Breland sits on the steps outside of Historical Brown Chapel Ame Church in Selma, Alabama where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood in front of a crowd of seven hundred people in 1965. Photo: Johnnie Izquierdo
As the year comes to a close, it’s impossible to overlook Breland’s contributions to country music. His ability to challenge conventions and create something uniquely his own deserves recognition before the calendar turns.
Breland has established himself as a boundary-pushing voice in country music, and his latest EP, released in October, further cements his reputation as a genre innovator. Titled Project 2024, the new music showcases Breland’s commitment to blending country with other styles, while also diving deeper into more personal storytelling.
“When you hear a name like Project 2024, people might think it’s political, but it’s not. It’s a musical, creative agenda,” Breland shares with MusicRow. “Over the last five years, I’ve been playing at the intersection of country music and other genres, and this project takes that even further. It’s also more autobiographical, with real lyrics that push the boundaries of what country music can sound like. Putting more effort into the lyrics gives me room to experiment sonically.”
Known for hits like his Platinum-certified debut single “My Truck,” Breland continues to push the envelope, this time taking a more introspective approach. Several tracks on the EP draw from his own experiences and family history.
A trip to Selma, Alabama—where some of his ancestors lived—played a key role in shaping the themes of resilience and faith found throughout the EP. Selma’s rich civil rights history and ongoing struggles inspired Breland to explore his roots and reflect on the sacrifices of past generations.
“Selma has a rich history in civil rights, but it’s a community struggling in many ways. It’s a food desert with no hospital within 30 miles. Tornado damage from over a year ago remains unrepaired, and the downtown feels like a ghost town,” he says. “Despite these challenges, the people there hold onto faith and resilience, which inspired a couple of songs on this project.”
There’s also a strong theme of appreciation for women on Project 2024. “Grandmaman’em,” in particular, honors the perseverance of his great-grandmother, an opera singer who never got the chance to pursue her dreams professionally. “What You’ve Been Through” finds Breland recognizing the plight of a woman in his life, and gassing her up.
“I come from a matriarchal family. My mom, Tonya Breland, is incredibly powerful, as were the women in Selma, like my great-grandma. I admire their strength, resilience, and quiet—or loud—power,” Breland says. “Women go through so much daily that we don’t often recognize. I’ve learned a lot from the women in my life and wanted to honor them in this project.”
A standout track, “Icing,” blends clever wordplay with Breland’s signature mix of humor and vocal prowess. While its playful hook might feel lighthearted, it underscores his knack for crafting memorable, multi-dimensional songs.
“It’s just one of those songs that lyrically is really funny and fun, and I’m probably one of the only people in country music that could get that off,” he shares with some humble hesitation.
When asked whether leaning into the things that set him apart from his peers in country music is challenging, Breland admits it can be.
“I wish it were easier. For years, I was told I’d only ever be a songwriter, not an artist. Writing for others involves telling their stories, so transitioning to sharing my own took time. This project is the first where I’ve fully embraced my voice, my story and my style,” he says, crediting his producers and new management team for encouraging him to take risks and focus on authenticity.
Another highlight on the EP, “Same Work,” was inspired by a conversation with a veteran after a show during CMA Fest in 2022. Breland was expressing his gratitude for the veteran’s service, while at the same time, devaluing the importance of his own work. The veteran responded with the beautifully poignant, “isn’t it the same work, if we’re trying to heal the same hurt? Isn’t love the whole point of it all?”
Featuring The War and Treaty, the song adds depth to the EP with its exploration of human connection and shared struggles.
“I did a holiday train tour with Tenille Townes last year, and shared the story about the veteran with her. We wrote the song on the train,” Breland shares. “Having The War and Treaty on the track elevates it, given Michael [Trotter Jr.]’s story as a veteran and their close friendship with me. This song fits the deeper themes of the project.”
Throughout Project 2024, Breland leans into his unique style, pairing sharp storytelling with a genre-fluid sound that includes country, Afrobeats and pop influences. Tracks like “Motion” showcase this sonic experimentation, offering listeners a blend of emotional depth and upbeat rhythms.
The EP’s overarching themes of resilience, family and individuality come at a pivotal point in Breland’s career. After taking a much-needed break to avoid burnout, he has returned with renewed energy and a sharper creative vision.
“I’ve been having fun making music again,” Breland says. “There was a period where I wasn’t having as much fun, but now I feel reinvigorated.”
