Nashville Music Archives - Page 2 of 31

Mid-August Country Music News Catchup!

‘Inside Track on Music Row’ mid-month extra

By Preshias Harris

There was just too much news for my August column but some of it couldn’t wait for September so here’s my “But wait! There’s more!” moment. Scroll down for new singles and albums, news on award shows, songwriters in the round, concerts and more about T. Graham Brown, Josh Ritter, Molly Tuttle, TRHibe, Megan Moroney, Tyler Childers, Onoleigh and more. And, if you missed the full August edition of Inside Track on Music Row – America’s longest running monthly country music column – you’ll find it posted directly beneath this one!

ALBUM NEWS

TYLER CHILDERS

TYLER CHILDERS: Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and musician Tyler Childers achieves his highest debut to date on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart as his widely acclaimed new album, Snipe Hunter, enters the chart at #7 (48,000 equivalent units). The record is also currently #1 on Billboard’s Vinyl Albums, Americana/Folk Albums and Indie Store Albums charts as well as #2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and #20 on the all-genre Top Streaming Albums chart. Stream/purchase the new album here (Hickman Holler Records/RCA Records).

Additionally, the song, “Bitin’ List,” is garnering overwhelming attention with over 65,000 TikTok videos to date, over half a million streams in just one day (August 1) and continues to climb all-genre charts at iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify and more.

In support of the release, Childers recently spoke with Marissa Moss for an in-depth profile at GQ, and performed special pop up shows last week at Nashville’s Turkey and the Wolf and Kentucky’s Dinosaur World. Produced by Rick Rubin with additional production from Childers and Sylvan Esso’s Nick Sanbornand mixed by Shawn Everett, Snipe Hunter includes “Nose on the Grindstone,” which recently achieved Childers’ best week ever at country radio with over 40 adds and is currently #18 and rising on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart. Tour updates and mote at TylerChildersMusic.com; follow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

MOLLY TUTTLE

MOLLY TUTTLE: On the heels of two Grammy-winning albums in succession, with her band Golden Highway—2022’s Crooked Tree and 2023’s City of Gold—plus a nomination for Best New Artist, Molly Tuttle returns with a solo album that’s her most dazzling to date: So Long Little Miss Sunshine. Listen here.

Recorded in Nashville with producer Jay Joyce (Orville Peck, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, Cage the Elephant), the fifth full album from the California-born, Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and virtuoso guitarist features twelve new songs—eleven originals and one highly unexpected cover of Icona Pop and Charli xcx’s “I Love It.”

Hot Summer Country Sounds: Here’s your Inside Track!

Country albums, singles and tour updates: It’s The August 2025 Inside Track on Music Row

by Preshias Harris

It’s August already and time for this month’s Inside Track on Music Row! New singles and albums from Gabby Barrett, Rodney Crowell, Greylan James, Alex Miller, John Prine, Lily Rose, Sammy Sadler, Morgan Wallen, Due West, Anne Wilson, Trisha Yearwood, Chris Young and more. Plus music video releases, news about Christian music, the CMA, the Opry, a fundraising concert to aid Texas flood victims and more. Scroll down and catch up!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “It took seven years after moving here to get my first song on the radio. It felt like seventy.” – Blake Shelton (addressing audience at a concert in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, March 2016)

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. – Psalm 34: 4-5

ACM HONORS NEWS

ACM HONORS NEWS: The Academy of Country Music has announced the recipients of the Special Awards for the 60^th Academy of Country Music Awards. Honorees Lori Badgett, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Mac McAnally, Rissi Palmer, Randy Travis, “Twisters,” and Ben Vaughn will be celebrated during the 18^th Academy of Country Music Honors during an unforgettable evening of live music and tributes. The event will take place Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Pinnacle, Nashville’s newest cutting-edge venue, located at Nashville Yards.

“This year’s ACM Special Awards honorees each have played an essential role in Country Music’s success,” said Kerri Edwards, Chair of the ACM Special Awards committee. “From some of Country Music’s legendary artists to the incredible songwriters and powerhouse executives, we are so excited to celebrate these well-deserved recipients next month at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Congratulations to all the honorees,” she continued.

