Diamond Rio Returns With ‘The Kick’ & Two New Members

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Diamond Rio. Photo: Robby Klein

Diamond Rio is starting a new chapter in their career with a new song, “The Kick,” and two new band members: Micah Schweinsberg on drums and Carson McKee on fiddle/mandolin and harmony vocals.

The new instrumental-laden track is the first song and video to be released under the new band configuration and displays the mastery of their respective instruments in its blend of country meets bluegrass. The fast-paced instrumental features the two new members in the accompanying video which was filmed in Franklin, Tennessee and directed by Schweinsberg. The band’s long-time guitar player, Jimmy Olander, developed and wrote the treatment.

The four-time CMA and two-time ACM Vocal Group of the Year formed in 1989 and consisted of Marty Roe (lead vocals), Olander (guitar/banjo), Dana Williams (bass/vocals), Dan Truman (piano), Brian Prout (drums) and Gene Johnson (mandolin/vocals), and have had no member changes until now. After a 33-year journey, the band bid farewell to retiring members Prout and Johnson, and welcomed new bandmates McKee and Schweinsberg.

“Micah is an unbelievable musician. He brings renewed energy to our live performances. Carson was not what we were looking for to start,” says Roe. “We wanted another Gene, but that doesn’t exist. Carson is an amazing young musician and we are so lucky to have her. She can sing as high as Gene, which was hard to find, and her vocals blend so well with mine and Dana’s. She also brings an energy to the stage that keeps us old guys on our toes.

“Brian is the most musical drummer I’ve ever played with and Gene brought a uniqueness that will never be fully replaced,” he continues. “Diamond Rio’s vocal sound would not be the same without him. I will forever be grateful for the priceless contributions of my two partners. We all wish them well in their retirement.”

Blake Fades Signs With Average Joes Entertainment

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Blake Fades. Photo: Julian Mendoza

Oklahoma-based country singer-songwriter and rapper Blake Fades has signed with Average Joes Entertainment.

Blake Frasier, better known as Blake Fades, has already garnered over eleven million worldwide streams during his independent career with singles such as “Wave” and “TBH.” The 32-year-old artist first gained recognition during the pandemic after posting his music to social media, with videos like his recent remix of Morgan Wallen and Ernest’s “Cowgirls,” which has pulled in almost two million views on Instagram alone.

Transitioning from his roots in hip-hop to embrace a blend of rock-infused elements and the twang of country-rap, Fades is blurring genres with his new singles produced by Dylan Maloney, “Drowning On You” and “Pesos.”

“Man! It’s been a long time coming,” shares Fades. “I’m very excited about what we’re doing and the new sound we’ve created. I think Average Joes is a perfect place for me because they’re used to doing things that are out of the box, and I’m definitely an artist that likes mixing it up. Time to run it up and make history!”

Patrick Droney To Release ‘Subtitles For Feelings’ In August

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Singer-songwriter, producer and guitarist Patrick Droney has dropped his newest single “Caroline” in anticipation of his second full-length album Subtitles For Feelings out Aug. 25 via Warner Records.

The Brooklyn and Nashville-based artist poses the new track as a connection between his debut and sophomore albums.

“This track feels more connected to State of the Heart than any others on Subtitles for Feelings, so I thought this would be its perfect moment as a bridge to the new era,” he says.

Co-written with Foy Vance and co-produced by Butch Walker and Droney, “Caroline” highlights his evolution. Droney notes “Foy and Butch both have permanent places in my ‘songs that made me’ playlist, so having them on this record is a full-circle feeling.”

Droney has also announced “The Runaway Tour,” his North American headlining journey, for this fall. Kicking off on Sept. 27 in Boston, the tour traces through Chicago, Austin and Los Angeles before wrapping up in New York City on Oct. 10. Tickets go on sale next Friday, July 14 at 9 a.m. local time. For more information, click here.

Subtitles For Feelings Track Listing:
1. “Baby, Baby”
2. “Shotgun Rider”
3. “My Grandfather’s Home”
4. “Poems & Apologies”
5. “Caroline”
6. “Little Supernovas”
7. “Limit”
8. “Nobody Loves Me Like You Do”
9. “Go Getter”
10. “Memories”
11. “Free”
12. “Runaway”
13. “2AM”
14. “Tether”
15. “We Got Old This Year”
16. “Wild Horses”

Taylor Swift Re-Records Fresh Version Of ‘Speak Now’ With New Vault Cuts

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Taylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant

Taylor Swift has released a re-recorded version of her third album, Speak Now, with some special “From the Vault” tracks that didn’t make the original cut.

Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) includes fresh versions of the 16 tracks originally featured on the 2010 project, along with “From the Vault” songs featuring Fall Out Boy and Hayley Williams from Paramore.

On the album, Swift teams with Aaron Dessner once again as co-producer on the vault tracks “Electric Touch,” “When Emma Falls in Love” and “Foolish One.” Jack Antonoff also co-produced three songs with Swift, including “Castles Crumbling,” “I Can See You” and “Timeless,” and the remainder of the project was co-produced by Christopher Rowe.

“It’s an album I wrote alone about the whims, fantasies, heartaches, dramas and tragedies I lived out as a young woman between 18 and 20,” Swift wrote on socials. “I remember making tracklist after tracklist, obsessing over the right way to tell the story. I had to be ruthless with my choices, and I left behind some songs I am still unfailingly proud of now. Therefore, you have 6 From The Vault tracks! I recorded this album when I was 32 (and still growing up, now) and the memories it brought back filled me with nostalgia and appreciation. For life, for you, for the fact that I get to reclaim my work. Thank you a million times, for the memories that break our fall.”

Before the release of Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), Swift previewed the song “Back to December (Taylor’s Version)” in a trailer for the new season of Prime Video’s The Summer I Turned Pretty series.

Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) Track Listing:
1. “Mine”
2. “Sparks Fly”
3. “Back to December”
4. “Speak Now”
5. “Dear John”
6. “Mean”
7. “The Story of Us”
8. “Never Grow Up”
9. “Enchanted”
10. “Better than Revenge”
11. “Innocent”
12. “Haunted”
13. “Last Kiss”
14. “Long Live”
15. “Ours”
16. “Superman”
17.”Electric Touch (feat. Fall Out Boy)”
18.”When Emma Falls in Love”
19.”I Can See You”
20.”Castles Crumbling (feat. Hayley Williams)”
21.”Foolish One”
22. “Timeless”

Dylan Marlowe Drops Debut EP ‘Dirt Road When I Die’

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Dylan Marlowe. Photo: Jacob Powers

Dylan Marlowe‘s debut EP from Sony Music Nashville, Dirt Road When I Die, is out today.

Produced by Joe Fox, the project features “You Were Right (Nat’s Song),” which was released as a surprise for Marlowe’s wife on their wedding day in May, as well as “Record High,” “Grew Up Country” and more. Among the writers contributing to the EP are Bart Butler, Zach Abend, Corey Crowder and Seth Ennis.

“The Dirt Road When I Die EP is really the first project I’ve gotten to put out,” says Marlowe. “I’m really excited about all of these songs and it feels super authentic to me, which is what I wanted it to be. It’s got a lot of energy and a lot of songs for the live show, but also some that mean something to me. It was really fun to put together a project from top to bottom, and I hope y’all love it.”

Named one of Spotify’s 2023 Hot Country Artists to Watch, Marlowe will be heading out on Hardy’s “The Mockingbird & The Crow Fall Tour” beginning Aug. 31 in Knoxville. On Sunday evening (July 9), the singer will achieve another career milestone as he takes the stage at the Grand Ole Opry for the first time.

Dirt Road When I Die EP Track Listing:
1. “Record High” (Dylan Marlowe/Zach Abend/Screech/Abram Dean
2. “What I Know Now” (Dylan Marlowe/Bart Butler/Mark Holman)
3. “Dirt Road When I Die” (Dylan Marlowe/Joe Fox)
4. “You See Mine” (Dylan Marlowe/Corey Crowder/Hunter Phelps)
5. “Rich Kids” (Dylan Marlowe/Joe Fox/Jordan Minton)
6. “You Were Right (Nat’s Song)” (Dylan Marlowe/Andy Albert/Joe Fox)
7. “Empty Shotgun (Mr. Mechanic)” (Dylan Marlowe/Seth Ennis/Joe Fox)
8. “Grew Up Country” (Dylan Marlowe/Zach Abend/Jeb Gipson)

Luke Combs Takes ‘Love You Anyway’ To No. 1 On MusicRow Chart

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Two weeks after topping the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Fast Car,” Luke Combs is back again with “Love You Anyway.”

Combs wrote the tune with Ray Fulcher and Dan Isbell and it appears on his fourth full-length album, Gettin’ Old.

“Love You Anyway” was chosen as a single by Combs’ fans. When given the choice between “Love You Anyway” and “5 Leaf Clover” going to radio, Combs’ fans voted for the former.

The tune currently sits at No. 9 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 9 on the Mediabase chart.

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

Brad Paisley & Friends Raise Laughs & Funds At ‘Groceries With Dignity’ Benefit

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Brad Paisley & Bonnie Hunt

Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley hosted the “Groceries with Dignity & Comedy Without” benefit Thursday night (July 6) at Zanies Comedy Club in Nashville in front of a sold-out crowd.

Nate Bargatze

The evening was packed with improv performances from comedians Kevin Nealon and Nate Bargatze, the Groundlings Alumni, a surprise appearance by actress Bonnie Hunt, and comedic music performances by Brad himself, who also emceed the evening and joined the Groundlings for improv.

More than $100,000 was raised for The Store from the 300-seat full capacity crowd and donations, which are still streaming in.

Founded by the Paisleys, The Store is a free-referral based grocery store which aims to help empower low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area by allowing people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: David Nail & Jo Dee Messina Share The Disc Of The Day

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David Nail, Jo Dee Messina

Summer has arrived in full force on the country music scene.

As the temperature soars, the songs are cool. Especially from Jon Langston, Restless Road, Maddie & Tae, Track 45 and Kameron Marlowe. Tuneful, talented veterans Jo Dee Messina and David Nail share the Disc of the Day award this week.

Teenage multi-instrumentalist New Yorker David J takes home a DISCovery Award. Not necessarily for his debut disc, but for what I believe will be more accomplished outings in the future.

KAMERON MARLOWE & ERIN KIRBY / “I Can Lie (The Truth Is)”
Writers: Jordan Fletcher/Kameron Marlowe/Shane Minor; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Nashville
– Magnificently country. This hard-core power ballad showcases one of our best new honky-tonk baritones. In an emotionally complex lyric, Kirby harmonizes and keeps pace, but this is Kameron Marlowe’s show all the way.

JO DEE MESSINA / “Just To Be Loved”
Writers: Jess Cates/Jordan Mohilowski/Tim Nichols/Jo Dee Messina; Producer: Jordan Mohilowski; Label: JDM
– Messina is having a moment, thanks to the revival of “Heads Carolina Tails California.” Her comeback single is a beautifully produced bopper with rippling mandolin, burbling bass, stacked vocals, crisp percussion and a breezy summertime vibe. Her voice remains as hearty and warm as ever. The lyric’s message about being true to yourself is lovely, too. So delightful sounding that I didn’t want it to end.

TRACK 45 / “Grew Up On”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Jenna Johnson/KK Johnson/Ashley Gorley/Jonathan Singleton/Taylor Phillips; Producers; Track 45; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– The three Johnson siblings wax nostalgic for their rural upbringing on this harmony soaked outing. The lilting melody has a soft, airy, gentle caress. Their deft plucking on bass, fiddle and guitar are the icing on this delicious cake.

BILLY CURRINGTON / “City Don’t”
Writers: Scooter Carusoe/Joshua Miller/Chris LaCorte; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Mercury Nashville
– He contrasts high-rise city living with country dirt road pleasures, and guess which one comes out on top? The sluggish track plods, and there’s nothing memorable about his lackadaisical delivery.

JON LANGSTON / “Whiskey Does”
Writers: Jon Langston/Brad Wagner/Cole Taylor/Jordan Gray; Producers: Jody Stevens/Jacob Rice/Brad Wagner; Label: EMI Nashville
– “She don’t love me anymore, but whiskey does.” There you have it. A broken heart, an empty glass, misery needs company, the whole hillbilly honky-tonk package. This guy has long been a favorite, and this old-school outing in a very imaginative production seals the deal. Play it again.

LAUREN ALAINA / “Just Wanna Know That You Love Me”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Joybeth Taylor/Sam Ellis; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– The melodic ballad suits her style in that she repeats its title multiple times. She seems to specialize in this type of delivery—after all, it worked so well in that irritating, repetitive million seller “The Road Less Traveled.”

DAVID J / “Last Time”
Writers: Cate Downey/Danny Majic/David J; Producer: Danny Majic; Label: Sony Music Nashville/Grey Area Entertainment
– Paint-by-numbers, generic, forgettable, youthful country-pop. Surely he can do better.

MADDIE & TAE / “Heart They Didn’t Break”
Writers: Anna Vaus/Banjy Lashar Davis/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Corey Crowder; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Poignant and sweet/sad, with their gorgeous harmony blend front and center. A lilting steel solo and perfectly placed drum thumps support their pristine performance. Another gem from this steadfast team.

RESTLESS ROAD / “No Can Do “
Writers: Matt Jenkins/Jessi Alexander/Colton Pack/Garrett Nichols/Zachary Beeken/Jacob Rice; Producer: Jared Klein; Label: RCA Nashville/1021 Entertainment
– This is a dandy, upbeat summer jam. Why work when you can relax with a pop-top? A rollicking good time, complete with a mid-song “gang” vocal break.

KIDD G / “Lesson Learned”
Writers: Alex Maxwell/Jaxson Free/Jonathan Gabriel Horne; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Rebel
– Acoustic, semi-spoken verses alternating with electric-guitar soaring choruses. Incongruous banjo plucking and thrashing percussion. It sounds like three different songs trying to mash together.

DAVID NAIL / “Silverado”
Writers: David Nail/Grant Vogel/Robyn Collins; Producer: Grant Vogel; Label: One Five Sound, LLC
– Let’s face it: The man was born to sing. And what woman could resist this come-on? He wants to take it slow, get to know her and ride off to unknown adventures in his truck. The echoey track takes on layer after lovely layer as this wafting, romantic ode unfurls.

DARRYL WORLEY / “Have We Forgotten”
Writers: Darryl Worley/Wynn Varble; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Label: Valory Music Co.
– Worley’s update of his 9/11 hit “Have You Forgotten” addresses a politically divided nation. It asks us to remember when we could agree to disagree and work together for the common good. A timely call for togetherness. Its “united we stand” message is lighting up message boards.

‘CMA Fest: 50 Years Of Fan Fair’ Documentary To Air On ABC

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Following the premiere of CMA Fest: 50 Years of Fan Fair on Hulu yesterday (July 5), the Country Music Association has announced that the documentary will make its broadcast debut Tuesday, July 18 at 9/8 CST on ABC.

The documentary marks CMA’s first feature-length film and includes exclusive artist interviews and never-before-seen archival content. This is the 20th consecutive year CMA has produced a summer music program to be broadcast as a network television special on ABC

CMA Fest: 50 Years of Fan Fair celebrates the unique history of the largest and longest-running country music festival. The film explores the festival’s 1972 debut as Fan Fair, which drew 5,000 fans to Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium, to the now four-day event spread across downtown Nashville, which welcomed over 90,000 fans a day from all 50 states and more than 50 countries.

The 75-minute documentary also features notable artists including Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Wynonna Judd, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson and many more. During the special broadcast debut, viewers can also catch a uniquely heartfelt performance of “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw featuring students from four schools within Metro Nashville Public Schools, filmed during CMA Fest in June. The students’ teachers are all recipients of the CMA Foundation’s prestigious Music Teachers of Excellence honor.

Bill Anderson To Be Honored As Longest-Serving Grand Ole Opry Member

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Bill Anderson performs at Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Bill Anderson will be honored by the Grand Ole Opry as the longest-serving member in the show’s history on Saturday, July 22.

One of the most awarded songwriters in the history of country music, Anderson was inducted in the Opry family on July 15, 1961. His membership has not lapsed in those 62 years, eclipsing the membership run of past Opry member Herman Crook, who joined the Opry in 1926 and remained with the show until his death in 1988.

“Whisperin’ Bill” will be celebrated with a Saturday night performance which will include Anderson and fellow Opry members Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Jeannie Seely and Ricky Skaggs, among others.

“The Grand Ole Opry continues to be built on the shoulders of Opry members such as Bill Anderson,” says Dan Rogers, Opry Vice President and Executive Producer. “Singling Bill out as the Opry’s longest-tenured member in our history among so many greats who came before him as well as so many contemporaries he calls his friends is a tremendous honor for all of us. We look forward to celebrating his achievement and dedication later this month.”

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is currently featuring Anderson’s life and career of in the exhibit, Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See, which has been extended through September 25. The exhibit explores his life and musical legacy, from childhood through his contributions as one of the most decorated artists, songwriters and entertainers in history.