February ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ posted now!

40+ items of music news you can use

The February 2024 edition of my column Inside Track on Music Row is ready to read right now here at NashvilleMusicGuide.com! It’s the longest continuously-running country music column in the USA, thanks to readers like you!

Among the 40+ music news stories you can read in this month’s column:

  • Chris Young is readying his upcoming album for release March 22 and you can pre-save now from a link in the story…
  • Tracy Lawrence, David Adam Byrnes and Rodney Carrington are encouraging you to let loose and take chances with their new single, “Kick A Little,” from their upcoming Little Texas tribute album…
  • John Michael Montgomery is giving fans advance notice of his upcoming retirement from touring after 30+ years on the road, 16 million albums and seven No. 1 hits…
  • BRELAND will return to the Ryman Auditorium for a third time with his BRELAND & Friends 2024 concert in March 2024. Tickets are available now…
  • Brooks & Dunn, the best-selling duo of all time, have announce the dates for their upcoming REBOOT 2024 Tour and we have a link to the tour and ticket info…
  • Moe Bandy is celebrating the 45th anniversary of his hit single “It’s A Cheating Situation,” a duet with Janie Fricke, released in January 1979…
  • John Berry has re-released three of his most popular albums in partnership with StarVista Music, saying,  “This will give some of my favorite songs a breath of new life”…
  • Springer Mountain Farms “Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman” is returning to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for its 30th year and tickets are available now…
  • Cody Johnson is now out on the road on The Leather Tour with a string of dates through September while his current single “The Painter” has scored more than 95 million global streams…
  • Plus much more, including news about new singles from Spencer Crandall, Lacy J. Dalton, Waylon Hanel, Jessie G, Walker Montgomery, Mitchell Tenpenny, HARDY, and more…

Find the February 2024 Inside Track on Music Row column at Nashville Music Guide here.

 Preshias Harris  is an advocate for songwriters and a music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available here    Follow her blog at  www.nashvillemusicline.com @PreshiasHarris #PreshiasHarris 

Inside Track on Music Row

Your music news roundup for July 2023

by Preshias Harris

Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com   Google “Preshias”  (TN/USA)

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: With a little more love and a lot less hatin,’ be who you want to be, ’cause everybody else is taken.” – Lainey Wilson, ACM Awards 2023.

Scroll down to read about new projects, tour updates and music from Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Bailey Zimmerman, Gabby Barrett, Michael Ray, Chris Janson, Elvie Shane, Scotty McCreery, Alabama, Lauren Alaina, Craig Campbell, RaeLynn and much more!

ALBUM NEWS: Multi-Platinum recording artist Jake Owen delivered his seventh studio album, Loose Cannon, June 23. Owen brings his fan-trusted sound to the 16-song collection just in time for the official summer season. Produced by Joey Moi, Loose Cannon is available everywhere now. Listen here.  “Loose Cannon has been a long time coming and I’m so excited my fans can finally experience it with me,” shares Owen. “I hope the album makes it into your summertime memories and I can’t wait to see y’all on the road this fall.” Loose Cannon is a collection of summertime staples with sunshine-soaked lyrics that tip their hat to feel-good classic Country sounds and nostalgia a little over four years since his last full-length album, Greetings From…Jake.  The album boasts tracks from songwriters Ashley Gorley, Brent Cobb, Rodney Clawson, Jessie Jo Dillon and Luke Laird, to name a few. Additionally, Owen enlisted reputed artist-writers including ACM Male Artist of the Year nominee Jordan Davis, Devin Dawson, Walker Hayes, Jordan Fletcher and Hunter Phelps.  Owen kicks off his nationwide Loose Cannon Tour Sept. 7. Tour info, music and more at Jake’s website and on Facebook.  #JakeOwen

ANNIVERSARY NEWS: Platinum-selling singer/songwriter Darryl Worley recognizes the power of a song. It’s been two decades since his biggest hit “Have You Forgotten?” took Country Music and the nation by storm. Penned alongside Wynn Varble, the pair poured their hearts into the lyrics and created a post-9/11 anthem ensuring people would never forget those lost. Its message quickly resonated with millions, topping Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in only its fifth week – marking the fastest rise to the top in more than five years – and reigned for seven weeks. Now, 20 years later, Worley revisited his career-defining song with a fresh modern-day perspective on its original themes for a reimagined version titled “Have We Forgotten,” available now via The Valory Music Co. here. “We recently decided to sit down and write a new lyric for the song that’s appropriate for this day and time with what’s happening in our country today. For the new version ‘Have We Forgotten,’ we wanted to be certain we said what we were truly feeling in our hearts and didn’t compromise what we believe in, which is exactly how it went down with the original. I’m very proud of the message of the song.” More at Darryl’s website. #DarrylWorley.

