September 2025 ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ with new albums, singles, tour updates and more!
By Preshias Harris
This September is a real treat for Country fans! Keep reading for news about new music from Kevin Denney, Russell Dickerson, Janie Fricke, Marcy Grace, Riley Green, HARDY, Walker Montgomery, The Band Perry, Margo Price, John Rich, Tyler Rich, Scott Teasley, Zach Top, Maddye Trew, Stephen Williams Jr., Wynn Williams, duet releases from Colbie Caillet & Lee Brice and Carín León & Kacey Musgraves, Noah Thompson’s tour update, John Michael Montgomery’s farewell concert, Old Dominionin Las Vegas, Reba McEntire’s new video… it’s all here in this edition of America’s longest-running monthly country music column, Inside Track on Music Row!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I started being a songwriter pretending I could do it, and it turned out I could.” – James Taylor
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him. – Psalm 147:1
ALBUM & EP NEWS
THE BAND PERRY
THE BAND PERRY has released their remastered self-titled debut album The Band Perry (Play/download here). The album, originally released in 2010, went Platinum and sold over one million copies in the United States.
Rising to fame with multi-platinum hits like “If I Die Young,” “Better Dig Two,” and “DONE.,” the Grammy-winning trio earned critical and commercial acclaim, selling two and a half million albums, 12 million singles, racking up over 1 billion streams, earning multiple CMA, ACM, and CMT Music Awards, and six No. 1 Country singles.
“If I Die Young” is 9X Platinum, won 2011 CMA Song and Single of the Year awards respectively, earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Song, spent 53 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and topped both the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Hot AC charts.
Recently, the band announced their official return to Country music. The new lineup for the family band is Reid Perry, Kimberly Perry, and Johnny Costello. Last month, The Band Perry re-signed to original label home, Big Machine Label Group via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, launching their next chapter with the team who started it all. The band also announced a new management partnership with Make Wake Artists. Tour dates, music and more at TheBandPerry.co; follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTubeand Spotify.
RUSSELL DICKERSON
RUSSELL DICKERSON: Multi-Platinum chart-topper and entertainer Russell Dickerson has spent the last decade chasing the dream of becoming a household name—while never losing sight of what matters most: being “famous” within the four walls of his own home. Now, with the release of his fourth studio album, Famous Back Home (stream/play here), Dickerson sets his sights even higher. Co-produced with longtime collaborator Josh Kerr, and featuring contributions from Casey Brown and Chris LaCorte, the project blends the heartfelt authenticity fans have always embraced with the raw, electric energy of his live shows—marking a bold new chapter in one of country music’s most dynamic careers. Showcasing his fearless evolution as both an artist and storyteller, Famous Back Home captures who Dickerson is at his core: a hitmaker, husband, father, and proud hometown hero.
“This album means so much to me,” explains Dickerson. “I poured my heart into every song, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. In many ways, it’s a thank-you letter to the people who believed in me from the very beginning. I hope it serves as a reminder that no matter how far you go, the truest kind of ‘famous’ is found in those who’ve known you all along.”
Dickerson was recently honored with an RIAA Gold certification for his recent chart-topping single “Happen To Me.” More at RussellDickerson.com, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
JANIE FRICKE
JANIE FRICKE: Two-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year, Janie Fricke, has made three rare albums available for streaming for the first time ever through StarVista Music: Bouncin’ Back (2000), Tributes to My Heroes (2003) and Roses & Lace (2008). Fricke originally recorded these albums as limited pressings to take on tour, and is now releasing them digitally to adapt to the way music is shared. For the first time, fans can stream these songs that were never previously available digitally. Stream Bouncin’ Back here; stream Tributes to My Heroes here; stream Roses & Lace here.
“I hand-picked all of these songs, and each of them has a special meaning,” explains Fricke. “I wanted to create something really special for the fans who came to my concerts, something they could take home with them. Over time, they occasionally were available in CD format on my website but have never been on any of the streaming services. I’m so grateful that they’re out there for anyone who wants to listen to them now!”
Fricke began her career singing in a “little church up the road” where her mother played piano, later obtaining her degree from Indiana University in elementary education. Fricke then chose a musical career, working in Memphis, Dallas and Los Angeles. Tour dates and more about Janie Fricke here.
