New albums and singles, tour news, CMA Fest updates, Opry news and more
By Preshias Harris
May music is here! Here’s where you can check out new singles and albums from Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, Old Dominion, Dylan Scott, Southall, Aaron Tippin, Brian Kelley & Niko Moon, American Blonde and more; tour news from Riley Green, Russell Dickerson, Brandy Clark, Shaboozey – and more. Keep reading and catch up!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I started being a songwriter pretending I could do it, and it turned out I could.” – singer-songwriter James Taylor
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen. – Isaiah 60:22
ACM AWARDS WEEK NEWS
ACM AWARDS WEEK NEWS Part One: The Academy of Country Music (ACM) announced additional performers and new event details for this year’s ACM Awards Week lineup, which will take place in the lead-up to the highly anticipated 61st ACM Awards on Sunday, May 17th at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
2025 ACM Triple Crown Award recipient and 14-time ACM Award-winning Country superstar Keith Urban will headline “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash” at Mandalay Bay Beach, Saturday, May 16. Urban joins previously announced performers including Flatland Cavalry, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Braxton Keith, and Tucker Wetmore, as well as members of the Opry NextStage Class of 2026 – Willow Avalon, Graham Barham, Tyler Braden, Alexandra Kay, Vincent Mason, Emily Ann Roberts, and Hudson Westbrook. Tickets are available starting at $150 for VIP and $75 for General Admission at AXS.com
Additional ACM Awards Week performers, as well as ACM Awards’ presenters, performers, and host, will be announced in the coming weeks. #ACMawards
ACM AWARDS WEEK NEWS Part Two: Additionally, Avery Anna, The Band Perry, Jenna Paulette and Caroline Jones have been announced as performers for the “Whiskey Jam Welcome Party.” A long-standing Nashville staple for live music, Whiskey Jam, is headed to Las Vegas on Thursday, May 14, from 8–11 p.m. for a free ACM Awards welcome party open to both fans and industry alike held at Ole Red Las Vegas. Additional performers to be announced.
“Whiskey Jam Welcome Party” joins the previously announced ACM Awards Week events including the aforementioned “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash” (see above) and “ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends” at Topgolf Las Vegas on Friday, May 15th. The event will feature an unforgettable, up-close concert experience with headliner Riley Green, alongside Lauren Alaina, Rodney Atkins, and Randy Houser.Tickets are available at $200 for VIP Early Access to General Admission doors and $150 for General Admission at AXS.com. Proceeds benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music.
The 61st ACM Awards will stream live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fans will also be able to watch the broadcast on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, as well as in the Amazon Music app.
ALBUM NEWS
ERNEST
ERNEST: On May 1st, Nashville-native, Grammy-nominated tastemaker and triple threat talent ERNEST released his third full-length studio album, Deep Blue – listen here. Inspired by the sounds and spirit of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Deep Blue takes the listener out to sea on a nostalgic, sentimental trip, full circle and reminiscent of ERNEST’s 9-song, 2019 entry Locals Only.
Across its star-studded credits, listeners will find a rolodex of Music Row legends contributing to Deep Blue, like 2026 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Paul Overstreet, David Lee Murphy, Tony Lane, Scotty Emerick, Rivers Rutherford, Jimmy Yeary, Rodney Clawson, David Garcia, Nathan Chapman, Clint Daniels, and many more. The album marks several historic firsts within ERNEST’s esteemed catalog – his first time co-producing one of his own albums (alongside longtime collaborator Jacob Durrett), and first time including four outside cuts on any project.
To pair with the album’s release, ERNEST also dropped the official music video for “What’s A Little Rain” – watch here. Directed by Corey Miller, the official clip was shot over a day in St. Thomas with ERNEST, perfectly-timed rainstorm and boat ride included.
Find tour/ticket info at ernestofficial.com, including support dates with Eric Church and Thomas Rhett. Follow ERNEST on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Read more: Inside Track on Music Row: all new music for May ’26!BRAXTON KEITH
BRAXTON KEITH is tipping his hat to the lonely with the aching “Don’t No More,” listen here. Co-written by Keith alongside Liz Rose and John Pierce, the wistful ballad staggers under the weight of a crushing heartache, as Keith digs through sepia-toned memories of lost love with a swirling mandolin and steel guitar melody. “
Don’t No More” follows early releases from the Texas native’s upcoming album Real Damn Deal out May 15 via Warner Records Nashville, including “Little Bit by Little Bit,” “I Ain’t Tryin,’” and his barstool anthem “I Own This Bar./’ Fans can pre-save the album or pre-order a copy––including the Amazon exclusive vinyl that features Keith’s cover of George Strait’s “The Chair” as a bonus track here.
“‘Don’t No More’ is one of my favorite songs, it’s one of those story songs that you can close your eyes and see the whole storyline playing out vividly,” Keith comments. “Sad songs are just such a big part of what country music is to me. It’s a lot of telling the truth.”
Produced by Alex Torrez and David Dorn, Keith co-wrote 10 of Real Damn Deal’s 15 tracks that trace a circle around the whole of country tradition—each delivered with Keith’s crisp, high-and-lonesome vocal twang, as he glides from one dancehall theme to the next.
Tour dates and more at BraxtonKeith.com; connect on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
THE MILK CARTON KIDS
THE MILK CARTON KIDS: Critically acclaimed and much beloved folk duo The Milk Carton Kids—Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan—have released their new album, Lost Cause Lover Fool, via Far Cry Records in partnership with Thirty Tigers. Stream/purchase here.
Produced by Pattengale, Lost Cause Lover Fool is the duo’s seventh studio album, expanding on their signature minimalist sound while staying grounded in the intimate songwriting and understated arrangements that define their work.
In celebration of the new music, The Milk Carton Kids will embark on their extensive Lost Cause Lover Fool Tour this fall. Newly confirmed stops include New York’s Webster Hall, Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse, Washington D.C.’s 9:30 Club, Boston’s The Wilbur and Seattle’s Neptune Theatre among many others. Tickets for the new dates are now on-sale. Registration for pre-sale and details can be found at www.themilkcartonkids.com.
Founded in 2011, The Milk Carton Kids swiftly emerged as a major force in Americana folk tradition, blending ethereal harmonies and intricate musicianship with a contemporary songwriting sensibility. Renowned for their songwriting, folk sensibilities and vocal harmonies, the duo has earned four Grammy nominations and had their music featured in film and television projects. Across all their endeavors, the duo remains dedicated to a single idea: music can help turn down the volume on a chaotic world and make room for what matters most. More at their website and on Instagram,Facebook, X and YouTube.
KACEY MUSGRAVES
KACEY MUSGRAVES: Eight-time Grammy-winning singer and songwriter, Kacey Musgraves releases her highly anticipated sixth studio album, Middle of Nowhere (Lost Highway) May 1st. Middle of Nowhere, produced by Kacey alongside longtime collaborators Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk, exhales with a dust-blown clarity that feels both evocative and sure. The album draws from the sounds, stories, and sensibilities that shaped the Golden, Texas native. A literal sign in Musgraves’ tiny, unincorporated, no-stoplight hometown, population under 300, that reads “Golden, TX: Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere” sparked the idea for the title track and symbolic throughline of the album, speaking to something deeper and more nuanced.
Written during a period of post-breakup reflection, this album finds Musgraves leaning intentionally into open space and traditional western elements, and as always, earnestly examining the human experience. Pedal steel, accordion, and Texas dancehall rhythms provide a nostalgic framework that she flips on its head in signature fashion. It is a sonic love letter to the musical borders of Country, echoing influence from adjacent genres such as bluegrass, pop, and even bits of Norteño and Zydeco. It feels both fresh, familiar, and classically Kacey.
The album’s first single, “Dry Spell”, along with its accompanying video, co-directed by Musgraves and Hannah Lux Davis, is boldly hilarious and self-aware. Tour and ticket info at kaceymusgraves.com; Follow Kacey on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
SOUTHALL
SOUTHALL: Platinum Country-Rock standouts Southall released their brand-new album Kinfolk, on May 1. Pre-order/pre-save here. Representing the culmination of the band’s journey so far, the project reflects their intense level of commitment to the music, above all – from the meticulous songcraft and arresting storytelling to the impressive instrumentation and particularly fiery fretwork. Over the past decade, they have quietly worked towards making a strong sonic statement, intimate in its emotionality, yet epic in its rafter-reaching execution.
Honing their vision, Southall recorded Kinfolk with Grammy Award-nominated producer Wes Sharon (John Fullbright, Turnpike Troubadours). Founder, singer, guitarist, and band namesake Read Southall shaped the album to be rooted in old school Country and revved up by Rock ‘n’ Roll energy. Playing out like the perfect soundtrack to a cross-country road trip, thematically, it explores topics such as family, legacy, loss, and love – all under an Oklahoma sun.
Read shared about the album, “When people are ‘kin’ to you, they’re ‘kin’ for life. It’s an ‘all for one and one for all’ mentality. We’re in this together with anybody who listens to us or comes to a show. When we play live, I often say, ‘Don’t take yourself too seriously, and we won’t either.’ We’re Kinfolk after all.” Tour dates and more at OfficialSouthall.com; keep up with Southall on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
KEITH URBAN
KEITH URBAN: Grammy Award winning global superstar Keith Urban has announced his forthcoming 13th studio album, flow state, to be released on June 12th (pre-save here). Known as one of the best guitar players in music today, Urban revisits the breezy, laid-back sounds of classic yacht rock tunes for a reinvigorated collection of the timeless songs that will have us lathering up the sunscreen and blending drinks all summer long.
Featuring collaborations with musical icons Michael McDonald, Little Big Town and John Mayer, flow state evokes a carefree nostalgia featuring songs such as “Summer Breeze,” “Baby Come Back” and “Just the Two of Us,” alongside original track, “We Go Back” (ft. Michael McDonald). Produced by Urban and Dann Huff and recorded at Urban’s “The Sound” studio in Nashville, flow state is an easygoing seaside soundtrack that brings the good vibes.
“The origins of this kind of music was, in certain ways, a reaction and an antidote to the stresses of the times. Its sole mission (and soul mission) is unchanged…to bring us together and remind us that life is happening NOW- the eternal now- and we have far more in common than not. I hope wherever you hear this album you can feel the exhale, comfort and optimism these songs were originally written by and for,” said Urban. More at keithurban.com; Follow Keith on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
CMA FEST NEWS
CMA FEST presented by SoFi is quickly approaching, preparing to take over downtown Nashville. The Country Music Association has announced even more performers to take the stage during the four-day festival, taking place Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7. These additional performers are joining an already star-studded lineup featuring hundreds of the most exciting names in Country Music.
Inside Nissan Stadium, Platform Stage performances by Emily Ann Roberts, The Jack Wharff Band, Kaitlin Butts, Kat Luna, Laci Kaye Booth, Maggie Antone, Scoot Teasley, Vincent Mason, Willow Avalon and Zach John King will showcase a milestone moment for rising stars. Clay Walker, Jo Dee Messina, Rhett Akins and Sara Evans are set to open the nightly shows at Nissan Stadium, with the fun kicking off Thursday night as Caylee Hammackperforms the national anthem.
The excitement keeps building at CMA Fest’s free daytime outdoor stages and so much more! Check out the full lineup and schedule plus any late updates and ticket options at cmafest.com.
CONCERT WRAPUP NEWS
JASON ALDEAN & LUKE BRYAN
JASON ALDEAN & LUKE BRYAN: Five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan and reigning ACM Artist of the Decade Jason Aldean teamed up for a SOLD-OUT concert at Sanford Stadium at the University of Georgia, April 25. 63,000 fans attended the venue’s “Live Between the Hedges” Concert Series. Bryan and Aldean first rocked Sanford Stadium in 2013 as part of Aldean’s Night Train tour, which was the venue’s only concert until Saturday night.
CMA New Artist of the year nominee Zach Top, platinum-selling singer and Georgia native Lauren Alaina, as well as DJ Rock and Dee Jay Silver, also performed/appeared. Surprise guests included Brantley Gilbert, who co-wrote Aldean’s hit #1 song “Dirt Road Anthem,” as well as Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart, who joined the Georgia natives on stage during the show.
“He’s not only probably my best friend in the business, but also my best friend in life,” Aldean said of Luke Bryan in an interview with Bryan West in The Tennessean, published April 26. On stage, Aldean said, their chemistry is unscripted. “It’s kind of the closest thing I could think of to being a duo like Brooks & Dunn.”
“Live Between The Hedges” Concert Series presented by Pruitt Health is brought by a partnership with DOES Entertainment and Dugas-Jackson Consulting. More about Jason Aldean and his new album, Songs About Us, at JasonAldean.com and #JasonAldean; and about Luke Bryan at LukeBryan.com and #LukeBryan.
CODY JOHNSON
CODY JOHNSON: Multi-Platinum-selling 2026 ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee Cody Johnson rocked his first headlining performance at Stagecoach in Indio, CA, on April 24. Surprise guests included Jay Buchanan (Rival Sons) and Boyz II Men.
Cody and Jay performed their brand-new Amazon Music Original song, “Rabbit Gets the Gun,” written by Travis Meadows and Levi Lowrey, released ahead of the festival. Rival Sons is Cody’s all-time favorite rock band. Boyz II Men, a vocal group that has had Cody’s admiration for many years, joined to perform “On Bended Knee.”
Earlier, Cody announced his new studio album, Banks Of The Trinity, will be released on June 26, 2026. Produced by Trent Willmon, the COJO Music/Warner Records Nashville album will be available in stores and on all digital retailers and streaming platforms. Banks Of The Trinity is now available for pre-order here. Cody Johnson’s career now boasts six highly successful albums, including the 2024 CMA Album of the Year, Leather.
LIFE NOTES NEWS
CLIFF DOWNS
CLIFF DOWNS, a respected figure in the music industry known for his multifaceted career as an artist, composer, producer, and publisher, died peacefully April 24 after a long battle with cancer. He was 72 years old.
Downs began his career as a pop artist, signing with Atlantic Records under the legendary Ahmet Ertegun. As part of the 1980s duo Downes & Price with vocalist Jimmy Price, he released a self-titled album in 1986 featuring AOR/pop tracks. He later built a successful career in Nashville as a songwriter and producer with hits across pop, country, contemporary Christian, and jazz genres.
His songwriting credits include songs recorded by major artists such as Foreigner, Wynonna, Gabby Barrett, B.J. Thomas, Paul Rodgers, Glenn Campbell, and jazz artist Richard Elliott. Downs also made significant contributions to film and television.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel at Brentwood Baptist Church, located at 7777 Concord Road, Brentwood, Tennessee. Visitation will precede the service from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Cliff’s honor to The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum – www.musicianshalloffame.com or PR Ministries – www.prministries.com.
DON SCHLITZ
DON SCHLITZ: Hit songwriter Don Schlitz passed away April 16, aged 73, at a Nashville hospital after a sudden illness. Schlitz is best known for penning dozens of country hit songs including “The Gambler,” “On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” “The Greatest” and
“When You Say Nothing At All.” Highly regarded by his music industry peers, Schlitz was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
A native of Durham, North Carolina, Schlitz moved to Nashville at the age of twenty with only $80.00 in his pocket. His talent was recognized by the likes of music icons such as Bib McDill and Bobby Bare and became one of the first songwriters to perform at the now-famous Bluebird Café. Regarded as one of the most influential and beloved songwriters in the history of country music. Schlitz was a true storytelling genius whose career included more that twenty number one hits. Read more about Don Schlitz at the Songwriters Hall of Fame website.
MUSIC INDUSTRY NEWS
DREAM BIG MUSIC: A nine-year veteran at MCA in Nashville, Taylor Sloane, has launched a new venture, named Dream Big Music, with the goal of helping artists and their teams grow scalable, global fanbases using modern marketing and hands-on campaign leadership. Jordan Davis and Riley Green – along with the strategic development company Staydium – were announced as Dream Big’s initial clients.
Sloane has stated that Dream Big Music works as an extension of each team it supports, going beyond typical outside help by partnering closely with artists and collaborators to navigate today’s complex releases and audience trends.
“Dream Big Music was built around our belief in a global fan strategy,” says Sloane, Founder of Dream Big Music. “The goal is not just to market moments, but to help artists and teams create lasting connection, sustained momentum, and real fan growth over time and beyond traditional marketing channels, into new spaces where culture, community, and attention converge. Ultimately, we recognized the need to align vision, execution, and long-term fan development on a global scale.”
Sloane’s husband, Michael Sloane, a full-time teacher at Belmont University, also joins Dream Big Music as strategic partner, bringing his entertainment industry experience that spans across artist development, digital strategy, marketing, and business growth. More at DreamBigMusic.biz.
JOAN OF ARK MUSIC: The former CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville (UMGN), now rebranded as MCA Records, Cindy Mabe, has launched her new venture, Joan of Arc (JOA) Music. Mabe will head up the new “full-service” company that provides artist development, label services, music publishing and artist management. JOA will be disclosing artist signings in the near future. The label’s output will be distributed by Warner Music Nashville.
“Country music is at a crossroads,” Mabe stated in a media release. “We risk losing the very essence of what makes country music special — its authentic storytelling, its connection to people’s real lives, and its deep cultural roots. Joan of Arc Music exists to be warriors for creators and protect artistry.”
Mabe candidly added, “With the rush for coastal legitimizing, the labels suggesting they know better, it often feels like the coal mines of Appalachia being strip mined of coal all over again. What we do — the people who create and deliver it — has real value. Our greatest resources are our music and our history, and that will enrich our future.”
JOA’s stated mission is to protect the authentic storytelling of country music and champion creators. More details at joanofarcmusic.com.
SADDLE UP RECORDS: Veteran promotion executive Louie Newman has launched Saddle Up Records, a Nashville-based country label and radio promotion company. Newman, founder and President, spent more than 25 years at MCA Nashville before retiring in 2019. He most recently worked at Lyric Ridge Records, where he helped drive Drew Baldridge’s “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” to No. 1 at Mediabase country — the first self-funded independent No. 1 in format history.
“Radio remains a primary driver in country music, and we understand how critical airplay is to breaking and furthering an artist’s career,” Newman said in a release, adding, “We’ve built a team with a long track record of credibility at country radio, while also working closely with digital and streaming partners to build momentum across all platforms. We’re excited about what’s ahead.”.
Chele Fassig joins as SVP of National Promotion and Marketing. She previously worked at Lyric Ridge and spent 25 years in radio, including at Beasley Media Group in Charlotte. Matt Galvin joins as VP of National Promotion and Streaming, bringing experience from RCA Nashville, where he was part of a promotion team behind artists including Old Dominion, Miranda Lambert, Kane Brown and Chris Young. RG Jones of enRG Promotions, a 22-year Sony Nashville veteran, joins on special projects.
Saddle Up will collaborate on select projects with Lyric Ridge Records. The label’s first artist signings are expected in the coming weeks.
OPRY 100 NEWS
DON WILLIAMS: As part of its ongoing Opry 100 celebration, the Grand Ole Opry, presented by Humana, continues the next in a series of ”Opry 100 Honors” shows for June, celebrating the iconic Don Williams on June 10. Opry 100 Honors Don Williams will feature performances by Opry members Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, and more. Williams became an Opry member 50 years ago today, singing “The Shelter of Your Eyes” and “You’re My Best Friend.”
A collection of previously unheard tracks by Don was discovered by his son Tim and longtime producer, Garth Fundis, and are to be released as a new album titled Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes. The new music is set to be released on May 29th via Craft Recordings. (Find pre-order info here.) The recordings date from 1979 to 1984, a defining period in Williams’ career that produced enduring classics including “Good Ole Boys Like Me,” “It Must Be Love,” “I Believe in You,” “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good,” and “Tulsa Time.”
Urban has frequently named Williams as one of the biggest influences of his career while Yearwood, who has cited Williams as one of her musical heroes. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Opry Trust Fund, which has supported country music professionals in times of need for over 60 years. Schedule and tickets at opry.com; follow the Opry on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
OPRY TV NEWS
RFD-TV: Opry Entertainment Group and RFD-TV have announced a new partnership to bring two of the Grand Ole Opry’s signature series, Opry Live and Circle Sessions, to RFD-TV audiences nationwide. Opry Live airs beginning Saturday, May 9, and Circle Sessions launches Friday, May 8, on RFD-TV. For more than a century, the Grand Ole Opry has defined country music by presenting unforgettable performances. The agreement expands the Opry’s television presence while reinforcing RFD-TV’s commitment to original programming rooted in rural American culture, music, and storytelling.
The weekly series, Opry Live, features live performances from the most famous stage in country music, the Grand Ole Opry. Shows feature established superstars including Kelsea Ballerini, Garth Brooks, Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Reba McEntire, Jelly Roll and more.
Circle Sessions offers a more personal look at country music’s leading artists, featuring intimate discussions and behind-the-scenes moments. Filmed in and around the Opry’s circle, the series highlights the stories behind the music, featuring artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett, Brothers Osborne, Chris Young and more.
The addition of RFD-TV gives country music fans another way to tune in to Opry Live, broadening access for the long-running weekly series. Find how to watch RFD-TV here and keep up with the Grand Ole Opry here. @RFDTV @opry
SINGLES NEWS
RYAN BINGHAM
RYAN BINGHAM: Acclaimed Oscar and Grammy-winning musician Ryan Bingham is sharing his new song, “Blue Skies,” with The Texas Gentlemen today; listen/share here and watch the official music video here. The video features footage from the Jeff Nichols-directed (Mud, Loving, Midnight Special) short film, Love Letter to Texas, which debuted at SXSW this year and stars Bingham alongside Michael Shannon and Hassie Harrison, with narration from Sissy Spacek. Love Letter to Texas includes “Blues Skies” and serves as a tribute to the legacy of iconic Texas films and the storytellers behind them.
The song is the latest unveiled from Bingham’s highly anticipated new album, They Call Us The Lucky Ones, out May 15 via The Bingham Recording Co./Thirty Tigers (pre-order/pre-save here). His first full-length project in over seven years, the album further cements Bingham as one of the most authentic and compelling voices in American music. Across the album’s 10 tracks, including previous releases “Ballad of The Texas Gentlemen,” “The Lucky Ones,” “Twist the Knife” and “Americana,” Bingham reflects on the highs and lows of an artist’s life on the road and his newfound sense of joy and hope, all framed by the unique genre-defying sound he and The Texas Gentlemen create together.
“This album was probably the most fun I’ve had making a record,” Bingham reflects. Tour and ticket details at RyanBingham.com (@ryanbinghamofficial)
AMERICAN BLONDE
AMERICAN BLONDE: On May 1st, American Blonde released their new single, “Mississippi Moonshine;” their first new music in almost 18 months. With Grammy-nominee and Cage the Elephant founding member Lincoln Parish at the helm and a new “band” approach, the former sister duo is claiming a solid new identity. A far cry from their earlier, more pop-flavored efforts, this track ricochets with raw energy. There is enough grit in “Mississippi Moonshine” to give you road rash. Think Allman Brothers or the Marshall Tucker Band with a bad attitude. Think Southern Rock reborn with Delta flair. The new single premiered on Americana Highways earlier this week. Fans can pre-save now here.
Drowning your memory in Mississippi moonshine / Wading in the water pullin’ supper from a trot line / Heard you’re livin’ up in Memphis with a penthouse view / Guess you found another fool to take care of you / Well I can’t forgive, much less forget / Remember this story ain’t over yet / But there’s a girl in the mirror who knows the truth / And karma’s gonna make it’s way back to you (N. Morris Clossman/C. Downs)
The song is a collaboration between Nata Morris and late Emmy-winner Cliff Downs, sparked by one of his musical riffs and a late-night true crime series watched by Morris. More at www.americanblondemusic.com; follow on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X and YouTube.
CAMILLE HARRISON
CAMILLE HARRISON: Nashville-based singer-songwriter Camille Harrison released “I Miss You, Mother,” a moving new single inspired by her mother, on May 1 — just in time for Mother’s Day. Tender, raw, and achingly honest, the song is a deeply personal letter to the classical pianist whose spirit lives in every note Camille has ever sung — the woman who shaped her voice, her faith, and her life.
For Harrison, this song was not written so much as it was finally said aloud. Her mother gave her not only a love of music but a way of expressing what words alone could not hold. “I Miss You, Mother” is the clearest expression of that yet.
It is an expression resonating with all those that hear it. Longtime Olivia Newton-John musical director Dane Bryantsays, “I feel honored to be a part of this beautiful song. (It has) Such moving lyrics, paired with a gorgeous chord progression.”
“The beauty of ‘I miss you, Mother’ rests in its honest simplicity,” says bass player Mike Brignardello (Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson). “Heartfelt, raw at times, (and) understated in its delivery, ‘I Miss you, Mother’ will resonate with anyone who has experienced the loss of a beloved parent”
“I Miss You, Mother” will be available from May 1 on all major streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. More at www.camilleharrison.com; follow Camille on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
BRIAN KELLEY & NIKO MOON
BRIAN KELLEY & NIKO MOON: Diamond-selling superstar Brian Kelley has teamed up with chart-topping hitmaker Niko Moon for the release of “B-Y-O-Beach” — the first-ever collaboration from two of Country music’s top masters of beach-ready good-time anthems. Out now via Nashville South Records, “B-Y-O-Beach” is accompanied by an official music video filmed by the shore in the Gulf Coast village of Grayton Beach, FL. Listen to “B-Y-O-Beach” here and check out the video here.
Right from the jump, “B-Y-O-Beach” reveals the pure power of the pair’s unstoppable chemistry, matching Kelley’s freewheeling coastal spirit with Moon’s heartfelt positivity. Written by Mark Holman, Ben Burgess and Brad Tursi, the carefree but soulful track unlocks a deeper purpose behind their shared love of the beach lifestyle: inspiring others to create their own invincible sense of calm and joy, even as the outside world spins into chaos.
“Everybody knows ‘BYOB’ as ‘bring your own beer,’ but for me it’s ‘B-Y-O-Beach,’” says Kelley. “It’s about choosing your mindset and carrying that with you wherever you are. When Niko and I got together on this one, it just felt right. It was only a matter of time until our worlds collided, and this was the perfect song.”
Produced by Kelley’s frequent collaborator Katlin Owen, “B-Y-O-Beach” instantly summons an undeniable euphoria with its tropical-leaning beats, warm guitar textures, and sweetly hypnotic melodies. More about Kelley at OfficialBrianKelley.com and Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and YouTube. @BrianKelley @NikoMoon
JULIANNA RANKIN
JULIANNA RANKIN: Big Loud Texas singer-songwriter Julianna Rankin delivers her clever new song “XYZ71s.” Produced by Big Loud Texas co-founders Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall, listen here.
“’XYZ71s’ is a really special one to me,” shares Rankin. “It’s brilliantly written, undeniably catchy and the kind of song that gets under your skin, but in the best way. I haven’t stopped singing it since the day it found its way to me. As my first outside cut, I chose this song because I felt a deep and immediate connection to it, as if it had been sitting in my bones long before it ever found me. I’m so grateful to Jon, Chase, Micah and John for trusting me to bring it to life. I think it’s a song folks will see themselves in and won’t be able to help but sing along to.”
Rankin’s smoky vocals shine on the new track, adding to the powerhouse talent’s growing catalog. “XYZ71s” was written by Jon Decious, Chase McGill, John Pierce and Micah Wilshire. A witty play on words about a Chevy Z71 truck, Rankin doubts her love interest is equipped for the job.
Preceding today’s release, Rankin dropped “Little Miss Behavin’,” with an official music video starring Gretchen Wilson. Additionally, her label debut with Big Loud Texas, “Bad Habits and Good Horses,” was featured in the season finale of Landman via Paramount+. More at JuliannaRankin.com; Follow Julianna on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
LAUREN RISMILLER
LAUREN RISMILLER: Rising country music starlet, Lauren Rismiller pours her heart out with her new original tune, “Heart Broke In A Bar,” due May 29. Listen here.
“Playing bars in my hometown, I see lots of couples singing and dancing together, and other ’singles’ seemingly heart broken. The song ties together that observation and, that ‘single,’ sitting in the bar all alone, contemplating the decision to use care not to make the same mistake twice — if you see ’trouble’ comin’, don’t mess around with him!” noted Lauren Rismiller.
Drawing inspiration from ‘90s “Women of Country” hitmakers, the instrumentation blends
neotraditional elements — mournful pedal steel and twangy electric guitar solos — with a
steady, acoustic rhythm. The hallmark foundation and honky-tonk aesthetics frame Rismiller’s velvety-smooth, drawling vocals. A personal manifesto against nostalgia, the melancholy storyline is a personal pledge to swear off remnants of her past and anyone with his likeness — no do-overs, no sequels, no “repeat plays.” More about Lauren at LaurenRismiller.com; follow on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
DYLAN SCOTT
DYLAN SCOTT: As Mother’s Day nears, Multi-Platinum Curb Records recording artist Dylan Scott is shining a light on his late mother in a special way with “Slow Down Ol’ Son,” out now (listen/play here). Written by Scott, Matt Alderman and Will Weatherly, the heartfelt tune was inspired by Scott’s mom frequently telling him to “slow down” as a child, a message he has now passed down to his two sons and daughter. Scott also released the music video for the song today, featuring homemade videos of his family and his own childhood – watch here.
The new music comes as his single “What He’ll Never Have” snags the coveted No. 1 spot at Country radio, marking his seventh career No. 1. Named by ASCAP as one of the most-performed country songs of 2025, the track is poised to be the biggest song of his career with over 400 million streams and counting. Scott landed two of his seven chart-toppers in 2025 alone, making him the third most-played artist at Country radio last year.
“What He’ll Never Have” is the lead track on his latest studio album Easy Does It, an 11-track collection released in May 2025. The road warrior has taken his electrifying performance back to stages across the country this year on his Till I Can’t I Will Tour, wrapping on May 30 in Texas. More at dylanscottcountry.com and Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
AARON TIPPIN
AARON TIPPIN: The new song from Aaron Tippin, written by Tippin’s son, Tom Tippin, and produced by Grammy award-winning engineer Noah Gordon, “American Sky” is an uplifting anthem centered on freedom, optimism, and the power of believing in what’s possible. Released via 8 Track Entertainment, marking Tippin’s debut with the Muscle Shoals/Nashville–based label distributed by Warner/ADA.
Commenting on the new single, Tippin said, ‘’American Sky’ means a lot to me for several reasons. I come from a family of aviators, and I was a professional pilot before I became a singer. Our son Tom, who is also a pilot and singer, wrote this song which is extra special. This song is about the American dream. We live in the greatest country in the world where the sky’s the limit. If you have a dream and work hard at it, there’s nothing you can’t do.”
Lyrically, the song reflects Tippin’s lifelong passion for aviation, with lines such as:
“I can feel it in my soul / There’s a spirit in the wind / It can take us to the moon and back again / Where freedom fills the air and the eagle spreads his wings / Way up there is where I want to be.”
Aaron has earned six gold albums, one platinum, and released 30+ singles over his career. Tour news and more at www.aarontippin.com; follow Aaron on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
ST. JUDE BENEFIT NEWS
Superstar Darius Rucker‘s 17th annual Darius & Friends benefit for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is on the schedule at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for Monday June 01, 2026. Over the years, the event has become one of the highlights of CMA Week, always delighting audiences with performances from his lineup of surprise star guests.
Over the years, Darius and Friends has become an eagerly-awaited tradition, helping to raise more than #5.1 million for St. Jude. It all started back in 2008 when Darius visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and was inspired by the hospital’s mission to advance research and treatment for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Deeply touched by the experience, he made a long-term commitment to the cause, a commitment that spawned one of country music’s most successful fundraising events.
We should all have friends like Darius does! Previous Darius and Friends events have included friends such as Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Dan + Shay, Jelly Roll, Ashley McBryde, Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Kenny Rogers and many more.
Tickets for this year’s concert start at $69, with VIP packages available up to $249 via AXS. Find tickets and more info here at axs.com. More about Darius and Friends and the upcoming show here. @dariusrucker
TOUR AND SHOW NEWS
DREW BALDRIDGE
DREW BALDRIDGE: Country hitmaker Drew Baldridge has announced his upcoming headline run, the Farm Faith Family Tour, with tickets available now here. The 14-date trek will see Baldridge crisscross the country, kicking off June 11 in Omaha, NE and wrapping October 18 in Newport Beach, CA. Alyssa Flaherty and Chase Right will provide support.
Coinciding with the tour announcement, Baldridge’s new song, “Love Needs You,” arrived May 1, as a heartfelt summer anthem about young love and the moments that shape a lifetime. The track is available everywhere May 1. Get it here. Written by Baldridge alongside Josh Thompson and Matt Dragstrem, the song was inspired by memories of his early relationship with his wife, Katie, in his hometown of Patoka, Illinois, population 550.
“We’d drive the backroads past the farm, windows down, listening to country songs like Randy Travis’ ‘Deeper Than the Holler’ and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s ‘I Need You,’” says Baldridge. “This song feels like a perfect blend of those two influences. It was in those honest, unfiltered moments that the foundation of our life together was built.”
“Love Needs You” reflects on how love can bridge differences and create something steady and enduring from life’s early, unpolished moments. “It’s about a simple man telling his girl how he’s going to love her forever in the most honest way he knows how,” Baldridge adds. More at DrewBaldbridgeMusic.com. #DrewBaldridgeMusic
BRANDY CLARK
BRANDY CLARK: As her tour continues, Grammy, CMA and Americana Music Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Brandy Clark has been named one of The New York Times’ “The 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters,” further cementing her place as one of the most respected and influential voices in modern music. Read the full piece here.
Clark appears on the list alongside acclaimed songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, with The New York Times praising the trio as “Music Row pros par excellence, brilliant practitioners of the time-honored tradecraft: crisp hooks, witty wordplay, brisk storytelling, songs that click and whir like little machines” and goes on to call Clark, “a star recording artist in her own right.”
Clark is currently in the midst of her extensive An Evening with Brandy Clark tour, which includes stops at Louisville’s Bomhard Theater, Knoxville’s Bijou Theatre, Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum, Cincinnati’s Ludlow Garage and St. Louis’ The Sovereign, among many others. Find Clark’s tour itinerary and ticket info here. Her highly-anticipated new album will be announced soon. Keep up with Clark on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
OLD DOMINION
OLD DOMINION: On the heels of their 11th consecutive ACM Group of the Year nomination, Old Dominion have announced their return to Las Vegas for a special two-night engagement, Old Dominion Hits. Vegas., in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, Messina Touring Group, and Live Nation Las Vegas.
Following a banner year on the road with their How Good Is That – World Tour, which took them across the U.S, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, the reigning and record-breaking Vocal Group of the Year will bring their signature sound back to PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on September 4 and 5. This time, the band is shifting the focus to what fans love most, the hits.
Old Dominion Hits. Vegas. is a career-spanning celebration, spotlighting the songs that have defined the band’s rise. Find ticket info here. The new dates follow the release of the band’s latest album, Barbara, a 13-track project that blends Old Dominion’s signature melodic, guitar-driven sound with deeper reflections on life, love, and mortality. Tour dates and more at Old Dominion’s official website; follow Old Dominion at Instagram, Facebook and X.
RUSSELL DICKERSON
RUSSELL DICKERSON: Multi-platinum hitmaker Russell Dickerson kicked off his 2026 Russellmania Tour in April with larger-than-life shows in Raleigh, NC (4/23), St. Augustine, FL (4/24), and Orlando, FL (4/25), joined by DASHAand Atlus. Now stepping into his biggest arenas and amphitheaters to date, Dickerson delivered his high-energy “theatrical showmanship” (Houston Chronicle) through nonstop, hit-filled sets that had fans up on their feet and singing along all night long. His dynamic setlist spanned his career hits including “Yours,” “Blue Tacoma,” and “Every Little Thing,” along with newer releases that continue to fuel his momentum on country radio including “Happen To Me” and “Worth Your Wild”. Adding to the explosive energy of the night, the stage featured a full-scale production complete with cryo blasts, confetti, and a custom set design that matched the excitement of the crowd and brought the Russellmania experience to life.
Looking ahead, Dickerson will continue his 2026 Russellmania Tour throughout the spring and summer, joined by Niko Moon, Tyler Hubbard, Kevin Powers, and Adrien Nunez on select dates. Marking his biggest headlining run to date, the tour will visit major arenas and amphitheaters nationwide, taking the scale and energy of his live show to new heights. For tickets and a full list of upcoming dates, visit russelldickerson.com. Keep up with Dickerson on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
RILEY GREEN
RILEY GREEN: In April, multi-Platinum, ACM and CMA Award-winning singer-songwriter Riley Green kicked off his Cowboy As It Gets Tour to sold-out arenas in Southaven, Louisville, and Nashville at the iconic Bridgestone Arena. Find tour and ticket info at RileyGreen.com. Joining Green on select dates is an exciting lineup of special guests, including Justin Moore, Drake White, Mackenzie Carpenter, Adam Hood, Hannah McFarland, and Zach John King, making this one of the most anticipated country tours of the year.
Wrapping up the weekend of tour dates on a high note, Green’s Bridgestone show featured special performances with Carly Pearce for the hit duet, “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay,” Jamey Johnson for a cover of the iconic, “Where The Corn Don’t Grow,” and “In Color.”
In addition to the tour kick off, Green hosted the second annual Buford Bonds Foundation of Alabama Riley Green & Friends golf tournament and concert which raised $650,000 for his charitable fund. Established in 2023 in honor of his grandfathers, Buford Bonds Foundation of Alabama supports nonprofit organizations around the country which help those who need it the most.
Green also made his acting debut on CBS’ Marshals and released a brand new, solo-penned track, “My Way” (stream/play here). The new song will be featured in Marshals on April 26 where Green will perform the track as his character, “Garrett.” Keep up with Riley Green on Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube.
SHABOOZEY
SHABOOZEY will set off on his Outlaws Never Die Tour this fall. His headlining tour will kick off in Phoenix, September 8th with stops scheduled in Austin, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, Toronto, Boston, Washington D.C., New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Minneapolis, Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and more.
Tickets for Shaboozey’s 2026 Outlaws Never Die Tour go on sale for the general public on Friday, May 1st at 10:00 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster here.
The new tour arrives in support of The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales, Shaboozey’s fourth studio album, out on July 31st. Pre-save / pre-add the album here. The project is a concept album, designed around a narrative featuring protagonist Cherie Lee as she seeks revenge for her father’s murder; eventually, though, she falls in love with one of the outlaws, resulting in a bloody, tragic climax. Shaboozey’s previous album, 2024’s Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, featured the smash hit single “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Find links to Shaboozey’s music, social media and videos here.
YEAR END NEWS
NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE NEWS: CBS and New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash have officially announced a new multi-year agreement to continue bringing the high-energy, star-studded celebration from Music City to audiences nationwide. The multi-year deal ensures that New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash will remain a cornerstone of the New Year’s Eve programming slate, broadcasting live from downtown Nashville and featuring some of the biggest names in music. The multi-hour live event is broadcast across all time zones, with streaming availability on Paramount+, further expanding its reach.
CBS presents New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 31, (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT, 10:30 PM-1:00 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.
New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash is executive produced by Robert Deaton and Mary Hilliard Harringtonin partnership with Music City Inc., the foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. The special is directed by Sandra Restrepo.
“Mary and I are thrilled to continue our partnership with CBS and the City of Nashville to bring New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash to audiences across the country,” said Deaton. “There’s nothing quite like ringing in the new year from Nashville, surrounded by the energy, heart and incredible talent of country music. We’re proud to keep growing this celebration into one of the biggest nights of the year for fans everywhere.”
My sincere thanks to the artists, songwriters, publishers, record labels and their publicists for keeping me in the loop with all that’s new and exciting in your world! Send me stuff – I love to get it! preshiaswriter@hotmail.com
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
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