Inside Track on Music Row, June 2025 starts here!
by Preshias Harris
It’s June in Nashville and that always means CMA Fest! But there is SO much more and you can find it all here… New singles from Reba, Gary LeVox, Midland, Alex Miller, Scott Teasley, Sheryl Crow and more… Tour updates for Brad Paisley, Billy Strings, Southall and Chris Tomlin… Album releases from Cody Jinks, Ray LaMontagne and Ken Pomeroy… plus news about festivals and the Opry Live in London and Number One News (LOCASH, Zach Top)… Scroll down and catch up with your Inside Track on Music Row, America’s longest running monthly country music column!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “No matter how long what I’m doing here lasts, I want to be a songwriter for the rest of my life. I love it and it’s my escape.” – Miley Cyrus
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: Let all you do be done in love. – 1 Corinthians 16:14
ALBUM NEWS
CODY JINKS
CODY JINKS: Ahead of his highly-anticipated upcoming album, In My Blood, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Cody Jinks released his new song “Better Than the Bottle” Friday, May 30th. This is the second track to be released from his forthcoming album, In My Blood, due July 25th. Pre-save the digital album here and pre-order the vinyl and CD versions here.
“Better Than the Bottle” is a reflective, gritty country ballad that captures the journey of a person grappling with their flaws, while clinging onto hope, having given up their main vice. Jinks’ signature raw vocals and stripped-down instrumentation give the song a sense of honesty and humility. Painting the picture of redemption, the song highlights grand victories in small, personal change.
In addition to the song, Cody Jinks and Ward Davis are announcing the second go-around of their previously sold out tour, Same Kind of Crazy Acoustic Tour, and will feature 10 dates spanning from Hawaii to Alaska. Find Cody Jinks tour and ticket info here.
RAY LAMONTAGNE
RAY LAMONTAGNE: Celebrated Grammy award winner Ray LaMontagne will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the release of his seminal debut album, Trouble, with a special remastered vinyl edition, set for release June 13—presave/preorder here. Additionally, LaMontagne will embark on the Trouble 20th Anniversary Tour, performing the album in its entirety for the first time since its release — find full routing and purchase tickets here for tour dates in the USA, UK and Ireland.
On the remastered vinyl, LaMontagne shares, “When Trouble was initially released Vinyl was considered a dead format, never to breathe again. Digital audio was the new King. As we know this has proved untrue. Each year more and more music lovers are listening to Vinyl and appreciating it for its depth and breadth of sound, for its physical heft, for its tangible realness. Over the past few months Brian Lee and Bob Jackson at Waygate Mastering have remastered the album for the first time specifically for Vinyl. And I have to say, it sounds incredible. They have managed to bring out subtleties in the vocals, the instrumentation, that were somehow lost previously. It sounds as if a sonic veil has been lifted. I cannot thank them enough.”
Trouble charted on the Billboard 200 and was certified RIAA Platinum. LaMontagne has spent the past two decades carving a singular space for himself in modern music. #RayLaMontagne
KEN POMEROY
KEN POMEROY: Native American artist Ken Pomeroy has released her new album, Cruel Joke. Anchored in Pomeroy’s Native Cherokee heritage, Cruel Joke is a powerful collection that showcases her raw songwriting and engaging voice. Produced by Pomeroy’s musical partner Dakota McDaniel, Gary Paczosa (John Prine, Alison Krauss, Sierra Ferrell, Katie Pruitt) and Colton Jean, the project consists of twelve deeply personal tracks (including a collaboration with her longtime songwriting hero John Moreland) that find Pomeroy telling stories of her own self-realizations and reflections as well as observations of the world around her. Listen to Cruel Joke here.
In the shuffling “Pareidolia,” images of bucolic destruction build up to a wry realization: “I guess a cruel joke is all we can afford.” The song is a tribute to Buck Meek, one of Pomeroy’s songwriting heroes.
Known for her impactful live shows, Pomeroy will perform select headline dates this spring including stops at Nashville’s Row One, Brooklyn’s Baby’s All Right and Tulsa’s Mercury Lounge (two nights, both sold-out). She will also join Iron & Wine, I’m With Her and Turnpike Troubadours for several dates this year and perform at Newport Folk Festival in July.
