Steve Martin and Alison Brown. Photo: Beth Herzhaft
Steve Martin and Alison Brown are joining forces on a new album, Safe, Sensible and Sane, due out Oct. 17 from Compass Records. A first taste of the collaborative new project, “Dear Time,” featuring Jackson Browne with Jeff Hanna, is out now.
“Dear Time” is a soul-baring letter to time itself, striking a powerful balance of light-hearted humor and wistful sincerity with lyrics by Martin and featuring harmony vocals from Hanna, who was Browne’s former bandmate during his brief stint in the first iteration of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. A video for the new tune was filmed at LA’s iconic Troubadour, where both Martin and Jackson Browne launched their careers in the ’60s during a historic period in that music scene, and where Brown later performed as a rising SoCal teen bluegrasser.
The album also features other special guests including Vince Gill, the Indigo Girls, Tim O’Brien, Jason Mraz, Della Mae and more, and includes standouts like the recently released “5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” featuring O’Brien which is nominated for Song of the Year, Collaborative Performance of the Year, and Music Video of the Year at this year’s International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards, where Brown also picked up a nomination for Banjo Player of the Year.
Additional high points include “New Cluck Old Hen,” which reimagines a century-old Appalachian banjo tune and features the all-female bluegrass powerhouse Della Mae, “Michael” (feat. Aoife O’Donovan with Sarah Jarosz), a bittersweet reverie adorned with the breezy rhythms of bossa nova, and harmony-fueled track “Money When You’re Old” (feat. Indigo Girls).
In shaping the album’s intricately detailed but freewheeling sound, Brown and Martin worked with over two dozen renowned players, including Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, Molly Tuttle and Sierra Hull.
“With the banjo, there are so many styles you can work with, but Alison and I both have an ear for its more melodic, melancholy aspect,” Martin shares. “We got together and played music for days, and ended up making a record where our entire banjo histories coalesce.”
“We didn’t start off by saying, ‘Let’s make an album,’” Brown shares. “We were just having a good time writing songs, and at some point we realized we’d written enough to gather them all together and put a bow on it. There was a joy and ease and sense of fun to the whole process, and now hopefully everyone who listens will share that joy.”
Brown and Martin have each earned accolades for their contributions to banjo music: Brown made history as the first-ever female musician to win an instrumentalist of the year prize at the IBMA Awards (where she was named Banjo Player of the Year in 1991), while Martin received the IBMA’s Entertainer of the Year award in 2011. In 2010, Martin launched the Steve Martin Banjo Prize, which has awarded more than $500,000 to banjo players, with past recipients including Rhiannon Giddens and Jake Blount. Also a longtime co-chair for the Steve Martin Banjo Prize, Brown co-founded the roots-music label Compass Records in 1995. Brown and Martin are set to co-host the International Bluegrass Music Awards next month in Chattanooga.
Safe, Sensible, and Sane Track List:
1. “Friend of Mine”
2. “5 Days Out” (feat. Tim O’Brien)
3. “New Cluck Old Hen” (feat. Della Mae)
4. “Michael” (feat. Aoife O’Donovan with Sarah Jarosz)
5. “Evening Star” (feat. McGoldrick/McCusker/Doyle)
6. “Statement of Your Affairs” (feat. Jason Mraz)
7. “Dear Time” (Prelude)
8. “Dear Time” (feat. Jackson Browne with Jeff Hanna)
9. “Girl, Have Money When You’re Old” (feat. Indigo Girls)
10. “Bluegrass Radio”
11. “Wall Guitar (Since You Said Goodbye)” (feat. Vince Gill)
12. “Let’s Get Out of Here”
Steve Martin & Alison Brown Stay ‘Safe, Sensible And Sane’ On New Collab Project
/by Lorie HollabaughSteve Martin and Alison Brown. Photo: Beth Herzhaft
Steve Martin and Alison Brown are joining forces on a new album, Safe, Sensible and Sane, due out Oct. 17 from Compass Records. A first taste of the collaborative new project, “Dear Time,” featuring Jackson Browne with Jeff Hanna, is out now.
“Dear Time” is a soul-baring letter to time itself, striking a powerful balance of light-hearted humor and wistful sincerity with lyrics by Martin and featuring harmony vocals from Hanna, who was Browne’s former bandmate during his brief stint in the first iteration of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. A video for the new tune was filmed at LA’s iconic Troubadour, where both Martin and Jackson Browne launched their careers in the ’60s during a historic period in that music scene, and where Brown later performed as a rising SoCal teen bluegrasser.
The album also features other special guests including Vince Gill, the Indigo Girls, Tim O’Brien, Jason Mraz, Della Mae and more, and includes standouts like the recently released “5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” featuring O’Brien which is nominated for Song of the Year, Collaborative Performance of the Year, and Music Video of the Year at this year’s International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards, where Brown also picked up a nomination for Banjo Player of the Year.
Additional high points include “New Cluck Old Hen,” which reimagines a century-old Appalachian banjo tune and features the all-female bluegrass powerhouse Della Mae, “Michael” (feat. Aoife O’Donovan with Sarah Jarosz), a bittersweet reverie adorned with the breezy rhythms of bossa nova, and harmony-fueled track “Money When You’re Old” (feat. Indigo Girls).
In shaping the album’s intricately detailed but freewheeling sound, Brown and Martin worked with over two dozen renowned players, including Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, Molly Tuttle and Sierra Hull.
“With the banjo, there are so many styles you can work with, but Alison and I both have an ear for its more melodic, melancholy aspect,” Martin shares. “We got together and played music for days, and ended up making a record where our entire banjo histories coalesce.”
“We didn’t start off by saying, ‘Let’s make an album,’” Brown shares. “We were just having a good time writing songs, and at some point we realized we’d written enough to gather them all together and put a bow on it. There was a joy and ease and sense of fun to the whole process, and now hopefully everyone who listens will share that joy.”
Brown and Martin have each earned accolades for their contributions to banjo music: Brown made history as the first-ever female musician to win an instrumentalist of the year prize at the IBMA Awards (where she was named Banjo Player of the Year in 1991), while Martin received the IBMA’s Entertainer of the Year award in 2011. In 2010, Martin launched the Steve Martin Banjo Prize, which has awarded more than $500,000 to banjo players, with past recipients including Rhiannon Giddens and Jake Blount. Also a longtime co-chair for the Steve Martin Banjo Prize, Brown co-founded the roots-music label Compass Records in 1995. Brown and Martin are set to co-host the International Bluegrass Music Awards next month in Chattanooga.
Safe, Sensible, and Sane Track List:
1. “Friend of Mine”
2. “5 Days Out” (feat. Tim O’Brien)
3. “New Cluck Old Hen” (feat. Della Mae)
4. “Michael” (feat. Aoife O’Donovan with Sarah Jarosz)
5. “Evening Star” (feat. McGoldrick/McCusker/Doyle)
6. “Statement of Your Affairs” (feat. Jason Mraz)
7. “Dear Time” (Prelude)
8. “Dear Time” (feat. Jackson Browne with Jeff Hanna)
9. “Girl, Have Money When You’re Old” (feat. Indigo Girls)
10. “Bluegrass Radio”
11. “Wall Guitar (Since You Said Goodbye)” (feat. Vince Gill)
12. “Let’s Get Out of Here”
Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood Celebrate Chart-Topper ‘I’m Gonna Love You’
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, back row): Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, RED Creative Group’s Kaileen Smith, Anthem Entertainment’s Gilles Godard, BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Capitol CMG Publishing’s Katie Barolak. (L-R, front row): Trent Willmon (Producer), Kelly Archer (BMI), Cody Johnson (BMI), Carrie Underwood (BMI), Travis Denning (BMI), Chris Stevens (BMI) and Studio Bank’s Ron Cox. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood gathered friends and industry professionals in the BMI lobby on Thursday (Aug. 21) to celebrate the success of their No. 1 single, “I’m Gonna Love You.”
The song was penned by Kelly Archer, Travis Denning and Chris Stevens, and was produced by Trent Willmon. The duet was the lead single from Johnson’s Leather Deluxe Edition album and serves as his fourth consecutive No. 1 hit and marks Underwood’s 29th career chart-topper.
