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.

Rhett Akins, Mackenzie Carpenter & Johnny Clawson Join ‘Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley’ Lineup

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Rhett Akins, Mackenzie Carpenter and Johnny Clawson will join previously announced performers Old Dominion and Tyler Hubbard at CRS 2025’s “Bob Kinglsey’s Acoustic Alley” on Feb. 20.

“Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley,” hosted by Fitz from Country Top 40, honors the art of songwriting and showcases performances by some of the most skilled songwriters in the industry. To make the night even more special, Radio Ink will also present its “Top Country PDs” awards during the event.

Georgia native Akins launched his music career in 1994 with Decca Records, quickly gaining attention with two successful albums. His debut, A Thousand Memories (1995), included the No. 1 “That Ain’t My Truck,” followed by Somebody New (1996) and its chart-topping single “Don’t Get Me Started.” As a songwriter, Akins has achieved monumental success, writing over 36 No. 1’s for Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Dustin Lynch, Jon Pardi and more. He’s also had the honor of collaborating with his son, Thomas Rhett, co-writing several of his hits such as “It Goes Like This,” “Life Changes” and “What’s Your Country Song.” Throughout his career, Akins has earned numerous accolades, including the CMA Triple Play Award eight times, the ACM Songwriter of the Decade award and induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Hailing from Hull, Georgia, Carpenter fell in love with music as a child, writing songs with her brothers and singing in church. Now, as a singer-songwriter, she’s using her classic country voice to tell her story, backed by an ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners. Raised in a lively, supportive family full of back porch jams and juicy drama, Carpenter embraces the chaos and humor of life, finding beauty in the mess. She kicked off her career as a songwriter with Lily Rose’s 2021 hit “Villain” and has since co-written tracks like “I’m Not Pretty,” “Indifferent” and “28th of June” with Megan Moroney, all while launching her own artist career. After signing with The Valory Music Co. in 2022, she has earned a slew of accolades, including spots on MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Artists Class of 2025, Spotify’s Hot Country 2024 Artists to Watch, CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2023, and Nashville Briefing’s Artists to Watch 2023. She’s also opened for Miranda Lambert, Moroney, Jake Owen, Parker McCollum, Craig Campbell and Ryan Hurd.

Clawson, a Nashville-based songwriter and artist originally from Leesburg, Virginia, signed with SMACK Songs in 2022. He co-wrote Blake Shelton’s current single, “Texas,” along with Ella Langley’s “weren’t for the wind.” His songwriting credits also include tracks for Lauren Alaina, Chris Young, Seaforth, Jon Pardi, Michael Ray, Josh Ross and more. As an artist, his own releases, including “Time Is Money,” have gained notable attention, with the song being featured on Bobby Bones’ Top 30 Countdown.

Drake Hyde, winner of the Loot8 competition, a virtual singer-songwriter contest designed to discover up-and-coming country talent, will also take the stage.

Craig Morgan’s ‘American Soundtrack’ To Arrive In February

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Craig Morgan celebrates the pillars of his life, God, family, and country, on his latest EP, American Soundtrack, due out Feb. 28 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

The hitmaker and Army Reserve soldier has long represented the hard-working, God-fearing people who are the backbone of America, and he co-wrote all but one of the EP’s six tracks, which are infused with his inherent faith and patriotism. Writers contributing to the new collection include Phil O’Donnell, Chris Wallin, Dan Couch and more.

“I try to celebrate God, family and country in my music and in everything I do,” shares Morgan. “That’s what I have always done and I’ve come to realize it’s my platform. I don’t stress about things as much as I used to. I just try to write, sing, produce and play the best music that we can and go where I think God wants me to be.”

The new project will be released the same weekend Morgan joins Blake Shelton on his “Friends & Heroes 2025 Tour” which kicks off Feb. 27.

American Soundtrack Track List:
1. “American Soundtrack” (Craig Morgan, Phil O’Donnell, Dan Couch)
2. “Roots” (Craig Morgan, Phil O’Donnell, Rob Pennington)
3. “God’s Problems” (Phil O’Donnell, Wade Kirby, Carlo Colasacco, Styles Haury)
4. “Country Education” (Craig Morgan, Phil O’Donnell, Wade Kirby)
5. “Blue Collar Prayer” (Craig Morgan, Phil O’Donnell, Matt Willis)
6. “Who I’m From” (Craig Morgan, Phil O’Donnell, Chris Wallin, Ira Dean)

Anderson East Chronicles His Personal Evolution On Upcoming New Project, ‘Worthy’

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Anderson East is set to release his Rounder Records debut, Worthy, on May 30. He dropped a first taste of the album, “Say I Love You,” this week.

His first album in four years, Worthy is a reintroduction to East and his music, showcasing a portrait of the artist and person East has become and soundtracking his journey of personal and creative resilience, redemption and transformation.

YouTube video

Co-produced with longtime collaborator Dave Cobb, the 10-track collection is inspired by a pure love of song and sound and drips with Muscle Shoals radiance and soulful horns. East tapped Natalie Hemby, Lori McKenna, Aaron Raitiere, Ashley Monroe and Trent Dabbs to help capture the project’s moments of vulnerability, surrealist confessions and unvarnished testimonials.

East will preview some of the tracks from Worthy at a show at The Basement in Nashville on Feb. 10.

Worthy Track List: 
1. “I’d Do Anything” (Anderson East, Aaron Raitiere, Ashley Monroe)
2. “Anyway” (Anderson East, Natalie Hemby)
3. “Say I Love You” (Anderson East, Trent Dabbs)
4. “Worthy” (Anderson East, Trent Dabbs)
5. “Never Meant To Hurt You” (Anderson East, Ben Chapman, Dave Cobb)
6. “Before It Gets Better” (Anderson East, Natalie Hemby, Dave Cobb)
7. “Fool Myself” (Anderson East, Trent Dabbs, Maddie Medley)
8. “Reasons” (Anderson East, Trent Dabbs)
9. “Chasing You” (Anderson East, Lori McKenna)
10. “Right Where You Were Meant To Be” (Anderson East, Andy Gullahorn, Drew Kennedy)

IBMA Announces Leadership Bluegrass Class Of 2025

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The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has announced the 2025 class of Leadership Bluegrass, an intensive three-day program of interactive learning experiences designed to build commitment, motivate talents, and instill enthusiasm for addressing the future of the bluegrass industry.

Since its inception in 2000, Leadership Bluegrass has graduated more than 500 participants. Each year, a small group of skilled industry professionals is invited to participate in this unique experience. The 2025 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass will be held March 10-12 at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee in Nashville. Jeff Westerinen will facilitate the course.

“This year’s Leadership Bluegrass class is as strong as any I’ve seen. The large number of diverse and high-quality applicants is quite a statement about the impressive qualifications of those selected and the reputation of the program,” says IBMA Executive Director Ken White. “Our association’s mission is to connect, educate, and empower bluegrass professionals, and IBMA’s Leadership Bluegrass continues to be one of the most important professional development programs in the bluegrass music industry. Participation in this class and future alumni activities is an impactful commitment to one’s career, the IBMA, and the bluegrass community. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!”

Leadership Bluegrass Class of 2025:
Katherine Bestwick – Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association (Zion Grove, PA)
Jennifer Brooke – Floyd Music School, LLC (Floyd, VA)
Pamela Brown – Oregon Bluegrass Association / Shaniko Music Sanctuary (Shaniko, OR)
Trudy Chandler – Nick Chandler and Delivered (Weaverville, NC)
Sofia Chiarandini – Jacob’s Ladder / Tufts University (Cambridge, MA)
Joseph Cornett – Billy Blue Music Publishing (White House, TN)
Elizabeth Dewey – International Bluegrass Music Association (Nashville, TN)
Darren Eedens – Taff Rapids / Self (Cardiff, Wales)
Donna Harrison – Chattanooga Tourism Co. (Chattanooga, TN)
Jenny Hirt – Durango Bluegrass Meltdown / KSUT Public Radio (Durango, CO)
Sara Johnson – Vivid Events / Pickin’ In The Peaches Music Festival (Augusta, GA)
Ella Jordan – Ella Jordan Music (Nashville, TN)
Kirk Kenney – China Bluegrass Network (Shanghai, China)
Crystal Lariza – Never Come Down (Hood River, OR)
Jon Lundbom – Central Texas Bluegrass Association (Austin, TX)
Erin Moorman – Syntax Creative (Franklin, TN)
Robbie Morris – Grasstime (Nashville, TN)
Caroline Owens – Billy Blue Records / Billy Blue Publishing (Denton, NC)
Aynsley Porchak – East Tennessee State University (Gate City, VA)
Nancy Posey – Music In Community Network (Brentwood, TN)
Joshua Rilko – Touring Musician (Nashville, TN)
Erin Rouse – Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum (Owensboro, KY)
Mona Salyer – IBMA Foundation Board (Bristol, VA)
Danny Stewart Jr. – U.S. Navy Band / Turtle Hill Banjo Co. / Annapolis Bluegrass (Edgewater, MD)
Zachary Taylor – Planning Stages Inc. (Hixson, TN)
Ross Willits – Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (Roseville, MN)

Charley Crockett Unveils New Album ‘Lonesome Drifter’

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Charley Crockett; Photo: Bobby Cochran

Grammy Award-nominee Charley Crockett has unveiled his new album Lonesome Drifter releasing March 14, his official debut for Island Records. Crockett will release the album’s title track and accompanying video tomorrow (Jan. 31).

The 12-track album was co-produced by Crockett alongside Grammy award-winning Shooter Jennings over the course of just 10 days at the legendary Sunset Sounds Studio in Los Angeles.

“Shooter and I barely talked about it,” shares Charley. “I just brought all of my guys out, and the album made itself. It was live without a lot of overdubs. There were no inhibitions. I wasn’t being judged, and I didn’t feel self-conscious. Shooter knew how to cut loose and let this thing unfold.”

His vision for the project comes to fruition in the first single and title track, “Lonesome Drifter.”

“I started writing the song back when I was still playing in subways in New York,” he recalls. “It’s how I learned to play electric guitar with an amp on my shoulder. While I was waiting for the next train, I wrote songs. A few years later, I was in California working on the ganja farms, and I came up with the ‘Lonesome Drifter’ section. When I arrived on the West Coast, I worked to stay out there as a drifter, so I could get away with playing music for a living. At night, I was doing heavy electric blues and hillbilly shit at local bars for six hours. Shooter got me back into that mindset. The burden of becoming a troubadour is you’re standing in a position that gives you a clear perspective of the struggles of humans. When all is said and done, everyone is just swinging a hammer to survive.”

For years, Crockett has quietly kept his head down and delivered music at a relentless pace, refining his “Gulf & Western” sound and evolving as both a songwriter and performer. All of that work paid off as he and Shooter prepared to record Lonesome Drifter.

In the album, Crockett pays homage to an array of his musical influences such as Waylon Jennings, Bill Withers, Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie. He pulls on themes from his unbelievable, true experiences and stitches them together with a slow-burning vocal delivery and rustic instrumentation to create a real, cohesive body of work.

Lonesome Drifter Track Listing
1. “Lonesome Drifter” (Charley Crockett)
2. “Game I Can’t Win” (Charley Crockett)
3. “Jamestown Ferry” (Bobby Borchers, Mack Vickery)
4. “Easy Money” (Charley Crockett)
5. “Under Neon Lights” (Charley Crockett)
6. “This Crazy Life” (Charley Crockett)
7. “The Death Of Bill Bailey” (Charley Crockett)
8. “Never No More” (Alan Block, Don Hect, Rita Ross)
9. “Life Of A Country Singer” (Charley Crockett, Shooter Jennings, Kyle Madrigal, Richard Lenz, Brotherton Jr.)
10. “One Trick Pony” (Charley Crockett, Francis Farrell-McDaniel)
11. “Night Rider” (Charley Crockett)
12. “Amarillo By Morning” (Terry Stafford, Paul Fraser)

Lenny Pey Inks With Endurance Music Group & Jordan Schmidt

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Pictured (L-R): EMG Creative Director Courtney Kruckeberg, EMG President Michael Martin, Lenny Pey, Jordan Schmidt and EMG Vice President of Publishing Lauren Funk.

Writer, producer and musician Lenny Pey has signed a joint global publishing deal with Endurance Music Group and hit songwriter and producer Jordan Schmidt.

Since relocating to Nashville in 2014, Pey has focused on writing and producing, blending his musical talent with his natural gift for crafting songs and working in the studio. Originally from St. Louis, he has a unique ability to inspire his co-writers, earning a reputation on Music Row for connecting with Nashville’s wide range of writers and artists.

“Lenny always brings high energy and good vibes to every room,” says Lauren Funk, Vice President of Publishing, Endurance Music Group. “His songs make you want to get in your car, roll down the windows, and blast your stereo! Jordan has been such a great champion for Lenny, and we are thrilled to partner on this venture with him.”

“I’m very excited to see Nashville recognize what a huge talent Lenny is,” adds Schmidt. “His work ethic and overall demeanor in the writing room are great indicators that it won’t be long before we see him on a stage at a number one party.”

A versatile and multi-talented creator, Pey has had a passion for music since childhood. A true jack of all trades, he plays guitar, drums, bass, piano and more. He also adds his own vocals to demos whenever an artist isn’t involved.

Pey has written songs for a wide range of artists, including Renee Blair, Halle Kearns, ROZ and Robyn Ottolini. He recently made his debut at the Bluebird Cafe, performing in an “EMG Presents” songwriters round alongside fellow Endurance writers Johnny Dailey, Darren Kiely and Matt Stell.

Country Swag & Common Ground Partner For New NYC Bar & Event Space

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Stephanie Wagner

Country music media brand Country Swag has partnered with NYC hotspot, Common Ground, to bring a new bar and event space celebrating southern flair and country music culture to the Big Apple. Aptly named Common Country NYC, the spot is located at 344 3rd Ave. in New York City.

Country Swag and Founder, Stephanie Wagner, is at the helm of programming, bringing in her expertise in the space and her strong relationships in Nashville. Common Country aims to be an ideal setting for viral pop-up moments and exclusive, intimate events, including album release shows, listening parties, brand collaborations and more.

Common Country

“As a country music fan from New York, I’ve always felt the city was missing a venue that blends country music with NYC’s vibe. It’s taken the right team and timing, and with Common Ground’s crew and the rise of country music, now is the perfect moment,” Wagner shares. “I’m excited to bring to life concepts I’ve long dreamed of, from live music to unexpected surprises. Most importantly, both fans and artists now have a true home for country music in NYC, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it!”

Wagner launched Country Swag in December of 2015 to become a consistent voice for country music in NYC. She has hosted sold-out events featuring chart-topping stars like Jake Owen, Russell Dickerson and acclaimed songwriter Nicolle Galyon, among many others.

“Stephanie knows country music in NYC like no one else,” Noah Aussems, Managing Partner of Common Country shares. “Our partnership with her and Country Swag is an essential piece to our early success. With her help, we have been able to create and cultivate a space where country music can thrive. Together we are pushing the boundaries of what’s previously been done in New York City.”

Wagner can be reached at swagner@countryswag.com to discuss collaboration opportunities, event appearances and more.

Ethan Garner Signs With Big Yellow Dog Music

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Pictured (L-R): Matt Mussachio, Carla Wallace, Ethan Garner, Kerry O’Neil and Josh Brackin. Photo: Samuel Harris

Big Yellow Dog Music has signed rising country artist Ethan Garner to its artist and songwriting roster.

After two years at Georgia Southern University, Garner moved to Nashville to pursue a music career at Belmont, where he’s currently a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He cut his teeth playing music at fraternity parties at both universities, and after playing shows around the Nashville area and gaining traction on social media, he earned a slot opening for Travis Denning.

Garner will be releasing new music later this year, and has upcoming shows in Nashville at Brown’s Diner ( Feb. 19) and Losers Bar ( Feb. 24).

“From the second I saw Ethan, I knew he was something special,” says Carla Wallace, Co-Owner and CEO of Big Yellow Dog Music. “He has such a unique way of connecting with his fans, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the BYDM family.”

“Having only been in Nashville for a few months it felt crazy — but right — to find a publishing home at Big Yellow Dog Music,” says Garner. “I’m so excited to work and get my music out there with a team that really believes in me.”

Lainey Wilson, Brad Paisley Among Latest Artists Announced To Appear At 67th Annual Grammys

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Lainey Wilson and Brad Paisley are among the latest artists announced to appear at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday (Feb. 2), in a series of special performances including a star-studded salute to Quincy Jones, touching tributes celebrating the spirit of the city of Los Angeles and the annual In Memoriam segment.

Other artists slated to appear on the show, which takes place live Live from Crypto.com Arena in L.A. and will be hosted by Trevor Noah, include Brittany Howard, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Cynthia Erivo, Herbie Hancock, Jacob Collier, Janelle Monáe, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, St. Vincent and Stevie Wonder.

Prior to the Telecast, the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony will be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and live.GRAMMY.com. Performers for that include Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Charli xcx, Doechii, RAYE, Sabrina Carpenter, Shakira and Teddy Swims.

As announced last week, this year’s Grammy telecast will raise additional funds to support Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts and honor the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect others. In order to generate maximum support not only for members of the music community but also for all those affected by the crisis in Los Angeles and the city at large, many events that traditionally make up Grammy Week have been canceled or reformatted. Since launching the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort To Support Music Professionals last week, the Recording Academy and MusiCares have raised and pledged more than $4 million in emergency aid to music people affected by the wildfires.

To contribute to the Recording Academy and MusiCares’ Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort, or if you or someone you know needs help, visit musicares.org/firerelief.