A skilled guitarist and versatile session musician, she has also lent her musical abilities to projects by artists such as Wilderado, Kyle Nix of the Turnpike Troubadours, J.R. Carroll, and more. #KenPomeroyMusic
FESTIVAL NEWS
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS will kick off its landmark 25th anniversary celebration this year with a very special festival eve benefit concert honoring legendary singer and songwriter Emmylou Harris – the only artist to perform at each and every edition of the much beloved San Francisco free music festival. Set for Thursday, October 2 at San Francisco, CA’s The Masonic, A Tribute to Emmylou Harris & 25 Years of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass will see the 14x Grammy Award-winner joined by some of her closest friends and collaborators including Allison Russell, Albert Lee, Margo Price, Patty Griffin, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Sam Bush, Shawn Colvin, Steve Earle and other guests. Buddy Miller will serve as the show’s musical director, backed by The Red Hot Dirt Ramblers. The all-star lineup features some of Emmylou Harris’ current and recent bandmates, including Albert Lee, Bryan Owings, Chris Donohue, Eamon McLoughlin, Glen D Hardin, Phil Madeira, Sam Bush & Steve Fishell.
All proceeds will benefit the foster-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit dog rescue organization Bonaparte’s Retreat. Tickets for A Tribute to Emmylou Harris & 25 Years of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass are on sale to the public now. For more information, view tickets here.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass will once again take place at San Francisco, CA’s iconic Golden Gate Park on October 3-5. For updates and additional information, visit hardlystrictlybluegrass.com.
MISSION:POSSIBLE NEWS
MISSION:POSSIBLE NEWS: For the second year in a row, country music icon Tracy Lawrence took to the historic Ryman Auditorium stage, May 18, to perform to a sold-out audience. The lively crowd sang along to his countless hits like “Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” “Time Marches On” and “Paint Me A Birmingham,” in addition to a medley of tracks from stars we lost during the pandemic including Joe Diffie’s “John Deere Green” and Charlie Daniels Band’s “The Devil Went Down To Georgia.” Lawrence surprised the audience with special guest Marcus King, who joined Lawrence on stage for two songs, “Swinging Doors” and “Honky Tonk Hell.”
The next day (5/19), Lawrence brought together artists, athletes and celebrities for his fifth annual Mission:Possible Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament at Old Hickory Country Club outside of Nashville. The players included John Daly, Kid Rock, Vince Gill, Jordan Davis, Gavin Adcock, Zach Top, Lily Rose, Warren Zeiders, Priscilla Block, Charles Esten, Gary Allan, Mitchell Tenpenny, Meghan Patrick and more. The celebrity event raised over $200,000 this year for Lawrence’s charity, Mission:Possible, which raises funds and awareness for homeless organizations in Middle Tennessee and beyond.
Last year’s turkey fry set a new record of turkeys distributed, providing over 25,000 meals to those in need across Middle Tennessee. For more information on Lawrence, visit his website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE NEWS
MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE NEWS: Award-winning songwriter and entertainer Dierks Bentley announces the establishment of the Broken Branches Fund with a multi-year financial commitment to provide mental health resources to the creative and touring communities. The Broken Branches Fund will be administered in partnership with Music Health Alliance (MHA) and will provide mental health grants for qualified candidates and their families to cover outpatient counseling, as well as a plan for follow-up care. More information and to apply for access to all resources that MHA’s groundbreaking Music Industry Mental Health Fund provides is available here. Additionally, fans will have an opportunity to donate to the fund themselves throughout the summer at tour stops and other activations and online at https://bit.ly/DonateToMHA25.
“Making this album and prepping for the tour, I’ve never been more aware of the sacrifice that the people in this town make every day to keep country music playing. Whether you’re sitting in a room all day trying to write the perfect hook or leaving home on a bus for weeks at a time, it can be isolating and exhausting. This just felt like the right opportunity to make a bigger commitment on my part to supporting those folks and their families in a more direct and intentional way,” said Bentley.
Bentley has kicked off his 30-city Broken Branches Tour, joined by Zach Top and The Band Loula, ahead of his forthcoming 11th studio album, Broken Branches, out June 13 (MCA). Pre-save here.
