In this heartfelt episode of On Music Row, Canadian country legend Gord Bamford sits down with host Joins Leake to unpack an unforgettable 2025. Gord discusses his touring business, the Bamford Foundation plus the possible pitfalls of playing some of Canada's major country festivals.

In this heartfelt and high-energy episode, Jeff Leake sits down with the Hunter Brothers for a deep dive into their uniquely Canadian journey from hockey rinks and harvest fields to country music stardom. Recorded in November, the brothers reflect on their sold-out Homegrown Nights Tour, share behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road, and open up about the family dynamics that fuel their harmonies and hustle. Expect laughs, grit, and gratitude as they talk songwriting, sibling synergy, and what’s next for their evolving sound heading into 2026.

In this episode of Music Row, Jeff Leake sits down with country-pop powerhouse Robyn Ottolini for a candid, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation. Robyn opens up about her songwriting process, the emotional rollercoaster behind her latest releases, and what it means to stay authentic in an industry that often asks for polish over truth. They talk tour life, viral moments, and the stories fans don’t always hear—plus goats. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her music, this episode is a front-row seat to Robyn’s world: bold, vulnerable, and unapologetically real.

On this episode of Music Row, we sit down with Kashus Culpepper—an artist whose debut album Act I drops this January and promises to shake up the scene. Kashus brings raw honesty, cinematic ambition, and a voice that’s ready to be heard. We talk about the making of Act I, the mindset behind the music, and the people he dreams of meeting—from icons to collaborators. This is more than an album—it’s the opening act of a career built on purpose, passion, and possibility.

This week on Music Row, host Leake sits down with Big Machine’s newest country traditionalist, Cole Goodwin. From Pooler, Georgia to national stages, Cole shares his journey, his sound, and how it doesn't always go right when playing live.

Sarah Vanderzon opens up about growing up south of Montreal and how her introverted nature shaped her early musical experiences. Despite her shyness, she found confidence through songwriting and performance.

In this episode of Music Row Podcast, host Leake sits down with rising country artist Preston Cooper, one of Big Machine’s freshest signings out of Nashville. The conversation dives deep into Preston’s gritty songwriting roots, being the singing mailman and about finally taking the giant leap into country music.

In this episode, Leake sits down with veteran music journalist Geoffrey Himes to explore his ambitious new book Willie Nelson: All the Albums, a comprehensive deep dive into the legendary artist’s sprawling discography.

Teigen Gayse joins Leake for a candid conversation about songwriting, small-town grit, and chasing radio dreams. From viral moments to vulnerable lyrics, this episode dives into the heart of country music’s rising star.

Country artist Josh Ross joins the Music Row Podcast to reflect on his journey from football fields to festival stages, fresh off winning Entertainer and Single of the Year at the 2025 CCMAs. Josh details writing and recording his debut release Later Tonight, plus give some pro tips to Leake on how to start a career in music.

In this episode, James Barker sits down with Jeff Leake to unpack the band’s new album One of Us—a bold, hook-filled tribute to small-town roots, heartbreak, and the kind of nights that end with a chorus and a cold beer. But it’s not all studio talk. James recounts a now-legendary moment from their European tour—a heated argument over a burrito in Germany.

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

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 Scottland to Texas, acting, Dustin Lynch, the Grand Ole Opry and his new EP Roots Under Me.

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.