Kurt Stevens will release his debut album Better with a Breeze on Sept. 4. He’s previewing the new project with the release of new track “Cast Away,” about a therapeutic day on a sandbar where he’s in no rush to be found.
Inspired by his love of the coastal life, Stevens’ new project is a glimpse into where he came from and the path that inspired his music.
“To me, life is all about the journey. Better with a Breeze is just that; a journey that winds from the coast I grew up on to the places and people I’ve come to love along the way. Every song on this record is a song that I’ve lived,” says Stevens.
“I’ve always loved music that can take you somewhere, music where you close your eyes and you’re instantly transported to another place, another time, somewhere the breeze off the ocean cools you down in just the right way,” he continues. “Somewhere the craziness of the world was left behind at the dock, even just for a little while. Music that can take you away or maybe even help you find love somewhere in the stars.”
Stevens draws inspiration from artists like Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney, and has previously opened for Luke Combs, Jake Owen, Maren Morris and The Band Perry, among others. His most recent releases include “Already Alright”, “Warmer Days,” “Flamingo,” “Smooth,” “Everglades,” and “Bigger Boat.” Stevens will perform at the annual Island Hopper Music Festival in Fort Myers this September.
Better with a Breeze Track List:
1. “Already Alright” (Kurt Stevens, Mike Burke, Tyler Bank)
2. “The Rain” (Kurt Stevens, John Frank, Tom Pino)
3. “Better With a Breeze” (Kurt Stevens, Brian Alexander)
4. “Cast Away” (Kurt Stevens, John Frank, Tom Pino)
5. “Smooth” (Kurt Stevens, Bradley Collins, Brian Alexander, Kent Jenkins)
6. “Bigger Boat” (Kurt Stevens, John Frank, Tom Pino)
7. “Over & Out” (Kurt Stevens)
8. “Learning to Be Patient” (Kurt Stevens)
9. “Might Collect Rocks” (Kurt Stevens, John Frank, Tom Pino)
10. “Everglades” (Kurt Stevens, Adam Sickler, Tyler Bank)
11. “Somewhere in the Stars” (Kurt Stevens, Adam Sickler, Tyler Bank)
12. “Flamingo” (Kurt Stevens)
13. “When the Wind Blows” (Kurt Stevens, John Frank, Tom Pino)
14. “Where Pelicans Fly” (Kurt Stevens)
MusicRow Weekly (Borchetta Entertainment Group, News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with notable executive appointments, artist signings and career milestones from across the country music industry. Click here to see the full edition.
Borchetta Entertainment Group has strengthened its leadership team, naming Kevin Spellman and Henley Halem as Co-Vice Presidents. WSM Radio also announced a new chapter for its morning programming with the launch of The Kelly Sutton Show, debuting Aug. 10 and airing weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Meanwhile, K-LOVE has appointed Andrew Lambeth as its new Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, effective Sept. 1, and Allison Pilotti has joined Ten Ten Music Group as Head of Creative.
Several artists and creatives also made major business moves this week. Josh Ross has signed with CAA for representation in all areas, while Ryan Bingham and Rhiannon Giddens have both inked with WME. Alli Walker has signed with Huff Co. and ONErpm, Caldwell has entered a global publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Cornman Music, Izzy Mahoubi has joined 3686 Records, and Jackson Wendell has signed with Sony Music Nashville.
Management company G Major Mgmt continues to grow, expanding both its artist roster and internal team. The company has welcomed artists Mae Estes and Clayton Mullen, along with new team members Taylor Venis and Kenzie Couch.
The week also brought a memorable career milestone for rock band Switchfoot, who made their Grand Ole Opry debut on July 23.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Kenny Chesney takes the No. 1 spot with “Carry On.” 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.
K. Michelle Readies First-Ever Country Album For October
/by Lauryn SinkK. Michelle will release her first country album, Jesus & Whiskey, on Oct. 16 via Real Outlawz Records, Inc. under exclusive license to This Is Hit, Inc. d/b/a BBR Music Group.
Produced by Kristian Bush, the project marks the first full-length exploration of her deep-seated country roots, exploring faith, heartbreak, redemption, and love lost and found through its nine tracks. Michelle wrote eight of the songs alongside David “Messy” Mescon, Emily Landis, George Birge, Lalo Guzman and more. She has previewed the album with the title track, which she wrote with ERNEST, Jordan Dozzi and Rocky Block.
Raised on the sounds of Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, The Judds and Lee Ann Womack, she earned a music scholarship to Florida A&M University. The Memphis native made her full-length debut with the GOLD-certified, chart-topping Rebellious Soul in 2013. Her catalog now includes five consecutive R&B Billboard-charting LPs. With more than 12 million social media followers, she recently joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
Jesus & Whiskey Track List:
1. “Intro” (K. Michelle)
2. “Yodel” (K. Michelle, Tomy Gé, Kelly Sheehan, David “Messy” Mescon, Thomas Edwards)
3. “Blame Tennessee” (K. Michelle, Ernest Keith Smith, Felly, Kristian Bush)
4. “Damn Good Friend” (Justin Wilson, George Birge, Lalo Guzman)
5. “Jesus & Whiskey” (K. Michelle, Ernest Keith Smith, Jordan Dozzi, Rocky Block)
6. “Anything (feat. Blush)” (K. Michelle, Ant Clemons, Felly, Kristian Bush)
7. “Handle On It” (K. Michelle, Tomy Gé, Kelly Sheehan, David “Messy” Mescon, Thomas Edwards)
8. “Jack Daniels’” (K. Michelle, Ernest Keith Smith, Jordan Dozzi, Rocky Block)
9. “If It Ain’t Broke” (K. Michelle, Justin Wilson, Emily Landis, Jamie Moore, Kameron Glasper)
BELLES Gears Up For October Release Of Debut Album ‘Midwestern’
/by Lorie HollabaughBELLES will release her debut album Midwestern via East Music Row Records on Oct. 16. She dropped a new track from the project, “Hell I Won’t,” today (July 31).
“‘Hell I Won’t’ is about finally learning your lesson and refusing to go back to the kind of guy who only brings heartbreak. It’s a sassy, tongue-in-cheek prayer to make it out of the bar—and go home alone,” says BELLES of the new single.
Midwestern is a collection of stories about chasing dreams, falling in and out of love, and staying grounded in your roots. Songs on the new project include her viral hit “Son of Jolene,” which is currently impacting country radio, “Halfway to the Opry,” a deeply personal anthem about perseverance, pursuing a dream, and the journey to finding her place on the iconic stage, and “I Think You Like My Boyfriend (a little too much).”
The album announcement followed BELLES’ Grand Ole Opry debut, where, according to Opry records, she became the first woman from Nebraska to step into the circle. BELLES is currently on the road for her 45-city “Songs & Stories Tour.”
The Erv Woolsey Company Bids Farewell After 40 Years
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Connie Woolsey, Clint Woolsey, Tom Cheney, Erv Woolsey, Dottie Oelhafen, Eddie Tidwell, Felicity Tidwell and Allen Mitchell. Photo: Courtesy of The Erv Woolsey Company
The Erv Woolsey Company has officially closed its doors after 40 years in business.
The company was founded in 1983 by the late Erv Woolsey, who guided the career of George Strait for more than four decades in one of the longest and most successful artist-manager relationships in entertainment history. Together they celebrated record-breaking tours, 60 No. 1 hits, sold-out stadiums, industry awards and unforgettable moments that helped shape the landscape of country music. The company also guided the careers of Lee Ann Womack, Dierks Bentley, Clay Walker and Ronnie Milsap.
“For our family, The Erv Woolsey Company was never just a business – it was a reflection of who my dad was. Our family is deeply grateful to the artists who placed their trust in him, the employees who dedicated so much of their lives to this company, and the countless friends throughout the industry who became part of our extended family,” shares Erv’s son and EWC CEO, Clinton Woolsey. “While it is difficult to say goodbye to the company, we are incredibly proud of the legacy my father leaves behind. His influence will continue to live on through the people he mentored, the careers he helped shape, and the example he set for all of us. We will always be grateful for the love and support shown to our family and to The Erv Woolsey Company.”
Looking to the future, Clinton Woolsey, lead singer of Stone Senate, is concentrating on his passion for music with plans to record new material ahead of his European Tour. Longtime team representative and artist advocate Dottie Oelhafen has founded The Artist Desk Co. and continues to work with Strait and Woolsey independently. EWC’s tenured Allen Mitchell plans to announce details surrounding his next chapter in the coming days maintaining representation of Michael Ray, Jenna Paulette, Tyler Booth, Adam Hood, Stone Senate and the Davisson Brothers through newly established Reverie Ranch Music Group.
Moving forward, contact Woolsey at clint@ervwoolsey.com, Oelhafen at dottie@theartistdeskco.com and Mitchell at allen@reverieranchmusic.com.
‘Mickey Guyton & Friends Holiday Tour’ To Kick Off In November
/by Lorie HollabaughMickey Guyton. Photo: Ford Fairchild
Mickey Guyton is celebrating the holiday season this year with her first-ever “Mickey Guyton & Friends Holiday Tour” kicking off Nov. 29 in Atlanta.
The 12-city run will include stops in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Boston, Palm Desert and more, with a Nashville show on Nov. 30, and will feature an unforgettable evening of holiday favorites, songs from Guyton’s album Feels Like Christmas, and special guest performances celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.
Tickets are on sale now.
Guyton’s album Feels Like Christmas was released last year and featured fan favorites “Sugar Cookie,” “Feels Like Christmas,” and “Mistletoe Kisses,” alongside timeless classics like “O Holy Night” and “Do You Want To Build A Snowman.” Most recently, Guyton performed at the NYC Pride Parade for the first time, and earlier this year the NBA tapped her to perform the national anthem ahead of Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
“Mickey Guyton & Friends Holiday Tour” Dates:
Nov. 29 – Atlanta, GA
Nov. 30 – Nashville, TN
Dec. 2 – Chicago, IL
Dec. 6 – Houston, TX
Dec. 8 – Pittsburgh, PA
Dec. 9 – Annapolis, MD
Dec. 11 – New York, NY
Dec. 13 – Philadelphia, PA
Dec. 14 – Boston, MA
Dec. 15 – Ridgefield, CT
Dec. 21 – Mesa, AZ
Dec. 22 – Palm Desert, CA
Kurt Stevens Celebrates The Coastal Life On Upcoming New LP ‘Better With A Breeze’
/by Lorie HollabaughKurt Stevens will release his debut album Better with a Breeze on Sept. 4. He’s previewing the new project with the release of new track “Cast Away,” about a therapeutic day on a sandbar where he’s in no rush to be found.
Inspired by his love of the coastal life, Stevens’ new project is a glimpse into where he came from and the path that inspired his music.
“To me, life is all about the journey. Better with a Breeze is just that; a journey that winds from the coast I grew up on to the places and people I’ve come to love along the way. Every song on this record is a song that I’ve lived,” says Stevens.
“I’ve always loved music that can take you somewhere, music where you close your eyes and you’re instantly transported to another place, another time, somewhere the breeze off the ocean cools you down in just the right way,” he continues. “Somewhere the craziness of the world was left behind at the dock, even just for a little while. Music that can take you away or maybe even help you find love somewhere in the stars.”
Stevens draws inspiration from artists like Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney, and has previously opened for Luke Combs, Jake Owen, Maren Morris and The Band Perry, among others. His most recent releases include “Already Alright”, “Warmer Days,” “Flamingo,” “Smooth,” “Everglades,” and “Bigger Boat.” Stevens will perform at the annual Island Hopper Music Festival in Fort Myers this September.
Better with a Breeze Track List:
1. “Already Alright” (Kurt Stevens, Mike Burke, Tyler Bank)
2. “The Rain” (Kurt Stevens, John Frank, Tom Pino)
3. “Better With a Breeze” (Kurt Stevens, Brian Alexander)
4. “Cast Away” (Kurt Stevens, John Frank, Tom Pino)
5. “Smooth” (Kurt Stevens, Bradley Collins, Brian Alexander, Kent Jenkins)
6. “Bigger Boat” (Kurt Stevens, John Frank, Tom Pino)
7. “Over & Out” (Kurt Stevens)
8. “Learning to Be Patient” (Kurt Stevens)
9. “Might Collect Rocks” (Kurt Stevens, John Frank, Tom Pino)
10. “Everglades” (Kurt Stevens, Adam Sickler, Tyler Bank)
11. “Somewhere in the Stars” (Kurt Stevens, Adam Sickler, Tyler Bank)
12. “Flamingo” (Kurt Stevens)
13. “When the Wind Blows” (Kurt Stevens, John Frank, Tom Pino)
14. “Where Pelicans Fly” (Kurt Stevens)
The Sways Sign With Rounder Records
/by Lauryn SinkThe Sways.
The Sways have signed with Rounder Records.
The signing follows a breakout year for The Sways, whose viral track “Someday We Will Dream About Today” has amassed more than 25 million global streams and generated over 200 million views across Instagram and TikTok. The band made their label debut with their new single, “All I Ever Wanted Was You,” available today on all streaming platforms.
“The Sways are the kind of artists who remind us why timeless songwriting still matters,” says Senior Director of A&R Jeanette Porcello and Chief Creative Officer Andy Serrao. “Their music is honest and beautifully crafted, and they’ve formed an incredible connection with fans by remaining true to themselves. From our earliest conversations, it was clear that we shared the same vision for their future. We’re honored to welcome The Sways to Rounder Records and excited to help bring their music to an even wider audience.”
“This partnership feels incredibly natural,” said The Sways. “Rounder understood who we are from the very beginning and shares our vision for what’s ahead. We’re excited to start this next chapter together and continue growing with the fans who have supported us along the way.”
This fall, the band will join The Brook & The Bluff as direct support on an 18-date U.S. tour kicking off Oct. 2 in Alabama.
Bottomland Inks With Sony Music Nashville
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Ivan Lightfoot (Conveyer Management), Margaret Tomlin (VP, A&R), Taylor Lindsey (Chair & CEO, SMN), Bottomland (Cannon Brand & Justin Gates), Ken Robold (President & COO, SMN), Kyle Hutton (Conveyor Management), Jason McColl (Sr. Director, A&R, SMN). Photo: Matthew Berinato
Bottomland, comprised of Cannon Brand and Justin Gates, has inked with Sony Music Nashville.
“Still feels a little unreal saying this out loud, but we signed a major record deal with Sony Music Nashville,” the duo shares. “It’s hard to put into words what this means to us. When we formed Bottomland, something clicked and it felt like we started creating the music we were always destined to make. Now we’re in a position we only used to dream about, and it feels like we’ve finally been given the opportunity we’ve been working toward for so long.”
The Texas natives first garnered attention with performances around their home state and have since amassed 7.8 million global streams. They released their new single, “We’re About To Break Up,” today. The track was written by HARDY, Jameson Rodgers, Smith Ahnquist and Hunter Phelps.
“We’ve been fans of Hardy for as long as we can remember, so getting pitched a song that he was a writer on was one of those ‘is this really happening?’ moments,” shares the duo. “We knew from the first listen that we had to make this one our own. We poured everything we had into it, and we couldn’t be more proud of how it turned out. It’s become one of our favorite songs to play every night, and we look forward to playing it for a long time. We hope we did the song and the writers behind it justice.”
The duo is currently on the road with upcoming dates in Texas, Washington and Louisiana.
Thomas Rhett Expands ‘The Soundtrack To Life Tour’ To UK In Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett. Photo: Josh Aikin
Thomas Rhett is taking his “The Soundtrack To Life Tour” overseas with three dates in the United Kingdom next April.
The international extension will bring the tour to the U.K. in April 2027 for three arena dates, marking his first headlining run in the region since 2018. The tour will stop at Manchester’s AO Arena on April 22, London’s The O2 on April 23, and Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on April 25. Kameron Marlowe will join as support.
Tickets go on sale Aug. 7, with presales beginning Aug. 4.
“Our U.K. fans have always shown us so much love,” says Rhett. “Getting back for our own arena tour has been something we’ve been working on for a really long time. We’ve got a lot of songs to catch up on together and I can’t wait to see everybody next spring.”
Meanwhile, Rhett’s stateside tour picks back up on Aug. 13 in Columbia, Maryland with rising stars ERNEST, Kashus Culpepper, Zach John King, Vincent Mason and Conner Smith joining over the course of the summer in rotating support slots, and Emily Ann Roberts kicking off each night of the tour.
2026 CCMA Songwriters Unplugged Series Lineup Revealed
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Canadian Country Music Association has unveiled the lineup for the 2026 CCMA Songwriters Unplugged Series presented by SOCAN with Apple Music on Sept. 16-18.
Held across three sessions during Country Music Week 2026 at Saskatoon’s Capitol Music Club, the series will feature intimate, in-the-round acoustic performances from writers including Dean Brody, John Morgan, Tenille Townes, Brock Phillips, Madeline Merlo and more. Each session offers fans a rare opportunity to experience the stories, inspiration, and artistry behind the music from some of the most celebrated voices in Canadian and international country music.
Session One: CCMA Songwriters Unplugged presented by SOCAN with Apple Music
September 16 – Session one kicks off Country Music Week 2026 with performances by Noah Derksen, Parker Graye, Brittany Kennell, Brock Phillips, Taylor-Rae, Shantaia, Catie St. Germain, and TANAEYA
Session Two: CCMA Songwriters Unplugged presented by SOCAN with Apple Music
September 17 – Session two keeps the festivities going with performances from Sully Burrows, Andrew Hyatt, Kyle McKearney, Madeline Merlo, Sacha, Tebey, Tim Neufeld of Tim and the Glory Boys, and Adam Wendler
Session Three: CCMA Songwriters Unplugged: Crossing Borders presented by SOCAN with Apple Music’s Ty Bentli
September 18 – The series culminates with a special songwriting round hosted by Apple Music’s Ty Bentli, featuring Dean Brody, John Morgan, Tenille Townes, and Parker Welling
Tickets for each session are available here.