NUMBER ONE NEWS
LOCASH
LOCASH, comprised of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, lit up Live with Kelly & Mark May 19 with their multi-week #1 smash “Hometown Home.” Watch the performance here.
The pair wowed as the undeniable anthem showcased their stunning harmonies, palpable energy, and magnetic charisma. Of course, it also remains a signature standout from their new album Bet The Farm—available via their own Galaxy Label Group now. Listen here.
Between mounting critical acclaim, millions of streams, and the never-ending adoration of fans around the globe, they have quietly emerged as Country’s most in-demand force of nature. After the performance, Kelly Ripa of Live with Kelly & Mark presented Brust and Lucas with a very special Billboard plaque to celebrate their two-week run at #1 with “Hometown Home” (watch here). Then, later visited Billboard’s New York City headquarters where they captured a series of videos, welcoming audiences to spend a day-in-the-life with LOCASH.
Indicative of their enduring impact, LOCASH’s latest single “Wrong Hearts” was among the most added songs at Country radio on its release. Launching with 71 stations spinning the record nationwide, this marks the biggest add-date of their career and another major win for Galaxy Label Group further proving the duo’s business acumen. Find full touring details and ticket information here.
ZACH TOP
ZACH TOP: Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Zach Top earned his first #1 single at country radio in May as “I Never Lie” tops the Mediabase Country Aircheck chart. The song also reached #1 at Canadian country radio and has spent six consecutive weeks as the most played on Australian country radio.
The accomplishment adds to a landmark year for Top, who was named 2025 ACM New Male Artist of the Year and performed “a moving acoustic rendition” (American Songwriter) of his song, “Use Me,” during the live ACM Awards ceremony. Additionally, Top recently performed “I Never Lie” on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” was named “the future of country music” by Billboard, nominated for New Artist of the Year at the 58th Annual CMA Awards, received Discovery Artist of the Year at the 2024 MusicRow Awards and recently released Me & Billy—a three-song EP featuring 2x Grammy Award-winning artist Billy Strings (listen here).
Top is in the midst of his extensive “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour,” which completely sold out just hours after tickets went on sale. Additionally, Top is supporting select dates with Alan Jackson on his “Last Call Tour” this spring and will join Dierks Bentley’s “Broken Branches Tour” kicking off later this month. See below for complete tour itinerary, full details can be found at www.zachtop.com/tour. Follow Zach on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
OPRY NEWS
OPRY NEWS: The Grand Ole Opry, with the help of Opry member Carly Pearce, unveiled a custom Dolly-themed Opry mic stand during Pearce’s sold-out show at the Ryman Auditorium to close out her 40+ date hummingbird world tour.
Just before performing the iconic song “Jolene,” the Grammy, CMA, and ACM Award-winning country star revealed the specially designed Opry mic stand in honor of Dolly Parton, one of the Opry’s most beloved global ambassadors. The stand commissioned exclusively for the Opry’s 100th year, features sparkling rhinestones, pink and purple butterflies, and other design elements inspired by Dolly’s signature style. It will be used throughout the Opry’s centennial celebration.
Pearce, who performed at Dollywood as a teenager, has long cited Dolly as one of her biggest influences. On June 21, 2021, Dolly surprised Pearce with her invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. She officially was inducted into the Opry family on August 3, 2021. Find Opry tickets and upcoming show info here and more about Carly Pearce here.
OPRY (INTERNATIONAL) NEWS
OPRY (INTERNATIONAL) NEWS: The Grand Ole Opry (the longest-running radio program in U.S. history) has announced a star-studded lineup including Opry members Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker and Marty Stuart will headline its first-ever live international broadcast from London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall on Friday, September 26th. The event is part of the Opry’s yearlong 100th anniversary celebration. Tickets to the show are available here. BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay and WSM Radio host Kelly Sutton will be co-hosts for Grand Ole Opry: Live in London.
In addition to beloved Opry members, this show will feature a lineup of special UK guest artists to be announced later this year. Like the Opry’s regular shows in Nashville, artists appearing on this show will each perform two to four songs.
