Music Row

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.

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.

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.