Honky Tonk Hansson - The Country Newsletter | Honky Tonk Hansson

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Thanks for dropping in! This free newsletter is taking a break right now so I can pour my hard work into other channels. Give @mattiashansson a follow on Instagram to stay in the loop. And as always: Stay Country!

Thank you, and farewell

Jul 24, 2026

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1 min read

Thank you, and farewell

It has been a great year connecting with all of you through this newsletter. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. It has meant the world to me. Thank you so much.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

Three Top Trending Rookies You Need to Know.

May 15, 2026

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9 min read

Three Top Trending Rookies You Need to Know.

Outside the the BIG NAMES on the original BUZZ LIST, there are always the names that’s creating buzz on THEIR WAY UP to the list. Three of this week’s top ten-climbers I really believe will be names that will make it to top in the near future:

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

New names climbing for country fame.

May 8, 2026

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7 min read

New names climbing for country fame.

Fridays always a treat with all the new releases of great country coming out. On todays “All New Country”-list from Spotify I want you to point your attention to two names that you will be seeing on the charts and on the stages.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

It’s an Aussie, Aussie World Out There

May 1, 2026

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9 min read

It’s an Aussie, Aussie World Out There

The biggest markets for country music outside the US are Canada, the UK, and Australia. Every time I catch up with my dear friend Justin Thompson from iHeart Country Australia, he points me toward some incredible Australian country music. Honestly, the quality is usually top-tier.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

Ringing the Bell(es) for Country’s Newest and Biggest Names

Apr 24, 2026

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7 min read

Ringing the Bell(es) for Country’s Newest and Biggest Names

Looking at this week’s BUZZ LIST, which I’ve compiled to help you navigate the winding roads of contemporary country, it’s clear that the heavy hitters are still holding their ground. However, in my spare time, I love digging through the internet to find the best up-and-coming talent..

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

CARTER FAITH has entered the Buzz list this week (on #13, see below). And she is WELCOME!

Apr 17, 2026

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8 min read

CARTER FAITH has entered the Buzz list this week (on #13, see below). And she is WELCOME!

I had the opportunity to meet up with Carter in Stockholm, Sweden this week, to conduct and interview for my weekly radio show P4 Country, on Swedish National Radio.Just six months after the release of her phenomenal debut album, "Cherry Valley", she has snagged a prestigious ACM Award nomination for "Album of the Year. Not since Chris Stapleton’s "Traveller" (a decade ago) has a debut album been nominated in that category. It’s truly unbelievable.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

Help Me Ask the ACM Nominees the Right Questions!

Apr 10, 2026

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14 min read

Help Me Ask the ACM Nominees the Right Questions!

One of the hottest topics is the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, happening in Las Vegas on May 17th with all the industry’s BIGGEST NAMES in attendance.Two of this year’s standout nominees are the incredible Carter Faith and Tucker Wetmore. And get this—I’m personally meeting up with both Carter and Tucker in my hometown of Stockholm, Sweden, next week! Now, I need your help.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

PICK UP YOUR PHONE: Honky Tonk Hansson is on the line

Apr 3, 2026

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18 min read

PICK UP YOUR PHONE: Honky Tonk Hansson is on the line

It’s almost time. This week, the initial lineup was released for this year’s CMA Fest, the world’s largest country music festival, taking place in Nashville from June 4-7, 2026. I head down every year to cover the event and conduct interviews. While I catch the genre’s biggest stars, I spend most of my time scouting the small stages around town, constantly hunting for fresh and often mind-blowing talent.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

Don’t Miss These at CMA Fest – The Full List

Mar 27, 2026

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17 min read

Don’t Miss These at CMA Fest – The Full List

It’s almost time. This week, the initial lineup was released for this year’s CMA Fest, the world’s largest country music festival, taking place in Nashville from June 4-7, 2026. I head down every year to cover the event and conduct interviews. While I catch the genre’s biggest stars, I spend most of my time scouting the small stages around town, constantly hunting for fresh and often mind-blowing talent.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

Today is the DAY. Change is gonna come. It is LUKE COMBS Day.

Mar 20, 2026

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18 min read

Today is the DAY. Change is gonna come. It is LUKE COMBS Day.

