Music Row

Jeff Leake
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This is Music Row, a dynamic platform where Jeff Leake, a seasoned music journalist and radio personality, engages with the most influential voices in the country music industry. Each episode delves into the stories behind the music, offering listeners a backstage pass to the creative processes, challenges, and triumphs of their favorite country artists and industry insiders.

  1. FEB 10

    Andrew Hyatt on Music Row

    In this must-listen episode of Music Row, Canadian country standout Andrew Hyatt swings by the studio for an honest, no-holds-barred chat. Fresh off the release of his infectious new single "Sometimes It Don't" (out now via 604 Records), Andrew dives deep into the track's origins—revealing how it came together as a co-write with HARDY (alongside Jordan Schmidt and Josh Osborne) and why this upbeat breakup anthem feels so raw and relatable. He breaks down the messy, real-life inspiration behind the lyrics ("I've always been a man of my word... but sometimes it don't"), how HARDY's signature edge brought the song to life, and what it means to blend heartfelt storytelling with radio-ready energy after his recent Americana-leaning EP. Andrew also opens up about life on the road—touring highs and lows, building momentum in the U.S. and Canada, staying grounded amid the grind, and the creative fuel he draws from real experiences. Whether you're a songwriter, a fan of modern country, or just love great stories from the industry, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of behind-the-scenes gems. Stream "Sometimes It Don't" everywhere now, and hit play to hear Andrew Hyatt like you've never heard him before!

    30 min

  2. JAN 29

    Dallas Smith & Shawn Desman One Good Life on Music Row

    In this special crossover episode of The Music Row Podcast with Leake, host Jeff Leake welcomes back Canadian country powerhouse Dallas Smith (last on the show in April 2025) alongside pop/R&B icon Shawn Desman for their first joint appearance on the program. The two dive deep into their fresh collaboration “One Good Life”—Shawn’s debut country single and the first official team-up between the two artists. Dallas and Shawn, who’ve been friends for years and came up in the industry around the same time, share how the song came together: Shawn reached out with the idea of blending their worlds, and Dallas jumped at the chance to merge country warmth, rock edge, and pop polish into an anthemic track about perspective, clarity, and living a grounded life.

    29 min

  3. JAN 27

    Tim Hicks on Music Row

    Tim Hicks, one of Canada's most enduring and beloved country music stars, joins host Jeff Leake on this episode of the Music Row Podcast. Hailing from St. Catharines, Ontario, Tim has built an impressive career since his 2012 breakout single "Get By," racking up 18 top 10 hits on the Canada Country chart, multiple Platinum and Gold certifications, CCMA Rising Star honors, and repeated wins as Male Artist of the Year at the Country Music Association of Ontario Awards. With high-energy anthems like "Hell Raisin' Good Time," the viral sensation "Stronger Beer," chart-toppers "What a Song Should Do" and "No Truck Song," and recent releases including "Going Somewhere," Tim delivers the perfect blend of gritty, fun-loving country rock that resonates with fans coast to coast. In this candid conversation, Tim opens up about his journey from local bar gigs and open mics to headlining national tours, the inspiration behind his everyman songwriting, life on the road with and what's next—including his upcoming Going Somewhere Tour kicking off in spring 2026. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his music, this episode dives deep into the heart of Canadian country, the stories behind the hits, and why Tim remains a staple in the scene. Tune in for laughs, insights, and plenty of good-time country vibes straight from one of the industry's most dynamic voices! 🎸🍻

    39 min

  4. JAN 14

    Jade Eagleson on Music Row

    This week's episode of the Music Row Podcast features Canadian country powerhouse Jade Eagleson in a heartfelt, down-to-earth conversation that traces his remarkable journey from rural roots to the bright lights of Nashville and beyond. Hailing from Bailieboro (near Millbrook), Ontario, Jade opens up about growing up on his family's farm, where country music was woven into everyday life. Surrounded by his mom's singing, his grandfather's old records spinning classics like Hank Williams, and influences from legends like Alan Jackson, George Strait, Randy Travis, and Shania Twain, farm work and family gatherings shaped his authentic sound and deep appreciation for traditional country. Jade shares the pivotal decision to chase his dreams, eventually moving to Nashville — the heart of Music City — to immerse himself in the songwriting scene. He recounts an eye-opening early experience at a writers round, where the raw talent, storytelling, and collaborative energy hit him hard, serving as a wake-up call and fueling his drive to hone his craft among the pros. The conversation culminates in Jade reflecting on one of the biggest milestones of his career: stepping into the historic circle at the Grand Ole Opry for his debut (October 18, 2024), performing hits like "Rodeo Queen" and delivering an emotional tribute with "She Don’t Know." It's a bucket-list moment for the farm kid turned multi-platinum artist, complete with 335M+ global streams, #1 singles, and a sound that's proudly rooted in real country. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Jade's music (including his latest album Do It Anyway), this episode is packed with inspiration, laughs, and stories that remind us why country music endures. Tune in now — grab your boots, pour a drink, and join us on Music Row! 🎸🇨🇦

