Ashley McBryde To Open Redemption Bar Inside Eric Church’s Chief’s

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Ashley McBryde will open her Redemption Bar on Aug. 28. Located on the fifth floor of Eric Church’s Chief’s, the venue is a first-of-its-kind concept on Broadway inspired by McBryde’s three year sobriety journey.

“When the opportunity to make my mark on Broadway came, I knew I wanted to create a space that champions what’s made a difference in my life; a space that lifts up the brushed aside, and makes sure everyone feels welcome,” McBryde says.

The bar will serve a full menu of non-alcoholic and alcoholic options as well as feature live original music, showcasing the Nashville songwriter community directly to tourists.

“As someone who is three years sober, the typical response to ‘do you have anything Non-Alcoholic?’ is either ‘why did you come to a bar if you aren’t gonna drink?’ or ‘you can have soda water and a lime I guess.’ Some of my favorite places to socialize became wildly unaccommodating when the only thing that changed was what was in my cup,” McBryde shares with Rolling Stone. “It was vital that I create a space where not drinking is the forethought – normalized. You can get alcohol drinks in Redemption too, because everyone is welcome.”

She continues, “Songwriters are the backbone of this community, and it’s important to me to create a place for all the tourists on lower Broadway to experience original music from some of the people who are keeping dreams alive in this town.”

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with industry moves, new ventures and exciting signings shaping the landscape of country music and beyond. Click here to see the full edition.

Warner Music Nashville is undergoing a significant internal reorganization to better align with Warner Records. As part of the shift, the label is creating two new radio promotion teams, aiming to offer more focused support for its Nashville-based artists. Several staff members have been affected by the changes, including Ray Mariner (Manager, Radio), Andrea Schollnick (Manager, Video Content), Sarah Sigro (Director, Catalog Marketing) and Caitlin Cadden (Director, Global Marketing).

The Country Music Association (CMA) has also announced a series of promotions and new hires across various departments. Emily Evans has been elevated to Senior Vice President of Business Strategy and Operations, following her prior role as Vice President. Jenny Methling joins CMA as Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships after previously serving in a temporary capacity. Additional staff updates include the promotion of Devin Ford to Senior Manager, Social Media, and new hires Luke Johnson (Staff Accountant), Zarah Goldberg (Video Content Creator) and Liliana Manyara (International Industry Relations Coordinator).

Chris Crawford has joined Activated Events as General Manager. He’ll be overseeing strategy and operations for the company’s robust festival lineup, which includes Boots in the Park, Coastal Country Jam, Party in the Park, Taco Fest and The Smoke Show.

Atlantic Music Group is expanding into country and Americana with the launch of a new imprint: Atlantic Outpost. The label will be spearheaded by Jeff Levin and Ian Cripps, both of whom will maintain their existing A&R leadership roles at Atlantic. Offices will be in both Los Angeles and Nashville

Lanie Gardner has officially joined the roster at TRACK Management, and singer-songwriter-producer Cameron Bedell has signed with Electric Feel Entertainment on its Nashville roster. Meanwhile, Brandon Wisham has signed with UTA for global representation and The Feldman Agency for representation in Canada.

SMACKSongs has announced the promotion of Sam Sarno to Senior Creative Director of Publishing, continuing the company’s tradition of nurturing creative leadership from within. Additionally, Susan G. Komen has named Joshua Daniel as its new Senior Director of Entertainment Engagement and Events.

Katie Vinten and Zach Lund have launched Wild Child Music in partnership with Eclipse Music Group. The boutique management company’s roster already includes Delacey, Hayden Blount, Valley James, Wells Ferrari, Cece Coakley, Logan Turner, Brett Truit, Willie Breeding, Cameron Neal and SXSSY.

Lastly, Big Loud Texas continues to grow with the addition of Austin-based band The Droptines to its artist roster.

This week’s edition also features an interview with mtheory’s Cameo Carlson.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Russell Dickerson takes the No. 1 spot with “Happen To Me.” 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.

Mark Your Calendar—August 2025

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Single/Track Releases & Radio Add Dates:

August 1
Bailey Zimmerman/Chevy Silverado/Warner Music Nashville
HARDY/Bottomland/Big Loud Records
Colbie Caillat (feat. Maddie & Tae)/Live Without/Blue Jean Baby Records
Gabby Barrett/The Easy Part/Warner Music Nashville
Paul Cauthen/Thankful
Colt Ford (feat. Creed Fisher)/Dirty
Austin Snell/Family Tree/River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
Kolton Moore & The Clever Few/Strawberry Thief
Jon Langston/Real One
Tyler Rich/Lost Time/ONErpm
Kaylee Bell/The Thing About Us
Dan Bremnes/Human/Curb Records
Omer Netzer/Low High
Laura Bryna & Common Tribe/Rise
Timmy McKeever/Hold You To It/Big Loud Records
Kylie Frey/Always
Maddie Medley/Good Clean Fun
Kayley Green/Dollars/Sony Music Nashville
Katie Neal/Forget It/Alamo Records/Santa Anna
Mary Sarah/Drunk Enough
Caden Cookus/October Passed/Alamo Records/Santa Anna
Connor Hicks/Lonely Season
Jared Redden/Still Hurt Anyway/Alamo Records/Santa Anna
Dearlee Keim/The Hell With It All/Alamo Records/Santa Anna

August 4
Old Dominion/Making Good Time/Sony Music Nashville
Omer Netzer/Midnight Blue/White Knuckle Productions
Due West/Don’t Let The Gray Hair Fool Ya/Unwound Records
Shea Fisher/Ow In Cowboy

August 8
We Are Messengers/Losing You/Curb Records
Annie Bosko/Tequila Time/QHMG/Stone Country Records
Bottomland/By My Side
Whitney Fenimore/Come Around
Adam Warner/Came Back Country
Brandon Wisham/She’s Good
Megan Nadin/Bittersweet

August 11
Aaron Goodvin/Said No Redneck Ever/New Motor Records/Warner Music Canada
Carson Alexander/Good Girls/Synapse Publishing & Entertainment

August 13
Amy Jack/Love’s A Force of Nature

August 14
Kat Velasco/Breaking My Own Heart

August 15
Creed Fisher/Feelin’ Better
Steven Malcolm/All God/Curb Records
Harper Grace/Under My Skin/Curb Records
Ashley Brooks/Southern Side of Sweet
Rye LaChance/Bad For You

August 18
Lauren Alaina feat. Chase Matthew/All My Exes
Turnpike Troubadours/Heaven Passing Through
Sarah Harralson/Put Yourself In My Boots/Synapse Publishing & Entertainment®, LLC

August 22
Kelsey Hart/Something That You’d Miss/Curb Records

August 25
Asher Angel (ft. Nelly)/RODEO/MakaSound
Ken Domash/Wish You Wouldn’t Go/Thunder Mountain Records

August 28
Rachel Lipsky/Welcome To The Fun House/Riot South

August 29
Ben Gallaher/Rearview/QHMG/Stone Country Records
Ashley Brooks/Red Wings

 

Album/EP Releases:

August 1
Sam Barber/Music For The Soul/Atlantic Records
Chris Janson/Wild Horses/Harpeth 60 Records/Warner Music Nashville
Eli Young Band/Strange Hours
Anne Wilson/God Story
Morgan Wade/The Party Is Over (Recovered)/Sony Music Nashville
Zandi Holup/Wildflower/Big Loud Records
Sunny Sweeney/Rhinestone Requiem
Keller Cox/Care To Look
Grayson Lee/Ignition/Alamo Records/Santa Anna
Emily Hines/These Days/Keeled Scales

August 8
Bailey Zimmerman/Different Night Same Rodeo/Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville
MercyMe/Wonder & Awe
Charley Crockett/Dollar A Day/Island Records
Blessing Offor/Real
Ashley Monroe/Tennessee Lightning
T. Hardy Morris/Artificial Tears/Normaltown/New West Records

August 15
Jordan Davis/Learn The Hard Way/MCA Nashville
Gavin Adcock/Own Worst Enemy/Warner Music Nashville
Molly Tuttle/So Long Little Miss Sunshine/Nonesuch Records
Daves Highway/If You Asked Me

August 22
Old Dominion/Barbara/Sony Music Nashville
Russell Dickerson/Famous Back Home/Triple Tigers
Walker Hayes/17 Problems/RCA Records
Lecrae/Reconstruction/Reach Records
Austin Snell/Home Sweet Hell/River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
Peech./Small Town America/CCMG/TAMLA
Roman Alexander/Midwest Calling
Asleep At The Wheel/Riding High In Texas/Bismeaux Records/Signature Sounds Recordings
MaRynn Taylor/MaRynn/Black River Entertainment
James Dupre/It’s All Happening/Warner Music Nashville
Danny Burns/Southern Sky/Bonfire Recording Co.

August 29
Colbie Caillat/This Time Around/Blue Jean Baby Records
Zach Top/Ain’t In It For My Health/Leo33
Margo Price/Hard Headed Woman/Loma Vista Recordings
Rodney Crowell/Airline Highway/New West Records
John Oates/Oates
Coyle Girelli/Out Of This Town/Sun Records
Levi Foster/We Made Fire
Chandler Dozier/Bakersfield East

 

Industry Events:

August 11
38th annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament

August 20
ACM Honors

August 26
22nd Annual SOURCE Awards

 

Upcoming Nashville Concerts:

Jason Aldean. Photo: Brian Higbee

August 1
Gold Coast/Eastside Bowl
Various Artists/Jerry Garcia’s 83rd Birthday Celebration/The Basement East
The Samples/City Winery
Harbour/Wraith Tour/Cannery Hall
Julia Digrazia/Cannery Hall
Emily Hines/Album Release Show/The Blue Room

August 2
Volbeat/Greatest Of All Tours/FirstBank Amphitheater
Ryan Adams/Heartbreaker ’25 World Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Fort Knox/EXIT/IN
Brendan Walter/Cannery Hall

August 3
AJR/Skydeck at 5th and Broadway

August 4
The Aquabats!/The Bats! Kats & Rats Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Peter Collins/City Winery

August 5
Rob Thomas/The All Night Days Tour/Ascend Amphitheater
Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley Band/City Winery

August 6
Various Artists/Happy Together/Ryman Auditorium
Sugarray Rayford/City Winery

August 7
Jason Aldean/Full Throttle Tour 2025/Bridgestone Arena
Vince Gill/Ryman Auditorium
J Howell/City Winery
Ozomatli/Cannery Hall
East Forest/The Blue Room

August 8
Vince Gill/Ryman Auditorium
Oliver Francis/Summer Tour 2025/Eastside Bowl
Elle Varner/City Winery
Chiddy Bang/Cannery Hall

August 9
$uicideboy$/Grey Day Tour 2025/Bridgestone Arena
Vince Gill/Ryman Auditorium
Randall King/Brooklyn Bowl
Henry Morris/Jawbreaker U.S. Tour/Eastside Bowl
Various Artists/Sinker’s 40th Birthday Jamboree/The Basement East
Congress The Band/Cannery Hall

August 10
+Live+ & Collective Soul/Summer Unity Tour/FirstBank Amphitheater
A.R. Rahmam/The Wonderment Tour/Grand Ole Opry House
Wave To Earth/0.03 Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Ekoh/The Broken Heart Collector Tour/The Basement East

August 11
The Struts/Celebrating The 10 Year Anniversary Of Everybody Wants/Brooklyn Bowl

August 12
The Weeknd/After Hours Til Dawn/Nissan Stadium
The Fray/How To Save A Life: The 20th Anniversary Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Ruthie Foster/City Winery
Charlotte Lawrence/Somewhere Tour/Cannery Hall

August 13
ONEUS/2025 ONEUS World Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Haiden Henderson/Tension Tour/Cannery Hall

August 14
Rod Stewart/One Last Time/Ascend Amphitheater
Chris Isaak/Ryman Auditorium
Danielle Nicole/EXIT/IN
The Redhead Revue/City Winery
Raynes/City Winery

August 15
Toto + Christopher Cross + Men At Work/Ascend Amphitheater
Vince Gill/Ryman Auditorium
The Word Alive/The Eyes Above Tour/Eastside Bowl
Madam Radar/Eastside Bowl
Vashawn Mitchell & Friends/City Winery

August 16
Vince Gill/Ryman Auditorium
D4VD/Withered 2025 World Tour/Marathon Music Works
Less Than Jake/Summer Circus/Brooklyn Bowl
Proxima Parada/The Basement East
The Redhead Revue/City Winery

August 17
Caskey/Black Sheep 5 Tour/EXIT/IN
Alex Bugnon/City Winery

August 18
Cardinal Black/The Basement East

August 19
Katy Perry/The Lifetimes Tour/Bridgestone Arena
Nonpoint/Painful Statements/The Basement East
Jake Minch/George On Tour/Cannery Hall

August 20
Teddy Swims/I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour/Ascend Amphitheater
We Came As Romans/Bad Luck Tour/Marathon Music Works
Penelope Road/The Basement East

August 21
Linkin Park/From Zero World Tour/Bridgestone Arena
Teddy Swims/I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour/Ascend Amphitheater
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox/Magic & Moonlight Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Hiatus Kaiyote/North America 2025 Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Tanner Adell/The Giddy Up, Gorgeous Tour/EXIT/IN
Jackopierce/City Winery
Arts Fishing Club/The Blue Room

August 22
Alison Krauss & Union Station/Ascend Amphitheater
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country/Ryman Auditorium
Jake Scott/Live In ’25/Brooklyn Bowl
Gyasi/Eastside Bowl
Fear/EXIT/IN
End Of The Line/City Winery
Hotline TNT/Path Of Totality/The Blue Room

August 23
Relient K/The Basement East
Psychostick/Cannery Hall
Bully/The Blue Room

August 24
Relient K/The Basement East
Clayton Johnson/EXIT/IN

August 25
Fitz And The Tantrums/Man On The Moon Tour/Ryman Auditorium
John K/Salt + Light Tour/Eastside Bowl

August 26
311/Unity Tour/The Pinnacle

August 27
L.A. Guns/The Basement East
Charles Kelley/Songs For A New Moon: One Night Only/EXIT/IN

August 28
The Supervillans/EXIT/IN
Palmer/Cannery Hall

August 29
Anderson East/Ryman Auditorium
Elvie Shane/EXIT/IN
John Nemeth/City Winery
Collin Raye/City Winery

August 30
Men I Trust/Equus Tour/The Pinnacle
The Starting Line/The Eternal Youth Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
VeryGentley & Brother Elsey/EXIT/IN
Riot/The Machine Tour/Cannery Hall

August 31
The Darkness/Dreams On Toast/Brooklyn Bowl
Jae Street/EXIT/IN
Jagged Little Pill/City Winery

Live Music Drives Increase In Nashville’s Summer Tourism

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“Let Freedom Sing!” 2025 in Downtown Nashville.

Nashville saw a strong summer tourism season marked by record-breaking attendance and visitor spending at both “Let Freedom Sing!” Music City July 4th and CMA Fest, while major concert tours filled hotel rooms across the city, according to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

“We continue to see the incredible influence of live music as a driver of tourism in Nashville,” says Deana Ivey, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “This summer’s record-breaking numbers reflect not only the strength of our signature events and concert calendar, but also the city’s ability to deliver an unforgettable experience for visitors. The economic activity generated by our live music offerings benefits our community.”

In a recent national YouGov survey, Nashville ranked as the No. 1 most favorably viewed large city in America. Nashville’s growing popularity led to a 3.8% increase in May hotel demand year-over-year and a 1.2% increase in June countywide. Nashville also was recently named to Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2025 for Best Cities in the U.S. at No. 13.

Nashville’s July 4 event downtown featured headliner Dierks Bentley and one of the country’s largest fireworks and drone shows. The crowd resulted in the most hotel room nights ever sold on a July 4 in Davidson County yielding 30,788 rooms sold. Estimated visitor spending generated by the downtown event was $23.8 million.

KultureCity distributed 42 sensory bags and welcomed 25 individuals to its on-site Sensory Room. Sober Space, in collaboration with Cumberland Heights, hosted over 700 guests in its alcohol-free zone throughout the day and evening. More than 2,100 pounds of prepared food were donated to Care Kitchen Outreach, providing 2,157 meals to individuals in need. Additionally, the event sold 9,600 cans of StageWater, which donates a portion of proceeds to support nonprofits that assist those in need within the entertainment industry, providing healthcare and hardship grants and supporting independent venues and promoters. The music-inspired canned water brand is led by members of Bentley’s touring crew.

In 2026, “Let Freedom Sing!” will expand to a two-day event, taking place July 3-4 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

This year’s CMA Fest events in June produced $86 million in estimated visitor spending, up from 2024’s $77.3 million. As previously announced, approximately 95,000 people attended the event from June 5-8.

Alongside downtown music events, summer stadium tours boosted hotel demand. Metallica took the stage at Nissan Stadium for two nights in May, contributing to downtown weekend hotel occupancy of 95%. The AC/DC concert at Nissan Stadium drove significant hotel demand with occupancy reaching 93.2% on May 20 in Davidson County and 98.2% downtown. Coldplay’s July show contributed to a 92% hotel occupancy in Davidson County and a higher 98% in downtown.

Jason Aldean, Katy Perry, Tate Mcrae and many more are are expected to continue to drive tourism over the next few months as they make tour stops in Nashville.

Nederlander Concerts CEO Alex Hodges To Be Inducted Into IEBA Hall of Fame

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Alex Hodges

Alex Hodges, CEO of Nederlander Concerts, will be inducted into the IEBA Hall of Fame at its 2025 Honors & Awards Ceremony on October 7 at the Grand Hyatt Nashville as part of IEBA’s 55th Annual Conference.

Throughout his decades-long career Hodges has worked as a talent agent, manager, major market promoter, venue operator and industry executive. In the 1960s while at Mercer University, Hodges joined Walden Artists and began booking talent, including a then-unrecorded Otis Redding. During this early chapter Hodges worked with R&B greats including Redding, Sam & Dave, Percy Sledge, Clarence Carter, Candi Staton  and many others.

In the 1970s he launched Paragon Agency, where the roster included rising rock acts like The Allman Brothers Band, Wet Willie and The Marshall Tucker Band and he later signed The Charlie Daniels Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Outlaws, among others. In 1980, Hodges founded the Empire Agency signing then-unrecorded future guitar legend, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and later managed Vaughan and Gregg Allman, representing SRV and Double Trouble.

In 1984, Hodges joined ICM in Los Angeles as Senior Vice President and head of the Music Department, working with major headliners such as Culture Club, Air Supply, Eddie Murphy and John Denver. In 1988, he joined Nederlander Concerts as Vice President, while continuing in personal management. His success earned him Pollstar’s Talent Buyer of the Year award in 1993.

In 1994, Hodges joined MCA/Universal Concerts as Senior Vice President, overseeing bookings for the Universal Amphitheatre and other venues across the country. Following the 1999 acquisition of Universal/MCA Concerts by House of Blues, his role expanded to Executive Vice President. After the sale of HOB, Hodges returned to Nederlander Concerts in 2007 as COO and was named CEO in 2011. Under his leadership, the company has booked marquee talent at flagship Southern California venues including the Greek Theatre, Grove of Anaheim, Pantages Theatre and Santa Barbara Bowl.

“Alex has been at the center of some of the most significant evolutions in live entertainment,” says IEBA Executive Director Brian Wagner. “From artist development to venue innovation, his impact on our industry is undeniable, and we’re thrilled to celebrate his incredible legacy.”

“I’m honored to be inducted into the IEBA Hall of Fame,” shares Hodges. “Throughout my life, a song, an album, a band, a sound have always influenced my next decision at any crossroads; and being acknowledged in this way is extremely gratifying.”

Timmy McKeever Signs With Big Loud Records

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Jason McKeever, Timmy McKeever, Seth England (Partner / CEO, Big Loud) and Jim Catino (Droptine Recordings). (L-R, back row): Patch Culbertson (EVP / GM, Big Loud), Stacy Blythe (EVP of Promotion, Big Loud Records), Brianne Deslippe (SVP of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records) and Austen Adams (COO, Big Loud). Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith

Timmy McKeever has inked a record deal with Big Loud Records.

McKeever began honing his artistry in his home state of California, performing at venues such as The Maverick and House of Blues Anaheim. After moving to Music City last June, he released his debut album Devils & Angels in December. Since then, he has amassed 20 million streams, and has received five million monthly impressions and 600,000 interactions on social media.

A growing performer, he has notched over 400 live shows, including opening for Cody Johnson, Ashley Cooke, Gabby Barrett, Lee Greenwood, Dylan Scott, Chris Janson and Drew Baldridge. His music has also been spotlighted on Spotify’s Next From Nashville, Fresh Finds, Fresh Finds Country, and New Music Friday Country, Amazon’s Breakthrough Country and Apple Music’s New in Country.

“I’m beyond excited to officially join the Big Loud family, I truly can’t imagine a better place to call home,” shares McKeever. “I’ve poured my heart into this new music and I can’t wait for the fans to hear it!”

His major label debut, “Hold You To It,” released today (Aug. 1). Co-penned by McKeever alongside Autumn Buysse and Jake Rose, the tune combines modern country swagger and timeless storytelling.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Timmy to Big Loud,” says Wes Donehower, Big Loud Records SVP of A&R. “His storytelling and ability to connect with fans is rare for someone so young, and we’re excited for the opportunity to showcase those gifts and help him write the next chapters in what is sure to be a long and successful career.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jordan Davis’ ‘Emotionally Compelling Vocals’ Strike Again

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Country music gets back to its roots in today’s edition of DISClaimer.

Guitars, not synthesizers, are the lead instruments. Ballads with powerful lyrics take over from the rock and pop productions that have dominated the genre for too long. Leading the way are Riley Green, Walker Hayes, Old Dominion, Aubry Rodriguez, Carter Faith and our Disc of the Day winner, Jordan Davis. All of them deserve massive airplay and streams. 

The DISCovery Award goes to JoJo Mason.

JOJO MASON / “Gold”
Writers: Bonnie Baker/Cameron Bedell/Hunter Hayes; Producer: Ryan Stead; Label: 604 Records
– This rising Canadian star blends country and soul beautifully on this warm, radiant, luscious ballad. He likens his sunshine lover to gold while a wafting choir whispers and sighs along. A zephyr of sound.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Turn This Truck Around”
Writers: Devin Dawson/Jake Mitchell/Jordan Davis/Josh Thompson; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
– I am such a huge fan of this guy. His furry, throaty vocals are so emotionally compelling, and his songwriting is just terrific. On this outing, an insistent rhythm track beats like his broken heart while he heads for a destination unknown—unless her memory becomes so powerful that he heads back home. I hung on every line.

LAUREN WATKINS / “Marlboro Man”
Writers: Jeremy Spillman/Lauren Watkins/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Big Loud Records
– Watkins waxes nostalgic about an idealized, vanished macho cowboy on this languid track. Deep twang guitars and sighing steel accompany her as she muses about sharing horsebacks and smokes with him.

MORGAN WALLEN, LIL WAYNE & RICK ROSS / “Miami”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Charlie Handsome/Chase McGill/Dean Dillon/Dwayne Carter/Ernest Keith Smith/Hank Cochran/Michael Hardy/Morgan Wallen/Royce Porter/William Leonard Roberts II; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– There are faint echoes of Keith Whitley’s “Miami My Amy” in between Wallen’s plaintive singing and the stoned-out rapping. The track is a looped, electronic confection that will find more acceptance on pop playlists than on country ones. At least I hope so.

CARTER FAITH / “Bar Star”
Writers: Aaron Raitere/Carter Faith/Tofer Brown/Tyler Halverson; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: MCA
– “Bless his liver and his honky-tonk heart, ‘cause my baby’s a bar star.” Instead of going for a stay-at-home straight arrow, she goes for the roadhouse boozer on this delightful two stepper. Ms. Faith delivers the tune like a modern-day Loretta and Russ Pahl’s steel guitar sizzles and stings to answer her every hillbilly phrase. This, my friends, is by-gawd country music.

WALKER HAYES / “17 Year Old Problems”
Writer: Walker Hayes; Producer: Billy Dawson; Label: RCA Records
– Fake IDs, curfews, flunking a class, losing football games, spring break issues, breakups, summer jobs and teen angst. These issues are long gone as he faces the deaths of loved ones, paying bills, going to rehab and the broken dreams of adulthood. Now he wishes all he had to worry about were those teenage problems. This is a tremendously effective single, produced sparingly, sung with heart and written with insight. Brilliant work.

LAUREN ALAINA & CHASE MATTHEW / “All My Exes”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Jimmy Gutch/Lauren Alaina/Whitney Phillips; Producers: Jacob Durrett, Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Irritating and utterly tuneless. Both of them blathering about how hard they are to love. There’s no harmony singing, but how could there be when there’s no melody?

RILEY GREEN / “Bartender in Destin”
Writers: Nick Walsh/Sam Banks; Producer: Erik Dylan; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– I wish more country stars would release music like this—Green shines brighter than ever by singing with just an acoustic guitar accompaniment. The lyric deftly paints a laid-back romantic scene. Highly recommended listening.

AUBRY RODRIGUEZ / “Leaving Texas”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: AR
– She sings softly to convey the longing for a lost loved one and missing home. Simple bass and acoustic guitar gently support the lovely ballad. Aubry is the daughter of the late, great Johnny Rodriguez, whose Celebration of Life is scheduled for Aug. 11 at the Troubadour Theater in Music Valley at 5:30 pm.

OLD DOMINION / “Miss You Man”
Writers: Matt Jenkins/Matthew Ramsey/Ross Copperman/Trevor Rosen; Producers:Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Three Up Three Down/Columbia Nashville
– As always, brilliantly written. This is a powerfully touching ode to grief. It’s been six years, but he still misses his best pal. Echoing guitars swirl around the lead vocal in this exquisite production.

GABBY BARRETT / “The Easy Part”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Jon Nite/Michael Hardy/Zach Abend; Producers: Ross Copperman, Zach Abend, Zach Kale; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Tears turn to triumph in this breakup anthem. Piano and percussion drive the oomphy pop-country production.

THE BAND LOULA / “Sweet Southern Summer”
Writers: Gary Nichols/Greg Bieck/Logan Simmons/Malachi Mills; Producer: Greg Bieck; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Haunting and transfixing. The moody, minor-key track evokes a sultry, heat-soaked season in Dixie (which sounds pretty familiar these days). Logan Simmons sings the bluesy lead while Malachi Mills matches her with close harmony work. John Osborne of Brothers Osborne provides the yearning, dobro-centered production.

Keke Palmer Hosts Visual Album Party At BMI

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Keke Palmer. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

Keke Palmer celebrated the release of her new visual album, Just Keke, this week at BMI on Music Row.

The evening started with BMI’s Vice President Creative, Nashville, Clay Bradley, welcoming an at-capacity audience mixed with fans, industry executives and fellow music creators. BMI’s Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton, then started a Q&A with Palmer about her career and what inspired her to make the visual album, which she entirely funded herself as a labor of love. Tayla Parx, who co-produced and co-wrote many of the songs on the album, joined the conversation about the project that’s been well-received by fans and critics alike since its release on June 20. Palmer then surprised the audience with a performance of two of her favorite songs, “Off Script” and “Misunderstood,” backed by Chuck Harmony on keyboard.

Keke Palmer & Tayla Parx. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

BMI’s Clay Bradley, Keke Palmer and BMI’s Catherine Brewton. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

Steve Martin & Alison Brown To Co-Host 2025 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards

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Steve Martin and Alison Brown have been revealed as co-hosts of the 2025 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards on Sept. 18.

Martin and Brown’s single, “5 Days Out, 2 Days Back”, which features Tim O’Brien, is nominated for Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Collaborative Recording of the Year at the upcoming awards. The song will be included on their first full length album, Safe, Sensible and Sane, slated for release via Compass Records in October. Brown is also nominated for Banjo Player of the Year.

“I’m thrilled to be hosting with Alison Brown, and connecting with all my bluegrass friends as opposed to my kinda dumb comedy friends,” says Martin.

“The IBMA Awards show is always one of my very favorite nights of the year,” says Brown. “I’m so honored to co-host this year with my banjo pal Steve Martin.”

The IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards show will take place in Chattanooga at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, and tickets are available to purchase through Ticketmaster here.

Tour News: The Oak Ridge Boys, Noah Hicks, Jenna Davis, Iam Tongi

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The Oak Ridge Boys To Embark On 2025 ‘American Made Christmas Tour’

The Oak Ridge Boys

The Oak Ridge Boys will embark on the “American Made Christmas Tour” this fall. The nine-date run kicks off on Dec. 4 in Florida with stops in Tennessee, Wisconsin, Ohio and more. The band will perform a variety of original hits and Christmas classics during the show.

“Christmas time has always been our favorite time of year,” shares Duane Allen of the band. “Getting to see everyone during the holidays, singing our favorite Christmas songs, both traditional and new, is something I look forward to all year long. Come on out and see us if you can.”

The Oak Ridge Boys ‘American Made Christmas Tour’ Dates Include:
Dec. 04 – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall / Sarasota, Fla.
Dec. 05 – Anderson Music Hall / Hiawassee, Ga.
Dec. 07 – Niswonger Performing Arts Center / Greeneville, Tenn.
Dec. 11 – The Grand Theater / Wausau, Wis.
Dec. 12 – Medina Entertainment Center / Medina, Minn.
Dec. 13 – Crystal Grand Music Theatre / Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Dec. 18 – Honeywell Center – Ford Theater / Wabash, Ind.
Dec. 19 – Canton Palace Theatre / Canton, Ohio
Dec. 20 – Midland Center For The Arts / Midland, Mich.

 

Noah Hicks Sets His Headlining ‘Small Town Does Tour’ For Fall

Noah Hicks

Noah Hicks is set to begin his “Small Town Does Tour” this fall. Presented by Peachtree Entertainment, the 16-date trek will kick off in Nashville, Tennessee, on Oct. 10 before continuing to cities including Chicago, Baltimore, Philadelphia and more, and concluding in Athens, Georgia, on Nov. 5. Brian Fuller and Reid Morris will join Hicks as support on the tour.

“This tour means a lot to me for a bunch of reasons. I named it the ‘Small Town Does Tour’ after one of my recent songs because that really sums up who I am and where I come from,” shares Hicks. “We’ve been working hard on new music, and I can’t wait to finally get out there and share it with the fans who’ve supported me every step of the way!”

Small Town Does Tour Dates:
10/10 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In
10/11 – St. Louis, MO – The Golden Record
10/14 – Louisville, KY – PBR Louisville
10/15 – Columbus, OH – A&R Music Bar
10/16 – Chicago, IL – Carol’s Pub
10/17 – St. Cloud, MN – Red Carpet Nightclub
10/18 – Iowa City, IA – Wildwood Saloon
10/21 – Detroit, MI – El Club
10/22 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works
10/23 – Worcester, MA – Off The Rails Worcester
10/25 – Baltimore, MD – PBR Baltimore
10/28 – Philadelphia, PA – MilkBoy Philadelphia
10/29 – Richmond, VA – The Broadberry
10/30 – Isle of Palms, SC – The Windjammer
11/1 – Orlando, FL – PBR Orlando
11/5 – Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club

 

Jenna Davis To Hit The Road For First-Ever Headline Dates

Jenna Davis. Photo: Lily Nelson

Jenna Davis will hit the road in November for her first-ever headline tour dates. The announcement comes on the heels of her debut album, Where Did That Girl Go?, which was released earlier this year.

“Stepping into the spotlight for my first headlining shows feels like a dream finally coming true — it’s a mix of excitement and nerves. These aren’t just some shows —it’s the start of something new but also a celebration of how far we’ve come and a reminder that anything is possible with heart, hustle and a whole lot of love,” says Davis.

The shows will kick off on Nov. 6 in Nashville with stops in Dallas and Chicago. Additional dates will be announced in the future.

Nov. 6 – Nashville, TN – Cannery Hall
Nov. 10 – Dallas, TX – The Cambridge Room at House Of Blues
Nov. 11 – Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern

 

Iam Tongi Slates Headline Tour Run For Fall

Iam Tongi. Photo: Catherine Powell

American Idol Season 21 winner Iam Tongi is heading out on the road for his first full national headlining run. The “Iam Tongi Fall Tour” will hit 25 cities across the United States this October and November. A second leg with west coast dates will be announced soon.

Tongi was recently featured on Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch soundtrack and made his Grand Ole Opry debut. He is currently on the road this summer including several dates as support for Hawaiian singer-songwriter Maoli on his “Last Sip of Summer Tour,” Niko Moon’s “American Palm Tour,” as well as Kolohe Kai’s “What Aloha Means Tour.”

Iam Tongi Fall Tour:
Oct 7 || Springfield, MO || The Regency Live
Oct 8 || Iowa City, IA || The Englert Theatre
Oct 9 || Cincinnati, OH || Ludlow Garage
Oct 11 || Pontiac, MI || Flagstar Strand Theatre
Oct 14 || Kent, OH || The Kent Stage
Oct 16 || Nashville, TN || Cannery Hall – Mainstage
Oct 17 || Gainesville, GA || Boot Barn Hall
Oct 20 || St. Petersburg, FL || Jannus Live
Oct 21 || Charleston, SC || Music Farm
Oct 22 || St. Augustine, FL || Colonial Oak Music Park
Oct 24 || Orlando, FL || The Social
Oct 25 || Stuart, FL || Terra Fermata
Oct 28 || Annapolis, MD || Rams Head
Oct 29 || Hopewell, VA || The Beacon Theatre
Oct 30 || Lynchburg, VA || Academy of the Arts
Nov 1 || Washington, DC || Hamilton Live
Nov 3 || New York, NY || Gramercy Theatre
Nov 4 || Philadelphia, PA || Ardmore Music Hall
Nov 5 || Boston, MA || The Wilbur
Nov 7 || Waldoboro, ME || The Waldo Theatre
Nov 8 || Albany, NY || Empire Live
Nov 11 || Homer, NY || Homer Centre for the Arts
Nov 13 || Chicago, IL || Bottom Lounge
Nov 14 || Milwaukee, WI || Shank Hall
Nov 15 || Minneapolis, MN || The Dakota