Outside The Round w/ Matt Burrill

On Episode 309 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill catches up with Oklahoma native Gracee Shriver to talk about her new EP Pretty Psycho, the viral success of "Missed the Boat," and her journey from The Voice to becoming one of country music's rising stars in Nashville. Gracee shares stories from growing up in Oklahoma, competing on The Voice with Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton, moving to Nashville at 17, and finding her place alongside a new generation of female country artists. The two also dive into her love for the Red Dirt scene, Florida Georgia Line's influence on her music, writing with friends like Callie Prince, the inspiration behind songs like "Pretty Psycho" and "Missed the Boat," and why creating fun, feel-good country music has always been her goal. Plus, they discuss CMA Fest, social media's role in today's music industry, finding the right creative circle in Nashville, and what's next as Gracee continues building momentum with her biggest project yet.

Follow on Social Media:

Gracee Shriver: @graceeshriver

Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt

Outside The Round: @outsidetheround

Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

On Episode 308 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill sits down with all five members of East Texas rock band Passengers Unknown—Alex, Matthew, Keaton, Joby, and Braden—to talk about the band's journey from a hometown music venue in Carthage, Texas to becoming one of the fastest-rising acts in the Texas Rock Scene. The band shares how they came together through family, friendship, and a shared love of music, why they never set out to fit into a specific genre, and how blending grunge, Southern rock, country, and alternative influences has helped create their signature sound. They also reflect on the unexpected success of their breakout single "3AM," the fan-favorite "Girls With Tattoos," and why every song is a true collaboration between all five members. The conversation dives into life on the road, opening for artists like Pecos & The Rooftops and Cole Barnhill, touring across Texas and the East Coast, the resurgence of the Texas rock scene, and why authenticity has become the band's greatest strength. They also discuss recording their upcoming debut album, the excitement surrounding new music, and the goals they have as they continue building a loyal fanbase across the country. Plus, plenty of behind-the-scenes stories from the road, life in a Chevy van, and the brotherhood that's fueling one of rock's most exciting young bands.

Follow on Social Media:

Passengers Unknown: @passengersunknown
Outside The Round: @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy
Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt

On Episode 307 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill sits down with Australian country artist Mack Geiger during his first trip to the United States. Fresh off the release of his debut EP Walk a Straight Line, Mack shares how growing up on a cattle farm shaped his songwriting, the story behind his breakout hit "String By," and why traditional country music continues to inspire everything he creates. The two also discuss Mack's first U.S. headline tour, selling out legendary venues across Texas and Oklahoma, signing with Columbia Records Nashville, writing five of the six songs on his new project solo, and balancing music with his previous path toward becoming a paramedic. Plus, stories from Australia, country music culture around the world, and what's next for one of country's fastest-rising international artists.

Follow on Social Media:

Mack Geiger: @mackgeigermusic

Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt

Outside The Round: @outsidetheround

Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

On Episode 306 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill sits down with UK country artist Bellah Mae to talk about her move from London to Nashville, her new EP Keep It Peachy, and her first-ever U.S. tour alongside Ashley Kutcher. Bellah shares the story behind leaving England to chase her dream in Music City, how a message from Dolly Parton's longtime manager helped kickstart her career, and why Nashville has always felt like home. The conversation also dives into the inspiration behind Keep It Peachy, balancing heartbreak with optimism, writing vulnerable songs like "Love Me Less," and creating the most authentic project of her career. Plus, stories from the road, cultural differences between the UK and the U.S., Ohio becoming a surprise favorite tour stop, and what's next as she continues building her career in America.

Follow on Social Media:

Bellah Mae: @bellah.mae

Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt

Outside The Round: @outsidetheround

Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

On Episode 305 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill sits down with all four members of Fox N’ Vead — Christian, Logan, Ashton, and Landon — for a deep dive into the band's journey and their brand-new album, Playing The Game. The guys discuss how a group of Carolina musicians with backgrounds in country, punk, alternative rock, and blues came together to create one of the most exciting sounds in the country rock scene today. The conversation explores the evolution of Fox N’ Vead from cover band days and touring in a pickup truck to headlining shows across the country, opening for artists like Old 60, Gavin Adcock, Dexter and the Moonrocks, Austin Snell, and Kameron Marlowe, and finding their place within the growing Texas and Carolina country rock movement. The band also breaks down the songwriting and recording process behind Playing The Game, shares stories from the road, discusses their brotherhood, and explains why this third record feels like the project that truly defines who Fox N’ Vead are as a band. Plus, stories about Big Cheese, wrestling, touring mishaps, gas station food, Carolina music culture, and what’s next for one of the hardest-working bands in the scene. If you're a fan of country rock, Red Dirt, Southern rock, and authentic independent artists, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Follow on Social Media:

Fox N' Vead: @foxnvead

Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt

Outside The Round: @outsidetheround

Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

On Episode 304 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill sits down with James and Laura of Country Minute to talk about building one of country music’s fastest-growing fan communities. From their backgrounds in radio, alternative music, and music promotion to becoming trusted voices in the country music space, the duo shares how Country Minute came to life and why authenticity has been the key to their success. The conversation dives into covering artists from a true fan perspective, the power of country music communities across the Midwest, memorable moments with artists like Morgan Wallen, Ella Langley, Chase Matthew, and Florida Georgia Line, and why they believe country music is entering another fun era. Plus, stories from CMA Fest, Country Wrestling, first-in-line superfans, and the relationships they've built along the way. If you love country music and the people who make the genre special, this episode is for you.

Follow on Social Media:

Country Minute: @country_minute

Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt

Outside The Round: @outsidetheround

Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

On Episode 303 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill sits down with East Tennessee native Thomas Edwards. From playing SEC football at the University of Tennessee to working at Tractor Supply and eventually landing a record deal with Warner Music Nashville, Thomas shares the unlikely journey that brought him to Music City. The conversation dives into his upcoming EP High Times, recorded at the legendary FAME Recording Studios, the inspiration behind the project, and why he wanted to capture real, human-made music with some of Nashville’s best players. Thomas also reflects on songwriting, working with artists like Ne-Yo and Quavo, his love for East Tennessee culture, and the lessons he’s carried from football into the music business. Packed with stories, laughs, and plenty of Tennessee pride, this episode is a look at one of Nashville’s most unique rising artists.

Follow on Social Media:

Thomas Edwards: @bigtpedwards

Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt

Outside The Round: @outsidethround

Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

On Episode 302 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill sits down with Koe Wetzel to talk about his new album The Night Champion, life as a new father, and the wild journey from playing empty bars across Texas to headlining arenas, international tours, and the Houston Rodeo. Koe reflects on coming up alongside artists like Parker McCollum, Muscadine Bloodline, and Reed Southall, building the Texas rock movement, and helping develop the next generation through Floating Leaf. He also dives into the making of The Night Champion, working with Nashville songwriters, balancing family life with the road, and why this record feels like a culmination of every era of his career. Plus, stories about Red Door nights with Andrew Bayliss, the Riot Room, Australia tours, and watching artists like Ella Langley, Gavin Adcock, and the next wave of country music take over.

Follow on Social Media:

Koe Wetzel: @koewetzelmusic | @koewetzel
Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt
Outside The Round: @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

On Episode 301 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill sits down with rising country artist Elizabeth Nichols. From leaving law school at Belmont University to becoming one of the most unique voices in country music, Elizabeth shares the journey behind her viral rise and songwriting style. The conversation dives into growing up in Kentucky and living in Oklahoma, her love for witty storytelling inspired by artists like Kacey Musgraves and Zach Bryan, and how songs like “Sweet Cigarette,” “Tough Love,” and “Paul Revere” came to life. Elizabeth also talks about touring with artists like Wyatt Flores, festival season, viral TikTok moments, and building friendships with fellow rising artists including Gabriella Rose and The Castellows. From Red Door stories and Nashville nights to playing the Grand Ole Opry, this episode is packed with laughs, songwriting stories, and a look at one of country music’s fastest-rising new artists.

Follow on Social Media:

Elizabeth Nichols: @elizabethnicholsmusic
Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt
Outside The Round: @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

On Episode 300 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill sits down with longtime friend Julia Cole to celebrate the release of her new album Love You To Death. Julia opens up about her journey as an independent artist, building the “Cole Team” fan community, and creating what she calls “Sisterhood Country” , music rooted in heartbreak, healing, strength, and loyalty. The conversation dives into standout songs like “Day Late & A Buck Short,” “Treat Me Like Dirt,” and “Daddy Daughter Dance,” plus the real-life experiences that inspired the project following a called-off engagement. Julia also reflects on touring with Jelly Roll, playing arenas and festivals around the world, balancing life on the road, and how sports helped shape her mindset as an artist. From Broadway-era Nashville memories to headlining her own Love You To Death Tour, this episode is an honest look at growth, resilience, songwriting, and finding purpose through music.

Follow on Social Media:

Julia Cole: @juliacolemusic

Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt

Outside The Round: @outsidetheround

Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy