Scotty McCreery And Hootie & The Blowfish Hit No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Scotty McCreery rises to the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week alongside Hootie & The Blowfish with their song, “Bottle Rockets.”

The track was released as the lead single from McCreery’s recent EP Scooter & Friends, and was written by McCreery, Brent Anderson, Bobby Hamrick, Darius Rucker, Dean Felber, Derek George, Frank Rogers, Jeremy Bussey, Jim Sonefeid, Mark Bryan and Monty Criswell.

McCreery and Dustin Lynch are set to hit the road on their co-headlining “Two For The Road Tour.” With support from Walker Montgomery and Sons of Habit, the 12-date tour will kick off Nov. 6 in Michigan and includes stops in Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky and more.

“Bottle Rockets” currently sits at No. 11 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 11 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Rodney Crowell Gives Hall Of Fame Worthy Performance

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Rodney Crowell. Photo: Neilson Hubbard

Is everybody on vacation?

This week’s DISClaimer stack of sounds sure seems like it. Superstars are in short supply and the songwriting pickin’s are slim. 

Mind you, there are still some highlights, namely Scotty McCreery, Sheryl Crow, Chris Janson, Tanner Adell, Billy Currington and our Disc of the Day winner, Rodney Crowell.

Shaylen stages her debut in the column and takes home a DISCovery Award.

BILLY CURRINGTON / “King of the World”
Writer: Troy Jones; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Mercury Nashville
– An upbeat, bluesy celebration of summer, loaded with dobro and slide guitar licks. He’s got a boxed lunch, some weed, Merle’s tunes, a devoted dog, a fishing pole and a boat. Feelin’ fine.

MAE ESTES / “Mountain of a Man”
Writers: Jon Decious/Lauren McLamb/Liz Rose/Paul Sikes; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Big Machine Records
– A peppy, double-time beat drives this snappy ditty praising a 6’10” former boyfriend. A dobro solo, an echoing gang of backup singers and her pert soprano delivery are among the audio highlights.

GAVIN ADCOCK / “Last One to Know”
Writers: Erik Dylan/Gavin Adcock/Jack Rauton/Luke Laird; Producer: Jay Rodgers; Label: Thrivin Here Records/Warner Music Nashville
– This ACM New Male nominee takes a break from his rowdy, redneck-rebel image with a mournful lament. He’s still not much of a singer.

LUKE COMBS / “Back in the Saddle”
Writers: Dan Isbell/Jonathan Singleton/Luke Combs; Producers: Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– A roaring declaration of …. exactly what? He’s hollering powerfully about launching some kind of comeback. It’s a potent sounding track, if somewhat lyrically vague.

CALI TUCKER / “Last Name”
Writers: Cali Tucker/Derek Robertson/G’harah “PK” Deg/Tricia Battani; Producer: G’harah “PK” Degeddingseze; Label: Mother Tucker Music
– This former contestant on The Voice is the daughter of LaCosta Tucker and the niece of Tanya. Her new single addresses having a famous name, but needing to stand on her own. Cali’s nicely phrased vocal rides atop a burbling, multi-layered, heavily edited, electronic pop production.

SCOTTY McCREERY & HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH / “Bottle Rockets”
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/Brent Anderson/Darius Rucker/Dean Felber/Derek George/Frank Rogers/Jeremy Bussey/Jim Sonefeid/Mark Bryan/Monty Criswell/Scotty McCreery; Producer: Frank Rogers; Label: Triple Tigers
– A tuneful recollection of teenage summer on a Carolina beach with his girlfriend. The bonfire night was perfect, especially when she asked him to sing “Hold My Hand.” At the mention of the title, the Blowfish chime in with glorious harmony singing. An irresistible single.

SHAYLEN / “Loneliest Man”
Writers: Andrew Baylis/Conor Matthews/Riley Thomas/Shaylen; Producers: Julian Raymond, Shaylen; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– He dumped her, but she’s okay with it, knowing he’s headed on a journey that will make him, “the loneliest man in the world.” Confidently sung and well produced. Languid and lovely, yet not especially compelling as a song.

