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May 15, 2026
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9 min read
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:
May 8, 2026
7 min read
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.
May 1, 2026
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.
Apr 24, 2026
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..
Apr 17, 2026
8 min read
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.
Apr 10, 2026
14 min read
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.
Apr 3, 2026
18 min read
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.
Mar 27, 2026
17 min read
Mar 20, 2026
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.
Mar 13, 2026
12 min read
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.
Mar 6, 2026
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.
Feb 27, 2026
15 min read
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.
Feb 20, 2026
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.
Feb 13, 2026
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.
Feb 6, 2026
11 min read
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.
Jan 30, 2026
10 min read
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.
Jan 23, 2026
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.
Jan 16, 2026
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.
Jan 9, 2026
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.
Jan 2, 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.
Dec 26, 2025
Dec 19, 2025
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).
Dec 12, 2025
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.
Dec 5, 2025
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.
Nov 27, 2025
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.
