Mitchell Tenpenny, Riley Green, Tyler Hubbard, Dasha, Dylan Scott, Brooks & Dunn, Brandi Carlile, Luke Bryan and more!
By Preshias Harris
October’s Inside Track on Music Row is a ‘goody bag’ of must-read news about new singles and albums from Country music’s biggest acts and artists-on-the rise. Scroll down for tour and show updates and much more… right here in the longest continuously-published monthly country music column in the USA!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “When you’re playing the Opry, before every song, tell the crowd you wrote it, or else they’ll just think that you’re a bad singer on karaoke night.” – Vince Gill’s advice to Don Schlitz (“The Gambler”), reported in The Tennessean, 8/28/22
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1
ALBUM AND EP NEWS
LUKE BRYAN
LUKE BRYAN: Five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan has released his ninth studio album, Signs. The 12-track album, produced by Jeff Stevens and Jody Stevens, features Luke’s Top 10 hit “Country And She Knows It.” Listen to Signs on Deezer here; find vinyl and CD versions here. Listen/play “Country And She Knows It” here.
In its 17th year, Luke’s Farm Tour has mobilized thousands of concertgoers to donate to local food banks, helping thousands of families. Through on-site collections, generous fans have contributed more than 16,000 pounds of nonperishable food so far, which will directly provide meals to regional hunger-relief organizations. The project has provided more than 11 million meals through presenting sponsor Bayer’s #HerestotheFarmer. Luke’s work with these programs has been critical to raising awareness, educating communities, and expanding access to nutritious food, vitamins, and minerals.
During his career, Luke has amassed 27.2 billion global streams, 12 million global album sales, and more than 48 million track sales worldwide. Find tour and show info at LukeBryan.com; follow Luke on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
BRAD PAISLEY
BRAD PAISLEY: Global country music superstar Brad Paisley recently released Tacklebox – Disc 1, a digital-only project “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. Other songs were recently written and inspired by that style and by the unmistakable 90s sound of Alan Jackson, Brooks and Dunn, and Alabama, as well as 80s-influenced productions reminiscent of those by George Strait, Garth Brooks, and others. Tacklebox – Disc 1 is available here.
Brad also co-produced William Shatner‘s new spoken-word album, Love & Other Mysteries (listen here). Brad, Taylor Goldsmith, the lead singer and guitarist of the rock band Dawes, and three-time Academy of Country Music Piano Player of the Year Gordon Mote collaborated on the album’s musical arrangements.
Find Brad Paisley’s social/digital platforms here.
LAUREN WATKINS
LAUREN WATKINS: Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters singer-songwriter Lauren Watkins releases her third album If I’m Being Honest, produced by Will Bundy with co-production on select tracks from Joey Moi, available everywhere here. Across 12 unguarded tracks, the Nashville native captures an eye-opening chapter of her life, pairing her signature lyrical imagery with a plainspoken look at love, life and the everyday truths most people won’t say out loud. If I’m Being Honest leans further into the honesty that has long defined Watkins’ songwriting.
“If I’m being honest — no pun intended — this is the most ‘me’ I’ve ever felt making a record,” shares Watkins. “While much of the album comes from my own story, it was also inspired by the life unfolding around me…from conversations with friends over margaritas to everything I observed from the van window on the way to a show. At this age, some of my friends are going on first dates while others are getting divorced. Some are getting promotions and others are having babies. I wanted to capture all of it and make a record where, wherever you are in life, there’s a song for you.”
Ticket info for Watkins’ headlining If I’m Being Honest Tour here; more at TikTok, Instagram, Facebook.
BLUEBIRD CAFÉ NEWS
BLUEBIRD CAFÉ NEWS: Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Kent Blazy honored The Bluebird Café for their longstanding support of Alive Hospice by presenting the venue with the inaugural Legacy Legend Award at the first Alive and Legacy Breakfast.
