Nashville Music Archives - Page 2 of 31

2025’s Must-Hear Country Christmas Releases and much more

Christmas music is just the beginning. Country music news you can use

By Preshias Harris

The bells are jingling and the reindeer are getting hitched up to the sleigh, so it must be December! We have a Santa’s sackload of music news: albums, singles, Holiday music, tour updates and much more from Trace Adkins, Drew Baldridge & Mickey Guyton, Brooks & Dunn, Trey Calloway, Craig Campbell, Bandana Cheyenna, Randy Cobb, Russell Dickerson, ERNEST, Lady A, Lewis Brice, T. Graham Brown, Hayden Haddock, Huneyfire, Greylan James, Brian Kelley, Brandon Lake, Tracy Lawrence, Tori Martin, Megan Moroney, RaeLynn, Tori Rose, JD Shelburne & Crystal Gayle, T.G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang, Kurt Alan Shobe, Nate Smith & Tyler Hubbard, Billy Strings, Meghan Trainor, Zach Top, Wynn Williams, Lainey Wilson and more. Scroll down and catch up!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “If a song can’t be written in 20 minutes, it ain’t worth writing.” – Hank Williams

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. – Luke 2:11

ALBUM & EP NEWS

ERNEST

ERNEST: In late November ERNEST released his seven song project Live From The South – a cohesive piece built on Southern imagery and lyrical craftsmanship (listen / play here). This follows his recognition at the BMI Awards as a creative force behind BMI Song of the Year, Post Malone’s all genre No. 1 smash “I Had Some Help” feat. Morgan Wallen. He also packed Ryman Auditorium earlier in November for two consecutive headliners with star-studded guests.

“I’m excited to get these seven songs out,” shares the hitmaker. “They are just the first seven songs on a bigger body of work. These songs felt like something that needed to get out into the world before the year is over with. Something to get us through the winter. A lot of summertime music around the corner. We’re live from the South.”

Guitar-picking, fiddle and pedal steel sonically define Live From The South, produced by ERNEST and Jacob Durrett. The new collection reflects ERNEST’s growth as an artist and comfortability in his own shoes – reveling in gratitude: family ties, simple faith, making a life for yourself. Collaborating with his inner circle, Live From The South features co-writes with Rhett Akins, Mark Holman, ERN’s Cadillac Music signees Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden, Rhys Rutherford and more.

More information, music and tour tickets at ernestofficial.com; follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

WYNN WILLIAMS

WYNN WILLIAMS: Independent recording artist Wynn Williams is set to release his new album, Country Therapy Deluxe. Building on the success of the original Country Therapy album (listen/play here) released in August 2025, the Deluxe Edition project (due Friday, December 5, 2025) beams with neo-traditional tunes showcasing Williams’ kinship with classic country and iconic sounds, reimagined recordings of fan favorites and his top streaming songs, “Denver To Dallas” and “She Ain’t You,” and a vocal collaboration with fellow Texan Randall King on the track “Here For the Beer.”

Produced by Brandon Hood, the collection of 15 recordings showcases the songwriting prowess of a stellar lineup of country music luminaries and Hall of Famers–including Carson Chamberlain (George Strait/Alan Jackson/Zach Top), Dean Dillon (George Strait/Kenny Chesney/Keith Whitley), Rhett Akins (Brooks & Dunn/Luke Bryan/Parker McCollum), Lydia Vaughn (Jason Aldean), Josh Dorr (Blake Shelton/Jordan Davis), Chris Stapleton (George Strait/Kenny Chesney/Josh Turner) and Jon Pardi. Compositions spotlight the delicate musical interpretation of three-time Academy of Country Music Keyboard/Piano Player of the Year, Gordon Mote.

Classic to Williams’ authentic signature, the Deluxe collection boasts old-school country instrumentation and Texas twang, chock-full of heartfelt ballads, shuffles, two-steppers, line-dance, heartbreak, and good-timin’ drinkin’ tunes. Find Wynn Williams tour info here; follow on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

BLUEGRASS NEWS

*PHOTO: Billy Strings. Photo credit: Dana Trippe*

BLUEGRASS NEWS: 2025 has been a landmark year for Billy Strings, whose most recent full-length album, Highway Prayers, is nominated for Best Bluegrass Album at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. Produced by Strings and Jon Brion (Fiona Apple, Mac Miller, Aimee Mann) and released via Reprise Records, the album debuted at #1 on Billboard’s all-genre Top Album Sales Chart—the first bluegrass album in 22 years to do so—and continues to receive widespread acclaim. Listen to Highway Prayers here.

