Looking back on our talk with Lainey Wilson at Faster Horses 2024, as we celebrate the GRAMMY winner's new album, 'Whirlwind.'

Looking back on our talk with Lainey Wilson at Faster Horses 2024, as we celebrate the GRAMMY winner's new album, 'Whirlwind.'

Rob Stone and Holly Hutton give you the VIP treatment as ACM Award-winning personalities, connecting you with your favorite Country artists every weeknight on Audacy radio stations nationwide. Join the high-energy duo as they keep your nights interesting with one-of-a-kind artist interviews, the latest Country news and real-life anecdotes from their own eventful lives. When not on your airwaves, you can catch Rob Stone on-stage as a singer-songwriter and Holly Hutton on her farm, rescuing horses. What are you waiting for? Listen now!

Rob Stone and Holly Hutton give you the VIP treatment as ACM Award-winning personalities, connecting you with your favorite Country artists every weeknight on Audacy radio stations nationwide. Join the high-energy duo as they keep your nights interesting with one-of-a-kind artist interviews, the latest Country news and real-life anecdotes from their own eventful lives. When not on your airwaves, you can catch Rob Stone on-stage as a singer-songwriter and Holly Hutton on her farm, rescuing horses. What are you waiting for? Listen now!

Rob Stone and Holly Hutton give you the VIP treatment as ACM Award-winning personalities, connecting you with your favorite Country artists every weeknight on Audacy radio stations nationwide.

Rob + Holly

Lainey Wilson at Faster Horses 2024

The Country music door is wide open these days with several cross-genre artists stepping through to immerse themselves in the family-like fanbase. In turn, established Country artists have had their own fun with cross-genre collabs and trying on new sounds, but if you ask JonPardi — there is a limit.

“You’re missin’ out if you’re not going to take advantage of all this influence coming in from everyone,” he said of welcoming new influences.” You’ve got HARDY screamin’ and playing out crazy amphitheaters, then you got Post Malone here — he actually cut a really great, pretty Country, Country record — so it’s just like everybody is kind of having fun and I feel like you’ve gotta experiment a little bit.”

He continued, “It’s fun, but you don’t wanna go too crazy… I’m not gonna do nothin crazy.”

Pardi shared traditional Country will always be at the root of his music as he recalled listening to the greats in the ‘80s alongside his grandmother. He loved it so much, in preschool his teacher shared he came to class each week claiming his name was a different Country artist.

“I was told I came to preschool with a different Country singer’s name every other week or so,” he shared. “One week I was Randy Travis one week I was Merle Haggard. I was George Strait one time.”

While childhood was all about Country for Pardi, he ventured out to some Pop/Punk music in his high school years, which he still enjoys today. While the Alternative sound isn’t something he plans to incorporate into his music, the lyrics and overall feel is something that he says helped him with songwriting.

“In high school I was really into Rock and Punk Rock… If we’re going to throw it out — I’d really love to meet Blink-182,” he shared. “I’ve pretty much X’d out [met] all the Country heroes, so I’m moving on.” He continued, “It was fun music, it was happy and it pumps you up. I took a lot of that kind of style of writing and energy to bring it to Country music.”

Some of that songwriting will be featured on Pardi’s forthcoming album, which is expected to be announced in the coming months. Fans got their first taste of what’s to come with the brand new single, “Friday Night Heartbreaker,” available now.

“We went a little more Rock ’N Roll, it’s still got fiddle and steel [guitar],” he said of the record. “There’s just a little more of Soul and Rock in this next record. Even in 'Friday Night Heartbreaker,' you kind of hear it.”

Find out more about the album, Pardi’s greatest influences and additional info by checking out his entire conversation with Audacy’s Rob + Holly above.

Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Rob + Holly

The Country music door is wide open these days with several cross-genre artists stepping through to immerse themselves in the family-like fanbase. In turn, established Country artists have had their own fun with cross-genre collabs and trying on new sounds, but if you ask Jon Pardi — there is a limit.
“You’re missin’ out if you’re not going to take advantage of all this influence coming in from everyone,” he said of welcoming new influences.” You’ve got HARDY screamin’ and playing out crazy amphitheaters, then you got Post Malone here — he actually cut a really great, pretty Country, Country record — so it’s just like everybody is kind of having fun and I feel like you’ve gotta experiment a little bit.”
He continued, “It’s fun, but you don’t wanna go too crazy… I’m not gonna do nothin crazy.”
Pardi shared traditional Country will always be at the root of his music as he recalled listening to the greats in the ‘80s alongside his grandmother. He loved it so much, in preschool his teacher shared he came to class each week claiming his name was a different Country artist.
“I was told I came to preschool with a different Country singer’s name every other week or so,” he shared. “One week I was Randy Travis one week I was Merle Haggard. I was George Strait one time.”
While childhood was all about Country for Pardi, he ventured out to some Pop/Punk music in his high school years, which he still enjoys today. While the Alternative sound isn’t something he plans to incorporate into his music, the lyrics and overall feel is something that he says helped him with songwriting.
“In high school I was really into Rock and Punk Rock… If we’re going to throw it out — I’d really love to meet Blink-182,” he shared. “I’ve pretty much X’d out [met] all the Country heroes, so I’m moving on.” He continued, “It was fun music, it was happy and it pumps you up. I took a lot of that kind of style of writing and energy to bring it to Country music.”
Some of that songwriting will be featured on Pardi’s forthcoming album, which is expected to be announced in the coming months. Fans got their first taste of what’s to come with the brand new single, “Friday Night Heartbreaker,” available now.
“We went a little more Rock ’N Roll, it’s still got fiddle and steel [guitar],” he said of the record. “There’s just a little more of Soul and Rock in this next record. Even in 'Friday Night Heartbreaker,' you kind of hear it.”
Find out more about the album, Pardi’s greatest influences and additional info by checking out his entire conversation with Audacy’s Rob + Holly above.
Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Rob + Holly

Jon Pardi | Friday Night Takeover

RascalFlatts is back and couldn’t be more excited to hit the road in 2025 with the recently announced Life Is A Highway Tour to reconnect with the fans, their music, and each other after a five year break as a band.

After being forced to cancel their originally scheduled farewell tour in 2020 due to the global pandemic Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney are making good on their promise for tour dates with one noticeable change — this tour is not labeled “farewell.”

“I feel like in a lot of ways, we have a greater appreciation for what we had,” said bassist, Jay DeMarcus. “I think we needed to go through some personal growth individually — go through some seasons in our lives and try some other things. I think it’s allowed all of us to get away, get fresh perspective and come back with a renewed energy and appreciation for what we have.”

Added frontman, Gary LeVox, “In 2020, who would’ve thought that something called COVID would start the whole entire world shutting down? That really put life in perspective and how fragile it is. Not just what we’ve been able to accomplish together… it just put everything in perspective.”

The 21-city trek will celebrate 25 years of music for the trio who racked up 17 Number One hits, over 23.4 million albums sold, 35 million digital downloads and countless awards. Joined by special guests Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane, the tour will include stops in Green Bay, Toledo, Huntsville, Fort Worth, Orlando and more.

“We’re anxious to put the show together and give the people something that they’re gonna be really pumped about,” said DeMarcus.

“It’s just been awesome to read the comments and see the love - the outpouring of love and enthusiasm,” said Rooney of announcing the tour this week. “They put us here, so we’re gonna go back out and celebrate with them. We love our fans — the Flattheads!”

Tickets for Rascal Flatts' 2025 Life Is A Highway Tour go on sale October 4 at 10am local time and can be found here. See a full list of tour dates below.

