Country 102.5 Artist Interviews Podcast

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.