Shows
Spotlight: The Oxford Media Society PodcastBaylen Leonard: "Beyoncé Doing Country Music Is Not Gonna Take Your Country Away" - Broadcasting, Dolly Parton, and the UK Country Music SceneBaylen Leonard is a radio broadcaster specialising in country music. He is best known for his work with Absolute Radio Country, which he presents six days a week, and for his podcast Country Music Talk where he has interviewed country music stars such as Kelsea Ballerini, Keith Urban, and Bailey Zimmerman. He has twice been recognised as International Broadcaster of the Year by the Country Music Association, and has won two British Country Music Awards (CMAs) for his work as a radio presenter. In this episode, Maya talks to Leonard about his journey into commercial broadcasting, the appeal of...2025-02-2539 min
Country Music TalkLanie GardnerBaylen Leonard catches up with rising star Lanie Gardner - one of Absolute Radio County's Class of 2025. She talks about touring with Jelly Roll, gaining the attention of Morgan Wallen and Ernest, and shares the inspiration behind her debut album 'A Songwriter's Diary'.2025-01-1718 min
A Face For RadioCountry Music and Finding Home in the UK - Baylen LeonardIn our latest episode, Rory McGowan is joined by Baylen Leonard from Absolute Country! Baylen tells Rory about how a young boy from Bristol, Tennessee ended up working in UK Radio and the amazing journey that led him to London. In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big radio names who help produce and present some of your favourite shows, so they can tell their funniest stories and recount their journey through the radio industry. So sit down, grab a nice warm drink and listen to the s...2024-11-121h 02Country Music TalkKelsea BalleriniBaylen Leonard catches up with Kelsea Ballerini to find out all about her brand-new album 'Patterns'. She tells him about working with Noah Kahan, why she LOVES performing in the UK and much more.2024-10-2818 minCountry Music TalkRiley Green - October 2024Baylen Leonard catches up with Riley Green to talk about his new album 'Don't Mind If I Do'. Riley discusses working with Ella Langley, the rising popularity of 'traditional' country music and reflects on his UK debut supporting Morgan Wallen in Hyde Park in front of 50,000 fans,,,2024-10-1814 minCountry Music TalkOld Dominion - October 2024Baylen Leonard catches up with Matthew Ramsey from the multi-CMA and ACM Award-Winning band, Old Dominion. He talks about what it was like headlining C2C 2024, teases a new album and return to the UK, and talks about their fan-favourites compilation collection 'Oldies But Goodies'.2024-10-1116 minCountry Music TalkKeith UrbanBaylen Leonard sits down with country music legend Keith Urban to find out all about his brand-new album 'High'. Keith tells the story of why it was 4 years in the making, reflects on being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame by Dolly Parton, and shares what it was like collaborating with Lainey Wilson.2024-09-2017 minCountry Music TalkJosh Turner - September 2024Baylen Leonard talks to country music legend of 'Long Black Train' fame, Josh Turner, about his Grand Ole Opry debut, the TikTok revival of 'Your Man' and his brand new album 'This Country Music Thing'.2024-09-0620 minCountry Music TalkThe Long Road Festival 2024: Flatland CavalryJason and Cleto from Flatland Cavalry talk to Baylen Leonard, backstage on a hay bale at The Long Road Festival. They talk about how it feels to travel the world sharing their music, and reflect on the Texas bar that helped them get started in country music.2024-08-2713 minCountry Music TalkThe Long Road Festival 2024: Randall KingBaylen Leonard catches up with Randall King backstage at The Long Road Festival, just ahead of his debut UK performance on the Rhinestone Stage.2024-08-2709 minCountry Music TalkLainey Wilson - August 2024Baylen Leonard sits down with Grammy Award-Winning country music superstar Lainey Wilson to find out all about her brand-new album Whirlwind. She reflects on her Grand Ole Opry induction, talks about her collaboration with Post Malone and shares how this new album is her most personal work yet…2024-08-2513 minCountry Music TalkThe Long Road Festival 2024: Wyatt FloresWyatt Flores sits down on a hay bale with Baylen Leonard backstage at The Long Road Festival to talk about his enormous success over the last couple of years. He shares the personal story behind fan favourite 'Please Don't Go,' reflects on his performance at Nashville's CMA Fest earlier this year, and talks about how excited he is to be making his UK debut at The Long Road.2024-08-2416 min
Girls In Low PlacesThe biggest country music DIVA? The most overplayed song on Absolute Radio Country? Baylen Leonard answers all the questions he can't answer on Absolute.The godfather of UK country music, we speak to Absolute Radio's Baylen Leonard ahead of the Long Road Festival this weekend. The country music tea is piping hot, with the Girls In Low Places FORCING Baylen to answer every question while rawdogging tequila shots.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2024-08-1946 minCountry Music TalkRussell Dickerson - August 2024Russell Dickerson chat to Baylen Leonard about his latest single Bones, and shares how excited he is to be returning to the UK to headline The Long Road Festival before heading to London, Manchester, Birmingham and more on tour...2024-08-1610 minCountry Music TalkCharley Crockett - July 2024Baylen Leonard sits down with Charley Crockett, who shares the journey that took him from busking in Paris to selling out the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and playing the Grand Ole Opry. He also talks about learning his craft as a performer on the street and writing his latest album, #$10 Cowboy' while on the road.2024-07-2826 minCountry Music TalkTucker WetmoreBaylen Leonard sits down with up-and-coming country music sensation Tucker Wetmore to discuss the success of his single 'Wind Up Missin' You' and how playing Beethoven on the piano was the first step he took toward a career in music... He also shares what it's like touring with names like Luke Bryan and Chris Young, and what it felt like being asked to write for the 'Twisters' soundtrack.2024-07-1214 minCountry Music TalkCarly Pearce - June 2024Carly Pearce sits down with Baylen Leonard to tell him all about her brand-new album 'hummingbird'. She reflects on the success of her previous album '29: Written In Stone' and how it laid the foundation for her latest record, which has authentic storytelling at its heart.2024-06-0921 minCountry Music TalkHighways 2024: The War And TreatyJoin Baylen Leonard back stage at the Highways Festival at the Royal Albert Hall as he catches up with some of the country and Americana stars on the lineup… In this episode, Baylen chats to Michael and Tanya, The War And Treaty about how playing the UK's most iconic venue is on their bucket list...2024-05-2110 minCountry Music TalkHighways 2024: William PrinceJoin Baylen Leonard back stage at the Highways Festival at the Royal Albert Hall as he catches up with some of the country and Americana stars on the lineup… In this episode, Baylen chats William Prince about his career, and what it's like to perform for country fans at the Royal Albert Hall.2024-05-2008 minCountry Music TalkHighways 2024: Josh RossJoin Baylen Leonard back stage at the Highways Festival at the Royal Albert Hall as he catches up with some of the country and Americana stars on the lineup… Josh Ross shares the story of his country music journey, which has taken him from selling furniture online to one of the UK's most iconic stages...2024-05-2009 minCountry Music TalkHighways 2024: Brett YoungJoin Baylen Leonard back stage at the Highways Festival at the Royal Albert Hall as he catches up with some of the country and Americana stars on the lineup… In this episode, headliner Brett Young talks about engagements at his concerts, what it's like playing some of the world's most iconic venues, AND how committed he is to his UK fans.2024-05-1911 minCountry Music TalkHighways 2024: The Cadillac ThreeJoin Baylen Leonard back stage at the Highways Festival at the Royal Albert Hall as he catches up with some of the country and Americana stars on the lineup… The Cadillac Three sit down with Baylen to talk about how playing such an iconic venue is a bucket-list moment for them.2024-05-1810 minCountry Music TalkHighways 2024: Bowen YoungJoin Baylen Leonard back stage at the Highways Festival at the Royal Albert Hall as he catches up with some of the country and Americana stars on the lineup… In this episode, Baylen chats to Bowen Young about how their music brings people together and discovers the story of how the couple met. Clare Bowen also teases her next acting project.2024-05-1815 minCountry Music TalkHighways 2024: Shane SmithJoin Baylen Leonard back stage at the Highways Festival at the Royal Albert Hall as he catches up with some of the country and Americana stars on the lineup… In this episode, Shane Smith talks about how being featured on Yellowstone was a game changer for his music…2024-05-1813 minCountry Music TalkHighways 2024: Tanner UsreyJoin Baylen Leonard back stage at the Highways Festival at the Royal Albert Hall as he catches up with some of the country and Americana stars on the lineup… In this episode, Tanner Usrey shares the impact that Yellowstone has had on his career…2024-05-1809 minCountry Music TalkBrian Kelley - May 2024Brian Kelley stops by to tell Baylen Leonard all about his brand new album 'Tennessee Truth'. He talks about how grateful he is for his growing UK fanbase, how the pandemic inspired his first solo project and what fans can expect from the latest album...2024-05-1014 minCountry Music TalkHannah EllisHannah Ellis stops