I know because I have had the opportunity to pre-listen to the full Luke Combs-album this week. And I have to say - so far - it is Album Of The Year, with the 22 tracks blasting out the speakers as a masterclass in contemporary country music writing.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

FINALLY: You Can Support This Must-Read List. And Get Even More

Mar 13, 2026

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12 min read

FINALLY: You Can Support This Must-Read List. And Get Even More

I’m thrilled to be back with a new edition of the only list you need to truly understand what’s happening in the world of country music. As always, this week’s Buzz List features the top ten names—completely free of charge.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

Bailey and Tucker is the name of the game.

Mar 6, 2026

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18 min read

Bailey and Tucker is the name of the game.

This week’s Buzz list shows great stability in the top positions. Names like Megan Moroney, Morgan Wallen, Ella Langley, Luke Combs and Zach Bryan are in a position where they subscribe for top positions in country music right now. But it will not last forever, we know that. So let’s prepare for change and look into two of the up-and-running names on this week’s Buzz list: Mr Wetmore and Mr Zimmerman.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

Don’t let the old man in. BUT George Strait is always welcome. Everywhere, anytime.

Feb 27, 2026

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15 min read

Don’t let the old man in. BUT George Strait is always welcome. Everywhere, anytime.

The best of the best is still alive and kicking out there. There seems to be no way to stop the ongoing rise of the country music phenomenon that is George Strait. This week, he powers his way into a Top 5 position on my beloved, fascinating, and essential weekly list: the Country Buzz Top 10.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

Keep your eyes peeled! What’s at the BOTTOM today might be at the TOP tomorrow.

Feb 20, 2026

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9 min read

Keep your eyes peeled! What’s at the BOTTOM today might be at the TOP tomorrow.

In this week’s Country Buzz Top 10 (see below), we’ve rounded up all the hottest trends as usual—from Megan Moroney holding down the #1 spot, to Ryan Bingham (of Yellowstone fame) starting his climb at number 10.Having Ryan on the list is always a blast because he’s a personal favorite of mine (hint, hint!). That said, we can be pretty sure he’ll have a tough time climbing much higher. Our rankings take all the online buzz, throw it into one big bowl, and mix it up to see who’s creating the most TOTAL noise right now.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

INVITATION: Welcome to the NEW Country Music Gold Rush

Feb 13, 2026

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9 min read

INVITATION: Welcome to the NEW Country Music Gold Rush

This week, my deep dive led me to a country crooner from Woodstock, Georgia: Mr. Kenny Whitmire. With a style reminiscent of Keith Whitley, he has "next big thing" written all over him. If he keeps up this momentum, expect to see him on the main list very soon. Remember where you heard about him first! This is where you find pure COUNTRY GOLD.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

FRESH: Grammy Night Reshapes Country Buzz Top 10

Feb 6, 2026

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11 min read

FRESH: Grammy Night Reshapes Country Buzz Top 10

It is a great time to be alive, being a country music fan. This week's list clearly shows what a Grammy win - and a great Grammy speech! - can do for your career.It's also great to see that all-time favorite Tim McGraw buzzing away right now. Now we really look forward to his new single "Pawn Shop Guitar" dropping in early March. Surprisingly enough, we saw Lainey dropping out of the list this week (probably just temporary, since her new Wrangler line of cool cowgirl gear is bubbling on social media right now).But we still have Ella Langley. Her new song "Dandelion" is targeted for top positions on the charts, and a new album and a major tour are coming up. I cannot get enough of Ella. And I am not alone.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

THIS IS THE LIST YOU NEED: Key trends in TOP COUNTRY this week

Jan 30, 2026

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10 min read

THIS IS THE LIST YOU NEED: Key trends in TOP COUNTRY this week

When I started to put together the weekly COUNTRY BUZZ TOP 10 listings (see below), I could not imagine the impact that the ten artists on the list have on EVERY OTHER single move in the country music industry. If you follow the moves in the industry, you need to know who is on this list (and why!) to fully understand the wonderful world of country music.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

The Best List You Can Read With Your Clothes On.

Jan 23, 2026

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12 min read

The Best List You Can Read With Your Clothes On.