Continue reading “Inside Track on Music Row”

Spring-into-Summer Music Roundup

Catch up with what’s happening on Music Row – and beyond

By Preshias Harris

Getting set for Summer ’23 with new and recent releases, upcoming tours, artist and songwriter news and – of course – CMA Fest. Scroll down to catch up with a ‘digest’ of Inside Track on Music RowJon Pardi, Luke Combs, Chapel Hart, Dustin Lynch. Lainey Wilson, Tracy Lawrence, Moe Bandy, David Adam Byrnes, Buddy Jewell and much more.  Send me music stuff, I love to get it! preshiaswriter@hotmail.com   #PreshiasHarris

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” – Billy Joel

ALBUM NEWS: John Mellencamp’s new album Orpheus Descending was released June 2 via Republic Records. In anticipation of the release, Mellencamp shared the album track “Hey God.” Listen/share here, and pre-order the album here.  This is his twenty-fifth album, produced by Mellencamp and recorded as his own Belmont Mall Studio. One of his most personal records to date, standout tracks “Hey God” and “The Eyes of Portland” focus on social issues Mellencamp continues to passionately advocate for.  Mellencamp is currently in the midst of his massive Live and In Person 2023North American tour, with dates running through June 27 including stops in New York City, Nashville, Philadelphia, Boston and more.  He’s currently performing songs from the new LP during his live set. Mellencamp is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy winner, a recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, ASCAP Foundation’s Champion Award, The Woody Guthrie Award and Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and more recently, the Founders Award, the top honor assigned by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. #JohnMellencamp 

ANNIVERSARY NEWS: Award-winning country music legend, Moe Bandy is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Top 10 duet with Becky Hobbs, “Let’s Get Over Them Together.” Written by Charlie Craig and Keith Stegall, “Let’s Get Over Them Together” became Bandy’s 16th Top 10 hit and continues to be a fan favorite. Bandy was recently inducted into the Class of 2023 of The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame along with The Texas Ranger Division of the Department of Public Safety, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Cleo Hearn, and Boots O’Neal. Bandy, was a proud competitor in bull riding prior to pursuing country music full-time.  Bandy recently released his new album, Thank You Lord. Delivering a heartfelt project, Bandy recorded twelve heartfelt tracks and features special guests The Isaacs on “Family Bible” and The Oak Ridge Boys with Nora Lee Allen on “The Lord Is My Shepherd.” The title track, written by Mo Pitney, Bobby Tomberlin and Cheryl Riddle offers a true reflection of where Bandy is in his life today, of which he is thankful for another mile, another day, and a life many could have only dreamed of.  Stream or purchase Thank You Lord here

CELEBRATION NEWS: Buddy Jewell is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his hit song “Sweet Southern Comfort” teaming up with several of his country music buddies to create what could be the vocal collaboration of the year in a newly-recorded version. Strategically picked, each artist represents a different decade in country music. The Bellamy Brothers from the 70’s, Shenandoah and Marty Raybon from the 80’s, Clint Black from the 90’s and Buddy Jewell from the 2000’s. Asking Clint Black to participate in the new recording was a no-brainer for Jewell. At the urging of his wife Tené, Jewell entered Nashville Star, a talent contest set to be televised on the USA Network. Eventually he was voted the winner of the inaugural season – two million votes ahead of the second-placed contestant, a young Miranda Lambert.  It was Black who produced Jewell’s first album that quickly earned Gold certification and included the original version of “Sweet Southern Comfort.” The Bellamy Brothers said, “Such a joy singing on the 20th anniversary version of Buddy Jewell’s big hit (‘Sweet Southern Comfort’) and to be joined by Clint Black and Marty Raybon well, what more could you ask for!”  Details here

Continue reading “Spring-into-Summer Music Roundup”

April ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ now posted!