Grand Ole Opry celebrates 100th Anniversary with gala shows

More than 15,000 broadcasts from the Unbroken Circle

By Preshias Harris

*The cast takes the stage November 28, 2025, to celebrate the show’s 100th Anniversary. Photo credit: Rachael Black © Grand Ole Opry*

Can it really be 100 years? Is it truly a full century since that first show was broadcast over the airwaves from the WSM radio studio in Nashville? On Saturday, November 28, 1925, announcer George D. Hay stood at the microphone and introduced 77-year-old Uncle Jimmy Thompson who sat down and entertained radio listeners with tunes played on his fiddle.

That show was titled WSM Barn Dance but by 1927 became better known by the name familiar to country music fans around the world: The Grand Ole Opry.

*Announcer George D. Hay, at the mic, introduces a (nervous-looking) Uncle Jimmy Thompson. Photo © Grand Ole Opry*

WSM had only been on the air since October 5, 2025, owned by the National Life and Accident Insurance Company that chose WSM as their call letters to promote their company slogan, “We Shield Millions.” By 1932, WSM was also reaching millions with a power boost to 50,000 watts at 650 kHz on the radio dial, as Tennessee’s only ‘clear channel’ allocation, heard by much of the United States after sundown.

Fast forward through the decades to November 28, 2025, as The Grand Ole Opry celebrated the 100th anniversary of its inaugural broadcast with two shows and more than 25 Opry members commemorating 100 years since that single fiddle tune launched a legacy which now includes over 15,000 broadcasts, countless stars, millions of fans, and one enduring unbroken circle.

Fittingly, the show ran on the Opry’s flagship radio station, WSM, and also aired on SiriusXM as well as around the world via livestream on Opry social media on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

*Ricky Skaggs plays “Tennessee Wagoner” on the fiddle used by Uncle Jimmy Thompson 100 years previously. Photo credit: Rachael Black © Grand Old Opry*

In a poignant moment, Ricky Skaggs (Opry member since 1982) opened the show with a performance of “Tennessee Wagoner,” while playing the very fiddle with which Uncle Jimmy Thompson started it all, exactly 100 years ago. The night’s cast of more than 25 Opry members appeared on stage as Skaggs kicked off the show.

Former longtime Opry executive EW “Bud” Wendell raised the curtain to kick off the Opry’s 100th Anniversary night. At the age of 98, Mr. Wendell is only two years younger than the Opry itself and is the oldest member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

At the top of the show, Vince Gill (Opry member since 1991) introduced and played the new exclusive Opry 100 guitar that Martin Guitars designed for the centennial anniversary and in celebration of all the music to be made in the future on the Opry, marking the first time this limited-edition guitar has ever been played publicly.

*Vince Gill debuts the Martin Guitars Opry 100 guitar during the show. Photo credit: Rachael Black © Grand Ole Opry*

Then the hits – and the stars – just kept on coming.

Nashville Songwriter Awards again show why this is truly Music City

Nashville Songwriter Awards fill Ryman Auditorium with music and memories

By Preshias Harris and Kayla Slater

The 2025 Nashville Songwriter Awards, held traditionally in September, is always an opportunity to recognize the best of the best, and this year’s event was no exception. In addition to naming the Songwriter of the Year and Songwriter-Artist of the Year, other presentations included the Song of the Year Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Legendary Song Award and the President’s Keystone Award, as well as the unique Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written Awards. The event was staged by Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) at the famed Ryman Auditorium and presented by City National Bank.

Such a great evening, and you can read my full story about the Awards (and some of the red carpet interviews that my colleague Kayla Slater and I carried out) here at Center Stage Magazine.

*2025 Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley (left) meets up on the red carpet with Alabama’s Randy Owen. Photo Kayla Slater*

The Song of the Year Award went to Josh Phillips for his solo-write (something of a rarity these days) of “Dirt Cheap” recorded by Cody Johnson. Phillips had written the song with Luke Combs in mind, but when Combs chose not to cut it, Phillips passed it on to Cody Johnson. The song, produced by Trent Willmon, peaked at No. 5 on Country Airplay and No. 14 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs.

*Josh Phillips (left) receives the Song of the Year Award for “Dirt Cheap” presented to him by NSAI Board President Lee Thomas Miller. Photo: Jason Davis/NSAI*

Ashley Gorley was named Songwriter of the Year for the fourth consecutive year and nine years in total (so far!) – an unparalleled achievement – in the same year as he was elevated to the national Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in NYC. Tyler Hubbard performed “Park” (written by Gorley, Hubbard, Jesse Frasure and Canaan Smith), and Dylan Scott performed “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” (written by Gorley, Scott, John Byron, Charlie Handsome and Taylor Phillips).

Country music fans: here’s your ‘Inside Track on Music Row’!

September 2025 ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ with new albums, singles, tour updates and more!

By Preshias Harris

This September is a real treat for Country fans! Keep reading for news about new music from Kevin Denney, Russell Dickerson, Janie Fricke, Marcy Grace, Riley Green, HARDY, Walker Montgomery, The Band Perry, Margo Price, John Rich, Tyler Rich, Scott Teasley, Zach Top, Maddye Trew, Stephen Williams Jr., Wynn Williams, duet releases from Colbie Caillet & Lee Brice and Carín León & Kacey Musgraves, Noah Thompson’s tour update, John Michael Montgomery’s farewell concert, Old Dominionin Las Vegas, Reba McEntire’s new video… it’s all here in this edition of America’s longest-running monthly country music column, Inside Track on Music Row!

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: Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him. – Psalm 147:1

ALBUM & EP NEWS

THE BAND PERRY

THE BAND PERRY has released their remastered self-titled debut album The Band Perry (Play/download here). The album, originally released in 2010, went Platinum and sold over one million copies in the United States.

Rising to fame with multi-platinum hits like “If I Die Young,” “Better Dig Two,” and “DONE.,” the Grammy-winning trio earned critical and commercial acclaim, selling two and a half million albums, 12 million singles, racking up over 1 billion streams, earning multiple CMA, ACM, and CMT Music Awards, and six No. 1 Country singles.

“If I Die Young” is 9X Platinum, won 2011 CMA Song and Single of the Year awards respectively, earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Song, spent 53 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and topped both the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Hot AC charts.

Recently, the band announced their official return to Country music. The new lineup for the family band is Reid Perry, Kimberly Perry, and Johnny Costello. Last month, The Band Perry re-signed to original label home, Big Machine Label Group via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, launching their next chapter with the team who started it all. The band also announced a new management partnership with Make Wake Artists. Tour dates, music and more at TheBandPerry.co; follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTubeand Spotify.

RUSSELL DICKERSON

RUSSELL DICKERSON: Multi-Platinum chart-topper and entertainer Russell Dickerson has spent the last decade chasing the dream of becoming a household name—while never losing sight of what matters most: being “famous” within the four walls of his own home. Now, with the release of his fourth studio album, Famous Back Home (stream/play here), Dickerson sets his sights even higher. Co-produced with longtime collaborator Josh Kerr, and featuring contributions from Casey Brown and Chris LaCorte, the project blends the heartfelt authenticity fans have always embraced with the raw, electric energy of his live shows—marking a bold new chapter in one of country music’s most dynamic careers. Showcasing his fearless evolution as both an artist and storyteller, Famous Back Home captures who Dickerson is at his core: a hitmaker, husband, father, and proud hometown hero.

“This album means so much to me,” explains Dickerson. “I poured my heart into every song, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. In many ways, it’s a thank-you letter to the people who believed in me from the very beginning. I hope it serves as a reminder that no matter how far you go, the truest kind of ‘famous’ is found in those who’ve known you all along.”

Dickerson was recently honored with an RIAA Gold certification for his recent chart-topping single “Happen To Me.” More at RussellDickerson.com, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

JANIE FRICKE

JANIE FRICKE: Two-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year, Janie Fricke, has made three rare albums available for streaming for the first time ever through StarVista Music: Bouncin’ Back (2000), Tributes to My Heroes (2003) and Roses & Lace (2008). Fricke originally recorded these albums as limited pressings to take on tour, and is now releasing them digitally to adapt to the way music is shared. For the first time, fans can stream these songs that were never previously available digitally. Stream Bouncin’ Back here; stream Tributes to My Heroes here; stream Roses & Lace here.

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.