On this episode of The Real Country Podcast, I’m joined by multi-instrumentalist and viral fiddle sensation Philip Bowen. Known for his electric energy, soulful playing, and mountain roots. We talk about his unconventional path to music, going from a corporate day job to a full-time artist, and what it’s been like building a fanbase from scratch through social media, songwriting, and sheer authenticity.

We also dive into his Appalachian upbringing, what inspires his songwriting, and how he’s carving out a space in the modern country/Americana world that’s both deeply rooted and forward-thinking.

🎻 Connect with Philip Bowen:
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipbowenmusic/

• On Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philipbowenmusic

 • On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Mm4P393IFVqIQDmL691G9?si=DyL6uWYKSI-JgN3jpulI9g 

- Keep up with Real Country: https://www.instagram.com/nikkiinnashville/

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 🎙️ Real Country is your home for the best country, Americana, and roots music storytelling, along with stories of modern-day outlaws — featuring raw conversations with the artists keeping it real.
Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

Western Kentucky native and singer‑songwriter Kelsey Waldon has earned a loyal following for her honest, no‑nonsense lyrics and her commitment to real country music. 

Raised in the farming town of Monkey’s Eyebrow and steeped in bluegrass and honky‑tonk, Kelsey blends raw storytelling with a voice that cuts straight to the heart. After years of working odd jobs and paying dues in Nashville’s clubs, she’s now a critically acclaimed artist whose albums, including her new one Every Ghost, showcase life’s highs and lows with grit and grace.

In this interview, we dive into:

• Kelsey’s rural Kentucky upbringing and how it shapes her music
  
  
• Her move to Nashville and signing with John Prine’s Oh Boy Records
  
  
• The themes of working‑class resilience and family woven through her songs
  
  
• Her thoughts on staying authentic in a changing country scene
  
  
• What fans can expect from her upcoming projects

Follow Kelsey on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6hQxX...
Subscribe to the Real Country Podcast for more conversations with today’s outlaw storytellers: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Ilijkp...
More from Nikki in Nashville:   / nikkiinnashville 

This episode is sponsored by Modern West Media:  marketing and advertising for hyper-growth brands that want to tell their stories authentically. Schedule your free marketing audit here: www.modernwestmedia.com

#KelseyWaldon #RealCountry #OutlawCountry #SingerSongwriter #KentuckyMusic #NikkiInNashville #Podcast #WesternLifestyle

Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

Country singer-songwriter and Nebraska native, B.J. Jamison, vows to put the twang back in today's country music...and he's just in his early 20s.

Being born to rodeo royalty, B.J. has been at it since a very young age, even running into issues while playing at honky tonks while he was under 21! His voice and songs are what country gold is made of, and we discussed the possibility of a new upcoming album. He also just released a recent single, Listen to Hank, which is a MUST listen.

In this interview, we discuss:

• His past, how he chose this as a career, and why it was the only path
• 'Stealing' a song from the king himself, George Strait
• Touring, who he's opened for, and what's coming up for him

Follow B.J. on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ezERRujIypyYnuNPO3w0S?si=x19e2ZZUTm-2avhS0DRmQA
Subscribe to the Real Country Podcast for more behind-the-scenes of Real Country Artists: https://www.youtube.com/@nikkiinnashville 
More from the Real Country team:   / nikkiinnashville

This episode was sponsored by Modern West Media, marketing and advertising for the brands of the Western industry, that gets your story and keeps your brand authentic. Schedule your free marketing audit here: www.modernwestmedia.com

Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

Cowboy and West Texas Native Hayden Redwine has ranching and cowboying in his blood from as far back as he can remember.

Growing up in the cowboy lifestyle, working cattle, and competing in rodeos, Hayden blends country and western music into a highly recognizable style all his own.

The recent release of his album 'Spade', easily one of my top 10 albums of the year so far, shows he can write stories and sing songs about his personal experiences, which make you feel like he's lived many more lives than how old he is.

In this interview, we discuss:

• Hayden's upbringing and how it's shaped his music
  
  
• Dealing with the loss of his father
  
  
• Growing up on a ranch, working cattle
  
  
• His love and appreciation for the Western way of life
  
  
• What's next for his music and career
  
  

Follow Hayden on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7hK8S...
Subscribe to the Real Country Podcast for more behind-the-scenes of Real Country Artists:    • Ranching Made Me Who I Am Today - Hayden R... 
More from the Real Country team:   / nikkiinnashville 

This episode was sponsored by Modern West Media, marketing and advertising for the brands of the Western industry, that gets your story and keeps your brand authentic. Schedule your free marketing audit here: www.modernwestmedia.com

Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

Jesse Daniel & Benjamin Tod: Redemption Through Country Music | Real Country Podcast

In this powerful episode, two of the most respected voices in independent country music, Jesse Daniel and Benjamin Tod, sit down with me for a raw, heartfelt conversation about life, addiction, recovery, and how music (and the right relationships) gave them both a second chance.