Emceed by BMI’s Leslie Roberts, various industry leaders took the microphone to speak of each writer producer and artist, including Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, RED Creative Group’s Kaileen Smith, Anthem Entertainment’s Gilles Godard and Capitol CMG Publishing’s Katie Barolak.
Many of these people spoke of the song’s journey of finding success nine years after it was originally written, expressing gratitude to the writers and team members who continued to champion the song during the years it went unrecorded.
Studio Bank sponsored the event, with Ron Cox presenting a special donation in honor of the writers to Johnson’s Different Day Foundation, which provides resources to women recovering and healing from prostitution, trafficking and addiction.
“This song has done absolutely everything a songwriter dreams of,” shared Archer. “You get to write it with people you consider friends, it gets recorded by two absolute icons in the vocal game and it gets produced by someone who took very obvious care of the song.”
Stevens thanked his team, his wife who came with him to Nashville two decades ago to chase a dream and his children who were there to share the moment. He recalled first hearing the song completed and noted that he has always believed in it.
Denning took a moment to reflect on his journey to get to this point in his career. “I basically have only ever cared truly in my heart about this. I’ve been playing guitar since I was 11. I just wanted to get to Nashville and write songs. I wanted to go write with people I looked up to—my heroes—and I’ve done that. I’ve had cuts by artists I look up to and have listened to for so long. I just wanted to feel part of it, and things like this make me feel that way.”
“I’m just humbled and honored,” shared Willmon. “To make a great record you have to have a great song.” He continued on to share the story of recording the song live with both artists, noting the challenge of doing so but how their talent made the performance come together seamlessly.
“I feel like [the story of this song’s journey] is just a testament to ‘Gods got it,’” shared Underwood. “Theres so many things that are unsure about the music business. … No matter what happens, God knows what he’s doing. I feel very blessed and honored today to have played a small part in [the songwriters’] journeys and the song’s journey.”
Johnson took the microphone to share how important it was to him to have Underwood featured on the song. “God does work in mysterious ways. I think each person on the stage is proof that if you give it to Him and let Him work his timeline, not your timeline, thats how monumental things like this happen… To every single person in this room, thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing not only in me, but believing in this song.”
Billy Currington Slates New Album ‘King Of The World’ For October
/by Lorie HollabaughBilly Currington will release a new album King Of The World this fall on Oct. 24 via MCA. Alongside the album announcement, he’s unveiled a new single “One Thing I Ain’t Been” today (Aug. 22) on all platforms.
Produced by Carson Chamberlain, the 10-track project is Currington’s seventh studio album and Currington co-wrote multiple tracks on the album alongside Dean Dillon, Scotty Emerick, Corey Crowder, Johnny Clawson, Ben Hayslip and more.
Currington has already released two singles from the project, including “One Thing I Ain’t Been” and “King Of The World,” which dropped last month. The hitmaker, who has had 12 No. 1s, including the four-times Platinum hit “People Are Crazy” and the four-times Platinum “Must Be Doin’ Something Right,” plus the double-Platinum “Do I Make You Wanna,” is embracing his coastal roots on the new album on standout tunes like “Run For My Whiskey,” “Burnin’ The Midnight Gasoline” and “Bourbon Sunset.”
Fans will get a preview of some of the new tracks on Currington’s remaining tour stops which run through Sept. 27.
King Of The World Track List:
1. “King Of The World” (Troy Jones)
2. “Run For My Whiskey” (Thomas Archer, Corey Crowder, Ben Hayslip)
3. “Old School” (Billy Currington, Scotty Emerick, Dean Dillon)
4. “Burnin’ The Midnight Gasoline” (Dean Dillon, Scotty Emerick, Jeff Hyde)
5. “One Thing I Ain’t Been” (Johnny Clawson, Chase McDaniel, Steve Moakler)
6. “Georgia in Alabama” (Paul Overstreet, Shane Stevens)
7. “Anchor Man” (Scotty Emerick, Paul Overstreet)
8. “Bourbon Sunset” (Billy Currington, Dean Dillon, Scotty Emerick)
9. “Southern Star” (Brent Cobb, Adam Hood)
10. “Solid Gold” (Dean Pitchford, Michael Miller)
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with major moves, milestone achievements and exciting developments across Nashville’s music industry. From executive appointments to artist accolades, here’s a closer look at what’s making headlines. Click here to see the full edition.
