Country superstars go head to head...

Ryan Bingham is a talented Grammy and Academy Award winning, country/rock troubadour who has released a new album, Fear and Saturday Night, which explores his journey forward with his wife and new baby after losing both his parents to addiction and suicide. 

Glory Days was very fortunate to have our super special guest reporter Tami Neilson, herself an award winning country music star, interview Ryan ahead of his New Zealand tour where he will be performing at Auckland's Tuning Fork on Wednesday 20th April. Read on to hear these superstars discuss the future of country music, performing at the Opery and preparing their hair!

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I woke up to the upsetting news of Merle’s passing this morning and have been reflecting on the fact that most of the artists who set the standard of what a well-written country song should sound like are leaving us. We’ve still got Kris and Willie, thank God, but, do you believe that country music is being left in good hands?
Yeah, I feel like it's going to be just fine. I think the songs and stories of Merle, Cash, Waylon, Kristofferson, Willie, and many more are going to find their way into the hearts and souls of younger generations to come till the end of time. The industry will always try and manipulate the music into whatever the flavour of the week is, but the truth will shine through at the end of the day.

Who are the artists that give you hope for the legacy of country music?
At the moment I'm listening to Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton, but there are plenty of amazing songwriters and performers out there flying under the radar that just need to be heard. 

Playing the Opry has been a bucket-list dream most of my life, as it is for most country/Americana artists. Can you describe for me how it felt to walk onto that stage for the first time? 
I remember it feeling like time had stopped. It was over in a flash and I felt as if a ghost had rattled my bones.

Can you still remember how it felt/sounded/smelled? 
I can still see it. I have this image of the stage and microphone burned into my brain. I remember what the people looked like in the front row.

As a female artist, there is barely an interview that goes by when I am not asked how I juggle motherhood and a music career…do you get asked this question just as much as a father?
Oh yeah, you’re not alone. I get asked that in almost every interview as well

In all seriousness, I would love to hear how you do manage it, and if it gets any easier the more successful that you become? (Give me some hope, here!)
Well, I'm still in the early stages so I'll have to see how it goes, but so far it's been a blast. I'm not sure if success ever makes anything easier, but I do feel like happiness does. And my wife and daughter make me pretty damn happy :)

Ok, humor me on this one. Another question I get asked regularly is if I do my own hair or do I travel with a stylist…and is it all mine? (Seriously, more than any music-related questions…*whispers the serenity prayer under breath *) I have always wanted to ask a male artist this question, so: Tell me, Ryan, DO you do your own hair…and is it all yours?
Well of course I do my own hair. All I need is a bottle of camp suds soap and a cowboy hat, and I'm off to the rodeo.

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We have a double pass to Ryan Bingham at the Tuning Fork in Auckland on Wednesday 20th April, with doors opening at 7pm. To win simply visit our Facebook page and tag a friend with fabulous hair that you would like to take along! 

We would also like to say a big thank you to Tami for taking the time to interview Ryan for us! Don't forget you can win a stunning Estelle of Brighton hand embroidered clutch bag featuring Tami's beautiful County Issue Glory Days cover! To go in the draw simply subscribe to Glory Days today by clicking HERE!