by to tell Baylen Leonard about how she moved to Nashville to become a singer but ended up signing a publishing deal as a songwriter... She talks about how the Nashville community has supported her as an artist in her own right, reflects on her Grand Ole Opry debut and shares how releasing her album 'Karma On The Rocks' is a dream come true.2024-04-2816 minCountry Music TalkLauren WatkinsBaylen Leonard gets to know an artist who has been on the road with some of country music's biggest names; Morgan Wallen, Jameson Rodgers and Lily Rose to name a few... Lauren Watkins talks about her latest EP, what it's like performing in the UK, and she teases her next project...2024-04-2110 minCountry Music TalkJackson Dean - April 2024Jackson Dean joins Baylen Leonard to talk about how it feels to perform for UK audiences, how he wants to make music that connects with listeners on a deeper level and he reflects on the family lore that almost led him into a life in the military before he discovered his love of music.2024-04-1210 minCountry Music TalkPriscilla BlockBaylen Leonard sits down with a platinum-selling artist who recently had her first ever country number 1... Priscilla Block talks about how perseverance during the pandemic helped launch her career, shares the inspiration behind her latest song 'Good On You' and reflects on the day that she bumped into Taylor Swift in the street.2024-04-0517 minCountry Music TalkDrake Milligan - March 2024Baylen Leonard catches up with a country music star who recently made his main stage debut at C2C to huge acclaim. His debut album 'Dallas / Fort Worth' spent months in the Top 20 of the country album chart in the states, and now he's got a brand-new EP... Drake Milligan reflects on some of his biggest shows and looks ahead to what's next...2024-03-2214 minCountry Music TalkBrad PaisleyBaylen Leonard is joined by GRAMMY Award-Winning artist Brad Paisley who looks ahead to his headline performances at Country to Country 2024. He tells Baylen what he loves about playing for country fans in the UK, talks about his favourite haunts in London, Scotland and Ireland and shares some details about his new album 'Son of the Mountains'.2024-03-0621 minCountry Music TalkAshley CookeBaylen Leonard catches up with a singer-songwriter who is climbing the charts at US Country Radio... Ashley Cooke stops by to talk about her latest single, 'Your Place'. She also reflects on her Grand Ole Opry debut, talks about touring with Jordan Davis and shares the UK pop icon who was her musical inspiration when she was growing up.2024-03-0118 minCountry Music TalkJordan Davis - February 2024CMA award-winning country music superstar Jordan Davis stops by on his 'Damn Good Time World Tour' to catch up with Baylen Leonard about his latest hit 'Tucson Too Late'. He also talks about headlining shows across Europe and shares how he believes the genre is in better shape than ever.2024-02-1615 minCountry Music TalkWarren ZeidersBaylen Leonard catches up with viral sensation Warren Zeiders to discuss his meteoric rise... He talks about how it felt to make his Grand Ole Opry debut, discusses his friendship with Jelly Roll and talks all about his runaway hit, 'Pretty Little Poison'.2024-02-0915 minCountry Music TalkBrittney SpencerBaylen Leonard sits down with an artist who, since breaking through in 2020, has shared the stage with the likes of Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood and Maren Morris. Brittney Spencer talks about her debut album 'My Stupid Life,' reflects on building her career after a viral moment and shares the experience of supporting The Chicks and Bruce Springsteen in London...2024-02-0422 minCountry Music TalkLarry FleetAfter supporting Morgan Wallen in front of 20,000 country music fans at London's O2 Arena, Larry Fleet joins Baylen Leonard to talk about what he's learned on tour with Morgan, how Jake Owen gave him his break in music, and reflects on his passion for songwriting.2023-12-2218 minCountry Music TalkBaylen Leonard in Nashville - Dustin LynchBaylen Leonard has been hanging out in Nashville for the CMA Awards... He caught up with Dustin Lynch to talk about his latest album 'Killed The Cowboy', his collaboration with Jelly Roll and his latest hit single 'Stars Like Confetti'.2023-12-0116 minCountry Music TalkWhen Baylen Met DollyBaylen Leonard sits down with Dolly Parton to talk about her new album 'Rockstar' and her latest book. They talk about Dolly's collaborations with some of music's biggest names, what being an icon means to Dolly, and the country star Dolly would be 'honoured' to work with...2023-11-1714 minCountry Music TalkBaylen Leonard in Nashville - The Cadillac ThreeBaylen Leonard is in Nashville for CMA Awards week, catching up with some of country music's biggest artists. In this episode, he sits down with Neil and Kelby from The Cadillac Three to talk about their growing UK fanbase