Country 102.5 Artist Interviews Podcast

Tim McGraw is a co-founder of the Music City Rodeo coming to Nashville at the end of May. Ben chats with him about Nashville's first ever rodeo and his new song with Parker McCollum.

John Morgan has been killing it the past week. His debut album Carolina Blue dropped, he got his first ever No. 1 song, and he made his first appearance at Stagecoach.

The guys of LOCASH are doing pretty good for themselves. They're fresh off the news of their song "Hometown Home" going No. 1, and they're just days away from their new album, Bet The Farm, being released on their own record label! They're running a contest surrounding the new album that could bring the band to your hometown for a private show! Ben chats with them amidst the excitement.

Ben chatted with Chris Young about his new song "Til The Last One Dies," his new record label home, and he confirms what he's working on in 2025.

Ben chats with Dylan Scott about his tour, which is coming to Boston on April 3rd. His song 'This Town's Been Too Good To Us' is approaching number one on the charts.

Ben talks with Kip Moore about his show with Billy Currington coming to Boston in September, and his new album 'Solitary Tracks' which is out now.

Craig Morgan took some time to chat with Ben about his part in Blake Shelton's Friends and Heroes tour, which is coming to the Garden on March 7. His new EP was also discussed.

Ben talked with Chris Lane about how the Rascal Flatts tour is going so far, what we can expect when it comes to the SNHU Arena and Mohegan Sun, and his new music that he's released.

Chris Janson called Ben to talk about his show coming to House of Blues in March, along with if he thinks Boston is a country music city.

Matt Stell is always so entertaining. Whether it's on the stage or just chatting. He has a great sense of humor and a great energy. I'm so excited he's back in Boston on Tuesday to be a part of my Last Call party at Six String Grill and Stage with his good buddy, George Birge.  Check out my chat with Matt and learn all kinds of fun facts, here. 

George Birge, one of the nicest guys in country music, called in to talk about my "swan song" show Tuesday, August 20 at Six String Grill and Stage in Foxboro. George is excited to play along side one of his best friends in the business, Matt Stell. He told me about their friendship among many other things, like golfing, his family and the new single, "Cowboy Songs." He shared that the song is his favorite that he's written and has quickly become a fan favorite.  We play a game of "George Porridge" to learn more about this talented star. Listen to the full interview, here. Be sure and enter to win your way into the party HERE. And listen to win your invitations all day. I cannot wait to celebrate this incredible ride I've enjoyed at Country 1025, for over 30 years. How lucky am I? 

Tyler Hubbard called Jonathan and Ayla to talk about his new single and album, going back out on tour, and mixing up the words to Red Solo Cup at the Toby Keith tribute

Get ready, Boston. New From Nashville debuts at Nash Bar & Stage July 30 and stars Kameron Marlowe!  This is a concert for Country 1025 listeners only and will feature the former The Voice contestant and rising country superstar. Kameron will perform an acoustic set and talk about the stories behind the song.  Enter to win your invitations now and here: https://country1025.com/contests/new-from-nashville-with-kameron-marlowe/ We'll see you soon at Nash Bar and bring a little of Music City to our city!   

Dierks Bentley is back! We missed him last year at what has become kind of a tradition around here, his show at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield. But the "American Girl" singer is back with his Gravel and Gold Tour. This tour bring Chase Rice and newcomer Kaitlyn Butts to New England. Gravel and Gold is the name of Bentley's latest album featuring his #1 hit "Gold." His latest release is the first single off the Petty Country project, which has an impressive lineup of country artists singing Tom Petty songs.  Dierks and I talk about "American Girl" and the project, his return to the Boston area and of course a little hockey talk(he's a big fan and his son is playing). Listen here to find out more about the show and hear Dierks' answer in a game I call "Good as Gold."  

It's a big night in Boston. Tim McGraw is back at the TD Garden for the first time since his Soul@Soul tour with Faith Hill back in 2017, was it? Wow. That's way too long.  This time the country music icon brings his Standing Room Only Tour to the home of the Boston Celtics and Bruins. And he brings Carly Pearce with him. Carly has been at the top of her game since her first release, "Every Little Thing" in 2017.  Carly's picked up some Grammy Award nominations along the way and a win for her duet with Ashley McBryde. She's scored 7 top 15 hits, including 3 #1s and is about to release her 4th album. I caught up with Carly before the show to talk about touring with Tim. Plus, she mentions how she loves running in Boston, the new album and we played a game in honor of the album, Hummingbird, called What Makes Carly Fly. Find out what her favorite food is, who helped her career to fly, her favorite Tim tune and more! 

