It’s August’s Inside Track on Music Row… right here!
By Preshias Harris
Summer 2026 is wrapping up in style with tour updates, sun-kissed singles and albums from Brad Paisley, Tucker Wetmore, Riley Green, LOCASH, Thomas Rhett, Ashley Cooke, Corey Kent, Dierks Bentley, Shaboozey, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jason Aldean, Larry Fleet, The Band Perry, Jesse and Noah, and many more… plus news about the Nashville Songwriter Awards, Christmas Music (yeah, really!) and more: 35+ music news items. Scroll down to read this month’s Inside Track on Music Row, America’s longest continuously-published monthly country music column.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “Whenever I fill out the job description I put ‘songwriter’, never ‘singer’ or ‘artist.’ Singers come and go.” – Brian McKnight, R&B singer-songwriter, arranger, producer and musician
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. – Psalm 113:3
ALBUM NEWS
ASHLEY COOKE
ASHLEY COOKE: Country hitmaker Ashley Cooke has unveiled the tracklist for her highly anticipated self-titled sophomore album. Due out via Big Loud Records/Back Blocks Music on August 14, ashley cooke documents a chaotic period of self-discovery, showcasing a truly singular songwriter reaching a whole new level of complexity and confidence. Pre-order/pre-save ashley cooke here.
Written in real time as she processed a number of formative life experiences, ashley cooke, made with all-star producers like the legendary Dann Huff, opens up about falling in love, spiraling, searching for clarity, and coming to terms with her own self-sabotaging tendencies. But while the 15-song LP embodies an unflinching honesty, Cooke speaks her truth with equal parts sensitivity, sharp wit, and breezy irreverence — an element perfectly echoed in the album’s coastal-Country sound and ’90s-inspired aesthetic.
On social media, Cooke revealed the tracklist in the form of a custom jean jacket featuring embroidered patches inspired by the album. Earlier this year, “baby blues” climbed to the No. 1 spot on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown. Tour dates and more at ashleycooke.com, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube.
JESSE AND NOAH
JESSE AND NOAH: Not a lot of buildings inspire the title of a song let alone an album, but that’s what happened to The Sunshine Shop, the latest album from brothers Jesse and Noah, out now via Usonia Records and distributed by Select-O-Hits. Stream / play / purchase The Sunshine Shop album on all music services here. The album’s release coincides with that of the project’s focus track, “Lina Rose,” and that track’s accompanying music video (watch here). The Sunshine Shop was recorded by Platinum-selling producer/engineer Zach Kasik at Wild Feather Recording in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
This album marks the duo’s first collaborations with outside artists. Riders in the Sky brought the western harmony needed for “Old Cowboys,” while Tess Frizzell joined the pair on “On Again, Off Again.”
“There’s a long thread of American music running through this album from country, folk, western, pop, rock, soul and harmony singing,” noted Jesse. “We aren’t trying to recreate the past, but we always try to honor the kind of music that raised us.”
More at JesseandNoah.com, Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
COREY KENT
COREY KENT: Multi-Platinum Sony Music Nashville recording artist Corey Kent is joined by country superstar Jason Aldean on his new song, “Rather Be Here,” available everywhere now, ahead of Kent’s forthcoming album, Heartland Rock and Roll, due Sept. 25. Listen to “Rather Be Here” and pre-save Heartland Rock and Roll here.
Written by Michael Hardy, James McNair, Josh Miller, Morgan Wallen and Daniel Ross, “Rather Be Here” is a rowdy, feel-good anthem celebrating the unmistakable magic of a Saturday night at the local honky tonk, fueled by a sing-along hook and southern rock swagger.
“There’s nothing I love more about music than playing live, which is why this song resonated so deeply with me,” shares Kent. “The energy from a rowdy Saturday night honky tonk crowd is the spirit of this track.”
“Rather Be Here” continues the rollout of Heartland Rock and Roll, produced primarily by Austin Goodloe, with additional production from Jon Randall and Chris Farren. More at coreykentofficial.com; stay up with Kent on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and YouTube.
BILLY STRINGS
BILLY STRINGS: 3x Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Billy Strings will release his highly anticipated new album, So Much for Goodbyes, August 28 via Reprise Records. Pre-order/pre-save here. Ahead of the release, Strings unveiled a new song from the project, “Burn the Other End,” (written by Strings and Paul Hoffman). Watch the official music video here. Produced by Strings and T Bone Burnett, the new 16-track project finds Strings channeling a deeply personal period into his most musically mature and reflective body of work to date. The record is accompanied by original artwork created by Strings’ late mother, Debra Apostol.
“I made this record to honor my mother,” Strings shares. “To notice and embrace this very significant period of grief in my life and make art from it. To turn my heartbreak into songs while using my guitar as a coping mechanism as I always have. It’s always been there for me to lean on through the hard times, and I figure it always will…until it’s my time to say goodbye.”
Strings is also adding three new shows to his extensive headline tour this fall, in Austin and Chattanooga. Find complete tour itinerary here.
