Walker Montgomery has some “Work To Do,” but the song of that same title is doing a lot of the heavy lifting for him as it impacts fans following its recent release.
However, Walker co-wrote “Work To Do” back in 2021. “Some buddies of mine, Adam Wood, Mark Irwin and me,” Walker told me when we met up during the 50th annual CMA Fest in Nashville. “We just got in the writing room and Adam had this idea which was, ‘whiskey’s got some work to do’ and he already had some stuff worked up. I was like, ‘dadgum, that’s cool!’ We knew we wanted to write it, but we didn’t know the angle which we wanted to write it as.”
It quickly became apparent, as the write progressed, that “Work To Do” would be a ‘breakup’ song with lyrics such as: “Yeah tonight this bottle better roll up its sleeves / Cause neither one of us is gonna get any sleep / I’m on the rocks / So he’s on the clock / Until the job gets through / When the weekend rolls around I get to missing you / So this whiskey’s got some work to do.”
Play / stream / download “Work To Do” here. And… Pre-add / pre-save Walker’s new song “Lonely For a Livin'” (released June 23) here.
Album features Craig Morgan, Michael Ray, Darryl Worley
By Preshias Harris
When Jeff Carson passed away suddenly from a heart attack on March 26, he was working on a new project alongside producer (and former Toto member) Buddy Hyatt. Jeff is known for ‘90s hits such as “The Car” and “Not On Your Love” among the fourteen singles on the Billboard country charts.
Prior to that success, he had paid his dues, playing guitar with bands in Branson, Missouri and – after moving to Nashville – at the Opryland Hotel before signing with Curb Records in 1994. And now comes a bittersweet moment in Jeff Carson’s story: the posthumous release (on May 12, 2023) of his final album, 448, originally intended to be the next chapter in his musical life. Read my article about the album at Center Stage Mag here.
Disenchanted with the music industry, he withdrew from the business and changed direction, joining the Franklin, Tennessee, police department as a full-time officer in 2009. But he could not entirely distance himself from the music and he signed with Encore Music Group in 2021.
The album is poignantly titled 448 which was Jeff’s badge number as a serving police officer. 448 includes nine re-recordings of Jeff’s favorite songs and features friends Darryl Worley, Michael Ray and Craig Morgan. Find 448here.
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
Combines twin passions with new single, upcoming EP
by Preshias Harris
Bryan Ruby grew up with two passions that have stayed with him to this day: baseball and country music, as we discussed in my interview posted at Center Stage Mag.
An outstanding athlete, he played baseball throughout his school years in Pennsylvania. But when he went on to higher education it was on a vocal music scholarship at Vassar College in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Even so, Bryan led his college team to First Team All-Conference honors and went on to play pro baseball in the USA and overseas.
Now he makes Nashville his home as a singer-songwriter, and we met up during Country Radio Seminar (CRS). He talked about his new, just-released single, “Baseball Country”, his musical influences and his 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, Proud To Be In Baseball, that supports LBGTQ kids who want to play baseball.
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
Dallas and co-writer honor “Uncommon Man” farmer dads
By Preshias Harris
Dallas Remington and her co-writer Courtney Bumbacher both grew up in farming families and they know farmers are often America’s ‘unsung heroes.’ Together they wrote “Uncommon Man” – even calling their farmer dads while in the writing session to be sure they captured the right phrasing.
I caught up with Dallas during this year’s Country Radio Seminar and you can read the full interview at Center Stage Mag here.
Dallas also told me the story behind the song “Steal Your Dad” and how it racked up thousands of views almost instantly on Tik Tok. “A lot of people like the goofy songs,” she told me.
In the interview, she also shares the reason she decided to record a ‘countryfied’ version of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” Check out the “Preshias On The Row” section at CenterStageMag.com for more stories and interviews.
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
David Adam Byrnes came to Nashville from his native Arkansas seeking success as a singer-songwriter. But it wasn’t until he left Nashville that he found success.
That success came to him in Texas where it felt “just like a glove that fit perfectly,” as he said, in an interview with me during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in March. He found a true connection with the culture and the music in the Lone Star State – and an audience that embraced his genuine love of traditional country music.
In the interview, Byrnes told me that, as a songwriter in Nashville, he seemed to be on the edge of success when five songs he had penned were on hold or about to be released by recording artists. But all those potential cuts evaporated, forcing him to reevaluate his career path.
You can read my full interview with David Adam Byrnes at Center Stage Mag here. He talks about how that potential career-end became a golden opportunity with a string of No. 1 hits in Texas and a new album, Keep Up With a Cowgirl. #DavidAdamByrnes
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
Seasoned road warriors talk about their new single
by Preshias Harris
Southbound 75have been described as “Old Dominion meets Maroon 5” which may be true but does not quite encompass their wildly popular live shows.
As seasoned road warriors – hence the band’s name – they entertain audiences all across the country. They stood still long enough to talk to me in Nashville during Country Radio Seminar (CRS).
We talked about their just-released single, “That Summer” (Brown Lee Ent/Sony Orchard) — an upbeat song about living in the moment — and about their life on the road. They even revealed their “gotta-go-to” eatery when they are burning up the miles between gigs!
Read my full interview with Southbound 75 in the Preshias on the Row section of Center Stage Magazine here.
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
Twangy honky-tonker blends ’90s country with contemporary sound
By Preshias Harris
How about a song with a vibe and storyline that feel like Dukes of Hazzard meets Urban Cowboy? Intrigued? Well, that’s howAndy Pursell describes his new single.
Pursell, a Florida-based singer-songwriter and indie country recording artist (Southern Dreams Ent.) has announced the scheduled release of his newest tune “Right Amount of Wrong.” Written by Ryan Griffin and Terry Dennis, and produced by Mark Dreyer, the track will be available via all digital retail outlets and streaming platforms Friday, March 17, 2023. (Presale/pre-save event begins March 3, 2023. Presale / Pre-save here. )
Recorded at Studio 23 Lakeside Recording in Nashville, the single features instrumental performances by award-winning, A-list musicians, including four-time ACM “Steel Guitarist of the Year,” Mike Johnson (Jason Aldean/Carrie Underwood/Jon Pardi/George Strait/Willie Nelson/Merle Haggard), Kevin Grant (Willie Nelson/Merle Haggard/Colt Ford/Josh Turner) and Mike Rojas (George Strait/Tim McGraw/Brett Eldredge).
‘Inside Track on Music Row’ posted and ready to read
Check out the current edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, now posted here at Nashville Music Guide. A lot of ‘must read’ stuff this month, including…
Details on Dierks Bentley‘s new 14-track album, Gravel & Gold, set for release Feb 24…
Sunny Sweeney‘s new album, Married Alone, blurring the lines between Texas Country and Nashville Americana…
Memory Lane (Sampler) is the title of the new project from Old Dominion that they co-produced with hit songwriter Shane McAnally…
CMT has announced the sixteen new artists that will be the Class of 2023 for the 10th Anniversary CMT Women of Country…
Alana Springsteen has released a single from her debut album, Twenty Something, a three-part collection documenting the heartache, excitement, and immense transformation of early adulthood…
Colton Dixon‘s No. 1 hit “Build A Boat” is back again in a brand-new version: “Build A Boat (feat Gabby Barrett).” Dixon and Barrett are fellow American Idol alums…
Indie artist Andy Pursell is gearing up to release his newest tune, “Right Amount of Wrong,” produced by Mark Dreyer, March 17 via all digital and streaming platforms…
Mitchell Tenpenny will be touring overseas for the first time in March, playing dates in Europe and Australia…
Take listen to Chris Janson‘s new single “All I Need Is You,” a song that unravels what really matters in Life…
In May 2023, the Johnny Cash Museum will celebrate its tenth anniversary as a staple of Nashville, country music and Johnny Cash culture…
Check out “Drinkaby,” the new single from multi-Platinum Cole Swindell from his upcoming deluxe album Stereotype Broken, due April 28…
Find the details about tickets and venues for Tin Pan South; 100 shows and 400+ performances, March 28 through April 1, 2023…
Plus news about Dolly Parton, The Grand Ole Opry, Jelly Role Keith Burns, HARDY, Chris Young, Gabby Barrett, Chris Clark, ERNEST, T.G. Sheppard, Cody Johnson, Elvie Shane, tour news, music video news and so much more. Find it all here at Nashville Music Guide.
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available here. Follow her blog and read her regular ‘Preshias On The Row’ news stories at Center Stage Magazine.
Now it’s really beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! Music will always be part of Christmas and certain songs instantly conjure up childhood memories that stay with us throughout our lives. Here’s a roundup of some Christmas music news that might create some new memories for you and your family. Scroll down for info on Opry Country Christmas, O.N.E. The Duo, Mikayla Lane, Craig Campbell, Drew Aldridge, Chris Isaak and Opry NextStage.
Opry Country Christmas returns to Grand Ole Opry House
The Grand Ole Opry® has kicked off Nashville’s newest holiday tradition with the return of Opry Country Christmas at the Grand Ole Opry House. Hosted by Grammy®-winning Opry member Larry Gatlin, Opry Country Christmas will showcase songs of the holiday season, running on select dates through Dec. 22. Each show features Opry members The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett and Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy. Other Opry members, special guests, and spotlight artists will round out the shows made up of artists’ original songs and timeless Christmas favorites. Spotlight Artists for this year’s run include Lauren Alaina (Dec. 1), Scotty McCreery (Dec. 4), Steven Curtis Chapman (Dec. 8); Chris Janson (Dec. 11), Josh Turner and Chris Young (Dec 15), Lorrie Morgan (Dec. 21), and Ricky Skaggs (Dec. 22). Additional artists scheduled for various Opry Country Christmas shows include John Berry, Jason Crabb, Louise Mandrell, Kathy Mattea, Jeannie Seely, and Rhonda Vincent. Tickets are on-sale now here starting at $55.00.
“Happy Holiday With Me” from mom/daughter duo
O.N.E. The Duo
O.N.E The Duo, Music City’s own mother-daughter Country/Americana duo (Tekitha and Prana Supreme), are ringing in the Christmas spirit with “Happy Holiday With Me,” via a new music video out now. Inspired by Mariah Carey’s iconic “All I Want For Christmas Is You” video, the clip is reminiscent of a vintage candid home video. The song can also be found on their new holiday EP O.N.E Very Merry Christmas, available here. “Christmas, and the holiday season in general, is my favorite time of year and that’s really what I wanted to capture for this video. Growing up, my family didn’t really celebrate Christmas in the traditional way, so it was fun to create those moments for this song,” says Prana Supreme — daughter of Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA and Wu-Tang vocalist Tekitha — who wrote “Happy Holiday With Me” with her mom, Nash Overstreet, and Shane Stevens. Directed by Brandon Vestal, the festive clip features the duo celebrating some of their favorite Christmas traditions like baking apple pie together, while Ron Zamber (Chairman and Founding Partner, Visionary Media Group and Private Equity Group Partner) makes a cameo as Santa Claus. More info here.
Included in Nashville Music Guide’s 2022 Holiday issue
It’s that time again! Where did 2022 go?! Check out the current edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, now posted as part of the 2022 Holiday Guide at Nashville Music Guide. Inside Track on Music Row is the longest continuously-running country music column in America. Read the entire issue and find the column on pages 33 through 39.
In the column you’ll find news items on Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, Randy Rogers Band, Chris Tomlin, Jason Crabb, Christmas 4 Kids, CMA Country Christmas, Caylee Hammack, Cole Swindell, Flat River Band, Billy Strings, Jacob Bryant, Average Joe’s, Eddie Montgomery, Elvie Shane, Cody Johnson, One Spark Entertainment, Jeannie Seely, Graciela, Allie Colleen, William Lee Golden, Kentucky Headhunters, Mandy Barnett, Luke Combs, Brett Young, Drew Aldridge, Ashley Cooke, Tucker Beathard, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Paulina Jayne, Jenny Tolman and more!
Find the 2022 Holiday issue of Nashville Music Guidehere.
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available here. Follow her blog and read her regular ‘Preshias On The Row’ news stories at Center Stage Magazine.