In his 30 year career, this has never happened to Tim McGraw. Never has he moved up a show to make room for a sporting event. But, he's ready to be the "pep rally for Boston." As he put it "we'll just show up and rally for the Bruins and Celtics."  Lots to talk about with the man behind all those hits. What's one of his favorite older songs to play, that he never gets tired of? Hear what McGraw had to say, Or what's one bad habit he has? Yes, that's the title of his new single, but he did share a bad and good habit.  We look forward to seeing Tim McGraw at the TD Garden, it's been too long since he played there. Catch my interview with Tim here and he talks about his return to Boston.  

Tyler Hubbard has a renewed energy. After releasing his 2nd solo album, the longtime lead vocalist of Florida Georgia Line is excited to be starting over. Hubbard says he loves getting back to playing some of the more intimate venues, and just announced he'll perform at Boston's House of Blues in November. He's also on the schedule for Indian Ranch this summer, in August.  Tyler talks about bringing his family on the road, the new album, Strong, and much more. We play a game called "Back Then Right Now" in honor of his current single.  It's fun getting to know Tyler through his answers in the game. Find out who one of his new favorite country artists is, the concert he brought his family to in Boston last summer and who's t-shirt he had as a kid. It's all right here, in talking with Tyler Hubbard. 

It's been an absolute whirlwind for Scotty McCreery, as of late. The American Idol winner and new dad has a new album coming out very soon. He was just made an official member of the Grand Ole Opry, a life long dream, and he recently brought his baby to Fenway for the first time.  Listen here as Scotty and I talk about all the exciting things going on in his life right now. And of course, we play a game. I call it Sporty McCreery to find out more about this bigtime sports fan. 

Hot new country artist Chayce Beckham has just released his debut album. And although it's been 3 years since the California native won American Idol, it's been a much longer journey than that, and a life filled with twists and turns. It's all led Chayce right here and now with Bad For Me, the album.  Beckham talks about a couple of his standout favorites on the record, as well as a couple of songs he didn't write but had a connection with. It's a deeply personal album, which is exactly what Chayce wanted.  Congratulations to Chayce on his first #1 with his breakout song, "23." Listen here and find out when we will next have a chance to see Chayce Beckham performing live in the Boston area. Carolyn Kruse digs deeper with a game called "Beckham in 23" (23 seconds to get to learn more)!   

There was something different this time. There was such an sense of gratitude this time, on both ends. Kenny called. Listen to my conversation with Kenny Chesney on Born, Gillette Stadium and New England fans, here. Since we started playing his music in 1995, starting with his first hit "Fall in Love,"  I've had the incredible opportunity to speak with Mr. Chesney on countless occasions. Trust me, I realize how lucky I am. But, this conversation with Kenny Chesney hit a little differently. This time, he just seemed overwhelmed with appreciation. He's built this unbelievable fan base in New England and genuinely values our passion for his music and shows. Kenny builds it, we come...and in very large numbers.

Jordan Davis calls in to talk about his new song and tour and also to tell the world (And Jonathan and Jim) what the gender of Ayla's second child is going to be

Rising star Ashley Cooke popped into our Country 1025 studios today for a chat with Carolyn Kruse. At the end of their discussion, "Kruser" remarked that Ashley had the gift of gab. She had never heard that expression. And so... here you can listen in to our Ashley Cooke Live in Studio Gabfest!  Honestly, she is so smooth and articulate, it's hard to believe she is a newer artist. She officially has her first Top 20 hit, "Your Place," and has cemented her place in the world of country music. Not an easy feat for any artist. Ashley talks about the single and what it means to her.  You can catch Cooke on tour with Jordan Davis and Mitchell Tenpenny this September at the Leader Bank Pavilion. She talks about touring with Jordan and her experiences on the road as one of the few women in a male dominated genre.  Listen as Kruser and Ashley play "Cooking with Ashley" to learn more about this talented, entertaining and delightful person. 

Country Superstar Tim McGraw calls in to talk with Jonathan and Ayla about his new Standing Room Only tour coming to Boston, spear fishing, and what song he thinks he would do if he ever competed on American Idol

Dustin Lynch will be rolling into town May 2 to perform at the Leader Bank Pavilion, for the first time. He talked about his impressions of the venue, after searching it.  He chats with Kruser about the Boston show, new music, questions people always ask him and more. Listen here as Lynch talks about the road, "Stars Like Confetti" and his brand new release with Jelly Roll, "Chevrolet." They play a game called "Dustin Deets" so we can learn more about the artist who's now scored 9 #1 hits. 