BRAD PAISLEY
BRAD PAISLEY has digitally released his Tacklebox – Disc 1 project with MCA. The first song was released on May 11, and more followed over the past two months. Tacklebox – Disc 1, a 13-track set, is now complete, with the final three songs revealed – “Who Knew,” “Tell Them Your Life Story,” and “It’s Still Goodbye.” Get the project here.
Brad named the project Tacklebox – Disc 1 because it’s “full of hooks, country music hooks.” Some of the songs on Tacklebox come from his extensive catalog of unreleased and unrecorded songs dating back to the 90s, when his career began.
“In this digital age, I have every song I’ve ever written at my fingertips,” Brad said. “There was such freedom in rediscovering the songs for ‘Tacklebox,’ the new ones we wrote, and the order we released them. They came from or were written about a nostalgic time period, a style of writing, and a sound. We wanted to give listeners that special feeling of playing a vinyl album or CD all the way through, if you listened to it top to bottom.”
Follow Paisley on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube.
SHABOOZEY
SHABOOZEY revealed the full tracklist and featured collaborators of his highly anticipated new album, The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales, just ten days before its July 31 release. The announcement debuted via a cinematic trailer that premiered across Shaboozey’s social channels in an exclusive collaboration with Spotify. To celebrate, Shaboozey and Spotify have also launched billboard takeovers in Los Angeles, New York City, and Nashville.
Featured Collaborators: Kehlani, Gunna, Jamie Foxx, Sam Elliott, Orville Peck, Teyana Taylor and Leon Bridges.
Spanning country, hip-hop, R&B, and beyond, The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales is a cinematic outlaw revenge story with a tragic love at its center. After watching her sheriff father murdered by the Bootcut Boys, Cherie Lee abandons the badge and hunts the gang down one by one. In the middle of her vengeance, she unexpectedly falls for one of the outlaws. He believes loving her can redeem him; she hopes loving him can quiet her darkness. The album finds Shaboozey building a vibrant, complex world and taking his songwriting and storytelling to new heights. Connect with Shaboozey: Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube.
LAUREN WATKINS
LAUREN WATKINS: Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters songbird Lauren Watkins announces her forthcoming album If I’m Being Honest, due Sept. 25. (Pre-save/pre-add If I’m Being Honest here.) Watkins marked the announcement with the release of another look at what’s to come, new song “Better Love Next Time,” out now.
Produced by Will Bundy with co-production on select tracks from Joey Moi, If I’m Being Honest finds Watkins stripping things back without losing any of her edge. Across 12 unguarded songs, the Nashville native brings her earthy vocal and graceful nonchalance to the hard truths most people won’t say using her signature lyrical imagery to make ordinary life feel lived-in.
Watkins looks on the bright side of breaking up in “Better Love Next Time” (listen here), complete with a classic Nashville turn of phrase. Written by Watkins with Bundy, Lauren Hungate and Mark Trussell, the track finds her dusting herself off with a little humor, a little grit and enough belief to keep moving toward whatever is around the bend.
“Better Love Next Time” continues a summer of new music from Watkins, following May’s “Heartbreakaholic” and June’s “Convenient.” More at laurenwatkins.com, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
TUCKER WETMORE
TUCKER WETMORE: Award-winning country hitmaker Tucker Wetmore released his six-song Sunburn Mixtape, July 31 via Back Blocks Music/MCA/Mercury Records. Tailor-made for the season’s hottest stretch, the collection pairs three previously released fan favorites with three brand new tracks.
The tracklist includes current Country radio single “Who Told You That,” “Sunburn” and “Proving Me Right” alongside fresh tracks “Crazy To Yourself,” “98%” and “YOURS.” Listen/Add Sunburn Mixtape here.
In July, Wetmore earned the No. 1 most-added song at Country radio with his new single “Who Told You That,” landing 89 first-week stations, as reported in my July column. The milestone marks Wetmore’s largest add date of his career as the single debuts at No. 54 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart.
“Who Told You That” (listen here) rides a groovy, breezy country rhythm as Wetmore draws a line in the sand between reputation and reality. Light on its feet but sincere at the core, the track turns hearsay into a flirtatious promise that there is more to him than the talk around town. Keep up with Wetmore on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and tour info at tuckerwetmore.com.
CHRISTMAS MUSIC NEWS
CHRISTMAS MUSIC NEWS: Grammy and Emmy award-winning singer/songwriter John Berry has announced the first dates for his Christmas With John Berry 30th Anniversary Tour. With thirteen shows currently slated, and more to come, the tour will kick off on November 27 in Sugar Hill, Georgia, and continue through the holiday season. John Berry takes pride in offering a fresh new show each year while always including popular classics like “Little Drummer Boy,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Let It Snow,” “Mary Did You Know,” and his timeless hit, “O Holy Night.” For on-sale dates and the latest information on the Christmas tour visit johnberry.com/tour.
“Thirty years have passed, and I never could have imagined what an incredible blessing it would be to share my music while celebrating the birth of Christ,” Berry says. “Robin and I are deeply grateful to see so many familiar faces return year after year with family and friends to celebrate the joy of the Christmas season together. Sharing this special tradition with all of you is a true gift, and I am forever thankful for your love and continued support.” More at Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube.
