The Crystal Peach

The Crystal Peach is a page dedicated to interviews of industry leaders, major artist, local acts and other people that is involved in country music in Georgia or beyond.

(Oct 30th, 2026. Below is our interview with Catt McCreary, rising country star from Athens, Ga! (Feb 12th, 2025)

. Q. Catt, first tell us, where are you from in Georgia and what was your childhood like?

A. I grew up in Athens, Georgia, and music and performing were a big part of my childhood. I took a lot of my lessons through programs at UGA and had opportunities to perform around town. Growing up somewhere with that kind of creative culture really encouraged me to explore music. One of my earliest performances was at the Botanical Gardens in Athens, and I still remember getting dressed up in my little jellyfish outfit that the parents made and how much I loved being onstage. Later, performing my own music at the Human Rights Festival was another big moment for me as a middle schooler.

Q. When did you first gravitate to music, especially singing?

A. I actually came to singing through instruments. Some of my earliest memories are learning songs on piano and singing along to anything, from Green Day to Katy Perry, to old R&B songs. But I didn't really know I had a voice until I joined the Georgia Children's Choir which was hosted over at UGA. A lot of my friends were doing it, so I joined, too. Then, I had a little audition to see what I sound like and my vocal range, and they told me I had a pretty wide range and could actually sing, I remember thinking, "Are you serious?" Singing ended up being the last piece I discovered, after piano, percussion, and guitar, and it became an exciting passion for me.

Q. We see that you are a multi-instrumentalist. What all do you play, and when did you learn?

A. I play piano, drums and percussion, and guitar. I started piano at 5 1/2 years old and percussion at 6, and was classically trained in both. Then I taught myself guitar around 9-10yo. Guitar really helped bring singing into the picture because I would sit there and sing while learning the songs I wanted to play. Then one day my mom was like "you know you can write songs instead of just covering them, right?" and I vividly remember sitting at the piano and being in awe of the idea that I could do something like Katy Perry or whoever I was covering, and actually make my own music.

Q. Was country music your favorite growing up, and why?

A. I listened to a little bit of everything! My brothers introduced me to rap and country and my mom listened to a lot of Motown and R&B. That mix allowed me to have a wide variety of influence, especially as I was learning to write. Country's storytelling was what really drew me toward songwriting, though. Especially as a high schooler, it was a great outlet for feelings and tough times that teens often have trouble processing. Between that and growing up in the South, country music felt like a natural fit for the stories I wanted to tell.

Q. We know you wrote your first song at the age of 12. Was that about the time you knew you could write a song, and what is your biggest inspiration in writing?

A. Writing my first song at 12 was a big turning point. It was called "One of a Kind," and it had that "you'll never find anybody like me" attitude. Part breakup song, part empowerment song. Looking back, that feels pretty true to who I still am. I love writing songs that are empowering, fun, and uplifting. An idea usually starts with a phrase or title, and then melody is a huge part of the process for me. I'll often start with the chorus and work outward from there. When I'm co-writing, we'll usually talk through how the verses can support that chorus and give the listener the full story. Then we can really get creative with how we tell that story.

Q. How did growing up in Athens influence your writing?

A. Athens gave me opportunities to learn, perform, and eventually share songs I'd written myself. Growing up around a very musical, creative town made me want to be part of that scene, whether it was music, art, dance, anything. But music and writing was really what stuck for me. Athens helped me see music as something I could actually pursue. My Georgia upbringing is also a big part of what I write about now. The places and experiences that made me who I am have become a real foundation for all of my songs, but especially this album.

Q. When did you decide you wanted to pursue a career in country music?

A. By late middle school and early high school, I knew music was the career path I wanted to take. I was also still very involved in dance at that point, taking classes 3-4 nights a week, but I reached a point where I needed to choose which one would get most of my time. I chose music. At first, I was competing in percussion, but as I got more into songwriting, that became my main focus. I haven't really wavered since. Later, getting to write with other people in college was a game changer. It was like I fell in love with songwriting all over again.