Additionally, previously announced ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Lainey Wilson, ACM Songwriter of the Year winner Jessie Jo Dillon, as well as ACM Studio Recording Award and Industry Award winners, will be feted at ACM Honors. Tickets are on sale now via AXS here. More about the ACM Honors here.

ALBUM & EP NEWS

ABBIE CALLAHAN

ABBIE CALLAHAN: Rising singer-songwriter Abbie Callahan has released her long-awaited debut EP,Grossly Aware, available now via Twelve6 Entertainment. The seven-track project arrived July 25 and is available here.

The EP features standout single “Strawberry, California,” which Abbie performed live on WSMV’s Today in Nashville on release day. She has shared a new rendition: “Strawberry, California” x Live from the Treehouse, the second installment of her Live from the Treehouse series. Like the first video for “The Garden,” this performance showcases Abbie’s timeless vocals and the natural intimacy that runs throughout the project. Watch here.

Produced by Oscar Charles (Chase Rice, Kip Moore, Kassi Ashton, Madeline Edwards), Grossly Aware features co-writes with Nashville hitmakers including Emily Shackelton, Sarah Allison Turner and Jason Gantt, while three tracks were written solely by Callahan herself – a testament to her emotional depth, lyrical wit, and melodic instinct.

Legendary musician Charlie Worsham (CMA Musician of the Year, ACM Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year) lends his signature guitar work to the entire EP, except on “Marry Jane,” which features Alex Pearson and additional production from Jarrad Kritzstein (Ruston Kelly, Madi Diaz, Wild Rivers) alongside Charles.

Callahan has also been confirmed for an official showcase at AmericanaFest 2025, with more details to be announced soon. Music and more at her website, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.

JOHN PRINE

JOHN PRINE: In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings, a deluxe edition of John Prine’s beloved and Grammy-nominated album will be released via Oh Boy Records on September 12. (Pre-add / pre-save here.) The digital deluxe edition features five previously unreleased demos and alternate takes, along with the never-before-heard track “Hey Ah Nothin’,” out now. Watch the video here. A long-lost gem sure to delight both longtime fans and newcomers alike, this addition offers an intimate glimpse into the album’s creation and the spontaneous spirit that defined the sessions.

New Country album & single releases, tour updates and more!

Here’s Inside Track on Music Row, July 2025

By Preshias Harris

If you want to plan your Summer and Fall concert-going, scroll down and find tour and ticket info for a whole lot of artists who are heading out on the road. Plus new albums and singles and a lot more about Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Craig Morgan, Lukas Nelson, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Thomas Rhett, Zach Top, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame … and more!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I still have my first paycheck. It was just, I think, a dollar or two that I got when I started as a songwriter with BMI, and I had some songs there that I had through the company, and in the mail I got this big old check for, like, a dollar and a half or something. Somebody had recorded one of my songs.” – Dolly Parton

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – 2 Chronicles 7:14

ALBUM & EP NEWS

RODNEY CROWELL

RODNEY CROWELL: A new album is on the way from Rodney Crowell. The album, titled Airline Highway, is set to arrive August 29. Pre-order the album – available in CD and vinyl formats – here. In advance of the album, Crowell has released the song “Sometime Thang,” a sly, swampy track that was inspired by a real-life moment of romantic rivalry.

“Once upon a time a famous movie star made a move on my girlfriend,” Rodney told us, “We’ve been married over three decades now… but I never thought he was much of an actor. I’m just saying.” Stream “Sometime Thang” here. Watch the lyric video here.

Airline Highway features a new generation of roots and country voices: Ashley McBryde (“Taking Flight”), Lukas Nelson, Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke, and Larkin Poe’s Lovell sisters.

Crowell hits the road this fall with stops in L.A., NYC, Houston, and more. Limited edition vinyl and autographed CDs are available now. Crowell is a multi-Grammy Award-winning troubadour with fifteen number one hits. Over the course of his career, Crowell has gracefully blended his own mainstream success as an artist with a prolific catalog of songs cut by the likes of Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Keith Urban and more. Tour dates and more at RodneyCrowell.com.

