashus Culpepper, Luke Preston)
11. That's The Feeling (Kashus Culpepper, Brian Elmquist)
12. Man Of His Word (Kashus Culpepper, Natalie Hemby)
13. In Her Eyes (Kashus Culpepper, Brent Cobb, Oscar Charles)
14. Is It True (Kashus Culpepper, Rhett Akins, Rocky Block)
15. After Me? (Kashus Culpepper, Mark Addison Chandler)
16. Out Of My Mind (Kashus Culpepper, Brian Elmquist)
17. House On A Hill (Kashus Culpepper, Rhett Akins, Jimi Bell)
18. Cherry Rose (Kashus Culpepper, Mikky Ekko, Brian Elmquist)

In this episode, Leake welcomes 24-year-old Cole Goodwin, the gravel-voiced country artist recently signed to Big Machine Records. Cole opens up about growing up in Pooler, Georgia, crafting his self-produced EP Soon Enough, living in GA and working in Nashville.

Website: colegoodwinmusic.com

Instagram: @colegoodwinmusic

Facebook: facebook.com/colegoodwinmusic

YouTube: youtube.com/@colegoodwinmusic

TikTok: @colegoodwinmusic

Nov 4–5, 2025 – Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN

Nov 22, 2025 – St. Pete Country Fest, United Central, FL

Dec 3, 2025 – Winnsboro Music Hall, Winnsboro, TX

Apr 11, 2026 – Tortuga Music Festival, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Jul 10, 2026 – Budweiser Stage, Toronto, ON (with Luke Bryan)

Jul 11, 2026 – Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Sarah Vanderzon opens up about growing up south of Montreal and how her introverted nature shaped her early musical experiences. Despite her shyness, she found confidence through songwriting and performance,

republiclive.com/sarah-vanderzon

paquinentertainment.com/artist/sarah

youtube.com/sarahvdzon

In this heartfelt episode of the Music Row Podcast, host Jeff Leake sits down with Canadian country singer-songwriter Kelsi Mayne for an intimate conversation about life's highs, lows, and the music that emerges from it all.

Kelsi opens up about the painful end of a long-term relationship that unraveled after the wedding dress had already been purchased, sharing the raw emotions and personal growth that followed calling off the wedding. She also reflects on an unexpected new romance that brought its own share of drama, adding unexpected twists to her journey.

The discussion turns to her athletic past, as Kelsi credits her time running track and field in college—where she was a nationally ranked sprint-hurdler—for instilling the discipline and resilience that have fueled her music career. She explains how those lessons on the track translate to the grind of songwriting and performing as an independent artist.

Throughout the episode, Kelsi dives into the creative process, revealing how these experiences have inspired her latest songs. From heartbreak anthems to empowering tracks, she shares stories behind the music that's helping her move forward, including glimpses into her recent releases and what's coming next.

https://kelsimayne.com/home

In this heartfelt episode of On Music Row, Canadian country legend Gord Bamford sits down with host Joins Leake to unpack an unforgettable 2025. Gord discusses his touring business, the Bamford Foundation plus the possible pitfalls of playing some of Canada's major country festivals.

In this heartfelt and high-energy episode, Jeff Leake sits down with the Hunter Brothers for a deep dive into their uniquely Canadian journey from hockey rinks and harvest fields to country music stardom.

Recorded in November, the brothers reflect on their sold-out Homegrown Nights Tour, share behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road, and open up about the family dynamics that fuel their harmonies and hustle.

Expect laughs, grit, and gratitude as they talk songwriting, sibling synergy, and what’s next for their evolving sound heading into 2026.

www.hunterbrothers.com

Homegrown Nights Tour

Nov 23, 2025 – Yorkton, SK – Anne Portnuff Theatre

Nov 24, 2025 – Red Deer, AB – Memorial Centre

Nov 25, 2025 – Calgary, AB – Bella Concert Hall

Nov 27, 2025 – Regina, SK – Conexus Arts Centre

Nov 28, 2025 – Edmonton, AB – Winspear Centre

Nov 29, 2025 – Lloydminster, AB – Vic Juba Community Theatre

Nov 30, 2025 – Saskatoon, SK – TCU Place

Jun 25, 2026 – Dauphin, MB – Dauphin’s Countryfest

A year without releasing music is almost unheard of for today’s artists, especially one with a resume as impressive as Robyn Ottolini’s. But for the platinum-selling trucker’s daughter from Uxbridge, Ontario, stepping back was essential to moving forward. Now fully and blissfully independent, with new management, a fresh perspective, and a collection of electrifying songs on the way, Ottolini is not just ready for her proverbial closeup – she’s writing, directing, producing and starring in it herself.

“I love a good country song about a cowboy, but I’ve never been able to write one because quite frankly, I’ve never met one,” Ottolini laughs. “I found a way to still sing about them in a sense, while paying homage to the guys that I do know a thing or two about: the blue-collar, steadfast fellas that give unconditional love and work their butts off,” she says, neatly summarizing the song’s goosebump-raising coda: “I don’t think I’m missing out/’Cause I sure like my view/Everybody’s singin’ about cowboys/But I’m just singin’ bout you.”