Q. What has been your biggest thrill right now in your country music career?

A. Having my debut album come together has been the most exciting thing for me lately. From writing the songs, to producing it with some of the best musicians up in Nashville, and piecing it all together for the final product. It's a two-part project and I'm proud of how much it reflects my roots and who I am as a person, songwriter, and artist. My hometown and home state are such a big part of it. Having a whole body of work that introduces those pieces of me feels really special. It's my way of saying, "This is who I am. This is Catt McCreary."

Q. If you could sing a duet with anyone in country music, dead or alive, who would that be and why?

A. Right now, I'd say Miranda Lambert. I've always taken a lot of inspiration from her and I connect with so much of what she does musically. I feel like we'd have a lot of common ground creatively and I'd love to see what kind of song we could make together.

Q. What goals do you have coming up?

A,. There's a lot I'm excited to share in the new year! I'll start releasing music from Side B of Back to the Country in the spring and I have several exciting shows coming up. One announced show is February 20 at Eddie's Attic, which will have a benefit donation aspect. There are more announcements on the way and I'm looking forward to getting these songs and new shows in front of people.

We want to thank Catt for her time for Georgia-Country.com. For more information and upcoming shows, go to CattMccreary.com

BELOW IS OUR INTERVIEW WITH FAITH JACKSON, THE LATEST GEORGIA ARTIST TO SIGN A DEAL IN NASHVILLE. WE ASK HER HOW SHE STARTED, ABOUT MOVING TO NASHVILLE AND MORE! (Feb 12th, 2025)

Q. Faith, congrats on signing a deal the other day. That has to be a goal you always had when you started your music career. When did you start singing publicly and what was your motivation of wanting to pursue a career in music?

A. My career actually begin after heartbreak and I used music as therapy. After a devastating miscarriage, music became the only thing that could calm my spirit. Later for my children it became a mission to prove that no matter what anyone ever tells you it's important to pursue your dreams to be whatever you want to be in life.

Q. Tell us where you are from and when and where you first performed in front of a crowd. What was the song you sung?

A. I'm from the small town of Camilla Ga but my career really started when I moved to Leesburg Georgia after my first performance in Colorado. The first song I ever sang with a band was Jennifer Nettles song Gotta Be Something More.

Q. Who where your influences early on?

A. Easy question for me. First Patsy Cline , Loretta Lynn and Gretchen Wilson.

Q. Who is your all time favorite country artist and why?

A. If I had to say an all time favorite it would be Patsy Cline. HER VOICE TOUCHED YOUR SOUL PERIOD!

Q. You're from Georgia. What was your favorite venue to perform at early on and why?

A. Two actually, but unfortunately neither one is still open. They left me get my feet wet and allowed me early on in my career to be who I am as an artist. The One Trick Pony owned by John Lutrell and The Putney Oyster Bar owned by Mr Bobby Wilson. They let me cut my teeth and gave me a chance when others wouldn't.

Q. When and why did you decide to move to Nashville?

A. I moved to Nashville several years ago because I wanted to really experience and learn as much as I could about the business from some of the best in the industry.

Q. Every act eventually wants to move to Nashville. What are the pros and cons of living there and pursing a music career in Nashville?

A. The pros are obviously being surrounded by the music and the industry. The cons.. it's easy to get wrapped in the idea of Nashville and sometimes forget your roots . I encourage artist always remember your roots.

Q. What has been your biggest highlight of you career so far outside of signing with Left Lane Collective?

HONESTLY my highlight is that my friends and family still support me and want to see me succeed.

Q. What tips would you give anyone that wanted to move to Nashville and get signed to a deal?

A. Don't worry about signing a deal, concentrate on your dreams, the reason you do it , the fact that God gave you a talent and you need to use it for good. If you never forget that you will find that if you are walking through the doors that God opens for you, you will be right where you are supposed to be in the time that you should be there! NEVER give up or listen to those that try to bring you down!

