Dee White Previews New LP ‘Heart Talking’ At Nashville Listening Event

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Dee White, Tony Brown and Leslie Fram

Dee White recently celebrated the release of his single Heart Talkin’, the title track to his new LP, at an event at Sound Stage Studios at Black River Entertainment in Nashville.

Hosted by Tony Brown and moderated by Leslie Fram, White shared three tracks from the new album, “All Day Singing,” “Whiskey Please” and “Heart Talkin’,” followed by full-band performances of “Million Miles,” “Wagon Girl” and “Up The Creek.” Produced by Brown, White’s sophomore album is slated for a June 13 release and features 10 songs, each written by the Slapout, Alabama native, along with collaborators including Daniel Donato, Sergio Sanchez, Ben Chapman, Melissa Erin, William Beckmann and Kendell Marvel.

White wrote the album’s debut/title track, “Heart Talkin’,” with Sanchez the day before recording. Then White and the musicians, including guitar aces Ilya Toshinskiy, Kenny Vaughn and Kenny Greenberg, pedal-steel player Russ Pahl, and, in one of the final sessions before his death, bassist Michael Rhodes, recorded live on the floor at Nashville’s Sound Emporium and the Castle in nearby Franklin, Tennessee.

Heart Talkin’ is the follow-up to White’s 2019 debut, Southern Gentleman, which he made with producers Dan Auerbach and David Ferguson when he was just 19. After touring in support of the album, opening for Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, and, most recently, Jackson Dean, he brought a honed craft and new confidence to the studio this time.

“I often sit in silence, mulling over my songwriting ideas,” he says, “but I will speak up here and say, if you want to hear good, authentic country and Americana music, then please listen to Heart Talkin’.”

Clay Street Unit Signs With Monument Records

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Pictured (L- R): Josh Nicotra (Lucky Man Management), Harry Woosley (Madison House), Brad Larrison, Katie McCartney (Monument Records), Scottie Bolin, Sam Walker, Jack Kotarba, Jack Cline, Brendan Lamb and Andy Mertz (Lucky Man Management).

Country band Clay Street Unit has signed a record deal with Monument Records, in partnership with Sony Music.

The Denver-based six piece band is led by Sam Walker, who fronts the group as both the lead singer and guitarist. His soulful vocals, paired with the sounds of pedal steel, banjo, mandolin, acoustic guitar, bass and drums, blend bluegrass, country, folk, and mountain music to craft the band’s sound. Other band members include Scottie Bolin, Brad Larrison, Brendan Lamb, Jack Cline and Jack Kotarba.

“Signing Clay Street Unit is about more than their rootsy soulful style of country music,” shares Monument Records GM Katie McCartney. “It’s about their authenticity and tenacious spirit, their live shows and relatable story. These guys are the real deal, salt of the earth, and we’re thrilled to be helping elevate their sound for the world to hear.”

“Over the years as a band, we’ve been so fortunate to meet some amazing musicians and really come up in the Denver music scene one step at a time,” says Walker. “It was a lot of betting on ourselves, but we couldn’t be more grateful to be at this point in our careers. It was clear from the first meeting  that the team at Monument was on the same page as us, as far as what we want to accomplish and what it’s going to take to get there. We are so excited to be working with such a great team that has a pulse on the Americana and country scenes, and, who we feel, really care about what the future looks like for us.”

While honing their craft in the Denver music scene, Clay Street Unit has built a passionate and growing fanbase. They’ve seen their audiences double and triple, with fans flocking to iconic Colorado venues such as Cervantes Ballroom, and soon, Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The band members come from all across the country, including Montgomery, Charlottesville, Atlanta, Philadelphia and DC, and draw inspiration from Sturgill Simpson, Turnpike Troubadours, The Infamous Stringdusters and Leftover Salmon. Recently, some of these influences have become collaborators and those collaborators have turned into close friends.

Three fan favorite tracks are now available in the band’s new EP, Introducing Clay Street Unit. Walker solo-penned two tracks on the EP, while the third is a cover of The Last Revel’s “Engine Trouble.” 