MARCY GRACE
MARCY GRACE released her first full-length album, Tear It Up, August 22. As a touring artist, each of the new album’s 10-tracks have been road tested, and this confident vocalist and multi-instrumentalist — who seamlessly switches between drums, lead guitar and banjo during her shows — achieved what she set out to do: make an album that captured the feel of her high-energy live sets. Known for her powerhouse vocals and fierce guitar playing, Marcy has carved out a lane that’s all her own—gritty, dynamic, and unapologetically rocking.
Produced by Kenny Lane Schwartz of Red Fox Recording in Bandera, Texas, Tear It Up delivers the sound of a band firing on all cylinders—loud guitars, driving drums, and Marcy front and center, delivering each lyric with heart and conviction. While it’s not a live album, the goal was clear: bring the stage to the speakers.
“This album is all me and my band,” said Marcy. “We did bring in Aaron Castilla on fiddle for ‘Heavens to Betsy’ and ‘Mr. Lonely Eyes,’ and Tina Turner’s fiddle on ‘Look Who’s Countin’’ and ‘Mason Jar.’ We also brought in John Macy on pedal steel. I’m so proud of this group and what we created, it’s everything I hoped for. And getting to record a song I wrote with my dad, Patrick Camacho, makes it even more special” Tour info and more at https://marcygrace.com and Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook.
RILEY GREEN
RILEY GREEN: Multi-Platinum, ACM and CMA Award-winning singer-songwriter Riley Green releases the highly anticipated extended version of his acclaimed 2024 record, Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe), via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, Aug 29. Listen to Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe) here.
Adding even more depth to the original project, the six newly-added tracks on Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe)showcase Green’s signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and southern authenticity. From the emotional weight of “Make It Rain” to the rural charm of “Cowboy As It Gets” featuring Randy Houser, and the tender duet “I Just Need You” with rising artist Hannah McFarland, the new songs offer fans a balance of vulnerability and edge. Green reflects on regret and heartbreak in “What Am I Supposed To Do Now,” taps into his love for the outdoors on “Bet They’re Biting,” and honors the Country legends who paved the way before him in “One To Willie,” featuring the unmistakable guitar work of Willie Nelson himself. Together, the additions round out an already-celebrated album, underscoring Green’s place as a leading voice in modern Country Music.
To celebrate the release of the deluxe album, Green performs “Make It Rain” from the record on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon September 4th. Find tour/ticket info and more at RileyGreenMusic.com; follow Riley on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube.
MARGO PRICE
MARGO PRICE has just released Hard Headed Woman: a hell-bent collection of country music that reconnects with her roots, and further redefines what it means to be a modern outlaw. Out now on Loma Vista Recordings, the 12-song album captures Price at her wisest, funniest, toughest and most vulnerable, doubling down not only on herself, but what she has always loved – classic songs written from the intellect and the gut, timeless and urgent all at once.
Reunited with producer Matt Ross-Spang (Midwest Farmer’s Daughter, All American Made), and recorded in the historic RCA Studio A, Hard Headed Woman features duets with Tyler Childers and Jesse Welles, contributions from Kris Kristofferson and Rodney Crowell, and a Waylon Jennings song that his widow, Jessi Colter, urged her to sing. While the music traces Price’s journey from dive bars to tour buses, through parenthood and marriage, scrutiny and sacrifice in a place that prizes uniformity and the bottom line, it embodies the unshakable instinct to never waver, especially when our values and our future are on the line.
Backed by a brand new live band and armed with her signature Gibson J-45 guitar, her Wild At Heart Tourfeatures two dozen headline dates throughout North America this October and November. Tour/ticket info here; Follow Margo on X, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. #MargoPrice
TYLER RICH
TYLER RICH: Country singer-songwriter Tyler Rich is set to release the second part of his double album, Leaving California, on September 26 via ONErpm. Following the release of the first installment, Hello California, earlier this year, Rich’s second installment continues to showcase his signature blend of heartfelt storytelling, acoustic-driven melodies, and country-rock authenticity. Pre-save Leaving California here.
Rich also released a new song Aug 29, “Made Up My Mind,” co-written with Michael Tyler and Lalo Guzman, offering another taste of the album’s introspective and melodic storytelling.
“‘Made Up My Mind’ is that moment when you finally walk away from the wreckage and find something worth running toward,” said Rich. “We’ve all had times caught between being the good guy and the bad guy, letting the devil on our shoulder have his way for a while. But then they show up, cut through all the noise, and suddenly none of the old life matters. They change your path, your life, and your mind all at once.”
A native of Yuba City, California, Rich grew up surrounded by music, learning guitar alongside his uncle and performing at family gatherings. This fall, Rich returns to the road with his Leaving California Tour, launching September 28 and building on a string of previously announced shows throughout the summer. VIP packages are available at TylerRich.com. Follow on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
ZACH TOP
ZACH TOP: Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Zach Top’s highly anticipated sophomore album, Ain’t In It For My Health, is out now via Leo33; stream/purchase here. Already receiving widespread critical attention, Top recently spoke with Jon Caramanica for a profile at The New York Times, who praises “Top’s commitment to form remains immaculate: a high-wire routine so aesthetically faithful and brimming with theatrical mirth that he’s almost winking, merging a sense of history and a sense of play.”
In celebration of the new album, Top will continue his extensive Cold Beer & Country Music headline tour through this fall including stops at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena, Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre (two nights), Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center, Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center, Charleston’s Credit One Stadium and Vancouver’s Rogers Arena among many others. Ahead of his tour, Top will continue to perform as part of Dierks Bentley’s Broken Branches tour through the end of summer.
Ain’t In It For My Health follows last year’s breakthrough debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, and comes on the heels of Top recently achieving his first #1 song at country radio with “I Never Lie.” Top also released Me & Billy—a three-song EP featuring 2x Grammy Award-winning artist Billy Strings (listen here). Tour/ticket info here; follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
STEPHEN WILLIAMS JR
STEPHEN WILLIAMS JR: The Indiana-born, Nashville-based rising star Stephen Wilson Jr. has released his Blankets EP via Big Loud Records. Stream / Download Blankets here. The four-song EP features moving interpretations of Nirvana’s “Something In The Way,” Temple of the Dog’s “Hunger Strike,” The Postal Service’s “Clark Gable” and The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight.”
This week, it was also announced that Wilson Jr. will join Shaboozey for new song “Took A Walk” from the upcoming film The Long Walk. The song, which was co-written by Wilson Jr., will be released on September 5 and appears as the emotional closing piece to the movie based on Stephen King’s novel. Purchase Blankets and søn of dad on vinyl here.
About the EP, Wilson Jr. explains: “These songs are songs I grew up listening to. Warm blankets that I can always rely on to take me back. Blankets make people warmer than they were. That is the goal. These productions are intentionally lush and denser than the originals. Four covers to perhaps sort through in the hall closet to help get us through the night. Pull the string on the light.”
Blankets was announced with a lyric video for “Something In The Way” that was praised by Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, Whiskey Riff and many more. Tour/ticket info and more at StephenWilsonJr.com. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
WYNN WILLIAMS
WYNN WILLIAMS: Indie recording artist Wynn Williams is celebrating the release of his new album Country Therapy. A title appropriately fitting, the project boasts neo-traditional tunes showcasing Williams’ kinship with classic country and iconic sounds, and is a quintessential blend favoring influences enriched by popular, trendsetting 90s and 00s recordings akin to legendary live entertainers and honky tonkers, George Strait, Brooks & Dunn and Tim McGraw.
Produced by Brandon Hood, Country Therapy shines a spotlight on the songwriting talents of country music legends–Hall of Famers and future Hall of Famers alike–including Carson Chamberlain (George Strait/Alan Jackson/Zach Top), Dean Dillon (George Strait/Kenny Chesney/Keith Whitley), Rhett Akins (Brooks & Dunn/Luke Bryan/Parker McCollum), Lydia Vaughn (Jason Aldean), Josh Dorr (Blake Shelton/Jordan Davis), Chris Stapleton (George Strait/Kenny Chesney/Josh Turner) and Jon Pardi among many more. Backed by award-winning Nashville musicians, the album is available now under the Good Company Entertainment imprint with distribution by CmdShft.
The emerging country music entertainer from Texas builds on the legacy of country legends and modern-day trailblazers, blending traditional country melodies with heartfelt lyrics, crystal-clear vocals, and contemporary Nashville production as his foundation. Tour updates, videos, music and more at WynnWilliamsMusic.com. Follow at Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. #WynnWilliamsMusic
DUET NEWS
COLBIE CAILLAT & LEE BRICE
COLBIE CAILLAT & LEE BRICE: 5x Grammy nominee and multi-Platinum artist Colbie Caillat released “Kinda Single” August 29, featuring country hitmaker Lee Brice. Listen to “Kinda Single” here; watch the video here. This is her fifth advance track from the highly anticipated duets album This Time Around(add/save here).