“Being a member of the Grand Ole Opry is a great honor; it’s always felt like the Opry was my home away from home,” Rucker says. “To have the opportunity to bring such a big part of my musical roots to Royal Albert Hall is a full-circle moment for me while I work on a project with so many talented songwriters and producers based in London. I can’t think of a better way to honor the Opry’s global impact on country music as we share its magic with a new generation of fans.” More at https://www.opry.com. #Opry100
SINGLE NEWS
CHAS COLLINS
CHAS COLLINS: Florida-based country artist Chas Collins is back with a bold, groove-driven new single, “She Gave Me That Look,” released through 2911 Label Group / TLG / Virgin Music. The track is accompanied by two exclusive media premieres: Center Stage Magazine debuted the lyric video here, and The Hollywood Times unveiled the official audio. “She Gave Me That Look” captures that all-too-familiar lightning-strike moment when everything stops—the room, the noise, even time itself—and all you see is her. Built around a swampy Southern rock guitar riff and a chorus that goes straight for the gut, the song mixes gritty energy with smoldering tension.
“This song’s about that one glance that changes everything. No words, no warning—just a look that cuts through the noise,” says Collins. “Every guy’s been there at least once, and when it hits, it hits. I wanted this track to feel like that exact second.”
Written and recorded in Nashville with Collins at the helm, the single blends his signature blend of country soul and ’80s rock edge—backed by raw, emotional vocals that refuse to phone it in. The production is tight, the message is universal, and the sound is pure Chas. More at ChasCollins.com, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Spotify.
PRESTON COOPER
PRESTON COOPER: The Valory Music Co.’s emerging powerhouse vocalist Preston Cooper hits Country radio with his debut single, “Weak,” now playing on stations nationwide. Listen to “Weak” here. The track ranked among the week’s most added, landing 58 first-week stations in major markets including Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Detroit, Charlotte and more. “Weak” holds personal significance for Preston, as it was the first song he wrote in Nashville, alongside Brett Warren, Brad Warren and Lance Miller. The track puts his “blowtorch vocal” (Nashville Lifestyles) on full display and serves as the lead single from his debut album Toledo Talkin’, set to release August 29. Pre-Save/Pre-Order Toledo Talkin’ here.
“I’m still processing that my debut single ‘Weak’ is officially on the radio,” Preston reflects. “This is a moment I’ve dreamed of my entire life. All I’ve ever wanted to do is make and perform music, so to be touring full time, releasing a record, and hearing my song on Country radio is pretty amazing. I’m so thankful to everyone at Country radio for embracing me and this single. This is just the beginning!”
Toledo Talkin’ sticks close to Cooper’s shoot-it-straight style. Opting for an old-school, full-band recording process, Toledo Talkin’ blends a lean fusion of Country heart and bluesy alt-rock, lashed together with sheer vocal intensity that feels miles from the Music Row norm. Tour dates and more here. #PrestonCooper
SHERYL CROW
SHERYL CROW: Nine-time Grammy Award-winner and 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Sheryl Crow has released her new song, “I Know,” out now in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month via The Valory Music Co. Listen to “I Know” here.
In a social media post, Sheryl detailed the importance of Mental Health Awareness month, a topic close to her heart. Crow has previously been vocal about her own struggles with depression. In the poignant, piercing new song, she sings, “Why is this so hard?… Maybe there’s a quiet place where flowers bloom and rivers flow. If there is, then we should go. I see the struggle in your face. The only thing that I can say is I know. I know. I know how it feels.”
“In a recent moment when I was really struggling, I picked up my guitar and wrote a song… Sometimes when we’re struggling, just knowing that another soul can relate to what we’re feeling makes things a little bit better. That’s what this song is about,” said Crow of the song.
See Crow’s full announcement on her socials here. Play/listen to Sheryl’s album Evolution here. More information at SherylCrow.com, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.
INK
INK: On the heels of multiple Grammy nominations and mega co-writes on Cowboy Carter (“Texas Hold ‘Em,” “16 Carriages”) and “luther” (currently in its 13th week at #1), the A-list’s biggest secret weapon, Ink, has stepped out from behind her golden pen to deliver her highly anticipated Big Loud Records/Electric Feel Records debut, “Turquoise Cowboy.” Watch the video here.
