Blanco Brown has released his latest EP, Cedar Walls & Whiskey, the second out of a three-part project.

“Snapshot,” the first single from Cedar Walls & Whiskey, was written by Diane Warren and produced by Brown. The song is a reflection on the special memories we hold of our loved ones and how they bring us back to cherished moments in our lives, providing motivation and hope just when needed. Other tracks on the EP include “You’re Incredible,” a romantic tune about the innate value within us all even when we don’t feel it, “One Day Less,” a love song about not wanting to be on earth without those we love most and “Bad Man,” a take on the slang definition where bad means good.

“Regarding ‘Bad Man’, my brother actually sent me the track and the chorus,” says Brown. “I wanted to make my mentor/friend a part of this record so I sent it to him and he wrote the coolest line ever sang! God’s been blessing me. I’m riding high. He put a lift kit on my life. The pressure was on when I wrote the second verse. ‘Bad Man’ is a bop at an all-time high!” says Blanco.

Brown is celebrating not only his new EP but a second chance at life and a newfound appreciation for everything he does. After the chart-topping viral success of “The Git Up,” which went 11-times Platinum and garnered over one billion streams, everything changed for the artist. A drunk driver hit him head on while riding his motorcycle, breaking multiple bones in his body which required 12 blood transfusions and resuscitation in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Despite the lengthy and challenging rehabilitation process, Brown made a full recovery, relearning fundamental skills like walking and holding a microphone.

He recently aligned with Mothers Against Drunk Driving in a special initiative to raise awareness of the recent increase in crashes caused by impaired drivers, partnering with the Atlanta and Los Angeles chapters.

“It’s hard for me to understand why with all the education and knowledge we have acquired and the options for ride share companies, how we have numbers on the rise,” says Brown. “I have partnered with MADD to help spread the word and continue educating the public. Nobody cares how much you drink or smoke, just don’t drive for the sake of yourself and others.”

Dr. Richard James Burgess. Photo: Dan Bassini

Dr. Richard James Burgess plans to step down as President & CEO of the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) in January 2026 after a decade of service. He shared the news during the Annual General Meeting that closed out A2IM Indie Week 2024.

“As A2IM approaches its 20th anniversary in 2025, I am filled with immense pride for our collective achievements and honored to have been the longest-serving head of A2IM to date,” said Burgess. “Leading this exceptional organization has been an extraordinary experience. I am profoundly grateful for the support and dedication of our Board members, the invaluable work of our founding members and prior presidents who set up the organization to succeed, and the unwavering commitment of our many members. Our success is a testament to the hard work and passion of the many team members I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside.

“Thank you for entrusting me with the well-being of your organization for all these years. I am confident that the future holds great promise for our independent community, and I look forward to celebrating our continued growth and accomplishments a decade from now.”

Dr. Burgess has been instrumental in advancing the interests of independent music. Throughout his tenure, he has overseen a period of significant growth and innovation for A2IM. His leadership is considered to be characterized by a deep commitment to championing the rights and interests of independent music creators and fostering an inclusive community while navigating the evolving music landscape.

The organization’s Board of Directors has initiated a search for his successor.

Pictured (L–R): CCMG’s Emily Dashiell, SiriusXM/Pandora’s Al Skop, TobyMac, CCMG’s Amanda Gore, SiriusXM/Pandora’s Victoria Alfonso and CCMG’s Steven Cervenka. Photo: Dan Russo for Wander Creative

Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) and Pandora surprised TobyMac with several plaques marking his recent career milestones on Monday (June 11).

Pictured (L–R): CCMG’s David Sylvester, Emily Dashiell, Kenny Rogers, Brad O’Donnell, TobyMac, CCMG’s Josh Bailey, Hudson Plachy, Tiffany Thompson and Steven Cervenka. Photo: Dan Russo for Wander Creative

SiriusXM/Pandora’s Senior Director, Music Programming Al Skop presented the Grammy-winning artist with a Billionaires Plaque to commemorate his collection of over a billion streams the platform.

Hosted by CCMG in their new Nashville office, the label took the opportunity to celebrate the success of his Life After Death album, honoring its five No. 1 radio singles, and presented him with plaques celebrating his Gold-certified song “Help Is On The Way (Maybe Midnight)” as well as Platinum-certified tunes “Speak Life” and “City On Our Knees.”

“We are thrilled to honor TobyMac and his unprecedented success. From being awarded Pandora’s Billionaires Plaque to numerous awards for his catalog and current album Life After Death, there is so much to celebrate,” expressed Brad O’Donnell, CCMG Co-President. “We are extremely grateful to be involved with such a special artist like Toby.”

“I am just so grateful,” shared TobyMac. “I look out at all of you and see a team—some people I’ve worked with for decades, some for months, but a team that has championed my songs and helped me spread how deep and wide God’s never-ending love is, and for that I am so thankful. I love experiencing God breathing life into a song, allowing people to make that song their own and experience God’s faithfulness in their own lives – it’s why I will keep doing it ’til someone tells me I can’t anymore.”

He also recently released “Nothin’ Sweeter,” the first single from his forthcoming project, and took home Song of the Year for “Faithfully” at the K-Love Fan Awards.

Gretchen Wilson performing at Nissan Stadium at CMA Fest 2024. Photo: Josh Brasted

Gretchen Wilson is gearing up for the release of her first single since 2018, “Little Miss Runner Up,” out tomorrow (June 14).

The song is the follow-up to her 2005 track “Homewrecker,” and she reunited with “Homewrecker” co-writers Rivers Rutherford and George Teren on the new single.

“’Little Miss Runner Up’ follows the same girl we all know… and love to roll our eyes at! Can’t wait to see how this song looks in a country music video!” says Wilson.

At last week’s CMA Fest in Nashville, Wilson celebrated the 2oth anniversary of her multi-week No. 1 single “Redneck Woman” and multi-Platinum Here For The Party album with two performances. Ashley McBryde introduced Wilson during her CMA Fest set Thursday night at Nissan Stadium, and the two launched into a rousing version of “Redneck Woman.” The following day Uncle Kracker interviewed her at the CMA Close Up stage about her 20-year career. Friday night, Wilson kicked off the Nissan Stadium show with her own set with “Here For The Party,” “Homewrecker,” “Work Hard, Play Harder” and “Redneck Woman.”