Brian Kelley is leaning into his Florida roots and signature coastal cowboy sound on his newest project, Sunshine State Of Mind Season Two, Chapter One.
The project marks Kelley’s fourth solo album since separating from Florida Georgia Line in 2021, following his 2021 debut album Sunshine State Of Mind Season One, and 2024 releases Tennessee Truth and Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son.
Brian Kelley.
As Kelley recorded the tracks for Sunshine State Of Mind Season One, he realized he had more stories to tell than what fit in the first 17-song record, but he chose to explore the other sides of his artistry first.
“I’m really glad I was able to get Tennessee Truth and Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son out in between these records. I think it shows people more sides of who I am, and you can’t get that with just one record,” Kelley tells MusicRow.
Intentionally taking inspiration for these songs from the life he and his wife, Brittney, have built since moving back to Florida in 2016, Kelley uses this album to showcase his love for his community and the coastal way of life, with songs like “People Make The Place” emphasizing this theme on the record.
“When we are down here [in Florida], our little community here, our friends, family and even the tourists see what’s going on and how people hang. It’s just a really cool vibe and a really cool place.”
The coastal vibe, like that illustrated in the track “Saltwater Ranch,” is something Kelley brings with him on the road to each of his live shows.
“[‘Saltwater Ranch’] is a fun song to connect the dots of all the good times we’ve had in many different places. Every night we try to create our own Saltwater Ranch live,” he says.
After starting the song alone one night after the idea struck, Kelley brought the first few lines to Corey Crowder and Jake Rose to bring the song to life. “Corey came in with ‘its got some outta towners, its got some stick arounders’ and we were off to the races.”
As Kelley gears up for his summer headlining dates, he has a few additions to the setlist in mind. “’Palm Tree Country’ is one of my favorites on the record. As soon as that track starts, it just takes me somewhere—it just sets you wherever you want to go.”
In the midst making the record and preparing for tour, Kelley took a chance with an opportunity he never saw coming: competing on The Masked Singer.
“It totally caught me off guard in the best way possible,” Kelley says with a laugh. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity. It just came at the right time that I didn’t know I needed it. It was so fun to put that mask on and just go sing. It set my compass right.”
With a new record out in the world and his headline tour kicking off in a few short weeks, Kelley is ready to let his “sunshine state of mind” lead the way through this next chapter.
New Vinyl Collection Of Randy Travis Hits Due In August
/by Lorie HollabaughRandy Travis is releasing a new vinyl collection featuring 10 of his most beloved songs, Now Playing – Randy Travis, via Warner Music Nashville and Rhino Records on Aug. 1 as part of Rhino’s Now Playing series.
The new release spans Travis’ career, capturing the heart and soul of a voice that defined a generation of country music, and includes “If I Didn’t Have You,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “1982,” “Diggin’ Up Bones,” On the Other Hand” and more.
Now Playing – Randy Travis is the latest installment in the Now Playing series, a curated collection from Warner Music artists designed to bring great hits to music lovers at an accessible price point. Each release in the series includes 10 essential tracks from iconic catalogs, pressed on vinyl and made available wherever vinyl records are sold.
The vinyl release comes in advance of the next leg of the “More Life Tour,” a salute to Travis’ music featuring his original band members, guest vocalist James Dupré, and Randy and his wife Mary onstage the entire show interacting with Dupré, the band, and the audience—something Randy has missed since his 2013 stroke sidelined him from touring the world.
Now Playing – Randy Travis Track Listing:
Side 1:
1. “If I Didn’t Have You”
2. “Forever and Ever, Amen”
3. “1982”
4. “Where That Came From”
5. “Diggin’ Up Bones”
Side 2:
1. “Deeper Than The Holler”
2. “I Told You So”
3. “Better Class of Losers”
4. “On the Other Hand”
5. “Whisper My Name”
JUST IN: Lost Highway Taps Casey Thomas & Vincent Masino
/by LB CantrellCasey Thomas, Vincent Masino
Lost Highway has named two members of its growing Nashville-based team. Casey Thomas has been appointed to Vice President of Marketing and Vincent Masino has been named Manager, Audience Development and Content Strategy at the label.
Thomas joins Lost Highway after a nearly seven-year tenure at Monument Records where she served as Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Partnerships. Prior to that she worked in the development department of the Country Music Hall of Fame. She has a master’s degree from Boston College.