CMA NEWS
CMA NEWS: The Country Music Association welcomed its CMA EDU Class of 2026-2027 to Nashville for the 13th annual CMA EDU Leadership Summit in July at CMA’s headquarters and locations across Nashville. Over three immersive days, students participated in hands-on professional development, behind-the-scenes industry education, and conversations with artists, executives and CMA EDU alumni across multiple sectors of the Country Music business.
Through the Summit and year-round CMA EDU programming, students gain practical knowledge, build relationships and develop a clearer understanding of the many career paths available across artist management, touring, publishing, labels, agencies, brands, live events and more. This year’s CMA EDU class is made up of 34 students representing 24 universities across the country.
“CMA EDU is one of the most meaningful ways we invest in the long-term strength of the Country Music industry,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy.
Applications for the 2027-2028 program open Tuesday, August 4 at 9 AM/CT; visit cmamember.com/programs/cma-edu/.
COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME NEWS
KENNY CHESNEY
KENNY CHESNEY: The newest exhibition at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward, presented by Blue Chair Bay Rum, is now open. Country Music Hall of Fame member Kenny Chesneyis one of the most successful country artists of the 2000s, a superstar who has sold millions of albums and become one of the biggest touring acts of the century in any genre. Explore Chesney’s journey from small-town Tennessee to sold-out stadiums across the country. The exhibit is open through June 01, 2027. Museum admission required and is free for Members. Find ticket information here.
In support of the opening of the new exhibit, the colorfully decorated school bus from Chesney’s “American Kids” music video and The Big Revival album cover will be part of a pop-up experience in Walk of Fame Park, located across the street from the Museum. The experience, offered in collaboration with Downtown Nashville, invites the public to engage in a photo opportunity with the bus, win prizes, and play summertime games in the park.
FOLK MUSIC NEWS
FOLK MUSIC NEWS: Breakout folk band Buffalo Traffic Jam—Frankie Cassidy and Nathan Ross—shared their highly anticipated debut album, Pictures of You, July 31 via Arista Records; stream/purchase here.
Produced by Sam Westhoff, Carrie K, Ryan Hadlock, Joe Becker and Brian Elquist, Pictures of You features the standout single, “Fool’s Gold,” which has amassed more than 95 million streams to date, reached #3 on the AAA radio chart and is currently in the Top 15 at Alternative Radio. The new 14-song collection serves as a raw and vulnerable portrait of growing older, capturing the space between nostalgia and hope for the future through the deeply personal storytelling and timeless musicianship that have become hallmarks of the band’s sound.
Electric live performers, Buffalo Traffic Jam is in the midst of their extensive headline tour, featuring sold-out shows across the U.S., Europe and Australia. Upcoming dates include sold-out shows at Chicago’s House of Blues Chicago, Atlanta’s Buckhead Theatre, Washington D.C.’s 9:30 Club, Boston’s Roadrunner and New York City’s Irving Plaza (two nights), among several others. Find tour updates here. Follow them on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
GUITAR NEWS
GUITAR NEWS: This August, two iconic names in Music City, 3rd & Lindsley and Gruhn Guitars, will launch Sessions on 3rd, a first-of-its-kind live music series celebrating the extraordinary musicians behind some of the world’s most beloved recordings. Visit the Musicians tab for updates, biographies, and performance dates and lineup of participating musicians including Adam Schoenfeld, Brent Mason, Chris McHugh, Danny Rader, Fred Eltringham, Glenn Worf, Gordon Mote, Greg Morrow, Jeff King, Jerry Roe, Jim “Moose” Brown, Jimmy Lee Sloas, Jonathan Brown, Kenny Greenberg, Kris Donegan, Mark Hill, Michael Rojas, Mike Brignardello, Nick Buda, Rob McNelley, Tom Bukovac, and Tony Lucido. The page will be updated.
Taking place on Tuesday, Aug. 18, Tuesday, Aug. 25, and Tuesday, Sept. 1 (click dates for ticket info) Sessions on 3rd offers audiences an authentic Nashville experience by bringing together the city’s most accomplished session musicians, touring sidemen, and special guests for an intimate evening of stories, music, and unforgettable performances. Tickets to these special events are on sale now at 3rd & Lindsley. More at www.sessionson3rd.com Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
MUSIC & ART NEWS
STEVE WARINER
STEVE WARINER: Spanning six decades, multi-hyphenate musical icon Steve Wariner has played the Grand Ole Opry hundreds of times. Recently celebrating his 30th anniversary as an Opry member, the Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist made history during his July 10 performance as the first artist ever to have his artwork featured on the iconic Opry barn. Ten individual pieces of Wariner’s art were displayed during the final song of his set, “6120,” his instrumental tribute to Chet Atkins, joined by guest musician, Jimmy Mattingly.
Wariner has devoted much of his life pursuing his parallel passion for painting and shared several works from his visual art exhibit, The Flip Side: Paintings by Steve Wariner, during his Opry appearance. Now showing at Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center near Nashville through July 26, 2026, the solo exhibit features 60 of Wariner’s works in oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media, spanning more than 30 years.
“What an honor to have my art featured on the iconic Opry stage,” shares Wariner. “And for it be the first time that has happened in history is incredible. I loved sharing my parallel passion for painting with the crowd.” More at SteveWariner.com.
