The Frontmen, (Richie McDonald, Tim Rushlow and Larry Stewart) have released a new six-song compilation, Familiar Faces, via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

“We’re excited to finally get to share our new music with the world,” says McDonald. “Seems we’ve been working towards this moment for the better part of fifteen years. I guess good things do come to those who wait.”

Produced by Mickey Jack Cones, the new collection includes features three originals, as well as three Lonestar, Little Texas and Restless Heart No. 1s, re-recorded Frontmen-style. The trio tag-team lead vocals throughout the EP. The original songs on the project include the new track “I Need You,” alongside previously-released songs “It Was Always You” and “Left Their Mark.” Classic tunes on the EP include Lonestar’s “Amazed (The Frontmen Edition),” Little Texas’ “God Blessed Texas (The Frontmen Edition)” and Restless Heart’s “I’ll Still Be Loving You (The Frontmen Edition).”

“Since our first Navy / USO shows over 12 years ago, I’ve always felt there was something special about the three of our voices together,” says Rushlow. “Getting the chance to finally show what we sound like collectively is a thrill. I love the authenticity and honesty in this music. Mickey Jack climbed aboard and became the fourth member as we all collaborated on this project. These songs have been impacting audiences in concert for a while, so we’re very excited to see it released.”

“To have this opportunity to share brand new music with music fans all over the world is just amazing,” adds Stewart. “Tim, Richie and I have created a bond in music that we can’t wait to share with country music fans of all ages. These new songs mean a lot to us and hope fans everywhere enjoy our latest new single release ‘I Need You’ along with the new re-records of our big hits on the Familiar Faces EP.”

The trio will appear on iHeartRadio’s Bobby Bones Show on Monday, Nov. 20 to discuss the project with Bones and his crew.

Familiar Faces Track Listing:
1. I Need You
2. I’ll Still Be Loving You (The Frontmen Edition)
3. It Was Always You
4. God Blessed Texas (The Frontmen Edition)
5. Left Their Mark
6. Amazed (The Frontmen Edition)

Eric Church, Whiskey Myers and Koe Wetzel are set to headline the inaugural Cattle Country Music Festival in Gonzales, Texas April 12-14.

Cattle Country will bring together some of the best acts representing Americana, red dirt, soul, rock and beyond, in a setting that celebrates music, wine, spirits and culinary experiences in one place. The event’s lineup features over 25 acts including Tanya Tucker, Tracy Lawrence, Chase Rice, Kaleo, Hailey Whitters, Colbie Caillat, Breland, The War And Treaty, Randy Rogers Band, Shane Smith & The Saints, Sublime with Rome and more.

Situated along a 400-acre ranch appropriately dubbed The Boot, Cattle Country will offer attendees a unique festival experience with swimming, wine and spirits tastings and more, as they enjoy live country music. A signature element of Cattle Country includes the Come and Take It Lounge, an upscale oasis where guests can sample some of the best wines from across the world, bespoke culinary offerings curated by multiple Texas chefs, craft cocktails and more. The Come and Take It Lounge will also feature yard games and sporting events on big screens, all set along the Guadalupe River.

For more information, click here.

The Country Music Association and CMA Foundation have hired new staffers in newly-created positions across the CMA Event Operations, Insights and CMA Foundation teams as well as promoted several team members.

Ryan Nelson joins CMA as Senior Director, Event Operations; LeighAnn Rodd joins as Director, Insights; and Victoria Rutledge joins the CMA Foundation as Director, Major Gifts. CMA has also announced the promotion of Justin Randall to Senior Director, Information Technology and Megan Wise to Senior Director, Brand Partnerships.

Nelson was previously Senior Director, Global Recording & Concert/Event Production at Yamaha Corporation, where he oversaw onsite execution of events and streamlined worldwide recording and concert production. As Senior Director, Event Operations, he leads the CMA Event Operations team in planning and executing events including CMA Fest, CMA Awards and CMA Touring Awards. Nelson serves as the primary liaison between production, security, operations and staff leads for all events. He reports to Emily Evans, CMA Vice President, Business Strategy & Operations. Nelson can be reached at rnelson@cmaworld.com.

Rodd comes to CMA from her position as a Senior Associate Manager for Cracker Barrel, where she designed and executed strategic research initiatives to enhance the customer experience. In her role as Director, Insights, she leads projects that examine and report audience behaviors as well as identifies trends and key insights to inform decisions and articulate actionable recommendations. Rodd reports to Michael Farris, CMA Senior Director, Business Strategy & Insights. She can be reached at lrodd@cmaworld.com.

Prior to joining CMA, Rutledge was the Director of Development at NAMI Tennessee, where she worked with staff and development contractors to promote fundraising events as well as enhanced and sustained NAMI Tennessee operations. As Director, Major Gifts, she will oversee the nonprofit’s development and fundraising strategy, managing responsibility for building and advancing strong personal and professional relationships with the industry, partners and friends of CMA and the CMA Foundation that result in philanthropic support. Rutledge reports to Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. She can be reached at vrutledge@cmaworld.com.

Randall has been promoted to Senior Director, Information Technology after having been with CMA since 2014. In his new position, he will lead and mentor CMA’s Technology team, and drive the overall vision, strategy and execution to help shape the innovative technological direction of the organization. Randall reports to Amy Smartt, CMA Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration. Randall can be reached at jrandall@cmaworld.com.

Wise has risen to Senior Director, Brand Partnerships in her fifth year with the company. As Senior Director, she generates new long-term corporate alliances and sponsorships while also maintaining existing partner relationships for CMA’s primary events. Wise is also responsible for securing sponsor support for CMA’s ancillary events, campaigns and custom content. She reports to Kelly Striewski, CMA Senior Vice President, Marketing, Content & Communications Strategy. Wise can be reached at mwise@cmaworld.com.

Pictured (L-R): Troy Johnson, Hardy manager/Big Loud Management; Chris Lisle, Owner, CLLD & TCW Co-Creator; Zito, Green Day Production Manager; David ‘5-1’ Norman, Tour Forensics Co-Founder; Curt Jenkins, Miranda Lambert Tour Manager. Photo: Jason Davis for TCW

On Tuesday evening (Nov. 14), 400 members of the live music touring industry attended the 12th Annual Touring Career Workshop at Soundcheck Annex in Nashville.

Pictured (L-R): Curt Jenkins, Miranda Lambert Tour Manager; Zito, Green Day Production Manager; Troy Johnson, Hardy manager; David Norman, Tour Forensics. Photo: Jason Davis for TCW

Established to provide support, education, resources and networking opportunities to the men and women who make live music events possible, this year’s event featured breakout sessions on topics including mental health self-care, financial planning, health insurance options, event safety, job hunting and more.

The Touring Career Workshop was created in 2011 by Chris Lisle and Erik Parker to educate their colleagues in the touring music industry on key professional and personal topics including financial planning, health insurance, home ownership, and mental and physical health self-care. To date, the event has attracted more than 3,000 attendees and has featured 150 guest speakers. TCW’s All Access Program offers four free counseling sessions with an accredited therapist.