Billy Strings is getting real about how having a son has changed the way he views music. Last year, Billy Strings and his wife welcomed a baby boy into the world. After a long labor, Strings was happy to share that mom and baby were both healthy and happy. Hilariously, Billy Strings activated full-on dad mode before leaving the hospital. Sharing a video to social media, Strings is sporting all-white New Balance sneakers, cargo shorts with a white polo shirt tucked in,  a black leather phone case (because he has class, duh), and some Costa sunglasses. “First day of the rest of my life.” Talk about a quintessential dad outfit. View this post on Instagram Yeah, I think it’s safe to say that Billy Strings was meant to be a father. Now that Strings has a one-year-old, his life has changed for the better. Earlier this month, Strings had the honor of playing the famed Tiny Desk concert series hosted by NPR. Billy says it was a very special moment in his career to be able to do his own Tiny Desk show: “We’ve been lucky to play a lot of cool venues. But this one’s different. It has that same soul to it because — I’ve seen so many amazing performances that happened right here and I kind of believe that love and spirit kind of soaks into this environment, so just standing here feels like a special thing.” Outside of his performance, he also sat down with Tiny Desk Director & Producer Kara Frame to talk about touring, his creative process, and more. One of the questions that Frame posed to Strings surrounding how his son has changed the way he tours, and how having his son on the road with him is rewarding. Strings shared a very candid answer, noting that having his son on tour has completely shifted his priorities on the road: “The most rewarding thing is just, you know, getting done with work and heading up to the hotel room and them being there. Playing with my dog, watching ‘Bluey’, and doing bathtime, and having breakfast, and all of that.  And it takes me away from all this focus about the gig and the anxiety about the shows. That stuff doesn’t really matter now. It frees me up to sing from a place of joy in my belly because I’m not so worried about if I sound good or not. My priorities have shifted.  Music used to be the most important thing for me to the point where I strangled the life out of it. So worried about it. When I’m singing and playing, it’s like taking the kids to the park and not letting them go down the slide because you’re scared they are going to get hurt. Am I singing the right note? Am I in pitch? So cautious about, ‘Oh man, what if I sound bad?’ Now, I think, yeah, what I’m worried about is, ‘Is everybody okay?’ And my family. Is my son, and dog, and wife okay? And if they are, then I’m free to go sing, and I don’t care if I sound bad.” Billy Strings has been performing mind-blowing shows all winter long, so it’s clear that his ability to unplug fully from music is helping his mind and stage presence. I am sure that being able to play music in the moment and having other things to focus your mind on when you’re not in the studio or on stage is critical to longevity as an artist. Billy Strings’ son is one lucky little guy to have a father who is this present, and Strings is fortunate to have his child on the road with him. It’s a win-win for all family members. Check out the interview below: View this post on Instagram And while you’re here, check out his Tiny Desk concert: The post Why Having His Young Son On Tour Makes Billy Strings A Better Performer first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

A holiday surprise that’s cuter than any present under the tree—Jason and Brittany Aldean are adding to their family in a big way. Continue reading…

