The Recording Academy’s District Advocate Day recently made its return with the first in-person event since the pandemic. The event aims to bring awareness to several key music-related issues and the artists/representatives advocating for the music community.

Serving as music’s largest grassroots advocacy movement championing creators, the event rallied nearly 2,000 Academy members across 45 states and reached over 75 percent of Congress. Organization members visited their elected Congressional representative’s offices in 12 cities across the country.

Among these cities was Nashville where music creators, such as Gramps Morgan, Cory Asbury and Ben Glover, met with Representative Mark Green to discuss four key pieces of pending legislation that focus on providing fair compensation and protecting free expression for music creators.

Some of the key policy items that were covered include the Restoring Artistic Protections (RAP) Act, which protects every creator’s right to free expression by limiting the use of lyrics and other creative works as evidence in federal court, and the American Music Fairness Act, which ensures artists and music creators receive payment for the use of their songs on AM/FM radio. Additionally, participants discussed the Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act, which amends the tax code so independent artists can fully deduct the cost of new recordings on their taxes, as well as the Peace Through Music Diplomacy Act, which directs the state department to leverage partnerships with the private sector when designing and implementing its music-related exchange programs.

Julie Roberts is back with a new album, Ain’t in No Hurry, produced by Shooter Jennings and singer-songwriter Erin Enderlin. 

Due out Oct. 28 via ONErpm, Ain’t in No Hurry features 14 songs about love, loss, roots and redemption, fit with bluesy ballads and heart-rending love songs. The project includes duets with Randy Houser, as well as Jamey Johnson on the lead single, “Music City’s Killing Me,” written by Ray LaMontagne.

The album also features a revamped cover of K.T. Oslin’s chart-topping “Do Ya,” the women’s empowerment anthem “All By My Damn Self,” the Houser duet “A Little Crazy’s Kinda Nice,” “Don’t Call Me, Baby,” and “Ain’t in No Hurry,” which captures the range of Roberts’ vocals.

“It’s a record of strength,” Roberts says. “I’m reinventing myself here, both musically and lyrically, while still paying tribute to the traditional elements people know me for.” She adds, “I never imagined I could feel this much joy. It puts life into such clear perspective and makes me even more excited about sharing my life journey through new music.”

In 2010, after tallying over a million units sold from her first two albums, Roberts took a step back from the business to regroup and heal after the loss of her home to that year’s historic flood, alongside a life-changing medical diagnosis and the end of her record deal. A decade later, she’s married, fully in remission from multiple sclerosis and back with new music, while also welcoming her first child, a baby boy born via IVF.

Ain’t in No Hurry Track List:
Ain’t in No Hurry (Erin Enderlin, Brent Cobb and Ben Chapman)
Don’t Call Me Baby (Erin Enderlin, Waylon Payne and Mae Estes)
Devil’s Pool (Julie Roberts, Waylon Jennings, Shooter Jennings and Richard Jason Collum)
Music City’s Killing Me with Jamey Johnson (New York City’s Killing Me) (Ray LaMontagne)
All By My Damn Self (Julie Roberts and Richard Jason Collum)
Do Ya (K.T. Oslin)
(When You Wake Up) In the Bed You Made (Erin Enderlin, Buddy Lee Owen and Galen Griffin)
Easy Street (Bobby Emmons and Chips Moman)
A Little Crazy’s Kinda Nice with Randy Houser (Jason Matthews and Rebecca Lynn Howard)
Big Moon (John Doe)
The Concept of You (Michael James Farmer)
The King and His Crown (Julie Roberts, Arlis Albritton and Cliff Cody)
The Song Goes with Me (Julie Roberts, Darrell Clark and Marcus Hummon)
I Think You Know (Jessi Colter)

Daywind Music Group is relaunching Thoroughbred Records, a bluegrass gospel label with historic ties to the genre. Thoroughbred’s first signing is Chosen Road who will debut with a brand-new album, Appalachian Christmas, featuring several friends, including Selah, Point of Grace, and more.

“Christian Hearts with a Musicians’ Mind–that’s what I’m reminded of when I think of Chosen Road,” notes A&R and Creative Director of Thoroughbred Records/Billy Blue Records Jerry Salley. “Over the years of getting to know this band and its founder, Jonathan Buckner, I have been impressed not only with their musical ability, but also their hearts for the God they serve and sing about. I am very excited to launch Thoroughbred Records, our new, all-bluegrass-gospel label with such a sincere and exciting group.”

“As a band, we couldn’t be more excited about the re-launch of Thoroughbred Records, and the opportunity to be a part of the Daywind family,” adds Buckner. “Thoroughbred Records has a rich history in bluegrass and roots gospel music. We grew up listening to the legendary artists that once called Thoroughbred home. We’re honored to become a part of that legacy. Daywind has made such a positive impact on the world through gospel music, and that is why Chosen Road exists. We look forward to bringing hope through some exciting new music to audiences and listeners very soon.”

Thoroughbred Records emerged in 1995 and was home to the Lewis Family, Hall of Famers in both the bluegrass and Gospel genres, until shortly before their retirement in 2009. The Easter Brothers followed, as well as the Chigger Hill Boys and Terri, who joined the label in 2003.

The label directed attention to the gospel side of bluegrass through its two-volume collection of bluegrass gospel music, O Lord How Great Thou Art, which featured Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Bluegrass Cardinals, Alison Kraus, Ricky Skaggs, and many more. Thoroughbred culminated its successful initial run with an audio/video collaboration featuring Jeff and Sheri Easter, the Lewis Family, and the Easter Brothers aptly titled We are Family.

Thoroughbred Records will be distributed to Christian retail through New Day Christian Distributors.

Chris Janson Performs At CMHOF In Honor Of Kix Brooks

Chris Janson performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame earlier this week to honor Kix Brooks for receiving the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters’ Impact Award. Brooks was recognized for his long-running syndicated radio program, American Country Countdown. The country star’s broadcasting career has earned him multiple CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year Awards, making Brooks the first person to ever win a CMA Award in both the Artist and Broadcast categories.

Janson performed “Rock My World (Little Country Girl)” to honor Brooks, while playing guitar, drums, and harp simultaneously.

 

Cole Swindell Rings In New RIAA Certifications & 12th No. 1 Single

One plaque was in honor of his multi-week No. 1 single, “Never Say Never” with Lainey Wilson, earning a Platinum distinction. Another celebrated his newest single, “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” being certified Gold. The four-week No. 1 has already surpassed one million track equivalents. Finally, the third plaque commemorated Swindell’s 12 chart-topping hits.

Swindell is nominated for Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year at the 56th annual CMA Awards, and is currently on the road on his headlining “Back Down To The Bar Tour” with Ashley Cooke and Dylan Marlowe.

 

Maddie & Tae Play Hometown Show, Celebrate Some New Gold Accessories

Mercury Nashville duo Maddie & Tae brought their headlining “CMT Next Women of Country Tour Presents: All Song No Static Tour” to Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on Wednesday night (Oct. 5).

The pair delivered a set filled with No. 1 hits and fan favorites, including “Die From A Broken Heart,” “Girl In A Country Song,” “Bathroom Floor,” and “Woman You Got.” They also shared new music from their recently released Through The Madness Vol. 2 collection.

Before the show, the pair were also surprised by UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe with a plaque for their sophomore album, The Way It Feels, officially earning Gold certification.

 

Drew Baldridge Hosts Inaugural “Big Baldridge And Bonfire Music Festival,” Rings In Album Release

Drew Baldridge‘s inaugural “The Big Baldridge and Bonfire Music Festival” was held on Oct. 1 in his hometown of Patoka, Illinois. One dollar to every ticket sold was donated to the Southern, Illinois chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, marking nearly $3,000 raised.

The festival was headlined by Baldridge and featured Craig Campbell, Dylan Wolfe, Murphy500 and Katie Hatch. Additionally, the mayor of Patoka surprised Baldridge with an honorary hometown plaque, which will accompany the town’s entry sign.

On Tuesday (Oct. 4), Baldridge also rang in the release of his sophomore album, Country Born, with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Released on Sept. 30, the record broke into the top 10 on iTunes.

 

Randy Houser, James Otto, More Play The Bluebird To Benefit Habitat For Humanity

Randy Houser, James Otto, Brice Long and Keith Gattis performed a sold out show at the Bluebird Cafe on Wednesday (Sept. 28). The evening helped to raise money for the Habitat for Humanity Music Row build.

The Music Row build began in 2003 and helped eight local families purchase affordable homes before it ended in 2012. Habitat’s Music Row build reignited in 2020 as industry veteran Mark Brown decided to help Nashville residents have equal opportunities to live in the city in which they work.

Amazon Music is celebrating country music throughout October with “We Are Country,” a month of exclusive new songs, livestreaming events, and special programming to celebrate country music month.

Throughout this month, Amazon Music listeners can tune into Country Class–Group Thread, a weekly livestreamed conversation between a panel of artists, creators, industry members, and entrepreneurs to discuss the meaning behind “We Are Country.” Frank Ray, Drew Green, and Conner Smith kicked off the series this week, with upcoming episodes featuring Reyna Roberts, Willie Jones, Lily Rose, Morgan Wade, and Priscilla Block. New episodes will release every Monday throughout October at 8 p.m. CT via Twitch.

“Country music is not a monolith,” notes Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Head of Country Music at Amazon Music.“‘We Are Country’ celebrates the fact that country artists and country fans cannot be solely defined as one person, one demographic, or one segment of the population. We are excited to share our diverse programming across all of the Amazon Music country verticals throughout October and beyond.”

All month long, fans will hear new and exclusive Amazon Original songs from their favorite artists, including a reimagined version of Thomas Rhett’s hit “Half of Me” featuring Riley Green, available now. Additional Amazon Originals will follow, including Zach Bryan’s “Burn, Burn, Burn” on Oct. 14, Walker Hayes’ “AA” on Oct. 21, Lily Rose’s version of “Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen on Oct. 21, and Corey Kent’s take on Post Malone’s “Better Now” on Oct. 28.

New Country Heat Weekly podcast episodes will also roll out throughout October featuring in-depth conversations with Mickey Guyton (Oct. 13), Sam Williams (Oct. 20), and Elle King (Oct. 27).