Read ‘Inside Track’ at Nashville Music Guide

The current edition of my monthly music column, Inside Track on Music Row, is now posted and ready to read at Nashville Music Guide here.

Among the news items in the column…

  • Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks will host the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards, May 11, streaming on Prime Video…
  • HARDY is treating fans to three ‘reimagined’ tracks amid his sold-out mockingbird & THE CROW tour…
  • Country-rock band Exile, now in their 60th year are being honored with a showcase exhibit at Regions Bank on Music Row…
  • Ian Munsick‘s new album, White Buffalo, stampedes in as he headlines his Long Live Cowgirls tour…
  • In Bluegrass News, singer-songwriter Dalton Harper bursts out of the gate with “Highway of Love”, his first single as a solo artist…
  • The Swon Brothers deliver their new single “If Whiskey Could Talk” with a turnabout view on the age-old spirit…
  • Barbara Fairchild, adored by fans for more than six decades, releases a rare collection of never-before released recordings in an album titled And I Love You So
  • Memphis Blue-eyed Soul legends, The Box Tops, inducted into the prestigious Memphis Music Hall of Fame…
Continue reading “April ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ now posted!”

Nashville Music Guide Spring Edition ready to read now

Includes ‘Inside Track on Music Row and guide to CRS 2023

A quick ‘heads up’ to let you know that the Nashville Music Guide Spring 2023 edition is now available here. You can read the full digital edition as an online ‘page turner’ or find out how to have a physical issue mailed directly to you.

The Spring edition includes NMG’s Artists to Watch in 2023, CMT’s Next Women of Country, the ‘must attend’ music festival list and a full guide to Country Radio Seminar (CRS) plus many other features.

As always, Nashville Music Guide includes the March edition of my column Inside Track on Music Row with photos and news about HARDY, The Cadillac Three, Lee Greenwood, Morgan Wallen, Ashley McBryde, The CMA Triple Play Awards, Jericho Woods, Megan Moroney, Kelsea Ballerini, Craig Campbell, Jake Owen, the NSAI Music Industry Career Camp, Chris Janson, Tin Pan South and more.

Find the digital version of the Nashville Guide Spring 2023 issue here.

 Preshias Harris  is an advocate for songwriters and a music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at   www.collegeofsongology.com  Follow her blog at  www.nashvillemusicline.com@PreshiasHarris #PreshiasHarris 

‘Inside Track’ Feb ’23 edition online now!

‘Inside Track on Music Row’ posted and ready to read

Check out the current edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, now posted here at Nashville Music Guide. A lot of ‘must read’ stuff this month, including…

  • Details on Dierks Bentley‘s new 14-track album, Gravel & Gold, set for release Feb 24…
  • Sunny Sweeney‘s new album, Married Alone, blurring the lines between Texas Country and Nashville Americana…
  • Memory Lane (Sampler) is the title of the new project from Old Dominion that they co-produced with hit songwriter Shane McAnally
  • CMT has announced the sixteen new artists that will be the Class of 2023 for the 10th Anniversary CMT Women of Country
  • Alana Springsteen has released a single from her debut album, Twenty Something, a three-part collection documenting the heartache, excitement, and immense transformation of early adulthood…
  • Colton Dixon‘s No. 1 hit “Build A Boat” is back again in a brand-new version: “Build A Boat (feat Gabby Barrett).” Dixon and Barrett are fellow American Idol alums…
  • Indie artist Andy Pursell is gearing up to release his newest tune, “Right Amount of Wrong,” produced by Mark Dreyer, March 17 via all digital and streaming platforms…
  • Mitchell Tenpenny will be touring overseas for the first time in March, playing dates in Europe and Australia…
  • Take listen to Chris Janson‘s new single “All I Need Is You,” a song that unravels what really matters in Life…
  • In May 2023, the Johnny Cash Museum will celebrate its tenth anniversary as a staple of Nashville, country music and Johnny Cash culture…
  • Check out “Drinkaby,” the new single from multi-Platinum Cole Swindell from his upcoming deluxe album Stereotype Broken, due April 28…
  • Find the details about tickets and venues for Tin Pan South; 100 shows and 400+ performances, March 28 through April 1, 2023…

