Country Closeup: Recent Episodes
Jackie Padilla
A podcast/video series where mainstream country artists and fresh faces come together…but with extra love for women, POC, and LGBTQ+ artists (you know, all the folks often overlooked and underplayed in country) Oh, and it’s hosted by Jackie Padilla.
They're unapologetically Black, gender-fluid, and consistently inspired by the sounds of classic country. Evil was born in Virginia and works to help others re-imagine inclusivity through her art. Their music reflects the complexity of life and embraces the history of Black culture that remains at the core of country music. This interview is co-hosted by Jackie Padilla and Kyle Groetzinger.
From speaking his mind on the Opry stage, to reflecting on being the great, great, great, grandchild of a Confederate soldier, Charlie Worsham breaks down what it means to be a productive ally in country music—a role that may hold more power than any politician ever could.
Worsham's no stranger to mainstream country music. He is a former member of the Old Crow Medicine Show and is currently touring with Dierks Bentley's band. You may have also heard his talent behind artists like Eric Church and Luke Combs. But his consistent support for his peers struggling to overcome the systemic sexism and racism in country is notable and something others could learn from.
This is Charlie Worsham's Country Closeup.
You can be a country artist and just happen to be Latina. So, no, don't ask if they can do 'the Selena thing.' Andrea Vasquez is thriving in Nashville, gracing stages with her glamorous presence and representing a demographic that's hungry for a more prominent presence in country music. But Vasquez says that can only happen if the white male artists take some notes: collaborate with more diverse talent.
This is Andrea Vasquez's Country Closeup.
Just from his voice and the beard, you wouldn't guess that Colt McCannon is only 21. With the support of Flail Records, Colt is disrupting country music stigmas and proving that there is room to be made for the LGBTQ+ community. But what's it going to take for the genre to get with the times and adapt? Well, Colt says it starts by understanding who today's country music fans really are.
Oh, and behind this non-binary force is a very special woman. Mama McCannon is the main songwriter behind Colt's songs.
This is Colt McCannon's Country Closeup.