RODNEY CROWELL / “Twenty-One Song Salute (Owed to G.G. Shinn and Cléoma Falcon)”
Writer: Rodney Crowell; Producer: Tyler Bryant; Label: Rodney Crowell
– Hidden in the lyric are the titles of 21 songs that helped to forge his musical life. The track rocks splendidly and Crowell remains a master at delivering a Texas-accented country performance. Tyler Bryant provides the harmony vocal. Highly recommended. This singer-songwriter belongs in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

TANNER ADELL / “Giddy Up Gorgeous”
Writer: Tanner Adell; Producers: Cambo, leelee, LOUALLDAY; Label: TA
– The titled tune of Adell’s current tour is the lead track on her new Don’t Pet EP. It’s a lilting statement that she won’t be a victim and aims to steer her own destiny. A tasteful, spare production has just the right touch for her personable vocal delivery.

CHRIS JANSON / “Wild Horses”
Writers: Chris Janson/Kelly Roland/Pat Bunch; Producers: Chris Janson, Michael Wayne Wilkes; Label: Harpeth 60 Records/Warner Music Nashville
– If she’s looking for a wild guy, he’s her man. The country-rock track thumps along with zest and Janson gives it his all. Highly listenable.

THE JACK WHARFF BAND / “Moonshine Man”
Writer: Jack Wharff; Producer: Charlie Worsham; Label: Big Machine Records
– His almost-shrieking tenor vocal fronts sawing fiddles, fleet mandolin picking, electric guitar bursts and furious Southern-rock drumming. Intriguing and worth some spins.

SHERYL CROW & THE REAL LOWDOWN / “The New Normal”
Writers: Audley Freed/Fred Eltringham/Jen Gunderman/Peter Stroud/Robert Kearns/Sheryl Crow; Producer: Sheryl Crow and The Real Lowdown; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Collaborating with her longtime band, the new Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee returns to her pop-rock roots with this snappy bopper. The outspoken lyric critiques AI/robot culture, “the leader of the free world,” fake news and more. A/C programmers take note.

JOSH ROSS / “Later Tonight”
Writers: Alexander Izquierdo/Ashley Gorley/John Byron/Ryan Vojtesak; Producer: Matt Geroux; Label: Core Entertainment
– His “Single Again” was a big ol’ hit. The follow-up is a finger-bopping ode to moving on after a breakup. Except when he gets back home, she’s still on his mind. The melody has all the complexity of a nursery rhyme. This one’s all about the percussive production.

Hudson Westbrook’s Wild Ride To His Debut Album [Interview]

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Hudson Westbrook. Photo: Peyton Dollar

After making his Grand Ole Opry debut last night (July 22), rising country artist Hudson Westbrook is just days away from another milestone: the release of his full-length debut album, Texas Forever, out this Friday (July 25) via River House Artists and Warner Music Nashville.

The 21-year-old Stephenville, Texas native didn’t grow up in a musical household. Just a few years ago, he was a freshman at Texas Tech working at a feed store, breaking bulls and planning to follow in his mom and uncle’s footsteps in the oil and gas industry as a landman. Though he’d picked up guitar in high school during COVID, music wasn’t part of the plan. It wasn’t even a consideration.

Hudson Westbrook makes his Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Ian Noh

But then he wrote a song on his phone during a slow day at work. That track, “Take It Slow,” quickly gained traction online and set off a chain reaction. He even turned another early song, “Two Way Drive,” into a Texas radio chart-topper. While juggling classes, work and songwriting, the industry started paying attention.

“All these labels from New York were sending me contracts over text, and I was like, ‘There’s no way this is real,’” Westbrook remembers. “I was just working cattle the week before.”

