

Rolling Stone Music Now
Rolling Stone
Inside the biggest stories in music, hosted by Rolling Stone senior writer Brian Hiatt. Featuring interviews with top artists, expert insight on new releases and breaking news from the Rolling Stone staff, and much more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 15, 2025 • 54min
NASHVILLE NOW: How Shooter Jennings Found Waylon’s Lost Tapes
Join Grammy-winning producer Shooter Jennings, son of the legendary Waylon Jennings, as he shares the incredible journey of uncovering his father's lost tapes. He discusses the importance of these recordings to country music and the meticulous process of restoring them for his new project, Songbird. Shooter also offers insights into the creative challenges he faced, the fascinating songs he discovered, and his personal connection to Waylon. Plus, he reveals his mixed feelings about Nashville and dreams of a Waylon-themed honky-tonk!

Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 23min
Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt: Super-Producer Don Was on His Life in Music
Don Was, a renowned record producer and bassist, reflects on a remarkable career that includes collaborations with legends like Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones. He shares tales of opening for Black Sabbath, the creative chaos behind hit songs like 'Love Shack', and the lessons learned while producing 'Nick of Time'. Was discusses the importance of capturing feel over perfection in music, revealing insights into Dylan’s evolving artistry and the dynamics of the Stones. He also hints at unreleased material and predicts a rock revival on the horizon.

Oct 10, 2025 • 40min
NN BONUS EPISODE: John Prine's 'Lost Dogs' and Legacy
Fiona Whelan Prine, John Prine's widow and estate manager, shares heartfelt insights about his life and songwriting. Carlene Carter, a country music icon and Prine's close collaborator, adds personal anecdotes from their time in the studio. They discuss the reissue of Prine's landmark album, *Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings*, highlighting its unique sound and production quirks. The conversation is filled with humor and touching reflections on John’s legacy, his songwriting process, and the ongoing influence he has on the music world.

Oct 8, 2025 • 23min
Missy Elliott on "Get Ur Freak On" — Rolling Stone's Best Song of the 21st Century So Far
Rolling Stone just named "Get Ur Freak On" the greatest song of the 21st century so far — and Missy Elliott herself joins host Brian Hiatt to talk about its creation and more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 8, 2025 • 51min
NASHVILLE NOW: Lainey Wilson's Long Winding Road to Superstardom
Buckle up! This week country powerhouse Lainey Wilson joins us fresh off the deluxe release of her album Whirlwind – and in the middle of her global tour. From becoming the first woman to host the CMA Awards solo since Reba McEntire in 1991 to headlining Stagecoach next year, Lainey opens up about how she juggles it all, what it took to get here, and where she’s headed next.
We’re also joined by guitarist Andrew Leahey, whose road to Nashville stardom looks a little different from Lainey’s – but is every bit as inspiring. Tune in for a conversation that captures the grit, grind, and glory behind today’s musicians.
Country is Here…Nashville is Now.
Check out our Hear Now playlist on Spotify, updated weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 16min
Taylor Swift's 'The Life of a Showgirl': The Ultimate Breakdown
Join music journalist Rob Sheffield and features reporter Brittany Spanos as they dissect Taylor Swift's latest album. They explore the motivations behind its release and the influence of collaborators Max Martin and Shellback. Dive into the lyrical depth of tracks like 'The Fate of Ophelia' and 'Wishlist,' while uncovering the emotional layers in songs like 'Eldest Daughter.' From 90s rock sounds to cabaret themes, they assess the album's pop direction and discuss why Taylor chose not to tour this time around.

Oct 1, 2025 • 49min
NASHVILLE NOW: Hardy Cheated Death & Lives to Tell the Tale
Country! Country! is the newly released album title of our guest this week, HARDY. In our conversation, he opens up about the near-fatal bus accident that changed his life three years ago, reflects on “Bro Country” and his friendship with Morgan Wallen, and even shares his love for the band Sleep Token. From death and murder ballads to unexpected laughs, this episode has it all.
Country is Here…Nashville is Now.
Check out our Hear Now playlist on Spotify, updated weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 30, 2025 • 60min
My Morning Jacket's 'Z': Jim James Looks Back on the Classic Album's 20th Anniversary
My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James looks back at the dark emotional currents that gave birth to one of his band's greatest albums, 2005's Z, in a deep, confessional interview with host Brian Hiatt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

17 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 40min
'Bohemian Rhapsody' at 50! Brian May and Roger Taylor Look Back at Queen's Masterpiece
Brian May, Queen's legendary guitarist and an astrophysicist, joins drummer Roger Taylor in a nostalgic look back at 'Bohemian Rhapsody' on its 50th anniversary. They explore Freddie Mercury's unique voice and emotional struggles that shaped the song. Listeners will enjoy stories about the band's early days and their influences, the creative pressure during recording, and industry skepticism over the song's length. The duo also recalls the remarkable video shoot and reflects on Mercury's lasting impact on music.

Sep 24, 2025 • 38min
NASHVILLE NOW: Amanda Shires Dishes the Details
And we’re back with another soul-stirring episode of Nashville Now! This week we’re joined by the incredible singer-songwriter Amanda Shires, who addresses the end of her marriage with Jason Isbell, as well as the reclamation of her independence on new album Nobody’s Girl. Nothing is off limits with Amanda. We’ll also further dissect the Gavin Adcock beef with Zach Bryan and pay tribute to a fallen Nashville legend. Country is Here…Nashville is Now
Check out our Hear Now playlist on Spotify, updated weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices