Outside The Round w/ Matt Burrill

On Episode 299 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill sits down with rising South Carolina artist Cooper Ledford. Fresh off his first tour opening for Kameron Marlowe, Cooper shares how posting a cappella covers on TikTok helped launch his career and led to sold out shows across the Midwest. The conversation dives into growing up with a preacher father in South Carolina, football injuries that pushed him toward music, and falling in love with songwriting through artists like Eric Church, George Jones, and Keith Whitley. Cooper also talks about moving to Nashville at 19, building his band with fellow South Carolina musicians, and creating a sound that blends traditional country, rock, and bluegrass influences. Plus, stories from the road, hearing fans sing his songs back to him for the first time, and what’s next as he prepares for a breakout year.

Follow on Social Media:

Cooper Ledford: @coopertledford

Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt

Outside The Round: @outsidetheround

Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

In Episode 298 of Outside The Round, host Matt Burrill sits down with Kenny Whitmire to talk about his breakout moment with “Gave Her the Moon,” the song that quickly changed everything and put him on the map. Kenny shares how posting the song online led to a viral moment after Charlie Puth shared his video, opening the floodgates and bringing major attention to his music overnight. He reflects on his journey from a quiet kid playing rounds at Live Oak to finding his voice as an artist rooted in traditional country music. The conversation dives into leaning into that sound alongside a tight-knit community of artists like Colton Dawson, Cole Goodwin, and Jake Worthington, and how that support system helped shape his confidence as both a writer and artist. Kenny also talks about the power of social media, signing with MCA, and working with legends like Dave Cobb, along with the importance of mentorship, friendships, and honoring those who helped him along the way. With upcoming tour dates alongside Billy Currington, Kenny is stepping into a new chapter as part of a wave bringing real country music back to the forefront.

Follow on Social Media:
Kenny Whitmire: @kennywhitmire
Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt
Outside The Round: @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

On Episode 297 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill sits down with Georgia native Averie Bielski. From writing songs at nine years old to moving to Nashville at just 18, Averie shares her journey of chasing a publishing deal, building a fanbase on TikTok, and finding her place in the songwriting world. She opens up about how a viral moment and a missed email nearly changed everything, ultimately leading to her deal with Sony. Averie dives into the grind of writing every day, growing through co-writes, and evolving from just wanting to be a songwriter into stepping into her artistry. The conversation also covers her upbringing in Roswell, navigating Nashville at a young age, building a tight-knit creative circle, and learning how to balance social media success with real wins behind the scenes. From early releases like “I Do Too” and “Wind Up” to her latest project, Averie reflects on her growth and what’s next as she continues to develop her sound and story.

Follow on Social Media:

Averie Bielski: @averiebielski
Outside The Round: @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy
Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt

On Episode 296 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill catches up with Kameron Marlowe nearly six years after their first sit-down. Now newly married and stepping into a new chapter of life, Kameron reflects on the journey from early Nashville days to touring the world and making music full-time. He talks about life on the road, playing 100+ shows a year, touring Europe, and sharing stages with Brooks & Dunn, Morgan Wallen, and Riley Green while balancing life at home. Kameron also dives into his songwriting evolution, breaking away from “formula writing,” working closely with Austin Goodloe, and creating new music that blends country, rock, blues, and R&B influences. Plus, stories from the road, band chemistry, and the full-circle moments that remind him why he started.

Follow on Social Media:

Kameron Marlowe: @kameronmarlowe

Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt

Outside The Round: @outsidetheround

Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

On Episode 295 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill sits down with Alabama native Hannah McFarland. From playing cover gigs at spots like the Bluegill to opening arena tours and hitting major festivals, Hannah shares her journey of putting in the work and finding her moment. She reflects on coming up in the Alabama scene, moving to Nashville, and the full-circle moments like covering “In Case You Didn’t Know” to working with Brett Young, and going from her first arena experience with Zach Bryan to hitting the road on the Riley Green tour. Hannah also talks about her latest release “Missin’ Me”, showing a more fun, up-tempo side of her artistry, while still rooted in the honesty her fans love. The conversation dives into life on the road, navigating viral moments (including dealing with Chase Rice fans), and how Chase has become like a brother to her along the way. With guidance from mentors like Jamey Johnson and a growing fanbase behind her, Hannah is just getting started.

Follow on Social Media:

Hannah McFarland: @hannahmmcfarland

Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt

Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

Outside The Round: @outsidetheround

On Episode 294 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill sits down with Nashville native Jess Woodland. Fresh off the release of her EP High Road, Jess shares her journey from bluegrass roots and a rural Tennessee upbringing to carving out her own lane in today’s music scene. Jess opens up about stepping away from music, facing serious health challenges, and ultimately finding her way back with a renewed sense of purpose. She dives into the making of High Road, blending country, Americana, and alternative influences into a gritty, emotionally-driven sound that’s uniquely her own. The conversation also explores building a fanbase through social media, navigating the highs and lows of being an independent artist, and the importance of self-worth, community, and resilience. Jess’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the hardest path forward is the one worth taking.

