Folk vs County: What's the Difference?

In this mini documentary, we dive into the incredible story of Fabrizio and the journey that shaped both his life and his music.Born in Peru, Fabrizio moved to the United States at just 15 years old, leaving behind everything he knew and being forced to adapt to a completely new country, culture, and language. After trying college and later working sales jobs, his life took an unexpected turn when artists like Townes Van Zandt, Tyler Childers, and Colter Wall inspired him to pick up a guitar for the first time.What happened next was remarkable. His unmistakable voice quickly captured the attention of thousands online, turning simple cover songs into viral moments and introducing the world to an artist unlike anyone else. But behind the growing success, alcohol was quietly becoming a battle he could no longer ignore.This is the story of how Fabrizio reached his breaking point, made the difficult decision to get sober, and began rebuilding his life. It's a story about resilience, identity, vulnerability, and finding purpose through music.We also explore the inspiration behind his brand new EP, released in July, a deeply personal project centered on healing, self growth, and sobriety.If you enjoy artist documentaries and the stories behind today's rising country and Americana musicians, be sure to subscribe for more.If you're a fan of The Western Side, see what Marsh Wear Clothing has going on! They're a partner of the channel and my favorite clothing brand. Gear for your fishing trips or just casual wear - they got you covered. Check out the Lenwood tech shirt and also the heritage hat mentioned in the video here at their website: https://alnk.to/hswefc3

What’s the difference between folk music and country music? And where does Americana fit in?After seeing people label artists like Noah Kahan as country, I started wondering: where do we actually draw the line between folk and country? The two genres share a huge amount of history, influences, songwriting traditions, and musical DNA, but they’ve developed into very different worlds.In this episode, I break down the similarities and differences between folk and country music, where each genre came from, and why it can be so difficult to put modern artists into one box. And then there’s Americana… what exactly is it?I also sat down with folk artist Brenn! and country artist Jack Blocker to get an inside perspective from musicians who actually live in these genres. We talk about what makes a song feel “folk” or “country,” where the lines between the genres start to blur, and whether the term Americana is actually useful.So where does an artist like Noah Kahan fit? What about Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, Sierra Ferrell, or other artists who seem to exist somewhere in between?Is there really a difference between folk and country anymore? And what does “Americana” actually mean?If you're a fan of The Western Side, see what Marsh Wear Clothing has going on! They're a partner of the channel and my favorite clothing brand. Gear for your fishing trips or just casual wear - they got you covered. Check out their clothes here at their website: https://alnk.to/hswefc3THE ROAD TO 50K SUBS! Subscribe on YouTube to join a community of country music fans and folk music lovers.

On this episode of The Western Side Podcast, we sit down with Kentucky songwriter Josh Mitcham to talk about the long road that led him to his upcoming album Gonna Be Alright.Before stepping into this new chapter as a solo artist, Josh lived many different lives. From teaching agriculture and painting to helping run concerts out of his family’s old barn through Ramble at the Randall, his story stretches far beyond music alone. We also dive into his early years playing in his first bands, the experiences that shaped his songwriting, and why this new record feels like his most personal work yet.Recorded at Alabama Sound Company using vintage analog gear and minimalist production, Gonna Be Alright strips everything back to the songs and the stories behind them.This is a conversation about creativity, country life, finding purpose, and staying true to yourself through every season of life.Thanks so much for listening! Subscribe to our channel on YouTube for more country music storytelling just like this, and follow us on Instagram @the_westernside for all the latest news.

Join us as we celebrate the remarkable journey of Brit Taylor, whose decade-long career has been a testament to resilience. After years of highs and lows, Brit faced a breaking point but never gave up. Surrounded by inspiring musicians and driven by her passion, she reclaimed her sound and found a new sense of purpose. Now, in spring 2026, Brit Taylor is back with her latest album, The Land of the Forgotten.This collection blends 80s and 90s inspired country with a rich touch of bluegrass, evoking the spirit of eastern Kentucky. Brit is here to stay, bringing her music to the forefront and leaving an unforgettable mark on the country scene.Thanks for listening! Check out our YouTube for more content just like this, and stay in the know about all things country, folk and Americana on Instagram: @the_westernside.

