DISClaimer Single Reviews: Trace Adkins ‘Can Still Deliver The Goods’

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Trace Adkins. Photo: Kristin Barlowe

Old-school country is on the menu today at DISClaimer.

Jon Pardi, Bryce Leatherwood and DISCovery Award winner Chase McDaniel set the tone of the listening session.

For the icing on this traditionalist cake, we also have a collection of proven masters of old-school country craft. Joe Nichols, Moe Bandy and Disc of the Day winner Trace Adkins are here to show the kiddies how it’s done.

BRYCE LEATHERWOOD / “Where the Bar Is”
Writers: Chase McGill/Cole Taylor/Michael Carter/Shane Minor; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: UMG Nashville
– He’s such a solid country singer, and this is a true-blue honky-tonk song. I don’t quite understand the decision to record him with a track that rocks this hard.

COLT FORD & MICHAEL RAY / “Hell Out of It”
Writers: Cole Taylor/Lalo Guzman/Michael Tyler/Thomas Archer; Producer: Dylan Maloney; Label: Average Joes Entertainment
– We’re small people in a small town, but we love who we are. Rousing and sincere.

CHASE McDANIEL / “Burned Down Heaven”
Writers: Chase McDaniel/Jon Nite/Lindsay Rimes; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Big Machine Records
– Excellent. The song of regret and guilt is powerfully written, and his aching, soaring vocal sells it like nobody’s business. Wonderfully listenable.

MOE BANDY / “Pure Love”
Writer: Eddie Rabbitt; Producer: Jimmy Capps; Label: StarVista
– This 1970s & 1980s hit maker has an upcoming album titled Songs I Missed. This advance single is his version of Ronnie Milsap’s 1974 chart topper. Bandy’s slightly pitch-y rendition won’t erase the memory of the original, but it is straightforward, well meaning and totally country.

RYAN HURD / “Die For It”
Writers: Mark Holman/Randy Montana/Ryan Hurd; Producer: Aaron Eshuis; Label: Big Machine Records
– The story of a marriage. Things might get rocky, but love lasts always. The jangly guitars and an octave-leap backing vocal are ear catching. But the steady-state, minimal melody goes nowhere in its endless loop.

TRACE ADKINS / “What Color’s Your Wild”
Writers: Casey Beathard/Monty Criswell; Producer: Bart Butler; Label: Verge
– The big man can still deliver the goods. And how. This stomper is loaded with charisma, and the color-coded lyric about pursuing passion is terrific. I hung on every note. Essential audio.

SAM WILLIAMS / “Countrystar”
Writers: Marisa Maino/Nick Bailey/Ryder Johnson/Sam Williams; Producer: Nick Bailey; Label: UMG Nashville
– His soft, feathery singing style doesn’t really go with the thumpy, hip-hop backing track. However, it is strikingly different.

JON PARDI / “Love the Lights Out”
Writers: Jimi Bell/Jon Pardi/Matt Dragstrem; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Let’s rock out, baby, and have a really, really big night of love making. Pardi’s vocal is, as usual, country with a capital “C.” Righteously ringing guitars do the rest of the work. Recommended.

NATE SMITH & HARDY / “Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Hunter Phelps/Jessie Jo Dillon/Michael Hardy; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– Ya gotta love a title like that. Here’s the gist of the song: “From buddy to buddy, I’m telling you something you might not want to hear. That gal you’re dating is no good for you.” The lyric is rapid-fire but crystal clear as they vocalize above a choppy, grinding track. Snappy and clever.

JOE NICHOLS & ANNIE BOSKO / “Better Than You”
Writers: Derek George/John Pierce; Producers: Derek George/Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– I love a good country love duet, and this one is a dandy. Joe is, of course, a masterful country singer, but Annie keeps up with him. She also harmonizes splendidly. A delightful performance.

LANCE COWAN / “Love Anyway”
Writer: Lance Cowan; Producers: Jason Stelluto/Scott Paschall; Label: Lantzapalooza Müzik
– Music Row publicist Lance Cowan is also a terrific singer-songwriter. His second album, Against the Grain, drops next month. Its advance single addresses the political divisiveness that’s so pervasive today. “If there’s ever hope for change, love anyway,” he sings in his tender tenor while acoustic piano and guitar notes ripple around him. Innocent, touching and gently folkie. Cowan gigs at The Listening Room with Mark Irwin and Irene Kelley next Wednesday (March 5).

LOUIE THE SINGER / “Good Girl”
Writers: Joe Ginsberg/Luis Palacios II/Nate Kenyon; Producer: CANDY; Label: UMG Nashville
– This Mexican-American sings in this slow-burn ditty that he’s a bad boy. What’s more, he’s fine if she can’t accept that and doesn’t fall for him. So, “If you don’t want a bad boy, I’m good, girl.” His Texas drawl is backed by a twanging track that plods along.

Koe Wetzel’s ‘Live From The Damn Near Normal Tour’ Album Arrives For ‘Koe Wetzel Day’

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Koe Wetzel. Photo: Trevor Lamb for Motion Theory Media

Koe Wetzel is dropping his brand new album, Live from the Damn Near Normal Tour, tomorrow (Feb. 28) just in time for the annual “Koe Wetzel Day” celebration.

The 13-track live album captures the raw, raucous energy of Wetzel’s 2024 “Damn Near Normal Tour,” featuring live recordings from Colonial Life Arena in South Carolina, the Moody Center in Austin and Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. Available digitally and for preorder as a 2LP Opaque White Vinyl, the album includes a set list stacked with songs such as the Platinum, five-week No. 1 “High Road,” Platinum “Sweet Dreams” and Gold “Damn Near Normal” from his album 9 Lives, plus catalog fan-favorites such as “Austin,” “Love” and the iconic “February 28, 2016.”

To mark the occasion of the unofficial holiday made famous by that song, Wetzel’s own Riot Room will host a massive Koe Wetzel Day block party this Friday (Feb. 28) complete with a Raising Cane’s food truck, drink specials and much more. The origins of Koe Wetzel Day date back to the aforementioned February 28, 2016, when a legendary night out turned into an infamous moment in Koe Wetzel lore that now serves as an annual rallying point. As an added celebration of the day, Wetzel is giving back to the fans with 28% off his entire online store for the full 24 hours, including vinyl and a fresh merch drop.

Wetzel has upcoming performances at SXSW on March 13 and Stagecoach on April 26 before hitting the road with Hardy and Morgan Wallen this summer.

Live from the Damn Near Normal Tour Track List:
1. “Twister” – Live from Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
2. “9 Lives (Black Cat)” – Live from Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
3. “April Showers” – Live from Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
4. “Sundy or Mundy” – Live from Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
5. “Austin” – Live from Moody Center, Austin, TX
6. “Good Times” – Live from Moody Center, Austin, TX
7. “Love” – Live from Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
8. “Sweet Dreams” – Live from Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
9. “Casamigos” – Live from Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
10. “February 28, 2016” – Live from Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
11. “Drunk Driving” – Live from Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
12. “Damn Near Normal” – Live from Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
13. “High Road” – Live from Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX

LeAnn Phelan To Host Creative Therapy Workshop In March

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Longtime industry executive LeAnn Phelan is launching her 35th LP Creative Therapy Workshop on March 10-13 for songwriters from around the globe.

Her latest offering is open for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of the industry and get back to the basics of what songwriters do so well—focus on the song. The Workshop is not genre specific and is open to songwriters globally. The one-hour Zoom workshops will take place at 5 p.m. CT and replays will be available. More information can be found here.

Highlights of this year’s workshop include “4 Steps Closer to a Publishing Deal;” “Essential tools for Creative Wellness on the Songwriter’s Journey;” “Finding Your Voice;” a Q&A and input from special guests Allen Shamblin and Shane McAnally.

Phelan curates the live experience by getting to know each songwriter and meeting their needs based on their interests. Her experience in the industry ranges from touring background singer to publisher to artist management. Participants also learn from publishers, managers, attorneys, hit songwriters, newly-signed songwriters, agents, A&R and more.

“SMACK was one of the first companies to see the value in Creative Wellness Coaching for songwriters and I’m so excited to have songwriter/producer Shane McAnally as a Special Guest Mentor on the upcoming series,” says Phelan. “Shane has written, and/or produced over 50 No. 1 songs, garnered three Grammy Awards, been nominated for more CMA Awards than any other songwriter in history, and been named ACM’s Songwriter of the Year twice. And you can’t be a mentor on Music Row without quoting Allen Shamblin. His very presence is encouraging. I’m excited to learn from Shane and Allen and I know this will be a great way to celebrate 5 years of encouraging songwriters to keep going!”

Phelan will follow with the Spring LP Creative Workshop for those that want to dive in deeper. A full scholarship to the the seven-week course will be given away during the March workshops. The seven-week course begins March 31.

Kelsea Ballerini To Release ‘Patterns (Deluxe)’ March 7

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Kelsea Ballerini will release a deluxe edition of her 2024 album, Patterns, on March 7 via Black River Entertainment.

The extended project features five new songs, including “Future Tripping,” which she debuted live last night (Feb. 26) in Fort Worth. The 20-track edition also includes ballad (and previously issued digital bonus track) “To The Men That Love Women After Heartbreak,” “Put It To Bed,” “Cut Me Up” and “Hindsight Is Happiness.”

The new collection expands on the singer-songwriter’s autobiographical fifth LP, which was co-written entirely with female songwriters and debuted at No. 4 on Billboard‘s Top 200 Albums and became her first to top the Billboard Country Albums chart.

Ballerini has been crossing the country on her “Kelsea Ballerini Live on Tour 2025” tour packing arenas nationwide as well as coaching on Season 27 of NBC’s The Voice.

Patterns (Deluxe) Track List:
1.”Patterns” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
2. “Sorry Mom” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
3. “Baggage” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
4. “First Rodeo” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
5. “Nothing Really Matters” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Kelsea Ballerini)
6. “How Much Do You Love Me” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Kelsea Ballerini)
7. “Two Things” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
8. “We Broke Up” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
9. “WAIT!” (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
10. “Beg for Your Love” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
11. “Deep” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Kelsea Ballerini)
12. “Cowboys Cry Too (with Noah Kahan)” (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan)
13. “I Would, Would You” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Kelsea Ballerini)
14. “This Time Last Year” (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
15. “Did You Make It Home? (outro)” (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
16. “To The Men That Love Women After Heartbreak” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
17. “Future Tripping” (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
18. “Put It To Bed” (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
19. “Cut Me Up” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Kelsea Ballerini)
20. “Hindsight Is Happiness” (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)

Hardy Launches Crow Records With Debut Artist Sikarus

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Hardy and Sikarus. Photo: Courtesy of Crow Records

Hardy has partnered with Big Loud Rock to launch his new label, Crow Records. The first artist signed to the new label is Sikarus, who has released his debut track “Nonchalant.”

Sikarus is the solo project of Jordan Brooker, a songwriter with cuts for Luke Combs and others who is making his artist debut.

“The second I heard Sikarus’ music I thought to myself, ‘What a cool sound, I want to do anything I can to be able to work with him,’” says Hardy. “I’ve known Jordan for many years and I’m so excited to finally be able to say that we are officially working together. I love rock ‘n’ roll, I love exploring new things and I couldn’t be happier for Sikarus to be the first artist signed to Crow Records.”

Raised on country, Brooker found his major inspirations when his older brothers turned him on to rock in his early adolescence, starting with classics like Led Zeppelin and Nirvana and falling deep into turn-of-the-millennium alt-and pop-rock and ‘90s rock titans in high school. Hardy and Brooker, friends and collaborators during their early years in Nashville, reconnected in recent months, with Hardy making Sikarus his first Crow Records signing almost immediately upon hearing demos.

“I’m incredibly honored to be the first signing at Crow Records,” says Sikarus. “I think Hardy is one of the most brilliant musical minds I’ve ever met. We’ve been friends for a long time, so getting the chance to work with him in this capacity is so dope. ‘Nonchalant’ is all about that attitude of going with the flow and not getting hung up on the little things. It can be a really beautiful quality in a person, so much so that it makes you want to write a song about it.”

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“Hardy is a generational talent and all of us at Big Loud Rock are honored to continue strengthening our partnership with him by joining forces on Crow Records,” says Big Loud partner and President of Big Loud Rock Joey Moi. “Developing the next generation of alternative and rock artists is at our core, and collaborating with Hardy to sign and foster new talent in the space has the whole team excited as we continue to expand.”

Sikarus will join Hardy on select dates of the “Jim Bob World Tour” this year, playing arenas and amphitheaters across the U.S. in August and September.

Rachel Deeb Launches ELEKTRIK Haus Creative

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Rachel Deeb. Photo: Katie Mathis

Country music photographer and videographer Rachel Deeb has launched ELEKTRIK Haus Creative, a new creative matchmaking service designed to connect the music industry with top-tier visual artists.

The company bridges the gap between musicians, managers and industry professionals and the photographers, videographers, designers and artists who can bring their creative visions to life.

With a decade of experience, Deeb has worked with Maren Morris, Carly Pearce, Walker Hayes, Ashley Cooke, Miranda Lambert, The Lumineers and more. Beyond photography and videography, she is also a visual artist, having designed and painted a custom jacket for Carrie Underwood’s “Reflection Tour” and has created murals around Nashville.

Deeb’s inspiration for launching ELEKTRIK Haus Creative came from years of industry colleagues reaching out for referrals to trusted creatives.

“As I’ve learned, in this game, the right crew makes all the difference,” Deeb shares.

Those interested in working with ELEKTRIK Haus Creative can connect through the company’s Instagram, reach out to Deeb directly via her Instagram or email rkdeebdesigns@gmail.com.

Cameron Montgomery Inks With Downtown Music Publishing [Exclusive]

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Cameron Montgomery

Songwriter and producer Cameron Montgomery has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Downtown Music Publishing.

Split between Los Angeles and Nashville, Montgomery has created chart-topping hits for Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown, 24kGoldn, Winona Oak and Hardy, whose “.30-06,” debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Montgomery is also currently creating music for film, brand partnerships and collaborations within the visual arts.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the team at Downtown,” says Montgomery. “From the moment I met Emily [Stephenson] and Jedd [Katrancha], it was clear that they are deeply committed to fostering a creative home where music and songwriters come first. Their passion and vision make Downtown the perfect place to continue growing as an artist and creator.”

The agreement also provides Montgomery access to Downtown’s creative sync services, which have recently achieved success with Perry Como’s “Round and Round” in Lindt’s 2024 Super Bowl ad and Victor Le Masne’s collaboration with the Olympics. Downtown’s sync team has helped songwriters and rights holders expand their reach through prominent placements in brand campaigns, TV shows, films and more. The division boasts a diverse catalog, featuring works from legacy artists like John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Miles Davis, Bruce Hornsby and Anthony Newley, as well as notable contemporary artists such as Atticus Ross, Colbie Caillat, Bruce Hornsby and Peso Pluma.

“Cam is an exceptionally talented songwriter whose work resonates across genres and audiences,” shares Stephenson, Downtown Music Publishing President, “It’s an honor to have him join the Downtown family.”

Downtown Music Publishing’s roster includes Jason Isbell, Sadler Vaden, Tommy Prine, the John Prine Estate and many more. Its Artists & Label Services division represents Abbey Cone, Fancy Hagood, Judah & the Lion, Mat Kearney, Tiera Kennedy, Your Neighbors and Drew Holcomb.

Jenna Paulette To Embark On ‘Horseback Acoustic Tour’ This Spring

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Jenna Paulette. Photo: Wes Walker

Jenna Paulette will hit the road this spring on her “Horseback Acoustic Tour” across Texas and Oklahoma in April.

The six-date trek will kick off on April 10 in Castroville, TX, and make stops in Belton, TX, Edmond, OK, Conroe, TX and Bluff Dale, TX before wrapping up on April 18 in Paris, TX.

Paulette released her debut album The Girl I Was in 2023, a story of her journey of self-discovery after a toxic ten-year relationship. Her 2024 Horseback album showed her emerging from that journey, presenting a project that reflects on the experiences and values that have shaped her into the person she is today.

Tickets for the “Horseback Acoustic Tour” are on sale now.

“Horseback Acoustic Tour” Dates:
Apr. 10 – Castroville, TX – Cora’s 471
Apr. 11 – Belton, TX – Schoepf’s BBQ
Apr. 12 – Edmond, OK – The Old Icehouse
Apr. 16 – Conroe, TX – Table At Madeley
Apr. 17 – Bluff Dale, TX – Double D BBQ
Apr. 18 – Paris, TX – The Rail Yard

Singer-Songwriter Matthews Signs With Curb Records

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Curb’s John Clore, Trevor Mathiesen, Joseph Prielozny and Jeff Tuerff; (L-R, front row): Curb’s Bryan Stewart and John Nemoy, Matthews and Curb’s Jonathan Mason

Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matthews has signed with Curb Records.

With his earliest music connection deeply rooted in the church, Matthews first gained widespread recognition as a lead vocalist and songwriter for Elevation Worship. He co-wrote and performed on several of the group’s worship projects, including “Here as in Heaven,” “Resurrecting” and “Echo,” as well as the Here As In Heaven album, cementing his reputation as a gifted songwriter and powerhouse vocalist.

Now stepping into his solo career, Matthews continues his mission to create songs that offer hope to a searching world. Rooted in the heart of worship yet shaped by his diverse influences, he brings a fresh, authentic voice to faith-driven music.

“My passion for music is ingrained in the depths of hope and the magnificence of the sound of worship—the way it shifts atmospheres, brings healing, and transforms lives,” shares Matthews. “Signing with Curb represents a dream unfolding—an opportunity to share my stories and my heart. My music is the outward expression of my inward experience, and my prayer is that it reaches those who need it most.”

Telluride Bluegrass Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup

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The Telluride Bluegrass Festival has revealed its 2025 lineup, taking place June 19-22 in Telluride, Colorado.

Thursday (June 19) will feature performances from Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Thee Sacred Souls, I’m With Her: Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz & Aoife O’Donovan, The Travelin’ McCourys, Mountain Grass Unit, Olive Klug and Chris Thile before Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit take the stage with a headline set. Greensky Bluegrass are on tap to headline Friday (June 20), with additional performances from Lake Street Dive, Dan Tyminski Band, Punch Brothers, Tim O’Brien Band, Rainbow Girls, Water Tower and DUG.

Sam Bush Band, Telluride Troubadour, Kasey Chambers, Yonder Mountain String Band, Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez Trio, Caleb Kauder & Reeb Willms and Still House String Band will continue the weekend on Saturday (June 21) with a headline performance from Toy Factory Project. Zach Top, Telluride House Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Ken Pomeroy, New Dangerfield and Authentic Unlimited will kick off the final day of activities on Sunday (June 22) before headliners Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas close out the festival.

More information and tickets can be found here.