Stephanie Wright is returning to familiar territory, rejoining MCA Nashville as EVP/Head of A&R. In this role, Wright will not only lead the A&R team in talent scouting, but also steer the label’s broader creative direction and artist development strategies.
Over at Big Loud Records, several key personnel changes signal a strategic growth phase for the label’s marketing division. Effective immediately, the company has promoted Brianne Deslippe to SVP of Marketing, Amy Beard to VP of Marketing, and Morgan Sweat to VP of Creative Services. Joining Big Loud’s team are newly appointed department heads Corey Brewer (VP of Media & PR), Jen Danielson (VP of Streaming) and Alex Henderson (VP of Global Marketing).
In the digital music space, Amazon Music has announced pivotal promotions within its country division. Michelle Tigard Kammerer has been elevated to Global Head of Country Music, while Emily Cohen Belote steps into the role of Global Lead for Country Music Programming.
Leadership Music has named its new executive team for the 2025-26 term. Neal Spielberg of Spielberg Entertainment has been elected President of the Board, with Diane Pearson of City National Bank set to serve as President-Elect. Other officers include Past President Scott Gerow, Treasurer Steve Eggart, and Secretary Brad Bissell. The Executive Committee also welcomes Catherine Moore, Andrew Kautz, Manuel Delgado, Jackie Patillo, and Rondal Richardson. In addition, six new board members have been appointed.
Country superstar Jason Aldean has been honored by SoundExchange with the prestigious Hall of Fame Award, recognizing his place among the most-streamed artists in the platform’s history. The award coincides with Aldean’s 30th career No. 1 single.
In publishing news, chart-topping songwriter Jimi Bell has renewed his deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Worktape Music, solidifying a continued partnership. Meanwhile, award-winning songwriter Michael White has inked a new publishing agreement with Major Bob Music.
On the booking side, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Matthew West has joined The Neal Agency for representation.
Warner Music Nashville is undergoing a strategic restructuring of its radio department. The new framework introduces two specialized teams—Team WMN and Team WAR—supported by a centralized radio executive group. Among the leadership updates, Andy Flick has been promoted to Senior Director, Syndication and Market Strategy, while Paige Elliott has been named National Director of Radio for Team WMN.
Emerging artist Atlus has signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
Finally, RED Creative Group has welcomed Kaileen Smith as its new Director of A&R.
This week’s edition also features a conversation with Big Loud’s Sara Knabe.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Scotty McCreery and Hootie & the Blowfish maintain the No. 1 spot with “Bottle Rockets.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Jelly Roll Marks Over $500K Raised For ACM Lifting Lives This Year
/by Madison HahnenJelly Roll accepts the ACM Lifting Lives Award May 6, 2025 at Billy Bob’s Texas during ACM Awards week. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music
ACM Lifting Lives honored Jelly Roll with the ACM Lifting Lives Award during the 18th ACM Honors on Wednesday (Aug. 20). Over in Europe on tour with Post Malone, Jelly Roll sent in an acceptance video, during which he revealed he will be matching donations made during the show up to $100,000 in support of ACM Lifting Lives.
After the pledge, the room collected a total of $137,000 in donations, including support from Troy Vollhoffer, Riley Green and Kerri Edwards, among others. With the collection, Jelly Roll kept his word, adding his match to the nights grand total of $237,000. With Wednesday’s funds, this marks over $500,000 in donations sparked from Jelly Roll to the organization, and also the largest single-night live fundraiser for ACM Lifting Lives during ACM Honors.
Earlier this year, he raised over $300,000 through the second annual ACM Lifting Lives fundraising concert at Billy Bob’s Texas during ACM Awards week.