“I’ve wanted to do a song with Lee for so many years,” said Caillat. “He has one of my favorite voices with such unique inflections and heart in everything he sings. ‘Kinda Single’ is about that space between moving on and holding on, when part of you keeps drifting back. Sometimes love doesn’t fit neatly into all-or-nothing.”
Caillat’s album, This Time Around, will feature a mix of reimagined hits and brand-new originals with collaborations from some of music’s most celebrated voices, including Maren Morris, Jason Mraz, Walker Hayes, and more.
Colbie Caillat is a 2X Grammy Award-winning, 5X Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter whose music has garnered over 15 billion global streams. She has received numerous accolades, including nominations from the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and BMI Pop Awards. Her debut album, COCO, reached #5 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart and is certified 3X Platinum, while her Platinum-selling follow-up, Breakthrough, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. Caillat has delivered eight #1 and/or Top 10 singles. Tour info at ColbieCaillat.com; follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube.
CARÍN LEÓN & KACEY MUSGRAVES
CARÍN LEÓN & KACEY MUSGRAVES are coming together for their new genre-blending duet “Lost in Translation.” Listen/share here. The song tells a story of desire and connection between two people navigating a language barrier. “This really cute idea came about these people meeting and not being able to speak the same language, but love language and body language is universal and you don’t really need words for that,” says Musgraves.
Musgraves first discovered León through his NPR Tiny Desk performance and was immediately impressed. Born and raised in Texas, she’s long held a deep curiosity and respect for Mexican music and culture. “Growing up singing traditional country and western music,” Musgraves notes, “I’ve always loved exploring the borders of Country and where it blends with other styles like Norteño and some regional Mexican sounds that I heard a lot of in Texas.”
León, widely known for blending traditional regional Mexican music with modern storytelling, was exploring ways to make his sound resonate with U.S. country fans. After listening to some of Musgraves’ music, her genre-fluid style resonated deeply with him. “I relate my career and hers in the way that she approaches other genres,” León says. “I’m so blessed to be working with Kacey. All good stuff is going to come.”
Kacey Musgraves’ tour info and more here; more about Carín León here. #CarínLeón #KaceyMusgraves
FAREWELL CONCERT NEWS
FAREWELL CONCERT NEWS: Country music icon, John Michael Montgomery, brings “The Road Home Tour” back to Kentucky for his farewell performance. It will be a night to remember as Montgomery takes one final ride through his storied career on December 12th at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. Find show tickets at Ticketmaster here.
Brought to Rupp Arena by Outback Presents, this special concert will be a historical moment capping off the superstar’s illustrious run, but to make it even more special, it will be a complete family affair, as he shares the stage with his brother Eddie Montgomery (Montgomery Gentry), his son Walker Montgomery, and his son-in-law Travis Denning. The star-studded concert promises to be the event of the year.
“I stepped on a tour bus for the first time in 1992 and haven’t looked back since, but now it’s time to bring it all back home for my last concert and I can’t think of a better place than Rupp Arena. I wanted to celebrate this occasion with my family, so I invited some of them to perform with me. We are going to have a lot of fun and end this ride in a big way,” says Montgomery.
Montgomery charted a whopping 36 singles throughout his decades-long career, including seven that reached No. 1. More about John Michael at his website and on Facebook, Instagram, TokTok, X and YouTube.
LAS VEGAS NEWS
LAS VEGAS NEWS: With August’s long-awaited release of Barbara, Old Dominion have announced a special partnership with Caesars Entertainment to help celebrate the album’s launch. Having entertained crowds around America and Europe throughout 2025’s How Good Is That tour, the winningest Vocal Group Of The Year act in country music history will return to Las Vegas to perform at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Dec. 5 and 6 for a unique show: Barbara. Hits. Vegas.
Barbara. Hits. Vegas. will take place during National Finals Rodeo, the annual 10-day finale to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association season that draws more than 100,00 country and rodeo fans to the city every December. Old Dominion is pulling out all the stops for a weekend of shows specifically created for PH Live and fans. performing the entirety of Barbara alongside the ‘Hits’ in a show curated just for Vegas.
