Lamont Landers Inks With MCA Imprint Lucille, Releases New Single

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Lamont Landers

Lamont Landers has released his searing new single, “America,” a track that offers an unflinching snapshot of life in today’s world and the uncertainty and instability of the American Dream.

“I didn’t want to get too political, but there’s tension everywhere — no matter where you stand. It feels like we’ve hit a boiling point,” Landers explains. “This song is my way of capturing that feeling and turning it into music people can connect with. With this song, I wanted to capture something real—honest, raw, and resonant. It’s a piece of who I am, and I hope it connects with people on a personal level.”

Hailing from Decatur, Alabama, Landers’ viral cover of Ray Charles’ “Hit The Road Jack” earned over half a million views overnight, leading to standout performances on America’s Got Talent and Showtime at the Apollo. His TikTok presence, including a repost by Questlove of his rendition of “Rubber Band Man,” caught the attention of producer Dave Cobb, and ultimately led to a deal with Cobb’s MCA imprint, Lucille.

Old Dominion To Return To Las Vegas For Two-Night Celebration Of ‘Barbara’

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Old Dominion. Photo: Dove Shore

Old Dominion has teamed up with Caesars Entertainment to celebrate the release of their latest album with two special performances, “BARBARA. HITS. VEGAS.,” at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on December 5 and 6.

The shows, taking place during National Finals Rodeo, the 10-day season finale that draws more than 100,000 country and rodeo fans, represent a continuation of Old Dominion’s ongoing collaboration with Caesars and a strategic extension of the Barbara album rollout. For these performances, the band will present the entire Barbara album alongside their most notable hits in a show curated specifically for PH Live.

“We’re excited to welcome Old Dominion to PH Live,” said Anthony Carano, President & Chief Operating Officer of Caesars Entertainment. “After an incredible summer of unforgettable performances at our Lake Tahoe and Stir Cove concert series, we know our Las Vegas guests are in for two extraordinary nights this December. Hosting Old Dominion during NFR Week is a privilege, and celebrating the release of Barbara with these one-of-a-kind shows makes it all the more special.”

“Old Dominion loves working with Caesars, and we were thrilled to partner with them to bring BARBARA. HITS. VEGAS. to life,” frontman Matthew Ramsey said. “We always have a great time in Las Vegas — maybe too great a time, as it goes. I can’t wait to bring Barbara to our fans at Planet Hollywood.”

Faith Hopkins Readies New EP, Due In October

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Faith Hopkins will release her new six track EP, Love & Insanity, on Oct. 10 via Play It Again Music.

Alongside the announcement, she released a new track, “Open Book.” Written by Hopkins, Kyle Clark, Emily Landis, and Evan Cline, the song details a relationship that got lost in translation.

“‘Open Book’ is about being completely honest in a relationship—spelling it out, bold and underlined—and still not being understood,” Hopkins said. “It’s an upbeat track made to be screamed in your car…or right in his face, if you get the chance. And this song is just the beginning. My EP, Love & Insanity, dives into all the ways love can make you feel unhinged. It’s about how love can make you a little insane—it’s wild, it’s real, and it’s exactly how I want to introduce myself to the world.”

The project follows the release of the Huntington Beach, California native’s debut singles last year. Inspired by Kelsea Ballerini, Sabrina Carpenter, Nora Jones and Lennon Stella, the tracks for this project were written alongside Clark, Landis, Cline, Sarah Killian, McCall Chapin, Jenna Johnson and more. The project was produced by Clark and Cline as well.

Love & Insanity Track Listing:
1. “Insanity” (Written by Faith Hopkins, Jenna Johnson, Kyle Clark | Produced by Kyle Clark)
2. “Open Book” (Written by Faith Hopkins, Kyle Clark, Emily Landis, Evan Cline | Produced by Kyle Clark)
3. “Dodged A Bullet” (Written by Faith Hopkins, Kyle Clark, Trent Wayne | Produced by Kyle Clark)
4. “Get Away With Murder” (Written by Faith Hopkins, Evan Cline, Emily Landis | Produced by Evan Cline)
5. “Break It You Buy It” (Written by Faith Hopkins, Evan Cline, Jackson Foote, Connor McCutcheon| Produced by Evan Cline)
6. “Let Him Have It” (Written by Faith Hopkins, Kyle Clark, Sarah Killian, McCall Chapin| Produced by Kyle Clark)

Jillian Jacqueline Slates New Record For October

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Jillian Jacqueline is slated to release her new record, MotherDaughterSisterWife, on Oct. 17 via Virgin Music Group. Expanding on her recent EP, Bright Eyed Baby, this album reflects the transformations of motherhood, self-discovery and life’s quiet, defining moments.

“This is the most personal and purposeful collection of songs I’ve ever released,” Jacqueline reflects. “It’s an exhale—full of acknowledgment and acceptance that I will always be on this lifelong learning curve and just figuring it out as I go.”

The album’s first single and video, “Cult Classic,” is out now.

“I’ve always been fascinated by people’s love stories—whether they’re strangers, friends, or anyone willing to share the intimate details of how they fell in love and stayed in love,” Jacqueline says of “Cult Classic.” “Naturally, my husband and I are one of my favorite love stories. Whether it’s Casablanca or Say Anything, I think every romance has that perfect blend of drama and steadfastness. The day we wrote this song, the melody and lyrics carried that same cool nostalgia you find in a great, timeless film. And it makes me want to dance—which I absolutely love.”

YouTube video

MotherDaughterSisterWife Track Listing:

1. “Cherry Blossom”
2. “Fantasy Girl”
3. “Stroke of Genius”
4. “China Shop”
5. “Cult Classic”
6. “Lonely Long Goodbye”
7. “More”
8. “Year Of The Dragon”
9. “Bright Eyed Baby”
10. “Eyelashes”
11. “MotherDaughterSisterWife”
12. “Little Blue Hue”
13. “Gravity”

BMI Introduces Songwriter Series ‘BMI Presents At The Listening Room’

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Pictured (L-R, back row): BMI’s MaryAnnKeen, Sony Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, BMI’s Jackson Kiger, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI’s Lilly Brown, Sony Music Publishing’s Aubrey Landon and Sony Music Publishing’s Taylor Ratkovich; (L-R, front row): Patrick Murphy, Lindsay Rimes, Averie Bielski, Ryan Larkins, Sony Music Publishing’s Synnovea Halsel; Photo: Savannah Spencer

BMI hosted the first installment of “BMI Presents at The Listening Room” on Wednesday (Aug. 27), a new showcase created to spotlight BMI songwriters signed to publishers.

The inaugural round, hosted by BMI’s Leslie Roberts, featured a lineup from Sony Music Publishing that included Averie Bielski, Ryan Larkins, Patrick Murphy and Lindsay Rimes.

To kick off the event, Murphy performed songs including “Lonely Left,” Dylan Scott’s “Back Forty,” “Slow Song Fast Car,” and his Tim McGraw hit “Standing Room Only.” Larkins followed with “Bones,” “Here for A Reason,” McGraw’s “Hold On To It,” and 2024 NSAI Song of the Year, Cody Johnson’s “The Painter.”

Bielski’s set included “Gettin’ Old,” recorded by Scotty McCreery and Callista Clark, as well as “Easy Whiskey.” She also joined Murphy on “Made for Movin’ On.” Rimes closed out the round with Charles Kelley’s “Can’t Lose You,” Kane Brown’s “Heaven,” Nate Smith’s “Whiskey On You,” and 10-week chart-topper “World On Fire.”

The series will continue on Oct. 14 with a round featuring songwriters signed to Big Machine Music.

NEEDTOBREATHE Partners With MCA On Select Music & Projects

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NEEDTOBREATHE have teamed with MCA to collaborate on select music and projects. The first release of the new partnership will be “Momma Loves Me,” featuring The Red Clay Strays. The new tune will release on Sept. 5.

Solo-penned by NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rinehart, the track serves as a reminder of hope, resilience, and the power of music to connect generations. The Red Clay Strays have often cited NEEDTOBREATHE as a major influence on their artistry.

“I just knew Brandon [Coleman] and the band would relate to this song, because they’ve stayed completely true to what they believe, and that is so refreshing to me,” says Rinehart. “I don’t think I have ever seen somebody have the kind of success they’re having and also be exactly who they are all the time.”

The collaboration came about after Rinehart shared a demo of the track with Coleman backstage at a show in Brooklyn.

“As soon as I heard the chorus, I was like, ‘Yes, we’ve got to do this,’” adds Coleman. “I told him I would definitely love to sing on this song.

“When you listen to the song, you can start reflecting on all the bad things that you’ve done, or get caught up in thoughts of how bad of a person you may have been,” Coleman continues. “But take a step back—remember that Momma loves you, you’re still born again—and everything’s going to be okay.”

Dave Cobb was tapped as producer on the single, which features harmonies, keys, slide guitar, and subtle percussion.

“Working with NEEDTOBREATHE and The Red Clay Strays on ‘Momma Loves Me’ was incredibly powerful to witness the love and admiration the two bands had for each other while recording,” shares Cobb. “It was a pleasure to hear the raw power and truth delivered in each word that was sung. It’s a record that gives you hope.”

As part of the announcement, Rolling Stone exclusively premiered a documentary that puts fans into the song’s creation at Cobb’s studio in Savannah.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Billy Currington Wins Disc Of The Day With ‘Enchanting’ Tune

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Billy Currington

Music veterans keep pace with the youngsters today in DISClaimer.

Little Anthony, Michael Martin Murphey, Eddy Raven and Jackson Browne are all on tap, matching their still-vital voices with another generation of music makers. Of the solo tracks, Kashus Culpepper, Dylan Marlowe and Dasha are stand outs.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Billy Currington.

Brendan Walter takes home a DisCovery Award.

BRENDAN WALTER / “Back on Deseret”
Writers: Brendan Walter/Colton Venner; Producer: Grady Smith; Label: Sony
– This is a highly attractive country rocker with a nostalgic lyric recalling the street he grew up on. Walter sings with earnest charm, and the track is delightfully punchy.

HARDY / “Bottomland”
Writers: Hunter Phelps/Jessie Jo Dillon/Michael Hardy/Smith Ahnquist/Zach Abend; Producer: Zach Abend; Label: Big Loud
– The ballad is starkly produced with a cool, funeral-parlor organ and extended a cappella vocal passages. The hook about being buried in his native soil is repeated a few too many times.

DELTONA / “Heartbreak Fix”
Writers: Allison Veltz Cruz/Caleb Miller/Chris Deaton/Jason Massey/Ned Abernathy; Producer: Jason Massey; Label: Capitol/The Core Records
– This is a trio comprised of Chris Deaton, Caleb Miller and Ned Abernathy. They met at a writers’ round at The Bluebird, but don’t listen for anything acoustic on this single. The sound is pop-country, electronically processed and auto tuned within an inch of its life.

STEVE MARTIN, ALISON BROWN & JACKSON BROWNE / “Dear Time”
Writers: Steve Martin/Alison Brown; Producers: Alison Brown, Garry West; Label: Compass
– Browne sings lead with Martin and Brown’s banjos providing rippling accompaniment and elegantly tasteful solos on this gentle, folkie song of memories. The Dirt Band’s Jeff Hanna provides vocal harmonies.

DASHA / “Like It Like That”
Writers: Dasha/David Garcia/JKash/Gian Stone; Producers: avid Garcia, Gian Stone; Label: Warner
– This bops along like crazy with merry handclaps and beats dropping left and right. The sprightly tempo tune is all about s-e-x.

BILLY CURRINGTON / “One Thing I Ain’t Been”
Writers: Chase McDaniel, Johnny Clawson, Steve Moakler; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: MCA
– The groove is enchanting, a rolling ride on a calm sea of sound. Amid the swaying atmosphere is Currington’s softly yearning invitation to romance. Very listenable.

DYLAN MARLOWE / “Coming Home Tomorrow”
Writers: Joe Fox/Dylan Marlowe/Johnny Clawson; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony
– He’s leaving the road behind to find heaven at home. The super energetic, country-rock production surrounds his delivery with fiery electric guitar work and furious drumming. Nice work.

SOUL CIRCUS COWBOYS & EDDY RAVEN / “I Got Mexico”
Writers: Frank J. Myers/Eddy Raven; Producer: Frank Myers; Label: SSC
– This is a breezy, rollicking update of the 1984 Raven hit. The veteran country star easily keeps up with the young country rockers, swapping hearty vocals and harmonies with lead singer Billy McKnight. Stay tuned with the uber cool guitar solo. Timeless. Recommended.

LITTLE ANTHONY & BROOKE MORIBER / “Hurts So Bad”
Writers: Bobby Hart/Teddy Randazzo/Bob Weinstein; Producer: Fred Mollin; Label: Reviver
– The track begins starkly with acoustic piano and Moriber’s lustrously aching soprano. The duet builds in intensity, much like the 1965 iconic pop original. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Little Anthony (Jerome Anthony Gourdine) still sounds amazing at age 85. Vocal powerhouse Brooke Moriber is a Broadway veteran (Les Miserables) who has become a country mainstay in New York City.

KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Believe”
Writers: Kashus Culpepper/Foy Vance; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud
– Steeped in soul and recorded in Muscle Shoals, this is a stately anthem that reaches for faith and inspiration. Love the ghostly angelic background voices. Gripping listening.

CODY JOHNSON & MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY / “Wildfire”
Writers: Larry Cansler/Michael Martin Murphey; Producers: Trent Willmon & Ryan Murphey; Label: MMM
– What’s not to love? A brilliant, classic song. A country superstar. A match made in music marketing heaven.

AMANDA SHIRES / “Piece of Mind”
Writer: Amanda Shires; Producer: Lawrence Rothman; Label: ATO
– The multi-instrumentalist troubadour treads the line between rock and Americana in this dramatic outing. A grinding electric guitar and a deep-groove rhythm section thunder behind her light-soprano vocal.

Industry Ink: Brian Kelley, Priscilla Block, Ryan Aviation, Bandit Lites

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Brian Kelley Makes Big Apple Media Splash

Pictured (L-R): Laura Jarrett (NBC News), Dylan Dreyer (TODAY), Brian Kelley, Craig Melvin (TODAY). Photo: Jake Witsken

Brian Kelley recently wrapped back-to-back days of media appearances in New York City. Keeping summer alive, he performed “Spend Some Time There” during the 3rd Hour of NBC’s TODAY on Monday (Aug. 25), before tapping back to his college baseball roots with MLB Network’s morning show MLB Central. On Aug.26 he celebrated his 40th birthday with a sit-down interview on CBS Mornings Plus. During the segment, Kelley spoke about his latest album and also his venture as a co-owner of the Gulf Coast Cowboys Angling Club – a professional sport fishing team of the Sport Fishing Championship league.

 

Priscilla Block Performs On Today

Platinum artist Priscilla Block made her morning TV debut this week on NBC’s TODAY Show with a fiery performance of her song “You’re Breaking My Heart (Cecilia),” a bold re-imagining of the Simon & Garfunkel 1970 classic. The new song will appear on her forthcoming sophomore album, Things You Didn’t See, coming Oct. 10 via MCA. Block recently released her new song “Couldn’t Care Less” and announced her headlining “Monster Energy Outbreak: Things You Didn’t See Tour” which kicks off Oct. 23 in Fort Myers.

 

Lexi Dunfey Named Head Of Sales At Ryan Aviation

Lexi Dunfey

Lexi Dunfey has joined Nashville-based Ryan Aviation Group as Head of Sales. Based in Portland, Maine, Dunfey brings over 12 years of experience in private aviation, beginning her career in operations in 2013 before transitioning into sales three years ago.

“Bringing Lexi on board is one of those rare decisions that just felt right from the start,” says Founder and Owner Dan Ryan. “Her name came up through a mutual connection, and the moment I heard about her work ethic, reputation and the trust she’s earned with clients, I knew we had to add her to our team. Lexi brings a level of professionalism, heart and instinct that’s hard to teach. She understands that what we do isn’t transactional, but is about the human to heart connection. The synergy she has already built with our team and clients proves she was the right fit for the job.”

 

Bandit Lites Adds New Marketing & Integration Business Services Staffers

Bandit Lites has hired new staffers that strengthen the Marketing and Integration Business Services teams. Matt Holton joins Bandit Lites as Marketing & Media Coordinator, bringing over a decade of professional experience in video production, motion graphics, storytelling, and client relations. Brianna Byars joins Bandit Lites as an Administrative Assistant with a focus in marketing. She brings a strong background in graphic design, social media management, and brand development, having led creative campaigns, produced promotional materials, and more. Sherry Wells advances to Purchasing Coordinator, overseeing purchase orders, inventory management, and supplier relationships. She assists with service work orders, annual inventory counts, and serves as backup to the Purchasing Director.

Downtown & FUGA Amplify Nashville Footprint With New Leadership & Signings [Exclusive]

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Sam Cope & Bryan Mooney

Downtown Artist & Label Services and FUGA have relocated Bryan Mooney, Global Vice President of A&R at DA&LS, and Sam Cope, Director of Digital Accounts Strategy, Americas at FUGA, to their Nashville office.

“We’re thrilled to increase our local footprint in Nashville’s thriving music scene, and to build on the success that Jeanette [Porcello] and the Downtown team have already helped our roster to achieve,” says Mooney.

FUGA is a B2B distributor owned by Downtown. In Cope’s role in Music City, she will serve as a marketing link for clients, alongside key local expertise to foster greater discovery and engagement with DSPs.

“Being on the ground in Nashville is providing new opportunities to increase visibility in the market and strengthen our relationships with DSPs in real time,” adds Cope. “Ultimately, it means we can better champion our clients’ music and connect it with the audiences who will love it most.”

Alongside Mooney and Cope’s relocations, Downtown has added new signings to its roster, led by Porcello, Director of A&R. The new talent included Erin Kinsey and Jack Blocker. Downtown is also working on developing projects with Brye, Cate Canning, BLÜ EYES and The Nude Party. These all join the company’s roster of Colbie Caillat, Judah & The Lion, Drew Holcomb and Hunter Hayes, among others.

“Nashville is a natural fit for FUGA’s continued growth in North America,” shares Sarah Landy, SVP, Americas, FUGA. “We’re proud to partner with companies whose mission so closely aligns with our own, supporting creators with intention, purpose, and the important duality of global reach alongside emphasis on local relationships and presence.”

The news also includes the signing of Integrity Music, a division of David C Cook. Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee and an additional office in Brighton, UK, Integrity Music is focused on modern worship music. FUGA has also strengthened its relationship with management and artist services company GoodCopBadCop. The new partnership included integration with Downtown-owned Curve Royalties System, as well as an enhanced catalog strategy.

Theresa Wolters Joins MusiCares As Executive Director

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Theresa Wolters. Photo: Kelly Samson, Gallery Photography

Theresa Wolters has been named Executive Director at MusiCares, the Recording Academy’s charitable arm.

Wolters has served as MusiCares’ Vice President of Health & Human Services since 2022 and brings more than two decades of global health and humanitarian leadership to the role. After stepping in as Interim Executive Director in 2025, she now formally leads MusiCares in its mission to provide a safety net of comprehensive support to the music community.

Wolters holds a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University, a Master of Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University and studied African Affairs at the University of Cape Town. Before joining MusiCares, Wolters tackled health crises around the world. At the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, she helped shape global strategies that delivered lifesaving services to tens of millions of people affected by HIV and other infectious diseases. As a founding employee of Millennium Promise, she was integral to launching the Millennium Villages Project, one of the most ambitious demonstrations of the UN’s development goals in action.

Later, with the International Medical Corps, Wolters directed health and refugee programs across five African countries, bringing care and stability to some of the most vulnerable populations on the planet. In her work at MusiCares, she champions music professionals as an at-risk population uniquely vulnerable to financial setbacks and health challenges.

“Theresa embodies the spirit of MusiCares. She approaches her work with empathy and clarity, and she strengthens every story with facts that show why our work matters,” says Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares. “Her leadership ensures that music professionals will continue to have access to the care and support they need — recognizing that financial struggles, health concerns and mental health challenges are often deeply connected.”

“Every day, MusiCares has a life-changing, and often lifesaving, impact on music professionals,” says Wolters.”For 35 years, MusiCares has been driven by compassion and a relentless focus on solving the big challenges facing our community. I am truly privileged to work alongside such an outstanding team of committed professionals and know MusiCares will continually rise to meet the needs of those we serve,”