NASCAR/COUNTRY NEWS
LOCASH
LOCASH: During an adrenalin-fueled weekend in July, LOCASH brought the Country soundtrack to the race track as the chart-topping duo served as Grand Marshals during NASCAR’s eero 400 weekend at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois. The recognition places LOCASH alongside an esteemed lineup of past Grand Marshals, with the role previously filled at NASCAR events by major names including Morgan Freeman, Glen Powell, Mark Wahlberg and Kim Kardashian.
Then they traded Grand Marshal duties for full ‘Ricky Bobby’ energy, filming a hilarious Talladega Nights-inspired video at the speedway, featuring iconic lines from the movie. Take a look here.
The appearance continues a big summer for LOCASH, who recently teamed up with Parmalee for their feel-good new collaboration, “Let The Country Music Play,” a party-ready reimagining of Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Piña Colada Song).” Known for their high-energy live show and deep connection with fans, LOCASH were right at home soundtracking a weekend built on horsepower, American pride and Country music.
Keep up (if you can!) with LOCASH at www.locash.com, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and YouTube.
NASHVILLE SONGWRITER AWARDS NEWS
NASHVILLE SONGWRITER AWARDS NEWS: The 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards presented by City National Bank has now revealed more performances and awards set for the Sept 22 event at The Ryman, in addition to the announcement in my July column. The performance-filled ceremony will recognize dozens of songwriters including Vince Gill, Riley Green, Blake Pendergrass, and Paul Williams, with more to be revealed night-of. Announced performers include: Steve Earle, Chris Stapleton, Ashley McBryde, Dan Alley, Ryan Beaver, Jacob Davis, Ray Fulcher, Ben Johnson, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Neil Medley, Josh Miller, Blake Pendergrass, Hunter Phelps, Bobby Pinson, Jeremy Stover, Lydia Vaughan, and Jordan Walker, and more. Get tickets here.
Categories to be honored: ‘Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement’ award, ‘NSAI President’s Keystone’ award, ‘Songwriter’ and ‘Songwriter-Artist’ of the Year, the ‘Legendary Song’ award, and the peer-voted ‘Song of the Year’ and ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’ awards.
The event sponsors include City National Bank, General Motors, Loeb & Loeb, Recording Industry Association of America, Custom House at Guitar Center, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, Jack Daniel’s, Recording Academy Songwriters & Composers Wing, SoundExchange, Tennessee Association of Broadcasters, The Mechanical Licensing Collective.
RIAA NEWS
RIAA NEWS: Several major organizations in the world of music are combining their strategies to protect creators and inform music consumers about AI content.
Those organizations – IFPI, RIAA, A2IM, WIN, IMPALA, The Grammys, SAG-AFTRA & Human Artistry Campaign – representing a broad spectrum of recorded music creators and companies around the world, announced a unified approach to voluntary track labeling to give fans clearer information about the use of generative AI (GenAI) in sound recordings. Distinguishing between “AI-Generated” and “AI-Assisted,” the labels are conceived with broad, global adoption in mind, across digital music services and other partners. The labeling is designed to evolve as technology and requirements change.
“Fans want to know whether and how generative AI has been used in the music to which they listen,” said Vikki Oakley, IFPI CEO and Mitch Glazier, RIAA Chairman & CEO in a joint statement.
In April, the music streaming service Deezer reported that AI-generated tracks comprised 44% of all new music delivered to its platform while Apple Music has said that more than one-third of the tracks uploaded to its platform are “100% AI.” Read the full statement about AI tracking here.
SIGNING NEWS
LAKELIN LEMMINGS
LAKELIN LEMMINGS: Following the July 24 release of her self-titled debut album, rising country artist QHMG / Quartz Hill Records’ Lakelin Lemmings has achieved another significant career milestone, signing an exclusive worldwide booking agreement with The Kinkead Entertainment Agency.
The partnership positions the fast-rising singer-songwriter for expanded touring opportunities nationwide and internationally as demand continues to grow following a string of acclaimed releases and rapidly increasing fan engagement.
“We’re excited to welcome Lakelin Lemmings to The Kinkead Entertainment Agency’s boutique roster,” said Co-Founder and CEO of The Kinkead Entertainment Agency, Bob Kinkead. ” Lakelin has all the ingredients to build a long and successful career. We’re looking forward to helping expand her touring business across the country and around the world.”
“This is a dream partnership for me,” said Lakelin Lemmings. “I’ve always believed the best way to connect with people is through live music, and I’m so excited to work with everyone at Kinkead as we take these songs on the road.” More about Lemmings at lakelinlemmings.com, Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook.
SINGLE NEWS
THE BAND PERRY
THE BAND PERRY: Grammy-winning Country group The Band Perry share “You Lie (Forever Version),” a revamped rendition of their Platinum-certified smash “You Lie” featuring breakout singer/songwriter Kaitlin Butts and produced by Beau Bedford. Accompanied by an official visualizer, the all-new version of “You Lie” brings a bold and heightened urgency to one of The Band Perry’s signature hits. Go here to listen to “You Lie (Forever Version)” now, and check out the visualizer here.
