Free Country with Grady Smith

Hey again! In today's ep, I sit down with Kip Moore to talk about his acoustic tour, his unconventional career path, his love of the outdoors, and a bunch more. Here are some timestamps of our conversation...BACKGROUND8:20 Kip's upbringing in Tifton, GA13:20 Outdoorsman stuff + Kip's lodge in Kentucky17:12 How surfing inspires songwriting + "childlike joy"MUSIC TALK22:40 - What should we expect from your new music?26:50 - Kip's up-and-down relationship with radio and Nashville and how he's bu...

Grady's back in the saddle with some thoughts about Ken Burns' country music documentary, Vince Gill's album, Hardy's Hixtape, the phenomenon of Craig Morgan's new single, and a whole bunch of other stuff.Support the Show.

This week, Grady is lamenting Brad Paisley being out as host of the CMA Awards, talking about the Dixie Chicks' appearance on Taylor Swift's album, and the arrival of Midland's sophomore album. It's a short one, but sweet too.Support the Show.

Grady is talking about Tyler Childers having the #1 album in all of country music, Blake Shelton's awful new song "Hell Right,' and breaking down why it's so fun to be a country fan right now. Plus, new music from Morgan Wallen, Midland, Jon Pardi, Miranda Lambert, and even Taylor Swift. Support the Show.

Grady processes an interview that never actually happened, which somehow resulted in him seeing Brad Paisley live over the weekend. Plus, he covers new music by Kip Moore, Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum, and the ever-wayward Zac Brown.Support the Show.

Grady gets emo because he misinterpreted a Tyler Childers lyric, but he also loved the album Country Squire and talks about it. Plus, he mentions new music from Luke Combs, Riley Green, and Mike and the Moonpies.Support the Show.

This week, Grady is checking out new music from Mason Ramsey (aka Yodel Boy), pondering whether Justin Moore needs to go to counseling, and wondering how the Zac Brown Band is doing.Support the Show.

Sturgill is back, Dolly Parton might collaborate with Lil Nas X, Luke Combs joins the Opry, and we've got new music from Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, and the Highwomen. Plus, Billy Currington has introduced a new method of kissing.Support the Show.

Grady breaks down new singles from Kenny Chesney, Chris Young, Midland, and Kane Brown -- with a little help from his college roommates.Support the Show.

In this week's episode, an anxious Grady is looking at the top selling country albums and songs of the year so far. Plus, he's checking out new albums by Runaway June and Shane Smith. On the news side, the Dixie Chicks are coming back, a band named Delta Rae somehow won the Big Machine/Taylor Swift feud, and Chris Stapleton is singing with Bruno Mars. Support the Show.

We're checking in at the half-way point in the year about the best country albums and singles. (And also discussing Taylor Swift, Toy Story 4, and whether "Sk8er Boi" is meant to be a country anthem.)Support the Show.

Grady is knee-deep in Craigslist ads, but he's ready to talk country music because this was a FULL week! Nashville has decided that "The Git Up" is the hit we need (ugh), and Texas guys Aaron Watson and Koe Wetzel have decided they don't need Nashville. Plus, new music is coming from Sam Hunt and Miranda Lambert, and there are new tracks out from Jon Pardi, Tyler Childers, and Garth Brooks.Support the Show.

Grady is back from vacation, and he's recovering. He's way too sunburnt and dreading the peeling stage, but hey, the show must go on because there's still country music to talk about! Namely, Luke Combs getting an invite to the Grand Ole Opry; Midland, Chris Young, and Sturgill Simpson dropping new music; and there's even a cover of a great Maddie Poppe track from one of you! Enjoy it folks.Support the Show.

There's so much to talk about! On the plus side, Miranda Lambert is back with a new single, and Luke Combs has released a truly excellent EP. On the flip side, though, Zac Brown is shouting at haters for no good reason, and I don't even know what to do with Lil Nas X other than just bop along. The best and worst of country music, all right here. This is Free Country.Support the Show.

In the first episode of this podcast, I'm basically trying to figure out this whole podcast thing. I'm recapping my recent visit to Nashville, talking about Ian Noe's new record, giving some thoughts on Thomas Rhett's album, and addressing the whole Turnpike Troubadours situation. I'd love to know your thoughts!Support the Show.