Plus news about Dolly Parton, The Grand Ole Opry, Jelly Role Keith Burns, HARDY, Chris Young, Gabby Barrett, Chris Clark, ERNEST, T.G. Sheppard, Cody Johnson, Elvie Shane, tour news, music video news and so much more. Find it all here at Nashville Music Guide.

Preshias Harris  is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available here.  Follow her blog and read her regular ‘Preshias On The Row’ news stories at Center Stage Magazine.

January ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ posted now

Tour info, new releases, artist news and more

by Preshias Harris

New year… new music column! The January 2023 edition of my Inside Track on Music Row column is a mix of the good news from 2022 so we can reflect on happy times and also look ahead to some wonderful things coming up as we move into 2023.

You can read the entire column, along with photos, graphics and video links, at Nashville Music Guide here. The new year marks another milestone for Inside Track on Music Row... still the longest continuously-running country music column in the USA. My eternal thanks to you, the reader, for your support… and the artists, songwriters and publicists who alert me to music news that I can share with you!

Here is a taste of just some of the news items you can find in the January column…

  • ERNEST celebrated his fifth, sixth and seventh Number One as a songwriter in 2022 while his debut single (feat. Morgan Wallen) reached Platinum certification. Now his ‘Deluxe” album is due February 10…
  • Cole Swindell racked up two Platinum multi-week Number Ones and received a Pandora Billionaire plaque for surpassing 3 billion lifetime spins. He’ll be joining Thomas Rhett for his Home Team Tour 23
  • The Cadillac Three have announced their upcoming Bandana Tour as they take their country-fuzz spirit on the road with Koe Wetzel joining TC3 on select dates…
  • Miranda Lambert was surprised with $5,000.00 from Tractor Supply Company, in honor of her MuttNation project, to donate to area animal shelters to help senior pets and pets with special needs…
  • Springer Mountain Farms Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman returns to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium starting on Thursday, June 22 and continuing each Thursday night through July 27…
  • Eddie Montgomery has released the deluxe edition of his debut solo album Ain’t No Closing Me Down via Average Joes Entertainment saluting his lost Montgomery Gentry bandmate, Troy Gentry, who was tragically killed in a helicopter crash in 2017…
  • George Jones will be remembered and celebrated – by fans and fellow artists – at a concert, titled Still Playin’ Possum, set to take place April 25 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL, one day before the tenth anniversary of Jones’ passing…
  • Willie Nelson and Family, the first authorized work exploring the life and career of the Country outlaw icon, will debut at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, taking place January 19–29, 2023, in Park City, Salt Lake City…
  • Plus so much more about The Oak Ridge Boys, Randy Rogers Band, The lineup for New Faces of Country Music at the 2023 Country Radio Seminar, Craig Campbell, Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, upcoming music festivals, Opry news and more.

Read the entire Inside Track on Music Row column at Nashville Music Guide here

Preshias Harris  is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available here.  Follow her blog and read her regular ‘Preshias On The Row’ news stories at Center Stage Magazine.

‘Inside Track’ Holiday edition now posted!

Included in Nashville Music Guide’s 2022 Holiday issue

It’s that time again! Where did 2022 go?! Check out the current edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, now posted as part of the 2022 Holiday Guide at Nashville Music Guide. Inside Track on Music Row is the longest continuously-running country music column in America. Read the entire issue and find the column on pages 33 through 39.

In the column you’ll find news items on Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, Randy Rogers Band, Chris Tomlin, Jason Crabb, Christmas 4 Kids, CMA Country Christmas, Caylee Hammack, Cole Swindell, Flat River Band, Billy Strings, Jacob Bryant, Average Joe’s, Eddie Montgomery, Elvie Shane, Cody Johnson, One Spark Entertainment, Jeannie Seely, Graciela, Allie Colleen, William Lee Golden, Kentucky Headhunters, Mandy Barnett, Luke Combs, Brett Young, Drew Aldridge, Ashley Cooke, Tucker Beathard, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Paulina Jayne, Jenny Tolman and more!

Find the 2022 Holiday issue of Nashville Music Guide here.

 Preshias Harris  is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available here.  Follow her blog and read her regular ‘Preshias On The Row’ news stories at Center Stage Magazine.

October’s ‘Inside Track on Music Row’

Ready to read now at Nashville Music Guide

Hard to believe it’s October already! Lots of acts have just announced Fall Tours or added dates and you can catch up with them – along with plans for Holiday shows and music – in my column Inside Track on Music Row, the longest continuously-running country music column in the USA. The October edition is ready to read right now here at Nashville Music Guide. Among the many news items…

  • Conner Smith‘s acoustic version of “Take It Slow” features co-writer Ryan Hurd and gives the song a fresh, intimate vibe…
  • Ashley McBryde invited some of her favorite collaborators to a week-long songwriting retreat in a rural cabin and the result is her new album, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville
  • HARDY says he’s “stoked” to take his Wall To Wall Tour out on the road. Find links to tour dates and ticket info…
  • Essex County proves country is alive and well in their native England with their new five-song EP…
  • Newsboys, the Contemporary Christian powerhouse, are serving up Stand (Deluxe), with three new recordings for a total of 14 tracks on the enhanced album, ahead of their tour…
  • Luke Bryan is inviting fans to join him for his annual concert vacation, Crash My Playa, for four nights in Cancun, January 19 – 22. We have the link for ticket info…
  • Trisha Yearwood, Easton Corbin and The Oak Ridge Boys are among the stars set for Opry Goes Pink, October 14 to benefit Susan G. Komen in the fight against breast cancer …
  • Marty Brown, Carly Pearce and Pete Goble are among the 7 inductees set to be honored at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, October 28. Ticket info and details in the column…
  • News items, tour alerts, new release info on albums and singles, stories about Breland, Tracy Lawrence, Lauren Reno, Jacob Bryant, Kasey Tyndall, Cole Swindell, Gene Watson, Mitchell Tenpenny, Craig Morgan, The War And Treaty and more in the October Inside Track on Music Row.

Read the column in its entirety here at Nashville Music Guide where you can also catch up with columns from previous months.

Preshias Harris  is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at   www.collegeofsongology.com   Follow her blog at  www.nashvillemusicline.com #preshiasharris @preshiasharris

August ‘Inside Track’ posted now

This month’s ‘Inside Track on Music Row’

Catch up on all that’s happening in the world of music from Nashville and beyond by checking out the August 2022 edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, now posted and ready to read at Nashville Music Guide here!

Among this month’s news items…

  • Callista Clark’s debut full-length album, Real to Me: The Way I Feel, to be released Oct 14 on Big Machine…
  • Kip Moore’s music video for his new track “Fire on Wheels” sees him trying some ‘risky business’ at a bowling alley…
  • Raucous southern rockers, Six Gun Sally, release “Redneck White and Badass Blue” following up on “Drunk Text” …
  • Michael Ray expresses pride and gratitude to fans over multi-week No. 1 “Whiskey and Rain” …
  • Rising songstress Mikayla Lane releases single and music video for cowgirl-themed “Ambush” …
  • Travis Denning releases six-song EP, Might As Well Be Me and single “Buy A Girl A Drink” …
  • Legendary Kentucky music duo, The Everly Brothers, honored by Gibson Guitars with limited-run Everly Brothers SJ-200 guitar…
  • Garth Brooks to be honored by NSAI with Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award at Nashville Songwriter Awards in September…
  • CJ Solar releases his first full-length album The Future’s Neon with all 9 songs co-written, co-produced by CJ…
  • Dierks Bentley’s “Gold” is a song about gratitude, presence and the treasures to be found in the moment…

…and more! All in the August 2022 edition of Inside Track on Music Row, America’s longest continuously-running country music column. Find it here at Nashville Music Guide, and share it with your friends!

 Preshias Harris  is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at   www.collegeofsongology.com   Follow her blog at  www.nashvillemusicline.com