Alana Springsteen Is ‘Figuring It Out’ In New ‘Twenty Something’ Chapter

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Photo: Lily Nelson

Alana Springsteen has slated Twenty Something: Figuring It Out, the honest second portion of her three-part debut album, for July 14. An up-close look at her journey toward the empowerment of true self-discovery, Figuring It Out features tell-all title track, “Twenty Something,” out now.

This new six-track chapter follows Twenty Something: Messing It Up, through which the 22-year-old opens up about all the mistakes and misadventures of early adulthood.

Now with the songs of Twenty Something: Figuring It Out, all of which she co-penned, Springsteen shines a light on the steps she’s taken to shake off her insecurities, lean into life’s endless contradictions and learn what she truly needs to be happy and healthy.

“Figuring It Out explores a lot of the work I’ve been doing on myself over the past few years – I really call myself out in these songs,” shares Springsteen. “Finding my true self has meant giving up on seeing things in black-and-white and getting comfortable with the gray. What does it mean to live with integrity? To have a strong moral compass? Defining these concepts for myself has been a process, but one that’s given me the beginnings of a blueprint to help me live life on my own terms. The journey of writing, recording and singing these songs live has helped me do that. Through them, I’ve gotten to know myself and so many people who are in various stages of doing the same work. Also, there’s a really unique collaboration on this project with a song called ‘Ghost in My Guitar’ that I’m insanely excited about and proud of. It still feels a little surreal. I can’t wait to tell that story.”

The second installment exemplifies the dynamic “Twenty Something” brings of both diary-like detail and whip-smart humor to an intimate account of the emotional roller coaster of life in your 20s. Co-written by Springteen, Liz Rose, AJ Pruis and Trannie Anderson, the track—sparked by a voice memo Springsteen recorded alone on piano—finds the singer-songwriter owning up to minor bad habits like letting her car run on fumes to more deep-rooted problems like imposter syndrome, ultimately speaking to the power and peace of mind that comes with fully embracing your imperfections.

“Liz looked at me and asked, ‘If there was one song that you could play for people that could tell them exactly where you are in your life right now, what would it be?’ [and] ‘Twenty Something’ was the only answer,” recalls Springsteen.

Additionally, the Columbia Records NY/Sony Music Nashville artist will continue her run on Adam Doleac‘s “Barstool Whiskey Wonderland” and serve as support for Luke Bryan during his “Country On Tour” this summer.

Twenty Something: Figuring It Out Track Listing:
* Produced by Chris LaCorte and Alana Springsteen
+ Produced by Paul DiGiovanni and Alana Springsteen
^ Produced by Will Weatherly and Alana Springsteen
# Produced by Pete Good and Alana Springsteen
** Produced by Ido Zmishlany and Alana Springsteen
1. “Twenty Something” (Alana Springsteen, Liz Rose, AJ Pruis, Trannie Anderson)*
2. “Chameleon” (Alana Springsteen, Sasha Alex Sloan, King Henry)+
3. “Here’s To All My Exes” (Alana Springsteen, Will Weatherly, Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins)^
4. “Hypocrite” (Alana Springsteen, Mitchell Tenpenny, Will Weatherly, Ryan Beaver)*
5. “When We Were Friends” (Alana Springsteen, Sasha Alex Sloan, Pete Good)#
6. “Ghost In My Guitar” (Alana Springsteen, Ido Zmishlany, Delacey, Sarah Solovay)**

Alex Lambert Signs With Make Wake Artists & Deep Roots Management

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Pictured (L-R): Tanner Calonge, Dylan Wright, Alex Lambert and Chris Kappy. Photo: Mackenzie Ryan Photography

Alex Lambert has signed with Make Wake Artists and Deep Roots Management, working with Make Wake’s Chris Kappy and Tanner Calonge as well as Deep Roots’ Dylan Wright. He has also inked with CAA for booking, working with Chris Burrus and Jacob Lapidus, and just released his new EP Rebel Ways.

“We are thrilled to announce the signing of Alex, an incredibly talented artist and an even better person,” says Wright. “His remarkable talent and exceptional character make him a rising star and an inspiring role model in the music industry.”

Lambert’s music career began 13 years ago when he auditioned for the ninth season of American Idol. At 19 years old, his talent took him to the Top 16. Shortly after leaving the show, Lambert embraced new opportunities in Hollywood by working with top songwriters and producers in addition to appearing on the web reality series “If I Can Dream.”

Now in Music City, the Texas native has created a new era of music with Rebel Ways, reaching more than 400K streams and amassing nearly 47K monthly listeners. Written and produced by Lambert and Grant Thompson, the project consists of six soulful ballads, including previously released singles “Rebel Ways” and “Cryin In The Rain.”

“This EP is about growing up,” says Lambert. “It seems like I’ve learned everything the hard way in my life and it shows in these songs. From ‘Riverbank,’ that is a coming-to-God moment after a life filled with fightin’, stealin’, lyin’ and cheatin’, to a love lesson like ‘Rebel Ways,’ that’s about losing the woman I loved because I was still breaking the chain of living a hostile and crazy lifestyle. Every song represents growth in me as a man and as an artist.”

Industry Ink: Dolly Parton, CAA, Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series

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Dolly! All Access Pop-Up Store To Launch During ACM Awards Week

Dolly Parton will have an exclusive, limited-run pop-up store, Dolly! All Access, up during ACM Awards Week (May 9-14, 2023) at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The global superstar is bringing her brand partners together for a custom, curated shopping experience. Parton will also join Garth Brooks as they host the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 11 from The Ford Center in Frisco, Texas.

Open May 9-14, Dolly! All Access will feature products including pre-order opportunities for her Rockstar album and Behind The Seams: My Life In Rhinestones book along with new fragrance collections, pet toys and accessories, and Patron’s children’s book, Dolly Parton’s Billy The Kid Makes It Big.

The limited-run pop-up will also feature virtual card experiences, a themed baking collection, vinyl subscription options, and line of eco-friendly disposable party supplies. Parton’s signature classic merchandise will also be available for purchase.

 

CAA, PENCIL Present 19th Annual ‘Little Night of Music’ For Charity

Pictured: CAA Members and Kristin Chenoweth. Photo: Tommy Lawson

PENCIL, in collaboration with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), presented its 19th annual “A Little Night of Music” on Wednesday, April 16, at the Grand Ole Opry House. Kristin Chenoweth and Adia Victoria performed to an audience of business, civic, and community leaders.

“A Little Night of Music” is a unique collaboration with CAA that builds a bridge between the music industry and support for public education in Nashville. With more than 400 attendees, the event raised over $365,000 for PENCIL, an organization that links community resources to Nashville Public Schools to help young people achieve academic success and prepare for life.

In 18 years, the event has raised more than $2.4 million for PENCIL and the business engagement that supports Metro Nashville Public School students. These critical resources include career mentors, reading and math tutors, school supplies, and even access to support services for vulnerable families.

 

Runaway June, Sara Evans Support Rock ‘N’ Roll Running Series

Pictured (L-R): Kymberly Johnson, Sarah Bucciero, Sue Ellen Henderson, Susy Meade, Ed Meade, Sara Evans, Jude Elliott, Samantha Elliott, Jamie Elliott. Photo: Meg Oliphant.

As the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series celebrates 25 Years of Running, nearly 24,000 runners took part in the running tour through Music City last weekend. Runaway June headlined the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville weekend on Saturday, April 22. Sara Evans performed at the Woolworth Theatre at the St. Jude Heroes Brunch on Sunday, April 23, exclusively for top fundraisers of the 2023 Running Series.

Pictured (L-R): Natalie Stovall (Runaway June), Jamie Elliott, Jude Elliott, Stevie Woodward (Runaway June), Jennifer Wayne (Runaway June), Samantha Elliott, and Lynn Page (ALSAC’s VP of Program Strategy & Development). Photo: Caroline Gonzalez.

Kymberly Johnson fundraised $18,536, while Sarah Bucciero fundraised $11,781 in honor of her late son and St. Jude patient, Carter. Sue Ellen Henderson raised $81,520 for the 2023 Running Series and just surpassed the $500,000 fundraising milestone after 12 years of participation in this race as a St. Jude Hero. Susy and Ed Meade have raised over $50,000 for St. Jude.

The Elliot family, including Jude Elliott, St. Jude Survivor Samantha Elliott and Team Samster team caption Jamie Elliott, raised nearly $40,000 along with Team Samster.

Runners and walkers hailed from all 50 States and 37 countries, regions, and territories for this year’s events. Several local bands, including the Less Kerr and the Bayou Band, U.S. Airforce Band, Hype Creek, and many more performed live on band stages along the route all before Greg Pratt, Angie Rey and Runaway June took the stage at the Finish Line Stage outside Nissan Stadium as the Encore Entertainment.

Willie Jones Offers ‘Something To Dance To’ This June

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Willie Jones is releasing his major label debut, Something To Dance To, June 16 via Sony Music Nashville in partnership with The Penthouse.

The project’s title track is a joyful declaration of unity, reminding listeners that music is what brings us together. It sets the tone for the new album, which explores emotional facets that Jones says “represent every part of [him],” and is a celebration of the highs and lows, the loves and losses, and the starts and ends of life’s experiences. Lacing traditional country sounds of steel guitar, banjo and harmonica with his signature Louisiana hip-hop gumbo, the collection reflects Jones’ ability to uniquely bridge the Block Party and the Barn Dance.

“The album dissects all of me: the turnt up Willie Jones, broken hearted, being a little irresponsible, bringing the party, or just realizing that all of this is a temporary moment in time and I’m growing and hopefully learning,” says Jones.

He recently wrapped his “Sticks And Swamp Tour” with co-headliner RVSHVD, playing the trek’s final night at Nashville’s Exit/In. This summer, Jones will appear at festivals including CMA Fest, GoldenSky and Bourbon & Beyond.

Something To Dance To Track Listing:
1. “Down by the Riverside” (Willie Jones/Jason Afable/Josh Logan)
2. “Something To Dance To” (Willie Jones/Eric Arjes/Cary Barlowe)
3. “I Can’t Complain” (Willie Jones/Curt Chambers/Lamar “MyGuyMars” Edwards/Jared Sciullo)
4. “Lil Vibe” (Willie Jones/Jesse B. Thomas/Aaron Zuckerman)
5. “Slow Cookin'” (Willie Jones/Jason Afable/Phillip Fender/Zak Waters/Hank Williams)
6. “Easy” (Willie Jones/Nick Autry/Eric Olson)
7. “Them Girls Do” (Willie Jones/Nick Autry/Justin Ebach)
8. “Soul Food” (Willie Jones/Jason Afable/Josh Logan)
9. “No Tellin'” (Willie Jones/James McNair/Chris Stevens/Lamar “MyGuyMars” Edwards)
10. “Let’s Be a Love Song” (Willie Jones/Jeffrey Joseph East/JD Walker/Zak Waters)
11. “Get Low, Get High” (Willie Jones/Cary Barlowe/Brandon Day)

Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic To Return In June

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Toby Keith is hosting his annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic again this year in Norman, Oklahoma June 2-3. The golf classic is in its 19th year, and supports the OK Kids Korral, the cost-free home for families of children battling cancer.

Sawyer Brown will headline the denim and diamonds-themed dinner and auction Friday night, June 2 at Riverwind Casino with support from local favorites Drive. Silent auction items up for grabs include signed memorabilia from NFL quarterback Joe Burrow, NBA star Steph Curry, golf icon Tiger Woods and stars Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn. Live auction offerings include trips to Australia and Croatia, a hunting excursion, membership to the private national golf Dormie Network and one-of-a-kind items from Keith.

Shotgun start golf begins Saturday morning, June 3 at Norman’s Belmar Golf Club, concluding with a $10,000 closest-to-the-pin shootout. The silent auction bidding opens to the public May 12. For more information, click here.

The 18th annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic raised more than $1.3 million in May of 2022 – the third highest total ever. To date, the event has raised more than $15 million for OK Kids Korral. The Korral helps make life a little easier for children with cancer by providing a safe, convenient and hopeful place for families to connect with each other and focus on the well-being of their child with both daytime and overnight lodging for pediatric patients and their families.

Justin Levenson Joins OpenPlay As Professional Services Product Lead

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Justin Levenson

Nashville-based Justin Levenson has been named Professional Services Product Lead at OpenPlay, one of the music industry’s leading asset management platforms.

In his new role, Levenson will work with OpenPlay’s engineering team, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure the platform is operating properly and meeting client needs, help design new features to improve functionality, and more.

A 20-plus-year music and entertainment industry veteran, Levenson joined SESAC in 2001, spending 15 years working in both the Licensing and Writer/Publisher Relations departments and helping engineers build and launch a predictive analytics project that streamlined the company’s licensing process. After rising to Sr. Director, Licensing Operations at SESAC, Levenson joined Big Machine Label Group in 2019, where he built and led the company’s Label Resources team, focusing on process improvement, technology implementations, and harnessing the power of the label group’s global consumption and finance data. He later joined Utopia Music as Commercial Director, Financial Services/Sr. Product Manager, where he led a team developing an industry-leading advance and artist platform, automating statement ingestion and simplifying revenue tracking.

Levenson got his start as a music educator and freelance musician, teaching percussion at the high school level while working with artists and songwriters, including Luke Bryan, Gary Burr, Marcus Hummon, Lionel Richie, Victoria Shaw, and Don Schlitz. He also performed on several award-winning recordings, including the Grammy-winning Songs From The Neighborhood: The Music of Mr. Rogers featuring Donna Summers. In addition, Levenson is the author of the book You Are Stronger Than You THINK: How to Awaken the Superhero Within.

“Justin is an incredible addition to the OpenPlay family, and his experience leading teams across every facet of the industry will be a major asset as we continue to bring our products and services to more customers,” says Edward Ginis, Co-Founder and Chief Client Officer at OpenPlay. “He’s one of the most passionate and outspoken product evangelists in our space when it comes to empowering artists and rightsholders with the tools they need today to prepare for what the industry brings tomorrow.”

“Being a part of the OpenPlay family is a professional dream come true, and I am excited and grateful to have the opportunity to build on our continued success, developing impactful products and services that empower everyone in the global entertainment and music industries with the power of OpenPlay,” shares Levenson.

Music Health Alliance Hosts Sold-Out ‘Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda’ Event

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Pictured (L-R): Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose. Photo: Steve Lowry

Music Health Alliance (MHA) hosted its second “Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda” event on Tuesday night (April 25) at City Winery, raising $130,000 to support the Nashville-based nonprofit’s free healthcare programs and life-saving advocacy services.

Pictured (L-R): AE Entertainment’s Ashley Eicher, Amazon’s Courtney Ross, MHA’s Tatum Hauck Allsep, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey. Photo: Steve Lowry

The intimate evening presented by Amazon was headlined by The Love Junkies (Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose), hosted by Ashley Eicher and included guitars provided by Gibson for a live auction. The trio of hitmakers traded stories, songs and laughs during the special sold-out evening.

“Wow! We are so incredibly humbled and grateful for the overwhelming success of our sold-out annual ‘Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda event,'” said Tatum Hauck Allsep, Founder & CEO, Music Health Alliance. “What an unforgettable, emotionally charged, one-of-a-kind peek behind the curtain of songwriting’s very best. Thanks to the immense talent and generosity of these three women, we received vital support of our mission to Heal The Music.”

For every dollar donated, MHA provides $30 in life-saving healthcare resources to Heal The Music. The team assists music industry professionals with an entire spectrum of healthcare needs, and in its first 10 years, MHA has provided free healthcare advocacy and support to over 20,000 clients in 50 states, saving more than $100 million in healthcare costs for the music community nationwide.

Date Set For 2023 Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Gala

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The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame will induct a new class of songwriters during its annual gala on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at the Music City Center.

Nominees for this year’s induction will be announced in late spring, with the Class of 2023 selections revealed later this summer.

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inducted six new members at its 52nd Anniversary Gala in October, including Shania Twain, Hillary Lindsey, Gary Nicholson, David Malloy, Steve Wariner and the late Chips Moman.

Fan Fair X Lineup Announced For CMA Fest 2023

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With less than 50 days until its 50th anniversary celebration, CMA Fest has announced the Close Up Stage and Spotlight Stage lineups for Fan Fair X, the fan experience located inside Music City Center.

Fan Fair X will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 8 through Saturday, June 10, as well as 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, with venue doors opening at 9 a.m. each day. The experience will include performances, celebrity panels, a vendor marketplace, games, partner activations and meet-and-greets.

Wynonna Judd will take the CMA Close Up Stage as Artist of the Day at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, June 11, joining previously announced Artists of the Day Dierks Bentley (June 8), Reba McEntire (June 9) and Brothers Osborne (June 10).

Hitting the acoustic Spotlight Stage will be Christiana Alaire, Pryor Baird, Nate Barnes, Laci Kaye Booth, Brennley Brown, Jillian Cardarelli, CB30, Conor Clemmons, Julia Cole, Karley Scott Collins, Keller Cox, Karissa Ella, Ian Flanigan, Flat River Band, HunterGirl, Dillon James, Robby Johnson, James Johnston, Alexandra Kay, AJ Kross, Roberta Lea, Grace Leer, O.N.E The Duo, On The Outside, Harper O’Neill, Fredy P, Landon Parker, Jenna Paulette, Jarvis Redd, Charly Reynolds, Jordan Rowe, Loren Ryan, Sacha, Sophia Scott, Shaylen, Chloe Styler, MaRynn Taylor, The Chattahoochies, Track45, EJ Vickers and Julie Williams.

Fan Fair X meet-and-greets give music lovers the chance to meet their favorite country artists, both rising and established. The hour-long sessions are first-come, first-served with hundreds taking place throughout the four days and more to be added the last week of May.

Entry into Fan Fair X is included with all CMA Fest four-night stadium passes. For more information, click here.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Colbie Caillat Releases ‘Dreamy’ New Single

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As we head into springtime, Music City’s country artists have a breezy soundtrack for us.

Topping the playlist in this edition of DisClaimer is Colbie Caillat. She came to pop fame with “Bubbly” back in 2007, and during the successive decade issued a string of hit “alternative A/C” tracks (”Fallin’ for You,” “I Do,” “Realize,” “Try,” etc.). In 2018, she turned toward country with her group Gone West. Now she has this week’s country Disc of the Day.

Caillat was not without challengers. I was particularly smitten with the new tracks by Melonie Cannon, Cattie Offerman, Brandy Clark and Danielle Bradbery. K. Michelle also sounds promising.

I have been grooving on Jamie Floyd’s sounds for several seasons. Years ago, she was a cool pop-rocker. Today, she wins a DisCovery Award for being a new country artist.

BREI CARTER / “Straight Up Country Crazy”
Writers: Brei Carter/Ken Matthiesen/Blaine Younger/Rachel Seiler; Producer: Curt Ryle; Label: Brown Lee Entertainment/Orchard
– What are you waiting for? Get up on your feet; Carter is summoning you to the dance floor. The “gang” chorus and pounding rhythm let you know she’s aiming for an anthem here.

CATIE OFFERMAN / “I Just Killed a Man”
Writers: Catie Offerman/Ryan Beaver/Joe Clemmons/Jessie Jo Dillon/Benjy Davis; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: MCA Nashville
– Offerman aches with guilt on this stately ballad. She’s dumped the guy she doesn’t love anymore, and now she has his heartbreak on her hands. Very cool and very different.

COLBIE CAILLAT / “Worth It”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Liz Rose/AJ Pruis; Producer: Jamie Kenney; Label: Blue Jean Baby Records
– Pop star Caillat has always had country tendencies. On this power ballad, she realizes the relationship is kaput, but doesn’t regret a thing. “I know it wasn’t perfect, but loving you was worth it,” she sings in the hooky refrain. The echoey production atmosphere gives the whole thing a dreamy quality.

ELLA LANGLEY & KOE WETZEL / “That’s Why We Fight”
Writers: David Garcia/Brett Tyler/Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Columbia Records/Sony Music Nashville
– It sounds like ‘70s rock, and it is over produced.

TENILLE TOWNES / “Landslide”
Writer: Stevie Nicks; Producers: Tenille Townes/Jaxon Hargrove; Label: Sony
– Canadian superstar Townes (she’s the reigning Country Entertainer of the Year there) is issuing a stripped-down, acoustic, live set of tunes. The Train Track Worktapes is an EP consisting mainly of originals, but she also does a cool, folkie version of this Stevie Nicks classic. I’m a huge fan of both of those ladies.

BRANDY CLARK / “She Smoked in the House”
Writer: Brandy Clark; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label: Warner Records
– How great is it that one of our own has a musical on Broadway? Two of our own, actually, since Brandy and Shane McAnally are the co-writers of the songs in Shucked. Anyhow, Brandy also continues her winning ways as an artist. Ahead of her third album, she has issued “Buried” as a single and this lively character portrait as an advance track. The production ripples around her as she unspools the delightful details of her grandma’s personality. No one, but no one, writes a song like Brandy Clark.

JAMIE FLOYD / “I Never Want to See You Again”
Writers: Jamie Floyd/Jimmy Thow/Madi Diaz; Producers: Jamie Floyd /Jimmy Thow; Label: JF
– Floyd is a veteran Nashville songwriter who has penned tunes for Kelly Clarkson, Kesha, Ingrid Andress, Brian Wilson, Sturgill Simpson, Ronnie Dunn, Ashley Monroe, Miranda Lambert, Cassadee Pope, Ty Herndon and more. This bopping, danceable ditty is ear candy on several levels. The melody is enchanting. The production shines like crystal beads. Her soprano-leaping vocal is a delight. The songwriting is stellar: “I never want to see you again, until I see you again,” she warbles as she contemplates an up-and-down relationship while notes sparkle like glitter around her. A lovely record.

MELONIE CANNON / “Way Down Deep”
Writers: Max D. Barnes/Max T. Barnes; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Butch Carr; Label: MC
– Those breathtaking harmony vocalists surrounding Cannon belong to those hillbilly angels, Doyle Lawson and Jamey Johnson. If that isn’t enough to make you listen, dig this: It’s part of a tribute album to the late, great Vern Gosdin. Stop what you’re doing and cleanse your country-loving soul with a listen to this mini masterpiece. The album also includes contributions from Alison Krauss, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Cody Jinks, Jim Lauderdale, Sidney Cox and more. Sign me up for a copy.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Match for My Memory”
Writers: Robyn Ottolini/Emily Reid; Producers: Mark Schroor/Erik Fintelman; Label: Empire
– Ottolini issues a new collection tomorrow that she’ll be promoting on the road with Shania Twain this summer. Its advance track is a passionate, throbbing vocal performance that soars on the choruses, and is just as potent on the verses, thanks to a pulsing rhythmic undertow. She’s cautioning her ex that he’ll never escape the pull of his memories of her.

DANIELLE BRADBERY / “Monster”
Writers: Danielle Bradbery/Lauren LaRue/Sam De Jong; Producer: Nathan Chapman/Derek Wells; Label: Big Machine
– We all have fears and anxieties we keep hidden. Bradbery takes hers out into the open in this moody, vulnerable song. Both the therapeutic song and the layered production are complex, which makes repeated listening all the more rewarding. A winner. And if you haven’t done so yet, go ahead and be totally charmed by her feisty single “A Special Place.”

K. MICHELLE & JUSTIN CHAMPAGNE / “Country Love Song”
Writers: Andrew P. Jackson Jr/Brooke Payne/Jeff Dyson/Justin Tyler Champagne/Kimberly Pate/Tredell Rener; Producer: none listed; Label: Justin Champagne
– He’s a hip hopper. She’s an R&B hit maker (and former cast member of VH-1’s Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta). They’re both “going country” on this outing. He is top billed, but the record really comes alive when she sings. In the “who wore it best” contest, she’s the country winner. I understand that we are to expect more to come from K. Michelle as a nouveau-country artist.

ERIN KINSEY / “Always Never”
Writers: Erin Kinsey/Sarah Buxton/Josh Kerr; Producer: Josh Kerr; Label: RECORDS Nashville
– The sound of young heartbreak: kinda innocent, kinda wounded, kinda sweet. Pretty, but not terribly memorable. For a fuller realization of what this artist is about, check out last year’s upbeat single “I Got You.”