“’Turquoise Cowboy’ is my anthem. It’s not just a song—it’s my silhouette in sound,” says Ink. “This is for the outlaws who shine differently. The ones who turned pain into presence. I wrote ‘Turquoise Cowboy’ as a reminder that style, soul, and survival can ride in the same saddle. I’m not just wearing turquoise…I am the turquoise. Rare, raw, and impossible to ignore.”
“Turquoise Cowboy” is one of the first records that came out of a recent trip to Nashville, penning the stormy, sweeping song with co-writers Jesse Frasure (Kane Brown, Jelly Roll) and Trannie Anderson (Lainey Wilson, Dan + Shay), produced by Frasure.
Anchored by Ink’s raw storytelling and unmistakable tone, the track introduces a new kind of outlaw: one who rides between tradition and rebellion, armed with turquoise jewelry, black cowboy boots and a heart full of fire. “Turquoise Cowboy” sounds like the open road – wild, soulful and drenched in rhythm. More at Ink’s website, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube.
GARY LEVOX
GARY LEVOX: Rascal Flatts frontman Gary LeVox and Grammy-nominated R&B/Pop superstar Akon have just released their new summer party anthem “Hold The Umbrella” featuring renowned Reggaeton singer De la Ghetto. The track, and its accompanying lyric video, is available now via Big Machine Records. Listen to “Hold The Umbrella” here, and watch the lyric video here.
A track that LeVox has been carefully crafting with producers Rudy Pérez (“The Latin Hit Maker”) and industry vet Mickey Jack Cones (Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Pitbull, Alabama), “Hold The Umbrella” transports listeners to the tropics with its breezy melody and pop-forward instrumentation. The beach-ready song evokes a carefree, fun attitude with the powerhouse trifecta encouraging a lifestyle where nothing gets in the way of the buzz-induced good times. “Hold The Umbrella” was written by Rafael Castillo, Mickey Jack Cones, Tony Martin, Aliaune Akon Thiam and Neil Thrasher.
REBA McENTIRE
REBA McENTIRE: Country music icon Reba McEntire continues to prove why she’s one of the genre’s most enduring forces, scoring the biggest streaming debut of her career with her new single “Trailblazer,” a powerhouse collaboration with Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert. The anthem—celebrating the legacy, grit, and unstoppable spirit of women in country music—garnered an impressive 2.6 million on-demand streams in its first week, marking a new personal best for Reba in the streaming era. Listen to “Trailblazer” here.
Blending Reba’s iconic vocals with the bold authenticity of Wilson and the fiery charisma of Lambert, “Trailblazer” is more than a song—it’s a generational moment. The track has resonated deeply with fans across age groups, earning widespread praise for its powerful message and dynamic trio performance.
Following its electrifying live debut at the ACM Awards, “Trailblazer” quickly became one of the highest-streaming songs of the week, reaching 882,000 daily streams by day 3 post-performance—further proving its cultural and commercial impact.
Multi-media entertainment mogul Reba McEntire has become a household name through a successful career that includes music, television, film, theater, retail and hospitality. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Hollywood Bowl member has more than 50 award wins under her belt, earning honors from the ACM Awards, American Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, CMA Awards, Grammy Awards and GMA Dove Awards. More info at reba.com.
MIDLAND
MIDLAND: Grammy-nominated trio Midland provides the perfect soundtrack for a night out on the town with their new song “Glass Half Empty,” out now via Big Machine Records. Listen to “Glass Half Empty” here. The track finds the group fully embracing their signature Neotraditional, Texas-influenced Country sound that fans have known and loved since their breakout hit “Drinkin’ Problem.”
Written by band members Jess Carson and Cameron Duddy alongside Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell, the feel-good track transports listeners to a vibrant Western honky tonk where some good music and carefree two-stepping has the power to fill your cup and make you feel like everything is going to be all right. “It’s got more guts than anything we’ve put out and feels like the sweaty nights we spent in the Texas Honky Tonks where we got our start,” shares Duddy.
Watch the official “Glass Half Empty” music video here. The official music video for “Glass Half Empty” is out now. Directed by Harper Smith, the video features the band performing the track on their incredible barroom-inspired Stagecoach set.