In this episode, we break down how 'Choosin Texas' went from a country fan favorite to one of the fastest rising songs on the billboard hot 100. From its release and early traction to radio support streaming growth and viral momentum, we explore this breakout moment by Ella Langley. We look at why Choosin Texas connected so deeply with listeners how it spread beyond the country bubble and what separates Ella Langley from the pack of new artists coming up right now.Ella Langley’s rise is not an accident and Choosin Texas is a perfect case study.Help us get to 100k subs on YouTube by the end of 2026! I want this to be a community where we can talk all about country, folk and americana music on all platforms.Plus, don't miss out on any content and follow us on instagram and TikTok! @the_westernsideThanks for listening!

In this deep dive, we explore Zach Bryan’s journey leading up to his 2026 album, With Heaven on Top. Over the past year, Zach has faced lots of personal challenges and growth, and this album reflects a more complex and introspective side of his music. I’ll walk you through the themes, the emotions, and my personal interpretation of what makes this album a turning point for Zach.We’ll also touch on how Zach’s journey through mental health and self-discovery has influenced his sound and lyrics. While this video focuses on the album’s narrative for the main version, it’s worth noting that Zach also released acoustic versions of the tracks. Let me know in the comments which version you prefer!As always, this is my interpretation, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and reactions. Dive in and let’s discuss Zach Bryan’s evolving sound!Thanks so much for listening! Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and follow us on Instagram and TikTok @the_westernside to keep up with all things country, folk and Americana.

It’s January 2026, and we’re diving into the heart of country music from 2025. In this episode, we’re gonna unpack all the moments that defined the year, from the top albums that took us by surprise, to the trending songs that had everyone talking. We’ll also touch on some of the unforgettable moments and surprises that made 2025 so unique. And make sure you stick around until the end, because I’ll share my top three defining moments of the year that you won’t want to miss!If you’re a country music fan or just curious about the scene’s evolution, this is the place to be. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth country music content!Thanks for listening! Watch more just like this on YouTube and follow us on Instagram and TikTok @the_westernside.

Chancellor Lawson is an artist whose journey is as real as the songs he writes. Growing up in a small town in Tennessee, music was always part of his world, influenced early on by his mother and the sounds around him. What makes Chancellor’s story different, though, is the road he took to get here. From playing in bands to opening his own bar that became a home for local musicians, every chapter pushed him closer to finding his voice.In this unfiltered conversation, Chancellor opens up about the ups and downs of chasing music, how his experiences shaped songs like Ups and Downs, and how Cheers to My Friends was inspired by the people he met while running his bars. We also talk about his unique blend of country and Americana, releasing music while on tour, and what it was like opening for 49 Winchester.This is a raw, honest look at an artist who’s still writing his story, one song and one mile at a time. Thanks so much for listening to our first episode of 2026! Give our show a like, check out our YouTube and stay up-to-date on all things country music on Instagram, @the_westernside.

We sat down with Kade Hoffman to talk about the road that brought him here. Raised on a ranch in southeast Colorado and homeschooled for most of his life, Kade found music early, teaching himself guitar and writing songs in the quiet moments between ranch work. After an accident at thirteen put him in the hospital, old Andy Griffith episodes and classic country helped spark a deeper connection to music that never left him.Influenced by artists like Johnny Cash, Kade developed a voice and songwriting style that feel far beyond his years. His song Bonfire Blues has gained millions of streams and helped introduce his sound to a growing audience. Now in his early twenties, Kade is a regular opener for Colter Wall and continues to carve out his own path by honoring tradition while bringing something fresh to country music.In this conversation, we talk about his upbringing, the stories behind the songs, pivotal moments along the way, and what drives him as an artist. This is a look at an old soul at the beginning of a long journey.

On this episode, we sat down with Nathan Bess just before his Western Side Live Session to get the full story behind the music. From how he got his start to the stories behind his songs, Nathan opens up about what drives him, his biggest influences, and the journey that’s shaping his sound. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to chase a dream from West Virginia to the stage, this conversation is full of insight, heart, and a love for the craft.Thanks for listening! Don't forget to stay up to date on all things country music by following our Instagram – @the_westernside – and subscribing to our YouTube.