Riley Clemmons To Release Third Album ‘Church Pew’ In September

Riley Clemmons has announced that her third studio album, Church Pewwill be released on Sept. 22 via Capitol Christian Music Group, and released the title track on Friday (July 14). The 11-track album, co-produced with Jeff Pardo, marks Clemmons’ first credit as Executive Producer as well as a season of self-discovery and reflection after burnout and depression. The resulting body of work follows that journey and demonstrates who she is at her core.

“It feels as though my entire life has been leading up to the creation of this record,” she shares. “With that said, this album was born from the lowest and toughest point in my life thus far. During an ongoing battle with depression and anxiety and navigating what felt like a true identity crisis, I took a step back from music and creating to live life.

“I was able to pause long enough to rediscover what I loved and resonated with sonically and lyrically, as I began to allow myself the space to naturally evolve, change and grow. Church Pew sounds and feels like my DNA. I’m ready and excited for everyone to hear this new side of my heart, artistry and music. This chapter is going to be a special one.”

Clemmons released the third song from the album and its namesake, “Church Pew,” which explores all the pivotal moments that happen within a church pew. The song follows the release of “Loved By You,” which has already surpassed over 1.5 million streams worldwide since its release, and “Miracle,” which is nearing one million streams in its first two weeks.

Jon Freeman Exits Rolling Stone

Jon Freeman

Nashville-based writer and editor Jon Freeman has left Rolling Stone. After more than seven years with the company, Freeman’s position was eliminated and his last day was Friday (July 14).

In addition to writing and editing for the publication, Freeman helped to oversee the Rolling Stone Country vertical. He interviewed a wide range of performers from Dolly Parton and Tim McGraw to Jason Isbell and Brandi Carlile. In 2021, Freeman wrote on multiple occasions about the wealth of LGBTQ+ voices in country and roots music.

The Alabama native began his career at MusicRow Magazine, rising from Chart Director to Managing Editor in his nearly eights years at the company. In 2012, Freeman became the Deputy Editor at Country Weekly where he stayed until he joined Rolling Stone in 2015.

In addition to Rolling Stone, his work has appeared in NPR Music, the Nashville Scene and Vinyl Me Please.

Freeman can be reached at freemanjm@gmail.com.

Emily Ann Roberts Just ‘Can’t Hide Country’ This September

Emily Ann Roberts is set to release her first full-length album, Can’t Hide Country, on Sept. 22.

Recorded at Starstruck Studios and produced by Grammy winner Trent Willmon, the project features collaborations with Ricky Skaggs and Vince Gill, among others, and shows Roberts’ dedication to crafting authentic country music that mirrors what she grew up on. She co-wrote 12 out of the 13 tracks, which reflect on her journey as an artist and a young woman navigating life’s ups and downs through a mix of modern and classic country elements.

“My debut album, Can’t Hide Country feels like finally stepping into who you are. For years I tried to ride the line and please everyone with my music and now all I care about is being honest and sharing stories and moments that mean something real to me,” says Roberts. “If someone needs to know who I am, this record makes it plain and clear. From celebrating the little things in life, to a love beyond my wildest dreams, to anthems for all the ladies in my life about standing up for what they deserve in a relationship, to songs of encouragement to know you’ve got a reason to keep on going, this album takes you through so many emotions and seasons we face in life. I could try to be someone I’m not, but at the end of the day, no matter what I do, I can’t turn it off and I just can’t hide country.”

Additionally, The NBC’s The Voice season nine runner-up graced the Grand Ole Opry stage for the 17th time on Friday (July 14), and stopped by MusicRow in May to share her story as well as some songs featured on the forthcoming collection.

Can’t Hide Country Track Listing:
1. “Whole Lotta Little” (Emily Ann Roberts / Trent Willmon / Jeremy Spillman)
2. “Chickens” (Emily Ann Roberts / Trent Willmon / Paul Overstreet)
3. “Infinity” (Emily Ann Roberts / Stephanie Chapman)
4. “Keep On” (Emily Ann Roberts / Chris McKenna / Chase McDaniel)
5. “He Set Her Off” (Emily Ann Roberts / Parker Welling / Seth Mosely)
6. “Find Me A Man” (Emily Ann Roberts / Steve Fee / Jesse Reeves)
7. “Walkin’ Shoes” (Emily Ann Roberts / Chris Utley / Nicole Croteau / Kaylin Roberson)
8. “Out Of Sight” (Emily Ann Roberts / Jerry Salley / Mike Rogers)
9. “Loves Me For My Heart” (Emily Ann Roberts / Michael Farren / Phillip Lammonds)
10. “Devil Wears Denim” (Emily Ann Roberts / Trent Willmon / Autumn McEntire)
11. “Still Searching” (feat. Vince Gill & Ricky Skaggs) (Jerry Salley / Phillip White)
12. “Can’t Hide Country” (Emily Ann Roberts / Melissa Fuller)
13. “The Building” (Emily Ann Roberts / Michael Farren)

Logan Crosby Recounts ’23 Days In L.A.’ On New EP

Logan Crosby. Photo: Marisa Braden

Country newcomer Logan Crosby has released his debut EP, 23 Days in L.A.a collection carved out of some time spent on the west coast and a whirlwind romance.

Throughout the five-song project, Crosby weaves fans through a love story that is over almost as quickly as it started. Co-written by Crosby and co-produced by Jonathan Singleton and Ben Simonetti, the 23 Days in L.A. EP kicks off with “Run Away With You,” an introduction to a rollercoaster love affair that captures the excitement of the young love and freedom of a new, addictive summer romance.

The journey continues with “Ain’t Nothin’ Like Lovin’ You,” “A Little Sunburnt, A Little Drunk,”  “Whiskey Smoke,” and the title track, “23 Days in L.A.” where Crosby concedes to ending the relationship. As he recounts the memories from their time together, he reflects on the lessons learned from the whirlwind that was 23 days in L.A..

23 Days in L.A. tells a story we’ve all been through, myself included,” shares Crosby. “You find somebody, you love them as hard as you can, and for some reason, they still walk away. Every emotion from my time in California is in this project and I hope it connects with you. Since I was four years old, all I’ve ever wanted to do was write and sing songs, so I want to thank y’all from the bottom of my heart for coming on this journey with me.”

Following his breakout success as a star of ABC’s debut season of Claim to Fame, Crosby is on the road to country stardom, and will once again join Megan Moroney as direct support this fall on her “The Lucky Tour.” Fans can also find Crosby featured on comedian Heather McMahan‘s latest episode of her “Absolutely Not” podcast.

23 Days IN L.A. Track List:
1. “Run Away With You” – (Logan Crosby, Billy Dawson, Chase McDaniel)
2. “Ain’t Nothin’ Like Lovin’ You” – (Logan Crosby, Billy Dawson, Allison Veltz Cruz, Ben Williams)
3. “A Little Sunburnt, A Little Drunk” – (Logan Crosby, Mark Holman, Jonathan Singleton)
4. “Whiskey Smoke” – (Logan Crosby, Jacob Hackworth, Gabe Foust)
5. “23 Days in L.A.” – (Logan Crosby, Allison Veltz Cruz, Jonathan Singleton)

‘All Access’ To Close Its Doors In August

AllAccess.com has announced it is ceasing operations on Aug. 15 after 28 years in business.

The shuttering of the longtime radio and industry publication comes due to a marked decrease in revenues that makes moving forward impossible, according to a statement on the company’s website, which will remain online for an undetermined amount of time.

“This is without question the saddest and most heartbreaking moment of my professional life to have to tell you that AllAccess.com will cease publishing and will be going out of business,” says Founder, President/Publisher Joel Denver. “All Access began nearly 28 years ago and with the help of an amazing staff of professionals, the best in the business. We’ve weathered many changes and obstacles in the industry over these years. We’ve carved an incredible path and have taken each part of our operation to amazing levels of success through honesty, hard work, and passion for the radio industry, the music, the artists and our many readers, marketing partners, clients and our many contributing editors. Thank you all so much—we could not have done any of this without you.

“The goal has always been to provide cutting edge content for all sectors of our business. We’ve strived to provide the best and most credible Net News coverage, help people find jobs and stay connected. We have been blessed with wonderful partnerships and have created many valuable services for all parts of the radio and music businesses and have the support of nearly 100,000 active users.”

All Access has four Nashville-based staffers: Nashville Bureau Chief Phyllis Stark; Contemporary Christian Editor Todd Stach; Country Editor/Promotion Jeff Lynn; and Associate Country Editor Charese Fruge. Denver reports although the company is closing, he is not retiring from the business and will focus on new opportunities.

Industry Ink: Clint Black, Chris Lane & Riley Green, OnRamp, Mary-Clair

Clint Black Marks 50th Episode Of ‘Talking In Circles’

Talking In Circles With Clint Black celebrates 50th show.

Talking In Circles With Clint Black celebrated the taping of its 50th show this week. The show airs every Saturday night at 9 p.m. CT on Circle TV, immediately following the Grand Ole Opry. Now in its fourth season, the concept of Talking In Circles is similar to Inside The Actors Studio with musicians and comedians. Previous guests on the program have included Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Terry Bradshaw, Sammy Hagar, Dennis Quaid, Patricia Heaton, Kevin Nealon, Joe Bonamassa and more.

Chris Lane & Riley Green Entertain CRS Board During July Meetings

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Board and CRS Agenda committee members with Chris Lane

Red Street Records artist Chris Lane offered an entertaining pause during the the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Board and CRS Agenda committee July planning meetings. The performance provided a nice interlude during the annual meetings, which revolve around the meticulous planning of CRS 2024. Scheduled to take place from Feb. 28 to March 1, the Omni Nashville Hotel will once again host CRS in 2024. Riley Green also offered up a few songs to break up the days during planning.

ACM & Black Music Action Coalition Host Mixer For OnRamp Program

Pictured (L-R, back row): Amari Young, Kendall Warner, Qualls, Chasidy Lauderdale, Carmen Dianne, Kim Ortiz and Nick Tabron; (L-R, middle row): ACM DEI Task Force Chair Shannon Sanders, Larysa Jaye, Tatyana Carter, Jasmine Bavaro, Erica Baker, The Kentucky Gentlemen’s Brandon Campbell and Derek Campbell and ACM CEO Damon Whiteside; (L-R, front row): Roz Malone, Dede Neahn West, Tae Lewis, Julie Williams and ACM Vice-Chair Ebie McFarland. Photo: Courtesy of ACM

The Academy of Country Music and the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) kicked off their OnRamp program yesterday (July 13) with a launch mixer held at the Academy’s Nashville headquarters, bringing together the 20 members of the inaugural class for young Black members of the music community alongside ACM leadership, board members, industry supporters and program mentors. OnRamp focuses on improving inclusivity and equity within Music City and aiming to empower the next generation of leaders in the early stages of their careers by granting access to professional development opportunities, mentorship, industry exposure and other opportunities. Each participant will receive a monthly stipend for one year. Half of this year’s inaugural class are artists; the other half come from across the industry and range from attorneys to audio engineers, publicists to business managers.

Mary-Clair Inks With Vere Music & Brickhouse Entertainment

Mary-Clair & Tedd T.

Vere Music and Brickhouse Entertainment have signed pop singer-songwriter Mary-Clair.

The 19-year-old Nashville native recently teamed up with songwriter and producer Tedd T., who has penned hits for Celine Dion, Tauren Wells and more, for her debut single “Heaven in the Way,” which is available now.

“As a new artist Mary-Clair has already built an impressive team including Tedd T. and Brickhouse Entertainment,” says Rusty Harmon, President of Vere Music. “Mary-Clair’s vocals and songwriting are undeniable. Vere is excited to join this team and partner with this obvious up and coming talent.”

Track45 Shares What They ‘Grew Up On’ Through New EP

Country music sibling trio Track45 has released their new EP Grew Up On via BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records.

Made up of Ben, Jenna and KK Johnson, the group shares memories of their upbringing while exploring young heartbreak, valuable life lessons and more on the six-track project. They produced the entire collection and co-wrote the majority of the songs alongside Michael Hardy, Ashley Gorley, Jonathan Singleton and Taylor Phillips, among others.

“We recorded this collection of songs as we were saying goodbye to many relationships in our lives,” says Track45. “We always want to be honest about the highs and the lows of life and we hope you can hear that in the music. There are some breakup anthems, nostalgic retrospections and some feel good songs mixed in. It’s a journal of us celebrating the experiences and people that have made us who we are and closing the chapter on situations that weren’t right anymore.”

The opening track “Drinkin’ And Thinkin'” finds the band reminiscing on a lost love, while the title track opens a time capsule of memories from their youth and reflects on the traditions that made them who they are today. They put their witty songwriting on display with “Hate Me” and “Last Man In Tennessee.” Grew Up On also includes “PCH,” an ode to a vacation fling and the final track “Family,” a country version of a song the siblings originally wrote for David Guetta that featured Bebe Rexha, Ty Dolla $ign and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, which ends with a message of gratitude for bonds that transcend blood.

Grew Up On Track Listing:
1. “Drinkin’ And Thinkin'”
2. “Grew Up On”
3. “Last Man In Tennessee”
4. “Hate Me”
5. “PCH”
6. “Family”

Ryan Griffin Takes Fans Through The ‘Phases’ Of Love With New EP

Red Street Records flagship artist Ryan Griffin has released his EP Phases after the social media buzz around his current single “Heart to Break.” The EP brings a smooth summer vibe to country and pop listeners.

Griffin describes the inspiration behind the project sharing “We’ve all got our own soundtrack to life as we go through ‘phases’ – we find love, we break up, we heal, we try again – till we find the one that makes us stop looking. I can’t wait for y’all to hear those songs! I hope it’s playing in the background through all the ‘phases’ of your life!”

Produced by Red Street Records CEO Jay DeMarcus alongside Sam Ellis, Jason Massey and Jesse Frasure, the five-track collection tells the story of finding love, with each song representing the different phases of the journey as they move through the stages of heartbreak to finding true love worth living for.

Phases opens with an unreleased track “Been Missing You” followed by “Heart to Break,” “What I Love For,” “God Made Fridays” and closes with the brand new “If All I Ever Do.”

“I couldn’t be more proud of Ryan and this music that we’ve made. It was truly a pleasure to work with such a wonderfully gifted singer and songwriter,” shares DeMarcus. “I loved the chance to get to work with Sam Ellis as well- someone I’ve been a fan of for a long time. What a pleasure to produce this project with him, and I hope people will hear this EP and come to appreciate Ryan for the world-class artist that he is.”

On The Row: Erin Kinsey Belts Her Heart Out To Reach Her Lifelong Dream

Texas-born Erin Kinsey showed up at the MusicRow Magazine office recently with the prowess of a seasoned professional. Although the 22-year-old, multi-instrumentalist is newer to Nashville, she has devoted half of her life thus far to preparing for the country music limelight.

Her parents, though not musically inclined themselves, were overflowing with love and support for their daughter, signing her up for voice lessons over Skype and guitar lessons with a rock guitarist in Dallas.

Kinsey left her hometown of Rockwall, Texas the day after she graduated high school to fulfill a dream years in the making. Hitting the road soundtracked by one of her favorite songwriter Josh Kerr’s hits, her travels over Interstate 40 East inspired her, eventually lending its name to her debut EP, 40 East.

As she arrived in Nashville, she began growing her network and connecting with writers. By the time of her sophomore project, she was writing with Kerr, the very artist whose voice she echoed on her drive. He also produced some tracks on her recently released Bet My Heart EP.

Kinsey performed the best of Bet My Heart while visiting the MusicRow Magazine office, including the hit track “Boys In Boots.” Released during a cold January, this sunny country anthem has found big success. The track has resonated across the nation as a snappy, ear-tingling love song. It has also taken on a new meaning to some fans.

“‘Boots’ has turned into people talking about combat boots or their [partners] that are in the military. It has grown to mean so much more to so many more people,” Kinsey explained, beaming as she reminisced on the song’s success.

Kinsey pens heartfelt songs with stories full of her own life’s intricate details—she wrote “Boys In Boots” alongside Jordan Minton and Travis Wood. At first, she worried that her fans may not connect to the references to the Wrangles or cowboy boots in the song, but her fanbase put their own fairytale spins on it and kept singing their hearts out.

“You always hope that’s always what a song does—that it gets way out of control and way out of your hands—so it’s cool that this one has done that. It has been crazy. It really gained a life when we started playing it live.”

Kinsey worked with Kerr, Micah Carpenter and Sara Davis to write another track on Bet My Heart, “Stayed a Summer.” The relatable tune is about a summer love turned sour.

“It’s about a relationship that I was in, unfortunately, that was years long instead of being a really fun three months for everybody,” she muses. “At least I got a song out of it. Hopefully, you can’t relate at all but if you can, so can I.”

Kinsey says, “This is one was something that I really connected to. I started posting about it a little bit and I couldn’t believe how other people had connected to it.”

Kinsey also performed an acoustic yet high-energy rendition of her rock-inspired “Just Drive.” When writing the heavy-hitting crowd favorite with Josh Ronen and Michael August, the collaborators pulled inspiration from her childhood favorites Miranda Lambert, Eric Church and Paramore, putting heavy guitar riffs and rock motifs throughout. Kinsey celebrates this song as the one that changed her life.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Liza Anderson and LB Cantrell; Erin Kinsey; MusicRow’s Caela Griffin and Steven Boero

“I had not been posting on TikTok a ton at the time,” she remembers. “I was trying to be rebellious and different and not do it. I learned there’s a reason why everyone does and it’s silly not to.”

Kinsey’s audience on the platform is now around a quarter million followers, tuning in to hear sneak peaks of her latest projects. “Just Drive” was featured on SiriusXM The Highway’s On The Horizon earlier this spring.

Though the social media success has been a great asset to Kinsey’s career, leading to her signing at RECORDS Nashville, nothing has topped performing live. At the NASCAR Awards and Champion Celebration last December, she opened her high energy set with “Just Drive,” in a move she admits was a little on the nose for the racing event. Donning a black leather jumpsuit and putting her best guitar riffs on display, she rocked out with her fans to fully embrace the moment.

Now, the song has passed 37 million streams and Kinsey has been celebrating all summer. She is bringing her experience on the road back to Nashville writing rooms, as her live shows are the way she sees the response to her music firsthand.

With her music, Kinsey is leaving everything on the line, which inspired the title of Bet My Heart. “Every song on the project is about a time where I bet my heart and it was either a very good thing or a very bad thing. I couldn’t come up with anything that felt like it represented it better,” she says.

Her performance of her music proved this—Kinsey does not hold back when she is belting her heart out with skill and soul.

Stephen Wilson Jr. Pays Tribute To His Dad On New Double Album

Stephen Wilson Jr. will release his debut double album, Søn Of Dad, Sept. 15 via Big Loud Records.

Wilson has shared two new tracks from the upcoming project, “Mighty Beast” and “All The Wars From Now On,” a jangly ode to Wilson’s elders. The album announcement follows the release of “Father’s Søn,” a moving tribute from to his late father.

“’All The Wars From Now On,’ was written for my late grandfather, a Korean War veteran who had his share of scars from the conflict,” Wilson shares. “The origin of the song came from watching a few war veterans at a diner in my hometown go about just like my grandfather once did one random morning. I couldn’t help but see him in their jovial conversations, and the thought hit me that the world would be a peaceful place if men like these were fighting all the wars. I knew he would see the honesty and humor in that scenario and enjoy the Norman Rockwell-ion approach to painting this song.”

Søn Of Dad features six songs from Wilson’s Bon Aqua EP along with new tracks. At its core, the album, which was co-produced by Wilson and Benjamin West, is a tribute to Stephen Wilson Sr., Wilson’s father who trained him as a boxer from the age of five and was himself a two-time Indiana State Golden Gloves Champion. Informed by Wilson’s diverse background as a boxer, a scientist (he has a degree in microbiology and chemistry from Middle Tennessee State University) and a songwriter, the album is a high-energy rock and roll journey that will be released exactly five years to the day his father died.

“Writing and making this album has been very therapeutic for me to learn who I am and what my existence looks like after my father. Because life has to go on,” Wilson says. “I’m living my own life, but it’s like his death bookended what life he should have had onto mine and I’m carrying it around like a train car.

The new LP comes on the heels of Wilson’s Grand Ole Opry and Stagecoach debuts and dates with The Lone Bellow, Drake White and Charley Crockett. Still to come this year are shows with 49 Winchester, Joss Stone and Larry Fleet, and he’ll also make his Red Rocks debut supporting Midland on Oct. 14.

Søn Of Dad Tracklist
1. The Devil (Stephen Wilson Jr.)
2. Cuckoo (Stephen Wilson Jr., Travis Meadows, Jeffrey Steele)
3. Billy (Stephen Wilson Jr.)
4. Patches (Stephen Wilson Jr., Jeffrey Steele)
5. American Gothic (feat. Hailey Whitters) (Stephen Wilson Jr., Benjamin West, Hailey Whitters)
6. Werewolf (Stephen Wilson Jr., Bryan Simpson)
7. Mighty Beast (Stephen Wilson Jr., Ryan Necci)
8. Year to Be Young 1994 (Stephen Wilson Jr., Benjamin West)
9. Twisted (Stephen Wilson Jr., Jeremy Spillman, Connor Thuotte)
10. Father’s Son (Stephen Wilson Jr., Josh Kerr, Nick Wayne)
11. Grief Is Only Love (Stephen Wilson Jr., Jeffrey Steele)
12. Hang in There (Stephen Wilson Jr.)
13. Calico Creek (Stephen Wilson Jr., Jesse Murphy, Michael Wilkes)
14. Holler from the Holler (Stephen Wilson Jr., Craig Wiseman)
15. Hometown (Stephen Wilson Jr., Marv Green, Tony Lane)
16. Not Letting Go (Stephen Wilson Jr., Andrew DeRoberts)
17. For What It’s Worth (Stephen Wilson Jr., Benjamin West)
18. All the Wars from Now On (Stephen Wilson Jr.)
19. Kid (Stephen Wilson Jr., Lori McKenna, Benjamin West)
20. Henry (Stephen Wilson Jr., Tony Lane)
21. You (Stephen Wilson Jr., Bryan Simpson)
22. The Beginning (Stephen Wilson Jr.)