Blazy also performed “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” which he wrote with Garth Brooks, and reflected on the care Alive provided his wife during her battle with cancer. His participation brought a personal perspective to the celebration of Alive Hospice’s 50 years of service to patients and families across Middle Tennessee.
The inaugural Legacy Legend Award was accepted by The Bluebird Café founder Amy Kurland; Erika Wollam Nichols, COO/GM of The Bluebird Café, accepted on behalf of the Nashville Songwriters Association.
NSAI NEWS
NSAI NEWS: After an incredible night of celebration at Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday, September 22 for the 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards presented by City National Bank, The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) continued the festivities at the Official After Party presented by General Motors and Loeb & Loeb. Find the songs and songwriters honored at the Awards here.
Immediately following the music-filled event, honorees, award winners, show sponsors, and guests boarded trolleys to the next destination, gathering at House of Cards to celebrate a successful night shining the spotlight on dozens of songwriters that earned accolades throughout the evening from chart performance, peer admiration, and organization recognition.
NSAI is already preparing for the 10th annual celebration on September 21, 2027.
OPRY NEWS
NEAL McCOY, one of the most dynamic entertainers and philanthropists in country music, was invited to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry, Sept 22, during Opry 100 Honors Charley Pride, a special show celebrating the life, music and enduring legacy of Country Music Hall of Fame member and Grand Ole Opry member Charley Pride.
During his set, McCoy performed three Pride classics and reflected on Pride’s friendship and mentorship. “If there had never been a Charley Pride there would never have been a Neal McCoy,” he said, sharing that in the very early days of his career he would mow yards for a living during the week and travel with Pride on the weekends, opening his shows.
After concluding her set, Opry member Pam Tillis welcomed Pride’s wife Rozene Pride to the stage to share memories of her late husband.
Tillis then stepped in with an official Opry invitation on behalf of Charley and Rozene Pride and the entire Opry family. “Oh my gosh,” a near-speechless McCoy said. “What a great night. What a great night to be invited.” More about Neal McCoy here.
SINGLES
EXILE
EXILE: American country rock legends and Kentucky Music Hall of Fame inductees, Exile, have announced the release of their third single, “Habanero,” off their forthcoming album Look Out Heart. Fueled by a little tequila, a chance encounter, and a whole lot of heat, “Habanero” turns an unforgettable night in Cabo into a playful love story built to last. What begins with margaritas, flirtation, and the irresistible pull of two strangers quickly reveals a much bigger story, jumping ahead 20 years to a couple who still has the same spark that started it all.
Clever, fun, and undeniably catchy, “Habanero” blends romance, humor, and a sun-soaked escape into a song about finding the kind of chemistry that never cools down. Find “Habanero” on all major streaming services in collaboration with StarVista Music on all digital platforms here.
The new recording features original members Sonny LeMaire (bass guitar/harmony vocals), JP Pennington (electric guitars/percussion, lead vocal /acoustic guitar), Marlon Hargis (keyboards/vocals), Steve Goetzman (drums), and Les Taylor (acoustic guitars/harmony vocals). Find Exile tour dates and more here; follow on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
LADY A & BOYZ II MEN
LADY A & BOYZ II MEN: Two of music’s most celebrated vocal groups come together for “I Love The One,” from seven-time Grammy-winning Country group Lady A and four-time Grammy-winning R&B group Boyz II Men. Featured as the third single from Songs Inspired by The Chosen: Seasons 1–5, a forthcoming album of original music inspired by the first five seasons of The Chosen, the song reflects themes audiences have seen throughout the global hit series — suffering, healing, hope, and the transformative power of encountering Jesus. Co-written by Lady A’s Hillary Scott, the track’s moving lyric video draws viewers into scenes from The Chosen depicting Jesus’ miracles. Listen here.
“Collaborating with Boyz II Men on this song is a ‘pinch me’ moment for all of us. Their voices have been in my ears my whole life, so to hear us harmonize brings tears and goosebumps,” shares Scott.
