Country Minute Podcast

James sat down with Shane McAnally at CMA Fest, and somehow captured lightning in a bottle. We chased this interview for nearly a full year, and Shane did not disappoint. This is, by far, one of the most personal conversations we've had on this show.Shane was just named the second greatest living country songwriter by Rolling Stone. But we start where it all began that week: his brand new one-man show, Hits & Giggles, which we caught at Zanies in Nashville. Shane talks about how the show came together, the nerves of hitting the road without a padded crowd, and why he insists on that piano being on stage.From there it's pure songwriting. Learning to navigate Sam Hunt's train of thought writing style. How Kacey Musgraves showed him it was okay not to give a damn. The quiet sadness inside "American Kids" that most people miss until someone points it out. And what song he'd play for his 2008 self if he could.Shane also gets honest about losing the joy in his career chasing commercial success, and why he's fighting to get it back. That part, honestly, might be my personal favorite.Follow us on Instagram @country_minute and subscribe wherever you listen for new episodes.

Colby Acuff is the country outsider leading a revolution that is anything but quiet. We sat down with the Idahoan singer-songwriter in the basement of The Intersection in Grand Rapids, Michigan to talk about his headlining tour, his upcoming record, and why he is doing everything opposite this year.Colby just wrapped up a Whiskey Riff March Madness run where he beat Chris Stapleton and Turnpike Troubadours to take the whole thing. He is playing a ton of unreleased music on this tour, leaning into a Southern rock and country rock sound that pulls from CCR, Waylon, Willie, and Bob Seger. The new record was solo written, recorded raw with no vocal tuning, and Colby calls the next single his favorite song on the entire project.We also got into the art direction behind the new era, why he packages serious messages in comedy, the iPhone he passes into the crowd every night so fans can shoot the show, and what it means to find your own measurements of success when you are not chasing the mainstream.New music drops at the end of April.Presented by Country Minute.

James sits down with 2025 Country Minute Rookie of the Year Zach John King backstage at the Blue Gate in Shipshewana, Indiana. Zach opens up about joining Thomas Rhett on the road this fall, the headlining run he's been low-key teasing, and why ticket sales are the only metric that really matters to him. He also breaks news on back-to-back releases coming in just a few weeks, including a Harry Styles cover that was previously Amazon-exclusive. Plus, his honest take on TikTok, balancing the grind with keeping his band's morale intact, and what it looks like to build a catalog that doesn't put fans in a box.Subscribe for more country music interviews, festival coverage, and artist stories every week.#ZachJohnKing #countrymusic #CountryMinute

Gavin Adcock joins Country Minute backstage at US Bank Stadium before night two of Morgan Wallen's Still The Problem tour. Gavin walks us through the debut of his new song Wannabe, his plan to release new music every three weeks, and the next album taking shape. He previews his first arena headlining tour with a 25-foot longhorn stage piece and a drum riser that puts his drummer 15 feet in the air, teases Country Never Dies II, recaps his sold-out Australian run at CMC Rocks, and tells the story behind the caddy suits he and Vincent Mason wore on stage in Minneapolis. Recorded on location in Minneapolis.

Graham Barham joins us backstage at The Intersection in Grand Rapids on the final run of the Whiskey Rain Tour to talk about everything happening in his world right now.From the release of his new single “Break Up (Down)” to the viral success of “Country Music,” Graham opens up about blending country with club energy, paying homage to artists like Sam Hunt and Florida Georgia Line, and why now felt like the right moment to drop this next phase of his sound.We also get into his songwriting success behind the scenes, including cuts with artists like Blake Shelton and Dierks Bentley, plus the story behind “Broken Branches.”

