Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Ryden Martinez

  • Ryden is a Junior Country Music Journalist at Country Thang Daily, specializing in data analysis and trends within the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Ryden wrote for top music publications and interviewed icons like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson.
  • Ryden has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Middle Tennessee State University, with a minor in Data Analytics.

Ryden Martinez is a dynamic and young country music journalist with over three years of experience. His knack for analyzing charts and trends brings a fresh perspective to Country Thang Daily.

Brief Biography

Born and raised in Nashville, Ryden Martinez has always been surrounded by the heartbeat of country music. At Country Thang Daily, his keen interest in data analysis and trends sets him apart, making him a unique voice in the country music scene. Despite his young age, Ryden has already interviewed legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson.

Experience

Ryden’s passion for journalism ignited in college, where he contributed to his university’s newspaper, focusing on music reviews and industry trends. After graduating, he joined several top music publications, quickly establishing himself with his sharp analysis of country music charts and emerging trends.

At Country Thang Daily, Ryden writes a variety of popular articles, from data-driven analysis pieces to artist interviews. His ability to blend statistical insights with engaging storytelling has made him a favorite among readers who crave both depth and entertainment in country music journalism.

Education

Ryden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Middle Tennessee State University, with a minor in Data Analytics. His educational background, combined with his practical experience, has equipped him with the skills to provide insightful and credible analysis.

Awards & Associations

Podcast Guest: Ryden has appeared on several music-focused podcasts, including The Country Beat and Chart Chasers, discussing country music trends and chart analyses.
Panel Moderator: In 2020, Ryden moderated a panel at the Country Music Analytics Conference, focusing on the impact of streaming on country music charts.
Publication Features: Ryden regularly contributes analytical articles to respected outlets like The Tennessean, Country Standard Time, and Music City News.

Personal Interests

Outside of his professional work, Ryden enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly fishing and hiking. He’s also a tech enthusiast who loves experimenting with new data visualization tools to enhance his articles.

Important Questions From Country Thang Daily

Best advice for aspiring country music journalists?
Combine your passion for music with other skills like data analysis or storytelling. This will give you a unique edge in the industry.

What’s your all-time favorite country song?
“Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss. Its haunting lyrics and beautiful melody make it a standout in country music.

Dream country music interviewee?
Kacey Musgraves. Her innovative approach to country music and her thought-provoking lyrics would provide fascinating insights.

Favorite after-concert snack?
A bowl of spicy chili from one of Nashville’s iconic eateries – perfect for winding down after a night of live music.

Latest Stories

Don’t Miss The Top 40 Country Songs in 2020

Thankfully, men and women of country music keep us empowered despite a troublesome year. Here are the top 40 country songs in 2020 for you to enjoy.

Here are The Top 40 Country Songs for August 2020

The top 40 country songs for August 2020 have been the haven for country newcomers like Gabby Barrett, who’s currently reigning in the top spot.

Here are The Top 40 Country Songs For December 2020

It looks like things are ending with a bang for the music industry, with hit singles from two young stars leading the top 40 country songs for December 2020.

Here Are The Top 40 Country Songs For November 2020

Morgan Wallen is leading the top 40 country songs for November 2020 and has another hit sitting near the top ten. He’s followed by another proud redneck.

Here Are The Top 40 Country Songs For October 2020

Country music powerhouse Jason Aldean, Lee Brice, and Morgan Wallen were leading the Top 40 country songs in October 2020!

Dan + Shay Celebrated their 8 Year-Streak as a Duo

Dan + Shay announced officially on their socials that it has been 8 years since the first time they met each other which, by the way, is more than 10,000 hours in total.

ICYMI: Alabama Went Live On New Year’s Eve and Their 2021 Tours

Nothing says a better farewell to indeed a shocking year with rock music itself but of course with a little mix of country music presented by Alabama through their free New Year's Eve Livestream concert which premiered on December 31, 2020.

Why 2020 has Been a Great Year for Luke Combs

The year 2020 didn't make a good impression on most of us. But if you ask Luke Combs, he has other stories to tell as he describes his time at home as "productive."

Country Music Legends Who Bid Us Goodbye this 2020

Today, we remember all of the country music legends we lost in 2020 and their contributions throughout the years.

After 30 Years, Ronnie Milsap Steps Up the Seasonal Stage for ‘Merry, Merry Christmas Baby’

Ronnie Milsap has prepared a special gift for us as he did three decades ago. That is to serenade us with ‘Merry, Merry Christmas Baby’ which was originally sung by Dodie Stevens in the year 1960s.

Charles Kelley to Fill-In for Lee Brice at the CMA Awards Night

Brice tested positive on Sunday making him unavailable for this week’s 2020 CMA awards. Since the show must go on, Lady A member Charles Kelley fills in the spot of Brice.

Ease Homesickness through ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ by Meghan Patrick

This year-end, Meghan Patrick revives Bing Crosby’s 1943 ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas' which prevailed in the hearts of many during the height of World War II.

CMA’s Opening Loaded with Tributes to Charlie Daniels and Other Greats of Country Music

“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” singer Charlie Daniels will be the first amongst all present and past country artists to be recognized in this 2020 CMA Awards night.

Why Sarah Buxton Wished that the World Should Be a ‘Little Bit Better’

Jumping back two years ago must’ve already felt like forever with us living our casual lives and not expecting anything to turn upside down in a single instant. We all hope that things could’ve been just like Sarah Buxton’s song a ‘Little Bit Better.'

Meet the 2020 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductees

The 2020 class of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductees will be honoring five great songwriters which include Bobbie Gentry and Steve Earle who will be joining the Veteran Songwriter/ Artist and Songwriter/Artist categories.

Hottest New Country Albums this November!

These aren’t just new country albums that we can’t expect greatness from. These are from some of the biggest names in the industry; Chris Stapleton, Garth Brooks, and Lee Brice to name a few.

Chris Stapleton Relives His 2019 Road Trips in ‘Arkansas’

During his live shows last year, Stapleton would often sing an unintroduced track which he calls ‘Arkansas.’ He later explained that it was birthed through a trip from Oklahoma City back home to Nashville.

Miranda Lambert and Husband Reveal the Intimate Side of ‘Settling Down’

In Miranda Lambert’s music video for ‘Settling Down,’ the settings and the characters are real. The MV features how she spends her time with her husband Brendan McLoughlin surrounded by pets and loved ones.

Who are the Country Artists Nominated for the 2020 American Music Awards?

To honor the awesome works of our favorite country music artists, let's review the list of nominees for the 2020 American Music Awards 'Country' category.

CMT and Ram Trucks Donate $25,000 for Nashville’s #SaveOurStages Movement

Ram Trucks and CMT aiming to save the tiniest stages in Nashville where their stars shine the brightest. It started with the #SaveOurStages Movement by artists Hardy, Ingrid Andress, and Caylee Hammack.

Rest Easy Now, Jerry Jeff Walker a.k.a “Mr. Bojangles”

A legend and a trailblazer, Jerry Jeff Walker, dies at the age of 78. Walker never had a top 40 song under his belt, yet his widely known compositions have been the standard for years in the outlaw country movement.

Charley Pride to Receive the 2020 Willie Nelson Life Time Achievement Award

Charley Pride is this year's recipient of the Willie Nelson Life Time Achievement Award. Qualification for the award is for artists to attain established credibility in country music.

Jennifer Nettles Awarded the First “CMT Equal Play Award”

Jennifer Nettles has not only made her voice known through her songs but also through the things she passionately advocated. Nettles will be awarded the inaugural “CMT Equal Play Award.”

Toby Keith sings “American Soldier” to Surprise a Military Wife

Toby Keith invited a military wife up on stage during a concert at Houston, Texas on September 8, 2012. It was an act that surprised the wife

Are We Worthy of God? Do We Even Deserve To Be?

As Christians, we sometimes wonder whether what we are doing is worth doing at all. Is it all for nothing? Do we even deserve to be worthy of Jesus or God?

If You’re Reading This, Remember Our Brave Ones

Tim Mcgraw's song 'If You're Reading This' reminds us to take our time to thank our brave soldiers for their sacrifice and service

Juice Newton’s Classic Song and Effective Love Confession

Juice Newton's classic song "You Made Me Want To Make You Mine" may just be the perfect song for confessing or proclaiming our love to our significant others.

Garth Brooks Wins his First Artist of the Decade at iHeartRadio Award

Garth Brooks is the first country artist to win the Artist of the Decade at the iHeartRadio awarding ceremony

Country Top 30 November 2-3 Weekend

Country Top 30

Looking for the hottest country songs of the week? Here’s the Top 30 that’s taking over country music right now!