Dustin Lynch will release his new album, Clean Slate, on Oct. 30 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
Clean Slate takes its name from the album’s introspective title track, and finds Lynch considering where he’s been, what he’s learned and where he wants to go next. Lynch co-wrote seven of the album’s twelve tracks alongside Zach Crowell, Josh Thompson, Jameson Rodgers, Brent Anderson, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson and more. Ashley Cooke joins Lynch on the album on “How You Been.”
“There’s a lot of life on this record,” says Lynch. “Falling for somebody, missing somebody, looking back at things you might do differently now, going out and having a damn good time, and figuring out what matters when everything else gets quiet. I’ve lived a lot of life since my first record, and I wanted this album to feel true to where I am today while still sounding like me.”
The leadoff track from the project, “Made In A Bottle,” penned by Jesse Frasure, Mark Holman and Geoff Warburton, arrives Sept. 4.
“We started playing ‘Made In A Bottle’ live this summer and the reaction was immediate,” shares Lynch. “I love the energy of it and the rhythmic pocket in that chorus. You can’t help but move along to it. Production-wise, we wanted it to feel like you’re right there in the middle of our live show. There aren’t a bunch of studio tricks. It’s real instruments and real players, and it’s just a great honky-tonk song. We’ve road-tested it all summer, and it fits our show perfectly.”
The album announcement follows Lynch’s Setlist Staples – 10 #1’s, a collection of all 10 of his chart-toppers released Aug. 28. The collection arrived alongside new RIAA certifications for “Small Town Boy” (5X Platinum), “Thinking ’Bout You” (4X Platinum), “Ridin’ Roads” (double Platinum) and “Chevrolet (feat. Jelly Roll)” (Platinum).
Clean Slate Track List:
1. “Made In A Bottle” (Jesse Frasure, Mark Holman, Geoff Warburton)
2. “Real Fine Reason” (Dustin Lynch, Will Bundy, John Byron, Rocky Block, Blake Pendergrass)
3. “Clean Slate” (Johnny Simpson, Jeremy Dussolliet, Tim Sommers, James Abrahart, Jackson Foote)
4. “She Don’t Know” (Dustin Lynch, Zach Crowell, Jaxson Free, Jameson Rodgers)
5. “How You Been (feat. Ashley Cooke)” (Dustin Lynch, Josh Phillips, Ben Williams, Justin Ebach)
6. “Lightning Don’t” (Dustin Lynch, Justin Ebach, Josh Thompson)
7. “Built Us A Life” (Dustin Lynch, Justin Ebach, Josh Thompson)
8. “One Tennessee” (Casey Brown, Kyle Fishman, Travis Wood)
9. “Talkin’”” (David Garcia, Brent Anderson, Smith Ahnquist, John Morgan)
10. “Old Man Knows” (Dustin Lynch, Brent Anderson, Jameson Rodgers, Jeremy Bussey)
11. “Easy To Love” (Dustin Lynch, Ben Johnson, Jon Hall, Hunter Phelps, Zach Crowell)
12. “Home To You” (Dustin Lynch, Richard Brandon Davis, Trent Tomlinson, Matt Drake, Chris Drake)
Black River Entertainment To Host Imagination Library Benefit Event
/by Lorie HollabaughBlack River Entertainment is opening its Sound Stage Studios on Sept. 19 for the inaugural Studios & Stories experience.
The event will benefit Dolly Parton‘s Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee to celebrate Nashville’s newly designated Imagination Library Month. Every $15 raised funds an entire year of books for one child. Studios & Stories aims to fund a full year for 500 Middle Tennessee children.
The event will feature two immersive experiences with singer-songwriters Doug Johnson, MaRynn Taylor, Dan Wilson and McCall Chapin, as well as guest readers WSM’s Kelly Sutton and Daniel Musto of Daniel Diamond.
The Write gives teens ages 14–18 the chance to step inside a real Nashville co-write, working in small groups alongside professional songwriters to create an original song. As part of The Write experience, teen participants will also share lunch with the songwriters, provided by JBJ’s Nashville. Stories in the Studio invites families inside a working Nashville recording studio to watch a song come to life during a live recording session, then head to Ronnie’s Place for story time with a guest reader and an Imagination Library favorite.
Tickets begin at $25 for Stories in the Studio and $150 for The Write, and can be purchased here.
“Studios & Stories is a truly unique opportunity to experience Nashville’s creative spirit while helping children build the foundation for a lifetime of learning,” says United Way of Greater Nashville Chief Development Officer Courtney Barlar. “We are honored that Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee is the recipient of this inaugural event, and we invite the community to join us in turning the power of stories into brighter futures for children across our region.”
“As someone whose own daughter grew up receiving her first books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, this program is a blessing close to my heart,” says Dawn Delvo, Vice President of Philanthropy & Social Impact at Black River Entertainment. “At Black River, we’ve been fortunate over the years to find success with our artists and studios, so opening our doors in support of this cause feels like a natural turn of the page in our story. It’s an honor to pour into the lives and futures of children by supporting the mission Dolly began in honor of her father.”
Slater Nalley Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Mason Domke (Director A&R and Research, WRN), Stacey Cato (Senior Manager Artist Relations, Opry), Slater Nalley, Lexi Lampkin (Manager Artist & Industry Relations, Opry) and Cris Lacy (Chair & President, WRN). Photo: Benjamin Humphrey
Slater Nalley made his Grand Ole Opry debut Tuesday night (Sept. 1).
The Warner Records Nashville singer-songwriter played his breakout tune, “Stopped Loving You,” from his debut EP, Hey Georgia, along with the unreleased “The Highway.”
Nalley has more new music on the way, and will join Blake Whiten for his “Something To Say Tour” starting in October with stops in Lexington, Charleston, Washington D.C and more. He will also perform at Red West Music Festival and St. Pete Country Fest this fall.
Mason Domke (Director A&R and Research, WRN), Slater Nalley and Cris Lacy (Chair & President, WRN). Photo: Benjamin Humphrey
Industry Ink: Josh Turner, LOCASH, Country Cruising, Ryan Stevenson, LEO Events
/by Lorie HollabaughJosh Turner Receives Multi-Platinum ‘Your Man’ Plaque From Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery and Josh Turner. Photo: Aaron Shriver
Josh Turner received a surprise onstage Friday night (Aug. 28) when Scotty McCreery presented him with a plaque commemorating “Your Man” being certified five-times Platinum by the RIAA. Additionally, “Would You Go With Me” is now four-times Platinum and “Me and God” is certified Gold. The moment came 15 years after Turner surprised McCreery at his “American Idol” hometown show in 2011, where the two performed “Your Man” together.
LOCASH Performs At NASCAR 2026 Coke Zero Sugar 400
LOCASH. Photo: BIGRED
LOCASH took the stage at Daytona International Speedway ahead of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 last weekend. Preston Brust and Chris Lucas kicked off the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale with a pre-race concert.
“NASCAR and country music go hand in hand,” shared Lucas ahead of the performance. “We have always been fans and are fired up about playing the Coke Zero Sugar 400 pre-race. Let’s light it up!”
Country Cruising Teams With Ely Cattleman For Apparel Partnership
Flying Dutchmen Travel and Country Cruising have teamed with Western apparel brand Ely Cattleman as the exclusive clothing partner for the 2027 Country Cruising season. During the cruise, guests can participate in an Ely Cattleman-sponsored Rodeo Roundup Theme Night. The seventh anniversary cruise will sail from April 11-18, and artists scheduled to perform include Randy Travis’ More Life Tour, Russell Dickerson, Hannah Dasher, Craig Morgan, Alana Springsteen, Drake White, and many more.
Ryan Stevenson’s ‘Eye of the Storm’ Receives Platinum Certification
TobyMac, Ryan Stevenson, Bryan Fowler and Joey Elwood.
Ryan Stevenson is celebrating a decade of his career-defining hit “Eye of the Storm” with the release of “Eye of the Storm (A Decade Later).” Originally featured on Stevenson’s Fresh Start album, “Eye of the Storm” became a breakout hit in 2016, reaching No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot Christian Songs and Christian Airplay charts and remaining at the top of Christian radio for 16 weeks. The song went on to win Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at the 2017 GMA Dove Awards.
A decade later, the song has reached another major milestone with Platinum certification. Stevenson celebrated the achievement at Gotee Records in Franklin, Tennessee. This fall, Stevenson will head out on a special “Eye of the Storm 10th Anniversary Tour,” running Sept. 30-Oct. 18.
Josh Scull Named Sr. VP/People & Process At LEO Events
Josh Scull.
Josh Scull has been named Senior Vice President of People & Process at LEO Events, based in the agency’s Nashville office. Josh joins LEO with 17 years of HR leadership experience, most recently serving as Vice President of Human Resources for CBS Digital Sports & News at Paramount Global, where he supported more than 900 employees and 2,000 contractors across multiple business units. Scull is a graduate of the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business and has deep ties to Tennessee, having previously spent nearly a decade with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Dustin Lynch Readies New LP For October
/by Lorie HollabaughDustin Lynch will release his new album, Clean Slate, on Oct. 30 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
Clean Slate takes its name from the album’s introspective title track, and finds Lynch considering where he’s been, what he’s learned and where he wants to go next. Lynch co-wrote seven of the album’s twelve tracks alongside Zach Crowell, Josh Thompson, Jameson Rodgers, Brent Anderson, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson and more. Ashley Cooke joins Lynch on the album on “How You Been.”
“There’s a lot of life on this record,” says Lynch. “Falling for somebody, missing somebody, looking back at things you might do differently now, going out and having a damn good time, and figuring out what matters when everything else gets quiet. I’ve lived a lot of life since my first record, and I wanted this album to feel true to where I am today while still sounding like me.”
The leadoff track from the project, “Made In A Bottle,” penned by Jesse Frasure, Mark Holman and Geoff Warburton, arrives Sept. 4.
“We started playing ‘Made In A Bottle’ live this summer and the reaction was immediate,” shares Lynch. “I love the energy of it and the rhythmic pocket in that chorus. You can’t help but move along to it. Production-wise, we wanted it to feel like you’re right there in the middle of our live show. There aren’t a bunch of studio tricks. It’s real instruments and real players, and it’s just a great honky-tonk song. We’ve road-tested it all summer, and it fits our show perfectly.”
The album announcement follows Lynch’s Setlist Staples – 10 #1’s, a collection of all 10 of his chart-toppers released Aug. 28. The collection arrived alongside new RIAA certifications for “Small Town Boy” (5X Platinum), “Thinking ’Bout You” (4X Platinum), “Ridin’ Roads” (double Platinum) and “Chevrolet (feat. Jelly Roll)” (Platinum).
2. “Real Fine Reason” (Dustin Lynch, Will Bundy, John Byron, Rocky Block, Blake Pendergrass)
3. “Clean Slate” (Johnny Simpson, Jeremy Dussolliet, Tim Sommers, James Abrahart, Jackson Foote)
4. “She Don’t Know” (Dustin Lynch, Zach Crowell, Jaxson Free, Jameson Rodgers)
5. “How You Been (feat. Ashley Cooke)” (Dustin Lynch, Josh Phillips, Ben Williams, Justin Ebach)
6. “Lightning Don’t” (Dustin Lynch, Justin Ebach, Josh Thompson)
7. “Built Us A Life” (Dustin Lynch, Justin Ebach, Josh Thompson)
8. “One Tennessee” (Casey Brown, Kyle Fishman, Travis Wood)
9. “Talkin’”” (David Garcia, Brent Anderson, Smith Ahnquist, John Morgan)
10. “Old Man Knows” (Dustin Lynch, Brent Anderson, Jameson Rodgers, Jeremy Bussey)
11. “Easy To Love” (Dustin Lynch, Ben Johnson, Jon Hall, Hunter Phelps, Zach Crowell)
12. “Home To You” (Dustin Lynch, Richard Brandon Davis, Trent Tomlinson, Matt Drake, Chris Drake)
Kyle Schuesler Inks With HEY NOW Records
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (Front Row, L-R): Kyle Schuesler and Kris Lamb. (Back Row, L-R): John Esposito and Clint Higham. Photo: Zach Wesner/HEY NOW Records
Kyle Schuesler has inked with HEY NOW Records.
The West Coast-based guitarist, vocalist and writer signed to Liz Rose Music after releasing 12 individual singles on his own. Schuesler has played Austin’s South By Southwest and Coastal Country Jam, and shared stages with Vance Joy, Alana Springsteen, Evan Honer, Jonah Kagen and Logan Crosby. He is slated to release new music later this year.
“Kyle has such a unique way of merging styles,” shares Kris Lamb, HEY NOW President & Co-Founder. “It’s seamless, all these genres that people love as his own sound. As a vocalist, not only does his voice have a real warmth that draws you in, he can do things very few singers can. When he goes into a falsetto, you don’t realize how hard that is – and it’s the way he makes everything seem so easy that makes you want to keep listening.”
“People don’t really know what to call it: Indie? Alt-folk? Acoustic-pop? Coastal country? I’m not sure why people feel they need to label it instead of just listening and enjoying the music,” adds Schuesler. “The things I love don’t fit in boxes – Noah Kahan, The Lumineers, Zach Bryan – but they feel right when you hear them. That’s what drew me to HEY NOW, no one at the label cared what it was, as much as how much they loved these songs.”
Cledus T. Judd Signs With Reliant Talent Agency
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Allen Mitchell (Cledus T. Judd Manager), Briannon Griffin, Olivia Wolf, Cledus T. Judd, Steve Lassiter (President/Reliant Talent) and Seth Meganck
Country comedian and recording artist Cledus T. Judd has signed with Reliant Talent Agency for representation.
The signing represents something of a homecoming.for Judd, since he and Reliant Talent President Steve Lassiter share a relationship that stretches back years.
“We’re proud to announce the signing of Cledus T. Judd to our growing list of comedy clients,” says Lassiter, President, Reliant Talent Agency. “Cledus is a long-time friend and former client of the office and we look forward to working and laughing with him and his team as he climbs the mountain once again.”
Judd first exploded onto the national country scene in the mid-1990s, when his parodies, quick wit and larger-than-life personality filled a comedic space that had long been part of country music tradition. His videos became favorites, while songs including “I Love NASCAR,” “My Cellmate Thinks I’m Sexy,” “How Do You Milk a Cow” and “If Shania Was Mine” helped establish him as more than a novelty act. He has a catalog including 12 albums and dozens of singles and videos that became staples of country television, and quickly earned a devoted fanbase and reputation as country’s premier musical satirist.
Muscadine Bloodline Partners With Trenches Records/Republic Records
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Kellie Chen/Courtesy of Trenches Records/Republic Records
Muscadine Bloodline has partnered with Trenches Records/Republic Records.
The Alabama-born duo of Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton will mark their first release through the partnership on Sept. 18 with their new single, “Escatawpa Hollow.”
Since 2015, the duo has amassed more than 1 billion streams, earned Platinum certifications for fan favorites “Me On You” and “Porch Swing Angel” and a Gold certification for “Pieces,” which features Lainey Wilson. The band has sold-out headline tours across the globe and shares stages with Turnpike Troubadours, Post Malone, and Lainey Wilson. The band has upcoming dates with The Red Clay Strays and Turnpike Troubadours through December.
“This is about adding horsepower without changing the engine,” shares the duo. “We’ve always believed that if you take care of the fans, everything else follows. That mindset isn’t changing. We’re just adding a team that can help us reach more people while staying true to everything that’s gotten us here.”
‘The Songwriters’ Returns Sept. 5 For Fourth Season With Kent Blazy, Rafe Van Hoy, More
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Songwriters, a weekly TV series celebrating the artistry, stories and lasting impact of some of Nashville’s most influential songwriters, returns for its fourth season beginning in early September.
Distributed to an estimated 85% of U.S. households through PBS affiliate stations and hosted by long-time journalist Ken Paulson, The Songwriters goes behind the scenes with members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame exploring the lives, careers and creative journeys of writers whose songs have become part of the fabric of American music.
Season Four features Sharon Vaughn (“My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys”), Mike Reid (“I Can’t Make You Love Me”), Kent Blazy (“If Tomorrow Never Comes”), John Scott Sherrill (“Nothing But the Wheel”), Tom Shapiro (“Never Give Up on a Good Thing”), Rafe Van Hoy (“What’s Forever For”), Steve Bogard (“Carrying Your Love With Me”) and Gary Burr (“Queen of Hearts”). The season also shines a spotlight on two legendary songwriters—two episodes celebrate the remarkable body of work of Jimmy Webb, while two additional episodes explore the enduring legacy of John Prine.
The Songwriters is produced at the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment at Middle Tennessee State University, where Paulson is dean emeritus. All in-studio production is done by students in the college’s Media Arts department and direction is provided by department Chair Robert Gordon.
“If you’re a fan of great songwriting, you will love this archive of interviews with some of the best, all of whom have a deep connection to Nashville, the modern mecca for songwriters of all genres,” says Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Member Pat Alger. “Ken’s one of the best in the business, and he takes you up close and personal to hear intimate performances and the stories behind the many iconic songs created by these elite writers.”
Chris Tomlin To Celebrate The Holiday Season On ‘Good News Of Great Joy Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Tomlin.
Chris Tomlin will head into the holidays with his “Good News of Great Joy Tour,” which kicks off Dec. 1 in Birmingham.
“Christmas started with a song… with the announcement of Jesus’s birth,” says Tomlin. “What better time than this Christmas to gather at the church to worship and celebrate together! My prayer for this Christmas Tour is that we may be reminded that God is near to us… that when everything is stripped away, all the lights, decorations and gifts… that God is with us. I hope you, your family, and your friends will join me and celebrate!”
Pre-sale tickets for the “Christmas With Chris Tomlin: Good News of Great Joy Tour” will be available beginning Sept. 2, with tickets going on sale to the general public Sept. 4.
The announcement comes as Tomlin prepares for his sold-out “Worship Under the Stars” Concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Sept. 11. Additional dates include shows on Sept. 12 in Phoenix at the Mesa Amphitheatre and Sept. 13 in San Diego at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.
Tomlin’s most recent single “Doesn’t He (Deserve It All),” from his 18th studio album The King Is Still The King, follows on the heels of the album’s debut single “How Good It Is,” which became Tomlin’s biggest radio debut since 2020.
Christmas With Chris Tomlin: Good News of Great Joy Tour:
Dec 1 – Birmingham, AL – Alabama Theatre
Dec 1 – Daytona Beach, FL – Peabody Auditorium
Dec 3 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston PAC
Dec 4 – Pensacola, FL – Saenger Theatre
Dec 8 – Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Auditorium
Dec 9 – Newport News, VA – Ferguson Center for the Arts
Dec 10 – Jersey City, NJ – Loews Jersey City
Dec 15 – Detroit, MI – Fisher Theatre
Dec 16 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre
Dec 17 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theater
Dec 18 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre
Centennial Park Dedicates Bench In Memory Of Dolly Parton
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Metro Parks/Centennial Park Conservancy
A historic bench in Centennial Park has been dedicated in memory of Dolly Parton, celebrating her enduring connection to the park, her contributions to the Nashville community, and her lifelong commitment to inspiring children to read, dream and imagine.
In 1975, acclaimed photographer Raeanne Rubenstein photographed Parton in Centennial Park’s Sunken Garden, capturing about 60 images of the young singer and rising star lounging on one of Centennial Park’s historic conversation benches. A printed photograph pf Parton reclining on the bench will be placed on permanent display in the Parthenon when its “Athens of the South Exhibit” reopens.
For the past eight years, Parton’s Imagination Library has partnered with Centennial Park Conservancy’s Kidsville program to promote childhood literacy through programming at the Parthenon and Musicians Corner.
The dedication of the bench located near the Sunken Garden was celebrated Saturday (Aug. 29), as Metro Parks and Centennial Park Conservancy marked the grand opening of the revitalized north side of Centennial Park. The revitalization includes a new event pavilion for community gatherings and Croquet Cafe, the first restaurant in a Nashville park.
“Dolly has always understood the power of a story — to open a child’s mind, spark a dream and inspire them to imagine what is possible,” says Brooke Siegel-Rochelle, Senior Manager of Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee. “It is incredibly meaningful to see her honored here in Centennial Park, a place where she made memories early in her career and where, decades later, her Imagination Library continues to connect children with the joy and possibility of books. This bench is a beautiful reminder of Dolly’s legacy and the countless lives she has touched through music, storytelling and her unwavering belief in the power of imagination.”
Photo: Courtesy of Metro Parks/Centennial Park Conservancy
Photo: Courtesy of Metro Parks/Centennial Park Conservancy