In Episode 224 of Outside The Round, host Matt Burrill sits down with Nikki Cohn-Byrd, the force behind Nikki in Nashville, a growing voice in independent country music. From Belmont grad student to social media tastemaker, Nikki’s journey is a testament to following your passion, embracing new opportunities, and finding the sound that speaks to you.
Originally from Indiana, Nikki moved to Nashville in 2013 for grad school at Belmont University, earning an MBA with a focus on the music business. Like many who come to town, she was drawn to the city’s vibrant energy and deep musical roots. After a brief move out of state in 2018, she quickly realized Nashville was home and returned in 2020—only to find a city that had evolved dramatically in just two years.
Her love for neo-traditional country music and songwriting-focused artists started as a personal interest but quickly turned into a thriving online presence. What began as simple social media posts about cool spots in Nashville pivoted when she posted a short video featuring independent artists she believed deserved more attention. That video, which showcased acts like The SteelDrivers, Colter Wall, and Ryan Bingham, blew up overnight.
That was Nikki’s lightbulb moment. It wasn’t just her who felt disconnected from mainstream country radio—there was an entire audience hungry for the sound of the past, reimagined for today.
As her platform grew, so did her relationships with artists. Social media wasn’t just a way to share music; it became a bridge between artists and fans, helping elevate under-the-radar talent. Whether it’s Zach Top, Ty Myers, or Stephen Wilson Jr., Nikki has a keen ear for identifying rising stars before the rest of the industry catches on.
She’s also deeply connected to Nashville’s live music scene. While she’s attended her fair share of Whiskey Jams, CMA Fest shows, and Exit/In gigs, she finds a different magic at out-of-town venues, where audiences are starved for live music in a way that Nashville locals can sometimes take for granted. She’s traveled as far as Red Rocks to see Whiskey Myers, chased down festival lineups across the country, and even spent time at legendary honky-tonks like the Flora-Bama, soaking in performances from both established acts and up-and-comers.
Despite her growing influence in the independent country scene, Nikki’s social media work is still a passion project alongside her full-time career in online marketing. She balances both worlds, using her business savvy to build a brand that continues to evolve. With plans for more long-form content, immersive artist experiences, and video storytelling, 2025 is shaping up to be a major year for Nikki in Nashville.
One of the most exciting things about country music right now is its expansion beyond Nashville. Texas, the Midwest, and Appalachia are producing artists that don’t fit into industry molds but are finding massive fan bases. Nikki sees this shift firsthand, highlighting the independent artists who might not be on country radio but are selling out shows and moving serious merch.
She hopes to see more traditional artists recognized on a mainstream level—not necessarily for radio play, but at least in conversations that extend beyond independent circles. As country music continues to evolve, there’s a growing opportunity for both mainstream and independent artists to exist side by side, elevating the genre as a whole.
For now, Nikki will keep doing what she does best: discovering, sharing, and celebrating the artists who make country music exciting.
🎧 Listen to Episode 224 of Outside The Round now, only on the Raised Rowdy Podcast Network