“Old Dominion loves working with Caesars, and we were thrilled to partner with them to bring BARBARA. HITS. VEGAS. to life,” frontman Matthew Ramsey said. “We always have a great time in Las Vegas — maybe too great a time, as it goes. I can’t wait to bring Barbara to our fans at Planet Hollywood.”
Show tickets go on sale Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. PT here at Ticketmaster. Old Dominion tour info here. More on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X and TikTok.
MOVIE SOUNDTRACK NEWS
MOVIE SOUNDTRACK NEWS: Curb Records and Los Angeles based production company, MJM Entertainment, are releasing two Reagan (2024) film-related albums. Reagan: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was released August 29 with the Reagan: Songs Inspired By The Film album arriving September 26, 2025.
Mike Curb, Chairman of Curb Records, says, “We are thrilled to finally be able to release the soundtrack from the motion picture, Reagan. I know Ronald Reagan enjoyed music and particularly was always interested in the relationship between film and music. It is exciting to see a soundtrack album with such great artists as Bob Dylan, B.J. Thomas, Gene Simmons and many others. Mark Joseph has made an excellent film and soundtrack album, and Curb Records is proud to be a part of this great project.
Veteran music and film producer Mark Joseph and Vince Emmett, produced the song collection. while Tim Cook served as music supervisor for Reagan: Songs Inspired By The Film. Joseph says, “We were so pleased to have an eclectic and amazing group of artists come alongside the project. It was great to partner with Mike Curb and the Curb Records team to bring these
collections out.”
Reagan: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack showcases the music heard in the film itself. Reagan is out now on Blu-ray/DVD as well as Video on Demand (VOD) platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and more. #ReaganMovie
PERFORMING RIGHTS NEWS
PERFORMING RIGHTS NEWS: ASCAP has announced a new settlement agreement with the Radio Music License Committee (RMLC) that secures higher rates payable by almost 10,000 of America’s commercial terrestrial radio stations to publicly perform more than 20 million musical works in the ASCAP repertory. The ASCAP repertory includes the vast array of music that keeps radio’s listeners tuning in, from today’s Top Ten hits to classic songs across all genres of music.
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews commented: “This deal locks in an important royalty stream for our members at higher rates. It will deliver enhanced benefits, payments and financial certainty to ASCAP songwriters, composers and publishers, which is important to ensuring their creative and economic health and security now and in the future.”
The settlement agreement includes year-over-year increases in the percentage of revenue rate paid by radio stations to publicly perform music by ASCAP members and better reflects the ways in which AM/FM radio stations in the U.S. currently broadcast and transmit music to their listeners, while recognizing the distinctions between the terrestrial radio industry and internet music services.
ASCAP represents more than one million songwriters, composers and music publisher members. Founded and governed by songwriter, composer and publisher members, ASCAP is the only performing rights organization in the U.S.
SINGLES NEWS
KEVIN DENNEY
KEVIN DENNEY: Turnberry Records has released of “Gulf Shore Line,” the new single from acclaimed artistKevin Denney. This release follows the success of Denney’s upbeat summertime anthem “Kiss My Bluegrass Goodbye” and marks a reflective turn into heartfelt storytelling. “Gulf Shore Line” is available to radio via Get It Played and is available now on all digital music platforms.
Written by Harley Allen, Carson Chamberlain, and Mel Besher, “Gulf Shore Line” tells the story of a lifelong love — from childhood innocence to growing old together — all anchored in the timeless setting of the Gulf Coast. The track showcases Denney’s ability to blend vivid narrative with emotional depth, delivered with the authenticity fans have come to expect.
“‘Gulf Shore Line’ is a song I’ve loved since the first time I heard it many years ago,” Denney shares. “It was written by my mentor and friend, Harley Allen, along with great friends Carson Chamberlain and Mel Besher. ‘Gulf Shore Line’ is my favorite song on the new album that will be released this fall. Jaelee Roberts sang some really soulful harmony on this and I really hope that everyone loves it as much as I do.”
Best known for his 2002 Top 20 hit “That’s Just Jessie,” “Gulf Shore Line” continues that legacy, offering a heartfelt preview of his upcoming full-length album, due out in Fall 2025 on Turnberry Records. More at KevinDenneyMusic.com
HARDY
HARDY: Philadelphia, Mississippi by way of Nashville superstar HARDY debuted a new song “Bro Country”August 29 with longtime friend, collaborator and labelmate ERNEST. HARDY’s new album Country! Country!is set for release September 26 via Big Loud. Get it here.