and their latest album 'The Years Go Fast.'2023-11-1008 minCountry Music TalkBaylen Leonard in Nashville - Conner SmithBaylen Leonard is in Nashville for CMA Awards week, catching up with some of country music's biggest artists. In this episode, he sits down with up-and-coming star Conner Smith to talk about his forthcoming album and how excited he is to walk the red carpet at the CMA Awards.2023-11-1009 minCountry Music TalkBaylen Leonard in Nashville - Lady ABaylen Leonard is in Nashville for CMA Awards week, catching up with some of country music's biggest artists. In this episode, he sits down with 'Vocal Group Of The Year' nominees, Charles Kelly and Dave Haywood from Lady A. They talk about their new music, award nominations and Charles shares the hobby that helps him to live in the moment...2023-11-0920 minCountry Music TalkBaylen Leonard in Nashville - Jordan DavisBaylen Leonard is in Nashville for CMA Awards week, catching up with some of country music's biggest artists. In this episode, 'Single Of The Year' nominee Jordan Davis talks about awards outfits, 'Buy Dirt' and shares how excited he is to be coming back to the UK for a headline tour.2023-11-0914 minCountry Music TalkBrooke EdenBaylen Leonard catches up with a singer-songwriter who started out on American idol, before moving to Nashville, getting a record deal and going on to share the stage with some of country music's biggest names… Brooke Eden shares her experience of coming out as a country artist, reflects on her friendship with Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, and tells Baylen all about her incredibly personal new EP, Outlaw Love.2023-10-2715 minCountry Music Talk49 WinchesterBaylen Leonard catches up with a band who are fast becoming one of the must-see live acts in country music... 49 Winchester talk about joining Luke Combs on tour, reflect on how the band started and share their experience of playing to thousands of UK fans at C2C.2023-10-2022 minCountry Music TalkOld DominionBaylen Leonard catches with one of the members of a multi-CMA Award winning, multi-platinum-selling band who have scored eight number ones on country radio... Matthew Ramsey from Old Dominion talks about their new album 'Memory Lane,' working with Megan Moroney and Blake Shelton and talks about his love of playing to UK country fans.2023-09-2911 minCountry Music TalkBrian KelleyBaylen Leonard catches up with a multi-CMA Award Winning, Grammy Nominated artist who has scored 19 Number 1s over the last 13 years... Brian Kelley started out as the Florida half of Florida Georgia Line, and now his solo career is going from strength to strength. He talks about his forthcoming solo album, the hit song 'See You Next Summer' and how excited he is to be playing Jags Country in London this September.2023-09-2013 minCountry Music TalkJelly Roll - September 2023Baylen Leonard catches up with Jelly Roll backstage, just before he performs his sold-out show in Atlanta. They talk about his meteoric rise to country superstar and how playing music for a living was always his dream.2023-09-0805 minCountry Music TalkCharley CrockettBaylen Leonard chats to the brilliant Charley Crockett ahead of his UK tour… Charley talks about his songs ‘I’m Just A Clown' and ‘Trinity River’ and he shares the journey that took him from busking in an alleyway near the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to recording his live album on stage at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville… 2023-09-0315 minCountry Music TalkShania Twain - August 2023Baylen Leonard catches up with Shania Twain, who tells him why playing Nashville was one of the most special nights on her Queen Of Me World Tour so far... She’ll also talk about how Dolly Parton inspired her to be herself as she was starting out in country music, and looks ahead to her UK tour dates next month…2023-08-2012 minCountry Music TalkTenille Arts - July 2023Baylen Leonard catches up with an artist who has scored a Number 1 single, achieved half a billion streams AND toured with names like Lady A and Scotty McCreery...Tenille Arts looks ahead to playing The Long Road Festival this summer, talks about her forthcoming album and reflects on making the move from Canada to Nashville.2023-07-2814 minCountry Music TalkKezia GillBaylen Leonard catches up with UK country music sensation Kezia Gill. They discuss her new album, what it's like being on the same bill as Bruce Springsteen and how it felt to play the Bluebird Cafe AND the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.2023-07-2617 minCountry Music TalkEli Young BandBaylen catches up with a band who have been making country music for over twenty years... They've had eight chart hits, four number 1 singles and this summer they're coming to play in the UK for the first time with shows in Manchester, London, Glasgow and they'll be playing at The Long Road Festival.