This summer, Midland will perform at various fairs and festivals including Million Dollar Music Fest, CMA Fest (6/6), and more before embarking on their European tour which will make stops in the UK, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. More at MidlandOfficial.com, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.
ALEX MILLER
ALEX MILLER: Neo-traditionalist Alex Miller gives the world “The Byrd” with his latest streaming release, the rollicking, toe-tapping ‘90s inspired romp of a duet with hitmaker Tracy Byrd. Available now for pre-save. the epic fast-moving track brings back the energy of the great “Moe & Joe” duets of the past while staying firmly planted in the modern-day soundscape. Alex and Tracy first performed the song live acoustically on the Coffee, Country & Cody show(Circle TV and WSM Radio) in mid-March. American Songwriter premiered the track online. Written by Miller and his producer, friend and hit songwriter Jerry Salley, “The Byrd” (Billy Jam Records), is an homage to Tracy and his long career as it name-checks the star’s numerous hits throughout.
“Jerry and I had a blast writing it,” says Miller. “And getting to sing this with Tracy was just incredible. It’s an honor and a whole lotta fun. We’ve gotten to be pretty good buddies since meeting at a Fair convention a few years ago and I wouldn’t trade our friendship for anything.”
For Byrd, the chance to join Alex for this duet was a no-brainer. “I was just awed that he felt I was a big enough influence on him that he would write this song for me. It was very flattering,” Tracy admits. “I thought it was a hit the first time I heard it, and I was so excited I sent it to Blake Shelton to see what he thought. He agreed. It’s got a great groove and a great melody too, which never hurts. I was in from the get-go.” More on Alex at Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
NATE SMITH
NATE SMITH: With Father’s Day just around the corner, multi-Platinum hitmaker Nate Smith delivers “Dads Don’t Die” (Sony Music Nashville) – an unforgettably moving ballad celebrating the immortal power of love between father and child. Listen here. Accompanied by a performance video, the two-pack includes a bonus version featuring Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Emily Weisband (a co-writer on the track). The latest in a series of monumental releases from Smith, “Dads Don’t Die” arrives as he kicks off a massive tour as direct support for Jason Aldean’s Full Throttle Tour 2025. Listen to “Dads Don’t Die” here and check out the performance video here.
A driving force in the Country genre, Smith takes his chart-topping career to the next level with “Dads Don’t Die.” Written by Marc Beeson, Allen Shamblin, and Emily Weisband, the piano-led track hits with a momentous impact thanks to Smith’s force-of-nature voice. After performing the song live, he received overwhelming support from fans, who soon clamored for an official release. With over 2.5 billion global career streams to date, Smith reveals that adding “Dads Don’t Die” (produced by Joël Bruyère) to his hit-stacked catalog is an undeniable honor.
More about Nate Smith at his website, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.
SCOOT TEASLEY
SCOOT TEASLEY: Rising singer-songwriter Scoot Teasley adds another anthem to his growing catalog with the release of his latest track “Whiskey Burns,” out now. Listen here. Written by Teasley, Jon Stark and Valerie Broussard and produced by Nicholas Sainato, “Whiskey Burns” brings an edgy twist to Teasley’s country vocals as he pours heartbreak over a glass of whiskey and strikes a match to the past.
“’Whiskey Burns’ is one of those songs that just kinda poured out,” explained Teasley. “It’s about a girl — which isn’t exactly new territory for me — but it’s more about the aftermath, when everything’s gone up in flames. I wrote it with Jon Stark and Valerie Broussard, and we leaned into a darker sound than what I’ve put out before. I worked with Nick Sainato in the studio, he really helped bring the edge out on this one.”
“Whiskey Burns” serves as Teasley’s third release of 2025, following “Dirt Road Dropout” and “Gone To Dust.” The former paints a vivid picture of small-town life and the pull of the open road, while the latter shines with themes of love, loss and resilience. The Nashville Briefing 2024 Artist to Watch and Tidal Rising Artist drew in plenty of buzz last year with his single “This Truck Still Misses You,” landing on Billboard‘s Must-Hear Country Songs list. More at scootteasleymusic.com, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
SONGWRITING WITH SOLDIERS NEWS
SONGWRITING WITH SOLDIERS’ (SW:S) mission is to transform lives by using collaborative songwriting to build creativity, connections, and strengths. SW:S holds weekend retreats across the U.S. for veterans and their families from all conflicts. SW:S has connected with more than 5,000 veterans and military families, creating a safe and inspiring environment to share their experiences and co-create songs grounded in lived experience with professional songwriters.