CRAIG MORGAN

CRAIG MORGAN: Country music hitmaker and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan will join “Live with Kelly & Mark” Friday, July 4, for a special performance of “American Soundtrack,” the title track to his newly released EP (BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville). Find local listings here and stream Craig Morgan’s American Soundtrack EP here. Craig has a string of shows and appearances throughout July and beyond. Learn more and find tour tickets at craigmorgan.com. Engage with Craig on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Singer, author, actor, and soldier Craig Morgan has made a name for himself as a country music hitmaker who has amassed nearly 2.5 billion career streams and charted over 25 songs on Billboard. With signature hits including “Redneck Yacht Club,” “Almost Home,” “International Harvester,” “Soldier,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” and his faith-filled tribute, “The Father, My Son and the Holy Ghost,” the multi-faceted entertainer’s music has formed the soundtrack to our lives for over two decades. His new music, American Soundtrack (BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville), is no exception, with each of the EP’s six songs infused with Craig’s faith and patriotism. Craig received one of country music’s highest honors when he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008.

LUKAS NELSON

LUKAS NELSON: Following the release of his highly anticipated new album, American Romance, Lukas Nelson performed the title track on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and, the following morning, appeared on The Howard Stern Show, where he performed “All God Did” and spoke with the host.

The album, which has already garnered widespread critical acclaim, marks Nelson’s first solo project and first in partnership with Sony Music Nashville. In celebration of the release, Nelson was also featured on CBS Mornings, where he spoke with correspondent Anthony Mason. Stream/purchase American Romancehere.

‘A Preshias Night of Music’ at Nash House

First Singer-Songwriter Showcase at new location

by Preshias Harris

T’was the night before CMA Fest 2025 and the songwriters came out to play. It was our latest Preshias Night of Music at a new (for us) location, Nash House Southern Spoon & Saloon on 8^th Avenue South.

The place was jumping with locals and out-of-town visitors frequently waving the handy free fans with pics and QR codes of all the singer-songwriters who were performing on stage in rounds, followed by a performance by Macartney Reinhardt with a full band.

You can read my report of the night, along with mini bios of all the singer-songwriters here at Center Stage Magazine. Meanwhile, here are some photo memories of the evening, taken by Kayla Slater.

*(L to R): Gyth Rigdon, Scott Lindsey, Dawson Slade. Photo credit: Kayla Slater*

*Brooke Spencer. Photo credit: Kayla Slater*

*Caleb Mills.* *Photo credit: Kayla Slater*

*Chasity Bailey and Reed Clayton (Chas & The Bandit). Photo credit Kayla Slayer*

June (music) is bustin’ out all over!

Inside Track on Music Row, June 2025 starts here!

by Preshias Harris

It’s June in Nashville and that always means CMA Fest! But there is SO much more and you can find it all here… New singles from Reba, Gary LeVox, Midland, Alex Miller, Scott Teasley, Sheryl Crow and more… Tour updates for Brad Paisley, Billy Strings, Southall and Chris Tomlin… Album releases from Cody Jinks, Ray LaMontagne and Ken Pomeroy… plus news about festivals and the Opry Live in London and Number One News (LOCASH, Zach Top)… Scroll down and catch up with your Inside Track on Music Row, America’s longest running monthly country music column!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “No matter how long what I’m doing here lasts, I want to be a songwriter for the rest of my life. I love it and it’s my escape.” – Miley Cyrus

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: Let all you do be done in love. – 1 Corinthians 16:14

ALBUM NEWS

CODY JINKS

CODY JINKS: Ahead of his highly-anticipated upcoming album, In My Blood, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Cody Jinks released his new song “Better Than the Bottle” Friday, May 30th. This is the second track to be released from his forthcoming album, In My Blood, due July 25th. Pre-save the digital album here and pre-order the vinyl and CD versions here.

“Better Than the Bottle” is a reflective, gritty country ballad that captures the journey of a person grappling with their flaws, while clinging onto hope, having given up their main vice. Jinks’ signature raw vocals and stripped-down instrumentation give the song a sense of honesty and humility. Painting the picture of redemption, the song highlights grand victories in small, personal change.

In addition to the song, Cody Jinks and Ward Davis are announcing the second go-around of their previously sold out tour, Same Kind of Crazy Acoustic Tour, and will feature 10 dates spanning from Hawaii to Alaska. Find Cody Jinks tour and ticket info here.

RAY LAMONTAGNE

RAY LAMONTAGNE: Celebrated Grammy award winner Ray LaMontagne will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the release of his seminal debut album, Trouble, with a special remastered vinyl edition, set for release June 13—presave/preorder here. Additionally, LaMontagne will embark on the Trouble 20th Anniversary Tour, performing the album in its entirety for the first time since its release — find full routing and purchase tickets here for tour dates in the USA, UK and Ireland.

On the remastered vinyl, LaMontagne shares, “When Trouble was initially released Vinyl was considered a dead format, never to breathe again. Digital audio was the new King. As we know this has proved untrue. Each year more and more music lovers are listening to Vinyl and appreciating it for its depth and breadth of sound, for its physical heft, for its tangible realness. Over the past few months Brian Lee and Bob Jackson at Waygate Mastering have remastered the album for the first time specifically for Vinyl. And I have to say, it sounds incredible. They have managed to bring out subtleties in the vocals, the instrumentation, that were somehow lost previously. It sounds as if a sonic veil has been lifted. I cannot thank them enough.”

Trouble charted on the Billboard 200 and was certified RIAA Platinum. LaMontagne has spent the past two decades carving a singular space for himself in modern music. #RayLaMontagne

Inside Track on Music Row – May 2025

SO much music news! Hot country singles and albums, tour updates, and more!

By Preshias Harris

SO much music happening in May!! Here’s where you’ll find info on new music from Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Donna Fargo, HARDY, Tayler Holder, Sierra Hull, Cody Jinks, Cody Johnson, LOCASH, Onoleigh, Mitchell Tenpenny, Chris Tomlin, Tucker Wetmore and The Wildmans… tour updates on road warriors Brian Kelley, Dylan Scott, Shaboozy, HARDY (again!), Dustin Lynch and Scotty McCreery… Number One news (Cole Swindell), music video info (including Luke Bryan), plus news about NSAI, The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, and more. Scroll down and catch up! #PreshiasHarris

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I was a pretty good imitator of Roy Acuff, but then I found out they already had a Roy Acuff, so I started singin’ like myself.” – Hank Williams

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre. – Psalm 147:7

ALBUM & EP NEWS

ERIC CHURCH

ERIC CHURCH: The new album from Eric Church, titled Evangeline vs. The Machine, (pre-save here) is set for release May 2 via EMI Records Nashville, his first new album since 2021’s Heart & Soul triple album.

“An album is a snapshot in time that lasts for all time,” Church shares about the new project. “I believe in that time-tested tradition of making records that live and breathe as one piece of art—I think it’s important.

“I’ve always let creativity be the muse. It’s been a compass for me,” he adds. “The people that I look up to in my career and the kind of musicians I gravitate to never did what I thought they were going to do next—and I love them for it. I never want our fans to get an album and go, ‘Oh, that’s like Chief or that’s like this.’ Painstakingly, I lose sleep at night to try to make sure that whatever we do creatively, they go, ‘Wow, that’s not what I thought.’ I think that’s my job as an artist.”

Evangeline vs. The Machine features the previously-released “Darkest Hour,” a track Church used to support relief efforts in his home state of North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, donating all of his publishing royalties to the cause. The album’s lead single, “Hands Of Time,” shipped to country radio March 24. #EricChurchMusic

HARDY

HARDY: Country rock superstar HARDY’s next round is in the chamber with a new EP, COUNTRY!, set for release on May 2 via Big Loud. Two new songs from the EP, his first new music of 2025, debuted April 11 – listen/add “Favorite Country Song” and “Buck On The Wall”. Pre-save/pre-add COUNTRY! here.

“Two new songs—I’m extremely excited,” says HARDY. “Both songs remind me of a very special place, the place where I grew up, the place where I became who I am—my deer camp. It’s now the only place I have to go home to since somebody lives in my childhood home. I feel like it’s been a long time coming to put out some music that gets back to my roots.”

Additionally, HARDY made his first ever appearance on the iconic Grand Ole Opry stage on April 29.

His 2023 breakout the mockingbird & THE CROW and its 2024 follow up Quit!! have topped countless Billboard charts, including a top 5 debut on the Billboard 200, and racked up 6 billion streams. HARDY has written 16 #1 singles including his own two-times Platinum chart topper “ONE BEER” featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson, the platinum Dierks Bentley and BRELAND collaboration “Beers On Me,” and more. Also check out HARDY’s upcoming shows under the TOUR NEWS heading. #HARDY

SIERRA HULL

SIERRA HULL:

With A Tip Toe High Wire, (listen here) her first new album in five years, songwriter, singer, and award-winning mandolinist Sierra Hull has perfected the daring act of stepping into a new, progressive sonic territory while never straying too far from the bluegrass and Americana roots she’s cultivated in her two-decade-plus career. While joined on the album by world-class friends like Béla Fleck, Tim O’Brien, and Aoife O’Donovan, Hull self-produced A Tip Toe High Wire with her highly skilled touring band in the center ring—something she was able to make the call on as this is also her first album to be released entirely independently.

Inside Track on Music Row bonus April edition!

But wait, there’s more… country music news you can use

By Preshias Harris

April is showering us with a cloudburst of new music! In fact, it was SO much that it overflowed the April 2025 edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row. I couldn’t let it get away, so here’s my “Special Added Extra Bonus Supplement” edition. Here you’ll find news about and links to new music from Lainey Wilson, Brandi Carlile & Elton John, Tucker Wetmore, Allison Krauss & Union Station, Jason Isbell, Onoleigh, Junior Sisk, Larkin Poe, Lauren Watkins, Caroline Jones, Bryan Ruby, Maddie Riccardo, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Shane Smith & The Saints plus tour updates, Opry news and more. It’s all here so keep scrolling. (If you missed the ‘real’ April 2025 column, you’ll find it directly below this post.)

ALBUM NEWS

JASON BOLAND & THE STRAGGLERS

JASON BOLAND & THE STRAGGLERS: Texas-via-Oklahoma band Jason Boland & The Stragglershave released their new album The Last Kings of Babylon, out now via Thirty Tigers. Listen / play Last Kings of Babylon here. The album marks a full circle moment for the band as they reunite with legendary producer Lloyd Maines, who produced the band’s debut album Pearl Snaps.

The release of The Last Kings of Babylon arrives on the heels of the band’s 25th anniversary. A quarter of a century ago, Boland and his Stragglers cemented themselves in the alt-country and Red Dirt scenes with the release of their 1999 breakthrough Pearl Snaps. Hailed by the New York Times as “one of the country scene’s most multidimensional songwriters,” Boland would go on to sell more than half a million albums and collaborate with Shooter Jennings and Robert Earl Keen over the course of his career.

In 2024 alone, Boland and his band mounted a 30-date anniversary tour, released a live album Live From Cain’s Ballroom, and cemented their status as one of the pillars of the Red Dirt movement with “The Boys of Oklahoma” concerts which have sold over 180,000 tickets. Tour and ticket info at https://thestragglers.com. #JasonBolandTheStragglers

JASON ISBELL

JASON ISBELL has released his first entirely solo acoustic album, Foxes in the Snow, out now via his own Southeastern Records. Listen/play Foxes in the Snow here.

