Austin Burke Brings Authenticity Back to Nashville with Playlisted Podcast
In a city overflowing with talent, it’s not often that something truly different comes along. But that’s exactly what country artist Austin Burke has created with his new Nashville-based show, Playlisted Podcast — a live music experience that’s part open mic, part honest feedback session, and entirely about community.
Inspired by the cult comedy series Kill Tony, Burke envisioned a similar concept for the music world: a live show where artists perform, receive real-time feedback, and connect with others chasing the same dream. What started as a passion project has quickly evolved into one of Nashville’s most talked-about underground events.
“I just felt like there needed to be a music version of Kill Tony,” Burke explains. “There’s nothing like it. After being in town for ten years, I felt like I had something worthwhile to offer — honest feedback, real conversations, and a platform for people who deserve to be heard.”
From Burnout to New Beginnings
Burke admits the idea for Playlisted was born out of burnout. After years in the Nashville grind, the constant social media hustle and industry politics had worn him down, he and his wife packed up and headed back to Arizona for a few months, unsure if they’d return.
“I was over the whole social media lip-sync thing,” he says. “It just felt like the direction of country music wasn’t something I wanted to be a part of. But after a few months back home, I realized my heart was still in Nashville.”
So Burke returned — this time with a different purpose. He gave himself one year to launch the show and committed to releasing a new episode every Monday. With the help of an early sponsor, PICKR App, Playlisted Podcast took off faster than he expected.
What began as a few favors from friends has grown into a coveted stage for up-and-coming talent. “At first, it was begging people to come on,” Burke laughs. “Now artists are reaching out, saying, ‘This looks awesome — how can I be part of it?’”
The Format: Real Music, Real Talk
Every Playlisted taping takes place in front of a live audience at The Green Light Bar in Nashville. Each show features several pre-booked performers, followed by a “bucket pull” — a random draw where anyone in the audience can throw their name in for a chance to perform. The spontaneity is part of the charm.
“We’ve had incredible acts, terrible acts, and everything in between,” Burke says with a grin. “But that unpredictability is what makes it fun. You never know what you’re going to get.”
The feedback is direct, but never cruel. Burke, who’s spent years navigating the highs and lows of the industry, offers constructive criticism on stage presence, songwriting, and professionalism — the kind of honest advice most artists rarely get in Nashville.
“I think there’s a lot of kiss-ass culture in town,” he says candidly. “Nobody wants to tell you the truth. But a lot of these artists come on Playlisted craving honesty. They want to know what they can do better, and that’s what we give them.”
Despite being the one giving the critiques, Burke says the artists have inspired him in return.
“I went into this thinking I’d be helping them,” he reflects. “But really, they’ve refueled my fire. Seeing the spark in their eyes reminds me why I moved here in the first place.”
A Platform for Everyone
One of the most refreshing things about Playlisted is its inclusivity. There’s no genre restriction and no gatekeeping — just a love of music. While it began as a country-focused show, artists from across genres have taken the stage, from rappers and rockers to folk singers and everything in between.
Even fans can get involved. Anyone in the audience can toss their name into the bucket for a chance to perform, creating an energy that’s raw, unscripted, and authentic.
“It’s not about being perfect,” Burke says. “It’s about showing up, being real, and putting yourself out there.”
Creating a New Kind of Nashville Community
More than just a show, Playlisted Podcast has become a hub for connection — something Burke feels Nashville’s been missing in recent years.
“It reminds me of the old days,” he says. “There used to be a place called South where guys like Sam Hunt and Brett Young would hang out and play. That sense of community doesn’t really exist anymore, and I feel like we’re bringing that back.”
Burke’s dream is to grow the show into a self-sustaining scene, similar to Whiskey Jam — a place where artists collaborate, co-write, and cheer each other on rather than compete.
“It’s a balance,” he says. “Yes, this is a business, and yes, you’re competing. But you can still be a decent human being and be part of a community. That’s what Playlisted is all about.”
Looking Ahead
The show is already booked through the end of the year, with Season 2 kicking off in January. Burke plans to scale back on pre-booked acts and rely more heavily on the bucket-pull format, making each night completely unpredictable — and totally authentic.
“Everyone’s got a chance,” he says. “That’s the beauty of it.”
Whether you’re an artist looking to perform or a fan wanting to experience the next wave of Nashville talent, Playlisted Podcast is quickly becoming the place to be.
To apply to perform or learn more, artists can email AB@playlistedpod.com. New episodes release weekly, filmed live in Nashville in front of a listening-room-style audience that’s there for one reason only — to discover great music.