“I’ve admired Kaitlin’s music for so long, and there’s something so full-circle about a song that once lived between us as strangers on the radio now living between us as friends,” shares Kimberly Perry. “This is what it sounds like when girlhood becomes womanhood — same song, same spirit, but now we’ve both lived it enough to sing it like we mean it!”
The high-powered update of “You Lie” is the latest in a series of electrifying new songs from The Band Perry, now comprised of Kimberly Perry and Johnny Costello, who returned in early 2026 with “Psychological” that marked their first new music in nine years. Follow The Band Perry on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube.
BLUE RIDGE GATHERING
BLUE RIDGE GATHERING: Gravy Records has released “You Don’t Believe in Love,” the debut label single from Knoxville, Tennessee–based neo-traditional old-time trio Blue Ridge Gathering. Listen/play here.
Written by Jessica Watson, “You Don’t Believe in Love” blends the band’s Appalachian roots with a timeless theme of love, loss, and moving on. Built around a memorable refrain and heartfelt vocal delivery, the song tells the story of coming to terms with a relationship where one person doesn’t share the same belief in love and commitment. The track offers a fresh yet familiar sound that reflects Blue Ridge Gathering’s unique place within today’s Appalachian music landscape.
The trio has earned recognition throughout the traditional music community, including 1st Place in the Neo-Traditional Band Competition at the Appalachian Stringband Festival (Clifftop) in 2024, along with awards for Best Original Song (2023) and Best Original Instrumental Tune (2024). In 2025, the band was named a Top Three Finalist in the FreshGrass Band Contest. Find upcoming shows at blueridgegatheringband.com; follow on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
SHERRY COTHRAN
SHERRY COTHRAN: “Blue Suede Boots” is the new track from Sherry Cothran who describes the song as: “My little love letter to the late, great Carl Perkins.” Watch video here.
In the late 90’s and the aughts, Cothran was the lead singer of the rock band The Evinrudes, with a hit song on Mercury Records, sharing stages with artists including Goo Goo Dolls, Barenaked Ladies, and Spin Doctors. After stepping away to pursue a vocation serving others, Cothran gradually returned to her roots.
“’Blue Suede Boots’ bridges these worlds,” shares Cothran. “My partner in the Evinrudes (Brian Reed) and I wrote the song together, and recorded it with the original band in Nashville, giving the track a familiar alt rock energy with an infectious beat, wrapped in an Americana story. It feels both like coming home and moving forward.”
Growing up just a few miles from where Carl Perkins wrote “Blue Suede Shoes,” his inspiring story has always been part of the landscape. “Blue Suede Boots” celebrates the spirit he embodied—the idea that our roots can become the foundation for something entirely new. Follow Cothran on Instagram and Facebook.
RILEY GREEN
RILEY GREEN: CMA and ACM Award winner Riley Green released another track July 31 as an appetizer for his upcoming album, That’s Just Me (pre-order here), due out September 18. The new song, “imagine That,” an acoustic yearning track written by Green alongside Jonathan Singleton and Ray Fulcher, paints the picture of two people who never truly get over each other. The song is a signature Riley Green track, rooted in raw emotion, vivid storytelling, and the kind of stripped-back country sound that has earned him praise. Listen/play/add “Imagine That” here.
Multi-Platinum-certified Green has been compelling Country music fans to raise a drink, shed a tear, and, above all, celebrate where they are from since first releasing his self-titled EP in 2018.
Green is currently on the road with his Cowboy As It Gets Tour 2026 with Justin Moore plus special guests that vary by city. Find full tour and ticket info here. More about Green at RileyGreenMusic.com and on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube.
KRISTA MARIE
KRISTA MARIE: Amidst America’s yearlong 250th birthday celebration, singer, songwriter, television host, and producer Krista Marie delivers a pair of patriotic milestones: the release of “Blanket of Stars,” featuring country star and active Army Reservist Craig Morgan, and the national debut of “American Made,” recorded by country superstar Trace Adkins, celebrating the heart, pride, and resilience of the American people that he performed on the “A Capitol Fourth” special on PBS. Both songs are available everywhere.
“American Made,” penned by Trace Adkins, Krista Marie and Johnny Cummings, the anthem has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Patriotic Songs leading into the America’s 250 celebration.
“Blanket of Stars” is a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who have defended America’s freedoms and to the enduring values that unite the nation. Both tracks are produced by multi-talented award-winning Mickey Jack Coneswith Phil O’Donnell also producing “Blanket of Stars.”
More at KristaMarie.com, Facebook, X and YouTube.
MEDIUM BUILD
MEDIUM BUILD — a.k.a. acclaimed singer-songwriter Nick Carpenter — shares a further taste of new music with “Home Depot.” Listen/Share here.
Drawing from ‘90s pop-country, the track tells the story of a man named Steve, who is incapable of being emotional without his tools. It’s the latest preview of his forthcoming album, King of Having Fun, out September 4 on slowplay/Island Records. Pre-order/pre-save the album here.
