Country News

Apr 7, 2026

Fatherhood and Fame: How Thomas Rhett Balances Being a Dad and a Country Music Star

Thomas Rhett, one of country music’s biggest stars, is known not just for hits like “Die a Happy Man” and “Life Changes” but also for being a family man. Being in an industry that demands him to be away from his family doing tours, concerts, and studio time, Rhett tries to balance his time being a superstar and a … Continue reading Fatherhood and Fame: How Thomas Rhett Balances Being a Dad and a Country Music Star

Apr 2, 2026

Justin Moore Keeps It Real: Writing Songs About What He Knows

When Justin Moore talks about his music and lyrics, it never feels like a polished PR answer; rather, it sounds like a songwriter’s genuine voice. His songs aren’t just catchy country hits; they came from snippets of his life, his values, and the people around him. He shared the stories behind them during his week-long stint as … Continue reading Justin Moore Keeps It Real: Writing Songs About What He Knows

Mar 31, 2026

Justin Moore on Chasing the Dream from Day One

Nineteen years in any industry is no small feat, but in country music, it’s especially impressive. Justin Moore, while co-hosting Backstage Country with Elaina Smith, reflected and recalled how everything started for him. Justin Moore Looking Back at Where It Started Moore admitted, “It’s mind-blowing. I mean, it really is. My dad went to the show with me. Well, my … Continue reading Justin Moore on Chasing the Dream from Day One

Mar 19, 2026

Ella Langley Talks About Her Latest Hits

Backstage Country’s co-host for the week is someone who’s won four ACM awards, four CMA awards and is currently one of the most talked about country artists. For a whole week, Ella Langley will tell Elaina Smith and the listeners the stories and inspirations behind her songs. Ella Langley Hits ‘Dandelion’ Ella Langley – Dandelion (Official … Continue reading Ella Langley Talks About Her Latest Hits

Mar 16, 2026

Ella Langley on Making Music She Loves

Ella Langley dropped by Backstage Country to co-host with Elaina Smith for a week, where the “Choosin’ Texas” singer talked about making music she loves, and how artists should not be limited by genre. ‘All I’m Doing is Writing Music That I Love’ Langley shared how Ronnie Millsap has been a big inspiration for her upcoming record, Dandelion. She … Continue reading Ella Langley on Making Music She Loves

Mar 12, 2026

Ashley Cooke: Behind the Mic and the Music

When Ashley Cooke took over co-hosting Backstage Country with Elaina Smith, she didn’t just bring her songs; she brought the stories behind them. Turns out, behind every track is a piece of her and personal experiences: love, heartbreak, and calling someone on their BS. Ashley Cooke Songs ‘The Hell You Are’ Ashley Cooke – the … Continue reading Ashley Cooke: Behind the Mic and the Music

Mar 11, 2026

Ashley Cooke On Her Creative Process

Ashley Cooke, on her gig as Backstage Country’s Elaina Smith co-host talked about her creative process, going to LA to write, and her “new sonic era.” Ashley Cooke and Her ‘New Sonic Era’ Before the release of her latest album Ace, the “Over When We’re Sober” singer revealed how she’s often asked about when she would release … Continue reading Ashley Cooke On Her Creative Process

Mar 6, 2026

Luke Bryan Shares His Experiences During His ‘Country Song Came On’ Tour

This week on Backstage Country, Luke Bryan joins Elaina Smith as co-host, and he’s bringing the backstage pass vibes with him, giving fans the behind-the-scenes scoop on his high-energy Country Song Came On Tour last year. Luke Bryan on Touring Smith asked Bryan how his Country Song Came On Tour has been. Bryan replied that it has been a … Continue reading Luke Bryan Shares His Experiences During His ‘Country Song Came On’ Tour

Mar 2, 2026

Luke Bryan on The Songs That Excite Him the Most

Luke Bryan has 30 No. 1 songs, but admits that there are still songs that get him really excited. Co-hosting Backstage Country with Elaina Smith, and instead of just hitting “play” on his greatest hits, he’s dishing out the stories behind the songs that still give him goosebumps. Luke Bryan on ‘One Margarita’ Bryan shared that anytime he can write a song that he feels needs to … Continue reading Luke Bryan on The Songs That Excite Him the Most

Feb 24, 2026

Megan Moroney Breaks Down the Stories Behind the Music

Backstage Country’s Elaina Smith is welcoming a brand-new co-host, someone who had a huge 2025 and isn’t slowing down in 2026. Repping the great state of Georgia, Megan Moroney will be sharing stories about her music and how country stars typically spend their winter and spring. Megan Moroney Hits ‘6 Months Later’ Megan Moroney – 6 Months Later … Continue reading Megan Moroney Breaks Down the Stories Behind the Music

Feb 17, 2026

What Love Means to The Band Perry Now

When Kimberly Perry and Johnny Costello of The Band Perry pulled up a chair to co-host Backstage Country with Elaina Smith, the conversation naturally drifted to a topic they’ve sung about since day one: love. The Band Perry on Love After experiencing so much in life, Smith asked Perry if she still sees love sweetly and innocently. She says, … Continue reading What Love Means to The Band Perry Now

Dec 10, 2025

How Riley Green Is Bringing Southern Charm to International Stages

Riley Green is Elaina Smith’s co-host this week! The country crooner is back in the Backstage Country co-host seat, and he’s spilling what it’s like being on the road and having fans overseas. Riley Green On Having Fans Overseas Since he performed in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne last year, Smith asked if his Aussie fans are different from his American fans. Green … Continue reading How Riley Green Is Bringing Southern Charm to International Stages