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 Phillipsfor 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).
Inside Track on new albums, singles, videos, songwriter awards and more!
By Preshias Harris
It’s finally Fall – and here’s what you need to know about new music from Drew Baldridge, Dierks Bentley, Luke Combs, Matt Cooper, Daniella Cotton, Colt Ford, Charles Wesley Godwin, Vince Gill, HARDY, Joy Holden, Trace Nixon, Kody Norris, Thomas Rhett, Runaway June, Lauren Watkins, Tucker Wetmore – plus ‘listen/play’ links to the albums and singles and more. It’s all here, so keep scrolling!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I wrote [Every Rose Has Its Thorns] in a mini-Winnebago outside a honky-tonk in Dallas, where we had played to maybe 50 or 100 people. I came back to the bus, me and my girl at the time had broken up and it just sparked me. Music saved my life.” -Bret Michaels of Poison, speaking of the group’s 1988 Number One hit in an interview with USA Today.
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: I can do everything through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13
ALBUM & EP NEWS
DIERKS BENTLEY
DIERKS BENTLEY: Following a summer packed with standout performances and fan-favorite collaborations, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Dierks Bentley is expanding his 11th studio album with Broken Branches Extended, released October 3. Bentley continues to grow his signature blend of against-the-grain creative courage, offering two brand new tracks, including the rowdy standout “IYKYK” and the driving, dobro-laced “All Night to Figure It Out.” Listen/save Broken Branches Extended here.
The punchy foot-stomper “IYKYK” comes out swinging with a spirited mandolin riff, courtesy of Charlie Worsham, that hits like a honky tonk anthem on overdrive. With lyrical nods to fiddle, steel guitar, Natty Light and Friday nights, Bentley leans into a defiant celebration of the country way of life—one that doesn’t need explaining if you already live it. Meanwhile, “All Night to Figure It Out” sets the (acoustic) mood for a little romantic research. Burning with slow-grooving, stomp-and-clap desire, the dobro-drenched jangle rocker features a loose, casual sway, with Bentley’s easy vocal in no hurry for the moment to end.
The two new tracks join Broken Branches’ original 11. Rooted in raw honesty and storytelling, the album embraces life’s outliers and underdogs with songs about resilience, change, and connection. Praised for its “distinctive and daring sound” (Esquire), the original collection features a cross-generational lineup of collaborators—including John Anderson, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, and Stephen Wilson Jr. More at Dierks.com, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
LUKE COMBS
LUKE COMBS: Global superstar Luke Combs released The Prequel, a new 3-song EP, October 3 via Sony Music Nashville— listen-save here. Produced by Combs and Chip Matthews, The Prequel features “My Kinda Saturday Night,” which is already highly anticipated by fans after being teased online, as well as “15 Minutes” and “Days Like These.”
Of the project, Combs shares, “Still working on my new album that’ll be out early next year, but 3 songs from it are ready now and I couldn’t wait to get y’all some new music, so I’m releasing them this Friday, October 3 as The Prequel. Songs will be ‘Days Like These,’ ‘15 Minutes’ and ‘My Kinda Saturday Night,’ which next year’s tour will be named after. I’ll have more news on that very soon.”
The release adds to yet another monumental year for Combs, who recently made history as the first country artist ever to headline both Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. Additionally, Combs released his latest single, “Back in the Saddle,” earlier this summer, which is currently #8 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and rising. Combs is a multi-diamond, award-winning artist from Asheville, NC. In the midst of yet another triumphant year, Combs is nominated for three awards at the 2025 CMA Awards. Tour updates at LukeCombs.com and TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.
COLT FORD
COLT FORD: Country music trailblazer Colt Ford has announced the release of his brand-new album, Little Out There, available everywhere on November 7, 2025 (pre-save here) via Average Joes Entertainment. The project marks Ford’s first full-length release since his near-fatal heart attack in April 2024 – a powerful comeback story underscored by resilience, passion, and a renewed creative fire.
Along with the album announcement, the multi-platinum artist dropped a new single, “Country AF” featuring Jay Webb, available now on all streaming platforms. The rowdy, unapologetic anthem channels Ford’s signature country swagger, blending hip-hop energy, Southern grit, and sharp lyricism––penned by Michael Hardy, Jaren Johnston, and Jesse Frasure.
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.”
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.
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 album cover artwork credit: Erik Thor Sandberg
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.”
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 60th 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 18th 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.
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.
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 8th 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
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
The winner of The Voice Season 22, Bryce Leatherwood, threw a launch party for his self-titled new project on May 12. The venue was Odie’s (named for country supergroup Old Dominion) but the star attraction was definitely Bryce Leatherwood himself, taking the stage like a whirlwind, treating attendees to the entire album backed by a live band. Read my report at Center Stage Magazine here.
Walker Montgomery (left) joins Bryce Leatherwood on stage at Odie’s in Nashville. Photo: Preshias Harris
Invited fans mingled with folks from the media and music biz to hear live renditions of familiar tunes (“Where The Bar Is,” “Hung Up On You”) and new songs, all of which are part of Leatherwood’s new project.
Bryce Leatherwood. Photo: UMGN/MCA
Click here to read my report on Bryce Leatherwood’s album launch event, posted at the always informative Center Stage Magazine, where you can also find previous ‘Preshias On The Row’ posts and a whole lot more.
Bryce Leatherwood and band on stage at Odie’s. Photo: Preshias Harris
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
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 (Photo: Tanner Gallagher)
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.