Sam Hunt is a humble man. At least that's how he comes off in every conversation I've had with him. Today, was no different. The man behind 10 #1 hits was excited to talk about his kids; he's now in the 2 under 2 club. He's been releasing singles, as of late and no album for them, as the kids have kept him busy. But he did share that he'd like to focus on an album when the touring slows down.  Listen as we talk about the tour, which has no Boston dates as of yet. We talk about the new song "Outskirts," the babies, the snow in Nashville and play a round of "Good Sam Hunting" - so we can get to know the platinum-selling artist better. Find out what he likes to hunt, what his favorite food is and more!

Mark your calendars for April 13, 2024. That's when multi-Grammy Award winning duo bring their 10 #1 hits into the TD Garden in Boston. It's a venue they love to play and as they explain here, Boston is a city they appreciate enormously. We show up, we stream and download. We are Dan + Shay people. And like Kenny Chesney, that's why the duo likes to end their tour here.  Enjoy my chat with Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, better known around the world as Dan + Shay. And stay until the end when one of them attempts a Boston accent. They are pumped to bring the songs on their new album, Bigger Houses to the Garden. And by the way, they said they'd love to catch a Celtics game. 

Chris Janson has got a lot going on. To start, he's on the verge of scoring another #1 hit with "All I Need Is You." Then there's the Dolly Parton, Brett Michaels topics he casually dropped on me in less than a minute between names. There's new music coming a CBS TV special appearance and a tour.  Listen here at the "Good Vibes" guy discusses all that and much more. We have some fun playing Chris Janson Needs What? You may be surprised by a couple of answers. 

It so refreshing to talk to a star on the rise. There's an excitement and a hunger with new artists. Plus, they are  in the midst of a grind on their way up and therefore a feeling of release in their communication. At least, that's been my experience.  Check out my conversation with "Mind On You" artist, George Birge, here. You'll hear what I'm talking about. He's the real deal; open, honest and electrified by the journey. He talks about the song, touring, where he came from and enjoying the moments.  We play a game to get to know George Birge even better. I call it "On the Birge." Find out what other talents he has, some of his favorite spots in Boston, his favorite Christmas movie and so much more. 

There's a lot going on with Scotty McCreery, lately. All good things. He's hit some milestones, earned a bucket list accolade and has just released a song he's most proud of.  Take a listen here as the season 10 American Idol winner dishes on "Cab in a Solo," his baby boy turning 1 year old, the Grand Ole Opry invitation and more!  We get to know the New England sports-team loving artist better in a game called "You Time." He has a thought for the Patriots going into next season. Wait until you hear it. 

Country star Russell Dickerson is big on energy, talent a babies. He and his wife, Kailey just welcome their 2nd boy, Radford Arthur, on October 1st. Despite a lack of sleep, RD is still high octane. It's infectious, really.  Listen here as Kruser chats with Russell Dickerson about the new baby, and how his big brother, Remington is handling it. They talk about his latest single, "God Gave Me a Girl," and how he was blown away at a recent Boston show that had everyone singing a long to it.  Dickerson has a new album out November 3 that includes live tracks recorded in a "special place." Carolyn Kruse asks the "hard questions" in a game called Big D in 3. It's all here! 

First time Billboard Music Award nominee, for Best New Artist, Bailey Zimmerman has an energy that is infectious! He brings it from the stage to this interview. Listen as Bailey chats with Kruser about playing Boston twice, and looking forward to coming back in March. He talks about his journey to get here and his parents love of music. 

Take a listen as Dustin Lynch shares his excitement to be bringing his new album out on the road. He's pumped to play the Leader Bank Pavilion for the first time (he even Googled it to check it out).   

Thursday, September 21 the reigning ACM and CMA Vocal Group of the Year will take over the TD Garden in what should be a phenomenal night. The harmony-tight tunesmiths have 7 #1 hit singles to their name, and have amassed numerous multi-platinum selling singles. This isn't their first rodeo, but it is their first time headling the Garden. Old Dominion's Matthew Ramsey called Kruser before their big Boston show. They chatted about playing Boston, Kenny Chesney, jobs before music, the new album and much more. Listen here at the award winning band leader shares his excitement and some inside scoop on life and the group. 

Country star Jameson Rodgers is really looking forward to coming to Boston with Old Dominion. The "Some Girls singer will be a part of the band's No Bad Vibes Tour. They come to the TD Garden on Thursday, September 21 along with Niko Moon and Kassi Ashton. He called to talk about it. You can listen here as Jameson Rodgers talks about playing the iconic venue, his new music, and plays a round of "Jameson and Then Some" so we can get to know him a little better.  (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images) 

Hear what country stars Justin Moore and Priscilla Block had to say about their hot new duet, "You, Me and Whiskey." They dish on how they came together, their favorite brands of whiskey, and getting close to having a #1 hit together.   