New albums and singles, tour info and more

Inside Track on Music Row: all new for March 2025

by Preshias Harris

SO much happening and SO much to catch up on! Tour updates for Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts and Vince Gill… new single releases from Brett Young, Craig Campbell, Runaway June, Annie Bosko, Bowman, Elle Rose and Dani Rose (no relation!)… Ashley Cooke teaming up for a duet with Joe Jonas… info on the 2025 Tin Pan South… and news about Tucker Wetmore, Cole Swindell, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Muscadine Bloodline, Allie Colleen, Lainey Wilson, Ringo Starr and more. Scroll down to read it all!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I started being a songwriter pretending I could do it, and it turned out I could.” – James Taylor

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

ALBUM NEWS

ALLIE COLLEEN

ALLIE COLLEEN, celebrated for her iconic voice and remarkable songwriting talent, kicks off the new year with the release of her five-song EP, Sincerely, Rolling Stone. “In a town filled with extraordinary talent, as a songwriter, I find it rare to work with a true artist who knows exactly who she is and what she wants to say. Allie Colleen is fearless in her artistry and is breaking molds inside of the country genre that will impact not only her career but the careers of artists to come after. She will be an influence beyond her generation giving future artists the courage to express themselves in new and inventive ways sonically, lyrically, and in performance,” expressed co-writer Stephen Hunley.

Allie’s first-ever release of a vinyl music project is available now as a limited edition for pre-sale here and is available for pre-save on all digital platforms here.

Allie Colleen conveys, “I wanted to return to my roots of creating—creating something that reflects how I feel. “I want to thank my songwriters, who sat with me in rooms this past year, letting me cry, be honest, and, most importantly, vent about a life others might give everything to have. Thank you for seeing me and allowing me to show up exactly as I am.” More at Allie Colleen’s website and on social media. #AllieColleen

MUSCADINE BLOODLINE

MUSCADINE BLOODLINE: Independent country duo Muscadine Bloodline confirms their fifth studio album, … And What Was Left Behind, will be released on April 11 on Stancaster Music via Thirty Tigers. Pre-order/Pre-save here. …And What Was Left Behind serves as a companion to the duo’s critically acclaimed The Coastal Plain, which was released last summer. Also unveiled today is the new song, “Chickasaw Church of Christ.” Listen here.

Produced by Muscadine Bloodline’s Gary Stanton and Charlie Muncaster with Ryan Youmans (known for his work with Jelly Roll, among others), …And What Was Left Behind continues to weave tales inspired by the people and scenery of their southern, coastal Alabama roots. Listen to the previously released track, “Ain’t For Sale” (feat. Josh Meloy), here.

The new album comes on the heels of a series of breakthroughs for the duo, including their biggest add week at country radio with their debut radio single, “10-90,” several shows as direct support on Post Malone’s “F-1 Trillion Tour” last year and numerous sold-out dates on their current headlining tour. The highly lauded duo are currently on their headlining “The Coastal Plain Tour” and will join fellow Alabamians The Red Clay Strays for select dates and will also join Lainey Wilson as direct support on her “Whirlwind World Tour” to kick off in the fall. Details and tickets at muscadinebloodline.com. #MuscadineBloodline

DUET NEWS

DUET NEWS: Big Loud’s powerhouse country songstress Ashley Cooke is teaming up with global superstar Joe Jonas for an unforgettable heartbreak anthem that cuts deep with “All I Forgot” feat. Joe Jonas, available now here. The emotionally-charged duet blends Cooke’s signature warmth with Jonas’ smooth pop charm for a gut-punching anthem about love, loss and the memories that refuse to fade at the bottom of a bottle. “We’ve had the best time creating this for you and truly cannot wait for you to hear it,” shared Cooke in an Instagram post this morning.

February ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ brings the love!

Inside Track on new albums, singles and tour updates

By Preshias Harris

February is for lovers… music lovers that is! And there’s plenty to love. Touring updates from Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson, Oak Ridge Boys, Dylan Scott and more. Read about hot singles from Lee Brice, Kane Brown, Larkin Poe, LOCASH and Walker Montgomery among others. There are new albums from LANCO, Craig Morgan, Tyler Rich, Six Gun Sally, Mary Chapin Carpenter… Keep reading for all that and more!

