Wildflower Entertainment Group Launches Backstage Access Presents: Heartland

/by

Backstage Access Presents: Heartland, a three-night, all-inclusive VIP escape into the heart and soul of farm land and country music, is set to take place Aug. 28-30 in eastern Iowa.

Heartland is the inaugural event from Wildflower Entertainment Group, a new venture founded by industry veteran Bobbii Jacobs, and will feature performances by Drew Baldridge, Annie Bosko, Garrett Bradford, Carter Faith, Erin Grand, Jenna Paulette, Kenya Reese, Cooper Riley, Adam Wainwright and Xo Lex.

Celebrating the state’s proud agricultural legacy, the event honors the region’s role as stewards of the land, with programming that reflects the values, grit and storytelling rooted in America’s heartland and exists to honor the stories, culture and people who form the backbone of rural America.

Wildflower Entertainment Group is supporting mental health initiatives for farmers and ranchers in Iowa, and this collaboration aims to connect those in need with existing mental health programs, recognizing the profound impact of mental health challenges within rural communities. Entertainers involved in Heartland have personal connections to these challenges, some having witnessed firsthand the silent battles fought by farmers and ranchers. Their commitment to this cause drives the event’s mission to raise awareness and support for rural mental health.

Backstage Access Presents is a boutique event series that reimagines how listeners connect with music. Focused on VIP experiences, live event production, and creative consultation, the series curates intimate, genre-spanning performances in unexpected and emotionally resonant settings. Each event invites guests into a deeply personal atmosphere where music, storytelling and setting come together to create unforgettable moments beyond the traditional stage.

Christian Conant Promoted To Sr. Director A&R At Prescription Songs

/by

Christian Conant. Photo: Taylor C Jones

Christian Conant has been promoted to Senior Director, A&R at Prescription Songs.

Conant landed at Prescription Songs in September of 2019 where he rose up the ranks to A&R Manager in 2022. The Akron, Ohio native moved to Nashville in 2015 and got his start working in digital marketing before finding his calling on the road tour managing various artists including Mitchell Tenpenny and The Band Camino. Post touring, he found himself working in the publishing/A&R department of Riser House Entertainment prior to landing at Prescription Songs.

“We’re super excited to see Christian step into this new role,” says Chris Martignago, VP of A&R Nashville. “His hard work, great ear for talent, and passion for music have made a sincere impact at Prescription Songs. In a place like Nashville, it’s all about teamwork and creativity, and Christian really brings both to every conversation he’s a part of. Can’t wait for this next step in his career here!”

“I’m so thankful to Luke and the team for their continued belief in what we’re building here in Nashville,” shares Conant. “It’s such an honor to work alongside this incredible roster of creatives.”

Conant, who is based out of the company’s Nashville office, looks after a diverse roster of artists, songwriters and producers including Maggie Rose, Fly By Midnight, Joy Oladokun, Zella Day, Nick Bailey, Brett Truitt, Anderson East and Ryder Johnson.

CMHOFM Opens ‘Lainey Wilson: Tough As Nails’ Exhibit

/by

Lainey Willson at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Last night (July 17), the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted the opening of its newest exhibit, “Lainey Wilson: Tough as Nails.”

The new exhibit, which is officially open to the public today (July 18), runs through Wilson’s life starting with her time growing up on her family’s Baskin, Louisiana farm to her rise as an international country star.

In addition to the exhibit, the CMHOFM will host a Songwriter Session tomorrow (July 19) in the Ford Theatre. Wilson’s trusted collaborators, Aaron Raitiere and Jon Decious will explore some of Wilson’s biggest hits.

The exhibit will be open until June 2026 and is included with museum admission. Advance reservations are encouraged and ticket availability can be found here.

Sam Barber Sets New EP ‘Music For The Soul’ For August

/by

Sam Barber. Photo: Outlaw Foundry

Sam Barber has dropped a new track, “Home Tonight,” from his upcoming new EP, Music for the Soul, due out Aug. 1 via Atlantic Records.