“There’s a whole new crew in Nashville that’s bringing a whole new different sound and this song is simply an observation of that,” says HARDY. “I hope you all enjoy ‘Bro Country.’”
“HARDY is such a clever writer—one of the best to ever do it,” says ERNEST. “It’s been fun growing with him since our days of writing with Florida Georgia Line and many others. I am very thankful for them, the summers we all had together and the opportunities that got us here. I think this is a cool song that shows the ever-changing nature of music, and I’m glad I got to sing on it with HARDY.”
“Bro Country” follows the previously released “Bottomland” and HARDY’s recent EP Country!. Standout track “Favorite Country Song” is surging at country radio, watch HARDY play it on Jimmy Kimmel Live! here.
HARDY is back on the Jim Bob World Tour, with Koe Wetzel, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Sikarus as support on select dates. Tour info and more here; Follow HARDY on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube.
WALKER MONTGOMERY
WALKER MONTGOMERY is serving fans a taste of some of the old school, throwback country he does best in his latest single, “Strangers Like Us,” which is out now. Listen/play here.
The bourbon-soaked barroom weeper calls to mind George Strait’s retro country classic “The Chair,” and perfectly suits Montgomery’s smooth traditional vocals. The song drops in on a budding romance between two broken-hearted souls on barstools who are looking to lick their wounds and forget the ones who broke their hearts with something 100 proof. United by the sting of loss, they come together and become less like strangers as the night wears on in the new ballad, which is sure to become a future favorite among classic country fans everywhere.
“This song might feel, old but it’s brand new. It’s about an experience that everyone has been through, losing in love and drowning your sorrows with the first kind stranger you meet at the bar. Getting over that old flame and starting new one up,” says Montgomery.
The song is the latest from Montgomery, who continues his busy tour schedule through the fall with upcoming shows in Tulsa, Jonesboro, Amarillo and more through the end of the year. Walker put his classically-inspired, honey-bourbon vocal to use on a self-penned debut hit, “Simple Town,” with over 5.2 million Spotify streams. More at WalkerMontgomery.com, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
JOHN RICH
JOHN RICH: Multi-Platinum country star and outspoken songwriter John Rich has never shied away from tackling tough issues with bold lyrics. Now he releases his fiery new single and video, “The Devil and the TVA,” a hard-hitting anthem that shines a light on the controversial methane gas pipeline project that was slated for Cheatham County, Tennessee. Listen/watch here.
The song, written and performed by Rich, is a blistering critique of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and its plans to push methane pipelines through Cheatham County farmland, neighborhoods, and waterways. With his signature grit and unapologetic style, Rich frames the issue as a battle between corporate power and the rights of local families and communities. “You think you own something, but you don’t own nothing,” is one of the prolific lines in the track that sums up this and so many battles that the citizens of this country have faced.
“When big government and big utilities bulldoze their way through the lives of hardworking people, it’s time to stand up and fight back,” Rich said. “This song is about giving a voice to the people of Cheatham County and making sure America knows what’s happening right here in Tennessee. My family lives here, my friends live here, and the good people of the county needed some amplification of their fight. So, we went grassroots to the core and won for the people of Cheatham.” #JohnRichMusic
SCOOT TEASLEY
SCOOT TEASLEY: Rising singer-songwriter Scoot Teasley fights the season’s ticking clock in his new track “Runnin’ Outta Summer,” out now; listen/play here. A windows-down anthem about a guy wanting to convey how he feels before his love interest heads back to college, the song comes at the perfect time for the back-to-school season. Watch the accompanying visualizer here.
“We wrote ‘Runnin’ Outta Summer’ back in the summer of ’23, and it’s one I’ve been ready to release since the day we finished it,” said Teasley. “I hope this song takes listeners back to that summer love you never really wanted to slip away — windows down, music up and nothing on your mind but the moment. It feels good to finally share this one.”
Written by Teasley, Mason Thornley and Jon Stark, “Runnin’ Outta Summer” follows Teasley’s most personal release yet, “Tower Road,” which pulls inspiration from the dirt road he was raised on in Toccoa, Ga. Written by Teasley, Forrest Finn and Dawson Edwards and produced by Brett Truitt, the song gives thanks to his roots and honors the family and community who shaped him, opening with audio from his own grandfather.