Q. What is your goals in country music for the next few years?

A. I plan to keep making music, keep doing what I love and letting God put me wherever I'm supposed not be!

For more information on Faith Jackson, go to FaithJacksonMusic.com

INTERVIEW WITH ASHLEY BROOKS, THE 2024 GEORGIA COUNTRY AWARDS OVERALL ARTIST OF THE YEAR AND CURRENT TWO TIME FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR. (May 30th, 2025)

GC: Ashley, tell us when and how you knew you wanted to have a career in country music?

AB: Growing up and seeing my dad playing on the stage and his love for music.. it just kind of instilled that same dream in me as a child.

GC: What was your first performance, what did you sing and how did that go? (public performance)

AB: I played at a hometown bar that was just renovated from being a barbecue restaurant. It was my first time ever playing on a stage with a band, and we sold out with the whole hometown making an appearance. Since then, that place has been bulldozed down.

GC: Who were your country music idols growing up and why?

AB: I would definitely say I lean towards older country, for example Loretta Lynn and Leanne Womack, but I'm a sucker for some Gretchen Wilson. Always will be.

GC: What one country act (past or present) would you love to sit on the front porch swing with and have a chat with and why?

AB: Dolly Parton because she's a fellow female musician and I would love to hear her mindset on overcoming any adversity as a female artist and how she kept persevering to get where she is today.

GC: What is your all time favorite country song and why?

AB: Fist City by Loretta Lynn. It's sassy as hell and tells a story about whooping someone's ass..what's not to love?

GC: If you could open up for any act today, who would that be?

AB: I'm grateful for every opportunity that comes my way as a new artist, but opening up for Lainey Wilson would be the biggest blessing.

GC: You have won back to back Georgia Country Awards Female Artist of the Year and last year also won Overall Artist of the Year. How has that affected your career?

AB: It's definitely brought a lot of new followers and listeners. People start to take you a little more seriously when you have something behind your name like an award. I have been nominated for Female Vocalist of the year for the Josie Awards this year that's held at the Grand Ole Opry...so fingers crossed.

GC: You have a very distinctive, country twang in your voice and value traditional country. Do you think country music with all its variations, bro country, pop country and all, could use more traditional country acts?

AB: I think yes because that's where the roots run. We all know the roots are important.

GC: What venue locally do you enjoy performing at and why?

AB: Probably Sixes Tavern in Cartersville, Georgia. It's one of the first bars I played at and gave me my start. It's so good to see a lot of familiar faces that have been there since day one instead of strangers.

GC: What are your plans for the next year and where would you like to be in five years with your career?

AB: To keep putting out music that people wanna listen to, that brings them some sort of emotion, can help them through a situation. And in five years, I hope to have played at the Grand Ole Opry or I'm doing something wrong!

INTERVIEW WITH NEW COUNTRY 101.5FM, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, MIKE MORE (April 2nd, 2025)

Mike, give us your background and how you got into radio?

I got my start in radio with my first full-time job at a Top 40 radio station in Mankato, Minnesota, which is about 70 miles from Minneapolis where I grew up. I have been programming Country radio stations since the 1990s in places like Omaha, Orlando, Hartford, Portland, Oregon and now in Atlanta since 2019.

What is the best thing about working for a station?

I truly love the people I work with. Kincaid, Dallas, Garrett, Rachel Ryan, Lucas, and the rest of my staff are terrific! I also love meeting our listeners and helping raise money for local charities.

How as country radio changed over the years?

The format always ebbs and flows between traditional, rock and pop sounds. Thankfully, we seen to be more in a traditional or rock phase now with artists like Lainey Wilson and Zach Top having HUGE success. My personal preference is more traditional, or rock based.

What would be your one best piece of advise to anyone wanting to get into radio?

See if you can volunteer or work part-time at your local radio station! They are usually hiring part-time event staffers, particularly in the summer when we are usually busy with shows, community events and festivals. Be willing to work hard, dependable and ask lot of questions. We always have a need for hard working you people, who want to learn about the business.