The band sold out the Basement East in Nashville last night (Jan. 23) and is now heading west for more shows, including a co-headline run with Shadowgrass. They will also make appearances at DelFest, The Big Ponderoo, Hogs For The Cause and Red Bluff, and they will make their Red Rocks debut on May 26.

Introducing Clay Street Unit Track List:
1. “Engine Trouble” (Lee David Henke, Ryan Randall Acker, Vincenzio Edwardo Donatell)
2. “Tired Of Being Tired” (Sam Walker)
3. “1200 Miles” (Sam Walker)

Industry Ink: Kane Brown, ASCAP, LoCash, SONA Foundation

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Kane Brown Takes ‘The High Road’ To The Bluebird

Pictured (L-R): Taylor Phillips, Jaxson Free, Gabe Foust, Kane Brown, Jonathan Capeci and Jordan Walker. Photo: Janie Whitefield

Kane Brown recently celebrated his new album The High Road at The Bluebird Café with performances from songwriters Taylor Phillips, Jordan Walker, Gabe Foust, Jonathan Capeci and Jaxson Free, who served as co-writers on many of the album tracks. At the end of the night, Brown came out and surprised audience members with a special performance alongside his collaborators at the special show.

 

ASCAP Hosts Writers Round At WaterColor At 30A Songwriters Fest

Pictured (L-R): Kyle Sturrock, Paul Sikes, Josh Osborne, Gordie Sampson, Brent Anderson, Gavin Lucas and Maddie Font of Maddie & Tae. Photo: Courtest of ASCAP

The ASCAP Stage at The WaterColor LakeHouse at this year’s 30A Songwriters Festival hosted three nights of shows from Jan. 17-19. Nashville’s top hitmakers kept audiences spellbound with their stories and songs, and the lineup included Maddie Font of Maddie & Tae, Josh Osborne, Gordie Sampson, Jonathan Singleton, Austin Jenckes, Paul Sikes, Tia Sillers, Tony Lane, Brent Anderson, Gavin Lucas, Kyle Sturrock and Gina Venier. For over 15 years, ASCAP has brought the Nashville writers’ round to the 30A Songwriters Festival in Northwest Florida.

 

LoCash Rocks Good Morning America

LoCash’s Chris Lucas, ABC’s Good Morning America’s Lara Spencer and LoCash’s Preston Brust. Photo: ABC News/Paula Lobo

LoCash kicked off 2025 with a bang, stacking TV appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America and GMA3: What You Need to Know. The duo lit up the morning show with their feel-good fun single “Hometown Home,” currently verging on top 10 at country radio. They also gave fans another preview of their album coming this spring on GMA3: What You Need to Know with “Isn’t She Country,” a re-imagining of Stevie Wonder’s classic “Isn’t She Lovely.” The duo dropped the new track at midnight leading up to their appearance.

 

SONA Foundation Relaunches Songwriter Fund To Aid L.A. Fire Disaster Relief

The SONA Foundation has relaunched its grant program to assist victims of the recent L.A. wildfires. The SONA Foundation’s Songwriter Fund is specifically for songwriters and composers financially affected from the 2025 Palisades, Eaton and related L.A.-area fires.

To qualify, you need to provide a few links here demonstrating professional work as a music creator, three recent songwriter and/or composer credits. (e.g., website, YouTube, streaming, SoundCloud, or PRO), and be based in and around the area of the fires. Qualified, approved individuals will receive payments via direct deposit, check,or digital wallet.

The relaunched grant program will be a long-term effort, and with that in mind, the public can make an immediate impact by donating to the Songwriter Fund here.

John Morgan To Release Debut Album ‘Carolina Blue’ in April

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Singer-songwriter John Morgan will release his debut album, Carolina Blue, on April 25, via Broken Bow Records. The project will feature 12 tracks, all co-written and co-produced by Morgan alongside Brent Anderson.

“With Carolina Blue, I hope there’s relatability in the songs we chose and that the lyrics within them strike a chord,” shares Morgan. “I’m a dad and married and in a different stage of life than I was when I first moved from North Carolina to Nashville. I don’t try to be anything I’m not. I’ve never been good at that and know folks can snuff that out pretty quick. I hope these songs give people a message that there’s value in whatever they are doing. Most of the people that hear this are working the blue collar jobs I’d be doing if this wasn’t working, and I want them to hear their stories and feel their worth in this album.”

Morgan’s Carolina Blue explores themes of relationships, both romantic and not, and life’s everyday experiences, capturing a perspective shaped by his North Carolina roots. The record includes previously released tracks such as “I Know Better,” “Long Ride Home,” and the newly released “Crickets,” which combines a tempo-ready groove with a nature-inspired theme.

Along with heading out with Chase Matthew and making his 2025 Stagecoach Festival debut, Morgan just released the official music video for his track with Jason Aldean, “Friends Like That,” his debut radio single that is currently climbing toward the top 10 on country radio and has received praise from MusicRow, the Tennessean, Billboard and more.

Carolina Blue Tracklisting:
1. “Way Out Would” (John Morgan, Will Bundy, Randy Montana)
2. “Long Ride Home” (John Morgan, Tully Kennedy, Kurt Allison, Lydia Vaughan)
3. “Friends Like That” (feat. Jason Aldean) (John Morgan, Brent Anderson, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
4. “One More Sunset” (John Morgan, Will Bundy, Michael Dulaney)
5. “I Know Better” (John Morgan, Rocky Block, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
6. “She’ll Always Be” (John Morgan, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Lydia Vaughan)
7. “Carolina Blue” (John Morgan, Smith Ahnquist, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
8. “Kid Myself” (John Morgan, Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt)
9. “Crickets” (John Morgan, Zach Abend, Lydia Vaughan)
10. “A Lot To Say About You” (John Morgan, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Edwards)
11. “Without ‘Em” (John Morgan, Austin Goodloe, Ben Hayslip)
12. “How To Get Her” (John Morgan, Brent Anderson, Will Bundy, Hunter Phelps)

Mark ‘Hawkeye’ Louis To Receive CRS 2025 Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award

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CRS 2025 will honor Mark “Hawkeye” Louis, host of mornings on Cumulus KSCS/Dallas, with the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award.

The award recognizes individuals in country radio who exhibit outstanding public service and humanitarian efforts and was named after the late Tom Rivers.

Louis’ charitable work has made a significant impact over the past two decades. His involvement with Cook Children’s Hospital began in 2002, and he has served as a camp counselor for the hospital’s Camp Sanguinity for cancer patients and as a board member from 2004-2006. He led the launch of KSCS’s first radiothon in 2014, which, along with sister station KPLX, has raised nearly $4.5 million to date, including over $1 million in 2023 alone.

In 2023, Louis auctioned his lifelong collection of more than 17,000 baseball cards, raising over $10,000 for Cook Children’s Hospital. Beyond his work with the hospital, he supports numerous other causes, including veterans’ initiatives such as the annual 10,000 For The Troops program, which collected over 152,000 handmade cards in 2023, and Pets For Vets, which raised $20,000 to train service dogs for disabled veterans. As an avid runner and a long-time board member of the Dallas Marathon, Louis also helps raise funds for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

The presentation of the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award will take place during the New Faces of Country Music Show. A limited number of tickets remain and can be secured by contacting Ashley Bourque at Ashley@crb.org. Any unsold tickets will be available for purchase on-site.

In other CRS news, Elaina Smith, host of Westwood One’s Nights with Elaina, returns as the emcee for the New Faces of Country Music Show for the fifth consecutive year. CRS 2025 will also introduce a new initiative, the Strings for Hope: The Unwind Experience, a hands-on activity designed to promote mindfulness, support survivors and give back to the community. The meditative experience invites attendees to untangle recycled instrument strings, contributing to the creation of handcrafted jewelry by Strings for Hope, a nonprofit empowering survivors of trauma and adversity.

Ryan Seacrest Foundation Elevates Meredith Seacrest Leach & Nicole Mead

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Meredith Seacrest Leach & Nicole Mead

The Ryan Seacrest Foundation (RSF) has promoted Meredith Seacrest Leach to Executive Director and CEO and Nicole Mead to Senior Vice President, Operations.

Having been with the foundation since its launch in 2009, Leach has consistently shown leadership, vision and dedication to the organization’s mission. In her new role, she will focus on ensuring the foundation’s long-term success, including supporting Seacrest Studio locations nationwide. Additionally, Leach will oversee the foundation’s philanthropic efforts and work to cultivate strategic partnerships. Leach can be reached at mseacrest@ryanseacrestfoundation.org.

Mead, who has been with the foundation for seven years, has played a key role in enhancing operational efficiency and leading important initiatives. She oversees a range of vital functions, including operational and budget planning, managing tech support and operations, staff development and training, and fostering strong partnerships with hospitals, media outlets, corporate sponsors and donors. Her efforts are focused on ensuring that the foundation’s programs run seamlessly while making a lasting impact by bridging pediatric healthcare, technology, media and entertainment. Mead can be reached at nmead@ryanseacrestfoundation.org.

Additionally, Carin Zaleski has joined the organization as Director of Development. With 25 years of experience spanning entertainment, sports and the non-profit sectors, Zaleski will focus on nurturing relationships with current donors while cultivating new partnerships. She will collaborate closely with individual donors, corporations and other stakeholders to create partnerships that support the foundation’s growth and expansion. She has held previous roles with Right to Play, October Films, Saturday Night Live and Competitor Group. Zaleski can be reached at czaleski@ryanseacrestfoundation.org.

Kenny Chesney Adds Three More Shows To ‘Live At Sphere Las Vegas’

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Kenny Chesney performs at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. Photo: Catherine Powell

Kenny Chesney announced he is adding three new shows to his already-scheduled Las Vegas Sphere dates due to overwhelming demand.

Tickets to all 15 dates go on sale to the general public on Jan. 31 via KennyChesney.com, with pre-sales for the newly-added shows beginning this Friday (Jan. 24).

“I know the rush we feel onstage in those football stadiums – with very little production, just this amazing band, the songs and truly, the people who come to see us,” Chesney says. “To put all of that in a building capable of what Sphere delivers? Wraparound sound, a roof, the fact it’s only 17,600 people. There was no way we weren’t going to do it.”

Having recently scored his 33rd No. 1 with “Take Her Home,” Chesney wants to create an experience unlike anything No Shoes Nation has ever dreamed for the Sphere shows. Some deep cuts and surprises are being added to the lineup, which will also leave room for guests, song swaps and a whole new way for fans to consume the songs.

“We have been shooting all new footage, learning new technology, thinking about the songs in a whole new way. I’m glad No Shoes Nation is as excited as we are. And because this is such a beyond the imagination experience, we’re all going there together for the very first time.”

Peter Burton Inks With Integrity Music & Story House Collective

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Pictured (L-R): Integrity Music’s Stone Meyer, Taylor Brady and Cole Flynn; Story House Collective’s Maggie Laws; Peter Burton; Integrity Music’s Blaine Barcus; Story House Collective’s Matthew West; Integrity Music’s Alicia St. Gelais and Libby Hooge. Photo: Olivia Knowles

Singer-songwriter and worship leader Peter Burton has signed a record deal with Integrity Music, alongside a management deal with Story House Collective.

“The number of experienced, talented and incredible people who have chosen to believe in me and be on what I get to call ‘my team’ leaves me completely overwhelmed with gratitude to God,” shares Burton.

Burton’s music reflects his journey of overcoming mental illness, sharing the struggles and triumphs of the human experience. Through his lyrics and melodies, he creates a connection with others, guiding them toward the faithfulness of God. His message is one of hope embodied in Jesus Christ, the cornerstone on which both his life and artistry have flourished.

“Peter joining the Integrity family as an artist is the natural progression of a long ongoing relationship,” says Blaine Barcus, President of Integrity Music. “He is a fantastic songwriter and musician who speaks with heartfelt sincerity, always pointing the listener to Jesus. The Integrity team could not be more excited and honored to help take Peter’s music to the world in 2025 and for years to come!”

After years of touring and songwriting alongside former Integrity Music artist Lincoln Brewster, Burton played a key role in launching Bayside Church’s band, Thrive Worship. He contributed to their debut album, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts. His first single, “It’s A Good Time To Praise,” introduced his sound, while delivering a message of renewed hope that runs through his music.

“I remember the day Matt Armstrong played me Peter’s music,” adds Matthew West, Founder of Story House Collective. “I was so excited by what I heard that I got his number and called him right then and there! Peter is a gifted worship leader, songwriter and communicator with a bright future ahead of him. Our team is honored to be able to partner with him in this new chapter and help bring his incredible new music to the people.”

Braedon Barnhill Signs With The Valory Music Co.

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Big Machine Label Group’s Julian Raymond and The Valory Music Co.’s Chris Palmer. (L-R, front row): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Braedon Barnhill and The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner. Photo: Nick Rau

Country singer-songwriter Braedon Barnhill has signed a record deal with The Valory Music Co.

Growing up in a musical household as the son of touring musician Stacy Barnhill, the 23 year old started writing songs alongside his father at a young age, quickly realizing that music was his true passion. As he toured across his home state, he built a dedicated fanbase and has had the opportunity to share the stage with Josh Abbott Band, Gary Allan, Randy Rogers Band and others. Now based in his hometown of Austin, Barnhill has a residency at the renowned Saxon Pub, one of the city’s top listening rooms.

“Braedon’s brand of country music is Texas born and bred,” says BMLG’s Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta. “He’s in the right place at the right time, building his career in the great clubs around Austin and surrounding areas, and his circle is only going to get bigger and bigger.”

“I’m beyond honored to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sign with The Valory Music Co.,” shares Barnhill. “Being part of a team that believes in you and shares the same vision for your career is a truly rare and incredible thing. I’m excited to see where this journey will take me!”

Barnhill has released two new tracks today (Jan. 24) to celebrate his label debut, “Dashboard Dreaming” and “Dancing By Myself.” Both tracks were co-penned with his father.

“I wrote ‘Dashboard Dreaming’ when I got broken up with for the first time in my life,” recalls Barnhill. “At the time, I was living in San Marcos, Texas, and for the first few nights, I’d drive around listening to sad songs and trying to summon the courage to knock on her door and ask for another chance.”

“‘Dancing By Myself’ is about when I moved out of my parents’ house for the first time,” he adds. “It was a major moment of growth, and I felt like I was learning so much. This song is about learning how to navigate adulthood, especially when it comes to relationships. I’m so excited for people to hear these songs, and I hope they really resonate with those who have gone through similar situations.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Maggie Rose & Vince Gill Collaborate On ‘Aching Ballad’

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Maggie Rose & Vince Gill

There’s a pot pourri of styles on hand in today’s DISClaimer roundup of current country tunes.

Dance along with The Kentucky Gentlemen. Go on a haunting, Appalachian journey with Mindy Smith. Rock out to Tyler Braden. Get gritty and experimental with Gavin Adcock. Let Kane Brown mellow your love thoughts. Get your funny bone tickled by The Doohickeys. Take a country-rock ride with Braedon Barnhill.

At the end of the day, indulge in something timeless and classic. That would be “I Can’t Make You Love Me” performed by Maggie Rose & Vince Gill as our Disc of the Day.

The DISCovery Award goes to Dee White, who is making his debut in the column with his second album. I can’t remember the last time I encountered an artist who was so awesome as both a singer and writer. Adding to the recipe is the fact that White is now produced by the legendary Tony Brown.

TYLER BRADEN / “Me Or The Dawn”
Writers: Autumn Buysse/Jake Rose/Tyler Braden; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– It’s a fiery country rocker with screaming guitars and a vocal that nearly shrieks as the song hits it apex. Stand back: This one has blast-furnace heat.

LAUREN ALAINA / “Those Kind Of Women”
Writers: Derek George/Lainey Wilson/Lynn Hutton/Monty Criswell; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Alaina delivers a touching ode to her mother and celebrates her own impending motherhood with this lilting performance. Sweetly sentimental.

DEE WHITE / “Heart Talkin’”
Writers: Dee Aubrey White/Sergio Gabriel Sanchez; Producer: Tony Brown; Label: DW
– In a word, dynamite. This Alabama youngster sings with hair-raising intensity while surrounded by super sympathetic steel-and-guitars support. The song is a hooky power ballad with the vocalist citing the parts of his body that need to work together to ensure that he doesn’t lose his lover. Country-music perfection. White did a mini showcase at Sound Stage Studio this week that made believers out of everyone present.

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Country Hymn”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/David Mescon/Derek Campbell; Producer: David Mescon; Label: River House Artists
– Twins Derek and Brandon stage their debut on River House with this rousing stomper that invites us all to attend country-music “church.” These guys always know how to bring the party.

KANE BROWN / “Gorgeous”
Writers: Blake Anthony Carter/Gabe Foust/Gregory Aldae Hein/Jaxson Free; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– An easy-going groove sets the mood for this mellow ode to the one he loves. It’s not her looks that make her beautiful to him. It’s her heart and mind. Amen to that. Brown’s new 18-track album The High Road contains this little jewel, as well as collaborations with Jelly Roll, Brad Paisley, Khalid, Marshmello and wife Katelyn Brown. It drops tomorrow.

MAGGIE ROSE & VINCE GILL / “I Can’t Make You Love Me”
Writers: Allen Shamblin/Mike Reid; Producer: Davis Naish; Label: One Riot Records
– Maggie Rose is one of the finest singers in a city full of great vocalists. She isn’t a country artist, but collaborating with Country Hall of Famer Vince Gill gives her definite country-soul cred. Especially because it’s on this aching ballad of unrequited love originally immortalized by Bonnie Raitt in 1991. Melody. Emotion. Technique. Flawless artistry.

THE DOOHICKEYS / “Rein it in Cowboy”
Writers: Haley Elizabeth Brown/John Hackett; Producer: Eric Corne; Label: Forty Below Records
– This gets the Video of the Day award. An army of zombie barflies accosts a protesting cowgirl in a honky-tonk. The guys are fabulously clueless, wearing their various pick-up lines on their white t-shirts. A hilarious country rocker.

JON PARDI / “Honkytonk Hollywood”
Writers: Bart Butler/Benjy Davis/Jacob Rice; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– “She’s West Coast, down-home pretty.” “Kinda country, kinda city.” She’s wine, he’s whiskey. She’s glamor, he’s grits. You get the idea. This is the title tune of his forthcoming album. Pardi and new producer Jay Joyce recorded it with the star’s touring band.

BRAEDON BARNHILL / “Dashboard Dreaming”
Writers: Braedon Barnhill/Stacy Barnhill; Producers: Julian Raymond, Scott Borchetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Love his throaty tenor as he rides effortlessly atop this splendidly produced, irresistible country rocker. The open road has never sounded more inviting. Who is this kid?

GAVIN ADCOCK / “Loose Strings”
Writers: Brent Cobb/Erik Dylan/Phillip White; Producers: Brent Cobb, Jay Rodgers, Oran Thornton; Label: Thrivin’ Here Records/Warner Music Nashville
– Oddly ear catching. There’s no real melody. It is very word-y. His delivery is somewhat monotonic. Yet there’s cool stuff going on with the stark, guitar-and-bass production and the grit in his voice.

PARMALEE / “Cowgirl”
Writers: David Fanning/James Daniel Lewis/Parmalee/Peter Daniel Newman/Robbie Jay/Thomas Frank Ridley Horsley; Producers: David Fanning, James Daniel Lewis; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– He’s falling in love and the track bops along joyously. The lyric isn’t much. This one’s all about the groove.

MINDY SMITH / “Quiet Town”
Writer: Mindy Smith; Producer: Neilson Hubbard; Label: Compass Records
– This is the title tune of Smith’s first album in over a decade. It’s a gently sung soprano ballad that reflects on the past with wistful nostalgia. She remains a distinctly lovely Appalachian vocal stylist. For a truly enriching audio experience, also listen to the moody “Jericho” and/or the sentiments of “Something to Write in Stone.” This is an album worth buying.