The Georgia native continues to add to his growing catalog, with 2025 releases including “Whiskey Burns,” “Dirt Road Dropout” and “Gone To Dust.” Tour tickets and more at ScootTeasleyMusic.com. Updates at Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. #ScootTeasley
MADDYE TREW
MADDYE TREW: Country newcomer and weekend radio host Maddye Trew‘s award-winning song, “Single Of The Year” (available via PlayMPE and all major digital music platforms), made its debut on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout in August. The song raises a glass to the reluctantly single while collecting awards for “the most-broken heart.”
Produced by Steve Marcantonio (Taylor Swift, John Lennon, Steven Tyler, KISS, Heart, Ronnie Dunn, Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, and more) and written by Lauren Spring, John Frank, and Brad McKinney, “Single Of The Year” was awarded fourth place (behind three ballads) in the 2025 NSAI Song Contest Presented by CMT and was selected as a semi-finalist in the Wide Open Country 2024 Song Contest.
Armed with a degree in Commercial Music from Belmont University and a “country-as-cornbread” charm, it’s not enough for Trew to aspire to climb the ladder of success–she wants to share each rung with others on the way up. Trew splits her time between chasing her own career and advocating for others in her chosen musical family as the co-host of Kickin’ Kountry 101’s weekly Breakin’ Indies Country Countdown distributed by iHeart Radio, and the McMahon on Keys podcast. More on Maddye Trew (a “golden ticket” winner on American Idol at the age of 17) at MaddyeTrew.com. Follow on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify and YouTube.
TOUR NEWS
NOAH THOMPSON
NOAH THOMPSON: American Idol season 20 winner and emerging artist Noah Thompson officially kicked off his Kids Like Me Tour at the Grand Ole Opry, marking his second performance on the iconic stage. The tour celebrates Thompson’s breakout EP Kids Like Me, a heartfelt collection inspired by his Eastern Kentucky roots and true-life stories of struggle and perseverance. Find tour and ticket details here.
“I couldn’t be more thankful that I got to kick off my fall shows by returning to the Opry stage on Friday,” Thompson shares. “It’s always such an honor to stand on that stage and share these songs.”
Alongside the tour, Thompson released his brand-new single, “Find ‘Em In A Bar,” written by Thompson, Jon Stark and Adam James, on August 29. Listen here. The song first caught fire on social media when Noah posted a clip featuring his grandma, captioned “true story”—quickly racking up views and winning over fans with its humor and authenticity. It continues to grow every day.
The Kids Like Me Tour will feature a mix of fan favorites from the EP, including the autobiographical title track, alongside fresh music like “Find ‘Em In A Bar.” Each show promises an intimate, storytelling-driven night that highlights the grit, honesty, and charm that have made Thompson one of country music’s fastest rising voices. More at NoahThompsonMusic.com and Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
VIDEO NEWS
REBA McENTIRE
REBA McENTIRE: Country music icon Reba McEntire has just released a performance video for “Trailblazer (Live From Music City Rodeo)” featuring surprise appearances from Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson. McEntire kicked off the sold-out inaugural event at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on May 29. Watch the performance video of “Trailblazer (Live From Music City Rodeo)” here.
Written by Lambert, Wilson, and Brandy Clark, and produced by McEntire and Tony Brown, the song is a heartfelt tribute to the pioneering women of country music who paved the way for future generations. The electrifying performance showcases soaring vocals, raw authenticity, and the camaraderie of three trailblazing women, cementing “Trailblazer” as an anthem of grit, resilience, and the enduring power of women in country music. At the close of the performance, the three women joined hands in a powerful tribute, standing together as three generations of country music trailblazers united in honoring the past, present, and future of the genre.
Reba’s wildly successful career spans music, television, film, theater, retail, and hospitality. A member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Bowl, she has earned over 50 awards, including honors from the ACMs, CMAs, Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and GMA Dove Awards. Reba has celebrated 35 career No. 1 singles and over 58 million albums sold worldwide. More at Reba.com and on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
A big thank you to the artists, their labels and publicists who keep me up to the minute on what’s happening. This wouldn’t be the longest continuously-published country music column in the USA. Keep sending me your alerts about new music, album release events, Number One celebrations and more. 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