How has Sirius XM had an effect on radio?

Honestly, Satellite Radio by itself has had very little impact on terrestrial radio. By comparison, they're audience is much smaller market by market. What has impacted radio, television and all media is smart phones. Nowadays, nearly everyone has a complete world entertainment in the palm of their hands. YouTube, Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, Disney Plus, Satellite radio, etc. People can watch or listen to anything they want when they want it. It used to radio, TV, and newspapers. Now there are many more things competing for the public's attention.

How does the station determine what songs are played?

We listen to everything that comes in or that we find. We do ongoing audience research to determine which songs are working best for our audience and develop our playlist from there.

What would be your advise to a singer starting out to get their music on radio? Corp to the mom & pop station. That's a tough one. First, make sure you invest in a quality recording. (We get lots of submissions from local artists that aren't produced well.) Second, does it sound like the music you hear on the radio? Third, do you have real fans and a social media following? (These are all things we use when considering local artists) Finally, do any of the stations in your area do a specialty show for local musicians? If so, they may be more receptive to your music. We have a show Sunday evenings from 7-11pm for Georgia based country artists.

Where do you see over the air radio in 10 or 25 years?

As I mentioned earlier, the world of media has become more and more competitive over the years. As long as radio has local, compelling personalities, who engage their listeners we'll still be here.

WHEN ATLANTA COULD HAD BEEN NASHVILLE

WSB Radio in Atlanta is celebrating this month, 100 years on the air. Did you know that WSB and Atlanta COULD had been the WSM and Nashville and maybe had THe Grand Ole Opry here? The station went on the air on March 15th, 1922. In February 1924, Lambdin Kay called Art Gillham "The Whispering Pianist" while performing on WSB, a name he used in billing on Columbia Records, radio and theatre. Gillham returned to WSB in 1937 for regular programs. In 1927, WSB became an NBC Red Network affiliate. The trademark three-tone NBC chimes were first played in the WSB studios. But how did country music start at WSB? Fiddlin' John Carson was born in Cobb County in 1894 and by 1914 he had been performing on the streets of Atlanta. Between 1914 and 1922, he was proclaimed "Champion Fiddler of Georgia" seven times. The governor of Tennessee, Robert L. Taylor, dubbed him "Fiddlin' John". In 1919, Carson began touring, mostly the areas north of Atlanta, with his newly formed band the Cronies. He became associated with many politicians of Georgia, like Tom Watson, Herman Talmadge, and Eugene Talmadge, relations that gave rise to new songs like "Tom Watson Special". Carson and his daughter Rosa Lee began a series of performances for different political campaigns: for the Tom Watson U.S. Senate Campaign in 1920, for all of the Gene Talmadge campaigns, and for the Herman Talmadge for governor campaign. On September 9, 1922, Carson made his radio debut a WSB in Atlanta, The signal of WSB radio reached far into rural areas and was an important factor in creating country music "stars" such as Fiddlin John and others, similar to the role of WSM in Nashville. Many people CAME to the studios of WSB to see and hear the live performances at the station. WSBs best known country music program was the WSB Barn Dance. From August 1926 until October 1928, the Sears Agricultural Foundation hosted a radio show, broadcast from the Atlanta Sears tower (now Ponce City Market) called "Dinner Bell R.F.D.". R.F.D. stood for the club "Radio Farmers' Democracy". The show aired on WSB radio between noon and 1 pm three times a week, featuring old-time musicians and string bands. Gradually, after the 1930s, Nashville became the capital of country music. In addition, Atlanta's aspirations to more "upscale" arts discouraged both the hillbilly band and blues scenes. thus pushed the decline of this type of country music at WSB. From the 1940s to the mid-1950s, Atlantans supported a thriving live country music scene, but the city no longer was a major center of music recording as Nashville had started the roots of country music and the Grand Ole Opry. But for a while there, if things had gone certain ways, Atlanta could had easily be today's "Nashville". (Sources: Wikipedia, WSB Radio).