The Real Country Podcast by Nikki in Nashville

The Reeves Brothers join The Real Country Podcast for an honest conversation about building an independent country music career in Nashville...and a hilarious whiskey tasting.

Matt and Cole break down how they grew to 150,000+ monthly Spotify listeners without signing a major record label, why they chose to stay independent, and what it really takes to survive in today’s country music industry.

We talk about:

 • Sleeping in trucks and...

In this episode of Real Country, we sit down with Jack Browning, a British singer-songwriter whose music is deeply influenced by American country, Americana, and the Western way of life, despite being far from Nashville.

Jack shares how he first discovered country music in the UK, what drew him to the sounds and stories of the American West, and why authenticity matters more than trends in today’s music industry. We talk songwriting...

In this episode from the Real Country Podcast archives, I sat down with Chancey Williams to talk about a path that looks nothing like the Nashville playbook.

Chancey shares his journey from growing up in Wyoming, earning a rodeo scholarship, and living the cowboy life, to building a successful country music career rooted in authenticity, grit, and real fans. We talk about how rodeo and ranch life shaped his songwriting, why staying ...

This is a Real Country archive episode featuring rising country artist Taylor Austin Dye, recorded before some of her biggest recent milestones, and it’s one worth revisiting.

In this conversation, Taylor shares her journey from Kentucky roots to building a fiercely loyal “Ride or Dye” fanbase, her blend of Southern rock and country, and what it meant to step onto the Grand Ole Opry stage for the first time. We talk about carving ou...

In this episode of The Real Country Podcast from the archives, I'm again live for The Carter Studio Sessions! I sat down with Americana singer-songwriter Sophie Gault for a deeply honest conversation about music, mental health, and writing songs that don’t shy away from uncomfortable truths.

Sophie talks about the long road to releasing her sophomore album, Baltic Street Hotel (out September 20 of 2024), and what it took to kee...

In this episode of The Real Country Podcast, from the archives, I'm showcasing my first artist on The Carter Studio Sessions. I sat down with rising Americana artist Zach Meadows for an honest conversation about songwriting, Nashville, and taking the long road as an independent artist.

Zach shares his journey from growing up in Orlando, Florida, to finding his sound in the Carolinas, and ultimately committing fully to music by ...

From the archives, recorded during a pivotal moment in his career, this conversation features Willi Carlisle reflecting on folk music, belonging, and what it means to make art for real people, not algorithms.

In this episode, Willi talks through his Opry debut, his complicated relationship with musical institutions, and why folk music, at its core, is about people singing together, telling the truth, and bridging loneliness. He trac...

From the archives. Recorded in early 2024, this conversation captures Aaron Watson in rare, unfiltered form before playing in Indianapolis, reflecting on more than 20 years of building an independent country music career on his own terms.

In this episode, Aaron breaks down how country music has changed over the past two decades, why social media creates faster fame but shorter careers, and what it really takes to play the long game ...

From the archives: Recorded in November 2023, just hours before his first-ever performance at the Ryman Auditorium, this past conversation captures Tanner Usrey at a true turning point.

In this episode, Tanner sits down backstage in Nashville to talk about betting everything on music, leaving a “real job” behind, and letting songs become what they’re meant to be without forcing them into a genre box. 

We discuss his release of '...

Nothing changes until you start.

In this episode of Real Country, Nikki sits down with Eddie Marange a country music creator and photographer/videographer, to talk about what it really takes to build a career in country music and social media without connections, shortcuts, or overnight success.

Eddie shares his journey from law enforcement to working alongside country artists, how he grew a large platform simply by showing up consis...

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 Appalac...

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 a...

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...

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 ...

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 a...

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 abo...

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/3EhNTe...

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...