Dad of two loading. Last year, the Gold Chain Cowboy Parker McCollum and his wife, Hallie Ray, announced they were expecting a little boy. In August 2024, the couple welcomed their little bundle of joy, Major Yancey Tyler McCollum, into the world, sharing on social media that Mom and baby did great during the birth. View this post on Instagram Welcoming a child into the world is hard for a touring musician, given the taxing schedules and constant appearances demanded by this job. Given that many touring artists are used to hectic schedules and maintaining relationships while away, it’s not surprising that McCollum adjusted to this new chapter of life with ease, still touring and ensuring he remains present as a father. Fans have seen that Hallie Ray and Major have been on the road quite a bit with McCollum, as he’s been taking them out of his set to introduce them and show off the little man to the crowd. McCollum is a proud dad, to say the least. @whiskeyriff Family man . @parkermccollum // : @Kristi M #whiskeyriff #parkermccollum #countrymusic #oklahoma ♬ original sound – Whiskey Riff In an interview earlier this year with CMT, McCollum did more than say how much he loves his son; he opened up about how special this time of life is for him. “He’s living a very good life. I don’t think he has any worries other than maybe when he’s hungry, which seems to be all the time. But it’s so good, I’ll tell you what the dad thing is, as much fun as I’ve ever had.  Just being a family man and going home and having him and Hallie Ray there is pretty special. To get to miss them and then go home and they’re there, that’s a lot of fun.”  While McCollum is soaking up every moment he has with his son, he also noted how incredible his wife is as a mom, calling her a super mom. “Watching Hallie Ray be a mom, which is way harder than being a dad. At least at this point. It’s really impressive, man. It’s been a special time for us.” Apparently, the two love this chapter of life so much that they are expanding the McCollum family, announcing they are expecting their second child. On Christmas Day, the couple shared with the world that the greatest gift of all is that they are excitedly awaiting their second child, who will join them in the summer of 2026. “McCollum party of 4 next Christmas!!!! Another BOY joining us summer 2026!!! Merry Christmas, everyone! Thank you, Jesus! HBD!!” Parker McCollum will be a boy dad x2! There is a lot to celebrate this holiday season at the McCollum house. Congrats from all of us here at Whiskey Riff. View this post on Instagram The post Parker McCollum & His Wife, Hallie Ray, Announce They Are Expecting A Baby Boy In 2026 first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Not the worst thing in the world to be asked if you are related to the “Big Dog Daddy.” Braxton Keith stopped by the Whiskey Riff Raff podcast for our final episode of the year (don’t worry, we’ll be back in 2026). The young country star talked about how he avoids burnout with a busy touring schedule, what it’s like to play 150 shows a year, how his band is like family, and that he actually comes from a family of dentists. Obviously, he veered off his family’s path and has become one of the shining examples of neotraditional country music. Braxton Keith is helping to keep that sound alive, and spoke on how important it is for the younger generation to experience the country sounds of yesteryear, and why putting out genuine country music is important with the emergence of AI. Braxton is certainly connecting with the young generation of country music fans, and what’s really cool about his career is that he’s helping shine a light on the artists that paved the way for him. Specifically, he covered George Strait’s “The Chair” recently, which actually helped connect the younger demographic with “The King of Country.” It’s evident that Keith has a deep and immense respect for the legends of the genre. Which is why he kind of wishes that more people thought he was related to Toby Keith. The late, great country music artist was someone that you definitely wouldn’t have minded to have in your corner. Though they share the same last name, Braxton Keith isn’t related to the “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” singer. Does he wish he was? You bet he does. If anything, having even some sort of distant connection on the family tree would make for a better story when people ask him if they are related. Like when his neighbor in Texas inquired: “A lot of people do ask if I’m related to Toby Keith. I moved into this house in San Angelo, Texas right when I started playing and my neighbor was like, ‘Are you Toby Keith’s son?’ I was like, ‘No, I wish.'” Don’t we all? You’d think that being asked that question would bother Braxton Keith. However, it’s the exact opposite. Braxton considers the “Are you and Toby related?” question to be one that he wishes he got more often: “(I don’t get asked) as much as I wish people asked, you know? That’s funny though. I wish I was (related to him).” @whiskeyriff Setting the record straight. @Braxton Keith @Toby Keith #whiskeyriffraff #whiskeyriff ♬ Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American) – Toby Keith We offered up the idea of saying he’s a distant relative of the”Big Dog Daddy,” and if you consider country music to be one, big family, Braxton Keith would technically be telling the truth. You can hear more from Braxton Keith on that matter and a whole lot more by downloading the podcast on Apple Podcasts. Just search “Whiskey Riff Raff” or click here. We’re also available on Spotify and wherever else you can listen to podcasts. Cheers, y’all. Audio Video The post Braxton Keith Is Often Asked If He’s Related To Toby Keith… But Wishes He Was Asked Even More first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

The "Burn It Down" singer shared the best kind of Christmas surprise — he and wife Hallie are expecting another baby boy next summer. Continue reading…