Looking for guidance, Westbrook reached out to a family friend, artist Grant Gilbert, who had played his sister’s graduation. Gilbert connected him with his team at River House Artists. With the company’s Zebb Luster leading the charge, RHA soon began nurturing Westbrook’s fast-growing career.

Once he got to Nashville, things moved even faster. Songs like “5 to 9” and “House Again” gained traction, and with a band he built entirely through Instagram DMs to fellow Tech students, he was off to the races. He eventually signed a record deal with River House Artists and Warner Music Nashville, sending “House Again” to country radio, where it’s now inside the top 25. Since then, he’s racked up over 400 million global streams, completed two nearly sold-out headline runs and opened for Parker McCollum, Midland, Eli Young Band, Cole Swindell and Ian Munsick.

Raised on music from George Strait, Turnpike Troubadours and Tracy Lawrence, Westbrook’s sound blends Red Dirt grit with melodic instincts that are hard to teach. His voice is distinctive—twangy, textured and emotive—and his songwriting leans naturally hooky, even when the subject matter turns inward. For someone who didn’t grow up playing music, going from writing songs in his truck to performing at the Opry takes guts—and real talent. He’s doing it well.

“I’m not chasing a viral moment,” he says of the music he’s released. “This album is 100% who I am right now. Whether I think the melody is catchy or not, it’s about the lyrics. If they’re not there, the song can’t be there.”

Pictured (L-R): Gregg Nadel (Co-Chair / Co-President, Warner Music Nashville), Cris Lacy (Co-Chair / Co-President, Warner Music Nashville), Hudson Westbrook, Lynn Oliver-Cline (Founder / Owner, River House Artists) and Zebb Luster (EVP / Artist Manager, River House Artists). Photo: Ian Noh

Texas Forever leans into that same mix of raw and refined. Across 17 tracks, Westbrook worked with a tight-knit crew of collaborators including Lukas Scott, Ryan Beaver, Beau Bailey, Dan Alley, Reid Haughton and Neil Medley, among others. Many of the songs came from a writing retreat in Ashland City, where the core team wrote nine tracks—seven of which made the final cut.

Westbrook says his strongest tool in the writing room is melody, an instinct echoed by collaborators like Randy Montana. “I used to think it was luck, but I’ve learned to take pride in it,” Westbrook says. “It’s in me. And if I don’t realize that, I can’t be confident about it.”

Among his favorites on Texas Forever, he points to “Only Girl” as the most likely breakout, “Painted You Pretty” as the one fans will love most and “Darling” as the most unexpected.

On stage, his confidence continues to grow. His first-ever show drew 1,800 fans at Cook’s in Texas, and nearly every headline date since has sold out. He credits advice from Randy Rogers—“Be great. Be gone.”—as a grounding mantra for keeping his head on straight as he navigates new stardom, and makes a point to stay after every show signing merch until the last person leaves.

So far, that’s working. With a growing fanbase, steady industry buzz and a voice that sounds like no one else, Hudson Westbrook is walking into his debut moment on his own terms.

“It’s wild how fast this all happened,” he says. “But I’m grateful, and I’m ready.”

Hardy Moves Into Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Hardy. Photo: Ryan Smith

Hardy has moved into the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. His own “Favorite Country Song” and collaboration with Ella Langley “Never Met Anyone Like You,” as well as Morgan Wallen‘s “I Got Better,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back” and “I’m A Little Crazy” push the singer-songwriter to the No. 15 spot.

Charlie Handsome remains in the No. 1 spot for the eight consecutive week with “What I Want,” “Just In Case,” “I’m The Problem,” “I Got Better,” “Love Somebody,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “Superman,” “TN,” “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Where’d That Girl Go,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Kick Myself” and “Falling Apart.” Wallen stays at No. 2 with “What I Want,” “Just In Case,” “I’m The Problem,” “I Got Better,” “Love Somebody,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “Superman,” “TN,” “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Where’d That Girl Go,” “Kick Myself” and “Falling Apart.”

