By Preshias Harris
Are you still looking for a last-minute gift for the country music fan on your list? Or – be honest – are you thinking it’s time to treat yourself to some twangin’ ear candy? Fear not. I have a few suggestions that could be the ideal solutions. Here’s a brief roundup in no particular order
Trace Nixon – Hand Me Down Name
Trace Nixon is a country traditionalist who grew up listening to the music of Alan Jackson, George Strait, Ronnie Milsap and Keith Whitley, but he would also dive deeper – into the output of the songwriters who created the songs that he loved; songwriters such as Hank Cochran, Dean Dillon and Paul Overstreet.
Playing professionally since 2017, the Virginia native says he must have “played nearly every bar and music venue in the state.” Now the time is ready for the release of his debut five-song EP, appropriate titled Hand Me Down Name, considering his commitment to “carrying the torch” and keeping traditional country music alive. The project’s title (also the title of track two) pays tribute to Nixon’s own musical heritage: he is the child of professional musicians, and the fourth track, “Ready For the Takin’ (When You Are),” was co-written with his father Nick Nixon. Listen / stream Hand Me Down Name here.
So if you or your designated giftee love that neo-traditional country sound, give Hand Me Down Name a listen. Find it here, and more about Trace Nixon at his website and on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Annie Bosko – California Cowgirl
If you have the DVD of Disney’s 2000 The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, that’s the voice of a 14-year-old Annie Bosko on several of the tracks. A quarter century later, Bosko is now based in Nashville with a wealth of experience under her belt that included recording jingles, singing on demos and writing for other artists as well as touring as an opening act for several big-name artists.
After a well-received EP in 2024, Bosko released her debut full-length album titled California Cowgirl on October 3, 2025. I was at the album release party and I can confirm there’s not a dud among the generous eighteen tracks on the project.
Produced by Trent Willmon and Dave ‘Messy’ Mescon, California Cowgirl includes Bosko’s collaborations with Dwight Yoakam, Joe Nichols and Darius Rucker, and a moving cover of Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” Listen / play / stream California Cowgirl here. Find more about Annie Bosko at her website and follow her on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Alex Miller – Country
ICYMI – Yes, this project isn’t exactly a new release, but if you’ve read this far, I’m guessing traditional country, or neo-traditional is your thing. If that’s the case, this aptly-titled five-song EP, Country, from Alex Miller, is probably your cup of tea. Iced, sweet tea on the front porch, that is.
The lanky (6’ 6”) young singer wowed national TV audiences with his appearance on American Idol, leading to a record deal and a debut album, Miller Time, that generated three high-impact singles and a touring schedule that included opening for headliners Justin Moore, Ian Munsick, Neal McCoy, Alabama, and more. Miller’s second project, the EP Country, opens with his single “Girl I Know a Guy,” an upbeat love song that blends hopeful sentiment with traditional instrumentation. Also on the project: “When God Made the South,” (watch the video here) a raucous guitar-driven anthem that’s made to be heard while hoisting a red solo cup of beer in a sweaty barroom. Listen / play / stream Country here.
More about Miller, including upcoming tour dates, at his website and follow him on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube – where you can watch his official video for his holiday offering, “All Wrapped Up In You This Christmas.”
Among the other new albums that deserve a listen:
- Live From the South, a seven-song project from acclaimed singer-songwriter ERNEST (read a recap in the December 2025 edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, posted on this website, nashvillemusicline.com).
- Love & Fear, the new album from Zac Brown Band, set for release December 5.
- Greatest Hits… So Far from Brantley Gilbert, dropping December 12.
And, as always, find Album News in my monthly column, Inside Track on Music Row, America’s longest-running country music column, posted here at Nashville Music Line.
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