MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a wave of change and celebration across Nashville’s music industry, from long-running television farewells and leadership transitions to label signings, new ventures, and industry innovations. Click here to see the full edition.

After 17 years as host of CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown, Cody Alan will sign off for the final time at the end of December. His departure also the conclusion of the show itself, which first premiered in 2013. The change comes amid broader shifts at Paramount Global, following its merger with Skydance Media. As part of the restructuring, three additional employees—Ali Marszalkowski (Sr. Director, Communications), Justin Permenter (Manager, Communications), and Mark Thomas (Sr. Director, Marketing and Creative Production)—are also exiting the company. Longtime CMT Senior Vice President of Production, Music & Events, Margaret Comeaux, will depart at the end of the year, closing out a 25-year tenure with the organization.

In other industry news, BBR Music Group/BMG announced several key moves within its A&R department. Camille Kenny has been promoted to VP, A&R, while Tahsin Rakib Himi steps up to Director, A&R Research. Kennedy Nickerson has been elevated to Manager, A&R, with two new additions to the team: Jacee Badeaux joins as Sr. Director, A&R, and Talia Heimanson comes aboard as A&R Coordinator.

Belmont University is taking major steps toward supporting wellness in the entertainment community with the creation of its new Center for Mental Health in Entertainment. The initiative is funded by a $3 million grant from the Country Music Association, which allocates $1 million toward programming and $2 million to endow the CMA Chair & Executive Director position, to be held by longtime industry leader Debbie Carroll. That endowment will be matched by the Johnson Academic Challenge—a program established by Belmont Board Chair Milton Johnson and his wife Denice—as part of a university effort to create up to 20 endowed professorships.

CTK Enterprises has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of three new department heads, forming new divisions to better serve its growing client roster. Patrick Kells has been named Head of Retail Merchandising, Robert Kelley takes on the role of GM, Dolly Parton’s Life Of Many Colors Museum, and Adam Davis joins as Director, Content Development & Archiving.

Sam Williams has parted ways with Mercury Nashville after four years, while 49 Winchester has inked a new deal with MCA, releasing future projects through their Lucille Records imprint. Danny Gokey has joined the Red Street Records roster, Kaitlin Butts has signed with Republic Records, and Kellie Besch has entered into a publishing agreement with Integrity Music. Meanwhile, Meg McRee and Ben Chapman have joined the publishing roster at Blue Harbor Music, and Natalie Hemby has renewed her publishing partnership with CTM Outlander.

Veteran business manager Mallory Mason Pascal has launched her own firm, Oak Haus Business Management, bringing more than 15 years of experience to the new venture. Elsewhere, acclaimed banjoist Alison Brown has debuted her new weekly radio show, Pick Like A Girl, airing on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction (ch. 77). And in media, respected country music journalist Cindy Watts has been named Editor of Nashville Lifestyles magazine.

Rounding out the week’s milestones, rising artist Elizabeth Nichols celebrated her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night (Nov. 1), marking a defining moment in her blossoming career.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. HARDY takes the No. 1 spot with “Favorite Country Song.” 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.

CreatiVets Honors Vets With New ‘Veterans Day Special, Volume VI’ Project

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In honor of Veterans Day, CreatiVets is continuing its mission of empowering wounded veterans to heal through music with the release of Veterans Day Special, Volume VI, available now via Big Machine Label Group.

The five-song collection was co-written by U.S. Veterans through CreatiVets’ songwriting program, and all proceeds from the project will directly support the veterans featured in the collection, as well as the nonprofit’s ongoing work with veterans nationwide.

On Veterans Day Special, Volume VI each of the vets offer their own perspective through the lyrics, representing a wide range of experiences, from Normandy to Vietnam to post-9/11 service. The tracks weave a story of resilience and rehabilitation, embodying the spirit of CreatiVets’ mission. For many veterans, participating in CreatiVets’ songwriting program is a transformative experience – helping them process trauma, reconnect with loved ones and find peace through creative expression.

Among the collection’s meaningful tracks is “We Puerto Rico,” co-written by Roberto Prieto, a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran from Puerto Rico, which features vocals by Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys. The song honors Roberto’s service and heritage while celebrating Puerto Rican pride and strength.

“At CreatiVets, our mission is to turn veterans’ lived experiences into art that heals,” shares CreatiVets’ Co-Founder & Executive Director Richard Casper, a Marine Corps Veteran and Purple Heart recipient. “This collection crosses Pop, R&B, Latin, Hawaiian Island and country because healing is not one story or one sound. These are veterans telling their truths, in their own words.

“We are deeply grateful to Howie Dorough for lending his talent to this project,” he continues. “His compassion and commitment brought Roberto’s story to life in a way that honors both his service and his roots. This collaboration captures exactly what CreatiVets is all about – connection and healing through shared creativity.”

Veterans Day Special, Volume VI Track List:
1. “We Puerto Rico (feat. Howie Dorough, David Quiñones)” (Roberto Prieto, Kyle Yepsen, David Quiñones, Tyler Filmore, Chris Daniel, Seth Mosley)
2. “For The Me I Haven’t Met (feat. The Soundlings)” (Jacob Burns, Miguel Vasquez, Sonny Rey, Matt Naylor)
3. “Won’t Last Forever (featuring Ariel Lask)” (Shawn Tillman, Briana McCrae Carr, Ariel Lask, Fabio Campedelli)
4. “Na Koa Lele (The Leaping Knights Of The Hawaiian Isles) (feat. Quinn Loggins)” (Hiroshi Kato, Len Erickson, Quinn Loggins, Larry McCoy)
5. “If Freedom Was Free (feat. Johnny and Heidi)” (Irving Locker, Bart Crowe, Johnny Bulford, Heidi Bulford)

Kelsea Ballerini Contemplates Choices On New Track ‘I Sit In Parks’ From Upcoming EP ‘Mount Pleasant’

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Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Patrick Tracy

Kelsea Ballerini is offering fans a taste of her upcoming new EP Mount Pleasant with the reflective new track “I Sit In Parks,” out today (Nov. 7.)

With an accompanying video capturing Ballerini mulling over choices, sacrifices and real-life costs as she sits on a swing in a park, “I Sit In Parks” furthers the artist’s willingness to be vulnerable and open in unpacking her world for her art. Weighing personal desires, the reality of achieving success and wondering about the things her friends are all experiencing, she sings in the track, “I sit in parks, it breaks my heart/ Cause I see just how far I am from the things that I want…”

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“I have always made records – whether songs, EPs or albums – to capture a moment in time,” says Ballerini about the upcoming project. “Mount Pleasant is a collection of six songs I’ve written throughout the summer, marking a chapter of heavy self-examination, longing and stepping further into who I am as a 32-year old woman.”

Ballerini recently wrapped her 35-date “Kelsea Ballerini Live On Tour,” at arenas across the country, and is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year at the upcoming 2025 CMA Awards and Best Contemporary Country Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

Mount Pleasant Track List:
1. “I Sit In Parks”
2. “People Pleaser”
3. “Emerald City”
4. “587”
5. “The Revisionist”
6. “Check On Your Friends”

Jason Aldean To Release New Album ‘Songs About Us’ In April

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Jason Aldean has released three new surprise tracks from his upcoming new studio album, Songs About Us, which will release on April 24 via BBR Music Group/BMG. “Help You Remember,” “Hard To Love You,” and “Lovin’ Me Too Long” are available now.

Aldean also revealed the entire 20-song track list for the new project. In addition to his Top 20 current single, “How Far Does A Goodbye Go,” the new songs set the tone for Songs About Us, which captures some of life’s defining moments through authentic storytelling. The title track is a collaboration with Luke Bryan, and the album also features a duet with his wife Brittany on the song “Easier Gone,” which was penned by Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood, Jimmy Robbins and Josh Kerr. Aldean also puts his spin on David Lee Murphy’s “Dust On The Bottle” which features Murphy himself.

“Help You Remember” is inspired by Aldean’s own experience having family members going through dementia, and shines a spotlight on the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and their mission.

“It means the world when one of my songs helps someone through a hard time – or celebrates their best moments,” says Aldean. “This album is about all of that – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Every track started with a real story or feeling, and together we turned those experiences into music. In the end, I realized this album is about all of us. These are songs about us.”

In addition to the new album in 2026, Aldean previously announced the extension of his 2026 “Full Throttle World Tour” which will include a first-ever headlining run in New Zealand and return to Australia after 10 years.

Songs About Us Track List:
1. “Anytime Soon” (Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan)
2. “Drinking About You” (Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan)
3. “Don’t Tell On Me” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
4. “How Far Does A Goodbye Go” (Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan)
5. “Songs About Us feat. Luke Bryan)” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Edwards, John Morgan)
6. “Good Thing Going” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
7. “She’s Why” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
8. “Backroads Of My Memory” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
9. “Dust on the Bottle (feat. David Lee Murphy)” (David Lee Murphy)
10. “The High Road” (Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Brandon Kinney, Josh Thompson)
11. “Easier Gone (feat. Brittany Aldean)” (Charles Kelley, Josh Kerr, Dave Haywood, Jimmy Robbins)
12. “Help You Remember” (Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
13. “Country Into Rock ‘n’ Roll” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
14. “What’s A Little Heartache” (Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan)
15. “One Last Look” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
16. “Fight A Fire” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
17. “Hard To Love You” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
18. “Little Hometown Left” (Jordan Gray, Ben Hayslip, Danny Majic, Cole Taylor)
19. “Her Favorite Color” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Lee Thomas Miller, Neil Thrasher)
20. “Lovin’ Me Too Long” (Ben Hayslip, David Lee Murphy, Jacob Rice)

Brendan Walter Inks With Warner Chappell Music Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Grady Smith (True Grit Management), Spencer Nohe (WCM), Brendan Walter, Austen Adams (WCM). Photo: Gina Di Maio

Brendan Walter has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

Walter released his sophomore album, Disappearing Days, today (Nov. 7). The project explores his journey as a young adult and follows his 2024 debut, I don’t know what I’m doing yet. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Walter had a successful college and semi-professional hockey career before moving to Nashville last year. He’s toured with Wyatt Flores and Evan Honer, and amassed 2.5 million global career streams.

“Brendan is a rare artist whose songs feel fresh yet instantly familiar,” shares Spencer Nohe, VP, A&R, WCM Nashville. “He’s an exceptional songwriter whose humility and work ethic set him apart. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Warner Chappell family and support him in this next chapter of his creative journey.”

“I’m so excited to be working with Warner Chappell,” adds Walter. “I met Spencer at my hockey beer league and he was a beauty, and since then he’s become a great off-ice teammate helping me grow my songwriting career in Nashville. I’m honored to be working with him and the whole Warner Chappell team.”

HARDY Claims No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Radio Chart

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HARDY. Photo: Ryan Smith

HARDY claims the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his track, “Favorite Country Song.”

The song is the lead single from his fourth studio album Country! Country! and was written by Hardy, Zach Abend, Beau Bailey, Casey Brown, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips and Nate Smith.

HARDY recently unveiled a deluxe edition the album titled Country! Country! Country! which released Sept. 29.

“Favorite Country Song” currently sits at No. 14 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 12 on the Mediabase chart.

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

On The Row: Matt Cooper Talks ‘Highs & Lows’

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Matt Cooper. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Quartz Hill Music Group recording artist Matt Cooper stopped by the MusicRow office last week to share his debut single and a few stories.

Cooper performed his track “Highs & Lows,” No. 1 Most Added Song at U.S Country Radio (Mediabase) the week the song went to radio. Inspired by a conversation with a man at a support group Cooper attended following the death of his mother, the song explores grief, healing and the ways faith can bring peace after loss. Written solely by Cooper and co-produced alongside Brooks Huntley, the track has surpassed 8 million streams.

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After a meeting with Ash Bowers, Executive Vice President for Quartz Hill Music Group, Cooper signed with the label earlier this year. Inspired by the sounds of Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Thomas Rhett, Cooper has surpassed 118 million total streams and amassed more than 1.5 million social media followers with 25.8 million likes on TikTok. His breakout track, “Ain’t Met Us Yet,” has earned more than 25 million streams on Spotify and debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes All Genre Singles Chart.

MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink and Madison Hahnen, Matt Cooper, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, LB Cantrell and John Nix Arledge.

During the visit, he also played “Real Fast Car,” “Good God” and a mashup of “I Hope You Dance” and “Iris.”

Cooper will tour throughout the rest of the year with dates in Michigan, Texas, Tennessee and more.