INTRO: This is Absolute Radio Country, I’m Baylen Leonard and today I’m joined by one of the founding members of a country music band who have been making music for over twenty years… It all started when two university friends formed a duo, which expanded into a...2023-07-0716 minCountry Music TalkJordan HarveyBaylen Leonard catches up with a rising star of country music who grew up in Scotland listening to the likes of Johnny Cash and Kenny Rogers before moving to Nashville to make a name for himself. Jordan Harvey talks all about his debut EP, his single 'Along For The Ride' and how it felt to make his Grand Ole Opry Debut.2023-06-1618 minCountry Music TalkCharles EstenBaylen Leonard catches up with one of the most recognizable stars of the hit TV show Nashville, Charles Esten, also known as Deacon Claybourne. He tells Baylen all about what it was like working on the show, looks ahead to his debut album AND talks about the Nashville Reunion Tour which is coming to the UK this autumn...2023-06-0919 minCountry Music TalkCaylee HammackBaylen Leonard catches up with a self-taught singer-songwriter who learned her craft singing along with the radio before moving to Nashville and starting out on a career that's seen her work with the likes of Ashley McBryde and Chris Stapleton. Caylee Hammack reflects on her C2C debut, tells Baylen all about her new single 'History Of Repeating,' and looks ahead to playing The Long Road Festival this summer.2023-06-0222 minCountry Music TalkHighways 2023: Kip MooreBaylen Leonard catches up with the headline act of the first ever Highways Festival at the Royal Albert Hall, Kip Moore. He talks about living in the moment as a musician, his commitment to UK country fans and how playing the Royal Albert Hall has always been on his bucket list.2023-05-2511 min
My MusicMy Music Episode 227 -Hannah Rose PlattHannah Rose Platt is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and storyteller, who merges the sinister authorial prowess of Nick Cave and Tom Waits, with the incandescent vocals of Mazzy Star and PJ Harvey. Born and raised in Liverpool where she wrote her first songs and began cutting her teeth on the local live circuit, Hannah Rose Platt is now based in Bristol where she has become an established figure on the UK music scene.
Championed by broadcasters including Sid Griffin, Baylen Leonard, Ralph McLean and Bob Harris, Hannah has also gained regular airplay on the BBC as well as national...2023-05-2331 minCountry Music TalkHighways 2023: Jackson DeanBaylen Leonard catches up with Jackson Dean backstage at The Royal Albert Hall ahead of his show at the first ever Highways Festival. Jackson reflects on the song that changed his life, his first trip to the UK and how much he's looking forward to playing The Long Road Festival later this year...2023-05-2314 minCountry Music TalkHighways 2023: Stephen Wilson JrBaylen Leonard catches up with singer-songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr backstage at one of the world's most iconic venues; The Royal Albert Hall. He reflects on playing the first ever Highways Festival, what it means to be an artist, and on how far he's come in the last few years.2023-05-2316 minCountry Music TalkMental Health Awareness Week - Chase McDaniel & Danielle BradberyAs part of Mental Health Awareness Week, Baylen Leonard catches up with two country music stars who have openly struggled with their mental health. Danielle Bradbery and Chase McDaniel share their experiences with anxiety, and tell Baylen how important it is to talk about how you're feeling. If you need more help or advice on how your own mental health, head to absoluteradio.co.uk/timetolisten2023-05-1534 minCountry Music TalkMitchell Tenpenny - March 2023Nashville Native and number one hitmaker Mitchell Tenpenny catches up with Baylen Leonard in the Absolute Radio Country Studio to talk about his huge chart success, how it felt to play C2C, and how he proposed to his wife in a dive bar in front of all her friends and family...2023-04-0615 minCountry Music TalkMy Kind Of CountryBaylen Leonard catches up with the stars of the show My Kind Of Country on Apple TV+ who are joining forces to find new, up and coming country talent from across the globe… Mickey Guyton, Orville Peck, Jimmie Allen tell Baylen all about the new show...2023-03-2714 minCountry Music TalkLuke Combs - March 2023Luke Combs talks to Baylen Leonard about his brand-new album Gettin' Old, his massive world tour that's coming to the UK this autumn, and how discovering new music and supporting new artists is just as important to him as ever. He also reflects on the old days he used to spend hanging out with Lainey Wilson, writing songs and eatin' snacks in her trailer in a Nashville parking lot...2023-03-2411 minCountry Music TalkJordan DavisBaylen Leonard catches up with a CMA Award Winning artist who has had 4 number 1s at country radio, scored gold singles, platinum singles, multi-platinum singles... Jordan Davis looks back on getting started as a performer, and shares what's next in 2023...2023-03-1709 minCountry Music TalkThomas RhettBaylen Leonard catches up with a giant of country music - an artist who has racked up 20 number 1s, 6 Top 10 albums and written for some of the genre's biggest stars including Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line and Russell Dickerson. Thomas Rhett reflects on his career, his song writing, the importance of family, and how it feels to headline C2C.2023-03-0921 minCountry Music TalkGeorgia