John Byron (No. 3), Ashley Gorley (No. 4) and Chase McGill (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.

BREAKING: FBMM Co-Founder Frank Bumstead Passes

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Frank Bumstead.

FBMM Co-Founder Frank Bumstead passed away on yesterday morning (July 20) in Nashville. He was 83.

Before his time at FBMM, Bumstead served as CEO at JMR Investments for 14 years and was a proprietor at Bumstead Company for a decade. Bumstead founded FBMM alongside Mary Ann McCready, the late Chuck Flood and John McCarthy in 1990. Under Bumstead’s leadership, FBMM was the first business management firm to provide services from a seasoned economist. In 1991, Bumstead negotiated and arranged the sale of CMT network to Opryland, and also led the merger of MusicRow Magazine with SouthComm in 2008.

Bumstead was heavily involved in the community. In 2018, Bumstead was honored with the Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award by the T.J. Martell Foundation. He also was awarded Nashville Opera’s Francis Robinson Award in 2019 for significant contributions to the arts. CMA also recognized him in 2022 with the William Denny Award for a lifetime of dedication and distinguished service to the CMA Board of Directors.

He was also a board member of CMA, where he served as President in 2014 and Chairman in 2015, along with other leadership positions. He also served on the boards of the Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association, Blue Chair Bay® Rum, Brookdale Senior Living, Conway-Welch Family Foundation, Fishbowl Spirits, LLC, Junior Achievement of Nashville, Junior League Advisory Board, Nashville Wire Products, United Supermarkets of Texas and Watkins Institute.

Bumstead was a founding member of the Memorial Foundation’s Board of Trustees and chaired the Foundation’s Finance & Investments Committee for more than 20 years. He was also chairman for Overwatch Alliance and involved with the Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association.

“Frank was brilliant, passionate and a role model to all of us at FBMM,” says Jamie Cheek, Owner and CEO of FBMM. “His expertise in investments and finance was key to FBMM’s ‘edge’ over the years and why we called him our ‘secret weapon.’ Frank was one of a kind, and we will continue to honor the legacy he instilled of hard work and dedication.”

“Frank cared deeply about this industry and the people in it, whether you were a client or not,” adds Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO. “I first met Frank during my interview for the CMA role in 2013, and I’ll never forget his sharp, thoughtful questions–or the unmistakable twinkle in his eyes. He helped lead several important initiatives that positioned CMA for long-term growth and stability. Although he left the Board in 2021, we remained in close touch over the years. My heart is with his wife, Ann, their sons, and all who knew and loved him. Frank was truly one of a kind.”

“Frank Bumstead has been a father figure to me for over 30 years,” shares Frank Thomas, National Baseball Hall of Famer. “Through the ups and downs, he was my anchor. There was nothing I couldn’t call and ask him, but he always kept me in line to do what was right. Some people you can’t replace in your life and that person is Frank Bumstead. I will miss him dearly. God bless the Bumstead family.”

“Although Frank was the primary architect of the [Memorial] Foundation’s sound and successful fiscal strategy, what was most important to him was that the Foundation’s funding supported local nonprofit organizations that helped make life better for others,” Board Chair Dr. David McKee says. Varina Buntin, the Foundation’s Board Vice Chair, shares “Frank’s wise counsel and passion for the Foundation’s mission since its inception has been invaluable, and he will be sorely missed.”

“I have a sincere appreciation for his guidance and leadership throughout the years of working together,” adds Mark Woodforde, International Tennis and Sport Hall of Famer. “He inspired me to grow both personally and professionally. I will miss his friendship and words of encouragement, and he will be deeply missed, but the heavens above have gained a true gentleman.”

“Frank Bumstead was a true patriot having served in combat as a Navy officer in Vietnam,” says Judge George C. Paine II. “He gave generously to veterans’ causes in time and treasure, whether personally or through advocating for them within the Memorial Foundation. Personally, I loved swapping “war stories” with him, and will greatly miss him, his wit, financial acumen and wisdom.”

FBMM will continue to be led by owners Julie Boos, David Boyer, Jamie Cheek, Duane Clark, Jen Conger, Dan Killian, Carmen Romano and Erica Rosa.

An informal visitation/celebration of Bumstead’s life will take place at Mount Olivet Funeral Home on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 12–2p.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests the following organizations for memorials and tributes in honor of his life: Cumberland Heights, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, Family and Children’s Service, and the Frank M. and Ann S. Bumstead Scholarship at Owen Graduate School of Management.

BREAKING: EMPIRE Nashville Appoints Jennifer Way To Executive Vice President

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Jennifer Way. Photo: Gregg Roth

EMPIRE, the leading independent record label, publisher and distributor founded by Ghazi in 2010, has appointed Jennifer Way to Executive Vice President – Nashville.

In her new role, Way will lead the overall strategy for EMPIRE’s Nashville team and its day-to-day operations, including signing and developing new talent, supporting each artist’s creative vision with impactful music release campaigns, cultivating new business opportunities and driving the continued growth of EMPIRE Nashville’s roster and presence in Music City and around the world.

“I’m thrilled and honored to be joining EMPIRE—a team of disrupters who prioritize originality, innovation and artist-first thinking at every turn,” says Way. “I’m inspired by Ghazi and the culture he has built, and I’m excited to dive in and contribute to the continued success of this incredible team as we redefine together what a modern music company can be.”

“Jennifer is a powerhouse whose vision and track record align perfectly with our mission to redefine what’s possible in music,” shares EMPIRE Founder / CEO, Ghazi. “Her deep roots in Nashville and ability to break global stars make her the perfect leader to continue to drive our momentous country music division forward.”

With more than 19 years of music industry experience, Way joins EMPIRE from Sony Music Nashville, where she served as SVP of Marketing and oversaw the label group’s domestic and international marketing efforts which included digital marketing, artist development, creative, content development and media. Under her leadership, Way and her team created strategic campaigns for a diverse roster, including Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion, Megan Moroney and more, resulting in countless No. 1 hits across multiple genres, RIAA-Platinum and multi-Platinum records, and a multitude of award wins. Prior to joining Sony Nashville, she worked in Marketing and Artist Development at UMG Nashville, where she was integral in launching the careers of superstars Chris Stapleton and Kacey Musgraves.

The news of Way’s appointment arrives after a record breaking year for EMPIRE, where breakout country acts Shaboozey’s crossover hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” went top 10 on four major charts: Country Airplay, Pop Airplay, Adult Pop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay—an unprecedented accomplishment. The record currently holds the title for longest running in No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 history at 19 weeks and celebrated over one billion streams globally.

MusicRow Weekly (Rising Women On The Row Date, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with exciting announcements, major signings, and landmark deals across Nashville’s music industry landscape. Click here to see the full edition.

MusicRow announced that its 13th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This year, the celebration of female executives shaping the music business will be held at a new location, the JW Marriott in downtown Nashville.

In a return to familiar territory, Grammy Award-winning trio The Band Perry has signed with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, rejoining the Big Machine Label Group family where their rise to stardom began. The band also announced a new management partnership with Make Wake Artists, under the guidance of Shelby Marvel, Sophia Sansone and Chris Kappy.

Songwriter and producer Mark Holman, known for his impactful work across country and rock, has entered a new publishing agreement with Big Loud Publishing in conjunction with Ern’s Cadillac Music.

Meanwhile, in a major catalog acquisition move, Jonas Catalog Holdings 1—managed by Jonas Group Entertainment Holdings, has acquired a substantial portion of The Jonas Brothers‘ music catalog. The deal includes their full Happiness Begins and The Album releases, as well as fan favorites like “Like It’s Christmas” and “Remember This.”

The members of Restless Road are each making individual waves in the publishing world. Zach Beeken has signed a global publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville and Fluid Music Revolution. Garrett Nichols joins Curb | Word Music Publishing, and Colton Pack has signed with Edgehill Music Publishing.

Singer-songwriter Thomas Edwards has officially signed with Warner Music Nashville, and Big Machine Music has brought songwriter Cameron Walker into its fold with an exclusive co-publishing agreement.

Additionally, Evie Grace Fowler has joined Black River Publishing as Creative Coordinator.

In the live entertainment space, Mark Dinerstein Consulting and JPB Partners have acquired the Nashville-based full-service venue group Marathon Live from Founder Josh Billue. Dinerstein will now lead as CEO, while Billue transitions into the role of Chief Development Officer. Marathon Live’s portfolio spans six key venues including Marathon Music Works in Nashville, The Truman in Kansas City, The Signal in Chattanooga, The Hall in Little Rock, The Hawthorn in St. Louis, and FIVE in Jacksonville.

Quartz Hill Records has added country artist Matt Cooper to its roster. Meanwhile, Ascend Music has signed Americana/rock duo Marfa, composed of Bryce Menchaca and Kellen Wall, as the first act under the newly announced Big Machine Label Group imprint in partnership with Joel Klaiman.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs reclaim the No. 1 spot with “Backup Plan.” 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.

Dylan Gossett Lets The Songs Lead On Self-Made Debut Album ‘Westward’ [Interview]

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Dylan Gossett. Photo: Tanner Johnson

Dylan Gossett’s debut album, Westward, doesn’t chase a moment. It reflects two years of life in motion.

Gossett debuted in 2023 with his breakthrough single “Coal,” which has now passed half a billion streams. Over the last two years, he has toured the globe while building a fierce fanbase, notably selling upwards of 72,000 headline tickets in 2024 alone. Somewhere between the days spent in greenrooms and nights on buses, Gossett built a record shaped by motion and rooted in the real-life in-between moments.

“The album wraps up exactly what these last two years have been, and what’s important in my life,” Gossett tells MusicRow.

Across the 17 self-written and produced tracks, he explores themes of love, faith, family and chasing dreams, but each one was built from stories he has lived.

“For my debut record, I wanted it to be [solo-written]. When an artist means the songs they sing and it is their own words, I think that is part of the artistry.”

That connection to his stories is especially clear on “Smell Of Rain,” an acoustic tune inspired by he and his wife’s first anniversary.

“We had our first headline show in Dublin [that week] and we went to a town outside of the city and stayed the whole night. We were up on a hill seeing the ocean and got to go into an old cobblestone tavern. We were singing songs all night with the locals—it’s just a night I’ll never forget.”

One song came easier than the rest for Gossett. “There’s a song called ‘Snake Eyes’ on the record that is one of my favorites writing wise. It’s a big metaphor for a relationship and gambling. I woke up one morning, grabbed my guitar and wrote that song from start to finish in 20 minutes, which does not always happen,” he says with a laugh.

“Back 40,” on the other hand, took multiple tries in the studio before it felt right. “I’ve tried multiple producers and tried producing it by myself—I just couldn’t get it to work. Then we started playing it live and found its sound.”

Among the tracks, “Tired of Running” stands out as one of his favorites. “It’s just different from anything I’ve ever made. It’s like two songs in one and was a big idea that we made come to light.”

The Austin native undeniably leaned into his Texas roots as he wrote the record. “I don’t think you can understand what being a Texan is unless you are one,” he says. “I never want to leave. Texas runs deep in my blood and it’s a deeply connected part of me and my family.”

YouTube video

The production, like the writing, was entirely built by Gossett. Although he has been making tracks on GarageBand since elementary school, the decision to produce his own record wasn’t necessarily intentional. “I tried out other very talented producers, but it never felt like a perfect fit for the album … It was a snap decision for me to produce it. I made ‘Tree Birds’ and it felt great,” he says. “I truly believe that, love it or hate it, it is exactly how I wanted it to sound. That’s a good feeling and I’m very proud.”

With Westward finally in the fans’ hands, Gossett is excited to see how this new chapter lands in a live setting.

“Both the [previously released] singles have felt really good on the road, but ‘Back 40’ is one we always used to play. People have been asking for it for a while, so hopefully we delivered on the studio recording.”

Looking forward, his plans are clear: touring the new album and getting more music out soon. “We’re doing all new production [this fall]—more lights, bigger stages and louder music,” he quips. “I’m working on a lot of cool music for the end of the year, so we’ll have some new stuff rolling out before too long.”

As for what he hopes people take from this chapter, he just wants the album to land the way it was meant to. “I hope it just feels like a breath of fresh air, not like anything they’ve heard before.”

Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs Return To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Pictured: Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs; Photo: masonn1k

Bailey Zimmerman reclaims the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week alongside Luke Combs with their song, “Backup Plan.”

The track was released as the second single from Zimmerman’s upcoming, second studio album Different Night Same Rodeo, and was written by Jimi Bell, Jon Sherwood and Tucker Beathard.

Zimmerman is currently headlining his “New to Country Summer Tour,” which kicked off June 6 in Indianapolis and continues through Sept. 13 in Laughlin, Nevada. The trek features support from Dylan Marlowe and Drew Baldridge.

“Backup Plan” currently sits at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 10 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton Team For Disc Of The Day

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Country’s female artists take the spotlight today in DISClaimer.

Eight of our finest are in today’s playlist—Miranda, MŌRIAH, Dasha, Sacha, Brooke Lee, Carter Faith, Priscilla Block and Sara Evans. From their ranks come the prize winners. The Disc of the Day unquestionably belongs to Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, but lend an ear to Ms. Carter Faith, who was also a mighty strong contender.

Brooke Lee takes the DISCovery Award. She’s good enough for Lukas Nelson, so she’s good enough for me.

Among our male discs, those by Russell Dickerson and the late Mike Henderson are the ones to definitely hear.

MIKE HENDERSON / “Weepin’ & Moanin’”
Writer: Mike Henderson; Producer: Kevin McKendree; Label: Qualified Records
– Mike Henderson held court every Monday night at The Bluebird Cafe for nearly 40 years until his sudden death in 2023. A veteran of The SteelDrivers (2005-2011) and The Bluebloods, he wrote hit songs with Chris Stapleton and crafted five solo albums showcasing his blistering slide guitar work and roadhouse sense of humor. The beloved entertainer is being saluted with Last Nite at the Bluebird, a posthumous compilation of some his best live tracks from those “Blue Monday” gigs. It kicks off with this self-composed grinder that includes his wry welcoming remarks. The set also includes such faves as “Pay Bo Diddley,” “Matchbox” and “Too Much Alcohol.” Friends and fans gathered to celebrate the CD and his memory this past Monday at the club.

MIRANDA LAMBERT & CHRIS STAPLETON / “A Song to Sing”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Jenee Fleenor/Jesse Frasure/Miranda Lambert; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Republic Records
– Groove soaked and soulful. A stately, rump-shaking beat and some smokey, swirly guitar-organ-violin atmosphere back a masterpiece of duet singing. Stunning, beautiful and absolutely essential.

BRYAN RUBY / “Diggin’ (’Til the Corn Comes Up)”
Writer: John Trentes; Producers: Bryan Ruby, Smith Curry; Label: Rubies In The Rough Music
– This rocking hunk of sound roars the saga of a hard-working man trying to keep his head above water. It is drawn from Ruby’s Growing Season EP. The collection’s release party occurred at The Green Light Bar on Tuesday evening (July 15).