Red Sox Legend David Ortiz has a new cannabis line and he stopped by to try and convince Ayla to sample it

It's amazing how taking a new road can bring perspective, adventure and excitement into your life. That's the vibe I got from talking to Brian Kelley. Kelley, or BK as he is know is the Florida half of one of country music's most successful acts in history. But he is out on his own and thrilled to chat about it. Let's talk Brian Kelley...The solo career, new song and Boston. 

Old Dominion called in to talk about coming to Boston and playing the Garden in September, their go-to spot when they are in town and much more.  

All the new seems to never get old for Luke Combs. He keeps him going, driving, succeeding. Baby Tex is about to turn 1 year old and there's another baby on the way.  Touring is ramping up with more shows being added across the country, including right here in New England. Luke called to talk about the 2nd show and it's supporting acts.  Combs is also working on a new Nashville venue that he promises will be different than the rest. Listen to our conversation and hear us play the game "Combs or a Crock." 

Kip Moore released recently released an new album with 13 songs. Damn Love features some bangers, some sad songs, a duet with Ashley McBryde and is some of this artist's best work to date.  Listen as we talk about the music, his 3 upcoming Massachusetts shows- on Cape Cod, in Cohasset and in Webster. Kip talks surfing, fishing and cooking. He also is just coming off a European tour and these are some of his first dates back in the states, and the first chance for fans to hear his new music live. 

It's been 12 years since 17 year old Scotty McCreery won American Idol. Today, he's a married man with a baby traveling the country with his heroes, Brooks and Dunn.  Scotty called to talk about his life on the road with baby Avery, and his wife, Gabby. He is also on the verge of scoring his 6th consecutive #1 with the single, "It Matters To Her. Also, listen as we play the game, It Matters to Scotty, to learn a little more about this talented artist. 

If you were watching the TV, The Voice, in 2018, you were likely watching a young singer from North Carolina slay! That singer has a album out, he's on tour now and coming to New England. Take a listen to my interviw with rising star Kameron Marlowe.  From the first few notes of Kameron's blind auditon on The Voice, he inspired Kelly Clarkson to turn her chair, seconds later it was Blake Shelton with a chair turn. The young singer who was working at General Motors at the time was picked Team Blake. From then on, he cemented his place in the future of country music.  Marlowe signed a record deal and released his debut album, We Were Cowboys, last year. He is working on a new project, as he shared in this interview and is really looking forward to heading our way this weekend.  See Kameron Marlowe peforming live at Off The Rails in Worcester. By the way, Kameron has been practicing how to say the name of the city where he will perform Saturday night. And I'm happy to report, he nails it, as you can hear in our chat. 

Jordan Davis is on a roll. He's been cranking out the hits and the babies. Well, his wife gets most the credit for the babies. And it's a good thing the hits keep coming because, well., more mouths to feed.  The CMA Award winning songwriter never expected to have a big singing career. He moved to Nashville to write songs. But, there was another plan for him. Davis talks about his niche in the country music world, his tour coming to Roadrunner and we play a game "Jordan's World."   

Riley Green has been collaborating lately. Currently he has a huge hit with Thomas Rhett, "Half of Me." He has a song out with Justin Moore, and now he has reworked his fan favorite "Different 'Round Here" collaborating with Luke Combs. He's currently on tour with Combs and coming our way July 22 to Gillette Stadium. Hear our chat about the music, the tour, getting up early, football, and we play "Green Things" - a game to get to know the country star. 

Country superstar and award winning actor, Tim McGraw just dropped a new single that he describes as "just one of those great songs that comes along," noting it kind of completes a circle with "Live Like You Were Dying and "Humble and Kind." They all are strand out life-affirming powerful songs.  Listen as Tim talks about "Standing Room" only, and what's to come. 

Getting to "Wild As Her" has been a wild ride for hot new artist, Corey Kent. From age 11, this talented singer/songwriter has been performing on stage with some of the biggest artists. The pandemic set him back and put him on the pavement, literally.  Take a listen as Corey tells me about his journey to an opening slot on the Jason Aldean tour this summer and playing Boston for the very first time. We play the "What's Corey Wild About" game to get to know the artist who moved to Nashville on his own at age 17. 

With a love of gospel, blue grass and 90s country under his hat, rising country star Drew Parker is ready to take on Boston. He'll bring his true country vibe to the Brighton Music Hall on March 2.  Drew called to talk about the show, the Grammy nomination, his friendship with Luke Combs and playing Boston for the first time.