WebsterBaylen Leonard catches up with a singer-songwriter and social media sensation who has gone from playing to her hometown crowds in Massachusetts to supporting Kelsea Ballerini on tour. Georgia Webster talks about her new EP, her latest single and the news that she'll be playing The Long Road Festival in the UK this summer...2023-03-0310 minCountry Music TalkLily Pearl BlackBaylen Leonard is joined by Lily Pearl Black, who talks all about following in the footsteps of her famous father, Clint, her new EP and plans to come to the UK...2023-02-1710 minCountry Music TalkDylan ScottBaylen Leonard catches up with the man who gave us one of the biggest songs of Summer 2022, and blew up a brand-new truck in the process... Dylan Scott talks about making a name for himself in Nashville, how the pandemic led him to start a garbage disposal business and he shares his aspirations in the world of acting.2023-01-1010 minCountry Music TalkWard Thomas - December 2022In this episode Baylen Leonard catches up with one of the biggest acts in the UK Country Music Scene - Ward Thomas. Catherine and Lizzy tell him all about how writing music in Nashville helped them to take their song writing in a new direction on their latest album, 'Music in the Madness,' and they share their plans to tour the UK in 2023. They also talk about their enormous menagerie of animals...2022-12-1617 minCountry Music TalkMitchell TenpennyBaylen Leonard catches up with a man who has been taking country radio by storm with his hit single 'Truth About You,' as well as scoring a US Number 1 with Chris Young, touring with Luke Bryan and releasing a brand-new 20 track album. It's been a massive year for Mitchell Tenpenny, and in this episode, he tells Baylen all about it.2022-12-0914 minCountry Music TalkLeAnn RimesOn this episode of Country Music Talk, Baylen Leonard chats to multi-platinum, multi-award-winning, record-breaking singer-songwriter and actress LeAnn Rimes about what it was like having a hit as a teenager, what it’s like being behind one of the biggest songs of the nineties and how she put together her new, genre-spanning nineteenth studio album, God's Work...2022-11-3018 minCountry Music TalkElvie Shane - November 2022Baylen Leonard catches up with Kentucky Country Star Elvie Shane to find out what's so special about UK audiences, the 3-minute song that sent him to number 1 and changed his life, and what it was like making his Grand Ole Opry debut. He also tells Baylen all about eating a 3-course meal on top of a London bus.2022-11-1817 minCountry Music TalkThe Long Road Festival 2022: EveretteIn a special episode recorded backstage at The Long Road Festival, Baylen Leonard catches up with Kentucky band Everette about their Grand Ole Opry debut and what it’s like to be back in the UK for the first time since Country to Country.2022-09-0207 minCountry Music TalkThe Long Road Festival 2022: Allison RussellIn a special episode recorded backstage at The Long Road Festival, Baylen Leonard catches up with Allison Russell about how it feels to be back in the UK to perform for her fans and what it was like living with actress and performer Yola during lockdown.2022-09-0208 minCountry Music TalkThe Long Road Festival 2022: Sara EvansIn a special episode recorded backstage at The Long Road Festival, Baylen Leonard catches up with Sara Evans about what it’s like being in the UK for the first time in over 20 years and how country music is becoming a family affair.2022-09-0209 minCountry Music TalkThe Long Road Festival 2022: Marty StuartIn a special episode recorded backstage at The Long Road Festival, Baylen Leonard catches up with Marty Stuart about learning his craft from Johnny Cash and how he’s passing his experience onto the next generation. He also tells Baylen all about his growing collection of country music memorabilia.2022-09-0209 minCountry Music TalkLuke Combs - New AlbumLuke Combs is back on the podcast talking to Baylen Leonard about his brand new album, Growin' Up. Luke also reflects on headlining the C2C Festival in 2022, how his performance in London nearly didn't happen and how he managed to get his friend Ed Sheeran on stage with him to duet. Plus Baylen also finds out when Luke is planning on coming back to the U.K. for a full headline tour and they look back on the people who supported Luke when he was starting out in Country Music.2022-06-2420 minCountry Music TalkYolaYola joins Baylen Leonard in the Absolute Radio Country studios to talk about her starring role in the hit movie Elvis. Yola is a hugely successful singer-songwriter who has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards for her albums 'Stand For Myself' and 'Walk Through Fire'. Originally from Bristol in the U.K. she now lives in Nashville and is rooted in the musical community in Tennessee. Yola is starring as Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Baz Luhrmann’s musical drama Elvis, which explores the life of Elvis Presley, played by Austin Butler, alongside Tom Hanks, Kelvin Harrison Jr and Alton Mason. Yo...2022-06-2221 minCountry Music TalkHailey WhittersHailey Whitters chats to Baylen Leonard in the Absolute Radio Country studios about her latest album 'Raised', plus what it took to make it in Nashville and how it feels to support Luke Combs on stage. Hailey and Baylen chatted just a few days after her performance at the Country to Country festival in the U.K. and explored the story of writing her critically acclaimed album 'The Dream', which included the track 'Ten Year