April ’26 Inside Track on Music Row – with the country music news you can use
By Preshias Harris
Album releases from Luke Combs, Ashley Cooke, The Eagles, Vince Gill, Alex Miller and Mackenzie Phipps! New singles by Kane Brown, Keith Burns, Bandana Cheyenna, Luke Combs, Jo Dee Messina, Tucker Wetmore and more! Plus Gabby Barrett goes 9X Platinum, updates on artists set for CMA Fest, tour updates and so much more. All here in America’s longest continuously-running monthly country music column, Inside Track on Music Row. Scroll down and catch up!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I was a different person before I started to write. When I realized I could be a songwriter and that people would listen – that was when I started feeling good in my life.” – Gwen Stafani
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come. – Song of Solomon 2: 11-12
ALBUM & EP NEWS
LUKE COMBS
LUKE COMBS: The Way I Am, the highly anticipated new album from global superstar Luke Combs. Add/listen to the album here. The project, released March 20 via Sony Music Nashville, is already receiving widespread attention, Combs was recently featured on The New York Times Popcast, The Zane Lowe Show, On Purpose with Jay Shetty, NBC’s Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist, Track Star and Bussin’ with the Boys.
Produced by Combs, Jonathan Singleton and Chip Matthews, The Way I Am cements Combs as a singular talent, showcasing his powerful, resonant voice and adept storytelling with songs that balance heartfelt vulnerability with anthemic energy. With the new 22-track album, which includes a collaboration with Alison Krauss as well as previously released songs “Be By You,” “Sleepless in a Hotel Room,” “My Kinda Saturday Night,” “Days Like These,” “15 Minutes,” “Giving Her Away” and “Back in the Saddle,” Combs dives deeper than ever into his life behind the scenes—the challenges of balancing family and career, self-doubt and self-belief and the clarity that comes from focusing on what truly matters.
Check out SINGLES NEWS, below, for details on Comb’s new single release, “I Ain’t No Cowboy.”
In celebration of the new music, Combs has kicked off his massive My Kinda Saturday Night Tour with sold-out stadium shows across the U.S., U.K. and Europe. Find the complete tour itinerary at LukeCombs.com. #LukeCombsMusic
ASHLEY COOKE
ASHLEY COOKE: Country hitmaker Ashley Cooke is releasing the ace sessions via all digital streaming platforms. The stripped-back six-song project marks the audio companion to an all-acoustic performance she shared as a special surprise for fans. Go here to listen to the ace sessions now, and watch the ace sessions here.
A perfect canvas for Cooke’s captivating vocals and confessional storytelling, the ace sessions includes six tracks from the Florida-born singer/songwriter’s 2025 project ace — a nine-song release that delivered her most emotionally intimate work to date, quickly winning praise from outlets like Country Swag (who noted that her “emotion-rich vocals shine as she unpacks heartbreak, vulnerability, and self-reflection”). With its standouts including stark yet stunning renditions of beloved songs like “the hell you are” (a recent hit at Country radio), the ace sessions also features the never-before-heard “olive juice” (a sweetly quirky, harmony-laced serenade inspired by a classic childhood lip-reading trick).
Another song reimagined for the ace sessions, Cooke’s longtime fan favorite “baby blues” shot to the No. 1 spot on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown. In its lighthearted ode to irresistible attraction, the soulful and smoldering track tells the tale of a couple whose plans for a night out are repeatedly derailed by their undeniable spark.
Find info on Cooke’s upcoming live dates at ashleycooke.com; follow Cooke on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube.
THE EAGLES
THE EAGLES 1975 studio album, One Of These Nights, was a milestone album for the band, earning them their first Grammy Award and becoming the first of four consecutive #1 albums. Rhino will release a Deluxe Edition of the album on May 1, in advance of the band’s headlining performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and upcoming stadium dates as part of The Long Goodbye, Act III.
One Of These Nights (Deluxe Edition) will be available as a 3CD/Blu-ray set featuring a new mix of the original album, an unreleased, 16-song 1975 concert at Anaheim Stadium, and new Dolby Atmos and high-res stereo mixes. A 3LP version, released the same day, will include the new album mix and the full concert recording. The lacquers were cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering. Pre-Order Here.
Produced by Don Henley, the CD and vinyl editions include a new mix of the album by Rob Jacobs. Originally produced by Bill Szymczyk and recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami and the Record Plant in Los Angeles, One Of These Nights achieved quadruple Platinum certification and the single “Lyin’ Eyes” won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
The unreleased live recording captures the Eagles’ performance at the Sunshine Festival in Anaheim on September 28, 1975. The penultimate song is a rousing cover of Chuck Berry’s “Carol. Listen HERE.
VINCE GILL
VINCE GILL: Sad is the flavor of Vince Gill on Lonely’s What I Do, the fifth volume in his 50 Years From Home EPseries. And he’s happy about that. The EP is out now on MCA. Listen to Lonely’s What I Do here.
Gill left his hometown of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1975 to launch a career that now includes 22 Grammy Awards, both Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member inductions, and 25 Top 10 hits on Billboard‘s Country charts. One of the latter, “Pocket Full of Gold” from his 1991 album of the same name, is included along with the seven new recordings featured on Lonely’s What I Do. These songs are lovelorn laments, demonstrating a hurt that’s exquisite and palpable thanks to Gill’s rich, high and lonesome tenor and minor-key instrumentation.
Gill addresses this theme of sadness, explaining, “I love the melancholy in music. I always have. Maybe it goes back to the bluegrass days of the murder ballads, those kinds of songs. There’s so much more emotion in songs that have a little more despair. I think they’re as powerful as they are because they tell great stories. They paint great pictures that take you to that place — whether they’re true or not.”
More about Vince at VinceGill.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and X.
ALEX MILLER
ALEX MILLER continues to expand upon his traditional Country roots with his forthcoming album, More Country Than You. Scheduled for April 10 release, it is available for pre-save now. The 10-song collection is pure Alex Miller: honest, hardworking and emotionally available.
The disc opens with Miller’s interpretation of “Too Much Fun,” a 1995 Top 5 hit by the late Daryle Singletary. Alex brushes the cobwebs off this blow-your-doors-off tale of youthful exuberance and camaraderie that premiered on popular podcaster Dillon Weldon’s socials. Rising star Emily Ann Roberts and Alex embrace a classic Country male/female back and forth on the title song (“More Country Than You”) –and compete in a boot-scootin’ race for the “countriest of all” crown.
More Country Than You was produced by industry veteran Jerry Salley for Billy Jam Records and was recorded in Ashland City, TN. It features some of Music City’s top players, including Steve Brewster –Drums, Kevin Grantt –Bass, James Mitchell –Electric Guitar, Jason Roller –Acoustic Guitar, Jenee Fleenor and Jason Roller –Fiddle, Mike Johnson and Eddie Dunlap –Steel Guitar, plus Gary Primm and Gordon Mote –Keyboards. Jerry Salley sang harmony and background vocals.
Miller will be touring in support of the album. Find upcoming show dates at AlexMillerCountry.com: follow Miller on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. #AlexMiller
MAKENZIE PHIPPS
MAKENZIE PHIPPS, known for her appearance on The Voice, is back with the release of her new EP Pick Your Poison, highlighted by its final track, “Whiskey Kills The Time.” Known for delivering songs that tug at the heartstrings, Phipps once again blends real-life emotion with traditional country storytelling, capturing the all-too-familiar aftermath of heartbreak. With honest lyrics and a classic country feel, the song paints the picture of a breakup eased only by a little whiskey, a lot of reflection, and the tears that come with trying to move on. “Whiskey Kills The Time” was premiered by Country Evolution. Purchase/stream “Pick Your Poison” here.
“My ‘Pick Your Poison’ EP has been such a fun project in the making,” shares Phipps. “There are so many incredible songs on this EP that I’m so proud of, and a bonus for everyone to enjoy. I can’t wait to hear what folks think of the new song, “Whiskey Kills the Time”, and I’m glad to have something out that ties all of my drinking songs together, which wasn’t intentional at all; it just happened to end up that way. Sorry, Mom, I promise the next song will be about you!”
Phipps has won several industry awards, was a contestant on Season 28 of ‘The Voice’ on Team Snoop Dogg. More at makenziephipps.com. Follow Makenzie on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
CMA FEST NEWS
CMA FEST NEWS: Country Music fans will have even more to look forward to at this year’s CMA Fest presented by SoFi as the Country Music Association reveals the lineup of artists set to perform across the festival’s free outdoor daytime stages. Taking place June 4-7 in downtown Nashville, the world’s longest-running Country Music festival will once again bring together hundreds of artists and thousands of fans from around the globe for four days of unforgettable live music.
As previously announced, the lineup for the nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium includes Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Deana Carter, Ella Langley, Gretchen Wilson, HARDY, Jason Aldean, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, The Red Clay Strays, Riley Green, Russell Dickerson, Shaboozey, Tim McGraw, Tucker Wetmore and Zach Top. The Band Perry and Stephen Wilson Jr. will also deliver dynamic mid-field performances, bringing energy to the heart of Nissan Stadium.
Additionally, many fan-favorite artists will be entertaining on the Chevy Riverfront Stage,
The Dr Pepper Amp Stage at Ascend Park, The Chevy Vibes Stage at Walk of Fame Park, The Good Molecules Reverb Stage at Bridgestone Plaza, and new this year, the Wrangler Remix Stage inside Fan Alley.
With a variety of ticketing options available, there’s an experience for everyone, from nightly stadium concerts to free daytime performances. Find the full CMA Fest lineup and schedule here.
CRS NEWS
CRS NEWS: Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) proudly recognized country music icon Clint Black as the recipient of the 2026 CRB Career Achievement Award during Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2026. During his Thursday performance, Black was surprised with the honor by 2018 recipient Steve Wariner.
The CRB Career Achievement Award is presented to artists who have made significant contributions to the development and promotion of country radio and country music through leadership, engagement, and creativity.
During his unique music career, Black has racked up 22 No. 1s, each of which he co-wrote, and counts more than 20 million albums sold. In addition to entertaining country fans worldwide over more than three decades, he has given back in ways that reflect his enduring commitment to community and philanthropy. Black has received numerous honors from the CMA, the ACM, the Grammys, and American Music Awards, and most recently was recognized with the prestigious BMI Icon Award, celebrating his lasting influence as a songwriter whose work has shaped generations.
“Clint Black’s influence on country radio and the genre as a whole is both profound and enduring,” noted RJ Curtis, CRS Executive Director. “We are proud to recognize him with this year’s Career Achievement Award.” Past recipients include Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Randy Travis, Vince Gill, The Judds, and Merle Haggard.
FUNDRAISER NEWS
FUNDRAISER NEWS: Darin & Brooke Aldridge, John Berry, Allie Colleen, Linda Davis, Hannah Dasher, Ty Herndon, Jake Hoot, Dani-elle Kleha, The Kody Norris Show, The Malpass Brothers, Neal McCoy, Makenzie Phipps, Mark Wills, and more will join hosts, T.G. Sheppard and Kelly Lang along with Devon O’Day for the 12th Annual Country For A Cause at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley, Wednesday, June 3 at 6:30 PM benefitting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The show is presented by Gus Arrendale and Springer Mountain Farms. Tickets are on sale now and are $55 for general admission, with a VERY limited number of VIP tables available. Purchase tickets here.
“We are beyond excited to host Country For A Cause once again,” says T.G. Sheppard. “It’s truly incredible to see such a diverse lineup this year, our most varied yet. From country and bluegrass to Americana and more, we’re bringing together legendary artists, rising stars, and even a few surprises. This is going to be an unforgettable show!”
“It’s almost time for another incredible Country For A Cause Concert, the ‘unofficial’ kickoff to CMA Fest,” shares Sherri Forrest, President of Country For A Cause. “The buzz is already building, and VIP tickets have sold out in under five minutes in past years, so fans will want to be ready.”
More information here and facebook.com/countryfac.
GOSPEL MUSIC NEWS
JERRY SALLEY: Two-time IBMA Songwriter of the Year and veteran Nashville songsmith and producer, Jerry Salley, released his latest solo project, The Believer, on March 13, 2026. The Believer is a collection of 12 all-Gospel songs, cowritten by Salley and recorded in his signature bluegrass style, with some of the greatest musicians in the genre.
“The Believer is the second in a series of three projects that I like to call ‘a trilogy of my personality and values that reflect who I am,’” says Salley. This new album follows The Songwriter, a critically acclaimed project of all solo written songs by the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame member, that continues to produce hits at bluegrass radio.
“I call it a left-footed Gospel project, because there are songs on here that you wouldn’t normally think would be on a Gospel album. Songs like ‘BYOB’, ‘I Need A Drink’ and ‘God And A Dog’. But, don’t let the song titles fool you! They all have wonderful messages that I want to share with everyone – those who are believers in the message of Christ, and those who may not be Christ followers and usually wouldn’t listen to Bluegrass Gospel music”.
Watch videos of Jerry Salley’s from The Believer here. More music and news at JerrySalley.com; Follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
MUSIC GIVES NEWS
MUSIC GIVES NEWS: Four-time Grammy Award and 14-time CMA Award winner Keith Urban received The Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award Thursday, March 19, for outstanding commitment and service to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®: Finding cures. Saving children.® Urban accepted the award at the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville.
“Being recognized with the Angels Among Us Award is not something I take lightly,” said Urban. “I’ve witnessed the courage shown by the children and families at St. Jude for more than 20 years, and it never ceases to amaze me. By standing together, we’ve been able to help St. Jude continue advancing research and treatment for children around the world with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is an absolute honor to stand behind a mission this meaningful.”
Urban has supported St. Jude for more than 20 years and began visiting the hospital in 1998. In 2015, St. Jude named him the founding Artist Ambassador of the Connected Caring program, connecting Urban and patients to share personal stories and a love for music.
Music Gives to St. Jude Kids® helps to raise more than $70M annually to accelerate research and treatment by St. Jude to help children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The program unites more than 350 radio and music partners in a shared mission.
To get involved, visit musicgives.org and follow at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
PLATINUM NEWS
PLATINUM NEWS: Multi-Platinum Country star Gabby Barrett marked a standout moment at this year’s Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville, celebrating both past achievements and a glimpse into what’s next.
Barrett took the stage at the annual Warner Records Nashville luncheon, where she delivered a powerful performance of “The Easy Part,” which she co-wrote with Michael Hardy (aka HARDY), Zach Abend, and Jon Nite – and produced by Zach Kale, Zach Abend, and Ross Copperman. Highlighting her signature blend of emotional storytelling and powerhouse vocals, she also debuted a brand-new, unreleased song (that she mentioned Chris Stapleton had on hold) – setting the tone for all that is to come.
Following the performance, Barrett’s team surprised her with news that two of her mega hits have leveled up RIAA certification status, as three-week No. 1 “The Good Ones” reached 5X Platinum and her record-breaking debut “I Hope” achieved 9X Platinum, further solidifying her as one of Country music’s most impactful voices of the modern era.
Commemorating this major milestone with new plaques, Barrett’s CRS appearance follows the music video drop for “The Easy Part,” featuring an emotional rain-soaked performance of resilience. Listen/watch here. Tour dates and more here; follow Gabby on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube.
SINGLES NEWS
KANE BROWN
KANE BROWN: Global superstar Kane Brown has released his new song, “Woman” via Sony Music Nashville. The track is Brown’s latest release following his widely acclaimed 2025 record, The High Road. Listen to “Woman” here.
Inspired by and dedicated to his muse and wife, Katelyn Brown, “Woman” finds Kane Brown reaching new heights with its undeniable, feel-good energy. Produced by Dann Huff and written by John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Taylor Phillips, and Brown the track is true to his signature blend of modern, pop-infused country and is both yearning and radiant.
Over the past month, “Woman” has become a fan-favorite track following due to Brown teasing the single throughout a slew of live shows this year. In celebration of the track, Brown also debuted the official music video for the song. The video, which was filmed at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida features Brown in a vibrant ’90s vibe, showing off his dance moves in a fun, nostalgic setting. The video also includes a special appearance from his wife, Katelyn Brown and daughter, celebrating all the women in his life big and small.
Of the song, Brown said: “I couldn’t be more excited about releasing ‘Woman.’ I can’t wait for the world to hear it.” Keep up with Kane Brown on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
KEITH BURNS
KEITH BURNS, founding member of the Platinum selling, Grammy-nominated, award winning (Academy of Country Music/American Music Awards) trio Trick Pony celebrates the release of his new single, “They Don’t Live Here,” (White Mustang Music) available now here. Written by Burns and Ray Termini, who also produced the song, the single is Burns’ fifth solo recording and the first of three singles to roll out in his 2026 waterfall series.
Inspired by the loss of his father, the song unfolds like a quiet conversation with the past, the storyline echoing memories of “the way it was.” Sweet acoustic instrumentation and simplistic production magnify the gentle arrangement, while Burns’ vocals, brushed with a leathered Southern brogue, enunciate the warm, nostalgic sentiment.
Burns blends tender, fond memories with the bittersweet ache of grief — recollections of familiar sounds, comforting smells, family traditions and the lasting impressions of loved ones gone.
“Ray came to the writing session with the idea. Having just lost my dad in October, it came at the right time — sat with me in a big way,” said Burns. “We’ve both experienced the loss of our fathers, who, ironically, share the same name… and ‘Frank’ gets a special mention in the storyline. The song is really about the circle of life. It kind of just wrote itself.”
Follow Burns on Facebook and Instagram.
BANDANA CHEYENNA
BANDANA CHEYENNA: Acclaimed Country/Americana artist and Nashville hitmaker Bandana Cheyenna – best known for co-writing “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)”, the global smash hit by Dasha – is reclaiming the anthem with the release of their own bold, outlaw-leaning version of the track. “Boots Stop Workin’” is now available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and more. Find Cheyenna’s music here.
Teaming with fellow songwriter and collaborator Adam Wendler, they both reimagined the billion-streamed hit as a duet through a gritty, swampy Americana lens, delivering a rowdy, barroom-ready rendition that feels both personal and powerful.
Written by Dasha, Bandana Cheyenna, Adam Wendler, and Kenneth Travis Heidelman, this version was produced by Adam Wendler, Bandana Cheyenna, and Derek Ullenboom, and takes listeners back to the song’s origin story.
“Adam and I have been writing outlaw, swampy songs together for the past two years,” Cheyenna shares. “Our very first write together was ‘Austin.’ Our friendship has grown into one of my favorite creative partnerships, and when we decided to reimagine it, we knew we wanted to lean all the way into that rowdy outlaw energy — especially that final chorus. We can picture an entire bar singing it at the top of their lungs. It feels like an anthem at the end of a musical.”
Follow Cheyenna on Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube.
LUKE COMBS
LUKE COMBS: Global superstar Luke Combs’ new song, “I Ain’t No Cowboy,” is out now. Listen/share here. Of the song, written by Combs, Cody Johnson and Jake Mears, Combs shares, “We were on tour in Australia with Cody Johnson and had planned to get together while we were there. I had this cowboy idea for a song, and ironically, he’d started writing something really similar that same day. We ended up finding time to write and finished ‘I Ain’t No Cowboy’ with his guitar player Jake Mears, and I even got to play it at one of the shows Down Under. The fans really seemed to love it, so I’m excited they get to hear it a week before the full album comes out.”
“I Ain’t No Cowboy” is the latest track unveiled from Combs’ highly anticipated new album, The Way I Am. Check out ALBUM & EP NEWS, above, for details on the album.
Combs My Kinda Saturday Night Tour is now underway with stops across the U.S., U.K. and Europe. Upcoming stops include three nights at London’s Wembley Stadium (the first country artist to sell out multiple shows), two nights at Edinburgh’s Scottish Gas Murrayfield, two nights at Ireland’s Slane Castle, two nights at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field and stops at South Bend’s Notre Dame Stadium, Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium, Columbus’ Ohio Stadium, Paris’ Accor Arena and Sweden’s Ullevi among others. Visit LukeCombs.com for complete tour itinerary. Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj4efhy6n0o
GRADY
GRADY: TLG/Virgin country rocker Grady has released his new single, “Forever,” available now via digital music retailers here. A star‑lit, neon‑glow country love story, Grady’s self-penned track unfolds like a snapshot of young love — lightning‑strike attraction, late‑night drives, and dancing beneath city lights — all told through the lens of reflection. “Forever” lives in that powerful space between memory and destiny.
“It’s a touchstone moment for love, when the stars align but neither yet realize these moments will lead to something everlasting,” says Grady. “You’re just living it in real time, not knowing you’re standing at the beginning of forever.”
With “Forever,” Grady continues to carve out his lane as a rising voice in country music, pairing heartfelt lyricism, cinematic imagery, and emotional authenticity. The track serves as both a love letter to youthful romance and a reminder that the most meaningful chapters in life often begin without announcement.
“Forever” is the follow-up release to Grady’s 2025 radio release, “On The Edge,” which collected over 40,000 streams on Spotify and hit #4 on the Hot Disc radio chart. More at GradyMcAuliffe.com
JONATHAN LEE
JONATHAN LEE: California-based singer-songwriter Jonathan Lee (Pacific Standard Entertainment Group) is catapulting back into the music entertainment arena with his new single, “Saturday Night.” The lively, original rocker — symbolic and dedicated to the woman who makes a long, hard work-week worthwhile — is due this spring.
Driven by a purpose that transcends beyond entertainment, Lee is fueled by two North Stars: his son and his craft. Placing sole concentration on raising his son, Lee paused his music career stepping away from the studio and the stage. Now, nearly a decade later, the proud father of a college freshman is walking back into the limelight with new songs slated to roll-out in 2026, leading with “Saturday Night,” due Friday, May 1, 2026. (Presale/Pre-save event April 24.) Listen to “Saturday Night” here.
Lee penned the track alongside three-time Grammy-nominated songcrafter Nick Sturms and it was produced by Johnny Garcia (lead guitarist for Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood).
“This song is about that one person who makes you forget the weight of the week and makes working hard worthwhile,” Lee said. “For most, Saturday night is the one night you look forward to let loose or chill. Comparing a woman to that feeling is the ultimate compliment — as the ‘perfect cup of tea,’ or a ‘long, tall cold one.’ She’s his destination at the end of the day.” More at theJonathanLee.com and on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
WES McCLELLAND
WES McCLELLAND: Some artists peak young. Wes McClelland just waited until he had something truly worth saying. After spending twenty-five years crushing it in the high-stakes worlds of automotive and advertising, the Texas singer-songwriter is back where he belongs — and he brought some serious firepower with him. His brand-new single, “What I Know Now,” produced alongside Grammy-winner Dave Hagen and recorded at the legendary Dark Horse Recording in Franklin, Tennessee, is the kind of song that could only be written by someone who’s actually lived a life first.
“Folks ask me, ‘Wes, why restart a music career now?'” says McClelland. “The answer is simple: I still have something to say. You can’t write a song called ‘What I Know Now’ when you’re 22 or even 32. You have to live a little life first.”
Hard to argue with that logic. McClelland didn’t ease back into this thing quietly. He assembled what can only be described as a Nashville session Mount Rushmore (okay, more like Mount Rushmore times two). The project was championed by Executive Producer Kelly Joy Hasselkus and longtime colleague Leanne Nicholson — but at its core, “What I Know Now” is a love letter. McClelland calls his wife Michelle and son Weston — collectively dubbed “the Mac3” — the real reason he finally walked back into the studio. Some things are worth coming home for. Watch the official video at wesmcclelland.com
JO DEE MESSINA
JO DEE MESSINA: Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina, known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog—including nine No. 1 hits and 16 Top 40 songs, as well as awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys—has released her new single, “Some Bridges.” Listen to “Some Bridges” here, the first single from her upcoming album Bridges; (pre-save/pre-add the album here).
“Some Bridges” was written alongside celebrated songwriters Kat Higgins (Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Ashley McBryde) and James T. Slater (Martina McBride, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw) and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, five-time Grammy-winning producer, engineer, mixer, and frequent collaborator. Lord-Alge mixed many of Messina’s biggest songs, including the 1996 hit “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” which set the emotional foundation for the album that follows.
Highlighting that life is all about change — and sometimes that change is hard. “We are often told not to burn bridges — and it’s good advice,” says Messina. “I’ve lived long enough to know that’s true. But there are also exceptions, and sometimes it’s OK to let that baby burn. In life, sometimes we just need to look forward and keep going.”
Tour dates, music, videos and more at JoDeeMessina.com; follow Jo Dee on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. #JoDeeMessina
ALANA SPRINGSTEEN
ALANA SPRINGSTEEN: Artist-songwriter Alana Springsteen has announced the upcoming release of her sophomore album I Hope This Helps, due out May 29 via Santa Anna Nashville. In tandem with the album announcement, the Virginia Beach-bred musician is sharing a fiercely empowered new track called “black sheep.” Accompanied by an official music video, “black sheep” is the second song released from her most unguarded work to date. Listen to “black sheep” here, check out the video here, and pre-order/pre-save I Hope This Helps here.
The follow-up to her landmark debut album Twenty Something — a three-part exploration of life lessons learned in her early 20s — I Hope This Helps delves even deeper into Springsteen’s inner world. With an unsparing honesty, the 25-year-old artist documents her journey in undoing a lifetime of self-abandoning patterns and the lingering impact of the fear-based faith that raised her. As she infused the album with both unfiltered introspection and deeply personal storytelling, Springsteen co-wrote and co-produced all 16 of its songs, in addition to playing guitar and piano throughout the LP.
Last month, Springsteen offered an early glimpse at I Hope This Helps with “note to self” — a soul-searching track that reckons with the pain of her early years, released alongside an official music video. Tour dates and more at AlanaSpringsteen.com; follow Alana on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
TUCKER WETMORE
TUCKER WETMORE: Country’s hottest rising star Tucker Wetmore continues his red-hot run with the release of his breezy new track “Sunburn,” available now via Back Blocks Music/MCA/ Mercury Records. Built on a sun-soaked groove, the song captures the spark of a beachside romance that burns bright and fast. Written by Ryan Hurd, Jaxson Free and Daniel Ross and produced by Chris LaCorte, “Sunburn” finds Wetmore leaning into his laid-back charm, blending vivid storytelling with an easy melody that feels tailor-made as summer approaches. Watch the “Sunburn” lyric video here.
Tucker Wetmore has emerged as one of country’s most dynamic new stars. An ACM and CMA Awards-nominated singer-songwriter and headline performer who has already surpassed two billion career streams, the chart-topper has taken just a few years to leave a lasting mark. Raised in Kalama, Washington, the piano-playing student of country, rock, reggae and more wrote his first song after a college football injury, reaching Nashville in 2020. Kicking off his career with back-to-back Platinum “Wine Into Whiskey” and 2x Platinum debut No. 1 “Wind Up Missin’ You,” Wetmore landed on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 in 2024 with both tracks, showcasing a serene, sawtoothed-country buzz.
Scroll down to TOUR NEWS for updates on Wetmore’s Brunette World Tour. More about Wetmore at TuckerWetmore.com; Follow him on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
TOUR NEWS
BROOKS & DUNN
BROOKS & DUNN: Country music’s best-selling duo of all time, Brooks & Dunn delivered what was hailed as “worth the wait” with their first-ever sets in the UK at the Country to Country Festival (C2C) 2026. The legendary pair brought “deafening singalongs, spontaneous line dancing, and genuine emotion pouring out from the stage,” (Entertainment Focus) to festival stages in Belfast (3/13), Glasgow (3/14) and London (3/15). In London, longtime friend and superstar Darius Rucker surprised fans, joining the duo onstage for a one-night-only performance of their iconic hit “Neon Moon,” sparking fans to belt out every word in the packed the venue.
After returning from overseas, they will perform at Stagecoach Festival, April 26, before joining Morgan Wallen this summer for eight stadium dates on his Still The Problem Tour across the U.S. and Canada. The duo has also recently extended their Neon Moon Tour, which kicks off this fall in Evansville, Indiana on September 10, bringing their “don’t miss” (Whiskey Riff) live show to more than a dozen cities nationwide. Direct support will come from country rocker David Lee Murphy or rising star Tucker Wetmore, with a combination of special guests including Willow Avalon, Kaitlin Butts, Caylee Hammack and Angie K.
Find full tour info and more about the best-selling duo of all time at brooks-dunn.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube.
TUCKER WETMORE
TUCKER WETMORE: The new single from Tucker Wetmore (see SINGLES NEWS, above) follows the recent extension of The Brunette World Tour presented by NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, adding 17 new dates to the massive run. Newly announced shows include stops in major markets such as Los Angeles, Chicago and more. Wetmore will be joined by Maddox Batson, William Beckmann, George Birge, Jacob Hackworth, Braxton Keith and Stella Lefty for select dates. Tickets are on sale now at www.tuckerwetmore.com. A portion of every ticket sold goes to Face the Fight, supporting suicide prevention and mental health treatment for veterans.
Wetmore kicked off The Brunette World Tour presented by NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer in February, which saw sold-out shows in Boston and New York City as well as his first-ever arena headlining show in Harrisburg, Pa. The chart-topping artist heads down under for dates in Australia before heading overseas this spring for dates across the U.K. and EU, including three sold-out nights in London. This summer, Wetmore will take the stage at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest 2026 and join Jordan Davis, HARDY and Brooks & Dunn on tour for select dates.
“Brunette” continues to propel Wetmore onto a global stage, recently topping the U.K. Radio Country Airplay chart for three consecutive weeks. More about Wetmore at TuckerWetmore.com; Follow him on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
My thanks to the artists, record labels, songwriters, music publishers and publicists who always keep me in the loop with what’s happening in the world of Nashville music!
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