The Western Side Podcast

On this episode of The Western Side Podcast, we sit down with Kentucky songwriter Josh Mitcham to talk about the long road that led him to his upcoming album Gonna Be Alright . Before stepping into this new chapter as a solo artist, Josh lived many different lives. From teaching agriculture and painting to helping run concerts out of his family’s old barn through Ramble at the Randall, his story s...

Join us as we celebrate the remarkable journey of Brit Taylor, whose decade-long career has been a testament to resilience. After years of highs and lows, Brit faced a breaking point but never gave up. Surrounded by inspiring musicians and driven by her passion, she reclaimed her sound and found a new sense of purpose. Now, in spring 2026, Brit Taylor is back with her latest album, The Land of the...

In this episode, we break down how 'Choosin Texas' went from a country fan favorite to one of the fastest rising songs on the billboard hot 100. From its release and early traction to radio support streaming growth and viral momentum, we explore this breakout moment by Ella Langley. We look at why Choosin Texas connected so deeply with listeners how it spread beyond the country bubble and...

In this deep dive, we explore Zach Bryan’s journey leading up to his 2026 album, With Heaven on Top . Over the past year, Zach has faced lots of personal challenges and growth, and this album reflects a more complex and introspective side of his music. I’ll walk you through the themes, the emotions, and my personal interpretation of what makes this album a turning point for Zach. We’ll also touch...

It’s January 2026, and we’re diving into the heart of country music from 2025. In this episode, we’re gonna unpack all the moments that defined the year, from the top albums that took us by surprise, to the trending songs that had everyone talking. We’ll also touch on some of the unforgettable moments and surprises that made 2025 so unique. And make sure you stick around until the end, because I’l...

Chancellor Lawson is an artist whose journey is as real as the songs he writes. Growing up in a small town in Tennessee, music was always part of his world, influenced early on by his mother and the sounds around him. What makes Chancellor’s story different, though, is the road he took to get here. From playing in bands to opening his own bar that became a home for local musicians, every chapter p...

We sat down with Kade Hoffman to talk about the road that brought him here. Raised on a ranch in southeast Colorado and homeschooled for most of his life, Kade found music early, teaching himself guitar and writing songs in the quiet moments between ranch work. After an accident at thirteen put him in the hospital, old Andy Griffith episodes and classic country helped spark a deeper connection to...

On this episode, we sat down with Nathan Bess just before his Western Side Live Session to get the full story behind the music. From how he got his start to the stories behind his songs, Nathan opens up about what drives him, his biggest influences, and the journey that’s shaping his sound. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to chase a dream from West Virginia to the stage, this conversation is...

Marcus King has had one heck of a journey. Join us as we dive into his story, his struggles with substance abuse, and how he overcame it. In this episode, you'll hear from Marcus directly and end up caring even more deeply about his music. Thanks so much for listening! And don't forget to follow us on Instagram – @the_westernside – for all the latest country music news, and subscribe on Yo...

In this episode, we sit down with Appalachian singer-songwriter Darrin Hacquard to dig into the world behind his new album Weights & Measures and how he got there in the first place. Darrin opens up about how a simple verse of poetry from a friend sparked one of the most haunting songs he’s ever released, and how the imagery of Hocking Hills, Ohio continues to shape the way he writes about lov...

Gavin Adcock first made national headlines as the Georgia Southern football player who chugged a beer on top of the team bus. But his story doesn’t stop there. In this episode, you'll learn how Gavin opened up about the whirlwind that followed, how the moment unexpectedly launched his country music career and the grind of building his sound and fanbase beyond the viral clip. From the football...

From a small West Virginia town to the national spotlight of America’s Got Talent, Philip Bowen has lived the kind of story musicians dream about. A lifelong fiddler turned multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Philip’s viral rise on TikTok and Reddit transformed late-night home recordings into sold-out shows, tours with country legends and songs that carry the heart of Appalachia across America. ...

On this episode of The Western Side Podcast, we sit down with Tommy Prine to talk about his newest EP Love Circle, the evolution of his sound and the gift of growing up in the presence of a songwriting legend. From intimate ballads to layered soundscapes, Tommy shares how he’s carving out an identity that is wholly his own while honoring the legacy of his father, John Prine. We also dive into his...

On this episode of The Western Side Podcast, we sit down with Ramona and The Holy Smokes, a rising honky tonk band rooted in Central Virginia with ties stretching all the way to South Texas. Fronted by singer-songwriter Ramona Martinez, the band blends the grit of classic country with stories that are both timeless and refreshingly original. We dive into Ramona’s upbringing across the country, the...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Sam's journey as an artist. Growing up in Southeast Missouri, Sam never imagined a future in music. But the soulful sounds of Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton changed everything. Picking up his grandfather’s dusty old Gibson guitar, he found his voice and began his musical journey. Whether it was the explosion of "Straight and Narrow", his...

Singer-songwriter Cole Chaney joins The Western Side Podcast to talk about the long road to his highly anticipated second album after Mercy . From the quiet hollers of Boyd County, Kentucky to the sold-out stages of Americana’s biggest festivals, Cole’s journey has been one of grit, patience and purpose. In this conversation, Cole opens up about writing and recording his new record In The Shadow o...

Tyler Childers is officially back with his highly anticipated new album, Snipe Hunter ! In this podcast, Andrew dives deep into each track, sharing his personal take on what works and what makes this album stand out. With mixed reviews from fans, I give you an honest breakdown of the songs, exploring the themes, lyrics and the overall vibe of Snipe Hunter. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just di...

Hayden Redwine never set out to be a musician. He grew up on a ranch in West Texas, more familiar with rodeo dirt than recording gear. But when the world slowed down during the pandemic, and he was hit with personal loss, something shifted. Songwriting became the only way to make sense of it all. In this episode, Hayden talks about the journey behind Spade, his debut album that’s equal parts heart...

Before the bus. Before the hits. Before "Loud and Heavy," Cody Jinks was grinding it out on freight docks and metal stages. He wasn't chasing fame; he was chasing a sound. In this raw, wide-ranging conversation, Cody gets real about growing up under a tough Texas father, working blue-collar jobs, forming a metal band in high school and eventually becoming the voice of a country music...

JD Clayton never planned on a life in music. Growing up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, he thought dentistry might be his path until a single song at high school graduation shifted his whole trajectory. In this episode of The Western Side Podcast, JD sits down with us inside the brand-new Marsh Wear flagship store in Charleston (shoutout to our friends at Marsh Wear for hosting!) to talk about his slow-a...

Jack Blocker’s rise from growing up in Dallas to the national stage has been anything but ordinary. In this episode, we sit down with Jack during his time in the studio for the Western Side Sessions to talk about his journey: from a kid that sang in church to a breakout artist capturing hearts with his sound, soul, and sincerity. He shares stories of growing up in a sports-obsessed household, disc...

Jesse Daniel didn’t set out to become a country artist – music found him when nothing else could. In this raw, uncut conversation, Jesse opens up about his wild journey from addiction and jail to honky tonks and headline tours. Raised on punk shows and outlaw country, Jesse shares how one moment in rehab and a Hank Williams song changed everything. We talk about his new album Son of the San Lorenz...