“Jelly Roll’s remarkable generosity to ACM Lifting Lives – and his philanthropic work as a whole – exemplifies the very spirit of this award,” says Taylor Wolf, Director, ACM Lifting Lives. “His dedication to using his platform to uplift and inspire others speaks volumes about his character and the meaningful impact he continues to make. It is especially fitting that he chose to turn a moment celebrating his own generosity into an opportunity to rally even more support and help raise record-setting funds.”
In addition to those who contributed towards Jelly Roll’s match, Gibson Gives also donated several Gibson guitars for future fundraising. All donations help fund the vital work of the organization and initiatives that use the healing connection of music to support those in need, from disaster relief efforts to music therapy programs.
The ACM Lifting Lives Award is presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a spirit of generosity and is committed to serving others.
BigXthaPlug Embraced By Country Community On Bold New Project [Interview]
/by LB CantrellBigXthaPlug. Photo: Daniel Prakopcyk
When Texas rapper BigXthaPlug released his breakout single “Texas,” he didn’t expect it to shift the trajectory of his career. What began as a playful nod to stereotypes about his home state quickly opened unexpected doors — including a new creative chapter rooted in country storytelling.
Jelly Roll and BigX
“I didn’t even want to do the ‘Texas’ song,” he admits with a laugh. “I thought it was cliche and kind of corny. But when it blew up, it opened up those doors for me — doors I didn’t even realize were there.”
Today, BigX released I Hope You’re Happy, a country project that blends his unmistakable voice and storytelling with the spirit of the genre. While he isn’t pivoting into country for good, he’s clear this body of work came from a genuine place. “I’m an artist. I might go pop after this — you never know. But I want to be the best artist I can possibly be. And to do that, you’ve gotta conquer different levels.”
Long before BigX committed to making a country project, the community welcomed him. Heavy-hitters like Luke Combs and Jelly Roll showed support early, and collaborations with Shaboozey, Jessie Murph, Teddy Swims and others became a natural extension of that embrace. He remembers meeting Combs after a sold-out Houston show: “He just told me, ‘Man, I really like what you’ve got going. We should do something.’ Then he called me his favorite rapper. That right there was like — whoa.”
BigX also laughs about their unlikely bonding point: watches. “He’s the reason I bought plain watches. His collection inspired me,” he says, still surprised at the connection. That kind of camaraderie became the throughline of the project.
BigX and Ella Langley
Once word spread that he was making a full body of country-inspired work, demos started rolling in. “Everybody already knew I had the Jelly Rolls, the Combs, the Shaboozeys. But people wanted to be a part of it. The ones I chose were the ones I really felt at the time. You could tell they were going through something too.”
For BigX, I Hope You’re Happy was never about trend-chasing. It was about honesty. Early in the process, a friend told him country music was “just heartbreak and whiskey.” At first, he didn’t get it — but then life caught up. “The heartbreak happened in the middle of me making the project. That’s when I understood. And it helped me finish it.”
The album carries that weight, balancing moments of pain with loyalty, pride and resilience. Tracks like “All the Way” (with Bailey Zimmerman), “Pray Hard” (with Combs) and “Home” (with Shaboozey) highlight his ability to fold country’s storytelling tradition into his own voice without losing what makes him distinct. And while his hip-hop fans might have raised an eyebrow at first, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “They’re supporting it 100%,” he says of his fans. “Because I’m not changing what I do. The inspiration might be different, but my voice and my storytelling are still there.”
BigX is careful not to frame this as a permanent reinvention. Instead, he sees I Hope You’re Happy as a creative chapter — a chance to expand his artistry without boxing himself into a new genre label. “Fans shouldn’t expect a ‘country era,’” he says. “Just more music that’s true to whatever story I’m living next.”
For now, the story is one of bridges — not just the iconic Dallas Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge that inspired the “Home” video, but also the bridge between two genres and two communities. In country, BigX found not only collaborators but also acceptance.
“Way more than I thought I would,” he says when asked if he’s felt embraced. “Way more.”
Tyler Braden Announces 2026 Headline Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughTyler Braden. Photo: Marisa Taylor
Tyler Braden will kick off the new year with his headlining “Devil and a Prayer Tour,” launching Jan. 29 in Minneapolis, and is set to visit 11 markets.
The tour is named after his debut album, devil and a prayer, released in May via Warner Music Nashville. Braden will make stops in Milwaukee, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Lexington, Charlotte, Atlanta, Boston and more through Feb. 21. Tickets for the trek are on sale now via TylerBraden.com.
The Alabama-bred singer-songwriter has accumulated over 915 million global streams to date and averages more than 10 million streams a week. Tracks like “Devil You Know” and “God & Guns N’ Roses” from devil and a prayer have already made waves, and Braden will join Darius Rucker this fall in Canada.
“devil and a prayer TOUR” Dates:
January 29 — Minneapolis, MN — Fine Line
January 30 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave/Eagles Club – The Rave II
January 31 — Indianapolis, IN — 8 Seconds Saloon
February 6 — Saint Louis, MO — Ballpark Village: Hot Country Nights
February 7 — Lincoln, NE — The Bourbon Theatre
February 13 — Lexington, KY — Manchester Music Hall
February 14 — Charlotte, NC — Neighborhood Theatre
February 15 — Atlanta, GA — Terminal West
February 19 — Boston, MA — Brighton Music Hall
February 20 — New York, NY — Bowery Ballroom
February 21 — Warrendale, PA — Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
Lady A Capture The Joy Of The Season On New Holiday Album
/by Lorie HollabaughLady A is offering fans another helping of holiday fun with On This Winter’s Night (Volume 2), due out Sept. 26.
“We’re really excited about being on the road in December for our first Christmas tour,” shares Lady A’s Dave Haywood. “And that definitely calls for some new music too. This album is filled with so much joy and gratitude—I hope it reaches fans this season the way we feel it ourselves.”
Featuring a cozy country mix of 11 tracks, the new collection marks the first full holiday album from the group in 13 years. Produced by Nathan Chapman, Sam Ellis and Dann Huff, the trio deck the halls with glee, adding a spark of fresh energy to Christmastime favorites and shimmering originals. Kicking off with the original “Wouldn’t Be Christmas,” standards such as “Winter Wonderland” take their place alongside the lush loneliness of George Michael’s “Last Christmas” and the jazzy “What Christmas Means To Me” bounding with anticipation toward another snow-blanketed season.
A cover of “Wonderful Christmastime” mixes Paul McCartney’s genius with orchestral power, while “Little Saint Nick” lets the band indulge in Beach Boys-style harmony, and “That Spirit Of Christmas” captures the soothing comfort of togetherness. And the band’s rootsy original “Christmas Through Your Eyes” celebrates the special memories dear to any parent. Ricky Skaggs collaborates on the original “Why We Sing Noel” and Chris Tomlin lends his voice on “Silent Night,” while “O Holy Night” rings with hallowed harmony.
Lady A will spread the spirit of the season on their first-ever Christmas tour beginning Dec. 5 in Atlanta, the “This Winter’s Night Tour,” which will include 12 days of Christmas music, joy and magic across the U.S. including a three-night stand at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
On This Winter’s Night (Volume 2) Track List:
1. “Wouldn’t Be Christmas”
2. “Winter Wonderland”
3. “Last Christmas”
4. “Little Saint Nick”
5. “Why We Sing Noel (Feat. Ricky Skaggs)”
6. “O Holy Night”
7. “Wonderful Christmastime”
8. “What Christmas Means To Me”
9. “Christmas Through Your Eyes”
10. “That Spirit Of Christmas”
11. “Silent Night (Feat. Chris Tomlin)”
MCA & Jessie Jo Dillon Launch Gatsby Records
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): MCA’s Chief Creative Officer Dave Cobb, Gatsby Records’ Founder & President Jessie Jo Dillon, MCA’s President & CEO Mike Harris. Photo: Libby Danforth
MCA and lauded songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon have partnered to launch Gatsby Records, a new imprint under MCA. Rising country artist Carter Faith is the imprint’s first signed act, with her debut album Cherry Valley set to be the first release on the imprint on Oct. 3.
