Heartland Network Debuts New Saturday Night Lineup With Two New Shows

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The Heartland Network has debuted their all new Saturday night lineup with two new original shows.

High Dollar Hill with producer Keith Stegall offers the untold stories behind some of the biggest hits in country from Music Row’s bevy of A-list songwriters and producers during season one’s 13 episode run.

Following High Dollar Hill, Cody McCarver works with residents of his hometown to preserve its rich history on Small Town America. Season one’s 12 episode reality docu-series follows husband and wife duo Becky and Lewie Card, who teamed up with McCarver to revitalize the historic buildings in downtown Dunlap. Initial episodes follow the restoration of Dunlap’s oldest building, the Dunlap Mercantile, built in 1894, and welcomes frequent guest star John Schneider (Dukes of Hazzard). The heartwarming series offers a glimpse into the traditions and culture of the people of Dunlap, where faith, family and patriotism reign.

“Working with a legend like Keith Stegall to bring these untold stories behind the music to Heartland viewers has been an incredible honor, and we look forward to many seasons to come.” says Joel Wertman, President of Get After It Media. “And when the opportunity presented itself to add Small Town America to Heartland’s lineup, we knew the two shows would complement each other perfectly. We really are The Heart of Country.”

Industry Ink: Rosanne Cash, LuckySky Music, Dr. Don Cusic, Jordan St. Cyr

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Rosanne Cash & Country Music Hall of Fame Host Conversation with Nashville School of the Arts Students

Pictured (L-R): NSA teacher Ryan Murphey, Rosanne Cash, several NSA students and Adam Ollendorff, senior manager of music programs for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Rosanne Cash recently participated in a conversation about her life, work and creative pursuits with nearly 40 students from the Nashville School of the Arts songwriting and stage band classes. The interactive conversation was coordinated by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Cash in support of the museum’s educational mission. Students engaged in the conversation and posed questions about Cash’s songwriting process and experiences throughout her career. Cash was joined by Adam Ollendorff, the museum’s senior manager of music programs.

 

J4 Signs With LuckySky Music

Pictured (L-R): Bill Warner (President / LuckySky Music), Kirsti Manna (VP & Creative Director / LuckySky Music), Joseph Wandass IV (J4), Tori Martin (LuckySky Music artist and songwriter) and Jason Engelman (CEO /LuckySky Music)

Songwriter/artist/producer Joseph Wandass IV, better known as J4, has signed with LuckySky Music as a staff writer. He received his first major label cut on pop artist Kechi Okwuchi (from America’s Got Talent) in 2022. As an artist, J4 has shared the stage with Josh Turner, Michael W. Smith, Lee Greenwood, Darryl Worley, Walker Hayes and others. Along with being an artist J4 graduated with a Master’s of Music from Belmont University and also teaches as an Adjunct Professor of Recording Industry Studies at Middle Tennessee State University.

 

‘Nashville Music History’ Series with Dr. Don Cusic To Launch In February

Don Cusic

The Metropolitan Historical Commission is presenting the Curb Lecture Series “Nashville Music History” with Author and Historian Dr. Don Cusic at RCA Studio B on Wednesday night beginning Feb. 12. Each lecture will last about an hour and 15 minutes and allow for audience questions and comments.

The $10 per session registration fee supports the Nashville Historical Foundation and its work to support historic preservation projects and community education. Space is limited and registration for one or all sessions may be made through Eventzilla. Registration is also available at the door, if space allows. For additional information, contact scarlett.miles@nashville.gov or the Metro Historical Commission 615-862-7970.

 

Jordan St. Cyr Inks With Hsquared Management

Hsquared management’s Leigh Holt and Kelli Haywood with Jordan St. Cyr (center)

Hsquared Management has signed Juno Award-winner, singer-songwriter Jordan St. Cyr.  The endeavor marks the company’s second joint signing since industry veterans and entrepreneurs Kelli Haywood and Leigh Holt launched their new company last summer. Known for his No. 1 song “Weary Traveller” as well as other hits like “Fires” and “Rescue,” St. Cyr released his second album, My Foundation, last year. St. Cyr will be on the “Storyteller Tour” throughout 2025 and is working on new music also coming this year.