“Home Depot is about the man in your life more focused on the external than internal. The lawn is manicured and the mustache is trimmed. He appears as stepdads or uncles. Some of us know him as father or husband. He works hard and plays hard, although work is often also his play,” says Carpenter of the track. “When I set out to write this song I wanted to commiserate with the women stuck in the orbits of these men. I was curious how we stay stuck to these guys. As I dug in, what I found was a humanization of the Steve’s in my life and a realization that even on my best day, I am really just like him.”
More at www.mediumbuildmusic.com, Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube.
NATE SMITH
NATE SMITH: Multi-Platinum chart-topper Nate Smith returns with his explosive new song “Find Me In A Bar.” Accompanied by an official visualizer, the hard-hitting anthem documents a post-breakup haze of whiskey and regret. Listen to “Find Me In A Bar” here and watch the visualizer here.
Written by Smith, Mårten Fohlin, Zack Hall, and Jenson Vaughan, and produced by Fohlin and Joël Bruyère, “Find Me In A Bar” marks another standout in Smith’s catalog of arena-ready heartbreak songs. With its riff-heavy collision of reckless energy and brutal self-awareness, the brooding but fiery track finds its narrator trapped in a self-destructive loop as he tries to numb his pain.
Celebrating the track, Smith is bringing fans directly into the action, calling on them to share videos capturing their craziest nights out. For a chance to appear on his Reels, fans can submit videos here. In addition, he’s taking the song beyond the screen with “Nate IRL” — a series of surprise pop-ups that will find Smith showing up in bars and bringing the anything-can-happen spirit of “Find Me In A Bar” to life. Follow Smith on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and YouTube.
CJ SOLAR & JEFFREY STEELE
CJ SOLAR & JEFFREY STEELE: Your weekend jam has just arrived – according to singer-songwriter CJ Solar who has penned hits for hits for some of Country’s biggest artists: Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, Justin Moore, and others. Now releasing music and touring now for over a decade himself, his latest project is Black Label Blues.
Following the track “First Time Caller” (as reported in this column in July) Solar is offering up another song, “Done Did It” from the album. With this outing, CJ Solar and the Old Souls are joined by Hall of Fame hitmaking singer-songwriter Jeffrey Steele. As CJ and Jeffrey say, “Gosh darn gone down der and Done Did it!”
Stream/play “Done Did It” on Spotify or Apple Music here. Find CJ Solar tour dates and more at cjsolar.com; follow him on Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
TUCKER WETMORE
TUCKER WETMORE: Award-winning country hitmaker Tucker Wetmore earned the No. 1 most-added song at County radio mid-July with his new single “Who Told You That,” landing 89 first-week stations. The milestone marks Wetmore’s largest add date of his career as the single debuts at No. 54 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart. Listen to “Who Told You That” here.
Available now via Back Blocks Music/MCA/Mercury Records, “Who Told You That” rides a groovy, breezy country rhythm as Wetmore draws a line in the sand between reputation and reality. Light on its feet but sincere at the core, the track turns hearsay into a flirtatious promise that there is more to him than the talk around town.
Written by Jordan Schmidt, Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps and Michael Tyler, “Who Told You That” follows the laid-back “Sunburn,” released in March. In September, Wetmore joins Brooks & Dunn for select dates, with a special stop at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on September 12. Keep up with Wetmore on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and at tuckerwetmore.com.
SONGWRITER FESTIVAL NEWS
SONGWRITER FESTIVAL NEWS: Hit songwriters behind dozens of No. 1 songs, GRAMMY, CMA, ACM and DOVE awards and millions of records sold set to gather in Whitefish, Montana, September 18–20 for the 6th Annual Whitefish Songwriter Festival. The festival will welcome some of Nashville’s most accomplished and celebrated songwriters with Quartz Hill Music Group serving as the event’s presenting sponsor. Purchase Tickets here.
Nashville’s lauded songwriters Marla Cannon-Goodman, Aaron Rattiere, Frank Meyers, Paul Jenkins, Adam Hambrick and more will light up the stages around Whitefish. Find a full list of performers here.
“The Whitefish Songwriter Festival is built on the power of great songs and the connections they create,” said Cari Klepper, festival producer and founder. “Having Quartz Hill Music Group as our presenting sponsor allows us to expand opportunities for songwriters while bringing even more world-class music to our community.”
Each year, the festival transforms Whitefish into a destination for music lovers, hosting acclaimed songwriters performing original music in restaurants, theaters, shops, and gathering spaces throughout downtown. Details at whitefishsongwriterfest.org; keep up on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
THEATRICAL MOVIE NEWS
ELIJAH PEEL
ELIJAH PEEL: EKKL Entertainment will bring the powerful new faith-based drama Elijah Peel to theaters nationwide on August 14, 2026. Written, directed, and produced by Kevin D. Sepe, Elijah Peel stars Robert Malcolm Cumming and introduces Evelyn Grace Kite, alongside Kevin Sorbo, April Billingsley, and Princess Elmore. The film is executive produced by Willie Robertson, Korie Robertson and Terry Lee Harris.
Inspired by a true story, Elijah Peel follows a stadium-filling rock star whose life of fame and addiction comes to a sudden halt after a heart attack nearly costs him everything. During his recovery, Elijah encounters a remarkable young girl whose unwavering faith, radiant spirit, and wisdom beyond her years begin to break through the walls he has built around his heart. Through their unexpected bond, her extraordinary hope inspires Elijah to begin a powerful journey toward healing, reconciliation, and faith.