Masino joins Lost Highway from Universal Music Group’s Nashville headquarters where he was the digital content specialist for the past two years. He started his career as a freelance specialist working for labels and in artist management. He is a graduate of University of North Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in marketing with an emphasis on digital media.
“Casey has built a reputation in Nashville as an innovative music marketer with a deep understanding of artistic vision and how to effectively bring that vision to life,” shares Robert Knotts, Co-Head of Lost Highway. “Similarly, Vinny has a unique skillset in connecting an artist’s vision with a receptive audience across an ever-changing digital landscape. Together they will play an integral role in serving Lost Highway’s longstanding vision as a springboard for music’s most important and culture defining artists.”
Originally founded in 2000, Lost Highway was reactivated earlier this year, spearheaded by music business veterans Knotts and Jake Gear. Lost Highway announced last month that Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves had joined the roster, reuniting her with the label that first signed her in 2011.
Something Out West Releases Debut EP ‘Leaving Hollywood’
/by Lorie HollabaughSomething Out West recently released their debut EP Leaving Hollywood via Big Machine Records.
In celebration of the new EP, which includes “You Better Run,” “Bipolar Heart,” the title track, and more, the duo of Chet Hanks and Drew Arthur will make their TV debut on TODAY and The Kelly Clarkson Show tomorrow (June 24).
Following the success of their viral hit and music video for “You Better Run,” which quickly garnered nearly half a million views in its first week of release, Something Out West’s Leaving Hollywood EP features five original tracks that draw influence from the Eagles, Blink-182, The Beatles and more.
Comprised of Arthur, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter from Florida known for his introspective lyrics and dynamic melodies, and Hanks, who stars in Netflix’s No. 1 hit series Running Point as basketball star/aspiring musician Travis Bugg, Something Out West has developed a distinctive sound that fuses Nashville roots with modern, genre-blending influences. The duo has already been featured on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Drew Barrymore Show, TODAY, Variety, Esquire, and more.
Leaving Hollywood Track List:
1. “You Better Run” (Drew Arthur, Brendan Cooney, TJ Courtney)
2. “Bipolar Heart” (Drew Arthur, Brendan Cooney, TJ Courtney)
3. “Already Won” (Drew Arthur, Brendan Cooney, TJ Courtney)
4. “This Ain’t Heaven” (Drew Arthur, Brendan Cooney, Chris Rafetto)
5. “Leaving Hollywood” (Drew Arthur, Heath Warren, Eric Paquette, Eric Van Houten)
MCA Staff Gather To Mark A New Chapter
/by LB CantrellMCA staff. Photo: Stevie Campos
The MCA staff gathered last week to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the label, which recently rebranded from UMG Nashville to MCA (Music Corporation of America).
The team convened for a series of meetings that highlighted the label’s vision for the future. After these meetings, the team was treated to performances and previews of new music from MCA artists such as Jordan Davis, Carter Faith, Josh Ross, Tucker Wetmore, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan.
Pictured (L-R): Carter Faith, Tucker Wetmore, MCA’s Rob Femia, Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi, TJ Osborne, MCA’s Katie McCartney, John Osborne, MCA’s Mike Harris and Dave Cobb, Keith Urban. Photo: Evan Harney
Under the leadership of Mike Harris, President and CEO, and Dave Cobb, Chief Creative Officer, MCA aims to lead a transformation in the music industry by putting artists at the forefront and creating a collaborative, community-driven ecosystem designed to foster creative freedom and purpose-driven success.
“At MCA, we’re no longer just about signing talent; we’re about creating a space where our artists and their teams can thrive, with the creative autonomy they deserve, and the support they need to make meaningful, long-lasting impacts on their careers,” shares Harris.
In addition to Harris and Cobb, the rebranding marks the addition of industry veteran Katie McCartney as Executive Vice President/General Manager. The company also recently announced the promotion of Rob Femia to Chief Operating Officer, expanding his responsibilities as Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs to also oversee day-to-day operations for the label group, ensuring operational efficiency and aligning with MCA’s strategic goals.
Lauren Watkins Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by LB CantrellLauren Watkins makes Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Jessie Addleman
Big Loud country songstress Lauren Watkins made her Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday (June 20), fulfilling a lifelong dream for the Nashville-born artist. She performed her debut single “Shirley Temple” and latest release “I’ll Get Through It” to a full house of friends and family, earning a roaring applause.
Watkins found out about her Opry debut a few weeks ago when tour-mate Zach Top surprised her on stage during his “Cold Beer and Country Music Tour.”
“It means the world to me to be here,” shared Watkins on the Opry stage. “I’m one of the rare ones that was born and raised here – and I’m proud to say that. Of all the things I’ve gotten to do in my career, and all the things I’ll get to do, this is the thing that means the most to me.”
The day before her Opry debut, Watkins made another stop close to home at FirstBank Amphitheater, where she opened up the show for Riley Green’s “Damn Country Music Tour” stop. She also paid a visit to ACM Lifting Lives’ summer camp at Ocean Way Studios, joining Ross Copperman for a special morning with campers as part of ACM’s week-long residential music program for individuals with Williams syndrome.
Morgan Wallen Kicks Off ‘I’m The Problem Tour’ With Two Nights In Houston
/by Lauryn SinkMorgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert
Morgan Wallen kicked off his “I’m The Problem Tour” on Friday (June 20) and Saturday (June 21) at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Wallen’s 25 song setlist included a mix of hits both new and old both nights.
Paying homage to the Lonestar state, Wallen tapped former Houston Texans Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Johnson and beloved Houston salesman Mattress Mack for his fan-favorite walk out moment on night one with Drake and former Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens joining on night two.
“I appreciate you choosing to spend your Friday night here with me at NRG Stadium. Before I get any further, I’d just like to say shout out to Andre Johnson and Mattress Mack for doing my walk out with me – a couple of Houston legends, and I appreciate that. I appreciate you guys for giving me such a warm welcome, I can already tell we’re going to have a good time,” Wallen said while taking in the crowd after singing his Platinum-certified “Ain’t That Some” and “Kick Myself.”
Later in his set, taking B-stage toward the back of the venue for stripped-back acoustic performances of “Cover Me Up,” “I’m A Little Crazy” and “Sand In My Boots,” Wallen explained the importance of seeing as many fans close-up as he can, despite the size of the stadiums he now plays: “We started out at bars in the afternoons, and we worked our way up to what it is now, and that still blows my mind a little bit. I thought about everything that it’s taken to get to this moment right here, and it wouldn’t be possible without you guys and your support – it means a lot to me, I know it means a lot to my team.
“One thing that I miss about playing those smaller places is I could go out on stage every night, and I could pretty much look at every single person in the eyes. That’s not possible now, but this is my best attempt at getting a little bit closer to you, so I want to sing a few songs back here, acoustic-style.”
During his jaunt back to the main stage, Wallen took a moment to honor his band members on screen – Mark “Taco” Annino on drums; Luke Rice on bass/guitar; Dominic Frost and Tyler Tomlinson on guitar/BGV; Chris Gladden on aux/keys; and Tony Aichele on aux/guitar/pedal steel.
By the time the encore arrived, Wallen re-emerged onto the stage donning an Astros jersey, one final tribute to the city. Rolling through two of his biggest hits to-date, 16-week Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 “Last Night” and six week Hot 100 No. 1 “I Had Some Help,” Wallen concluded with his breakthrough 2018 hit, “The Way I Talk,” thanking his fans and signing autographs before leaving.
As part of Wallen’s ‘2025 Tour Give Back’ initiative, Morgan Wallen Foundation (MWF) supports music programs in touring cities. The tour will continue this weekend in Wisconsin.
I’m The Problem Tour. Photo: Matt Paskert
Morgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert
Morgan Wallen With Fans. Photo: Matt Paskert
Little Big Town Plots ‘The Christmas Shows’ At Ryman Auditorium
/by Madison HahnenLittle Big Town.
Little Big Town have unveiled their four night “The Christmas Shows” residency at Ryman Auditorium Dec. 1-4.
The shows will showcase a combination of holiday hits as well as the group’s own fan favorites. The group is familiar with a Ryman residency, holding the milestone of hosting the first yearlong artist residency at the venue during 2017.
Tickets for all four shows will go on sale this Friday (June 27) at 10 a.m. CST here.
Entertainment Attorney John Mason Releases Memoir ‘Crazy Lucky’
/by Lauryn SinkNashville-based entertainment attorney John Morgan has released his memoir, Crazy Lucky, sharing personal stories of his journey from a butcher’s son in California with a knack for the guitar, to a world-class legal mind.
“Most lawyers don’t do what I do,” Mason writes. “I’ve been the last line of defense, the emergency contact, and the one who gets the call in the middle of the night. This book is about what that life really looks like — not just the names, but the moments.”
A fixture in the entertainment world, Mason has represented six Academy Award winners, advised members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and served as legal counsel to recording artists whose sales exceed 100 million records worldwide including names like Reba McEntire, Olivia Newton-John, Frankie Valli, Smokey Robinson, Quincy Jones, the Jackson Five, and the Roy Orbison family. He has been named Billboard Magazine’s “Entertainment Attorney of the Year” and has earned an A/V rating in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory for more than 30 years.
To celebrate the release, Mason is set to host a book signing on June 28 at 2 P.M. CT at Barnes & Noble in Cool Springs.
Brian Kelley Leans Into Florida Roots With ‘Sunshine State Of Mind Season Two, Chapter One’ [Interview]
/by Lauryn SinkBrian Kelley is leaning into his Florida roots and signature coastal cowboy sound on his newest project, Sunshine State Of Mind Season Two, Chapter One.
The project marks Kelley’s fourth solo album since separating from Florida Georgia Line in 2021, following his 2021 debut album Sunshine State Of Mind Season One, and 2024 releases Tennessee Truth and Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son.
Brian Kelley.
As Kelley recorded the tracks for Sunshine State Of Mind Season One, he realized he had more stories to tell than what fit in the first 17-song record, but he chose to explore the other sides of his artistry first.
“I’m really glad I was able to get Tennessee Truth and Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son out in between these records. I think it shows people more sides of who I am, and you can’t get that with just one record,” Kelley tells MusicRow.
Intentionally taking inspiration for these songs from the life he and his wife, Brittney, have built since moving back to Florida in 2016, Kelley uses this album to showcase his love for his community and the coastal way of life, with songs like “People Make The Place” emphasizing this theme on the record.
“When we are down here [in Florida], our little community here, our friends, family and even the tourists see what’s going on and how people hang. It’s just a really cool vibe and a really cool place.”
The coastal vibe, like that illustrated in the track “Saltwater Ranch,” is something Kelley brings with him on the road to each of his live shows.
“[‘Saltwater Ranch’] is a fun song to connect the dots of all the good times we’ve had in many different places. Every night we try to create our own Saltwater Ranch live,” he says.
After starting the song alone one night after the idea struck, Kelley brought the first few lines to Corey Crowder and Jake Rose to bring the song to life. “Corey came in with ‘its got some outta towners, its got some stick arounders’ and we were off to the races.”
As Kelley gears up for his summer headlining dates, he has a few additions to the setlist in mind. “’Palm Tree Country’ is one of my favorites on the record. As soon as that track starts, it just takes me somewhere—it just sets you wherever you want to go.”
In the midst making the record and preparing for tour, Kelley took a chance with an opportunity he never saw coming: competing on The Masked Singer.
“It totally caught me off guard in the best way possible,” Kelley says with a laugh. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity. It just came at the right time that I didn’t know I needed it. It was so fun to put that mask on and just go sing. It set my compass right.”
With a new record out in the world and his headline tour kicking off in a few short weeks, Kelley is ready to let his “sunshine state of mind” lead the way through this next chapter.
Joe Fox Jumps Into Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJoe Fox
Joe Fox has entered the top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. George Birge’s “It Won’t Be Long,” Josh Ross’ “Single Again” and Morgan Wallen’s “Skoal, Chevy, and Browning” all push the songwriter to No. 17 this week.
Charlie Handsome remains in the No. 1 spot with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Falling Apart,” “Genesis,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Interlude,” “Just In Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Love Somebody,” “Miami,” “Missing,” “Smile,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want” and “Where’d That Girl Go.” Wallen stays at No. 2 with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Falling Apart,” “Genesis,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Interlude,” “Just In Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Love Somebody,” “Miami,” “Missing,” “Smile,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want” and “Where’d That Girl Go.”
Riley Green (No. 3), Blake Pendergrass (No. 4) and John Byron (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.