The album drops on October 30, ahead of The Chosen Season 6 with new episodes streaming on November 15 on Prime Video.
LOCASH
LOCASH: Keeping their creative momentum in high gear, Platinum-selling duo LOCASH return with their enthralling new single “Where My Stars Line Up” (listen here). Out now via their own Galaxy Label Group, the sweetly magnetic love song is the first look at the next musical chapter from singer/songwriters Preston Brust and Chris Lucas.
Written by Brust, Lucas, Taylor Phillips, and Jeffery East, and produced by Jacob Rice, “Where My Stars Line Up” follows closely behind LOCASH’s five-song EP Let The Country Music Play — an August release featuring their fast-rising Country radio hit “Talkin Bout.”
LOCASH will head to Texas to headline the Whiskey Tango Festival in Burleson on October 3 then take the stage at the Tulsa State Fair on October 6, and headline a show at The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint in Maryville, TN, October 9. More info and a complete list of upcoming live dates at locash.com; keep up with LOCASH on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
BRIAN MYK
BRIAN MYK: Independent North Georgia songwriter project Rocket Horse has released “Good Girls Party,” a country-rock / roots-rock single written and led by BMI songwriter Brian Myk.
“Good Girls Party” represents the Nashville-facing side of the Rocket Horse catalog: a hook-forward blend of country-rock, roots and alternative influence built around Myk’s songwriting, melody and creative direction. Listen on Spotify here.
“Good Girls Party” arrives as Rocket Horse continues a period of rapid catalog growth and independent audience development. The project has passed 1 million total streams across platforms, built a combined social following of more than 100,000, and currently has roughly 170 released or release-ready songs spanning country-rock, Americana, rock, alternative, pop-rock, ballads and faith-centered material.
Rocket Horse is based in Jasper, Georgia and is built around Myk’s songwriting catalog rather than a conventional touring-band structure. More about Rocket Horse music at Instagram and TikTok.
HILLARY SCOTT
HILLARY SCOTT: After posting a snippet of the lullaby on social media that has now received over 10,000 comments and five million views, nine-time Grammy Award winner Hillary Scott (of Lady A) releases “Mama’s Lullaby,” a prayer of protection over her children as they rest, and an ode to a parent’s never-ending love. Scott produced the track alongside her husband Chris Tyrrell.
The one-take video continues to resonate with viewers, especially mothers, ranging from newly postpartum to having adult children, who are thanking Scott for providing them peace, comfort, and reassurance through “Mama’s Lullaby.” Stepping into the studio with Tyrrell and baby Selah by her side, watch the Annie Loughead-directed visualizer hereand listen here.
In December, Lady A kicks off their limited Holiday showcase This Winter’s Night Tour 2026 in Northfield, OH. Find full tour info at LadyAMusic.com; keep up on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
MITCHELL TENPENNY
MITCHELL TENPENNY released a new song to country radio Sept. 28, “Ain’t My Problem,” written by Mitchell, Chris DeStefano, Andy Albert, and Thomas Archer. “Ain’t My Problem” is available across all digital platforms here.
Mitchell says, “The co-writers and I were at the beach, and we went into the writing session trying to write one of the deepest songs in the world, but we ended up switching gears and writing something more fun and uptempo. I believe that music is healing; I believe that this world is a wild one and we have to deal with so many things on a daily basis. But I believe that going to shows, playing music, and cranking up a song in the car can change your life and improve your mental health. I wanted a song that everyone could come together on. I pictured myself on stage singing it, with everyone singing the words back in unison, saying, ‘That ain’t my problem no more. I’ve come to this show today to forget everything else, enjoy a moment of human interaction with others, and have fun.’”
Find links to Tenpenny’s socials here; also see Tour & Show News.
SONGWRITER DIAMOND NEWS
TYLER HUBBARD
TYLER HUBBARD has earned his third career RIAA Diamond certification as a songwriter with Jason Aldean‘s “You Make It Easy,” further establishing him as one of the most successful hitmakers in music today. The track joins Florida Georgia Line‘s “Cruise” and Bebe Rexha‘s “Meant To Be” featuring Florida Georgia Line as Hubbard co-writes to surpass 10 million certified units. Few songwriters in any genre can claim three Diamond certifications, placing Hubbard among the most successful writers of his generation.
Hubbard’s hot streak continues with John Morgan‘s “Kid Myself,” which he co-wrote with Morgan and Jordan Schmidt. The track is currently climbing the Top 5 on both the Billboard and Country Aircheck charts. His most recent writing credits also include George Birge’s “Ride Ride Ride” featuring Luke Bryan.
As a solo artist, he has amassed 2B streams and just released a new single “902180,” which follows four consecutive No. 1 songs. Find music, tour news and social media links at TylerHubbardOfficial.com.
SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME NEWS
NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME: Nashville Songwriting’s ‘most legendary night’ returns to Nashville’s Music City Center on Monday, October 26 for the 56th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala 2026. More than 1,000 guests from Music Row and beyond will celebrate the great songs and the men and women who write them.
The one-of-a-kind invitation-only event brings together all facets of the music community to salute the legends of songwriting in a relaxed festive environment. The Gala will honor the Class of 2026: Shawn Camp, Bruce Channel, Lyle Lovett, Lee Thomas Miller and Taylor Swift.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame honors and preserves the elite songwriting legacy of Nashville’s music community. Established in 1970 by the Nashville Songwriters Foundation, the organization inducted its charter class of 21 legendary tunesmiths—including Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, and Cindy Walker—that same year.
TOUR AND SHOW NEWS
BROOKS & DUNN
BROOKS & DUNN – the best-selling country duo of all time—kicked off their Neon Moon Tour with a trio of sold-out shows in Evansville, IN, Alpharetta, GA, and Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Following the milestone opening weekend, Brooks & Dunn were announced as recipients of the 2026 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, one of Country Music’s highest honors. Already the most-awarded artists in CMA history with 20 career wins, Brooks & Dunn will accept the honor during “The 60th Annual CMA Awards” on November 18, where they are also nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year.
The Neon Moon Tour continues with dates spanning the fall featuring a rotating lineup from country rocker David Lee Murphy and rising star Tucker Wetmore, and special guests Willow Avalon, Kaitlin Butts, Caylee Hammack and Angie K. The tour showcases the songs that have made Brooks & Dunn one of the most successful touring acts in country music history. Tour/ticket info at Brooks-Dunn.com and connect on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube andFacebook.
LUKE BRYAN
LUKE BRYAN: Five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan celebrated the release of Signs (see Album News, above) headlining his Luke Bryan & Friends concert Sept. 24 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena featuring Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown, Darius Rucker, Chris Stapleton, and Carrie Underwood. ACM New Artist of the Year nominee Avery Anna opened the show, along with DJ Rock. Listen to Signs on Deezer here; find vinyl and CD versions here.
Prior to the show, Luke received two Diamond certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for “Country Girl (Shake It For Me),” written by Luke and Dallas Davidson, and “Play It Again,” written by Dallas and Ashley Gorley.
In its 17th year, Luke’s Farm Tour has mobilized thousands of concertgoers to donate to local food banks, helping thousands of families. Tour and show info at LukeBryan.com; find links to Luke’s music, merch and social media here.
BRANDI CARLILE
BRANDI CARLILE: 11x Grammy-winner Brandi Carlile returns to the road this fall with her Burn The Setlist (The All Request Tour), a special trio run with her longtime bandmates and collaborators, Phil and Tim Hanseroth. Every show will be unique, with each setlist comprised entirely of live, in-the-moment fan requests—a format Carlile introduced during her The Human Tour earlier this year.
Carlile is going back to her roots by playing some of the older theaters that she loved the most early on in her career to reconnect with core fans and old friends. Stops include Portland’s Revolution Hall, Tucson’s Rialto Theatre (two nights), Milwaukee’s Pabst Theater (two nights), Minneapolis’ State Theatre (two nights), Kansas City’s Uptown Theater and Port Chester’s The Capitol Theatre (three nights) among others. Find complete tour itinerary here.
Carlile and the twins want to take big risks at these shows. They want to feel free to try difficult things, make mistakes and bond with the audience like never before. Music and more at Brandi Carlile’s linktree.
DASHA
DASHA: It was a homecoming show for Dasha as Amazon Music presented Breakthrough Live: Dasha at Dusk, a special hometown performance from breakout pop-country star Dasha, streaming live on Twitch September 30. Sponsored by Listerine, the one-night-only event took place at the iconic Madonna Inn in Dasha’s hometown of San Luis Obispo, California, celebrating her roots while bringing fans from around the world together for an unforgettable performance.
“I’m so proud of being from San Luis Obispo, it’s where I fell in love with music, so getting to come home and play the Madonna Inn is just really insane and such a full-circle moment,” said Dasha.
Amazon Music’s Breakthrough program is a long-term global initiative designed to champion and accelerate up-and-coming musical artists into the mainstream at crucial moments in their careers. More at Dasha’s website and Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube.
WADE FORSTER
WADE FORSTER: Breakthrough singer, songwriter and rodeo cowboy Wade Forster—aka “The Australian Cowboy”—extends his sold-out The Aftermath Tour with additional North American dates in December. The run includes Forster’s headline debut at Tulsa’s iconic Cain’s Ballroom and Fort Worth’s legendary Billy Bob’s. See tour/ticket info here.
The tour follows the release of Forster’s third album, The Aftermath, via Community Music (stream/purchase here), and select dates with Treaty Oak Revival. The two artists teamed up for “Can Of Worms,” described as an “epic duet.”
Forster made his Grand Ole Opry debut September 30, and his single, “Anytime, Anywhere, Antoinette,” has amassed more than 20 million DSP streams. With more than 125 million global streams, Forster has quickly emerged as one of Australia’s most exciting new voices. Connect with Wade Forster, his music and social media here.
RILEY GREEN
RILEY GREEN: Multi-Platinum, ACM and CMA Award-winning singer-songwriter Riley Green announces his That’s Just Me Tour with 29 show dates spanning across major cities including Seattle, Chicago, Calgary, Ft Worth, and more throughout 2027. Green will be joined on tour with special guests Muscadine Bloodline, Randy Houser, Jake Worthington, along with Hannah McFarland.
Officially promoted by Live Nation, tickets on general sale Friday, October 2nd here. The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level.
Green is partnering with local schools across the country to bring his “Friday Night Lights” spirit directly into the communities where he’ll perform. The initiative gives back in a meaningful way, with Green donating $1 from every ticket sold to each participating school to support student and school programs; the remaining $2 of ticket proceeds will support the Buford Bonds Charitable Fund. Watch the video here. More on Riley Green’s linktree.
DYLAN SCOTT
DYLAN SCOTT: Multi-platinum Curb Records recording artist Dylan Scott will take his captivating live performance to big cities across the country this winter on his headlining Dear Big City Tour, beginning in January in Michigan and wrapping in March in Washington. Named after Scott’s current single “Dear Big City,” the tour will visit 18 markets with special guests Graham Barham, Cody Lohden and Jacob Hackworth. Tickets are available now here.
“It only felt right to name this tour after the song that calls to the big city as a small-town kid,” said Scott. “I know a lot of our fans have left their hometowns to venture into some of these bigger markets, and we’re so excited to be able to bring the live show to them in the new year.”
Scott is currently climbing up the Country radio charts with the tour’s namesake, “Dear Big City,” written by Jamie Paulin, Matt Alderman and Nate Kenyon. Find Dylan Scott’s music, merch and social media links here.
STAGECOACH
STAGECOACH returns to Indio’s Empire Polo Club from April 23-25, 2027 for three days in the desert. Tickets are available now at stagecoachfestival.com, with payment plans offered at only $49 down.