    48 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    Kelsi Mayne on Music Row

    In this heartfelt episode of the Music Row Podcast, host Jeff Leake sits down with Canadian country singer-songwriter Kelsi Mayne for an intimate conversation about life's highs, lows, and the music that emerges from it all. Kelsi opens up about the painful end of a long-term relationship that unraveled after the wedding dress had already been purchased, sharing the raw emotions and personal growth that followed calling off the wedding. She also reflects on an unexpected new romance that brought its own share of drama, adding unexpected twists to her journey. The discussion turns to her athletic past, as Kelsi credits her time running track and field in college—where she was a nationally ranked sprint-hurdler—for instilling the discipline and resilience that have fueled her music career. She explains how those lessons on the track translate to the grind of songwriting and performing as an independent artist. Throughout the episode, Kelsi dives into the creative process, revealing how these experiences have inspired her latest songs. From heartbreak anthems to empowering tracks, she shares stories behind the music that's helping her move forward, including glimpses into her recent releases and what's coming next. https://kelsimayne.com/home

    52 min

  6. 11/22/2025

    Gord Bamford on Music Row

    In this heartfelt episode of On Music Row, Canadian country legend Gord Bamford sits down with host Joins Leake to unpack an unforgettable 2025. Gord discusses his touring business, the Bamford Foundation plus the possible pitfalls of playing some of Canada's major country festivals.

    37 min

  7. 11/10/2025

    Hunter Brothers on Music Row

    In this heartfelt and high-energy episode, Jeff Leake sits down with the Hunter Brothers for a deep dive into their uniquely Canadian journey from hockey rinks and harvest fields to country music stardom.   Recorded in November, the brothers reflect on their sold-out Homegrown Nights Tour, share behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road, and open up about the family dynamics that fuel their harmonies and hustle.   Expect laughs, grit, and gratitude as they talk songwriting, sibling synergy, and what’s next for their evolving sound heading into 2026. www.hunterbrothers.com Homegrown Nights Tour Nov 23, 2025 – Yorkton, SK – Anne Portnuff Theatre Nov 24, 2025 – Red Deer, AB – Memorial Centre Nov 25, 2025 – Calgary, AB – Bella Concert Hall Nov 27, 2025 – Regina, SK – Conexus Arts Centre Nov 28, 2025 – Edmonton, AB – Winspear Centre Nov 29, 2025 – Lloydminster, AB – Vic Juba Community Theatre Nov 30, 2025 – Saskatoon, SK – TCU Place Jun 25, 2026 – Dauphin, MB – Dauphin’s Countryfest

    36 min

  8. 11/06/2025

    Robyn Ottolini on Music Row

    A year without releasing music is almost unheard of for today’s artists, especially one with a resume as impressive as Robyn Ottolini’s. But for the platinum-selling trucker’s daughter from Uxbridge, Ontario, stepping back was essential to moving forward. Now fully and blissfully independent, with new management, a fresh perspective, and a collection of electrifying songs on the way, Ottolini is not just ready for her proverbial closeup – she’s writing, directing, producing and starring in it herself. “I love a good country song about a cowboy, but I’ve never been able to write one because quite frankly, I’ve never met one,” Ottolini laughs. “I found a way to still sing about them in a sense, while paying homage to the guys that I do know a thing or two about: the blue-collar, steadfast fellas that give unconditional love and work their butts off,” she says, neatly summarizing the song’s goosebump-raising coda: “I don’t think I’m missing out/’Cause I sure like my view/Everybody’s singin’ about cowboys/But I’m just singin’ bout you.”

    31 min
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About

This is Music Row, a dynamic platform where Jeff Leake, a seasoned music journalist and radio personality, engages with the most influential voices in the country music industry. Each episode delves into the stories behind the music, offering listeners a backstage pass to the creative processes, challenges, and triumphs of their favorite country artists and industry insiders.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeff Leake
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Music Row