LIFE IS A HIGHWAY TOUR Official Dates:
2/13 Evansville, IN- Ford Center
2/14 Charleston, WV- Charleston Coliseum
2/15 Grand Rapids, MI- Van Andel Arena
2/22 Durant, OK- Choctaw Grand Theater
2/27 Sioux Falls, SD- Denny Sanford Premier Center
2/28 Green Bay, WI- Resch Center
3/1 Moline, IL- Vibrant Arena
3/6 Columbus, OH- Nationwide Arena
3/7 Toledo, OH- Huntington Center
3/8 Youngstown, OH- Covelli Centre
3/13 Manchester, NH- SNHU Arena
3/14 Uncasville, CT- Mohegan Sun Arena
3/15 Allentown, PA- PPL Center
3/20 Huntsville, AL- Von Braun Center Propst Arena*
3/22 Savannah, GA- Enmarket Arena
3/27 Ft. Worth, TX- Dickies Arena
3/28 Lafayette, LA- CAJUNDOME
3/29 Little Rock, AR- Simmons Bank Arena
4/3 Estero, FL- Hertz Arena
4/4 Orlando, FL- Kia Center
4/5 Jacksonville, FL- Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena
* Tickets will be on sale starting Oct. 11 at 10 am local time

Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Rob + Holly

Rascal Flatts is back and couldn’t be more excited to hit the road in 2025 with the recently announced Life Is A Highway Tour to reconnect with the fans, their music, and each other after a five year break as a band.
After being forced to cancel their originally scheduled farewell tour in 2020 due to the global pandemic Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney are making good on their promise for tour dates with one noticeable change — this tour is not labeled “farewell.”
“I feel like in a lot of ways, we have a greater appreciation for what we had,” said bassist, Jay DeMarcus. “I think we needed to go through some personal growth individually — go through some seasons in our lives and try some other things. I think it’s allowed all of us to get away, get fresh perspective and come back with a renewed energy and appreciation for what we have.”
Added frontman, Gary LeVox, “In 2020, who would’ve thought that something called COVID would start the whole entire world shutting down? That really put life in perspective and how fragile it is. Not just what we’ve been able to accomplish together… it just put everything in perspective.”
The 21-city trek will celebrate 25 years of music for the trio who racked up 17 Number One hits, over 23.4 million albums sold, 35 million digital downloads and countless awards. Joined by special guests Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane, the tour will include stops in Green Bay, Toledo, Huntsville, Fort Worth, Orlando and more.
“We’re anxious to put the show together and give the people something that they’re gonna be really pumped about,” said DeMarcus.
“It’s just been awesome to read the comments and see the love - the outpouring of love and enthusiasm,” said Rooney of announcing the tour this week. “They put us here, so we’re gonna go back out and celebrate with them. We love our fans — the Flattheads!”
Tickets for Rascal Flatts' 2025 Life Is A Highway Tour go on sale October 4 at 10am local time and can be found <a href="https://www.livenation.com/artist/K8vZ9171nF7/rascal-flatts-events">here</a>. See a full list of tour dates below.
LIFE IS A HIGHWAY TOUR Official Dates: 2/13 Evansville, IN- Ford Center 2/14 Charleston, WV- Charleston Coliseum 2/15 Grand Rapids, MI- Van Andel Arena 2/22 Durant, OK- Choctaw Grand Theater 2/27 Sioux Falls, SD- Denny Sanford Premier Center 2/28 Green Bay, WI- Resch Center 3/1 Moline, IL- Vibrant Arena 3/6 Columbus, OH- Nationwide Arena 3/7 Toledo, OH- Huntington Center 3/8 Youngstown, OH- Covelli Centre 3/13 Manchester, NH- SNHU Arena 3/14 Uncasville, CT- Mohegan Sun Arena 3/15 Allentown, PA- PPL Center 3/20 Huntsville, AL- Von Braun Center Propst Arena* 3/22 Savannah, GA- Enmarket Arena 3/27 Ft. Worth, TX- Dickies Arena 3/28 Lafayette, LA- CAJUNDOME 3/29 Little Rock, AR- Simmons Bank Arena 4/3 Estero, FL- Hertz Arena 4/4 Orlando, FL- Kia Center 4/5 Jacksonville, FL- Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena * Tickets will be on sale starting Oct. 11 at 10 am local time
Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Rob + Holly

Rascal Flatts with Rob + Holly

RussellDickerson has found Country music success, but memories of the path he took to get there are never far away — especially when he plays one specific guitar.

During his recent appearance on Audacy’s Fridays Night Takeover with Rob + Holly, Dickerson reflected on his early days as a musician and buying equipment via Craigslist to try and save money. While he’s been able to upgrade much of that equipment following all his success — there’s still one guitar that he holds near and dear.

“I bought guitars, amps, pedals… especially back in the day when I was tryna… get this thing goin’,” he reflected. “I bought like a $400 Epiphone, which is like a lower version of a Gibson and it was his [the sellers] baby that he was lettin’ go and he was like, ‘Man, I hope to see you. I hope you get to be somebody one day and you play this thing on stage all over.’”

Russell continued, “Every time I play this guitar, I think about that guy and I’m like, ‘I wonder if he has still followed me or whatever and sees his guitar up on stage at all these crazy shows.’”

Surely, the Craigslist seller would be thrilled to see his “baby” living its best life and getting attention on stages worldwide — including Dickerson’s current stops in the UK as part of Sam Hunt’s Locked Up Tour. Dickersonis excited to bring the new music of his latest release, Bones The EP across the pond where he says the fans are next level.

“This is our eighth time going over to the UK,” Russell shared before detailing some of the things he looks forward to most when playing shows there. “They’re very engaged,” he shared. “If they’re a Russell Dickerson fan, they know every album, every song on that album front-to-back — they’re very dedicated in that way… at the same time — probably later in the evening after a few more pints have been flown’ — they’ll literally take over the show with a soccer stadium chant… they were louder than the PA, they were louder than the band and we just let ‘em go. They’re very respectful, but they’re also very, they’ll go soccer stadium on you!”

Hear more about Russell’s time as support on Sam Hunt’s tour, as well as stories surrounding the writing of “Bones,” fixing up his dream car, first kiss with his wife and more by checking out his entire interview on the Friday Night Takeover with Rob + Holly above.

Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Rob + Holly

Russell Dickerson has found Country music success, but memories of the path he took to get there are never far away — especially when he plays one specific guitar.
During his recent appearance on Audacy’s Fridays Night Takeover with Rob + Holly, Dickerson reflected on his early days as a musician and buying equipment via Craigslist to try and save money. While he’s been able to upgrade much of that equipment following all his success — there’s still one guitar that he holds near and dear.
“I bought guitars, amps, pedals… especially back in the day when I was tryna… get this thing goin’,” he reflected. “I bought like a $400 Epiphone, which is like a lower version of a Gibson and it was his [the sellers] baby that he was lettin’ go and he was like, ‘Man, I hope to see you. I hope you get to be somebody one day and you play this thing on stage all over.’”
Russell continued, “Every time I play this guitar, I think about that guy and I’m like, ‘I wonder if he has still followed me or whatever and sees his guitar up on stage at all these crazy shows.’”
Surely, the Craigslist seller would be thrilled to see his “baby” living its best life and getting attention on stages worldwide — including Dickerson’s current stops in the UK as part of Sam Hunt’s Locked Up Tour. Dickerson is excited to bring the new music of his latest release, Bones The EP across the pond where he says the fans are next level.
“This is our eighth time going over to the UK,” Russell shared before detailing some of the things he looks forward to most when playing shows there. “They’re very engaged,” he shared. “If they’re a Russell Dickerson fan, they know every album, every song on that album front-to-back — they’re very dedicated in that way… at the same time — probably later in the evening after a few more pints have been flown’ — they’ll literally take over the show with a soccer stadium chant… they were louder than the PA, they were louder than the band and we just let ‘em go. They’re very respectful, but they’re also very, they’ll go soccer stadium on you!”
Hear more about Russell’s time as support on Sam Hunt’s tour, as well as stories surrounding the writing of “Bones,” fixing up his dream car, first kiss with his wife and more by checking out his entire interview on the Friday Night Takeover with Rob + Holly above.
Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Rob + Holly

Lainey Wilson at Faster Horses 2024

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