Stay ahead of the crowd. I have created what I think is the best list to track what’s “buzzing” in the global country community: the Country Buzz Top 10.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

The STORYTELLER’S STORYTELLER: The Heart and Soul of Country Music

Jan 16, 2026

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7 min read

The STORYTELLER’S STORYTELLER: The Heart and Soul of Country Music

The history of country music is paved with great storytellers. Few would argue against the fact that great storytelling is the core of every great country song ever recorded. In this edition of your favorite weekly newsletter, Honky Tonk Hansson introduces you to the best of the best and explores what made this specific STORYTELLER so special. Read on to discover what we can all learn from this legendary artist.Also in this issue: One of the most-streamed artists in contemporary country music is, of course, Zach Bryan. While his hits are ubiquitous, I have hand-picked ten of Zach Bryan’s lesser-known tracks that truly deserve your attention—complete with a unique playlist for your listening pleasure.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

The only list you need to survive in country music

Jan 9, 2026

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10 min read

The only list you need to survive in country music

It’s a jungle out there. So much information, and so little time (to understand it all). Even so in the country music landscape. Your media is cluttered with facts (and “facts”) about your favorite country music stars and emerging acts. It is hard to cope. NOT SO ANYMORE. Because I have sourced the info-verse for you and can present the most important list in country music. COUNTRY BUZZ TOP 10. Only in this newsletter. Names on this week’s list:Morgan Wallen, Ella Langley, Zach Bryan, Megan Moroney, Tucker Wetmore, Cody Johnson and more.Also: Today’s, and probably this year’s, most massive record drop is the one by Zach Bryan. Below I remind you of the proudest (and not so proud) moments of megastar Zach Bryan, so far.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

Best new country music artists to watch 2026

Jan 2, 2026

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7 min read

Best new country music artists to watch 2026

In this week's issue: Finally, it’s here! This year’s TOP 10 ALBUMS of 2025 are just in, and Honky Tonk Hansson offers you his boldest choices this week. Also, we are getting natural high with Girls In Low Places, the British creator who puts the FUN back in country music. And, please follow me inside the famous Nashville Palace on the outskirts of Music City. THAT is what a real honky tonk should look and feel like. Come on in, have a look.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

BEST ALBUMS of 2025, according to Honky Tonk Hansson. Do you agree?

Dec 26, 2025

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10 min read

BEST ALBUMS of 2025, according to Honky Tonk Hansson. Do you agree?

In this week's issue: Finally, it’s here! This year’s TOP 10 ALBUMS of 2025 are just in, and Honky Tonk Hansson offers you his boldest choices this week. Also, we are getting natural high with Girls In Low Places, the British creator who puts the FUN back in country music. And, please follow me inside the famous Nashville Palace on the outskirts of Music City. THAT is what a real honky tonk should look and feel like. Come on in, have a look.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

World premiere: A new list that all real country fans need to know.

Dec 19, 2025

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12 min read

World premiere: A new list that all real country fans need to know.

In this week's issue: The new country music list YOU NEED TO HAVE, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, Zack Bryan, Luke Combs, Ella Langley et all, memories from honky tonkin’ with the BBC at Robert’s and The Station Inn appreciation post (The Kody Norris Show included).

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

Best country Christmas, best burger, best wall built(?) and the best questions not yet asked

Dec 12, 2025

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12 min read

Best country Christmas, best burger, best wall built(?) and the best questions not yet asked

In this week's issue: At home in East Nashville with the "Wagon Wheel"-writer (with Bob Dylan) talking about his new Christmas album, the story about the American Wall that connects people across borders, questions I will ask Dwight Yoakam in my dream interview, and the best burgers (?) in Music City revealed.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

Magic Kix moment, New Talent, Willie, Dolly and a yeeehawlliday spirit + New List

Dec 5, 2025

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12 min read

Magic Kix moment, New Talent, Willie, Dolly and a yeeehawlliday spirit + New List

This Week's Issue Includes: A little Kix Brooks moment, is a country star suitable as a church owner, some pure Christmas country beauty, a Norwegian golden throat, an Americana comeback to watch, a museum visit, country music internationalization, a little bit of Dolly (of course), and more.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

My CMA story, interviews... and Dolly holding a rifle

Nov 27, 2025

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12 min read

My CMA story, interviews... and Dolly holding a rifle

Dollys new hotel. Hottest reservation in the world of country living? No doubt about it.Honky Tonk Hansson receiving his CMA Award on stage at the Bridgestone Arena, Nashville.A hundred years in, and Grand Ole Opry i still the most important show, stage and statement in country music. Now more than ever.Gareth - and impressive journey from Castlederg, Ireland, to Nashville, Tennessee.Caylee Hammack gives us the key to her song book. Look no further.Kaylee Bell is right now the number on my kiwi country list. Reed why.

Mattias Honky Tonk Hansson

Stay Country!