Produced by Grammy-winner Ryan Hewitt (The Lumineers, Noah Kahan) and Joe Becker, the EP includes the soul-baring anthem, “Man of the Year,” available everywhere now, alongside a live performance video streaming now on YouTube.

YouTube video

Music for the Soul begins an unforgettable new chapter for Barber following the breakout success of his 2024 debut album, Restless Mind, a 28-song collection highlighted by smash singles like the double-Platinum “Straight and Narrow,” “Better Year” (featured on Paramount Network’s Yellowstone) and “Indigo (feat. Avery Anna),” the latter of which has racked up over 300 million global streams, earning Platinum certification in Australia and double Platinum certification in Canada while spending 14 weeks and counting among the upper reaches of country radio airplay charts and reaching the top 40 on Billboard’s overall Hot 100.

Barber is currently celebrating Music for the Soul on his “North American Tour,” which runs through December.

Music for the Soul Track List:
1. “Music for the Soul”
2. “Dust and Smoke”
3. “Nowhere Fast”
4. “Same Sad Shit”
5. “Home Tonight”
6. “Ain’t Dead Yet”
7. “Man of the Year”

CCMA Unveils 2025 CCMA Awards Nominees

/by

Josh Ross & Cameron Whitcomb

The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) has revealed the nominees for its 2025 CCMA Awards. The awards show will take place on Sept. 13 from Prospera Place in Kelowna. Hosted by Tom Green, the broadcast will stream live at 8 p.m. EST on CTV, CTV.ca and the CTV app, with next day streaming available on Crave.

Josh Ross and Cameron Whitcomb lead this year’s nominations with six each. Ross is up for Fans’ Choice Award, Male Artist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Video of the Year (“Single Again”), Single of the Year (“Single Again”) and Musical Collaboration of the Year (“Want This Beer” feat. Julia Michaels). Whitcomb’s nominations include Fans’ Choice Award, Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Songwriter(s) of the Year (“Quitter”) and Single of the Year (“Quitter”).

Coming with five nominations each are Brett Kissel and Owen Riegling, while Jade Eagleson notches four. Those with three nominations each are Madeline Merlo, Tyler Joe Miller, MacKenzie Porter, The Reklaws and Sacha.

This year’s awards also include the new Francophone Artist of the Year award. The honor will be given to a Francophone act (solo, duo, or group) that has demonstrated exceptional achievements within the current eligibility period. Francis Degrandpré, Fred Dionne, Sara Dufour, Vince Lemire and Salebarbes are the inagural group of nominees.

Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year, which includes Noeline Hoffman, Zach McPhee, Sacha, Tony Stevens and Cameron Whitcomb, and the Fans’ Choice Award, with nominees Jade Eagleson, High Valley, Brett Kissel, Tyler Joe Miller, MacKenzie Porter, The Reklaws, Owen Riegling, Josh Ross, Dallas Smith and Cameron Whitcomb, will be fan voted by Canadian country music fans. Votes can be cast here.

The 2025 CCMA Awards will also feature performances from Madeline Merlo and Tyler Joe Miller, Sacha and Restless Road, Dallas Smith and Alexandra Kay, Thelma & James and Cameron Whitcomb, with more to be announced soon.

2025 CCMA Awards Nominees:

Entertainer of the Year
Jade Eagleson
MacKenzie Porter
Owen Riegling
Josh Ross
Cameron Whitcomb

Ford F-150® Album of the Year
All Night Longer – Matt Lang
Bruce County (From The Beginning) – Owen Riegling
Going Home – Tyler Joe Miller
Golden Child – Meghan Patrick
Let Your Horses Run – The Album – Brett Kissel

Fans’ Choice presented by Bud Light
Jade Eagleson
High Valley
Brett Kissel
Tyler Joe Miller
MacKenzie Porter
The Reklaws
Owen Riegling
Josh Ross
Dallas Smith
Cameron Whitcomb

Female Artist of the Year
Hailey Benedict
Madeline Merlo
Jess Moskaluke
MacKenzie Porter
Sacha

Francophone Artist of the Year
Francis Degrandpré
Fred Dionne
Sara Dufour
Vince Lemire
Salebarbes

Group or Duo of the Year
High Valley
James Barker Band
The Reklaws
Tim & The Glory Boys
The Washboard Union

Musical Collaboration of the Year
“Broken Heart Thing” – Madeline Merlo feat. Dustin Lynch
“Do It Anyway” – Jade Eagleson feat. Jake Worthington
“Stoned Alone” (feat. Caitlyn Smith) – Meghan Patrick, Caitlyn Smith
“Want This Beer” – Josh Ross feat. Julia Michaels
“Won’t Forget” – Dan Davidson, Tim Hicks & Max Jackson
“Your Mama Would Hate Me” – Dean Brody, James Barker Band

Male Artist of the Year
Jade Eagleson
Brett Kissel
Tyler Joe Miller
Josh Ross
Cameron Whitcomb

Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year presented by Birkenstock
Noeline Hofmann
Zach Mcphee
Sacha
Tony Stevens
Cameron Whitcomb

Alternative Country Album of the Year presented by National Music Centre
Chandler – Wyatt C. Louis
One More Dollar To Go – Jake Vaadeland
Purple Gas – Noeline Hofmann
Story To Tell – Riley Taylor
To The River – Kyle McKearney

Single of the Year
“I Grew Up On A Farm” – The Reklaws
“Let Your Horses Run” – Brett Kissel
“Moonshines” – Owen Riegling
“Single Again” – Josh Ross
“Quitter” – Cameron Whitcomb

Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN
Kelly Archer, Travis Denning, Chris Stevens – “I’m Gonna Love You” (Artist: Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood)
Ryan Beatty, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant, Leven Kali, Raphael Saadiq, Shawntoni Ajanae Nichols – “BODYGUARD” (Artist: Beyoncé)
Ben Cottrill, David Schaeman, Nolan Sipe, Cameron Whitcomb – “Quitter” (Artist: Cameron Whitcomb)
Zach Crowell, Lalo Guzman, James McNair, Madeline Merlo, Michael Tyler – “Broken Heart Thing” (Artist: Madeline Merlo feat. Dustin Lynch)
Owen Riegling, Daryl Scott, Jesse Slack – “Moonshines” (Artist: Owen Riegling)

Video of the Year
“Hey Mom I Made It” – Sacha
“Let Your Horses Run” – Brett Kissel
“Life for Me” – Jess Moskaluke
“Ride It Out” – Alli Walker
“Single Again” – Josh Ross

MUSICIAN AWARDS

Bass Player of the Year
Lisa Dodd
Lisa Jacobs
Ben Miller
Brandi Sidoryk
Holt Stuart-Hitchcox

Drummer of the Year
Matt Atkins
Flavio Cirillo
Rich DaSilva
Brendan Lyons
Joseph Poulin
Greg Williamson

Fiddle Player of the Year
Linsey Beckett
Tyler Beckett
Denis Dufresne
Jesse Grandmont
Catherine Robertson

Guitar Player of the Year presented by PRS Guitars
Chris Bray
Russell Broom
Ryan Davidson
Marcus Ramsay
Brennan Wall

Keyboard Player of the Year
Ben Cottrill
Matt Koebel
Brendon Schmidt
Brendan Waters

Specialty Instrument Player of the Year
Denis Dufresne
Johnny Gasparic
Shane Guse
Tyler Vollrath

Steel Guitar Player of the Year
Michael Eckert
Bruce Hoffman
Matt McKay
Kevin Neal
Marcus Ramsay

RADIO AWARDS

Radio Station of the Year (Large Market)
CFCW (Edmonton, AB)
CHKX-FM (Hamilton ON)
CISN-FM (Edmonton, AB)
CJJR-FM (Vancouver, BC)
CKKL-FM (Ottawa, ON)

Radio Station of the Year (Medium or Small Market)
CFCH-FM (North Bay, ON)
CHAT-FM (Medicine Hat, AB)
CHCQ-FM (Belleville, ON)
CICX-FM (Orillia, ON)
CIGV-FM (Kelowna, BC)

INDUSTRY AWARDS

Booking Agency of the Year
Action Entertainment Collaborative
Fame Group Agency
The Feldman Agency
Invictus Entertainment Group
Paquin Entertainment Group

Country Club of the Year
Cook County Saloon (Edmonton, AB)
King Eddy (Calgary, AB)
Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall (Calgary, AB)

Country Festival, Fair or Exhibition of the Year 
Big Valley Jamboree (Camrose, AB)
Boots and Hearts Music Festival (Oro-Medonte, ON)
Calgary Stampede (Calgary, AB)
Cavendish Beach Music Festival (Cavendish, PEI)
LASSO Montréal (Montréal, QC)

Country Music Program, Special, or Digital Feature of the Year 
Heartstrings & Honky Tonks (CFCW, Silverplow Productions & Design Co.)
A Kane Brown Christmas Special (Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.)
A Kissel Country Christmas (Brett Kissel, Abbey White)
On the Porch with Front Porch Music (Front Porch Music)
Pure Country Top 50 Countdown (iHeartRadio Canada)

Country Personality(ies) of the Year
Dan Davidson & Stella Stevens (CFCW)
Tracy Lynn (CFWC-FM)
Jason McCoy (CICX-FM)
Sam McDaid (CIKZ-FM)
Paul McGuire (CFXJ-FM)

Management Company of the Year 
The Core Entertainment
MDM Artist Management Services
RLive Management
Starseed Entertainment
Willing Entertainment

Music Publishing Company of the Year presented by CMRRA 
Anthem Entertainment Group
Big Loud Publishing
Sony Music Canada Publishing
Universal Music Publishing Group
Warner Chappell Music Canada

Record Company of the Year 
Big Loud Records
Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.
Starseed Records
Universal Music Canada
Willing Records

Industry Person of the Year 
Justin Clark (Big Loud Records)
Warren Copnick (Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.)
Lindsay Hyslop (BBR Music Group)
Joelle Proulx (Agence Ranch)
Kevin White (Universal Music Canada)

Creative Team or Designer of the Year
Design Team: Robert Adam, Bryan Francisco, Brandynn L.P, Alyssa Gibson (Doutone Studio) – Single: “Bailing Twine” (Artist: Robert Adam)
Design Team: Austin Chaffe – 3 Pack Single: All The Time, If I Drink Enough, One Beer Away (Artist: The Reklaws), EP: Outliving (For Mom)(Artist: The Reklaws), Single: “Worth The Double” (Artist:Jade Eagleson), Single: “Silverado-si-do” (Artist:Jade Eagleson), Single: “Race To The Bottom” (Artist: Nate Haller), Single: “Drive” (Artist: Nate Haller), Brand Identity: Country Rising, Promotional Material: Lucknow’s Music In The Fields
Design Team: Stephane Lamontagne, JF Galipeau – Album: All Night Longer (Artist: Matt Lang)
Design Team: Kyle McKearney, Jeff Ojeda, Roberta Landreth – Album: To The River (Artist: Kyle McKearney), Single: “Tomorrow” (Artist: Kyle McKearney), Single: “Hold On Goodbye” (Artist: Kyle McKearney), Single: “Fight This Fire” (Artist: Kyle McKearney)
Design Team: Connor Scheffler, Andrew Parry – Single: “Life For Me” (Artist: Jess Moskaluke)

Recording Studio of the Year
80A Studios (Toronto, ON)
Manicdown Studios (Vancouver, BC)
MCC Recording Studio (Calgary, AB)
OCL Studios (Chestermere, AB)
Revolution Recording (Toronto, ON)

Record Producer(s) of the Year
Russell Broom, Kyle McKearney – Album: To The River (Artist: Kyle McKearney)
Danick Dupelle – Album: All Night Longer (Artist: Matt Lang)
Karen Kosowski – Single: “First Time Living” (feat. Gretchen Wilson)(Artist: Alli Walker), Single: “Whether You Love Me or Not” (Artist: Meghan Patrick)
Joey Moi – Album: Quit!! (Artist: HARDY)
Dan Swinimer – Single: “He’s The One” (Artist: Savannah Jade), Single: “When I Hear That Song” (Artist: Tony Stevens)

Retailer or Commercial Platform of the Year 
Amazon Music
Apple Music
SiriusXM Canada
Spotify Canada Inc.

Ron Sakamoto Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year
Paul Biro (Sakamoto Agency)
Jim Cressman (Invictus Entertainment Group)
Brooke Dunford (Republic Live)
Adam Oppenheim (Stampede Entertainment Inc.)
Denise Ross (Live Nation Entertainment)

Video Director of the Year
Gord Bamford, Codi McIvor – “Just Getting’ Started” (Artist: Gord Bamford)
Alexandre Blais, Alexandre Charron – “He’s the One” (Artist: Savannah Jade)
Ben Knechtel – “Outliving” (Artist: The Reklaws), “Remind Me Again” (Artist: Zach McPhee), “Youth” (Artist: Sully Burrows)
Travis Nesbitt – “Won’t Forget” (Artist: Dan Davidson, Tim Hicks & Max Jackson)
Alex P. Smith – “You Didn’t Hear It From Me” (Artist: James Barker Band)

Innovative Campaign of the Year presented by TD
Wheels of Steel- A Cross Canada Journey on the Open Rails (Cameron Nickerson)
Golden Child: The Making of (Meghan Patrick)
SOUTHERN DRAW(L) The Broadway Interviews (Paige Penney and W/FRNDS)
Outliving (For Mom) EP Launch Campaign (The Reklaws, Starseed Entertainment)
“Ride It Out” – A Cultural Moment, Not Just a Song (Alli Walker)

Miranda Lambert & Parker McCollum To Host Central Texas Flood Aid Benefit

/by

Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum have teamed up to host “Band Together Texas,” a benefit concert for The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and Central Texas Community Foundation, both leading ongoing flood relief efforts in Texas. The show will take place on Aug. 17 at the Moody Center in Austin.

“One of the things I love about both our artist community and our community in Texas is that we show up for one another, especially in times of such great need like folks in my home state are facing after the flood,” shares Lambert. “There is so much devastation and loss, yet what’s given me hope are the stories of those that have come to the aid of so many. That’s what we want to do with Band Together: Texans helping Texas. We hope it is a night that helps with healing while raising awareness and funds for The Community Foundation of Texas Hill Country and the Central Texas Community Foundation.”

The benefit concert will feature performances from Lambert, McCollum, Ryan Bingham, Wade Bowen, Kelly Clarkson, Ronnie Dunn, Dylan Gossett, Jack Ingram, Cody Johnson, Lyle Lovett, Lukas Nelson, Jon Randall and Randy Rogers Band.

Actors Matthew McConaughey and Dennis Quaid, former UT Longhorns coach Mack Brown and players Emmanual Acho, Colt McCoy and Vince Young, MLB legend Roger Clemens and television host Chris Harrison will also make special appearances throughout the event.

In addition to the performances and appearances, there will be tributes to first responders and flood victims, with personal stories being shared on stage.

“The flooding in the Hill Country of Texas is truly heartbreaking,” adds McCollum. “This place and these people are my community. There is a long road ahead rebuilding and even though so many families are facing the unimaginable, we’re Texas strong. Miranda is inspiring in both her music and how big her heart is, and I’m honored to be joining her for this benefit concert to support our fellow Texans and share a night of healing through music.”

Tickets will go on sale to public July 25 at 10 a.m. CST. Fans can also register for pre-sale access here until July 21 at 5 p.m. CST.

Partners for “Band Together Texas” include H-E-B, Kendra Scott, Poncho Outdoors, Tecovas and Whataburger.

Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs Return To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

/by

Pictured: Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs; Photo: masonn1k

Bailey Zimmerman reclaims the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week alongside Luke Combs with their song, “Backup Plan.”

The track was released as the second single from Zimmerman’s upcoming, second studio album Different Night Same Rodeo, and was written by Jimi Bell, Jon Sherwood and Tucker Beathard.

Zimmerman is currently headlining his “New to Country Summer Tour,” which kicked off June 6 in Indianapolis and continues through Sept. 13 in Laughlin, Nevada. The trek features support from Dylan Marlowe and Drew Baldridge.

“Backup Plan” currently sits at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 10 on the Mediabase chart.

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

Sony Music Nashville Signs Ian Harrison

/by

Pictured (L-R): OTRmgmt’s Zach Beebe; Sony Music Nashville’s Margaret Tomlin and Ken Robold; Ian Harrison; SMN’s Taylor Lindsey and Lexi Stringer. Photo: Adam Davis

Pop singer-songwriter Ian Harrison has signed with Sony Music Nashville.

“So blessed to be a part of the Sony Nashville team,” Harrison shares. “I’m thankful that I’m surrounded by a group that truly believes in the music!”

An Ohio native, Harrison moved to Nashville after college, blending his folk, pop, country and rock inspirations into his work. Harrison’s first release on the label, “Not The One,” which he wrote with Daniel Agee and Nick Wayne, is out now.

“‘Not The One’ is all about knowing your worth in a relationship where the effort put in isn’t being reciprocated on both sides – where someone that keeps coming back, which forces you to be the bigger person every time, but you already gave it everything you had,” says Harrison. “The feelings you may have had for that person are dead and gone, and they can’t restore that bridge that’s been burnt.”

Harrison is represented by Zach Beebe of OTRmgmt and WME with publishing through Warner Chappell.

Josh Ross Slates Debut LP ‘Later Tonight’ For September

/by

Josh Ross will release his full-length debut album Later Tonight on Sept. 19 via MCA/Mercury Nashville/ Universal Music Canada/CORE Records. In conjunction with the announcement, the reigning CCMA Entertainer of the Year has released the title track of the album now.

Produced by longtime collaborator Matt Geroux, (who also helmed Ross’s EP Complicated), the 15-track collection features his No. 2-and-climbing single “Single Again,” along with early releases “Hate How You Look” and “Leave Me Too.” Writers contributing to the project include Ben Stennis, John Morgan, Michael Tyler, Brad Rempel and more.

“The title of this record, and the title track, became the thread that tied this project together over the last couple of years,” Ross says. “Every single we put out, every show we’ve played has led to this. We dug deep writing for this album, leaning into getting caught in your feelings, breaking up, making up. No matter what, all roads led back to Later Tonight.”

YouTube video

Earlier this week, Ross earned six CCMA nominations, tying with Cameron Whitcomb as this year’s most-nominated artist. He received nods for Fans’ Choice Award presented by Bud Light, Male Artist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Video of the Year, Single of the Year and Musical Collaboration of the Year.

Ross recently wrapped as support for Jelly Roll on “The Beautifully Broken Great Northern Tour” across Canada, and will play a slew of fairs and festivals through the end of the summer, then open select dates for Dylan Scott this fall.

Later Tonight Track List:
1. “Later Tonight” (Alexander Izquierdo, Ryan Vojtesak, John Byron, Ashley Gorley)
2. “Hate How You Look” (Nicholas Sainato, Chris McKenna, Jessica Farren, Christian Yancey)
3. “My Side Of Town” (Jimmy Robbins, Seth Ennis, Josh Miller, Abram Dean)
4. “Smith & Wesson” (Ben Stennis and Michael Tyler)
5. “Leave Me Too” (Ben Stennis, Michael Tyler, Laura Veltz, Allison Veltz-Cruz
6. “Half Lit” (Michael Tyler, Josh Miller, Will Bundy, John Morgan)
7. “Mad At Me” (Kyle Fishman, Travis Wood, Jimmy Robbins, Casey Brown)
8. “Whiskey You” (Josh Ross, Matt Geroux, Mason Thornley, Jacob Hackworth, Heath Warren, Brad Rempel, Joe Fox, Seth Ennis)
9. “Break My Heart In Two” (Josh Ross and Mason Thornley)
10. “Single Again” (Josh Ross, Joe Fox, Brad Rempel)
11. “Songs You Gave Me” (Josh Ross, Mason Thornley, Matt Geroux)
12. “Namin’ Names” (Geoff Warburton, Michael Lotten, Ryan Hurd, Jesse Fink)
13. “Drunk Right Now (Na Na Na)” with Akon (Edgar Robin Albers, Johannes Dieter Kranenburg, Michel Rozenbroek, Jorrit ter Braak, Maurice Huismans, Aliaune Thiam, Giorgio Tuinfort, Josh Ross, Brett Tyler, Grady Block)
14. “Nobody From Nowhere” (Josh Ross, Matt Geroux, Brad Rempel, Jacob Hackworth, Heath Warren)
15. “Scared Of Getting Sober” (Josh Ross, Joe Fox, Seth Ennis, Mason Thornley, Heath Warren)

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton Team For Disc Of The Day

/by

Country’s female artists take the spotlight today in DISClaimer.

Eight of our finest are in today’s playlist—Miranda, MŌRIAH, Dasha, Sacha, Brooke Lee, Carter Faith, Priscilla Block and Sara Evans. From their ranks come the prize winners. The Disc of the Day unquestionably belongs to Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, but lend an ear to Ms. Carter Faith, who was also a mighty strong contender.

Brooke Lee takes the DISCovery Award. She’s good enough for Lukas Nelson, so she’s good enough for me.

Among our male discs, those by Russell Dickerson and the late Mike Henderson are the ones to definitely hear.

MIKE HENDERSON / “Weepin’ & Moanin’”
Writer: Mike Henderson; Producer: Kevin McKendree; Label: Qualified Records
– Mike Henderson held court every Monday night at The Bluebird Cafe for nearly 40 years until his sudden death in 2023. A veteran of The SteelDrivers (2005-2011) and The Bluebloods, he wrote hit songs with Chris Stapleton and crafted five solo albums showcasing his blistering slide guitar work and roadhouse sense of humor. The beloved entertainer is being saluted with Last Nite at the Bluebird, a posthumous compilation of some his best live tracks from those “Blue Monday” gigs. It kicks off with this self-composed grinder that includes his wry welcoming remarks. The set also includes such faves as “Pay Bo Diddley,” “Matchbox” and “Too Much Alcohol.” Friends and fans gathered to celebrate the CD and his memory this past Monday at the club.

MIRANDA LAMBERT & CHRIS STAPLETON / “A Song to Sing”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Jenee Fleenor/Jesse Frasure/Miranda Lambert; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Republic Records
– Groove soaked and soulful. A stately, rump-shaking beat and some smokey, swirly guitar-organ-violin atmosphere back a masterpiece of duet singing. Stunning, beautiful and absolutely essential.

BRYAN RUBY / “Diggin’ (’Til the Corn Comes Up)”
Writer: John Trentes; Producers: Bryan Ruby, Smith Curry; Label: Rubies In The Rough Music
– This rocking hunk of sound roars the saga of a hard-working man trying to keep his head above water. It is drawn from Ruby’s Growing Season EP. The collection’s release party occurred at The Green Light Bar on Tuesday evening (July 15).

OLD DOMINION / “Making Good Time”
Writers: Brad Tursi/Matthew Ramsey/Ross Copperman/Ross Ellis/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Columbia Nashville
– A country rocker for the young at heart. The teenagers in these lyrics are hot to trot and also plotting to escape their “slow down town.”

BROOKE LEE & LUKAS NELSON / “Dandelion”
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/Brinley Addington/Brooke Lee; Producer: Derek Wells; Label: Spirit Nashville Recordings/2 Mix Music
– This has a cool, swampy groove and a lyric of resilience. A dandelion will push up through the smallest crack in the pavement and persevere. That flower is what she compares herself to. Nelson contributes guitar, a harmony vocal and solo spots.

MARCUS HUMMON & SARA EVANS / “I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed”
Writers: Emily Dickinson/Marcus Hummon; Producer: Marcus Hummon; Label: 3686 RECORDS
– Songs for Emily is an album comprised of songs marrying Emily Dickinson’s poetry to Marcus Hummon’s melodies. On this track, the poet was joyously enraptured by a summer day. Evans sings lead on the bopping number. Hummon takes over during the bridge and sings along elsewhere. Sunny sounding.

MŌRIAH / “Superwoman”
Writers: Ivory Lane/Mōriah Smallbone/Paul Mabury; Producer: Paul Mabury; Label: F2 Entertainment Group
– This ballad mourns the loss of youthful bravery. She misses the hopes and dreams and aspirations that made her feel like a super hero when she was a kid. She wants to fly again, but she’s earthbound now. MŌRIAH’s delivery is spell binding, going from a dusky, whispery alto to a yearning, airy soprano. Recommended.

DASHA / “Oh, Anna!”
Writers: Anna Dasha Novotny/Chris LaCorte/Emily Weisband/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: Warner Records
– This gentle bopper asks her little-girl self to come back and bring her innocent courage, optimism and confidence. Sprightly yet thoughtful. This gal is batting a thousand.

RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Happen to Me”
Writers: Chase McGill/Chris LaCorte/Jessie Jo Dillon/Robert Hazard/Russell Dickerson; Producers: Chris LaCorte, Josh Kerr, Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
– Dickerson leads a dance party in a wild whirl of merriment. Along the way, he assures us that “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” It will come as no surprise to learn that the track also has a dance remix.

SACHA & RESTLESS ROAD / “Shooting Star”
Writers: Cole Miracle/Colton Pack/Garrett Nichols/Sacha Visagie/Sam Martinez/Zach Beeken; Producers: Eric Arjes, Jimmy Robbins; Label: Sony Music Canada
– Sacha is a Canadian country chart topper, previously noted for “Hey Mom I Made It.” Teamed with the Restless Road trio, she sounds even better than before. The rolling, swaying country rocker sports electric-guitar licks galore as well as some fine vocalizing by both acts.

PRISCILLA BLOCK / “You’re Breaking My Heart (Cecelia)”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Hailey Whitters/Jesse Frasure/Jessie Jo Dillon/Paul Simon; Producers: David Garcia, Jesse Frasure; Label: UMGN InDent Records
– This is a fascinating mash up of Simon & Garfunkel’s 1970 hit with her lyrics about a “Jolene” who’s up to no good. Pretty dang irresistibly catchy.

CHARLIE DANIELS & THE BEAU WEEVILS / “How We Roll”
Writer: Charlie Daniels; Producer: Casey Wood, James Stroud; Label: Blue Hat Records
– This Southern rocker with redneck pride was originally issued as by The Beau Weevils. Seven years later, the band’s ouput is being reissued, re-branded with the late Daniels’ name and re-tooled for digital consumption.

CARTER FAITH / “Sex, Drugs and Country Music”
Writers: Carter Faith/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: UMG Nashville
– An absolute delight. The lilting melody and her airy vocal sweetly reflect on the fact that “love is stupid” and that the best way to get through a heartbreak is with “Sex, Drugs and Country Music.” Winsome and wonderfully charming from start to finish.