Midland. Photo: Harper Smith
Midland‘s Stages, out today via Blue Highway Records, reflects both where the trio has been and where they’re headed next.
The 10-track project finds the band leaning into the traditional country sound they’ve become known for while embracing outside material more than ever before.
After more than a decade on the road together, the title itself carries a double meaning.
“It’s self-referential in terms of our own career and journey, but it’s also a literal meaning to it where we’re a live band,” Jess Carson of the band tells MusicRow. “We’ve basically been on tour for over 10 years, and we’ve been on a lot of stages, and we’ve been through a lot of stages.”
While the trio has traditionally named albums after songs from the track list, Stages marks a departure from that approach.
That evolution also extended to the songs Midland chose to record. According to Carson, Stages features more outside material than any of the band’s previous releases.
“This is the most outside songs we’ve taken,” he says.
For the band, though, the process of narrowing down a track list hasn’t changed. Rather than focusing on who wrote a song, Carson said they’re looking for songs that fit the overall vision of the album. “I think if it just feels like it fits in this landscape of what you’re trying to do with the album, the story that you’re trying to tell,” he says. “There’s always a lot of songs to weed through and kind of narrow down into one thought.”
Some of those outside cuts came from some of Nashville’s most respected songwriters. Carson pointed to “Marlboro Man,” written by Dean Dillon, Tim Nichols and Josh Thompson as a standout. “If you get a Dean Dillon song, especially one that’s kind of fallen through the cracks … that was a really special one to get,” he says.
He also points to “Shooting Memories With Tequila” as an immediate favorite. “Ryan Beaver sent that one over basically right after writing it. It was just an iPhone recording, and I could definitely tell that song was a hit,” he says.
The album also includes “I Wish You Would,” Midland’s collaboration with Mackenzie Carpenter. According to Carson, the partnership came together after Carpenter brought the song to the band.
“She was the one that pitched us that song to do a collab,” he says. “We loved the song. It felt like something that was very much in our wheelhouse, kind of this Conway Twitty vibe, soul-country thing.”
Since then, the song has become a favorite to perform together whenever the opportunity arises, most recently performing it together during CMA Fest.
“Everyone sings along with that song when we play it live,” Carson says. “It’s always fun to get to perform that one with her.”
The album’s other featured collaboration pairs Midland with one of the band’s longtime influences.
Carson said the group’s relationship with Clint Black stretches back several years, after first crossing paths at a festival and later participating in a tribute honoring the country icon.
“We’ve been able to strike up a little friendship with him. Obviously, we’re massive fans of his career and all of his songs.”
After recording “Up In Texas,” Midland invited Black to join them on the track. “Anytime that we get the opportunity to work with a legacy artist like that, you’ve got to take those opportunities.”
The collaboration won’t be a one-off, either. Midland is set to share the stage with Black on several upcoming tour dates later this year as part of an already busy schedule that also includes a European run and newly announced dates with Kacey Musgraves.
Among the songs Carson is most looking forward to playing live is “Shooting Memories With Tequila,” which he had previously singled out as one of his favorites on the album. “It’s just a really fun tempo track,” he says.
On the other end of the spectrum is “Vaquero,” a song that leans heavily into the traditional country influences that have long informed Midland’s sound. Carson described it as “a very acoustic, stripped-back, old-style country song,” comparing it to something out of the Marty Robbins catalog. “It’s a really fun harmony song, and it has some really fun little acoustic licks to play.”
Despite embracing more outside material and bringing in collaborators, Carson said Stages ultimately feels familiar.
“I think it’s kind of a full-circle moment,” he said. “There’s definitely a through line from our first album to this one.”
Part of that connection comes from the return of elements that helped shape Midland’s earliest recordings. Carson pointed to the prominent use of fiddle throughout Stages, something fans haven’t heard as consistently from the band in recent years.
“When we very first started, we had fiddle, and then we didn’t have fiddle for a long time,” he said. “Now there’s fiddle all over it.”
For Carson, those details make the album feel reminiscent of one of the projects that introduced Midland to listeners in the first place, The Sonic Ranch.
With Stages now out, the band returns to the road later this month with upcoming stops in Idaho, California, Montana and more.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly reflects another busy and eventful chapter for the country music industry, highlighted by the return of one of Nashville’s signature events, major executive moves, notable signings and the loss of a beloved broadcasting voice. Click here to see the full edition.
The Country Music Association welcomed fans from around the world to Nashville for the 53rd CMA Fest, held June 4-7. Each night, thousands packed Nissan Stadium to enjoy performances that showcased the genre’s broad appeal, from emerging artists making their mark to legendary acts that helped define country music. Throughout the daytime hours, Broadway and downtown Nashville buzzed with activity as multiple stages and venues hosted performances for fans eager to experience the festival atmosphere. As another successful CMA Fest comes to a close, organizers have already announced dates for next year’s event, with the 54th CMA Fest set for June 10-13, 2027.
The industry also paused this week to remember longtime WSM personality Bill Cody, who passed away on June 9 at the age of 67. Cody was a beloved broadcaster and a familiar voice to generations of country music fans, leaving behind a lasting legacy through his decades of service to WSM and the country music community.
Several major artist developments made headlines this week. Florida Georgia Line has signed with The Core Entertainment for management and has also joined the roster at CAA. Carly Pearce has entered a new chapter as well, signing with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
Among the week’s biggest honors, the RIAA presented Garth Brooks with its inaugural Artist of a Lifetime Award. The recognition further cements Brooks’ place in music history, as he remains the only artist to achieve 10 Diamond-certified albums.
The bluegrass community saw a significant leadership change as Ken White exited his role as Executive Director of the International Bluegrass Music Association. Meanwhile, HEY NOW Records expanded its executive team with the additions of Danny Bess as SVP of Finance & Operations, Rachel Brown as Manager of Operations and Troy Scott as Vice President of Commerce & Consumer Products.
Elsewhere across the industry, several organizations announced key promotions and appointments. Triple 8 Management promoted Allison Bostrom to Senior Vice President of Marketing, while TKO Artist Management elevated Cassie Petty to Vice President. At BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Cheyana Weekley joined the company as Head of Marketing.
The publishing sector remained active with several new signings. Christian Stalnecker signed with Curb | Word Music Publishing, Kyle Fishman entered a publishing agreement with Ern’s Cadillac Music via Big Loud Publishing, and Austin Taylor Smith joined the roster at Peacock Publishing.
Girlilla Marketing also announced a series of staff advancements. Lindsey Feinstein and Conley Sweeney were both promoted from Account Director to Senior Account Director, while Gigi Morrison was elevated to Creative Director. The company additionally welcomed Esther Kuperus as Creative Coordinator.
On the artist and songwriter front, Blake Proehl signed with MCA, Emmy Moyen joined SMACKSongs, Hunter Flynn secured global representation with WME, and Luke Stevens signed with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville and Cornman Music.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen remains in the No. 1 spot with “Don’t We.” 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.
Midland Comes Full Circle On ‘Stages’ [Interview]
/by Lauryn SinkMidland. Photo: Harper Smith
Midland‘s Stages, out today via Blue Highway Records, reflects both where the trio has been and where they’re headed next.
The 10-track project finds the band leaning into the traditional country sound they’ve become known for while embracing outside material more than ever before.
After more than a decade on the road together, the title itself carries a double meaning.
“It’s self-referential in terms of our own career and journey, but it’s also a literal meaning to it where we’re a live band,” Jess Carson of the band tells MusicRow. “We’ve basically been on tour for over 10 years, and we’ve been on a lot of stages, and we’ve been through a lot of stages.”
While the trio has traditionally named albums after songs from the track list, Stages marks a departure from that approach.
That evolution also extended to the songs Midland chose to record. According to Carson, Stages features more outside material than any of the band’s previous releases.
“This is the most outside songs we’ve taken,” he says.
For the band, though, the process of narrowing down a track list hasn’t changed. Rather than focusing on who wrote a song, Carson said they’re looking for songs that fit the overall vision of the album. “I think if it just feels like it fits in this landscape of what you’re trying to do with the album, the story that you’re trying to tell,” he says. “There’s always a lot of songs to weed through and kind of narrow down into one thought.”
He also points to “Shooting Memories With Tequila” as an immediate favorite. “Ryan Beaver sent that one over basically right after writing it. It was just an iPhone recording, and I could definitely tell that song was a hit,” he says.
The album also includes “I Wish You Would,” Midland’s collaboration with Mackenzie Carpenter. According to Carson, the partnership came together after Carpenter brought the song to the band.
“She was the one that pitched us that song to do a collab,” he says. “We loved the song. It felt like something that was very much in our wheelhouse, kind of this Conway Twitty vibe, soul-country thing.”
Since then, the song has become a favorite to perform together whenever the opportunity arises, most recently performing it together during CMA Fest.
“Everyone sings along with that song when we play it live,” Carson says. “It’s always fun to get to perform that one with her.”
The album’s other featured collaboration pairs Midland with one of the band’s longtime influences.
Carson said the group’s relationship with Clint Black stretches back several years, after first crossing paths at a festival and later participating in a tribute honoring the country icon.
“We’ve been able to strike up a little friendship with him. Obviously, we’re massive fans of his career and all of his songs.”
After recording “Up In Texas,” Midland invited Black to join them on the track. “Anytime that we get the opportunity to work with a legacy artist like that, you’ve got to take those opportunities.”
The collaboration won’t be a one-off, either. Midland is set to share the stage with Black on several upcoming tour dates later this year as part of an already busy schedule that also includes a European run and newly announced dates with Kacey Musgraves.
Among the songs Carson is most looking forward to playing live is “Shooting Memories With Tequila,” which he had previously singled out as one of his favorites on the album. “It’s just a really fun tempo track,” he says.
On the other end of the spectrum is “Vaquero,” a song that leans heavily into the traditional country influences that have long informed Midland’s sound. Carson described it as “a very acoustic, stripped-back, old-style country song,” comparing it to something out of the Marty Robbins catalog. “It’s a really fun harmony song, and it has some really fun little acoustic licks to play.”
Despite embracing more outside material and bringing in collaborators, Carson said Stages ultimately feels familiar.
“I think it’s kind of a full-circle moment,” he said. “There’s definitely a through line from our first album to this one.”
Part of that connection comes from the return of elements that helped shape Midland’s earliest recordings. Carson pointed to the prominent use of fiddle throughout Stages, something fans haven’t heard as consistently from the band in recent years.
“When we very first started, we had fiddle, and then we didn’t have fiddle for a long time,” he said. “Now there’s fiddle all over it.”
For Carson, those details make the album feel reminiscent of one of the projects that introduced Midland to listeners in the first place, The Sonic Ranch.
With Stages now out, the band returns to the road later this month with upcoming stops in Idaho, California, Montana and more.
Alan Jackson’s Silverbelly Whiskey Distillery & Museum Set To Open June 25
/by Lorie HollabaughAlan Jackson. Photo: David McClister
Alan Jackson‘s new Silverbelly Whiskey Distillery and Museum in downtown Nashville is set to open June 25, celebrating the life and career of the country superstar and his Silverbelly Whiskey in a unique interactive setting.
Located at 121 3rd Avenue South, the Silverbelly Whiskey Distillery will give visitors a first-of-its-kind experience as fans can sip whiskey while touring the country icon’s museum. Silverbelly Whiskey will go from “barrel to bottle” at the new facility, giving visitors a firsthand view as the premium spirit is blended, proofed, bottled and labeled onsite. Whiskey flights, cocktails, bottles for sale, and even a “bottle your own” experience are on tap at the new distillery, as well as live music.
With extensive displays and memorabilia, visitors will relive Jackson’s journey from rural Newnan, Georgia to concert stages in places like Australia, Europe and South America, see how a paper sack full of cassettes and songs took him to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and be reminded how a self-professed “singer of simple songs” captured a nation’s emotions in the wake of unspeakable tragedy.
“For over four decades, Alan has had an amazing career where his music has told stories of his life, creating the foundation of the legacy that we’re excited to share with his fans,” notes Jackson’s longtime manager Debbie Doebler. “We’re proud to be creating a new way for Alan and his music to be part of all that Nashville offers to residents and visitors alike, day-in and day-out.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring Alan Jackson’s local, Tennessee-made Silverbelly Whiskey to downtown Nashville,” says Silverbelly CEO Robbie Goldsmith. “This is a truly unique setting and opportunity for people to get into the ‘spirit’ of what country music and Music City are all about.”
Tickets to the museum can be purchased in advance here.
Lineup Unveiled For ‘CMA Fest Presented By SoFi’ TV Special
/by Madison HahnenHosted by Riley Green and Good Morning America‘s Lara Spencer, the three hour special will feature performances from Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Deana Carter, Ella Langley, Fetty Wap, Florida Georgia Line, Gretchen Wilson, HARDY, Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, Michael McDonald, Molly Tuttle, The Red Clay Strays, Ricky Skaggs, Riley Green, Russell Dickerson, Shaboozey, Shay Morgan, Stephen Wilson Jr., Tim McGraw, Tucker Wetmore and Zach Top.
As part of its sponsorship, SoFi will be spotlighting a performance from Deana Carter and the debut live performance of Shaboozey‘s newest single, “Cowgirl.”
The 54th CMA Fest will take place June 10- June 13, 2027.
Opry Pays Tribute To Don Williams At Special ‘Opry 100 Honors’ Show
/by Lorie HollabaughKeith Urban joined by Don Williams’ former band members John Gardner, Dave Pomeroy, Mike Noble, and Chris Nole. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry celebrated the career of the legendary Don Williams earlier this week at its special sold-out “Opry 100 Honors Don Williams” show.
The tribute show featured performances by Opry members Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, The Isaacs and Jamey Johnson, as well as Brandy Clark, Rodney Crowell and John Foster. Williams became an Opry member 50 years ago. Urban’s band onstage included Williams’ former band members John Gardner, Dave Pomeroy, Mike Noble and Chris Nole on his performances of “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend,” “Love Me Over Again,” and “I Can’t Get To You From Here.”
Post-show event, Garth Fundis joined Urban and Yearwood for a panel discussion in Studio A hosted by Dan Rogers. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo
Post-show, Fundis joined Urban and Yearwood for a special panel discussion in Studio A hosted by Dan Rogers, Opry Senior Vice President, Executive Producer. Speaking to an at-capacity audience, they fondly traded personal stories about Williams and shared how his legacy continues to live on.
A portion of the show’s ticket sales will benefit the Opry Trust Fund, which has supported country music professionals in times of need for over 60 years. The fund provides financial assistance for medical bills, emergencies and other hardships faced by those in the industry.
A collection of previously unheard recordings were discovered in the cellar of the Williams family’s rural Tennessee home and released last month as a new album, Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes, via Craft Recordings. Produced by Williams’ longtime co-producer Garth Fundis, and executive produced by Williams’ son, Tim Williams, the recordings date from 1979-1984, a defining period in Williams’ career that produced enduring classics including “Good Ole Boys Like Me,” “It Must Be Love,” “I Believe In You,” “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good,” and “Tulsa Time.”
The Isaacs. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo
Rodney Crowell. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo
Taylor Swift Makes Billboard Country Airplay Chart History
/by Madison HahnenTaylor Swift has made Billboard Country Airplay chart history with her latest release, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” reported by Billboard.
The tune, written for the Toy Story 5 soundtrack, debuted at No. 8 on the June 20-dated list with 19.4 million audience impressions in the week ending June 11, according to Luminate. With this, Swift becomes the first woman to debut in the Country Airplay top 10, dating back to the chart’s January 1990 start. The only other song to do so was Garth Brooks’ “More Than a Memory,” which debuted at No. 1 in September 2007.
“I Knew It, I Knew You” marks her 19th Country Airplay top 10, and her first since “Red” in December 2013. Swift has notched seven No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay hits throughout her career.
“I think Taylor is arguably the biggest music star in the world. [“I Knew It, I Knew You” is] part of one of the biggest films of the summer. It fits sonically and in style to what else is on country radio. All three of those things make it the easiest programming decision of the year,” Brent Michaels, PD/on-air personality at KRJK-FM and KUZZ-AM/FM Bakersfield, Calif., told Billboard. “If Taylor is creating music that fits alongside the other biggest hitmakers in country, we’re crazy to not go along for the ride. She moves the needle with every project.”
Vince Gill Unveils Eighth EP In ’50 Years From Home’ Series
/by Lauryn SinkVince Gill has released the eighth installment in his year-long EP series titled 50 Years From Home.
The EP, titled A Mother’s Prayer, features seven songs with writing credits from Jordan Fletcher, Maggie Rose, John Jarvis, Nathan Chapman and more.
“I think with each of these EPs, I’m working toward pairing the songs that will sit together, that flow together, that sequence well,” Gill explains. “I like the theme of these songs, what they’re about. Where they came from. There are definitely some very personal ones on A Mother’s Prayer.”
Gill will launch his 50 Years From Home tour on June 18, a 27-city run including a six-night residency at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
A Mother’s Prayer Track List:
1. “A Mother’s Prayer” (Vince Gill, Jordan Fletcher, Maggie Rose)
2. “Don’t Keep Me Waiting” (Vince Gill, Nathan Chapman)
3. “This Heart Of Mine” (Vince Gill, Breland)
4. “My Daughter” (Vince Gill, Joy Williams)
5. “Forever In My Mind” (Vince Gill, Brent Loper)
6. “Roses And Diamonds” (Vince Gill, John Jarvis)
7. “I Still Believe In You” (Vince Gill, John Jarvis)
Jason Scott & The High Heat Make Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Madison HahnenJason Scott & The High Heat. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Jason Scott & The High Heat made their Grand Ole Opry debut last night (June 11).
They performed “Highway Robbery” from their upcoming album Play Boy, and “High Country” from last year’s project American Grin, which were both met with applause from the Opry Crowd.
Play Boy will release on Sept. 18 via Leo33. Jason Scott & The High Heat will also hit the road this summer supporting Morgan Wallen, as well as festival dates at Laurel Cove Music Festival, Targhee Fest, Bourbon & Beyond and more.
Pictured (L-R, front row): Leo33’s Natalie Osborne, Leo33’s Daniel Lee, Leo33’s Ana Shabeer, Garrison Brown, Jason Scott, Tremaine Wade, Leo33’s Katie Dean and Triple 8 Management’s Heather Howard. (L-R, back row): Taylor Johnson, Gabriel Mor, Ryan Magnani, Triple 8 Management’s Mark Noel and King Publicity’s Avery King Smith. Photo: Justin Harper
Jason Scott & The High Heat. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Jason Scott & The High Heat. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Jason Scott & The High Heat. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Brad Tursi Unveils Sophomore Solo Album ‘Colorado’
/by Lauryn SinkBrad Tursi has released his sophomore solo album, Colorado.
The 11-track project was entirely self-produced and largely self-written with additional credits from longtime collaborators Josh Osborne, Trevor Rosen, Ross Ellis, Matt Jenkins and Lalo Guzman. In the studio, he was joined by a group of accomplished musicians including Kris Donegan, Sam Wilson, Russ Paul, John Thomasson, Billy Justineau and Fred Eltringham. The project explores Tursi’s experience falling in love, building a life with his wife and the personal growth that comes with both.
The Old Dominion guitarist has earned multiple No. 1 hits, CMA Triple Play Awards and AIMP Artist-Writer of the Year honors with the band. He released his first solo project, Parallel Love, in 2024.
Colorado Track List
1. “Ms. Independent”
2. “Colorado”
3. “Green Eyed Girl”
4. “No Luck”
5. “Time with You (feat. Lukas Nelson)”
6. “Hard To Get High”
7. “Borderline”
8. “Ain’t That Something”
9. “Wait For Me”
10. “Rollercoaster”
11. “My Time”
Origins Music Group Hosts Inaugural OMG Summer Block Party
/by Lorie HollabaughBlanco Brown
Origins Music Group hosted its inaugural OMG Summer Block Party on June 6 at Plaza Mariachi in Nashville, bringing together artists, fans, families, local businesses and community organizations for a full day celebrating music, culture and connection.
The day-long festival showcased live performances from artists spanning country, Latin, Americana, hip-hop, rock and soul and was emceed by Nashville community leaders Franklin Willis, Ashlie Amber and Averianna the Personality. Performers included Ana Christina Cash, Andrea Vasquez, Angie K, Blanco Brown, Pynk Beard and more.
In addition to live music, hundreds of attendees enjoyed a wide variety of food truck offerings, shopped local vendors, and participated in meet-and-greets with the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders as well as Nashville Soccer Club’s mascot “Tempo the Coyote.” Guests also enjoyed family-friendly activities and a community marketplace that highlighted entrepreneurs, creatives and organizations from across Middle Tennessee.
The OMG Summer Block Party also served as an opportunity to introduce and raise awareness for Origins Music Impact, the organization’s newly established nonprofit initiative. Attendees were encouraged to learn more about the foundation’s mission to expand opportunities for artists, strengthen communities through music, and create meaningful pathways for education, mentorship and cultural engagement.
“Our goal was simple: create a place where people could come together, celebrate music, support local businesses, and enjoy community,” says Corey Jones, Co-Founder & CEO, Origins Music Group. “Seeing families, artists, vendors, and fans all sharing the same space reminded us why we do this work. This was bigger than a block party. This was a community experience.”
Andrea Vasquez
Buddy Red
Butter & Grits
Cash Cortes
Corey Jones (Co-founder and CEO) S’Khiya Gordon (Executive Assistant) Blanco Brown, Stephen Miller
Elsie
Kenny Sharp
Pynk Beard