Once the song is created, SW:S provides ways for it to be heard beyond the writing session by veterans and non-veterans alike. SongwritingWith:Soldiers believes they are not just creating songs, but a deeper understanding of the veteran experience. The first two compelling tracks are available now on all streaming platforms. Listen to “The Man You Used To Know” here; watch the lyric video here. Listen to “At Ease” here and watch the lyric video here.
“The Man You Used To Know,” was written by veteran Bruce Anderson, his wife of 37 years Lesley Anderson, and songwriter and producer Trent Willmon and performed by Willmon. “At Ease,” was written in a group setting at a retreat by veterans Chadrick Allen, Rhonda Chavez, Sally Griffiths, Justin Lilley, Benjamin Liotta, Carlos Gomez Perez, Robert Heathe Shumate, and Tristan Wimmer along with songwriters James House, Will Kimbrough, Mark Nesler, and Terry Radigan. Discover more about SW:S at songwritingwithsoldiers.org, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
TEXAS MUSIC NEWS
BIG LOUD TEXAS: Fresh off the announcement of buzzed-about joint venture Big Loud Texas’ expansion to include a publishing arm, Big Loud Texas Publishing, they announced the completion of its hub curated to foster creative community in Austin. The Big Loud Texas House is a multi-functional space housed in a historic home built in the late 1800s with interior design by Big Loud Texas co-founder Miranda Lambert‘s longtime collaborators Amie and Jolie Sikes from Junk Gypsy Co. (JG Co.).
The fellow Texans and close friends of Lambert have a long history of collaboration – including designing her iconic “Mama Tried” tank top featured in Lambert’s official music video for 2005 smash “Kerosene” and partnering with her on numerous design projects over the years, including redecorating her beloved Airstream, Wanda the Wanderer.
Lambert wanted the space to feel welcoming, bold and uniquely Texan—qualities Jolie and Amie embody effortlessly with their free-spirited, creative style and signature Texan attitude. For more information about Junk Gypsy Co., visit their website and connect on Instagram and TikTok. With signings and future announcements to come, stay in touch with Big Loud Texas on Instagram and BigLoudTexas.com.
TOUR NEWS
BRAD PAISLEY
BRAD PAISLEY: Global country music superstar Brad Paisley launched his Truck Still Works World Tour playing three sold-out concerts into the Memorial Day weekend. The shows also included Brad’s debut appearance at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado which also featured a cameo from Bronco’s quarterback Bo Nix.
The first leg of the tour is slated to run through August with Walker Hayes as the special guest along with Avery Anna, Mae Estes, and Alexandra Kay sharing the opening slot. The tour is produced by Live Nation.
The tour offers a VIP package for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. The package includes premium tickets, a guided backstage tour, VIP-exclusive gift item & more. For more information, visit vipnation.com. Concert tickets available at BradPaisley.com.
Paisley has earned his place in country music history as one of the genre’s most talented and decorated male solo artists. For more than 20 years, his songwriting and unmatched showmanship have won him numerous awards, including three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards.
BILLY STRINGS
BILLY STRINGS: 2x Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Billy Stringswill continue his headline tour through this fall including newly confirmed stops at Huntsville’s Orion Amphitheater (three nights), Baltimore’s CFG Bank Arena (two nights), Pittsburgh’s PPG Paints Arena (two nights), Newark’s Prudential Center (two nights), Tulsa’s BOK Center, Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena and Austin’s Moody Center as well as shows in Oslo, Denmark, London, Dublin and more. Tour itinerary and tickets at www.billystrings.com/tour.
Ahead of the fall run, Strings will perform select headline dates this summer including his first arena tour across Australia and New Zealand in July as well as several shows as part of Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour.
