DISClaimer Single Reviews: Riley Green Delivers ‘Summer Party Anthem’

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Riley Green. Photo: David Higgs

It’s an upbeat day here at DISClaimer.

The listening session was dominated by tempo tunes, none of them more charming than the new track by shooting star Riley Green. It is the Disc of the Day.

The DISCovery Award goes to Bizz Bigsby, from whom I hope to hear more.

MAGNOLIA RISING / “Bet On Me”
Writers: Andrew Millsaps/Devynn Hart/Leo Brooks/Treauna Swindle; Producer: Jason Haag; Label: MR
– Our story so far: A trio from Mississippi called Chapel Hart stormed the country-music world in 2020, earning acclaim on America’s Got Talent, garnering rave reviews and touring to wild applause. Then lead singer Danica Hart quit last year and the remaining two, Devyn Hart and Trea Swindle, formed Magnolia Rising. This is the duo’s sophomore single. It’s a forceful, loud country rocker with the two women swapping snappy lines and harmonizing on a lyric sassing an ex.

TIM McGRAW / “Pawn Shop Guitar”
Writers: Tim McGraw/Tom Douglas; Producer: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Label: Turbo Tonk Records
– McGraw draws on his autobiography to craft this compelling portrait of a struggling picker in Music City. A snarling production, hypnotic rhythms, and a soaring vocal combine to create a dynamic listening experience.

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW & MOLLY TUTTLE / “Last American Waltz”
Writers: Critter Fuqua/Ketch Secor; Producer: Morgan Jahnig; Label: Hartland Records
– Gorgeous. A dizzying, pastel swirl of acoustic picking frames a lovely waltz with quasi-apocalyptic lyrics. Tuttle and Secor harmonize brilliantly as everyone surges together on the driving melody. The band is having a release party for its superb new album Union Made on Sunday (June 7) at the American Legion in Inglewood. Showtime is 7 p.m.

RILEY GREEN / “Think As You Drunk”
Writers: Erik Dylan/Jessi Alexander/Riley Green/Scott Emerick/Toby Keith/Wyatt McCubbin; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– This clever, rollicking honky-tonker is a tipsy ode to being wasted, complete with slurred and garbled lyrics and a melodic quote from Toby Keith’s “As Good As I Once Was.” The rowdy single sounds like a summer party anthem.

LAUREN ALAINA / “Raining Whiskey”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Geoff Warburton/Hunter Phelps/Jordan Minton/VWillz; Producer: Ben Johnson; Label: Big Loud Records
– Since he left her, “There’s a 100-proof chance it’s raining whiskey in this bar” and “Them Lynchburg clouds are hangin’ low in this neon sky.” A crunchy production percolates beneath a pert vocal in this well written bopper.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Over and Over”
Writers: Ashley Ray/Johnny Simpson/Karen Fairchild/Madi Yanofsky; Producers: Gena Johnson, Karen Fairchild; Label: MCA
– Obsessive love is the theme of this tempo tune. She’ll stalk him down wherever he goes. Yikes.

INGRID ANDRESS / “All the Best”
Writers: Ingrid Andress/Jordan Schmidt/Josh Kear; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Label: Atlantic Records/Warner Records Nashville
– This lively goodbye tune is laced with sarcasm and irony. If the best roses have thorns, then, yes, she wishes him roses. And so on. Feisty and fun.

BIZZ BIGSBY / “Proud”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: BB
– Bigsby is a Nashville native who is the son of R&B star Jimmy Church. He calls his sound “Urban Americana.” It sounds like gentle country-pop to me, at least on this lilting, aspirational, wafting expression of a son’s love. Breezy, summer-y and pleasing.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN / “Streets of Minneapolis”
Writers: Bruce Springsteen; Producers: Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Ron Aniello; Label: Columbia
– The spirits of Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash infuse this stirring, folkie, anti-Ice protest song. Over an audio bed of acoustic guitar and harmonica, the Boss praises the citizens who stood for the Bill of Rights and memorializes those who lost their lives. Strong stuff.

BRADLEY GASKIN / “Alabama Rain”
Writers: Bradley Gaskin/Michael White/Robert Keith Stegall; Producer: Robert Keith Stegall; Label: 30a Life Records
– Hardcore country, with plenty of twang and drawl. Stretched notes, swaying fiddle, yearning heartache, wailing steel — this gem has it all.

KELLY LANG / “This Too Shall Pass”
Writers: Kelly Lang; Producer: Kelly Lang; Label: Leopard Entertainment
– Lang’s lustrous alto has seldom sounded better than on this resonant, uplifting ballad of hope, strength and perseverance. Cherish every day, even when you are facing hardship and defeat. Beautifully done.

JON PARDI / “How Did You Know”
Writers: Bart Butler/Jon Pardi/Rhett Akins; Producers: Bart Butler, Jon Pardi, Ryan Gore; Label: MCA
– She turns him on, then turns him down. The gently rolling tempo and everyman vocal style both go down smoothly.

ERNEST & Friends Bring Songwriter Magic To Stars For Second Harvest [Recap]

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Headliner Ella Langley and host of the night ERNEST sing a duet-style version of “Loving Life Again,” a co-write between the two from Langley’s record-breaking new album, Dandelion. Photo: Blue Weidemann

ERNEST welcomed an all-star lineup of friends and collaborators to the Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday night (June 2) for Stars For Second Harvest, benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. The evening showcased Nashville’s songwriting community with an intimate writers round before transitioning into a full-band performance featuring Ella Langley. Overall, the event raised $445,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank.

The evening opened with an intimate writers round featuring ERNEST, HARDY, Lee Thomas Miller and Dean Dillon, who traded songs and stories throughout the set in classic Nashville fashion.

ERNEST contributed performances of the unreleased “Willie Songs,” Morgan Wallen’s “Wasted On You,” his own “Would If I Could” which was written by Dillon, and his Wallen collaboration “Flower Shops,” delivering the latter without a microphone and allowing the Ryman’s renowned acoustics to fill the room. HARDY offered his own “Favorite Country Song,” Wallen’s “More Than My Hometown,” the star-studded collaboration “McArthur,” and “Bottomland.”

ERNEST sound checks at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium before Stars for Second Harvest 2026. Photo: Blue Weidemann

Miller showcased his celebrated catalog with a medley of Brad Paisley’s “Perfect Storm,” “I’m Still A Guy,” and “The World,” before continuing with Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This,” Chris Stapleton’s “Whiskey And You,” and Jamey Johnson’s “In Color.” Dillon delivered George Strait’s “Marina Del Rey,” “The Chair,” and “Here For A Good Time,” closing with Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey.”

The evening then shifted into a full-band set, with Langley bringing an acoustic-leaning, rootsy energy to the Ryman stage. Langley opened the segment with “Dandelion,” “I Gotta Quit,” “Somethin’ Simple,” “You And Me Time” and “20/20.”

“I’m always running around flinging my hair and entertaining [while on tour],” Langley shared from stage. “So tonight, I just wanted to sit here and sing these songs and tell the stories behind them.”

She then continued with “Broken” and “Nicotine.” Langley then debuted “We Know Us” live for the first time, drawing an enthusiastic response from the crowd.

Later in the set, Langley performed “Be Her” before welcoming JoyBeth Taylor and Ashley Dalton to the stage for “Speaking Terms.” The audience also joined in for Langley’s breakthrough hit “You Look Like You Love Me.”

ERNEST returned to join Langley on “Loving Life Again,” while the set continued with smash hit “Choosin’ Texas” and concluded with “Weren’t For The Wind.”

Dean Dillon, Lee Thomas Miller, HARDY, and ERNEST earn a standing ovation following a show-stopping writer’s round performance on Tuesday night at Stars for Second Harvest 2026. Photo: Blue Weidemann

Pictured (L-R): ERNEST, HARDY, Lee Thomas Miller and Dean Dillon. Photo: Tanner Gallagher

Photo: Blue Weidemann

ERNEST. Photo: Blue Weidemann

HARDY Welcomes All-Star Lineup For Benefit Concert At Marathon Music Works [Recap]

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HARDY, Karen Fairchild, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson & Ella Langley. Ella Langley. Photo: Jaren Collins/Ci Creatives

HARDY brought together an all-star lineup of collaborators and friends for “Trend Presents: Off The Record” at Marathon Music Works on Wednesday night (June 3), delivering an intimate show experience that also served as a fundraiser benefiting The HARDY Fund.

The evening opened with HARDY welcoming Lauren Alaina to the stage for a performance of their No. 1 collaboration, “One Beer.” HARDY then took the spotlight solo for “Favorite Country Song” before introducing Stephen Wilson Jr. The pair shared moving renditions of “Gary” and “Father’s Son.”

HARDY kept the momentum going with “Sand In My Boots” before inviting Ella Langley to join him for “Be Her.” The collaborative portion of the evening expanded further when Miranda Lambert appeared, joining Langley and HARDY for performances of “Choosin’ Texas” and “Signed, Sober You.”

One of the night’s standout moments came when Karen Fairchild took the stage with HARDY for a rendition of Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush.” The performance soon evolved into a powerhouse female collaboration as Langley, Lambert and Lainey Wilson joined in. The group continued the moment with a performance of “Better Man,” earning one of the evening’s biggest audience reactions.

Wilson remained onstage with HARDY, delivering their CMA-winning duet “Wait In The Truck” before the pair switched gears with Wilson’s hit “Watermelon Moonshine.”

ERNEST was next to join the celebration, teaming with HARDY for “Gettin’ Gone,” “Flower Shops” and “More Than My Hometown.” Tucker Wetmore followed, performing “Wind Up Missing You” and “Brunette” alongside the host.

To close the evening, HARDY stayed on stage alone for a performance of his multi-week chart-topper “Truck Bed.”

HARDY & Ella Langley. Ella Langley. Photo: Jaren Collins/Ci Creatives

HARDY & Stephen Wilson Jr. Ella Langley. Photo: Jaren Collins/Ci Creatives

HARDY & Miranda Lambert. Photo: Jaren Collins/Ci Creatives

HARDY & ERNEST. Ella Langley. Photo: Jaren Collins/Ci Creatives

HARDY, Ella Langley, and Miranda Lambert. Ella Langley. Photo: Jaren Collins/Ci Creatives

HARDY & Tucker Wetmore. Ella Langley. Photo: Jaren Collins/Ci Creatives

HARDY & Lainey Wilson. Ella Langley. Photo: Jaren Collins/Ci Creatives

HARDY & Lauren Alaina. Ella Langley. Photo: Jaren Collins/Ci Creatives

CMA Touring Awards: Lainey Wilson’s Crew Sweeps, Jim Halsey & Keith Urban Honored

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Pictured: (L-R) Tiffany Kerns (CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy), Curt Armstead, Catherine Powell, Ryan Dell, Meg Miller, Allison Noah, Diana “Lemonade” McBride, Talayeh Nasirzadeh, Zac Coren, Kerri Edwards, Javier Alcaraz, Mike DuCharme, Trent Allison, Dan Wessell, Adreinne Ervin, Caleb Garrett, Jen Conger, Olivia Hanceri, Jim Halsey’s daughter Chrissy Rumford, Sarah Trahern (CMA CEO), Jim Halsey’s granddaughter Lilly Rumford.  Not pictured: Dalton Ray Brown, Becky Gardenhire, Ed Warm, Kurt Ozan, Dave Bergfeld, Clair Global; Photo: John Russell/CMA

On Tuesday (June 2), the Country Music Association hosted its annual CMA Touring Awards at The Pinnacle in Nashville. The event, emceed by Keith Urban for the fourth consecutive year, honored the leading professionals in country music touring with awards across 20 different categories.

Alongside industry executives, crews, families and several artists attended the event to support their nominated team members and celebrate the behind-the-scenes professionals who make life on the road possible. Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, Carly Pearce and members of The Oak Ridge Boys were among those who joined the celebration.

The biggest winner of the night was Wilson, whose “Whirlwind World Tour” team managed to earn six of the evening’s awards, including Backline Technician, Stage Manager, Front of House Engineer, Tour Video Director, Monitor Engineer and Tour Manager of the Year.

Wilson’s crew also took home the night’s highest honor, Crew of the Year. “I am so proud of my people,” shared Wilson. “I feel like everywhere we go, they leave a good impression. They treat the janitor just like they treat the CEO and that means a whole lot to me. Thank you so much for the sacrifices y’all make all the time.”

Other wins of the night included KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards, who took home the award for Manager of the Year, WME’s Becky Gardenhire as Talent Agent of the Year, OH Creative’s Olivia Hanceri as Publicist of the Year and Luke Combs band member Kurt Ozan, who received Touring Musician of the Year.

The evening also included several special moments celebrating the touring community, including appearances by former hosts Kristian Bush, Kix Brooks and Jon Pardi, as well as a tribute performance from Charlie Worsham honoring those in the industry lost over the past year.

CMA also honored legendary agent and manager Jim Halsey with the Lifetime Touring Achievement Award, recognizing his six decades of work helping bring country music to audiences around the world. Halsey worked alongside artists such as The Oak Ridge Boys, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Merle Haggard, Reba McEntire and The Judds.

The evening concluded with one final award as CMA CEO Sarah Trahern presented Urban with the CMA Founding President’s Award, recognizing his longtime commitment to the organization and country music.

Full List of 2026 CMA Touring Awards Winners:

Business Manager of the Year: Jen Conger (Flood, Bumstead, McCready and McCarthy)
Coach/Truck Driver of the Year: Caleb Garrett (Luke Bryan)
Venue of the Year: The Pinnacle (Nashville)
Publicist of the Year: Olivia Hanceri (OH Creative)
Lighting Director of the Year: Zac Coren (Morgan Wallen)
Tour Video Director of the Year: Dave Bergfeld (Lainey Wilson)
Tour Videographer/Photographer of the Year: Catherine Powell (Kelsea Ballerini)
Talent Agent of the Year: Becky Gardenhire (WME)
Front of House Engineer of the Year: Ryan Dell (Lainey Wilson)
Monitor Engineer of the Year: Curt Armstead (Lainey Wilson)
Production Manager of the Year: Chad Guy (Morgan Wallen)
Support Services Company of the Year: Clair Global (Nashville)
Backline Technician of the Year: Dalton Ray Brown (Lainey Wilson)
Touring Musician of the Year: Kurt Ozan (Luke Combs)
Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year: Ed Warm (Joe’s Bar)
Manager of the Year: Kerri Edwards (KP Entertainment)
Stage Manager of the Year: Allison Noah (Carly Pearce/Lainey Wilson)
Tour Manager of the Year: Meg Miller (Lainey Wilson)
Unsung Hero of the Year: Diana “Lemonade” McBride (Grand Ole Opry)
Crew of the Year: “Whirlwind World Tour” crew (Lainey Wilson)

Darius & Friends Returns To The Ryman With All-Star Lineup Benefiting St. Jude [Recap]

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Darius Rucker. Photo: Catherine Powell

The 17th annual Darius & Friends benefit concert returned to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Monday evening (June 1), bringing together an all-star lineup of country talent in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Hosted by Darius Rucker, the annual event once again blended chart-topping hits, surprise collaborations and crowd-pleasing covers while raising funds and awareness for the hospital’s lifesaving mission. The event plus a golf tournament collected $1.1 million for St. Jude.

After a live auction benefiting St. Jude’s, Rucker opened the evening with a pair of fan favorites, “This” and “For The First Time,” before welcoming Carter Faith to the stage. Faith delivered her originals “Bar Star” and “Ain’t Over Me Yet” before putting her own country spin on Britney Spears’ pop classic “Oops!… I Did It Again.”

Returning to the spotlight, Rucker continued with “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” and “Southern State Of Mind” before introducing special guest Mark Wills. Wills drew enthusiastic singalongs with “Jacob’s Ladder,” “19 Somethin'” and Alabama’s beloved “Dixieland Delight.”

Lauren Alaina. Photo: Catherine Powell

Rucker then energized the room with “I Only Wanna Be With You” and “Beers And Sunshine” before inviting Lauren Alaina to join him for a spirited duet of Johnny Cash and June Carter’s “Jackson.” Alaina followed with performances of her own hits “Raining Whiskey” and “Road Less Traveled.”

The evening’s momentum continued as Rucker returned for “Homegrown Honey” and “Come Back Song” before welcoming Randy Houser to the stage. Houser showcased his signature vocals on “Back In The Bottle,” “Tulsa Time” and “Like A Cowboy.”

Back on stage, Rucker delivered “If I Told You” and “Alright” before introducing Jason Aldean. Aldean’s set featured “Fly Over States,” his current single “How Far Does A Goodbye Go” and the crowd favorite “Dirt Road Anthem.”

To close the evening, Rucker treated fans to a genre-spanning finale that reflected both his musical roots and influences. The hitmaker performed a cover of Tim McGraw’s “I Like It, I Love It,” TLC’s “Waterfalls” and Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison” before bringing the sold-out Ryman crowd to its feet with his unreleased “The Tracks” before closing out with his signature anthem, “Wagon Wheel.”

Jason Aldean. Photo: Catherine Powell

Carter Faith. Photo: Catherine Powell

Mark Wills. Photo: Catherine Powell

Randy Houser. Photo: Catherine Powell

Photo: Catherine Powell

Luke Dick Enters Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Luke Dick. Photo: Kit Wood

Luke Dick has entered the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Ella Langley’s “Butterfly Season” and “Choosin’ Texas,” Jackson Dean’s “Make A Liar” and STELLA LEFTY’s “Something To Lose” push the songwriter to No. 12 this week.

Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot for the sixth consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Loving Life Again” and “You & Me Time.” Joybeth Taylor stays at No. 2 with “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “Empty Words,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore” and “You & Me Time.”

Austin Goodloe (No. 3), Randy Montana (No. 4) and Riley Green (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Chase Rice Toasts New Partnership & Single During Loser’s Pop-Up Performance

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Chase Rice. Photo: John Amis

Chase Rice packed Nashville’s Loser’s Bar & Grill on Thursday night (May 28) for a special pop-up performance celebrating his newly announced partnerships with Coors Banquet and Wrangler, as well as the release of his latest single, “Connie Lou.”

Rice delivered a career-spanning set that blended fan favorites, deep cuts and new music. He opened the evening with “Walk That Easy” before taking a moment to address the crowd.

“Thank you guys for being here,” Rice said from stage. “I know you have a lot of options in Nashville on a Thursday night, so thank you for choosing this one.”

Chase Rice. Photo: John Amis

Rice continued with “Bad Day To Be A Cold Beer” and the Platinum-selling “Ready Set Roll,” drawing enthusiastic singalongs from the crowd. He then shifted into “Haw River” and “Gonna Wanna Tonight,” showcasing the storytelling and authenticity that have defined his recent musical evolution.

The intimate atmosphere took on a communal feel when Rice’s guitarist led the audience through a spirited rendition of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” Rice followed with a cover of Garth Brooks’ “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old),” paying tribute to one of country music’s most influential artists.

The momentum continued with “Two Tone Trippin'” and “Circa 1943” before Rice introduced “Connie Lou,” the night’s centerpiece and the occasion for the celebration.

Closing out the evening, Rice delivered a trio of fan favorites with “Lonely If You Are,” the multi-Platinum hit “Eyes On You” and “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen,” sending the crowd home on a high note.

Mark Your Calendar—June 2026

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Single/Track Releases & Radio Add Dates:

June 1
Riley Green/Think As You Drunk/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
Atlus/Hold My Liquor/Stoney Creek Records
Braden Hull/End This Way/Melody Place
Six One Five Collective/No One Ever Talks (About The Nights)/Music City Power Company
John PayCheck & Struggle Jennings/Sons of the Spark

June 3
Laci Kaye Booth/ETHEREAL REDNECK SH*T
Mitchell Broodley (feat. Brittany Ray)/Different’s Where I Wanna Be
Megan Barker/What’s A Summer

June 4
Jonah Cooper/Still Here

June 5
Dan Seals (feat. Katharine McPhee)/The Healing Kind
Dave Wilbert/All Summer Long
Alison Nichols/Dressin’ Down/BBR Music Group
Ashton Butler/One More Won’t Hurt
Trevor Finlay/Shut The Hell Up
Parker Brand/More Cigarettes/Asphalt Music Group

June 8
Stephen Styles/Whiskey And Vinyl/Plow House Records

June 9
James Malcolm Band/Knock on Marble

June 10
T.W./Good Shape

June 12
Craig Campbell/Better By The Sea/Grindstone Recordings/Vydia
Lakelin Lemmings/He Ain’t Coming Back/QHMG/Quartz Hill Records
Omer Netzer/Don’t Ask Me

June 15
Chris Young/Full Throttle/Black River Entertainment/Akando Music
Tori Rose/South Of Southern/Saddle Up Records
D Boone Pittman/Sunshine/Boonetown Records
Andy Ross/Hold My Beer/Buck Shot Records

June 19
Matt Rogers/Heartbreak Town
Gabe Walsh/Goodyears/North Chapel Records
Erin Duvall/Wide Eyed Wonder

June 20
Sarah Williams/I Don’t Give a Damn

June 22
Cole Goodwin/HOWDY/Big Machine/Nashville Harbor
Jonathan Lee/Saturday Night/Pacific Standard Entertainment Group
Jaclyn Kenyon & Justin Love/I Wanna/Cornerstone Entertainment Group

June 23
Jeff Dayton/Circling The Moon

June 26
Wishgarden/Kiss Me Slow
Bella Lam/Bootfirst
River Shook/Country Angel/Blackberry River
Amanda Nelson/Loud Mouth

June 29
Glen Shelton/Live Again/Jordash Records
Kimberly Burke/My Circus/Tidewater Records

 

Album/EP Releases:

June 2
Barrett Baber/Crittenden County

June 5
The Red Clay Strays/Grateful/HBYCO Records/RCA Records
Lee Brice/Sunriser/Curb Records
Sierra Ferrell/Live at Third Man Records/Third Man Records
Brent Cobb/Live a Song, Write a Memory, Vol. 1
Jo Dee Messina/Bridges
Old Crow Medicine Show/Union Made/Hartland Records/Firebird Music
Futurebirds/Far Out Country/Dualtone Records
Caleb Caudle/Heavy Thrill/Handplow Records/Soundly Music/Thirty Tigers
Alexandra King/Across the Pond

June 12
Jon Pardi/CALIFORNIA SUNRISE (10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION)/MCA
Koe Wetzel/The Night Champion/Columbia Records
Keith Urban/Flow State/MCA
Midland/Stages/Blue Highway Records
Chris Young/I Didn’t Come Here To Leave (Deluxe)/Black River Entertainment
Brenn!/AMATEUR AT BEST
Graham Barham/CLUB COUNTRY/Sony Music Nashville
Amelia Day/EGO TRIP
Breakfield/Breakfield/Rounder Records
Kenny Whitmire/Fool In A King Size Bed/MCA
Dailey & Vincent/A Beautiful Life/Pillar Stone Records
Caryn Dixon/Accidental Cowgirl
Arthur Stulien/Heart on the Run
EG Vines/Kaleidoscope Dream
ISMAY/Half Truth/Fossil Records
Mike Richmond/Without An Audience/Strolling Bones Records

June 18
Candace Hastings/Soft Place to Land

June 19
The War and Treaty/The Story of Michael and Tanya/Atlantic Outpost

June 26
Cody Johnson/Banks Of The Trinity/COJO Music/Warner Records Nashville
Willow Avalon/Pink Pocket Pistol/Atlantic Outpost/Assemble Sound
Rodney Crowell/Then Again/New West Records
Cole Goodwin/Howdy/Big Machine Records
Sela Campbell/Lovin’ Made Me Mean/Leo33
Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, Wes Golding & Terry Baucom/Boone Creek/Craft Recordings & HighTone Records
Frank Ray/Good For The Soul/BBR/BMG
Ryan Jewel/BARREL FULL OF WHISKEY
The Malpass Brothers/Satisfied: Country Gospel Classics/Gaither Music Group
Big Guy & The Very Large Men/soft hands, hard times
The Steppers/The Lights Are Always On
Abby Nissenbaum/Want to Be Wrong
David G Smith/Hero Street

Industry Events:

June 4-7
CMA Fest

 

Upcoming Nashville Concerts:

Alan Jackson. Photo: David McClister

June 1
Darius & Friends/Ryman Auditorium
Various Artists: Whiskey Jam/Skydeck on Broadway
Terror/The Basement East
Drake Bell/City Winery

June 2
ERNEST & Friends/Ryman Auditorium
Various Artists: Country Kickoff/Skydeck on Broadway
Death Angel/Brooklyn Bowl
Em Beihold/The Basement East

June 3
Khalid/Nashville Municipal Auditorium
The Red Clay Strays/The Pinnacle
Various Artists: Whiskey Jam/Skydeck on Broadway
Ben Chapman/The Basement East
Ella Unruh & Friends/EXIT/IN

June 4
Jill Scott/Ryman Auditorium
Dylan Leblanc/The Basement East
Darrell Scott & The Scott Brothers/City Winery

June 5
Jill Scott/Ryman Auditorium
The Wallflowers/Brooklyn Bowl
Starlito/EXIT/IN

June 6
CHAN/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
Sadie Jean/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Excis/EXIT/IN

June 7
Jill Scott/Ryman Auditorium
Dance Gavin Dance/Marathon Music Works
Various Artists: Next on Deck/Skydeck on Broadway
Yebba/Brooklyn Bowl
Blacktop Mojo/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Haute & Freddy/EXIT/IN
Various Artists: MOTHER/Riverside Revival

June 8
Yellowcard/Ascend Amphitheater
The Dreggs/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Jessica Baio/EXIT/IN

June 9
Charlie Puth/Ascend Amphitheater
CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso/Ryman Auditorium
Mike Sherm/Brooklyn Bowl
Galleria/The Basement East
Michael Lington & Paul Taylor/City Winery

June 10
The Last Dinner Party/The Pinnacle
Jared James Nichols/The Basement East

June 11
Carín León/Bridgestone Arena
Marc E Bassy/City Winery

June 12
Jamal Roberts/City Winery

June 13
Various Artists: SmashFest/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
615 Muzik Fest/EXIT/IN
John Violinist/City Winery

June 14
Cowboy Junkies/City Winery

June 15
Evanescence/Bridgestone Arena
The Dreggs/Cannery Hall (The Mil)

June 16
Josh Groban/Bridgestone Arena
Dailey & Vincent/Ryman Auditorium
Phantom Planet & Augustana/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
Brian Fallon & The Painkillers/The Basement East
Spyro Gyra/City Winery

June 17
Nate Smith/Ryman Auditorium
Ivy Queen/Skydeck on Broadway
The Cab/Brooklyn Bowl
The Blackbyrds/City Winery

June 18
Nate Smith/Ryman Auditorium
The Protomen/Marathon Music Works
Kittie/Brooklyn Bowl
Chris Travis/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
Cherry Bomb/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Ana Popovic/City Winery

June 19
5 Seconds of Summer/Bridgestone Arena
Andrew Peterson/Ryman Auditorium
The Protomen/Marathon Music Works
Jinjer/Brooklyn Bowl
Tophouse/EXIT/IN
Dave Hollister/City Winery

June 20
Ed Sheeran/Nissan Stadium
Max Richter/Ryman Auditorium
The Protomen/Marathon Music Works
John Vincent III/The Basement East
Clayton Nile Young/EXIT/IN

June 21
The Human League/Grand Ole Opry House

June 22
Rita Wilson/City Winery

June 23
Watkins Family Hour/Ryman Auditorium
Royal & The Serpent/The Basement East
O-Town/City Winery

June 24
Joe Jackson/Ryman Auditorium
Claude McKnight/City Winery

June 25
The Bellamy Brothers/Ryman Auditorium
Troy Doherty/The Basement East

June 26
Nashville: The Encore Tour/Ryman Auditorium
42 Dugg & Babyface Ray/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
Topoppgen/The Basement East
Southcourt/EXIT/IN

June 27
Alan Jackson/Nissan Stadium
Young The Giant/Ascend Amphitheater
Nashville: The Encore Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Flux Pavilion/Skydeck on Broadway
Mark Curry/City Winery

June 28
Sonido Gallo Negro/EXIT/IN
Boney James/City Winery

June 29
Louis Tomlinson/The Pinnacle
dyego/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Nunnabove/City Winery

June 30
Post Malone/Nissan Stadium
Sam Bush/Ryman Auditorium

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly showcased another busy stretch across the Nashville music industry, with major executive moves, artist signings, partnerships and milestone moments continuing to shape the landscape. Click here to see the full edition.

One of the week’s biggest headlines came from Spirit Music, which elevated longtime executive Frank Rogers to CEO.

On the label side, MCA announced a new partnership with ONE4 Records, the Nashville-based imprint founded by industry veteran Brian Wright alongside Red Light Management’s Coran Capshaw. The venture is centered on artist development and long-term career building.

Meanwhile, Musicians On Call hosted its annual “Music Heals Live!” event last Wednesday night (May 20) at The Pinnacle, delivering a record-breaking evening that raised more than $700,000 to support the organization’s bedside, virtual, songwriting and streaming programs nationwide. Reba McEntire was honored during the event with the Music Heals Golden Ukulele Award in recognition of her longtime support and advocacy for the organization’s mission.

Awards season also remained in full swing this week, as the American Music Awards aired live from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 25. Country artists made a strong showing throughout the night, with Ella Langley, Morgan Wallen, Sam Barber, Zac Brown Band and Megan Moroney all taking home wins.

Across the management and representation sectors, several notable career moves were announced. Anna Kolander was promoted to Partner at Activist Artists Management, while Jo Dee Messina signed with CAA for talent representation and mtheory for management. Matt Stell joined the roster at Black River Entertainment, and songwriter Jimmy Robbins inked a worldwide administration agreement with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

The industry also saw continued growth among independent companies and creative teams. 3686 Records expanded its leadership and creative departments with the additions of Murray Decock as Director of Business Development, Alexandra Gilbert as Label Manager, Frank Door as Creative Director and Chad White as Social Media Manager. Haily Harris also joined Combustion Music as Creative Manager.

Zach John King made his Grand Ole Opry debut on May 23, followed closely by McCoy Moore’s Opry debut on May 26.

Elsewhere, industry veteran Chrissy Nix launched The Interlude, a new creative artist development company whose roster already includes Remy Garrison, JB Somers and Amy Peters. Additional signings announced this week included Halie Ridge signing an exclusive label and artist development deal with Eclipse Records; Landon Wilks joining The Neal Agency; and Sela Campbell inking agreements with Leo33, CAA and Warner Chappell Music.

Tyla Rodrigues also signed with Vincent Torrez Management, while Hunter Flynn joined Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment in partnership with Appalachian Soul Music. Gabe Walsh rounded out the week’s signings with North Chapel Records.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot with “Be Her.” 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.

Inside emeraldwave’s Pursuit Of Purpose-Driven Music [Interview]

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Blake Davis.

In a world where stress, burnout and anxiety have become increasingly common, one Nashville-based music label is exploring how sound can be used for more than entertainment.

emeraldwave, a wellness-focused label under Sun Label Group, creates music designed to help listeners relax, focus and reconnect with themselves. From calming ambient tracks to projects built around specific sound frequencies, the label’s releases are intended to support everything from anxiety relief to better sleep and concentration. Unlike many wellness platforms, emeraldwave’s music is available on major streaming services, making it accessible to anyone looking for a moment of calm during a busy day.

“We wanted to make music that had a purpose,” Blake Davis, General Manager, Green Hill Music, shares with MusicRow.

That purpose has shaped many of emeraldwave’’s releases. While some projects offer listeners relaxing background music for everyday activities, others are built around specific wellness goals. The label has released collections focused on anxiety relief, depression support, trauma recovery and ADHD, incorporating techniques such as frequency-based sound design and bilateral stimulation, which alternates audio between ears to encourage relaxation and focus.

The company’s roots trace back to Green Hill Music’s extensive catalog of instrumental and ambient recordings. According to Davis, the company had long produced music that listeners often associated with relaxation, including the instrumental and ambient recordings frequently heard in spas, resorts and other public settings. As the team considered how to better define that catalog, they began to see an opportunity to create a brand centered specifically on wellness.

That vision took shape around the same time the COVID-19 pandemic increased conversations surrounding mental health and self-care. Rather than creating another subscription-based wellness platform, Davis said the goal was to develop music that anyone could access through the streaming services they already use. The result was emeraldwave.

One of emeraldwave’s most distinctive offerings is its collection of frequency-based releases, which are designed around specific wellness goals. Davis said the label researches frequencies and sound-based techniques that have been associated with various emotional and mental wellness benefits before developing projects centered on those concepts.

“I started researching different hertz and then going, ‘What is this used for? How does it help people?’ And that’s really what kind of informed what project was coming next,” Davis shares.

That research has inspired a variety of releases aimed at addressing common challenges listeners face in their daily lives. The label’s 432 Hz project focuses on anxiety relief, while 528 Hz was created for listeners dealing with depression. More recently, emeraldwave released a bilateral stimulation project designed to help listeners with ADHD, using audio that alternates between the left and right ear to create a calming effect when heard through headphones.

Rather than simply creating relaxing music, Davis said the team looks for areas where listeners may need additional support. “What would be most helpful for what we hear people are dealing with?” he says. “We’re so fast-paced all the time. How often are you truly taking time to yourself?”

Accessibility has remained a key part of emeraldwave’s mission. According to Davis, the decision to integrate into existing streaming platforms was intentional, allowing listeners to access emeraldwave’s catalog without additional memberships or commitments.

“We wanted stuff that anybody could use. They don’t have to wait for a class. They can do it in their car, their office, on their phone, wherever. There really is something for everybody,” Davis says.

The catalog includes playlists built around activities ranging from exercise and meditation to cooking and studying, as well as the label’s “Rock Me Gently” and “Rock Me Classical” series, which reimagine familiar songs through calming instrumental arrangements.

emeraldwave remains deeply connected to Nashville’s music community. According to Davis, many of the label’s projects are created by local musicians, producers and arrangers who have spent years working throughout the city’s music industry.

Producer Ron Sorbo has helped shape many of emeraldwave’s frequency-based releases, while artists such as Grammy-nominated composer David Arkenstone and pianist Jim Brickman have also contributed to the label’s catalog. Davis noted that many of the musicians involved have extensive experience performing, recording and arranging music across a variety of genres.

“There’s plenty of people here in Nashville that are really good at it,” Davis says. “A lot of people probably don’t realize that this kind of music is being created right here.”

Looking ahead, emeraldwave has several wellness-focused releases planned throughout the year, including projects centered on reducing stress and tension, emotional healing and nervous system support. Davis said the team continues to identify areas where listeners may benefit from intentional wellness-focused music and develop projects around those needs.

While emeraldwave’s catalog continues to grow, Davis said the label’s purpose remains unchanged.

“Here’s something that’s created in Nashville, from a Nashville label, using real Nashville musicians, and is really intentional about wanting to help people,” Davis says.

Whether through frequency-based releases, curated playlists or instrumental recordings, emeraldwave aims to provide listeners with accessible tools for relaxation, focus and mindfulness. As conversations surrounding mental health and wellness continue to evolve, the label remains committed to its mission of “nourishing the human spirit through sound.”