Recorded live at the historic Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor, James sits down with Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE for an honest and reflective conversation ahead of the band’s acoustic tour stop.Bear opens up about why the acoustic shows hit differently, how sitting down on stage changes the energy, and why longtime fans are finally getting to hear songs they’ve been waiting on for years. The two also dive deep into the meaning behind the upcoming album The Long Surrender, a record born out of personal loss, frustration in the studio, fatherhood, faith, and the humbling realization that some things in life simply can’t be controlled.From the vulnerability behind writing “The Long Surrender” in a moment of prayer, to the story of recording in Savannah with producer Dave Cobb, Bear shares how this season of the band feels different — more present, more stripped back, and more open to spontaneity on the road.It’s a conversation about surrender, songwriting, and what happens when the music takes on a life of its own in the hands of fans.If you’ve ever had a NEEDTOBREATHE song become part of your story, this one’s for you.

Josh Meloy has been on my list of artists who could easily take the world by storm given the right opportunity since at least 2022. The Oklahoma native has a knack for deeply personal songwriting and a voice you cannot shake. He spent 2025 releasing a string of singles as opposed to a traditional project, and he's headed into the new year with similar plans. In this conversation, which we recorded at The Intersection in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Josh talks about his ever-evolving approach to promotion as an independent artist. He details how a team of about seven people make everything happen, including how they look to the future and set goals. If you are curious about how country looks and feels outside the label world, this is definitely the conversation for you. Josh is touring this spring with plans to release new music soon. Until then, stream "Bad Habits" when you have a chance.

We last saw Bayker Blankenship in November 2024 at a small festival in Arizona. We were both hundreds of miles from home and unsure of how to adjust to the simmering Southwest heat. He was performing solo at the time, and truth be told, he was one of the first people kind enough to give us time on camera.Fast forward 50 weeks and we reconnected with Bayker Blankenship after our friends at Peanut Patch Boiled Peanuts invited us to the Greenville Country Music Festival. Bayker and his band had just completed a 19-hour drive from Texas, but that didn't stop him from taking a few minutes to discuss his the past year and how he feels about the future. In this brief conversation, Bayker and I dig into what it means to be a young artist today. Bayker now has a band, and together they've traveled the world honing a sound that still feels very raw in the best possible way. He spoke of collaborations, like the one he has with Zach John King earlier in 2025, as well as the inspiration he finds in his current relationship. If you ask me, Bayker Blankenship is the future of country music. He's a true storyteller putting in the work needed to build a strong, lasting career in music. This conversation may be short, but it inspired me to work a little harder. Maybe it'll do the same for you.

Lauren Watkins is redefining what it means to be an artist in country music today. Her new album, In A Perfect World, captures the kind of honesty and confidence that make listeners feel like they’ve known her for years.In this episode of the Country Minute Podcast, we sit down with Watkins to talk about the record and what it’s like growing up inside the genre she loves. Country music has always been full of characters and familiar stories, but Watkins is carving her own lane by writing about real life.Whether it’s buying a mailbox at Home Depot with your spouse or realizing that nobody is coming to save you, she finds meaning in the moments most people overlook. With a group of incredible songwriters helping lift her already powerful voice, In A Perfect World feels like one of the most important albums of 2025. It’s the kind of record that will stick with you long after the last note fades.

Zach John King is our Rookie Of The Year for 2025. Hailing from small town Georgia, ZJK kicked off the year with his infectious single "Slow Down" and proceeded to do the exact opposite. In the last ten months he's released a string of viral singles, as well as a successful EP. He also supported Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Dylan Scott, and Gavin Adcock on various tours, not to mention appearing at many of the genre's biggest festivals. We have not met a single person that isn't rooting for this guy to hit it big, and with songs like "Space" that spotlight doesn't seem too far away. We sat down with Zach John King in Kalamazoo, Michigan in early October while he was on the 'Easy Does It' tour with Dylan Scott. Zach told us about his wild year, from finally getting noticed to trying to keep his head above water, and we end with a brief discussion about what the new year might hold. Zach John King will be supporting Morgan Wallen on his 2026 'Still The Problem' tour. Follow Country Minute across social media for all things country music.

I sat with Parker on his bus at the first-ever Tanglefoot Music Festival in Temple, Texas to talk about his new self-titled album, songwriting, John Prine, and becoming a dad. We dig into the making of the record, why recording in New York with producer Frank Liddell reset his process, and how that focus shaped his best work yet. Parker also explains why he won’t turn fatherhood into “content,” and what it would take for a song about his son to earn a place on an album.We swap favorite John Prine cuts, look ahead at shows, and even laugh about lawns and deer season. Don’t miss this one.Highlights-Why the self-titled album is a creative reset-Songwriting talk and John Prine-Fatherhood, privacy, and art-Touring updates and New Year’s Eve at Dickies ArenaIf you enjoy it, like, comment, and subscribe so we can keep bringing you conversations with country’s biggest names.

90s country icon John Michael Montgomery joins the Country Minute Podcast for a milestone conversation. Recorded at his final Indiana show at The Blue Gate in Shipshewana, this exclusive interview dives into his farewell tour, his upcoming homecoming finale at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, and what it means to bring his career full circle. John Michael opens up about becoming a grandfather, his son Walker Montgomery’s growing career, and even hints at a future collaboration with Walker and his brother Eddie from Montgomery Gentry.If you grew up on classics like I Swear and I Can Love You Like That, you won’t want to miss this rare sit-down with a true 90s country legend.

Dylan Scott might be the most underrated star in mainstream country music. With a string of undeniable hits and a career built on relentless work ethic, Scott has crafted an empire on his own terms. That success gives him both creative freedom and the rare ability to tour alongside his family.Recorded outside his tour bus at Country Jam USA in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, this conversation dives into Scott’s latest album Easy Does It and his upcoming fall tour of the same name. Beyond the music, we explore his family life, business ventures, and the philosophy that fuels everything he does. Inspiring and honest, Dylan Scott proves why he is not just another voice in country music but an artist still on the rise.

Country Minute sits down with honky-tonk legend Mark Chesnutt for an honest conversation about his 40+ years in country music. From chart-topping hits to life as an independent artist, Chesnutt opens up about touring, family, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

It’s not every day you get to sit down with one of country music’s biggest stars, but that’s exactly what happened when we interviewed Cole Swindell aboard his tour bus at Country Jam USA 2025 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.Just hours before headlining the festival, and days before becoming a first-time father, Cole talked with us about his brand new album, Spanish Moss. In this exclusive interview, we cover the inspiration behind the project, how he chooses the right songs, what makes a track a hit, and what he’s looking forward to in the next chapter of his life.With career-defining hits like You Should Be Here and Middle of a Memory, Cole has become one of the most consistent and respected voices in modern country music. This conversation offers insight into his process and passion, just before a major moment in his personal life.This interview is also available on the Country Minute Podcast, streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.If you enjoyed this video, like, comment, and subscribe for more country music interviews, news, and behind-the-scenes stories.#ColeSwindell #SpanishMoss #CountryJamUSA #CountryMusicInterview #CountryMinute

In its purest form, country music is an amalgamation of sounds and ideas pulled together from every corner of life. Whether its pulling from the hymns of Appalachia or the instruments of West Africa, country music is the melting pot of sound, combining truth and storytelling to capture minds and comfort hearts in a way no other genre can replicate. That is a long way of saying that evolution is at the heart of country and always has been. The genre must continue to progress to remain true to its roots, which is exactly why we're talking to Logan Garrett in today's episode. Logan is combining EDM with country music to create something fresh yet familiar which is quickly taking the genre by storm.We caught up with Logan before his set at Friends In Low Places during CMA Fest in Nashville. What followed was one of the more fun and enlightening conversations we've had in recent memory. Enjoy!