His willingness to get vulnerable and lean into what makes him unique sets Project 2024 apart as a thoughtful, engaging addition to his discography—and to country music as a whole.
Don’t let the year end without diving into the new music, a testament to Breland’s artistry and the bright future of country music.
Ryan Larkins Drops Surprise Gospel Project
/by Lorie HollabaughRyan Larkins
Red Street Records artist Ryan Larkins dropped a surprise 10-track album of classic gospel hymns, The Gospel Takes, songs he cherished as the foundations of his musical upbringing as a Tennessee native and the son of a Pentecostal preacher.
Larkins was only introduced to country music in his early twenties, and this collection of hymns including “Old Rugged Cross” and “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus” are not only special to Larkins, but are also known and beloved around the world.
“The Gospel Takes is a project that I am very passionate about,” says Larkins. “These songs have meant so much to me throughout my life. They were recorded in the most simple way, to let the words and the melodies take you back to an old oak pew in a little country church. I hope they move you as they have me!”
The album was co-produced by Larkins with Adam Engelhart, and follows a performance of his recently-released rendition of “White Christmas” on American Country Network’s holiday special, American Country Christmas.
The Gospel Takes Track List:
1. “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
2. “Blessed Assurance”
3. “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus”
4. “Old Rugged Cross”
5. “Victory In Jesus”
6. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness / It Is Well”
7. “I’ll Fly Away”
8. “Nothing But The Blood of Jesus”
9. “Can’t Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand”
10. “Someday It’ll All Make Sense”
Flatland Cavalry Releases Extended Album
/by Madison HahnenFlatland Cavalry has released an extended version of their 10th anniversary album, titled Flatland Forever(more), via Interscope Records.
The project features all 25 tracks from Flatland Forever, alongside band commentary and new versions of select fan-favorite tracks, including “A Life Where We Work Out,” “One I Want,” “Mis Últimas Palabras” and more.
Additionally, the band will release a full-length performance video of their Ryman Auditorium headline debut from earlier this year on Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. CT via YouTube. The concert featured special guests Kaitlin Butts and Colby Acuff, and includes the group receiving their first RIAA certification for Gold-certified “A Life Where We Work Out.”
To end 2024, they will also perform their first headline arena show at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena on Dec. 31. The band will then kick off their “Flatland Forever Tour” in February. Tour stops include Atlanta’s Coca-Cola Roxy, Birmingham’s Alabama Theatre, Omaha’s Steelhouse Omaha and more.
Flatland Forever(more) Track Listing:
1. “Intro (commentary)”
2. “No Shade of Green”
3. “Summertime Love (commentary)”
4. “Summertime Love”
5. “Missing You”
6. “Three Car Garage (commentary)”
7. “Three Car Garage”
8. “One I Want”
9. “One I Want (First Dance Cut)”
10. “A Life Where We Work Out (commentary)”
11. “A Life Where We Work Out” (feat. Kaitlin Butts)
12. “A Life Where We Work Out (First Dance Cut)”
13. “Humble Folks”
14. “Lubbock (commentary)”
15. “Lubbock”
16. “Homeland Insecurity (commentary)”
17. “Come Back Down”
18. “Pretty Women”
19. “Sleeping Alone”
20. “Years From Now (Acoustic)”
21. “War With My Mind (commentary)”
22. “War With My Mind”
23. “Some Things Never Change”
24. “Gettin’ By”
25. “Tilt Your Chair Back”
26. “Countryman (commentary)”
27. “Countryman”
28. “Mis Últimas Palabras (commentary)”
29. “Mis Últimas Palabras (Work Tape)”
30. “Mountain Song”
31. “How Long”
32. “Parallel” (feat. Ashley Monroe)
33. “If We Said Goodbye”
34. “Mornings With You (commentary)”
35. “Mornings With You (Worktape)”
36. “Mornings With You” (feat. Kaitlin Butts)
37. “Spinnin’”
38. “Don’t Have To Do This Like That”
39. “Chasing A Feeling (commentary)”
40. “Chasing A Feeling”
Bob Dylan Archive Heads to Julien’s Auctions Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughBob Dylan. Photo: Val Wilmer
Julien’s Auctions will host “Celebrating Bob Dylan: The Aronowitz Archive, T Bone Burnett & More” auction at the Musician’s Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville on Jan. 18.