Headlining Stagecoach 2027 are: Riley Green, whose highly anticipated new record That’s Just Me released on September 18; Zach Top, who just earned two more nominations at the 60th Annual CMA Awards and is currently in the midst of his extensive headline tour; and Garth Brooks, who’s currently on the road with his acclaimed Blame It All On My Roots arena tour. In addition, a reunited Florida Georgia Line is set for a special late-night set at the festival.
Also set to appear: HARDY, Willie Nelson & Family, Kelly Clarkson, Brothers Osborne, Shaboozey, DASHA, Stella Lefty, Stephen Wilson Jr, Journey, Pitbull, Carín León, Matchbox Twenty, Cameron Whitcomb and many more.
MITCHELL TENPENNY
MITCHELL TENPENNY: Multi-Platinum-selling artist Mitchell Tenpenny, a few of his fellow artist friends, and his Foundation, the 10Penny Fund, are partnering with the Grand Ole Opry on October 6 to raise awareness of emotional, social, and mental health support needed by patients and their families facing a cancer diagnosis.
Opry performers that evening include Mitchell, Opry members Chris Young along with Lee Brice, Devin Dawson, Ernest, Jackie Lee, and Jo Dee Messina. Macy Page, a cancer survivor and sister-in-law to artist Thomas Rhett, will serve as a guest announcer. When fans order tickets, $5 from each ticket sold will be donated to the 10Penny Fund. Tickets are available here at opry.com.
A post-Opry event will be held in the Opry House’s Studio A, where Mitchell will perform a few additional songs and take part in a Q&A hosted by a WSM personality Charlie Mattos. Find links to Tenpenny’s socials here.
TOUR UPDATES
GRAHAM BARHAM is extending his Club Country Tour into 2027. A second set of dates will run through May ’27 including a hometown show in Baton Rouge, LA, plus shows in Chicago, Seattle, Dallas and Charleston. Tour & ticket info here.
GARTH BROOKS has added a seventh stop to his Blame It All On My Roots Arena Tour, and he’s bringing it on home to Tulsa, OK, with three shows at Tulsa’s BOK Center (Oct. 23-25). It’s his first stop at the BOK since2015. Tickets go on sale Oct. 2 here.
ERIC CHURCH: Preaching to the Church Choir down under, Eric will play Australia for the first time in March 2027. Parker McCollum joins him for stops in Melbourne (3/13) and Sydney (3/16). Tickets here.
GULF COAST JAM: As announced in the September edition of this column, Gulf Coast Jam is set for June 3-6, 2027 at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach, FL, with headliners Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Bailey Zimmerman and Zach Top. Now added to the four-day lineup: Carly Pearce, Laci Kaye Booth, Emily Ann Roberts, Myles Morgan, Chase Matthew, Dylan Marlowe, Ian Munsick and Graham Barham. Find tickets and info here.
TV COUNTRY NEWS
ALLIE COLLEEN
ALLIE COLLEEN: Independent country artist and songwriter Allie Colleen joined hitmaker Craig Campbell and acclaimed singer, songwriter, and vocalist Dave Fenley for the ‘Ten Year Town’ episode of Heartland’s original series Common Strings, Sept. 21 on The Heartland Network. Common Strings will air simultaneously on Heartland’s live channel. Viewers can download the free Heartland+ app on their preferred streaming platform to watch Heartland live and access episodes on demand. Viewers can stream Heartland live at watchheartlandplus.com. The episode will be available on demand through Heartland+ shortly following its broadcast premiere. Viewers can find their Heartland station at watchheartlandtv.com.
Find Allie Colleen’s music and social & streaming platforms here.
A big ‘Thank You’ to the labels, music publishers, songwriters, recording artists and their publicists who alert me about what’s new and newsworthy around Nashville! Send me stuff. I love to get it! preshiaswriter@hotmail.com
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and 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 here.