
Show Notes
This week on Backstage Country Uncut, host Elaina Smith sits down with country music star Scotty McCreery to celebrate a major career milestone: the release of his new retrospective album, 15. The collection marks 15 years since McCreery was introduced to audiences across America after winning American Idol, launching a career that has made him one of country music’s most beloved artists. During the conversation, Scotty reflects on the lasting relationships and friendships he built through American Idol and how those connections have influenced his journey. He also shares why hearing some of his earliest recordings makes him cringe, offering a candid look at his growth as a singer, songwriter, and performer. McCreery opens up about the challenge of continuing to evolve creatively while staying true to the sound and team that helped build his success. He discusses trying new things in the studio, working with trusted writers and collaborators, and the memories that inspired 15. Scotty also talks about the importance of maintaining balance in a demanding career and the steps he takes to avoid burnout while juggling touring, recording, and family life. Join Elaina Smith for an honest, entertaining, and nostalgic conversation as Scotty McCreery looks back on 15 years of music, milestones, lessons learned, and what continues to inspire him as he enters the next chapter of his career. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
More from Backstage Country Uncut
This week on Backstage Country Uncut, John Shomby fills in for regular host Elaina Smith as he sits down with rising country star George Birge for a behind-the-scenes look at his music, life on the road, and what could be the biggest next chapter of his career! George reveals why he wants 2027 to be the year of the album, sharing how he’s spent nearly two years working on the project and written around 200 songs while narrowing the collection down to the tracks that best represent him as an artist. He discusses his vision for the album and his goal of giving fans a deeper look at who he is beyond his hit singles. Birge also shares the story of how sending a direct message to Tyler Hubbard helped lead to his collaboration with Luke Bryan on “Ride, Ride, Ride.” It’s a reminder that sometimes a big career moment starts with simply taking a chance! Plus, George talks about life on his headline tour and how he keeps the road fun by firing up a smoker on his tour bus and tailgating before shows with his crew. From songwriting and unexpected collaborations to tour-bus BBQs and plans for new music, this episode delivers an entertaining, personal look at George Birge and what’s next for his career. Want to hear the stories behind the songs? Listen to the full episode of Backstage Country Uncut with George Birge now! Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share the episode with your fellow country music fans so you never miss a conversation with your favorite artists. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Backstage Country Uncut, John Shomby sits down with country superstar Lee Brice for a fun, personal conversation about his new music, family life, and the next generation of talent in the Brice household! Lee shares the stories behind three songs from his album Sunriser, including “Never Meet Your Heroes,” “Me and Whiskey,” and “Dogs Are Barking.” He explains the personal connection to “Never Meet Your Heroes,” which features guitar work from country legend Vince Gill, reveals how nursery rhymes helped inspire the clever lyrics of “Me and Whiskey,” and describes the wild storyline behind “Dogs Are Barking.” But the conversation doesn't stop at music. Lee also opens up about his three children and their growing interests, including his youngest daughter Trulee's musical talents. The two have already written and recorded songs together, and Lee hints that fans may eventually get to hear their work! He also shares stories about his sons Ryker and Takoda exploring music and following in their dad's footsteps. Could a Brice family tour be in the future? Lee discusses the musical talent running through his family and why working with his children has been so special. From songwriting stories and unexpected collaborations to proud dad moments, this episode of Backstage Country Uncut gives fans a closer look at Lee Brice beyond the stage. Tune in for Lee Brice, John Shomby, and plenty of stories you won't want to miss! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Backstage Country Uncut, John Shomby takes the mic while Elaina Smith is away, sitting down with country superstar Kenny Chesney for a behind-the-scenes conversation about his new music, songwriting and upcoming stadium tour. Kenny reveals the surprising story behind “Carry On,” explaining how the song sat on his computer for five years before he finally decided it was time to release it. He also talks about “Goldfish,” which he calls his “happiest breakup song,” and shares the inspiration behind the upbeat take on heartbreak. Chesney also explains why Eric Church is joining him on his stadium tour, giving fans insight into what makes the pairing such an exciting fit and what he’s looking forward to when the two country superstars hit the road together. From songs that spent years waiting for their moment to new music and one of the biggest tours in country music, Kenny gives John Shomby a candid look at his creative process, career and life on the road. If you're a Kenny Chesney or Eric Church fan, or simply love hearing the stories behind your favorite country music songs, this episode of Backstage Country Uncut is one you won’t want to miss. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Backstage Country Uncut, John Shomby welcomes country duo LOCASH for a revealing conversation packed with stories about their music, career, and the songs that helped define their journey. While regular host Elaina Smith is away on maternity leave, Chris Lucas and Preston Brust step in for a memorable week on the show — and reveal that LOCASH is working on a brand-new six-song Christmas album. The duo also takes fans behind the scenes of their first No. 1 hit, “I Love This Life,” sharing the surprising question that helped inspire the song: What would Garth Brooks say to a stadium full of people? Chris and Preston explain how that idea sparked a songwriting session filled with positivity and larger-than-life energy, ultimately leading to one of LOCASH’s biggest career moments. John also talks with the guys about their evolution as artists, songwriting, touring, family, and the experiences that have kept them together throughout their career. Plus, they share what fans can expect from their upcoming Christmas project and bringing the LOCASH sound to holiday music. From the story behind “I Love This Life” to their exciting new Christmas album, this episode of Backstage Country Uncut gives fans an inside look at the music and personalities behind LOCASH. Tune in for John Shomby with LOCASH and plenty of stories you won't hear anywhere else! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Backstage Country Uncut, John Shomby steps in behind the microphone while regular host Elaina Smith is away on maternity leave. John welcomes country music supergroup Little Big Town for an entertaining and revealing conversation about their incredible career, their music, and what it takes to stay together as a band for more than 25 years. Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook talk about their latest chapter, including their new album, It’s A Dying Art. The Grammy-winning group opens up about the inspiration behind the new music and shares the story behind “Sucker for a Sad Song,” including what inspired the song and why its emotional subject matter connected with the band. John also gets Little Big Town talking about their remarkable career, some of their biggest musical moments, memorable collaborations, and what it’s really like being part of one of country music’s most successful vocal groups. Fans will hear personal stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and plenty of insight into the personalities behind the music. From career milestones and new music to songwriting stories, funny moments, and life on the road, this episode of Backstage Country Uncut gives country music fans an inside look at Little Big Town and the stories behind their songs. Tune in this week for Backstage Country Uncut with John Shomby and Little Big Town! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.