John Morgan is the kind of country artist you root for the moment you hear his music—or shake his hand. A humble hitmaker with a knack for lyrics that hit home, John built his Nashville resume writing for stars like Jason Aldean (“The Trouble With A Heartbreak”). Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight with his debut album Carolina Rain (out April 25).We caught up with John backstage at The Intersection in Grand Rapids on March 27 while he was on tour with Chase Matthew. Over the course of 20 honest and insightful minutes, we talked about everything from the stories behind his singles “Kid Myself” and “Crickets,” to co-writing on Jason Aldean’s new record, to finding his tribe of songwriters—and how he balances it all with being a parent.We’ve said this before, but we really mean it this time: this might be the best episode we’ve ever recorded. John Morgan is our new favorite country artist, and after this, he just might be yours too.

Alex Miller first met the world through his time on American Idol, but to call his success a result of that appearance would be a disservice to his incredible work ethic and talent. A Kentucky native whose respect for the genre runs deep, Miller has spent the last several years honing his craft day in and day out, all leading to his (perhaps inevitable) move to Nashville in 2024.Now, Alex is back in the limelight to promote "The Byrd," a collaboration with 90s country icon Tracy Byrd. The story of how these two artists met is a focus of our conversation, which also delves into Alex's upbringing, the role of Kentucky in his music, and his aspirations for the future. We recorded this conversation on February 21 at Country Radio Seminar in Nashville. Be sure to follow along for more interviews coming soon!

With more than 15 million followers across social media, Cooper Alan has built more than just a fanbase—he’s built a community. In a town where chasing hits can feel like a formula, Cooper is carving his own lane by self-releasing music that speaks to real people and real stories—often the ones that go unnoticed.Just hours before taking the stage at The Intersection in Grand Rapids, Cooper sat down with the Country Minute team for a wide-ranging conversation. We talk about new music, life on the road, the fans who’ve fueled his rise, and the intentionality behind crafting an album. He may be keeping future plans close to the chest, but one thing’s for sure—Cooper Alan’s future has never looked brighter.

This episode was completely unexpected. Just a week ago, we had no idea we'd be talking to Tiera Kennedy—let alone for this podcast—but sometimes, the best moments come as surprises.Last Friday, March 28, Laura and I snagged last-minute tickets to see The War & Treaty’s hometown show. Opening the night was Tiera Kennedy, a rising country star we've followed for years but had only seen live once before (opening for Danielle Bradbery). While grabbing dinner before the show, we got an email asking if we wanted to interview Tiera. Assuming they meant sometime next week, we said yes—only to realize they meant tonight.With just 45 minutes until showtime, we grabbed the only microphone we had in the car and rushed to the venue. Tiera’s performance was as incredible as we’d hoped, earning a well-deserved standing ovation. As the crowd cheered, a stage manager whisked us through a side door and into the backstage area—so quickly that we arrived at Tiera’s dressing room before she did (a first for us).With only moments to spare before The War & Treaty took the stage, we made the most of our time, talking about the one-year anniversary of Cowboy Carter (which Tiera worked on), her debut album Rooted, life on the road, and more. It was a brief but inspiring conversation, and we’re so excited to share it with you today.Tiera Kennedy is currently on tour with The War & Treaty, and her debut album, Rooted, is available now wherever you listen to music.

Mark Taylor is living the dream and chasing another. A singer/songwriter whose already years deep into the 'ten year town' of Nashville, Mark is one of our favorite country music underdogs. He's got everything—a powerful voice, creative songwriting, lovable personality, and even his own brand of whiskey. Still, Mark is chasing something bigger, and in this episode we discuss how he's learned to navigate Nashville. That is, until about halfway through when Mark flips the script and decides to interview host James Shotwell! Learn all about Country Minute, as well as our favorite up-and-coming singer/songwriter, all in this one incredible episode!

We’ve been looking forward to this one for a long time! On this episode of the Country Minute Podcast, James sits down with the incredibly talented Walker Montgomery for a deep conversation about his career, life in Nashville, and the impact of his father, country legend John Michael Montgomery. Walker opens up about his journey, the stories behind his upcoming EP, life on the road, and what’s next for his music.Recorded during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville, this episode captures a raw and real moment with one of country’s rising stars. While the media room setup wasn’t our usual, we made it work—and we have even more great conversations from CRS coming soon. Walker’s latest single, Never Had You Anyway, is out now, with more new music on the horizon!