“Like Fitzgerald’s Jay Gatsby, I believe in the ‘green light’ – the unwavering hope of a dream coming true. This imprint is a home for artists who aren’t afraid to be themselves, sound different and transform. If it’s raw, if it’s beautiful and if it even scares you a little, then it belongs at Gatsby Records,” shares Jessie Jo Dillon, Founder & President of Gatsby Records. “Carter Faith isn’t just a rising voice in country music – she is a unique storyteller who blends vulnerability with edge. We share a strong creative synergy and vision and I couldn’t be prouder to work alongside her to bring the world of Cherry Valley to life. I’m so excited for this new venture and deeply grateful to Dave Cobb, Mike Harris and MCA for collaborating with me to bring my lifelong aspiration of Gatsby Records to fruition.”
“Cherry Valley is an album that is deeply personal to me and I’m so grateful to be working with Jessie Jo Dillon and MCA to launch this music on Gatsby Records,” says Faith. “Jessie Jo is building this label with heart and with soul – she has a true passion and talent for making sure artists get heard. I’m proud to be working with her and so honored to be the first artist on Gatsby Records.”
Mike Harris, President & CEO of MCA, comments, “At MCA, we pride ourselves on not just signing artists but truly building long-lasting, meaningful careers. The creation of Gatsby Records is an extension of that vision. We’re honored to work with an incredible talent like Jessie Jo Dillon, who is not only one of the premiere songwriters in country music but also a visionary who will push the creative talents of the artists she works with. We’re equally thrilled to have Carter Faith as the first artist to join the imprint – she is truly an immensely talented artist who has an amazing future.”
MCA Chief Creative Officer Dave Cobb adds, “I’m beyond excited for the launch and the future of Gatsby Records!!! Working with Jessie Jo has been an absolute dream, she has the incredible ability to get right down to the heart of a song and really dig deep to protect the artist and their vision.”
Walker Hayes To Embark On Acoustic Tour This Fall
/by Lauryn SinkWalker Hayes. Photo: Emma Delevante
Walker Hayes will embark on his “Walker Hayes: Unplugged Tour” this fall. Shane McAnally and Harper Grace will join as support on select dates.
The 18-date run will make stops in Minnesota, Indiana, North Carolina and more. Tickets are available now.
Ahead of the Unplugged tour, Hayes will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on August 29.
Hayes released his 17 track record 17 Problems today via RCA Records. The project explores themes of childhood missteps, coming-of-age lessons, the weight of raising kids, grieving a parent, holding tight to faith and more. Hayes co-wrote every track alongside McAnally, Nicolle Galyon and Lori McKenna, among others.
“This album is very reflective,” shares Hayes. “I think you can tell I’m in the middle of losing my dad and raising kids. I’m at that corner of the road in life when you’re looking back on your childhood – you can see it as clear as you ever have – but you’re looking down the barrel of raising kids and keeping your family together. Accidentally, that is a common thread. The songs have this ‘in retrospect’ feeling, and then also, ‘what does the future look like? How do I do this?’”
“Walker Hayes: Unplugged Tour” Dates:
Fri, October 17th – Duluth, MN – Duluth Entertainment Convention Center – Symphony Hall *
Sat, October 18th – Mankato, MN – Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center – Grand Hall *
Sun, October 19th – Sioux City, IA – Orpheum Theatre – Sioux City *
Thurs, October 23rd – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre *
Fri, October 24th – Midland, MI – Midland Center for the Arts – Auditorium *
Sat, October 25th – Warren, OH – Packard Music Hall *
Wed, October 29th – Toledo, OH – Stranahan Theater *
Thurs, October 30th – Columbus, OH – Mershon Auditorium *
Thurs, November 6th – Paducah, KY – The Luther F. Carson Center for the Performing Arts ^
Fri, November 7th – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center ^
Sat, November 8th – Louisville, KY – Palace Theatre (The Louisville Palace) ^
Wed, November 12th – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center ^
Fri, November 14th – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium ^
Sat, November 15th – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center ^
Sun, November 16th – Sandy Springs, GA – Byers Theatre ^
Thurs, November 20th – Reading, PA – Santander Performing Arts Center ^
Fri, November 21 – New Brunswick, NJ – State Theatre New Jersey ^
Sat, November 22nd – Lowell, MA – Lowell Memorial Auditorium ^
^Shane McAnally
*Harper Grace