Noah James Signs With Santa Anna/Sony Music

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Noah James

Baton Rouge-based singer-songwriter Noah James has signed with Santa Anna/Sony Music.

The 18-year-old will release his debut EP, The Tracks, on Aug. 15. The project features the new single “Howl At The Moon,” a captivating duet with newcomer Anna Rae.

“‘Howl At The Moon’ is about the kind of love that lingers when someone’s gone,” explains James. “It captures the loneliness of life on the road and the ache of missing someone so deeply it feels like your heart is howling for them.”

James has already connected with his rapidly growing audience, amassing over 50 million TikTok views and nearly 300,000 followers. His debut singles “Set Free,” “Love Run Cold,” and “Same Old Things” have drawn comparisons to modern country storytellers like Zach Bryan and Wyatt Flores.

LAST DAY: Voting For 37th Annual MusicRow Awards Ends TODAY

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Today is the last day to vote for the 37th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank. Ballots can be cast until 5:00 p.m. CT today (Aug. 15).

This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 3. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a subscriber here.

Click here to view the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.

Now in its 37th year, the MusicRow Awards are Nashville’s longest running music industry trade publication honors and celebrate the achievements of songwriters, artists, producers and more.

The final nominees revealed in this announcement are determined by a committee. For the categories of Breakthrough Songwriter and Breakthrough Artist-Writer, outside nominations are also considered. For the Male and Female Songwriter of the Year categories, nominees are based on data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart.

New this year are the Studio of the Year and Publishing Company of the Year categories.

All nominations are based on projects that were active between the period of June 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Continuing MusicRow’s tradition of recognizing talent behind the scenes, the Top 10 Album All-Star Musician Awards will be presented in conjunction with the MusicRow Awards. These honors salute Nashville’s most in-demand studio players who performed on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period.

Priscilla Block Launches Vulnerable New Chapter On ‘Things You Didn’t See’

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Priscilla Block flips the script and shows fans there’s a lot more behind the glittery surface on her upcoming sophomore album Things You Didn’t See, due Oct. 10 via MCA.

She gives fans a glimpse of the honest new project with the release of “Couldn’t Care Less,” a soul-bearing letter to the music industry offering a stark look at the unseen emotional weight behind Block’s carefree, charismatic armor.

“For what has felt like forever, here we are stepping into a new chapter,” says Block. “The past couple of years have been a rollercoaster. This life has challenged me not only as an artist, but as a person. Honestly, there’s been a part of me that has felt misunderstood. The girl who “couldn’t care less,” when in reality, I’ve never cared more. Writing ‘Couldn’t Care Less’ was the therapy I didn’t even know I needed. For a long time, people have seen me as bulletproof, but this is a side they haven’t seen. It’s the misunderstood part of me… the insecurities that come with being human. It feels like the perfect way to lead into my record Things You Didn’t See, coming October 10.”

YouTube video

Things You Didn’t See offers fans an unfiltered view of what Block has experienced behind the scenes – anxiety, burnout and the cost of always being “on.” On the 14-track record, she gets candid about her struggles with body image and online haters, the mental health battles faced by artists in a world that always wants more, an internal wrestle with artistic identity, the pressures to fit country music’s “mold” and more. Writers contributing to the album include David Garcia, Laura Veltz, Trannie Anderson, Jessie Jo Dillon and others.

Block is set to tour with Cole Swindell on his “Happy Hour Sad Tour,” starting Sept. 4 at Huntington Center in Toledo, and will announce additional dates soon.

Things You Didn’t See Track List:
1. “Things You Didn’t See” – Priscilla Block, Brandon Paddock, Martin Johnson
2. “Bring Me Downtown” – Priscilla Block, Cole Taylor, David Garcia, Laura Veltz
3. “Stranger Things (with Chase Matthew)” – Priscilla Block, Trannie Anderson, Cole Taylor, David Garcia
4. “Goodwill To Gucci” – Priscilla Block, Audra Mae, Summer Overstreet, Jesse Frasure
5. “Phones And Radios” – Priscilla Block, David Garcia, Trannie Anderson, Blake Pendergrass
6. “Couldn’t Care Less” – Alex Maxwell, Cole Taylor, Trannie Anderson, Priscilla Block
7. “2-3-4” – Priscilla Block, Alex Maxwell, Sarah Jones
8. “Try” – Priscilla Block, Tyler Hubbard, Trannie Anderson, David Garcia
9. “Good On You” – David Garcia, Jessie Jo Dillon, Laura Veltz, Priscilla Block
10. “Yard Sale” – Priscilla Block, Laura Veltz, David Garcia, Jessie Jo Dillion
11. “You’re Breaking My Heart (Cecilia)” – Chris Tompkins, Jesse Frasure, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hailey Whitters, Paul Simon
12. “He’s My Man” – Alysa Vanderheym, Faren Rachels, Chris Tompkins, Jacob Hackworth
13. “Elijah” – Priscilla Block, Sarah Jones, Rian Ball
14. “Time Ain’t A Two Lane (Demo)” – Rian Ball, Priscilla Block, Sarah Jones, Aaron Raitiere

Keith Urban Kicks Off International Dates On ‘High And Alive World Tour’

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Keith Urban. Photo: Guitar Monkey Touring

Keith Urban has kicked off the international dates of his “High And Alive World Tour” with the launch of the tour’s second leg in Newcastle, Australia at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

Chase Matthew and DJ Old Nawty will join Urban for the nine remaining Australian arena shows, including two performances in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as three in Brisbane. On Sept. 10 Urban will head to Canada for seven shows.

“I grew up there, playing in all the pubs and clubs, so it definitely brings a different kind of energy,” says Urban of touring in his home country. “For me, playing live is all about the moment. I strive to get my audiences loose and relaxed for two hours – no matter where they are.”

After Australia and Canada, Urban will return to U.S. arenas for the tour’s final leg.

“High And Alive World Tour” International Dates:
August 15th – Brisbane, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
August 16th – Brisbane, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
August 17th – Brisbane, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
August 20th – Wollongong, WiN Entertainment Centre
August 22nd – Sydney, Qudos Bank Arena
August 23rd – Sydney, Qudos Bank Arena
August 25th – Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
August 26th – Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
August 28th – Adelaide, Adelaide Entertainment Centre
September 10th – Vancouver, BC, Rogers Arena
September 12th – Calgary, AB, Scotiabank Saddledome
September 13th – Regina, SK Brandt Centre
September 15th – Saskatoon, SK, SaskTel Centre
September 16th – Winnipeg, MB, Canada Life Centre
September 19th – Montreal, QC, Bell Centre
September 20th – Ottawa, ON, Canadian Tire Centre

Atlus Inks With BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville

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Pictured (L-R, bottom row): BBR Music Group/BMG’s VP, Legal & Business Affairs Quinn Bauducco, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s VP, A&R Camille Kenny & EVP, Recorded Music JoJamie Hahr, BMG North America’s SVP, A&R Katie Kerkhover, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s General Manager Peter Strickland, Wardog Management’s Matt Wallace and Range Media Partners’ Chandler Rosen. (L-R, top row): BMG America’s President, Frontline Recordings Jon Loba, Atlus and Range Media Partners’ Shawn McSpadden

Atlus has inked with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

As an independent artist, Atlus amassed a Platinum single, four independent studio albums, a fan base that has grown into the millions across social platforms and over a billion on-demand streams.

“Music has always been personal to me. Everything I write either helps me work through something or tells a real story from my life,” states Atlus. “The industry default is ‘It’s not personal, it’s just business.’ But that’s never been true for me, and from day one [Jon] Loba, JoJamie [Hahr] and everyone at BMG have shown it’s never been true for them either. It’s clear we are truly on the same page. It IS personal and that is the way we do business.”

“Every time we introduce Atlus to someone new, there is an instant and passionate connection,” says Loba, BMG America’s President, Frontline Recordings. “He is a true poet, who powerfully and intimately chronicles the very real struggles and tragedies of life in a way that still leaves hope for a better day. While his journey and sound are specific, we have found that, even inside the label, he connects across age, gender and musical taste in an incredibly universal way. We could not be more excited to partner with him and his team in championing his music across the globe!”

His first single on the label, “Devil Ain’t Done” is out today (Aug. 15). The track, which he wrote alongside David Garcia (who also co-produced the release with Andrew Baylis) and Geoff Warburton, reflects themes of self-doubt & perseverance.

“I believe that everyone runs into the devil at some point in their life, and sometimes it’s the devil in your mind and sometimes it’s the devil in your hometown. And where I grew up, he drove a nice car, had fast cash in his pockets, pills in the glove box, and he lived in the trailer next door. I spent most of my life avoiding that devil,” explains Atlus. “Life is much better now, but the devil can find his way into any room. I just remind myself to keep being a good person and not give into the temptation.”

Ash Ruder Inks With Riser House

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Brandon Perdue (Riser House), Molly Sheehan (Counsel, Ash Ruder), Megan Schultz (Riser House), Lauren Spahn (Counsel, Riser House) and Allison Pilotti (Riser House). (L-R, front row): Kirby Mathews (Riser House), Ash Ruder and Jennifer Johnson (Riser House).

Ash Ruder has signed with Riser House Entertainment. In celebration of the announcement, Ruder has released her viral single, “Blue Genes,” today (Aug. 15).

“I’m beyond grateful to join Riser House, a team bold enough to help bring my slightly crazy, totally unapologetic vision of music—and the world it lives in—to life,” says Ruder. “From the very first meeting, I felt the energy, talent and genuine belief in my ideas. Together, I know we will create music that’s unforgettable, boundary-pushing, and unmistakably ours.”

A Turlock, California native, Ruder moved to Nashville shortly after her time on season 19 of American Idol. She has been named a “Next Up” artist by CMT, and has amassed over 17 million views in less than 2 weeks after posting a snippet of “Blue Genes.” Her new EP Miss California is slated for release later this year.

“We’ve been closely watching Ash’s development for nearly 4 years, and have seen her writing and artistry really take shape over that time,” shares Brandon Perdue, SVP of A&R + Publishing .”We’ve seen her grow from an already great singer to a truly well-rounded artist who is simultaneously finding success in writing for other artists. We’re so excited for this next batch of songs, but also for what’s coming after that, as she’s already out-writing what we have on tap.”

“I’ve always known Ash was incredibly talented, but experiencing her writing and artistry up close has far exceeded my expectations,” adds Kirby Mathews, Sr. Dir. of A&R + Publishing at Riser House. “I’m so proud to officially welcome her into the Riser House family. In my opinion, what she’s creating is truly next-level, and I’m deeply grateful to be part of her journey!”

Rob Hatch Talks Launching The First Las Vegas Songwriters Festival

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Rob Hatch.

Next week, Las Vegas will host 50 award-winning hitmakers during the launch of the first Las Vegas Songwriters Festival. Presented by MGM Resorts International and Entersong Entertainment, the event will take over Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Aug. 21 – 24, offering fans more than 100 performances across five stages from writers whose work has defined the soundtracks of countless lives.

Co-founded by hitmaker Rob Hatch and Entersong partner Mike Every, in collaboration with MGM Resorts, the festival will blend intimate performances, storytelling and unique collaborations. Names like Bob DiPiero, Dean Dillon, Liz Rose, Victoria Shaw, Billy Montana, Lee Brice and Justin Wilson are among the lineup, representing more than 300 No. 1 hits. The weekend will also feature Q&A sessions hosted by Storme Warren, giving fans the rare opportunity to hear the inspiration behind their favorite songs directly from the writers themselves.

Hatch, a SESAC Songwriter of the Year with cuts by Justin Moore, Randy Houser and more, envisioned the festival as a platform to showcase the world’s most successful songwriters in one place—with Las Vegas providing a fitting backdrop. In the conversation below, he shares how the idea came together, why The Bluebird Café’s “in-the-round” format was essential, and what it means to put songwriters at the center of the spotlight.

MusicRow: What was your original vision for the Las Vegas Songwriters Festival, and how did it grow into this massive first-year lineup?

Our original vision was to create the ultimate celebration of songwriting by bringing together the most talented writers, the biggest hitmakers, the best singers, the best players and the best entertainers, all in one of the best venues in the world. It’s grown into this tremendous lineup thanks to the dedication and hard work of our incredible team, including: Chuck Bowling (Former President and COO of Mandalay Bay), Paul Davis (Senior Vice President – Booking & Development, MGM), Mike Every (Director, Entersong), Laura Ishum (Vice President, MGM), Donna Lee (General Manager, Entersong) and Rachel Dean (Account Manager, Entersong). It took a lot of effort to make this first-year lineup a reality, and we couldn’t be more excited to take the festival to the next level.

With five stages and more than 100 performances, how did you approach curating the mix of iconic names, unique pairings, and up-close fan moments?

I’ve had the unique perspective of writing songs with so many of these folks for the past 25 years. I know their songs, I know how they perform, I know who’s friends with who, and I know who plays well together—so a lot of it came down to that inside knowledge.

And then we’ve got Matt Warren, a hit songwriter himself, hosting the festival. We wanted to have someone who knows this world inside and out to bring the kind of perspective only a fellow writer can.

We also knew we wanted the festival to be for people who love great songs and want to hear the stories behind them from the writers who created them. We thought what better way to let fans learn more about some of these hits and the people who wrote them than having some Q&A sessions, and who better to moderate than Storme Warren, a friend and advocate of songwriters everywhere.

Why was it important to involve The Bluebird Café and the “in-the-round” format in this Vegas setting?

The Bluebird is the most legendary songwriter venue—you can’t celebrate songwriters on this level without including them. If people know anything about songwriters, chances are it’s because of the Bluebird. We’re proud to have them as a partner, and bringing their iconic “in-the-round” format makes it feel like we’re really bringing the Nashville experience to Vegas.

As both a hit songwriter and festival founder, what does it mean to create this kind of platform for songwriters in the spotlight?

It feels like something that should have existed already—I’m really just taking the next step. I’ve been to plenty of songwriter festivals, and they have some really strong and up-and-coming writers, I wanted to create something different: a platform that puts the biggest hit writers in the world in one place together. Writers with the most hits, the best stories, and the kinds of songs people know and can sing along to all night long.

2025 MusicRow Awards Nominees For Entertainer Of The Year

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Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 37th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Entertainer of the Year category.

This category honors outstanding achievements by a Nashville artist during the eligibility period.

This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.

Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 15 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.

Kelsea Ballerini continues to help shape the sound and direction of modern country music. Her 2024 studio album Patterns debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Albums Chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200, marking the highest debut of her career. The Gold-certified single “Cowboys Cry Too” anchored the project, which was followed by Patterns (Deluxe) featuring five new tracks that further expanded the album’s narrative. In spring 2025, Ballerini launched her first arena headline run, the 36- date “Kelsea Ballerini Live on Tour,” across major U.S. markets. These achievements followed the 2023 release of Rolling Up the Welcome Mat, a six-song project and accompanying short film that earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album and critical praise for its honesty and craft. A five-time Grammy nominee with seven No. 1 singles and 34 RIAA certifications, Ballerini remains a consistent presence on both the charts and the stage. She recently made her Saturday Night Live debut, appeared on the cover of TIME and served as a coach on NBC’s The Voice.

Two-time CMA Entertainer of Year Luke Combs started off 2025 with an induction into the Music City Walk of Fame, and became the first country artist to have two songs reach a billion streams on Spotify. He also was honored as the first country artist to have three RIAA Diamond certified singles. Combs recently notched another No. 1 at country radio with his hit Twisters soundtrack song “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma.” His 2024 Fathers & Sons album was released with critical acclaim, and takes a look into the emotional bond of fatherhood. Combs had his own exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame. He joined forces with Opry Entertainment Group to open his own music venue and bar on Broadway, Category 10, and his touring schedule this year included headline performances at Stagecoach, New Orleans’ JazzFest, Lollapalooza and Boston Calling, as well as Bonnaroo, where he was the first ever country act to headline the festival. Combs also created and headlined “Concert for Carolina” at Bank of America Stadium, raising over $24.5 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

Cody Johnson has built up his reputation by gathering a loyal fan base with sold-out shows and consistent streaming numbers. Johnson has cultivated his meaningful discography through releases of Leather Deluxe Edition, Leather, Human The Double Album, A Cody Johnson Christmas, Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live and Ain’t Nothin’ To It. His hit single “Dirt Cheap” was awarded Storyteller of The Year at the People’s Choice Country Awards and Song of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards. Another hit track “The Painter” was awarded as the NSAI 2024 Song of The Year. Throughout his career, Johnson has been named CMT Artist of The Year and won three CMT Music Awards wins, four CMA Awards including Album of The Year (2024) for Leather, and Best New Country Artist at the iHeart Music Awards. Johnson has performed on the Today Show, the Kelly Clarkson Show and the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, as well as live TV performances at the iHeart Music Awards, the ACM Awards, CMA Awards, CMT Music Awards, CMT Giants honoring Vince Gill, the CMT Artist of the Year Special and more.

Grammy nominated Nashville native Jelly Roll ended 2024 with the release of his Beautifully Broken album, which topped the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart, the first time in his career. The critically-acclaimed project was accompanied by his sold-out arena tour across the country. The 2024 iHeart Radio awards gave him eight genre-spanning nominations and wins for Best New Country and Pop artist. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Jelly Roll was nominated for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance with “I Am Not Okay.” Jelly Roll has amassed seven consecutive No. 1s to date at country radio. His hit song “Save Me” spent 28 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Emerging Artists chart, and is RIAA Platinum certified. Outside of music, Jelly Roll also donated a recording studio at the juvenile detention center he served in as a teen, and released his Save Me documentary.

Tallying a career 18 No. 1 singles at country radio, 19 Billboard Music Awards, more than 190 weeks spent atop Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, Morgan Wallen continues to push the genre to its limits. Wallen won his first Entertainer of the Year award at the 2024 CMA Awards. His fourth studio album I’m The Problem was released in May. Upon its release, it debuted at No. 1 globally across seven countries. The project has also already had three No. 1s on country radio, including the eight week No. 1 title track. He also broke his own record for the most simultaneous entries in Billboard Hot 100 History, with all 37 songs charting upon release week. His 20 stadium show “I’m The Problem Tour” is currently taking place, and was preceded by his own Sand In My Boots Festival on the shores of Alabama. He also celebrated the release of the project with a show at The Roundhouse in London. Wallen also puts a portion of every ticket sold towards his Morgan Wallen Foundation, which donates funds to youth music and athletic programs.

Lainey Wilson’s work continues to shape the current landscape of country music, both on the charts and within the broader creative community. In 2025, she earned four ACM Awards: Entertainer of the Year (for the second year in a row), Female Artist of the Year (third consecutive win), Album of the Year, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Her single “Somewhere Over Laredo” became the most added at country radio upon release and marked her biggest first-day streaming debut to date. The track will appear on the deluxe edition of her album Whirlwind, out August 22. Across her catalog, Wilson has tallied eight No. 1 singles, including “Heart Like a Truck,” “Watermelon Moonshine,” and “4x4xU.” She has also collaborated on tracks with Jelly Roll, Hardy, Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton and Post Malone. A Grand Ole Opry member, she contributed to the Twisters soundtrack and is currently on her sold-out “Whirlwind World Tour.” Her upcoming role in Reminders of Him follows her on-screen debut in Yellowstone.

Aaron Gillespie Inks With Jonas Group Publishing

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Pictured (L-R, back row): ET Brown, Sr. Director, Creative Services, SESAC; George Kreis, Pres., Jonas Group Entertainment; Leslie T. DiPiero, Pres., Jonas Group Publishing; Kevin Jonas Sr., Founder & Chairman, JGE; (front row): Aaron Gillespie. Photo: Abbey Watson

Songwriter/artist/producer Aaron Gillespie has signed with Jonas Group Publishing.

As a member of the Grammy-nominated rock band Underoath, Gillespie’s success not only led to the founding of his band The Almost, which enjoyed a top 10 alternative radio single, but also paved the way for Gillespie to further hone his skills as a songwriter and producer after relocating to Nashville.

Gillespie co-wrote and performed on “Demon or Ghost” with Mitchell Tenpenny, penned “Hereditary” with Cassadee Pope, and produced and co-wrote “Long Live Country Music” and “Heaven Is A Honky Tonk” with Raelynn, along with many others. His production works extend to major record labels as well, including Big Loud and Big Machine Label Group.

“Aaron brings a rare combination of authenticity, passion, and creative range that inspires everyone in the room,” says Jonas Group Publishing President Leslie T. DiPiero. “From rock stages around the world to intimate songwriter circles in Nashville, he’s done it all – and he does it with heart. We’re honored to be part of his next chapter.”

“I’m excited and honored to be a part of the family at Jonas,” says Gillespie. “It feels like an actual family, and the attention to detail they have – and the honesty about what you’re making – is unparalleled. Leslie DiPiero and team have truly made me believe in myself as a writer and producer, and I’m so ready to see where this all takes us.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Zach Bryan & Kings Of Leon Team For Disc Of The Day

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Country music is rocking out this week.

This edition of DISClaimer features roaring sounds from Morgan Wade, Jelly Roll & Marshmello and Kip Moore. The best sounding one is a collaboration, Zach Bryan performing with Music City’s finest rock band, Kings of Leon. It is our Disc of the Day. 

Our DISCovery Award winner for today is Canadian country star Aaron Goodvin.

LACI KAYE BOOTH / “George F***king Strait”
Writers: Anderson East/Laci Kaye Booth/Melissa Fuller; Producers: Anderson East, Ben West; Label: Geffen Records
– Ultra modern sounding: Twangy, echoey track with a slow-burn vibe overlaid with her sly, drawling delivery. She yearns for a guy who gets better with age, like the country singer.

CHRIS YOUNG / “Jesus, Mama, Country Radio”
Writers: Chris Young/ChrisDeStefano/Josh Phillips/Taylor Phillips; Producers: Andy Sheridan, Chris Young; Label: Black River Entertainment
– Bright and upbeat. A toe tapper with jangling guitars and a thumpin’ beat.

AARON GOODVIN / “Said No Redneck Ever”
Writers: Aaron Goodvin/Brent Baxter/Trea Landon; Producers: Aaron Goodvin, Matthew Evan McClure; Label: Sakamoto Music
– “That beer’s too cold; that girl’s too hot; somebody turn Bocephus off.” You get the idea. No redneck says the words in the lyrics of this light-hearted ditty. A fun listen.

LAUREN ALAINA / “Little Things”
Writers: Emily Falvey/Lauren Alaina/Ross Copperman/Seth Ennis; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– The autobiographical power ballad reminisces about her late dad. Alaina’s singing sounds stronger than ever.

DUNCAN DANIELS / “Cowboys Wear Stetsons”
Writers: Darbi Shaun Lacagnina/Duncan Daniels/Ron Pope/Zach Berkman; Producer: Justine Blazer; Label: Dunkishrock Production
– He’s aiming for a traditional sound here. But his singing is quite weak.

JON PARDI / “Hey California”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Hunter Phelps/John Charles Reno Prentice/Jordan Minton; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– A breezy tempo track is married to a country heartbreak lyric in this catchy, listenable, easy-going outing.

ZACH BRYAN & KINGS OF LEON / “Bowery”
Writers: Caleb Followill/Jared Followill/Matthew Followill/Nathan Followill/Zach Bryan; Producer: Zach Bryan; Label: Warner Records
– This rocks splendidly. Bryan’s wailing lead vocal hits the mark, and the slammin’ Nashville band kicks serious butt. The whole thing sounds exactly like a great big hit record.

TY HERNDON & ASHLEY McBRYDE / “A Man Holdin’ On to a Woman Letting Go”
Writers: Bobby Taylor/Gene Dobbins/John Ramey; Producers: Jimmy Thow, John Osborne; Label: Club44 Records
– Herndon revisits his 1998 hit, this time as an electrifying duet with the peerless McBryde. Both artists absolutely nail their vocals, separately and harmonizing together. Magnificently done.

JELLY ROLL & MARSHMELLO / “Holy Water”
Writers: Danny Majic/Jason Deford/Justin Franks/Kameron Alexander/Marshmello/Ryan Vojtesak; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Danny Majic, Frank E, Marshmello; Label: Mercury Records
– It’s a slowly paced eulogy for those who have left us. The totally electronic track is pop all the way.

KIP MOORE / “American Heartbreak”
Writers: Jaren Johnston/Kip Moore; Producers: Jaren Johnston, Kip Moore; Label: Virgin Music Group
– Urgently rocking, with its blue-collar roots on full display. This talented guy never disappoints.

MORGAN WADE / “The Party Is Over”
Writer: Morgan Wade; Producer: Clint Wells; Label: Ladylike Records/RCA Nashville
– Bitter and weary. She knows the relationship is over, but she can’t stop wanting him. The midtempo track seethes with electric-guitar power. It’s the title track of her just-released fourth album.

JOSHUA HEDLEY / “Fresh Hot Biscuits”
Writer: Joshua Hedley; Producers: Joshua Hedley, Ray Benson; Label: New West Records
– Old-school country champion Hedley has been a fixture at Robert’s Western World on Lower Broadway for years. Prior releases have featured him in honky-tonk and Nashville Sound settings. His next project will be a western-swing collection, produced by Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson. And, yes, those snappy fiddle breaks are Joshua’s own. This delightful ditty is an advance taste of what we can expect when Hedley’s All Hat collection drops in October.