On this episode of The Country Minute Podcast, rising country artist Mackenzie Carpenter joins us to discuss her highly anticipated debut album, Hey, Country Queen, dropping March 7. Mackenzie opens up about the inspiration behind her music, the journey of navigating Nashville, and the importance of setting personal and professional goals. We also dive into the evolution of her songwriting, her experience in the industry so far, and what fans can expect from this new chapter in her career. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with one of country music’s most exciting new voices.Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Rising country star Jackson Dean sits down with The Country Minute Podcast for an exclusive in-person interview at Country Radio Seminar in Nashville. He opens up about preparing for his upcoming headlining tour, crafting the perfect setlist, and the challenges of performing high-energy shows night after night. Jackson also shares insights into his creative process, the evolution of his sound, and what fans can expect from his latest music. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering his raw, powerhouse vocals, this episode is a must-listen.Listen and subscribe on YouTube and Spotify.

Country music is an international language. You don't have to be from the south or know the feeling of red dirt under your tires to relate to country. In fact, you don't even have to live in the USA. Meet Gareth. He hails from Ireland, but thanks to his grandparents, grew up with a deep appreciation for American country music. Over the last few years, Gareth has been chasing his own country dreams, and that led him to move to Nashville in the summer of 2024. From there, everything started falling together. Gareth now has a deal, multiple original songs on streaming platforms, and upcoming tour dates with none other than Kip Moore.We met Gareth on February 19 at Country Radio Seminar in Nashville. We spoke for a little more than ten minutes on everything from his music to learning how to navigate the Nashville media. What I love about Gareth is how he brings a fresh perspective to everything, yet his music is so clearly informed by the legends of the genre. I'm convinced Gareth can do anything he puts his mind to, and I think you will feel the same after this conversation. Have you heard Gareth yet? Shoot me a message and let me know!

Rising country artist Preston Cooper is making waves in Nashville, and he’s just getting started. The Ohio native, now signed to Big Machine, has only released two songs, but his impact on the country music scene is undeniable. His debut track, “Weak,” earned him a rare standing ovation from industry heavyweights at a recent showcase, proving he’s one to watch in 2025.In this episode of The Country Minute Podcast, James Shotwell sits down with Preston to talk about his rapid rise, the transition to life in Nashville, and what fans can expect in the months ahead. Don’t miss this exclusive conversation with one of country music’s most exciting new voices.

In the latest episode of the Country Minute podcast, host James Shotwell sits down with rising country music star Chase Matthew for an exclusive, in-person interview recorded at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville on February 19, 2025.Chase opens up about his highly anticipated new studio album, Chase, and the stories behind the music. He also shares his excitement for joining Keith Urban on a world tour, reflects on making his headlining debut at the historic Ryman Auditorium, and gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process.This is a must-listen for country music fans eager to hear what’s next for one of the genre’s fastest-rising stars!

This week on the Country Minute show we head back to Arizona for one of the first-ever interviews with Waylon Wyatt. The definition of viral superstar, Waylon Wyatt has been experiencing the kind of digital growth most artists dream of over the last few months, with songs like “Arkansas Diamond” and “Jailbreak” (featuring Bayker Blankenship) burning up the charts. In this chat, Waylon talks about navigating fame while still in high school, opening for his heroes, and more. We ever get a glimpse inside the songwriting process for his latest single, “O.D.,” which is available now wherever you get music. You can watch the full interview on YouTube and Spotify. #WaylonWyatt #CountryMusic 

Welcome to the debut episode of the Country Minute Podcast. In this episode, James and Laura travel to Arizona to attend Dreamy Draw music festival. While there, they have 15 minutes to chat with the incomparable Flatland Cavalry about everything from their new compilation, Flatland Forever, to their upcoming arena headline show, rummaging their archives, and even a little bit about their plans for 2025. This conversation was recorded on November 2, 2024.