Additionally, Strings will join forces with Bryan Sutton for a series of intimate sold-out shows this fall in celebration of their surprise collaborative album, Live at the Legion (stream/purchase here). Recorded live on April 7, 2024 at Nashville’s American Legion Post 82, the album showcases the acclaimed duo performing 20 traditional bluegrass and folk songs, including new renditions of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright,” Doc Watson’s “Way Downtown” and more.
Strings also won Best Bluegrass Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards for Live Vol. 1. Strings’ first live album, Live Vol. 1 debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums chart this past summer (stream/purchase here). #BilyStrings
SOUTHALL
SOUTHALL: Country-Rock standouts Southall have heeded the call for more shows from fans across the country and now added a third leg to their highly popular 10 Years Of Six String Sorrow Tour.
Picking up where they left off and visiting new cities, this segment begins on August 1 in Peoria, IL, at Crusens, and stops everywhere from Billings, MT, and Casper, WY, to Oxford, MS, before closing out with a show on October 17 in Chattanooga, TN, at Barrelhouse Ballroom. Tickets for all dates are on sale now here.
It’s no wonder audiences keep clamoring for more gigs. On this jaunt, the group have consistently delivered night after night. Next up, Southall brings the 10 Years Of Six String Sorrow Tour to Delmar Hall in St. Louis, MO, on June 18 and then rolls through major markets in the south, including a stop in Nashville, TN, on June 26 at Chief’s on Broadway—owned by Eric Church. While in Music City, Southall are set for another milestone evening with their bucket list debut at the Grand Ole Opry on June 25 as part of this year’s OPRY 100 celebration. Gracing the historic stage in Country music for the first time only adds to the Gold-selling band’s year chock-full of career landmarks. More at https://www.officialsouthall.com and Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
CHRIS TOMLIN
CHRIS TOMLIN, one of the most successful Christian touring artists in the world will bring his powerful night of worship back to its roots and where it all began – in churches across the country.
“Worship is transformational when experienced together–there is nothing like the people of God, singing the praises of God, in the presence of God.,” said Tomlin. “These nights of worship are different from any other night of music—your soul is singing to a living God.”
An Evening of Worship with Chris Tomlin will offer an intimate and powerful experience, featuring the anthems that have shaped generations of believers and inspired countless journeys of faith and will launch on September 17 at Eastern Hills Church in Buffalo, NY and hit 20 cities across the U.S.
“Worship has been going on long before we set foot on this earth—and it will continue long after we are gone. Every night, in each of these rooms across the country, we get to experience a little touch—a little glimpse—of heaven as we gather together, worship, and express our hearts and love to an Almighty God.” added Tomlin.
The Grammy Award winner will be joined by and will introduce The Heritage for their inaugural tour. The tour will be promoted by TPR and sponsored by Food For The Hungry. Find tour details here.
VIDEO NEWS
TYLER BRADEN
TYLER BRADEN: Platinum Country star Tyler Braden and collaborator Kaitlin Butts “Might Be Dangerous” in the thrilling music video for their new single. Launching with an exclusive premiere hosted by YouTube, the viewing continued with an Official Afterparty where fans participated in an online Q&A with Braden. Watch the video here.
Filmed in Nashville, Tenn, with director Marisa Taylor and producer Jasmine January, the clip nods to classic (yet clearly toxic) run-and-gun big-screen romances in the spirit of Bonnie and Clyde. It doesn’t waste anytime cutting right to the chase as Braden and Butts sprint through the woods away from an unseen threat. The two hole up in a remote cabin, light candles, and serenade one another, bringing the song’s core conversation to the forefront in the process. “Might Be Dangerous” unabashedly embodies the kind of fiery romance you can’t turn away from. It also arrives as Braden’s most arresting music video to date.
The song adorns his debut full-length album devil and a prayer (Warner Music Nashville) that just dropped – listen here. Underscored by his undeniable hybrid of Country and Rock, devil and a prayer threads together a creative and personal vision for Braden.
Braden will be on the Riverfront Stage at CMA Fest (6/7). Recently wrapping his run on Warren Zeiders’ The Relapse Tour, he’ll join Darius Rucker in Canada this October. Find Braden’s full tour schedule here.
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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