Town'. Nashville stars Little Big Town, Brothers Osborne, Maren Morris and Jordan Davis have all shown support for Hailey over her career which goes from...2022-06-0316 minCountry Music TalkMiranda LambertMiranda Lambert, the CMA, ACM and Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, talks to Baylen Leonard about her brand new album 'Palomino'. She tells him about how hard women have to work in Country Music to make it and explains her passion for diversity in the genre. She also reveals that she would love to return to the U.K. for more gigs after performing at C2C and shares the secrets of her salt and pepper shaker collection. Miranda was talking to Baylen from Texas and he was at home in London.2022-04-2911 minCountry Music TalkChris YoungChris Young, the hit U.S. singer-songwriter who first broke out onto the Country Music scene in 2006 after winning the talent show Nashville Star, chats to Baylen Leonard. Chris has since released numerous number 1 records and 8 studio albums. His latest single 'Famous Friends' with Kane Brown was Billboard's number 1 country airplay single of the year in 2021. Plus Chris is coming to the U.K. to play the Long Road Festival in August.2022-04-2711 minCountry Music TalkTenille TownesTenille Townes, the award winning Canadian Country Music star chats to Absolute Radio Country host Baylen Leonard about her new EP 'Masquerades'. Plus they talk about Tenille's incredible weekend of performances at the C2C Festival across the UK after being promoted to the main stage. She shares her love for the U.K. and the fans and opens up about the 'slow burn' of her career and how it's taken time to get to where she is now. Tenille also talks about her love of performing live and of course her return to the U.K. for her own...2022-04-2213 minCountry Music TalkCallista ClarkCallista Clark, the Country Music rising star from Georgia, chats to Baylen Leonard on her first trip outside of the US. Callista was in the UK for the Country 2 Country Music Festival and was talking to Baylen ahead of performing on the Spotlight stage at the festival. Callista also tells Baylen about writing music in Nashville during lockdown and what it was like having to put her career on hold due to the pandemic.2022-04-0612 minCountry Music TalkAshley McBrydeThe CMA Award winner and Grammy Award nominee Ashley McBryde joins Baylen Leonard for a chat in our Absolute Radio Country studios in London. The interview was recorded the morning after her weekend performing at the Country to Country Festival in London, Glasgow and Dublin and Ashley reveals how the whole band lost their instruments whilst on the road. Plus she tells us more about the new music she's got coming soon and shares her love of the U.K. Ashley also talks about making the Women of Country documentary series for Absolute Radio Country and her friendship with John...2022-04-0113 minCountry Music TalkMaren MorrisMaren Morris, the Grammy Award winning Country Music megastar, chats to Absolute Radio Country host Baylen Leonard. Maren talks about her brand new album 'Humble Quest', her love of the U.K. and she shares her feelings on speaking out on diversity in Country Music. Baylen also talks to Maren about her memories of performing 'My Church' for the first time at the C2C Festival in London and her upcoming plans for a U.K. tour.2022-03-2515 min
Country Heat WeeklyNew Music Coming from Carrie UnderwoodListen in on a candid conversation with Carrie Underwood about her upcoming album, her Las Vegas residency and the farm animals she is raising in her basement! She reveals what happens in Vegas that couldn't happen on tour, and what caught her ear in her new single "Ghost Story." Kelly and Amber fan out with British host Baylen Leonard, who reports on the high points of the UK's Country 2 Country festival, including how Amazon Artist to Watch Morgan Wade stole the show.New episodes of Country Heat Weekly drop Thursday, direct from the heart of Nashville....2022-03-2434 minCountry Music TalkLuke CombsLuke Combs, the biggest Country Music star in the world today, chats to Baylen Leonard about his brand new single “Doin’ This”.
Luke also tells Baylen about his friendship with Ed Sheeran, how he feels about becoming a father and the type of dad he wants to be. Plus he talks about the excitement he feels about returning to C2C in the UK and his love of a full English Breakfast. Luke also reflects about his early years and the different jobs he had growing up as a young singer-songwriter in North Carolina before he made the leap to Nashvi...2022-02-1119 minCountry Music TalkReba McEntireBaylen Leonard chats to the Country Music legend Reba about her brand new album, touring the US, returning to her Las Vegas residency with Brooks & Dunn and working with her good friend Dolly Parton.2021-10-2217 min
Country Music TalkDolly PartonBaylen Leonard talks to the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton about the return of the "9 to 5" musical, her new perfume, her new novel with accompanying album and how she helped fund a Covid-19 vaccination.2021-08-1613 min
Holler WeeklyEp.12: With Special Guest Callista Clark!Summer is on its way! What's your favourite summer country song? Do you dream of being on a boat listening to Jake Owen's 'Barefoot Blue Jean Night', or maybe chillin' with a beer and a bucket of fried chicken while blasting Zac Brown band? Ahead of Jof Owen's definitive list, Kelly and Baylen select their 3 favourite summer country songs - there are some real heaters in here.
