ZACH BRYAN

Tucker Wetmore

+24

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

Tucker Wetmore

+15

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

Tucker Wetmore

+12

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

Tucker Wetmore

+12

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

George Strait

+10

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

Ella Langley

+11

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

Eric Church

+10

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

Ella Langley

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

Tucker Wetmore

+12

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

ZACH BRYAN

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

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

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

Bailey and Tucker is the name of the game.

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

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

The Best List You Can Read With Your Clothes On.

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

The only list you need to survive in country music

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