“Jordan brings a rare combination of genuine artistry and roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic that immediately resonated with us,” share Haywood and Holt. “As a former contractor who built his music ministry from the ground up, he understands the value of authentic relationships and putting in the hard work needed to create something meaningful. His proven success and heart for connecting with people make him a perfect fit for our roster. We’re excited to build alongside him in this next chapter of his career.

Russ Taff Finds Joy In Some Favorites On ‘Cover Story’

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Russ Taff has fired up his creativity and reimagined some favorites on his new album, Cover Story, out today (Jan. 31) via Imagine House/Vere Music.

Produced by John Mark Painter, Cover Story chronicles Taff’s life’s journey with impassioned performances of timeless songs by Bob Dylan, U2, Prince, Simon & Garfunkel and more. Cover Story is essentially a story of love, the love of good friends, the love of those lives that have been moved by Taff’s body of work, and above all, his lifelong love of the redemptive, rejuvenating power of music. Among the project’s highlights is Taff’s powerful take on The National’s “Demons.”

“Steve [Taylor] said to me, There’s a song from The National that I want you to look at,” recalls Taff. “It was called ‘Demons’ and it was just exactly what I had been going through. The chorus, ‘I stay down with demons,’ it really opened my eyes to what was happening inside of me. I’d made all this progress and then all of a sudden, I got my knees cut out from under me and I fell right back to that insecure place. You take everything away and you’re standing just naked and you don’t know if you’re any good. You’re completely vulnerable. But then something is born out of that, you sing from a different place. It’s not guarded and it’s not controlled, it’s not the same licks that you’ve always gone back to. It was a challenge, and in that breaking, I surrendered.”

Taff recently released renditions of Depeche Mode’s “People Are People” and Blind Willie Johnson’s “Tear This Building Down,” the latter a staple of his mother’s hugely influential record collection that fueled him as a child and now serves as the opening track to the new album.

“Making Cover Story I was transported back to when I was 14 again with my acoustic guitar,” Taff adds. “I would sing from this place that was unfettered. It was not thought through. It wasn’t rehearsed. I began to relive what brought me into this, what brought me joy and what brought me happiness, just throwing my head back in that little Pentecostal church and singing without thinking about it. I mean, what a gift from God to rediscover that feeling.”

Cover Story Track List:
1. Tear This Building Down
2. People Are People
3. When Love Comes To Town
4. Demons
5. Ordinary World
6. The Cross
7. Grandma’s Hands
8. I Believe In You
9. The Sound of Silence
10. I Will
11. All The Poor and Powerless

Kacey Musgraves Releases Mini-Documentary Behind ‘Deeper Well’ Album

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Kacey Musgraves. Photo: Courtesy of Interscope Records & MCA Nashville

Kacey Musgraves has released a new mini-documentary detailing the making of her critically acclaimed album Deeper Well, available on YouTube.

Titled Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well (The Making of the Album), the film offers an inside look at Musgraves and her co-producers, Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk, as they worked for months at New York City’s iconic Electric Lady Studios. The documentary provides an intimate glimpse into the creative process behind the album, along with footage of Musgraves braving the frigid landscapes of Iceland to film the music video for the title track.

YouTube video

Deeper Well has earned four nominations at this Sunday’s (Feb. 2) Grammy Awards, including Best Country Album, Best Country Song, Best Country Solo Performance and Best Engineered Album – Non-Classical. Musgraves also received a fifth nomination for Best Americana Performance for her collaboration with Madi Diaz on the song “Don’t Do Me Good.”

In 2023, Musgraves scored her first Hot 100 No. 1 hit with “I Remember Everything“ with Zach Bryan. The song went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo or Group Performance in 2024, making Musgraves the only artist ever to win Grammy Awards for Best Country Album, Best Country Song, Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Duo or Group Performance. “I Remember Everything“ also made history as the first country music duet in 40 years to top the Hot 100, following Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers’ “Islands in the Stream“ in 1983.

Musgraves recently wrapped up her “Deeper Well World Tour“, which saw sold-out performances in cities around the world, including Nashville, London, Los Angeles, New York, Amsterdam, Brussels, Chicago and more.

CRS Honors 2025 To Commemorate Excellence, Legacy & The Future of Country Radio

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Country Radio Seminar (CRS) will host its annual CRS Honors, an event dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments, legacy and future of country radio, on Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. CT. The ceremony will unite country music and radio industry professionals for an afternoon filled with tributes, accolades and performances.

This year’s CRS Honors will showcase Megan Moroney and Tigirlily Gold. Tigirlily Gold will kick off the ceremony with a the national anthem, while Moroney will headline the “In Memoriam” segment, paying tribute to the lives and legacies of those lost in the country music and radio community over the past year.

The event will also honor talent and dedication within the industry. Four scholarships will be presented, the Rusty Walker Scholarship, the Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship, the Futuri Scholarship and the Mentoring and Inspiring Women Scholarship. These awards highlight individuals who have shown outstanding potential and a dedication to influencing the future of country radio.

Additionally, the CRS Honors will shine a spotlight on the work of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, celebrating the organization’s mission to offer essential support and assistance to broadcasters in need. This recognition underscores the country radio community’s commitment to compassion and resilience.

The ceremony will wrap up with the reveal of the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2025. This year’s inductees embody the highest level of achievement in country radio, honoring their enduring impact and contributions to the industry.

The 2025 CRS Honors will be co-hosted by CRB Executive Director RJ Curtis and CRB Board President Kurt Johnson.

Nashville Mourns The Loss Of Ben Vaughn

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Ben Vaughn

Shock and grief rocked the Nashville music community yesterday (Jan. 30) with the news that President & CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville Ben Vaughn had tragically passed away.

Vaughn spent over a decade at the helm of the company, overseeing all creative and commercial activities across A&R, administration, business development, finance and human resources. Vaughn also worked with staff songwriters, while actively engaging in songwriter advocacy and rights protection initiatives.

Read his full obituary here.

Songwriters, artists and industry members took to social media to share remembrances of Vaughn. Below are some of those messages.

From Belmont, to internships, to first jobs, to today, we worked our dreams and careers in tandem for nearly 30 years. Ben Vaughn was a deep man of God and a follower of Jesus Christ. He was a Music Row Titan who believed in the power of music, the magic of a song, and the unending value of songwriters everywhere. His career accolades are astonishing and were only eclipsed by his love for his children and late wife Carlee. Nashville feels emptier without him, but his spirit will always live on thanks to the enduring legacy he’s created. – Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville

Man, this one hurts. Ben changed our lives when he signed us to a publishing deal 12 years ago and we have been together ever since. He was a true champion for songwriters, and a good friend. Sending lots of love to his family and our Nashville community who will all miss him dearly. Rest in peace Brother. – Dan Smyers of Dan + Shay

 

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Like so many in our industry, I knew Ben as a thoughtful, creative, passionate leader, a man who believed in the power of great songs, who loved country music, and who worked tirelessly to support songwriters. Yet I also had the unique opportunity to experience Ben’s love of Belmont University and his deep passion for supporting the next generation of industry leaders. Ben was a Belmont alum, a Belmont parent, the chair of the Curb College Advisory Board, and, in August, he began serving on the University’s Board of Trustees. Ben met his wife Carlee and got engaged on campus, and he was so proud when his son decided to enroll at Belmont this fall. Ben was a critical figure in my own journey to Belmont, and I have witnessed and learned about the investment he made in mentoring countless Belmont students and alumni with dreams of working in the music business. I will forever remember Ben as a Godly man of strong character, whose humor, kindness, warmth and generosity were evident to all who had the good fortune to know him, and I will remember him as my friend. – Brittany A. Schaffer, Dean, Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business

One of the first people I met when I came to Nashville and one of my favorites…one of the last song guys left. RIP buddy. – Riley Green

I am going to miss my friend. Ben was always kind, honest and a champion for songwriters and artists. So unbelievably generous. We also never had a conversation that he didn’t brag on his incredible children. This town will never be the same. We have worked together since 2009. Like all of Nashville today, I’m heartbroken and in continual prayer for his children and family. – Hillary Scott of Lady A

 

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Ben was a humble, even quiet man, with a huge heart and love for songwriters and his team. His devotion and care of his late wife Carlee as she fought cancer was absolutely beautiful. His love for his children was above all else, his priority. Our community has lost a friend and a great man. – Troy Tomlinson, Universal Music Publishing Nashville

The Nashville songwriting community lost a warrior, a mentor, a leader, and a friend today. Ben Vaughn graduated college and worked his way up the ladder to the highest level and carried that role of President/CEO of Warner Chappell Nashville with dignity and strength. He oversaw their incredible success for over a decade. He has been my publisher, in some capacity, for at least 20 years and there is no one more respected in the world of music publishing. The songwriters of Nashville are better off today because of Ben and he leaves an incredible void on music row both professionally and personally. We send our prayers to his children during this terrible time. – Lee Thomas Miller, NSAI President

 

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Our hearts are heavy today in learning about the passing of longtime ACM Board Member and former ACM Board Chair, and good friend to all of us, Ben Vaughn. Ben was a champion of the Country Music genre and strong advocate for songwriters and good songs, rising to President and CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville. He served as Board Chair of the Academy in 2018 and was the first music publisher to serve as chairman in the Academy’s history, in addition to serving on the ACM Lifting Lives board. On behalf of the ACM Board, ACM Lifting Lives Board, and the ACM staff, we send our condolences to Ben’s family, friends, coworkers, and all of those who crossed his path and were lifted up by his passion. His memory will live on forever through the great music he made happen. – Damon Whiteside, CEO, Academy of Country Music

This man believed in the band as songwriters from the very beginning. More than that though, he was a kind soul and a great friend. – Charles Kelley of Lady A

Lainey Wilson To Kick Off ‘Whirlwind World Tour’ In March

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Lainey Wilson. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

Lainey Wilson has announced she’ll head out on her new “Whirlwind World Tour” beginning on March 4 in Zurich.

Special guests on the tour include Ernest, Muscadine Bloodline, Kaitlin Butts, Maddox Batson, Drake Milligan, Lauren Watkins and Zach Meadows.

The trek will kick off overseas visiting London, Copenhagen, Belfast, Paris and more before returning to the states with stops in Lexington, Myrtle Beach, Milwaukee, Austin, Tampa and many other cities, with a Nashville Bridgestone Arena date set for Oct. 2.

Wilson’s Wild Horses fan club will get exclusive early access to tickets starting Feb. 4. Citi is the official card of the Whirlwind World Tour, and Citi cardmembers will have access to pre-sale tickets from Feb. 4-6. Verizon will offer an exclusive pre-sale in the U.S. through Verizon Access, with pre-sale tickets for select shows beginning Feb. 4-6. General on-sale for will begin Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. local time,

The upcoming performances add to another milestone year for Wilson, who is nominated for Best Country Album at this weekend’s 67th Annual Grammy Awards for Whirlwind. Produced by Jay Joyce, Whirlwind debuted at No. 8 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart and features her current Top 5 country radio single “4x4xU.”

“Whirlwind World Tour” Dates:
March 4—Zurich, CH—X-TRA~
March 6—Antwerp, BE—De Roma~
March 8—Rotterdam, NL—Rotterdam Ahoy
March 9—Berlin, DE—Uber Eats Music Hall
March 12—Copenhagen, DK—Vega Main~
March 18—Kingston upon Thames, UK—Banquet Records
March 19—Paris, FR—Elysée Montmartre~
Aug. 14—Phoenix, AZ—Footprint Center
Aug. 15—Albuquerque, NM—Isleta Amphitheater
Aug. 16—Denver, CO—Ball Arena
Aug. 21—Bend, OR—Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Aug. 22—Sacramento, CA—Golden 1 Center
Aug. 23—Los Angeles, CA—Kia Forum
Aug. 28—Calgary, AB—Scotiabank Saddledome
Aug. 29—Edmonton, AB—Rogers Place
Aug. 30—Saskatoon, SK—SaskTel Centre
Sept. 11—Baton Rouge, LA—Raising Cane’s River Center
Sept. 13—Bossier City, LA—Brookshire Grocery Arena
Sept. 18—Austin, TX—Moody Center
Sept. 19—Fort Worth, TX—Dickies Arena
Sept. 20—Houston, TX—The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
Sept. 25—Toronto, ON—Budweiser Stage
Sept. 26—Clarkston, MI—Pine Knob Music Theatre
Sept. 27—Grand Rapids, MI—Van Andel Arena
Oct. 2—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena
Oct. 3—Noblesville, IN—Ruoff Music Center
Oct. 4—Cleveland, OH—Blossom Music Center
Oct. 9—Columbia, MD—Merriweather Post Pavilion
Oct. 10—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden
Oct. 11—Mansfield, MA—Xfinity Center
Oct. 16—St. Louis, MO—Hollywood Casio Amphitheatre
Oct. 17—Rosemont, IL—Allstate Arena
Oct. 18—Saint Paul, MN—Xcel Energy Center
Oct. 24—Knoxville, TN—Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
Oct. 25—Charlotte, NC—Spectrum Center
Nov. 7—Tampa, FL—Amalie Arena
Nov. 8—Orlando, FL—Kia Center

Lexia Thomas Joins Activated Events

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Lexia Thomas. Photo: Courtesy of Activated Events

Lexia Thomas has joined Activated Events as Director of Artist Relations. She has worked with the organization since 2021 as an independent contractor. In her new position, she’ll collaborate closely with CEO Steve Thacher to arrange meetings, attend events and assist with talent bookings for all Activated Events festivals.

Thomas’ knowledge of both the creative and logistical sides of event production equips her to connect artists with event organizers, ensuring a seamless performance experience. Her knack for anticipating artists’ needs while keeping operations running smoothly has made her an essential member of the Activated Events team.

“Lexia has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and a deep passion for the live event industry since joining Activated Events,” shares Thacher. “Having her joining the team full time is a testament to her hard work, leadership, and ability to nurture strong relationships with artists. We are thrilled to see her continue to grow with the company.”

“Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with this amazing company and I’m incredibly honored to officially join the team,” says Thomas. “With over a decade of experience, I’m looking forward to working even more closely with our talented artists and event organizers to ensure every event is seamless and memorable. Activated Events has such a strong vision for the future of live entertainment, and I’m thrilled to contribute to the continued growth and success of our festivals.”

LASAL & Capitol CMG Form Joint Venture Partnership

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Pictured (L-R): LASAL Founder Sam ASH and Capitol CMG’s President Brad O’donnell

LASAL, a label founded by producer and artist Samuel ASH, has revealed a strategic joint venture partnership with Capitol CMG. The companies hope to deliver inspiring music and messaging that combines faith-driven creativity and global reach.

The venture debuted yesterday (Jan. 30), with a unified mission to amplify artistry and champion diverse voices across all languages and cultures. Capitol will collaborate with LASAL in signing and developing artists.

“LASAL was founded to be more than just a record label; it’s a calling,” explains ASH. “In Spanish, LASAL translates to ‘The Salt,’ which adds flavor and restores balance within the body. That is our purpose: to restore balance in the music industry while allowing artists to freely express their creativity and faith without limits. Capitol CMG shares this vision, and together, we believe we can inspire and impact the world.”

To commemorate the launch, ASH released his debut single, “DE LO MIO” on Jan. 17, with his album Entre Familia to follow at a later date. This release embodies LASAL’s transformative approach to music, bringing a sound and message that resonates worldwide.

Capitol CMG’s partnership offers decades of industry expertise and a global infrastructure to bring this music to the world stage.

“When we got to know Sam, it was clear that he was a special talent with a strong, global vision that aligned with ours,” shares Capitol CMG President Brad O’Donnell. “We are so excited about this collaboration with him and his team and the new opportunities we know this partnership will bring in the years to come.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Miranda Lambert Is ‘At The Top Of Her Game’

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Miranda Lambert. Photo: James Macari

The stars are out and they are shining brightly in this week’s roundup of country tracks.

Dan + Shay, Alison Krauss, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert and Rodney Atkins have all previously earned their spots in the country-music firmament. Any one of them deserves a Disc of the Day award. I’m going with Miranda Lambert, whose album Postcards From Texas is fine listening from start to finish. And that’s where you’ll find “Run.”

To teenager Ty Myers, we present a well-deserved DISCovery Award for this week.

TY MYERS / “Firefly”
Writer: Ty Myers; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: RECORDS Nashville/Columbia Records
– Kinda dreamy, kinda lovestruck, kinda lovely. This young rookie sounds like he’s forging his own sound, his own style and his own artistry. Off the beaten path and simply lovely.

RODNEY ATKINS / “Marry Me Again”
Writers: Adam Craig/Jaxson Free/Jim McCormick/Rodney Atkins/Russell Sutton; Producers: Rodney Atkins, Ted Hewitt; Label: Curb Records
– Atkins returns with a soft, romantic ode to his wife. It has sincerity and heart, but could have used a little more production and oomph. If you listen carefully, that’s wife Rose Falcon, herself a formidable singer-songwriter, gently providing harmony vocals in the background.

CAMILLE PARKER / “Run Wild”
Writers: Camille Parker, Jack Schrepferman, Ried Sorel, Stephen Day; Producer: Jack Schrepferman, Sheux – Bear; Label: CP
– This “Next Women of Country” alumna bops brightly on this snappy celebration of being a free spirit. She sings with feisty power, sass and finesse while beefy percussion sets the pace.

RILEY GREEN / “Damn Good Day to Leave”
Writers: Erik Dylan/Jonathan Singleton/Nick Walsh/Riley Green; Producers: Dann Huff, Jimmy Harnen, Scott Borchetta; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– This snarky country-rocker has been knocking around the charts for months. It’s a witty kiss-off number—she’s gone, so now he has time to goof off as much as he wants. Green has always been a dandy country singer, and he sounds like your favorite good ol’ boy here. He is noted for his duets with Ella Langley, Luke Combs, Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett and Dustin Lynch, which gives you some idea of how well respected he is by his peers. Solo stardom is now en route.

THE CASTELLOWS & FLATLAND CALVARY / “Place They Call Home”
Writers: Cleto Cordero/Ellie Balkcom/Lily Balkcom/Powell Balkcom; Producer: Dwight A. Baker; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
– Imaginatively written, the lyric is sung from the point of view of planet Earth as it addresses all of us. The tempo is jaunty, the mood is tender, the singing is fine. Fiddle and electric guitar solos add to the warmth.

ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION / “Looks Like the End of the Road”
Writer: Jeremy Lister; Producer: Alison Krauss & Union Station; Label: Down The Road Records
– Wistful, sad and haunting. The artfully poetic lyric almost seems like a suicide note. The mournful Jerry Douglas dobro notes underscore the mood of desolation and disillusion. Gorgeous listening.

BRYAN MARTIN / “Ain’t My Old Man”
Writers: Bryan Martin/Lee Thomas Miller/Nick Walsh; Producer: Nick Gibbens; Label: Average Joes Entertainment
– His hearty style previously came to prominence with the hit “We Ride.” Now Martin muses about his dad, insisting he’s  different than him, yet realizing he’s just like him when he looks in the mirror. Well written, well sung and perfectly produced. Play this.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Run”
Writer: Miranda Lambert; Producers: Jon Randall, Miranda Lambert; Label: Big Loud Records/Republic Records
– The thrilling, pumping production sets your pulse racing. The lyric of regret, deception and escape grabs your ear. Her voice, as always, rules your heart. An artist at the top of her game with a mini masterpiece.

SCOOT TEASLEY / “Gone to Dust”
Writers: John Townsend/Nicholas Sainato/Scoot Teasley; Producer: Nick Sainato; Label: Amigo Records
– His singing is warmly forceful and the percussion touches are ear catching on this depiction of the end of a relationship. The muscular production matches the potency of his performance of this midtempo rouser. I remain a fan.

DAN + SHAY / “Always Gonna Be”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Dan Smyers/Jordan Minton/Shay Mooney; Producers: Dan Smyers, Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Some things are forever. Rivers running, back porch swinging, radios playing country songs, beer drinking, Friday footballing, Sunday church going and being with the one you love. Sunny, sweet, heart-tugging and true, this rolls along like a soap box racer. Love this.

GEORGE BIRGE / “It Won’t Be Long”
Writers: Chase McGill/George Birge/Joe Fox/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: RECORDS Nashville
– Believe this. Life might be crazy, unexpected, sweet, imperfect or unpredictable. Life might be a lot of things, but one thing’s for certain: It won’t be long. So love as hard as you can. Great song.

REBECCA LYNN HOWARD / “Heart Still Does”
Writers: Elisha Hoffman/Jenee Fleenor/Rebecca Lynn Howard; Producers: Elisha Hoffman, Lee Brice; Label: Pump House Nashville
– This hugely talented woman has long deserved major, major stardom. Her Appalachian twang, multi-instrumental abilities and songwriting talent are A-List attributes that have not been celebrated nearly enough. This rollicking, winking, good-time, funky, frisky ditty is an absolute delight. I am permanently in her fan club. So is Lee Brice, and Pump House is his label.