 

 

@musicrowmag MusicRow’s Q&A with @Matt Cooper ♬ Highs & Lows – Matt Cooper

 

Industry Ink: Randy Owen, Willie’s Remedy+, Craig Campbell, More

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Randy & Kelly Owen Honored With American Hereford Assoc. Hall Of Merit Award

Pictured (L-R): Chad Breeding (AHA), Harper Starnes (granddaughter of Randy and Kelly Owen), Randy Owen, Kelly Owen and Jim Coley (AHA). Photo: Courtesy of Randy Owen

Alabama‘s Randy Owen and wife Kelly were honored with the American Hereford Association Hall of Merit Award on Oct. 25. The Owens received the award during the AHA’s Annual Meeting and International Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. The AHA Hall of Merit Award is one of the Association’s highest honors, presented annually to men and women who have significantly influenced the Hereford breed and the cattle industry overall. Randy and Kelly Owen were recognized for their lifelong commitment to the cattle industry and agricultural community.

 

Willie’s Remedy+ Offers New THC-Infused Shots

Willie Nelson

Willie’s Remedy+, the cannabis brand inspired by Willie Nelson’s legendary spirit and way of life, has launched 2oz THC-infused shots. Beginning this week, Willie Remedy+’s shots in mini glass bottles at both 5mg and 10mg doses are available at DrinkWillies.com and at select retail stores. The new THC-infused products join Willie’s Remedy+’s flagship 750ml bottles as well as seltzers. The tonic features flavor notes of lemon, lime, passionfruit and cannabis, and combines 5mg THC, 2mg CBD, 2mg CBG, and 200mg L-Theanine per 1.5oz shot; and is also available in a 10mg THC edition. The seltzers are available in Black Cherry Lime, Strawberry Watermelon, and a Hawaiian favorite, Passion Fruit Orange Guava.

 

Craig Campbell Chats With RFD-TV About Grindstone Cowboy Opening

Craig Campbell visits RFD-TV

Craig Campbell dropped by the RFD-TV Market Day Report earlier this week to chat with host Suzanne Alexander about his “Missing You” single and the upcoming grand opening of his new Grindstone Cowboy coffee shop, restaurant and music venue in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

 

Scotty Hasting Honors Vets At Halftime Show During Cincinnati Bengals’ Salute To Service Game

Photo: Courtesy of Scotty Hasting

Black River artist and Purple Heart recipient Scotty Hasting kicked off November with an impactful halftime performance during the NFL’s Salute To Service at his hometown Cincinnati Bengals game last weekend. Hasting recently released a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son,” and is releasing a video for the song on Nov. 9. On Veterans Day he’ll perform on the Grand Ole Opry and appear on the Musicians On Call “Concert For Veterans” among other appearances.

 

Robert Bacon Inks With CDX Records

Jon Brennan (CDX), Robert Bacon and Joe Kelly (CDX). Photo: Courtesy of CDX Records

Country artist Robert Bacon has signed with CDX Records, in partnership with Sony Orchard. Bacon’s debut single with CDX Records, “Here’s to Christmas Time,” is a nostalgic celebration of faith, family and the memories that define the holiday season.

“I’m thrilled to partner with Joe Kelly and the CDX team,” says Bacon. “They believe in the music and the message. This is the perfect home for what I want to share with the world.”

Hayley Clawson Joins Boom Music Group

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Hayley Clawson.

Hayley Clawson has joined Boom Music Group as Creative Coordinator.

Hailing from Leesburg, Virginia, the Christopher Newport University graduate moved to Music City in 2020. She started her career at AristoMedia as Digital Marketing Coordinator before her promotion to Public Relations and Events Manager. While at Aristo, she was collaborative in overseeing Country Radio Seminar, Live in the Vineyard, Elevation, Country Goes Global, Nashville Meets London and more.

“Hayley came to me highly recommended from the songwriting community and has already been a great asset to our team,” says Shaina Botwin, Vice President. “She has a great ear and natural instincts, and I’m excited to watch her grow into an accomplished publisher!”

“I’ve been eager to break into publishing for quite some time, and I couldn’t be happier to have joined Boom,” adds Clawson. “I’m incredibly grateful to Shaina and Joe [Fisher] for the opportunity to learn from them and be part of such a creative team. I can’t wait to help champion the amazing writers and music coming out of this roster.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ella Langley ‘Has Never Sounded Better’

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Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Pop influences permeate this week’s country outings in DISClaimer.

The Jonas Brothers are here. So is Jimmy Webb. And the tunes by Charles Kelley, Slater Nalley and Graham Barham sound more related to pop artists than they do to anyone named Hank.

The hillbilly bright spots here include new music from Ashland Craft, Rissi Palmer, Luke Combs and Dylan Gossett, not to mention our Disc of the Day winner, Ella Langley.

The DISCovery Award goes to Sammy Arriaga. He sure can sing.

BRENDAN WALTER / “Pipe Dream”
Writers: Brendan Walter/Grady Smith; Producer: Grady Smith; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Jangly and plaintive, with a driving acoustic guitar and rumbling rhythm track underpinning his aching vocal. In the lyric, he has a yen to make it in music, no matter the cost.

LITTLE BIG TOWN & JIMMY WEBB / “Wichita Lineman”
Writer: Jimmy Webb; Producer: Little Big Town; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– LBT has delighted fans for years with its live covers of pop hits. It has collected several of these in an EP titled Scattered, Smothered and Covered. This echoey, lovely, harmony-drenched interpretation of the Glen Campbell classic features its composer setting the ethereal tone with his rippling piano accompaniment.

ASHLAND CRAFT / “Kick Rocks Cowboy”
Writers: Ashland Craft/Jonathan Singleton/Shane Minor; Producers: Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Lee Starr; Label: Leo33
– Love the snappy attitude in this kiss-off country rocker. Her personality and sass shine in every drawled note. I remain a big fan of this lady.

RUSSELL DICKERSON & THE JONAS BROTHERS / “Happen to Me”
Writers: Chase McGill/Christopher LaCorte/Jessie Jo Dillon/Robert Hazard/Russell Dickerson; Producers: Chris LaCorte, Josh Kerr, Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
– Adding the pop superstars to his joyous, rocking hit country tune sounds like a good move, since this mix simply soars with positive energy.

SLATER NALLEY / “Foolish Pride”
Writer: Slater Nalley; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
– This teen was a finalist on American Idol earlier this year. His gripping delivery of this anguished ballad was a big factor. Now it’s an electrifying country disc debut. The production is admirably spare, which throws the spotlight on his rasping, soulful voice.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Whiskey River”
Writer: Johnny Bush; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: W&T
– Michael and Tanya alternately swap lead vocal lines and bring their gospel-influenced style to Willie’s perennial show-opening song. The result is audio excitement.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “Buckshot”
Writers: Brent Anderson/Graham Barham/Ryan Hurd/Sam Bergeson; Producer: Sam Bergeson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This is country music? Electronic loops and processed, compressed vocals. A heartbreak drinking song in a busy-sounding pop production.

CHARLES KELLEY / “Steal Your Heart”
Writers: Charles Kelley/Josh Kear/Lindsay Rimes/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Southern Accent Entertainment
– Soaring and scintillating, this has an ‘80s pop-music vibe. Kelley reaches into his upper vocal register on the choruses, which gives the performance a very different tone than his work in Lady A.

RISSI PALMER / “Old Black Southern Woman”
Writers: Kyshona Armstrong/Rissi Palmer; Producer: Shannon Sanders; Label: RP
– Reflective and emotionally honest, Palmer imagines life as a senior citizen while a fiddle saws along and guitars strum in sympathy. Gently warm and comforting.

LUKE COMBS / “Days Like These”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Brent Cobb/Luke Combs; Producer: Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton/Luke Combs; Label: Columbia Nashville
– The ballad extols the simple joy of a pretty day lived with love. As usual, Luke’s singing is a beacon of emotional beauty. The enduring country truth triumphs again: Money can’t buy happiness.

SAMMY ARRIAGA / “Before the Next Teardrop Falls”
Writers: Ben Peters/Vivian Keith; Producer: Adam Mitchell; Label: Walk Off Entertainment
– Arriaga is a vocal soulman who issued a collection titled Heart In Texas that is billed as “the industry’s first fully bilingual country Latino album.” Seven tracks are in English, and six track are in Spanish. Plus, it contains this lovely, acoustic, Spanglish revival of Freddy Fender’s 1975 classic. The plucking guitar work and sweet fiddle notes plus Arriaga’s heart-in-throat vocal give this an audio eloquence that can’t be beat.

ELLA LANGLEY / “Choosin’ Texas”
Writers: Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert; Producers: Ben West, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia
– She loses her Tennessee lover to a temptress from the Lone Star State. Langley’s singing has never sounded better than it does on this delightful two stepper. Park this on your playlist right next to Strait.

DYLAN GOSSETT / “Windy City”
Writer: Dylan Gossett; Producer: Dylan Gossett; Label: DG
– Wistful and tender. He’s far from home, up north in Chicago. But he hopes his songs will resonate with unfamiliar audiences and carry him along. Written and performed with the panache of a true troubadour.