Follow on Social Media:

Jess Woodland: @justjesswoodland

Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt

Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

Outside The Round: @outsidetheround

In this episode of Outside the Round, host Matt Burrill sits down with returning guest Brooke Lee to catch up on a whirlwind year that’s taken her across the country and into a new chapter of her artistry. From national TV appearances and major brand partnerships to performing the national anthem and releasing her sophomore EP Desert Darlin, Brooke reflects on the growth she’s experienced both personally and professionally. The conversation dives into the making of Desert Darlin, a project that captures her journey from ages 19 to 25, blending themes of love, heartbreak, independence, and self-discovery. Brooke opens up about the evolution of her sound, learning to trust herself as an artist, and the importance of getting uncomfortable in order to grow. She also shares stories from the road, her DIY approach to merch, and how her tight-knit circle including her best friend Meg and longtime guitarist Logan has helped shape her journey. With a mix of humor, honesty, and real perspective, this episode highlights an artist stepping fully into her own and embracing what she calls her “becoming” era.

Follow on Social Media:

Brooke Lee: @brookeleemusic

Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt

Outside The Round: @outsidetheround

Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

In Episode 292 of Outside The Round, host Matt Burrill sits down with Shane Quick, partner at Peachtree Entertainment and President of Live Events, for a deep dive into one of the fastest-growing forces in the live music space. Shane breaks down the evolution of Peachtree from a Southeast staple to a nationwide powerhouse, highlighting a massive 2025 and the continued expansion of festivals like Rock The South and Rock The Country. He shares behind-the-scenes insight on building large-scale events, why festivals remain a core part of music culture, and how bringing live experiences to small-town America creates real impact far beyond the stage. The conversation also dives into Peachtree’s reputation for identifying talent early, from artists like Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs to newer names like Ella Langley and Gavin Adcock, and the importance of investing in artists before the rest of the industry catches on. Shane reflects on his entrepreneurial mindset, owning multiple businesses, and how his passion for building opportunities extends beyond music into local communities. From tornado relief efforts that sparked Rock The South to scaling national festivals, to balancing life, business, and mental health, this episode is packed with insight on leadership, growth, and creating something bigger than yourself in the music industry.

Follow on Social Media:

Shane Quick: @shanequick

Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt 

Outside The Round: @outsidetheround

Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

In Episode 291 of Outside The Round, host Matt Burrill sits down with Texas legend Aaron Watson to talk about his massive new album A Horse Named Texas and the next chapter of a career that’s still gaining momentum nearly 30 years in. Aaron dives into the creation of the 25-song project, his five-year plan to release even more music, and what it means to truly “go for broke” at this stage of his life and career. He reflects on vocal cord surgery, returning stronger than ever, and why he feels more motivated now than ever before. The conversation also highlights his growing online presence with his Tailgate Talks series on social media, where he’s been connecting with fans and even playfully engaging with the next wave of artists. Aaron opens up about watching his son Jake come up as a songwriter and artist, and how being able to mentor him in ways he didn’t have early in his own career has been especially meaningful. From stories about growing up on Waylon and Willie with his dad, to building a career rooted in songwriting, live shows, and authenticity, Aaron shares hard-earned wisdom on staying true to yourself, chasing great songs, and building a legacy that goes far beyond awards.

Follow on Social Media:

Aaron Watson: @aaronwatsonmusic
Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt
Outside The Round: @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy

In Episode 290 of Outside The Round, host Matt Burrill sits down with Florida native Madden Metcalf to talk about his rapid rise from working on crab boats and playing waterfront restaurants to becoming one of the most exciting new voices coming out of the South. Madden shares how growing up on the “Forgotten Coast” shaped his work ethic, sound, and storytelling, and how those real-life experiences now fuel songs like “I Don’t Want to Cry Anymore” and “My Hometown.” The conversation dives into his journey to Nashville, getting discovered by Freddie Wexler, and the fast-moving momentum that led to a deal with MCA. Madden also breaks down the inspiration behind his debut EP Saltwater Southern, a project that blends country, rock, and coastal influences into a sound that’s uniquely his. From grinding in seafood restaurants to chasing dreams on Broadway and beyond, this episode captures an artist stepping into his moment with authenticity, grit, and a whole lot of Florida pride! 

Follow on Social Media:

Madden Metcalf: @maddenmetcalf
Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt
Outside The Round: @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy