Kelleigh Bannen Debuts ‘Apple Music Nashville Sessions’ EP

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Photo: Courtesy of Apple Music

Kelleigh Bannen has partnered with Apple Music for an exclusive EP, Apple Music Nashville Sessions: Kelleigh Bannen.

Recorded in Nashville, this exclusive session includes performances of her 2019 fan favorite “Happy Birthday,” Eric Church’s “Smoke a Little Smoke,” The Red Clay Strays’ “Wondering Why” and “Nothing On” featuring Drake White, a new take on her February 2025 duet with Lady A’s Charles Kelley.

“This session was something I wanted to do for myself and for my daughters. After my oldest daughter was born, I had a really hard time getting my power back as a singer. I was in a vulnerable place. Being pregnant with our second daughter opened up all those insecurities again,” says Bannen. “With the help of my friend Jason Lehning, I was able to surround myself with an incredible foundation of vocalists. Recording this session, especially with this band, was one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had. At the end of the day, I want my daughters to see me taking risks, working hard for a dream. That’s exactly what this project felt like.”

A Nashville native, Bannen is a singer, songwriter, and host of Today’s Country Radio and her eponymous show on Apple Music Country.

Each featured song was picked for the project by Bannen.

“‘Happy Birthday’ is one of those songs that got away from me. It’s my favorite song I’ve ever written, and I wanted to give it another look. I loved that we had the chance to really spotlight the harmonies on this version. Eric Church is one of the greats of this generation, as a risk taker, creative, and songwriter. I admire him so much. It was a blast to do a version of ‘Smoke a Little Smoke’ and just let it be loose and fun,” Bannen shares.

She continues, “‘Wondering Why’ by The Red Clay Strays is one of those songs I immediately sent to all my girlfriends saying, ‘You have to listen to this!’ You’re in the middle of the story from the first line. We kept the ‘she’s’ in the lyrics and sang it like a love song to my friend group. My girls keep me afloat and champion me like no one else, this one’s a love letter to them. Drake White brought so much texture and soul to [“Nothing On”]. I love his voice and am obsessed with how it turned out.”

The full EP is available now.

Lauryn Sink
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