OLD DOMINION / “Making Good Time”
Writers: Brad Tursi/Matthew Ramsey/Ross Copperman/Ross Ellis/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Columbia Nashville
– A country rocker for the young at heart. The teenagers in these lyrics are hot to trot and also plotting to escape their “slow down town.”

BROOKE LEE & LUKAS NELSON / “Dandelion”
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/Brinley Addington/Brooke Lee; Producer: Derek Wells; Label: Spirit Nashville Recordings/2 Mix Music
– This has a cool, swampy groove and a lyric of resilience. A dandelion will push up through the smallest crack in the pavement and persevere. That flower is what she compares herself to. Nelson contributes guitar, a harmony vocal and solo spots.

MARCUS HUMMON & SARA EVANS / “I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed”
Writers: Emily Dickinson/Marcus Hummon; Producer: Marcus Hummon; Label: 3686 RECORDS
– Songs for Emily is an album comprised of songs marrying Emily Dickinson’s poetry to Marcus Hummon’s melodies. On this track, the poet was joyously enraptured by a summer day. Evans sings lead on the bopping number. Hummon takes over during the bridge and sings along elsewhere. Sunny sounding.

MŌRIAH / “Superwoman”
Writers: Ivory Lane/Mōriah Smallbone/Paul Mabury; Producer: Paul Mabury; Label: F2 Entertainment Group
– This ballad mourns the loss of youthful bravery. She misses the hopes and dreams and aspirations that made her feel like a super hero when she was a kid. She wants to fly again, but she’s earthbound now. MŌRIAH’s delivery is spell binding, going from a dusky, whispery alto to a yearning, airy soprano. Recommended.

DASHA / “Oh, Anna!”
Writers: Anna Dasha Novotny/Chris LaCorte/Emily Weisband/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: Warner Records
– This gentle bopper asks her little-girl self to come back and bring her innocent courage, optimism and confidence. Sprightly yet thoughtful. This gal is batting a thousand.

RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Happen to Me”
Writers: Chase McGill/Chris LaCorte/Jessie Jo Dillon/Robert Hazard/Russell Dickerson; Producers: Chris LaCorte, Josh Kerr, Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
– Dickerson leads a dance party in a wild whirl of merriment. Along the way, he assures us that “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” It will come as no surprise to learn that the track also has a dance remix.

SACHA & RESTLESS ROAD / “Shooting Star”
Writers: Cole Miracle/Colton Pack/Garrett Nichols/Sacha Visagie/Sam Martinez/Zach Beeken; Producers: Eric Arjes, Jimmy Robbins; Label: Sony Music Canada
– Sacha is a Canadian country chart topper, previously noted for “Hey Mom I Made It.” Teamed with the Restless Road trio, she sounds even better than before. The rolling, swaying country rocker sports electric-guitar licks galore as well as some fine vocalizing by both acts.

PRISCILLA BLOCK / “You’re Breaking My Heart (Cecelia)”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Hailey Whitters/Jesse Frasure/Jessie Jo Dillon/Paul Simon; Producers: David Garcia, Jesse Frasure; Label: UMGN InDent Records
– This is a fascinating mash up of Simon & Garfunkel’s 1970 hit with her lyrics about a “Jolene” who’s up to no good. Pretty dang irresistibly catchy.

CHARLIE DANIELS & THE BEAU WEEVILS / “How We Roll”
Writer: Charlie Daniels; Producer: Casey Wood, James Stroud; Label: Blue Hat Records
– This Southern rocker with redneck pride was originally issued as by The Beau Weevils. Seven years later, the band’s ouput is being reissued, re-branded with the late Daniels’ name and re-tooled for digital consumption.

CARTER FAITH / “Sex, Drugs and Country Music”
Writers: Carter Faith/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: UMG Nashville
– An absolute delight. The lilting melody and her airy vocal sweetly reflect on the fact that “love is stupid” and that the best way to get through a heartbreak is with “Sex, Drugs and Country Music.” Winsome and wonderfully charming from start to finish.