“From the moment we saw Elijah Peel, we knew it was something special,” said Michael Scott, co-founder of EKKL Entertainment. “It’s a deeply moving story about second chances, human connection, and the power of hope and is exactly the kind of emotionally resonant, crowd-pleasing film that reminds us why the theatrical experience matters, and we’re proud to bring it to audiences this summer.”
TOUR & SHOW NEWS
JASON ALDEAN
JASON ALDEAN officially launched his highly anticipated Songs About Us Tour in July with three consecutive sold-out shows, opening the Live Nation-produced, Patriot Mobile-sponsored summer run to capacity crowds in Bangor, Maine; Holmdel, New Jersey; and Bethel, New York.
The sold out opening weekend marks another milestone for the Grammy nominated entertainer, who celebrates his 32nd career No. 1 single at country radio with his three week Billboard Country Airplay and two week Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart topper “Don’t Tell On Me.”
In celebration of the Songs About Us Tour kickoff, Aldean shared with fans that three of his albums will be released on vinyl Sept. 18, including his self titled debut album, Jason Aldean (2005); his multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated, award-winning album My Kinda Party (2010); and They Don’t Know (2016).
The Songs About Us Tour continues making its way across North America through September. Chase Matthew, Mackenzie Carpenter and Dee Jay Silver join Aldean as openers. For a full list of tour dates and additional information visit JasonAldean.com. Listen/play Songs About Us here. Keep up with Alden on Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
DIERKS BENTLEY
DIERKS BENTLEY: Multi-Platinum entertainer Dierks Bentley wrapped his Off the Map Tour 2006 in July, closing out a limited summer run that packed a dozen amphitheaters with high-energy performances, world-class musicianship and unforgettable collaborations. Joined throughout the tour by the legendary Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunderand Kaitlin Butts, as well as up-and-comers Cole Goodwin, Owen Riegling and Mountain Grass Unit on select dates, Bentley paired his acclaimed musicianship with larger-than-life production to deliver a one-of-a-kind live experience.
After more than 20 years on country’s family tree, Bentley’s newest album Broken Branches follows eight No. One albums, 22 No. One songs and over 9.5 billion global streams, plus 15 Grammy nominations and membership in the historic Grand Ole Opry. Bentley launched the Broken Branches Fund last year, a multi-year initiative in partnership with Music Health Alliance to provide mental health support for the music industry’s creative and touring professionals. For more information and for a full list of upcoming tour dates, visit Dierks.com. Follow Dierks on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube.
LUKE BRYAN’S FARM TOUR
LUKE BRYAN’S FARM TOUR: Country music superstar Luke Bryan has revealed the lineup for his upcoming fall Farm Tour concerts, happening from September 17-20, 2026. Fans can look forward to performances by Dasha, Kenny Whitmire, the Peach Pickers, and DJ Rock, who will kick off each of the four shows. Luke started Farm Tour back in 2009 to honor the hardworking farmers across America and to bring full-production concerts to smaller towns. Farm Tour is sponsored by Bayer and Fendt. Tickets available at LukeBryan.com.
During May’s Farm Tour shows in California, Bayer and Luke supported food security in California’s Central Valley by mobilizing thousands of concertgoers to donate to local families. Through on-site collections, generous fans contributed hundreds of pounds of nonperishable food, which will directly provide meals to regional hunger-relief organizations, including Central California Food Bank and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.
Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters from across California also partnered with Bayer and Farm Tour in the 2026 “Spirit of 1776” CAN DO Challenge. All donations were given to local food banks, totaling more than 9,000 cans to support communities statewide.
LARRY FLEET
LARRY FLEET: Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Larry Fleet will embark on his From A Barstool Tourthis fall: tickets on sale now. Full details at www.larryfleet.com/shows.
The tour follows the release of Fleet’s acclaimed new album, Another Year Older, his first project released in partnership with Stellar Way Records/EMPIRE (stream/purchase here). Produced solely by Fleet, the eleven-track album finds him reflecting on growth, gratitude and the importance of staying grounded, further solidifying his place as a defining voice in modern country music. Recorded at Nashville’s Welcome to 1979 Studio, the album also inspired Fleet’s “Live From A Bar Stool” series—which lends its name to the tour—featuring intimate performances of songs including “If I Still Was,” “More Of That,” “Baseball On The Radio” and “Hotel Bible.”
Fleet also recently launched Little Fleet, a community-focused program supporting youth baseball and softball: find info here. Tennessee-born and raised, Fleet was influenced early on by Merle Haggard, Otis Redding and Willie Nelson, laying the foundation for a sound rooted in storytelling and marked by soulful vocals. Follow Fleet on Facebook,Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube.
LOCASH
LOCASH: Platinum-selling duo LOCASH have launched the first leg of their Let The Country Music Play Tour — a major coast-to-coast trek. Hot on the heels of National Piña Colada Day, LOCASH are keeping the party going with a North American run named for their summer anthem “Let The Country Music Play“: a feel-good collaboration with Parmalee that reinvents Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” as a timeless tribute to Country music. Visit locash.com for tour info and tickets.
The Let The Country Music Play Tour will includes dates in major cities like Las Vegas (August 16). Even on the most massive stages, Preston Brust and Chris Lucas channel the unstoppable energy and carefree spontaneity of a backyard party, thanks to their infectious chemistry and deep love for up-close interaction with the crowd.
Stacked with sing-along-ready hits like their Platinum-certified smash “I Love This Life” and multi-week No. 1 sensation “Hometown Home,” LOCASH’s live set ultimately captures everything fans love about Country music at its most communal. Additional dates will be announced soon. Follow LOCASH on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and YouTube.
LOGAN MAC
LOGAN MAC: Music City Roots is the latest live performance showcase to welcome Logan Mac to their stage. The quickly rising singer/songwriter has become the proverbial “snowball” over the last couple of months, gaining volume on a steady track towards notoriety.
Mac feels honored to be performing on two of Americana/roots most coveted stages starting with the WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour at the Lyric Theater in Lexington, July 20th. (See July edition of my column.)
Now, Mac will also be performing at the newly revived Music City Roots show at Harken Hall in Madison, TN on Wednesday, August 26th. Hosted by Jim Lauderdale, Music City Roots is one of the most beloved and acclaimed showcases bringing together a compelling mix of songwriting depth, Americana roots, and genre-spanning musicianship. It’s widely revered as the place where legends live, and new ones are born.
Logan Mac has scored 8.2 million lifetime streams on TikTok, 2 million of those in just the last 30 days. His debut album Til The Ground was released on April 10th and garnered half a million streams in its first month. More on TikTok, Instagram, X and Facebook.
THOMAS RHETT
THOMAS RHETT: Diamond-certified superstar Thomas Rhett launched his The Soundtrack To Life Tour July 9 with an electrifying co-headlining stadium show with Niall Horan at Nashville’s Geodis Park. The multi-Platinum global superstars and decade-long friends took the stage together again July 18 for at Hersheypark Stadium.
The Soundtrack To Life Tour continues to more than 20 cities across North America. Bringing the “bombastic, good-time energy” (Esquire) that has become synonymous with Thomas Rhett’s live performances, the tour features rotating support from ERNEST, Kashus Culpepper, Zach John King, Vincent Mason and Conner Smith, with Emily Ann Roberts opening each night. Find Tour dates/tickets here. Rhett will also join Morgan Wallen for more Still The Problem Tour stadium dates and will make his highly-anticipated return to the U.K., appearing with Luke Combs for a three-night run at Wembley Stadium.
Rhett’s latest album About A Woman (DeLuxe) is the expanded version of his “best work yet” (Country Living), now comprised of 25 songs including collaborations with Lanie Gardner, Blake Shelton, Teddy Swims, Tucker Wetmoreand most recent No. One hit “Ain’t A Bad Life (ft. Jordan Davis).” Keep up with Rhett on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.
MITCHELL TENPENNY
MITCHELL TENPENNY: Multi-platinum selling artist Mitchell Tenpenny has announced he will extend his headline Speed of Light Tour with additional shows now scheduled through the fall. Tickets for the fall leg of concerts are on sale to the public now. Tickets available at Mitchell10Penny.com. Jake Banfield will appear as a special guest. Listen to “Speed of Light” via all music services here.
Mitchell is touted as one of country music’s exciting male artists with his unique vocal delivery. His concert performances draw rave reviews from across the country, with critics praising his “electric energy” and calling him “one of country music’s most dynamic performers.”
Tenpenny’s latest album The 3rd (listen here) is touted as his most authentic and adventurous album yet. It’s a testament to his personal growth and artistic evolution showcasing his maturity as a man, husband, singer, songwriter, and storyteller.
His success as a touring artist and seasoned performer grows each year with headline tours of his own in addition to special guest spots on tour with some of country music’s A-list artists. Follow Tenpenny on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
VIDEO NEWS
RILEY GREEN
RILEY GREEN: Multi-Platinum, ACM and CMA Award-winning singer-songwriter Riley Green released the official music video for his boozy summer anthem, “Think As You Drunk.” Watch the video here. The track is featured on Green’s forthcoming album, That’s Just Me, produced by Dan Huff, due September 18th via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, as announced in my July column. Pre-order/pre-save That’s Just Me here.
Filmed at Riley Green’s Duck Blind in Nashville, TN, and featuring a cameo of his beloved corgi, Carl, the lighthearted and comedic video, directed by Wes Edwards, finds an overserved Green causing a bit of chaos and letting loose at the bar. Starting off as a seemingly normal night followed by a string of increasingly unfortunate mishaps sparked by one too many drinks, he ultimately winds up on stage performing for a good-time crowd.
“Think As You Drunk” was written by Green, Jessi Alexander, Erik Dylan, Wyatt McCubbin, and “Ain’t As Good As I Once Was” creators Scotty Emerick, as well as the late Toby Keith posthumously. Listen to “Think As You Drunk” here. Tour dates at RileyGreenMusic.com; follow on Facebook, X and TikTok.
My thanks to the artists and their labels and publicists who keep me in the loop about what’s new and exciting in their lives!
Preshias Harris is a music journalist, 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