The auction features 60 items, 50 of these from journalist Al Aronowitz‘s personal archive including two pages containing three progressive typewritten drafts of the lyrics to “Mr. Tambourine Man,” an early Dylan oil painting from 1968, a 1963 handbill from his first major headline performance at Town Hall in New York City, early vintage photos, original sketches and much more. The auction also includes a 1983 Fender Telecaster made for and owned by Dylan and signed handwritten lyrics for “Blowin’ In The Wind.”
The auction is highlighted by a one-of-one Ionic Original disc of Bob Dylan’s new studio recording of “The Times They Are A-Changin'” from a special session with producer Burnett. In honor of “Celebrating Bob Dylan,” a special exhibition showcasing highlights from the Al Aronowitz collection will run through Jan. 17 prior to the auction.
“Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Mick Jagger, Jerry Garcia, Carole King… My Father was this incredible connector,” says Myles Aronowitz, son of Al. “He was much more than a journalist, he understood what these artists were trying to do. He didn’t just meet these cultural icons, he brought them together. He introduced Allen Ginsberg to Bob Dylan, Bob Dylan to The Beatles. My Father was the one who turned The Beatles on for the first time. He connected Jimi Hendrix with Miles Davis, Nico with Lou Reed.
“He wasn’t just a writer with a powerbase as a New York columnist; Al had this unique kind of magic. He made these introductions that went on to shape culture itself. It was more than power or influence—there was something truly magical about what he did. The collection represents my Father’s instinctive ability to identify and connect with greatness. Each item is evidence of this, and how with his magic, he literally brought you into the room!”
Details Announced For Third Annual ‘Opry Goes Dolly’
/by Liza AndersonThe third annual “Opry Goes Dolly” event celebrating Dolly Parton will take place on Jan. 18, the day before Parton’s birthday (Jan. 19).
While the country superstar will not appear in person, the celebration will honor her with tributes while serving as one of the first “Opry 100” shows. Those set to take the stage to perform their favorite Parton tunes include Bill Anderson, Rhonda Vincent, Ashley Cooke and Chapel Hart along with Shaboozey, who will make the first Opry debut of 2025 during the show.
“Opry Goes Dolly” will also feature birthday treats baked using Parton’s Duncan Hines mixes, a large birthday card for fans to sign, photo ops with a Parton impersonator on the Opry Plaza and signature drinks at all Opry House bars. Five dollars from every ticket sold for will be donated to Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income.
Fans attending the show can also purchase a ticket to join a “Dolly-oke” fundraiser in Studio A, headlined by Chapel Hart, following the event. All proceeds will support the Opry Trust Fund, which offers financial assistance to those in the country music industry during times of crisis or emergency.
For more information, click here.
Dr. Bobby Jones To Receive Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award
/by Lorie HollabaughDr. Bobby Jones speaks at the National Museum of African American Music
Dr. Bobby Jones will receive a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award during The Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards ceremony on Feb. 1 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre during Grammy week.
This Special Merit Award is presented by vote of the Recording Academy’s National Trustees to performers who, during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording.
A Gospel vocalist, TV host and radio host, Jones launched his entertainment career in 1976 on WSM-TV with the debut of Nashville Gospel. Building on its success, he became the host and executive producer of Bobby Jones Gospel, which premiered on Black Entertainment Television in 1980 and became the longest-running original series in cable television history.
Jones received his Bachelor of Science from Tennessee State University and his Doctor of Education (EdD) degree from Vanderbilt University. He was appointed Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Dominica in 2006. As a musician, he has toured with the musical group New Life and the Nashville Super Choir, and built a discography spanning 14 releases, among other achievements. He’s received over 1,500 awards, including a Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Performance By A Duo Or Group for “I’m So Glad I’m Standing Here Today.”
Frankie Beverly, The Clash, Dr. Bobby Jones, Taj Mahal, Prince, Roxanne Shante and Frankie Valli are also Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award honorees; Erroll Garner, Glyn Johns and Tania León are the Trustees Award recipients; and Dr. Leo Beranek is the Technical Grammy Award honoree.
“It’s an amazing privilege to honor this eclectic group of music icons during the year’s biggest week in music,” says Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Each of this year’s Special Merit Award recipients has left an indelible mark on music, from paving the way for others to innovation that forever has changed the trajectory of the musical landscape. We can’t wait to celebrate this group and their achievements in February.”
Brian D. Siewert & Steve Schnur Honored With SCL Trailblazer Award
/by Madison HahnenSteve Schnur accepting the SCL Trailblazer Award for video game composing, presented by SCL President Ashley Irwin.
The Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL) recently held its annual holiday soirees in Nashville, Los Angeles and New York City to celebrate and recognize accomplishments of many of the world’s top music creators in films, television and other visual media.
At the Nashville event, Emmy-winning composer Brian D. Siewert and Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive & President of Music for Electronic Arts, were each presented with the SCL Trailblazer Award. This award honors a select group of composers and lyricists whose groundbreaking contributions have shaped the landscape of scoring for film, television and other visual media in Nashville. Their creative work has been instrumental in enriching the local music community. The inaugural recipient of the SCL Trailblazer Award was Paul Mills last year.
Brian D. Siewert accepting the SCL Trailblazer Award, presented by SCL President Ashley Irwin.
The SCL is a nonprofit organization that serves as the leading professional association for composers and lyricists in film, television, video games and musical theater as well as industry professionals, such as orchestrators, arrangers, music supervisors, agents, attorneys, editors, copyists, recording engineers and other related roles. With a history spanning nearly 76 years, SCL members include some of the most accomplished creative professionals.
Dustin Lynch & Friends Benefit Raises $32K For Local Education Initiatives
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Deteresa (Tullahoma Fire Department, Engineer), Dustin Lynch and Lt. Craig Stroop (Tullahoma Fire Department). Photo: Riley Mau
Dustin Lynch held his ninth annual “Dustin Lynch And Friends Benefit Concert” at his alma mater, Tullahoma High School, on Tuesday night (Dec. 17) in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
Pictured (L-R): Andy Albert, Blake Pendergrass, Madeline Merlo, Dustin Lynch and Jameson Rodgers. Photo: Riley Mau
At the benefit Lynch raised over $32K for two local organizations supporting education: the Imagination Library of Coffee County, Tennessee (an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library) and the Tullahoma Education Foundation for Excellence. Toys were also collected during the special evening for Toys for Tots for the area.
Playing chart-toppers inspired by his hometown like the triple-Platinum “Small Town Boy,” Lynch was joined by songwriters Andy Albert, Blake Pendergrass and Jameson Rodgers, who added their own hits to the round. Other special guests included Madeline Merlo, who teamed with him to showcase several of his biggest duets, as well as their “Broken Heart Thing” collaboration.
Up next, Lynch will appear alongside CBS anchor Lonnie Quinn to correspond live from New York City’s Times Square for the second year in a row during CBS’ New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash Dec. 31 on CBS, and streaming on Paramount+.
On The Row: Austin Snell Blends Influences Together For Personal Storytelling
/by Madison HahnenAustin Snell.
River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville artist Austin Snell grew up immersed in a diverse range of musical influences, from Nickelback to Alan Jackson. Now, the 27-year-old singer-songwriter draws on his rich musical foundation to craft a raw, distinctive sound, amassing over 290 million global steams. He recently stopped by the MusicRow offices to share his story, along with some tunes from his debut album Still Bleeding, released earlier this year.
Snell grew up in Dublin, Georgia and enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from high school. It was while he was in the military that he picked up a guitar for the first time. As he was teaching himself to play, Snell would teach himself different cover songs and send them to his mom, making her the only person to ever hear him sing at the time, but she wanted more people to listen.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Liza Anderson, Madison Hahnen and Sherod Robertson; Austin Snell; MusicRow’s LB Cantrell and John Nix Arledge.
“She would always try to talk me into posting them online, [and eventually] I did. I started doing that as a hobby,” he shared. Snell soon started writing his own tunes while stationed in California. He posted the original songs onto TikTok, gaining an immediate following.
After getting out of the Air Force in 2020, he moved back to his hometown. After connecting with River House Artists’ Zebb Luster, Snell was inspired to come to Nashville in 2022, and the whirlwind began. He made his mark on Music City soon after with “Excuse the Mess,” leading to his record deal.
As far as the live show circuit, Snell didn’t play any live events until he was here in town.
“I didn’t grow up playing in the bars or acoustic gigs. Before I moved to Nashville, I played one 20-minute thing because one of my friends was playing at the bar down the street in our town. I had to learn how to play shows the last couple of years.”
Snell has honed his live performances, fueled by his deep passion for songwriting.
MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and Austin Snell.
“I’ve just always loved writing music. That’s how I grew into music. I love telling stories and I didn’t ever plan on really doing the artist thing. I never saw myself mentally being able to get on stage in front of people and play songs. At first I hated it,” he admitted. “And now it’s my favorite thing in the world.”
Snell’s musical inspirations draw from a bevy of artists, including Jason Aldean, Three Doors Down, Ed Sheeran and more. He recalls being able to listen to all different genres of music on his iPod growing up, and now pays homage to that in his shows with an “iPod shuffle” segment of his set where he plays a string of hit songs including Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee,” Three Doors Down’s “When I’m Gone,” Mario’s “Let Me Love You” and Drake’s “Trophies.”
For the MusicRow staff, Snell played “Wildfire,” which is the only song on his Still Bleeding album he did not write himself. The tune, written by Clayton Mullen, Cody Lohden and Jared Conrad, spoke to Snell upon first listen, and he knew he had to cut it.
He also played “Wasting Mine,” which he wrote by himself, as well as “Some Things Just Stick,” a homage to his country roots.
To end the afternoon, Snell treated the MusicRow team to “Pray All The Way Home,” which was the singer’s first song to go to country radio. The same day it went to radio was two years to the day that Snell moved to Nashville, creating a full circle moment.
Industry Ink: Musicians On Call, Old Crow Medicine Show, More
/by Lorie HollabaughBrenda Lee, Dolly Parton, Gavin DeGraw, More Share Hope For The Holidays Through Musicians On Call Campaign
Musicians On Call Hope for the Holidays featuring Gavin DeGraw. Photo: Shannon Bevins
Musicians On Call is sharing the warmth of the season with hospitals nationwide through its Hope for the Holidays annual campaign, delivering joy through music to those who need it most this time of year. To kick off the season, Gavin DeGraw treated hospital caregivers and staff to an intimate holiday show at the Analog at Hutton Hotel in Nashville.
Patients in hospitals across the country also received a dose of joy through the Hope for the Holidays virtual concert, featuring festive favorites performed by DeGraw, Better Than Ezra, Mickey Guyton, Brenda Lee, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Lindsey Stirling, Straight No Chaser, Alicia Witt and many more. The exclusive concert is shared with MOC’s extensive network of hospitals and with the American Hospital Association, MOC’s Healthcare Community Partner, to more than 5,000 hospitals and health systems nationwide and will be available on-demand for patients and caregivers to view during December. Additional artists including Avery Anna, Mandy Corrente, Menudo, Carmen DeLeon, Alexander Stewart and Michael Trotter, Jr. of The War And Treaty also made special visits to patients at hospitals in L.A., Miami and Nashville, spending time at patients’ bedsides and connecting over favorite songs and holiday memories.
Old Crow Medicine Show Release ‘In The Jailhouse Now’ Video
Old Crow Medicine Show has released a video for their cover of Jimmie Rodgers‘ ‘”In the Jailhouse Now” from the charitable album Better Than Jail.
Better Than Jail features top country, Americana and blues artists covering iconic prison songs to help raise awareness and support for the urgent need to reduce the harm of the criminal justice system. All proceeds from the album support two organizations doing on-the-ground work to make things better: Equal Justice USA and Free Hearts. Featuring moving visuals of incarcerated people throughout history, the video aims to lift up the full humanity of incarcerated people and remind people we can do Better Than Jail.
Claire Leslie Inks With Jeff Roberts Agency
JRA, Hyphen Media Group & Claire Leslie
Singer-songwriter Claire Leslie has signed with Jeff Roberts Agency for booking. Leslie released her debut single, “Original” this summer, and has gained a large social media following which has grown 800% since the beginning of the year, reaching over six million views on vertical content since her label debut. She has also released “Now What?!,” “Ceiling Fan” and “Passenger Seat” this year.
American Country Christmas TV Special Airing Now
The American Country Network will air its American Country Christmas TV special now through Christmas Day. The hour-long program is hosted by country star Lucas Hoge and was filmed at the Mulehouse in Columbia, Tennessee, featuring Christmas performances by Hoge, Craig Campbell, Runaway June, Ty Herndon, Annie Bosko, Ryan Larkins, Johnathan McReynolds, Harper Grace and Brandon Davis. The special can be viewed on ROKU, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, iOS, Android and the American Country Network Web App.
Breland Showcases Resilience & Innovation With ‘Project 2024’ [Interview]
/by LB CantrellBreland sits on the steps outside of Historical Brown Chapel Ame Church in Selma, Alabama where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood in front of a crowd of seven hundred people in 1965. Photo: Johnnie Izquierdo
As the year comes to a close, it’s impossible to overlook Breland’s contributions to country music. His ability to challenge conventions and create something uniquely his own deserves recognition before the calendar turns.
Breland has established himself as a boundary-pushing voice in country music, and his latest EP, released in October, further cements his reputation as a genre innovator. Titled Project 2024, the new music showcases Breland’s commitment to blending country with other styles, while also diving deeper into more personal storytelling.
“When you hear a name like Project 2024, people might think it’s political, but it’s not. It’s a musical, creative agenda,” Breland shares with MusicRow. “Over the last five years, I’ve been playing at the intersection of country music and other genres, and this project takes that even further. It’s also more autobiographical, with real lyrics that push the boundaries of what country music can sound like. Putting more effort into the lyrics gives me room to experiment sonically.”
Known for hits like his Platinum-certified debut single “My Truck,” Breland continues to push the envelope, this time taking a more introspective approach. Several tracks on the EP draw from his own experiences and family history.
A trip to Selma, Alabama—where some of his ancestors lived—played a key role in shaping the themes of resilience and faith found throughout the EP. Selma’s rich civil rights history and ongoing struggles inspired Breland to explore his roots and reflect on the sacrifices of past generations.
“Selma has a rich history in civil rights, but it’s a community struggling in many ways. It’s a food desert with no hospital within 30 miles. Tornado damage from over a year ago remains unrepaired, and the downtown feels like a ghost town,” he says. “Despite these challenges, the people there hold onto faith and resilience, which inspired a couple of songs on this project.”
There’s also a strong theme of appreciation for women on Project 2024. “Grandmaman’em,” in particular, honors the perseverance of his great-grandmother, an opera singer who never got the chance to pursue her dreams professionally. “What You’ve Been Through” finds Breland recognizing the plight of a woman in his life, and gassing her up.
“I come from a matriarchal family. My mom, Tonya Breland, is incredibly powerful, as were the women in Selma, like my great-grandma. I admire their strength, resilience, and quiet—or loud—power,” Breland says. “Women go through so much daily that we don’t often recognize. I’ve learned a lot from the women in my life and wanted to honor them in this project.”
A standout track, “Icing,” blends clever wordplay with Breland’s signature mix of humor and vocal prowess. While its playful hook might feel lighthearted, it underscores his knack for crafting memorable, multi-dimensional songs.
“It’s just one of those songs that lyrically is really funny and fun, and I’m probably one of the only people in country music that could get that off,” he shares with some humble hesitation.
When asked whether leaning into the things that set him apart from his peers in country music is challenging, Breland admits it can be.
“I wish it were easier. For years, I was told I’d only ever be a songwriter, not an artist. Writing for others involves telling their stories, so transitioning to sharing my own took time. This project is the first where I’ve fully embraced my voice, my story and my style,” he says, crediting his producers and new management team for encouraging him to take risks and focus on authenticity.
Another highlight on the EP, “Same Work,” was inspired by a conversation with a veteran after a show during CMA Fest in 2022. Breland was expressing his gratitude for the veteran’s service, while at the same time, devaluing the importance of his own work. The veteran responded with the beautifully poignant, “isn’t it the same work, if we’re trying to heal the same hurt? Isn’t love the whole point of it all?”
Featuring The War and Treaty, the song adds depth to the EP with its exploration of human connection and shared struggles.
“I did a holiday train tour with Tenille Townes last year, and shared the story about the veteran with her. We wrote the song on the train,” Breland shares. “Having The War and Treaty on the track elevates it, given Michael [Trotter Jr.]’s story as a veteran and their close friendship with me. This song fits the deeper themes of the project.”
Throughout Project 2024, Breland leans into his unique style, pairing sharp storytelling with a genre-fluid sound that includes country, Afrobeats and pop influences. Tracks like “Motion” showcase this sonic experimentation, offering listeners a blend of emotional depth and upbeat rhythms.
The EP’s overarching themes of resilience, family and individuality come at a pivotal point in Breland’s career. After taking a much-needed break to avoid burnout, he has returned with renewed energy and a sharper creative vision.
“I’ve been having fun making music again,” Breland says. “There was a period where I wasn’t having as much fun, but now I feel reinvigorated.”
His willingness to get vulnerable and lean into what makes him unique sets Project 2024 apart as a thoughtful, engaging addition to his discography—and to country music as a whole.
Don’t let the year end without diving into the new music, a testament to Breland’s artistry and the bright future of country music.