Both artists have walked a hard road, battling addiction, homelessness, and hopelessness before turning their pain into powerful songwriting and storytelling. What emerged is a shared story of redemption and change that’s as gritty as it is inspiring to many, and a deep appreciation for the healing force of honest roots and authenticity-driven music.

We talk about their personal journeys, how they got clean, how they create through the struggle, and the cost of staying true in a music world that often prefers the polished over the real.

✨ Jesse Daniel is a California native, fusing the sounds of Bakersfield Honky Tonk and Country Rock into his music. His live performances are not to miss, and he just released his album 'Son of the San Lorenzo', which is a must-listen.

✨Benjamin Tod has been writing and performing for years. From busking in the streets to playing sold-out shows, the front man for the Lost Dog Street Band is a beacon of hope to many. He's working on multiple new projects, with a new single to drop on July 11th.

🛠️ Topics Covered:
• Addiction and the moment they hit bottom
• How music pulled them through
• Life on the road post-recovery and their non-negotiable routines
• The pressure of staying clean in the spotlight
• What they wish more people knew about addiction
• Advice to those who are just starting their journeys 
• Upcoming projects and new music

🔔 Don’t forget to rate and subscribe for more music and interviews from The Real Country Podcast...your home for the more traditional country music of today, that radio seems to leave behind.

Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

JD Clayton on Making Music His Way, Nashville Life, and Fatherhood | Real Country Podcast

In this episode of The Real Country Podcast, we sit down with rising country/blues-rock singer-songwriter JD Clayton for an honest, laid-back conversation about life, music, and everything in between.

JD opens up about his journey into country music, from growing up in Arkansas to nearly pursuing a totally different career path. We talk about what it was like moving to Nashville, self-producing his own record, and the importance of staying true to his sound in an industry that often pushes artists to conform.
We also get into life outside of music, his hobbies, his family, and what it’s been like stepping into fatherhood for the first time.

Subscribe for more real country artist interviews, performances, and stories from REAL country music.

Topics Covered:
• JD’s early journey into music
• What he almost became before music took off
• Producing his own album start to finish
• Moving to Nashville and staying authentic
• His favorite pastimes outside of touring
• Becoming a dad and balancing life on the road 

Listen anywhere you get podcasts

Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

On this episode of the Real Country Podcast, I sat down with artist Sterling Drake.

Sterling is living a life that many people dream of...and writing authentic country music songs about it too.

With a brand new album just released, Sterling is a tried and true cowboy, now a resident of Montana. He spends most of his time in country music or advocating for land conservation. 

Follow Sterling here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3EhNTeJuyK3nLYjkXZtPPC?si=xuGHNcQESfOddjM_IKHXqg

Subscribe for more country music stories!

Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

On this episode of the Real Country Podcast, I sat down with artist Naomi Johnson. 

She just released her first solo single, Bricks Make Houses, and has a heck of a story to go along with it.

Growing up with 11 siblings on just one bus, she and her family travelled the country, in and out of cults, camps, and a minimal way of life.

She figured out music was her thing, and the rest was history. 

Watch the entire story here! https://youtu.be/L2RZSAXa3PA

Follow her here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3L0QDrhLV6LBAbFDQLE7nh?si=Bi_Wt3g9QhOotN65HAtMgA

And subscribe for more stories of country music!

Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

Lily Meola won over hearts with her America's Got Talent appearance, singing an original song, Daydream, which now has almost 100 million streams.

Now working on her upcoming full-length album, I sit down with Lily to discuss her new music, growing up in Hawaii, her love for horses, and more.

• Growing up in Hawaii
  
  
• Losing her mother and the things they shared together
  
  
• Getting started in music
  
  
• Appearing on AGT
  
  
• How horses are therapeutic to her
  
  
• Knowing and working with Lukas Nelson
  
  
• Her upcoming album
  
  

We also raided Nashville local vintage western store High Class Hillbilly, brainchild of Nikki Lane, for the location of our interview. Plus you GOTTA stay til the end to see a hilarious talent Lily has.

Check out Lily's story and some fun outfits along the way.

Make sure you subscribe for more behind the scenes of country, Americana and more!

Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

Welcome back to the Real Country Podcast with Nikki in Nashville. This week we're talking to artist Cody Gentry. Cody is gaining traction with the release of his album Blue Ridge Gold, and also has a new one on the way for 2026! Check him out and smash that subscribe button for more BTS of country music. 

Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.