ALBUM NEWS

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER: “A Heart That Never Closes,” the new song from Mary Chapin Carpenter, Julie Fowlis and Karine Polwart, is out now. Listen/share here. The track is the latest unveiled from the trio’s first collaborative album, Looking For The Thread, released January 24 via Thirty Tigers (pre-order/pre-save here). In celebration of the project, the trio will play six shows in the U.K. in March including sold-out dates in Sunderland and Edinburgh. “An Evening with Mary Chapin Carpenter, Julie Fowlis, and Karine Polwart” will feature tracks from the new album, as well as songs from across their respective catalogues, accompanied by their transatlantic band. Full details can be found at www.marychapincarpenter.com.

Conceived in the remote west of Scotland and recorded at the renowned Real World studios, Looking For The Thread is a rich, resonant and unique record, one that supports and illuminates the core characteristics of each artist while bringing forth a powerful collective identity.

Produced by Bonny Light Horseman’s Josh Kaufman, Looking For The Thread is grounded in mutual respect stretching back decades, as Polwart and Fowlis are dedicated fans of Carpenter, while Carpenter, in turn, has long admired the pair. After first setting up a Dropbox to share ideas remotely, the three convened in January 2023 then headed north to a writing retreat at Kinlochmoidart House, where Looking For The Thread was born. #MaryChapinCarpenter

LANCO

LANCO: Good things come to those who wait. After seven years of anticipation, multi-Platinum selling band LANCO released their long-awaited sophomore album, We’re Gonna Make It, on Friday, January 17, 2025, via Riser House Records. The 14-track album features fan favorites such as “Low Class Lovers” and “Sound of a Saturday Night,” along with the recently released “We Grew Up Together,” featuring Grammy-nominated artist Cory Asbury. Get the album here.

Produced by Jay Joyce, Jared Conrad, and LANCO, We’re Gonna Make It follows the band’s award-winning debut album Hallelujah Nights (2018). Over the past seven years, the band has experienced significant personal and professional growth, which is reflected in the introspective and deeply relatable themes found throughout the new album. The number seven, often associated with insight, intuition, and wisdom, feels like a fitting symbol for this milestone in the band’s journey.

“We’ve poured our experiences, lessons, and emotions from the past few years into this album,” says lead vocalist Brandon Lancaster. “Life isn’t always sunny … but it’s all worth it for the sense of resilience that comes from making it through those tough times and creating an album that reflects our truth. Fans have been so patient with us while we crafted something that truly captures who we are today—fathers, husbands, sons, friends, and so much more.” Music, tour and ticket info at lancomusic.com. #LANCOmusic

CRAIG MORGAN

CRAIG MORGAN: Some people just know innately who they are and what they stand for. Within a few minutes of any interaction with Craig Morgan, it’s readily apparent God, family and country are his foundation. The Country Music hitmaker will continue to celebrate those pillars on his new EP, American Soundtrack, releasing February 28 on BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Pre-add/pre-save Craig Morgan’s American Soundtrack EP here. Morgan co-wrote all but one of the EP’s six tracks, and each song on American Soundtrack is infused with the singer and soldier’s faith and patriotism. The EP was produced by Phil O’Donnell and Craig Morgan.

Tucker Wetmore adds 17 dates to ‘Waves On A Sunset Tour’

Scores first No. 1 at Country Radio

By Preshias Harris

When Tucker Wetmore enters a room, he owns it. Over the past twelve months those rooms have been getting bigger, progressing from honky tonks to arenas and everything in between.

2024 saw Wetmore on tour with Kameron Marlowe and Luke Bryan and embarking on his first headlining Waves On A Sunset Tour 2024, named for his debut EP. Following an appearance as part of Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa fest in January, Wetmore is setting out on an additional 17 dates, extending the Waves tour to more US cities as well as several European stops. He’ll also be back on the road, joining Thomas Rhett as direct support.

Wetmore’s first two singles – “Wine Into Whiskey ” and “Wind Up Missin’ You” – received RIAA Platinum designation, with the latter also marking his first No. 1 on the Mediabase Country chart. As Billboard noted, Wetmore is “reaching career milestones at warp speed”.

Read my full story about Tucker Wetmore, his breakout hits and upcoming tour dates at the Preshias On The Row page at Center Stage Mag here.

My thanks to Olivia Hanceri at OH Creative for providing background info on Tucker Wetmore.

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