Our very special guest this week is the amazing Callista Clark! Big Machine's next breakout star has been blowing everyone away with her EP Real To Me, and she joins...2021-06-1543 min
Holler WeeklyEp.03 - Live Music, Country Movie Stars, Rhiannon Giddens & ACMs Build-UpAnother Tuesday, another episode of Holler Weekly - Holler's flagship podcast with Baylen Leonard and Kelly Sutton.
This week, Baylen and Kelly discuss what we can expect from festivals in 2021, the news that Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson have been cast in a new Martin Scorsese film and Brandi Carlile's memoirs. Plus, they delve deep into Amanda Wicks' In Conversation with Rhiannon Giddens, explore the influence of location and culture in songwriting and cast their predictions for this week's ACM awards.
Check out the full-written features on Holler now:
In Conversation: Rhiannon Giddens...2021-04-1344 min
Holler WeeklyEp.01 - Carrie Underwood, Brooke Eden & Ten Years of Whiskey JamFor the first episode of Holler Weekly, Baylen Leonard and Kelly Sutton discuss whether Carrie Underwood will ever make another country album, how Brooke Eden felt she had to hide her sexuality when releasing music, and the legacy of Whiskey Jam; the Nashville night that's become an integral part of Music City.
Check out the full interviews on Holler now:
Introducing: Brooke Eden: https://holler.country/feature/introducing-brooke-eden
Ten Year Town: Whiskey Jam's Ward Guenther: https://holler.country/feature/ten-year-town-whiskey-jam-ward-guenther
Be sure to subscribe for future episodes and also check...2021-03-3034 min
Holler WeeklyIntroducing: The Holler Weekly PodcastWelcome to Holler Weekly! Hosts Baylen Leonard and Kelly Sutton introduce Holler's new, weekly, transatlantic conversation. This week, Baylen and Kelly introduce themselves, discuss how the lines are blurring between Country, Americana and Roots and how Holler is introducing the music into wide open spaces - both here and across the pond.
Be sure to subscribe for future episodes and also check out our website at www.holler.country
If you want to get in touch with Holler, here's how:
EMAIL: howdy@holler.country
TWITTER: @hollercountry
INSTAGRAM...2021-03-1509 min
The Country Music Media PodcastWhy Country Music’s Biggest Stars Are Looking To England + Holler CountryThis week on the Country Music Media Podcast: Baylen Leonard from Holler Country joins Billy Dukes to talk about country music's next great frontier: the U.K. and Europe. Holler Country is based in London, England but focused on American country music. The market is long overdue for this approach and it could have a significant impact on the genre in America too. 3:55 | What is Holler Country 9:45 | If Holler Country had a station truck, which artists would be on the wrap? 12:40 | Can a country artist have a lucrative career in England and Europe? 17:20 | The...2021-03-0831 min
Country Chat with DomEpisode 23 - Baylen LeonardTodays guest is Country Hits presenter and The Long Road Festival Creative Director Baylen Leonard. We spoke about Country Music in the UK, Living in Tennessee, New York and London and everything else in between!
2020-05-271h 28
Off-Air ClipsThe launch of Country Hits Radio - 5th April 2019The launch sequence for Bauer Media's Country Hits Radio, at 10am on Friday 5th April 2019.
First presenter is Baylen Leonard and his first track is Raised on Country by Chris Young.2019-04-0501 min
Off the RecordEpisode #29: Baylen LeonardImogen interviews the legendary Baylen Leonard, talking all things the Long Road festival, including what to expect, how hard it was to keep the Carrie secret, and his vision for the festival.2018-07-2331 min
The Big Travel PodcastBaylen Leonard; Tennessee Trailer Parks, Changing Times in New York and Spreading the Country Music Love Around the WorldNot making it big on Broadway might have been frustrating for Baylen Leonard but it was the UK’s gain as, despite having grown up in relative poverty in the Tennessee foothills, he’s now a well known radio presenter, DJ and broadcaster based in London, well known for having been an integral part of the popular Danny Baker’s team on BBC Radio London, and spreading the country music love around the world. He’s also on first name terms with Dolly Parton, now that to me is better than any Broadway part. Learn more about your ad...2018-04-1739 min
Amazing RadioDanny Baker joins Baylen Leonard on The Front PorchHear Baylen chatting to his good friend and former colleague Danny Baker, who dropped into the studio to listen to some records and chat about his lifelong love for country music.
Find out what Danny thinks of Baylen’s selection of Front Porch favourites, including Sturgill Simpson and Hurray For The Riff Raff.2014-07-2333 min