Jenna Paulette. Photo: Wes Walker
Jenna Paulette is set to release her debut album, The Girl I Was, on March 31. The new project documents Paulette’s journey of self-discovery after the end of a 10-year-long relationship, and the first single from the collection, “You Ain’t No Cowboy,” is out now.
Produced by Will Bundy, the concept for the album formed while Paulette was attending a writers retreat. The project features songs penned by Ashley McBryde, Rhett Akins, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jeb Gipson and more, and opens and closes with an intro and outro from the classic tune, “Home On The Range.”
“I thought, if we don’t write another song this weekend everything will be right if we get that song right and we did…and that song made sense of a whole record for me,” she recalls. “For the first time I felt like I was writing things that were honest enough to represent where I came from and where I am headed. I cannot wait for y’all to hear this record.”
Named a member of the CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2022, Paulette signed a publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music in June 2021. Last year, she performed the national anthem at the Professional Bull Riding World Finals, as well as day worked on ranches across Texas while securing opening slots and performing in multiple festivals across the country, including CMA Fest.
The Girl I Was Track List:
1. Home on The Range – Intro
2. Fiddle and a Violin (Ashley McBryde, Ryan Tyndell, Jeremy Spillman)
3. Anywhere the Wind Blows (Jenna Paulette, Rhett Akins, Will Bundy)
4. Slow Drawl (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
5. One Two-Step Away (Jenna Paulette, Rhett Akins, Brice Long)
6. You Ain’t No Cowboy (Jenna Paulette, Rhett Akins, Will Bundy)
7. Country in the Girl (Jenna Paulette, Smith Ahnquist, Jeb Gipson)
8. Bless Her Heart (Jenna Paulette, Heather Morgan, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
9. Pretty Ugly (Jenna Paulette, Parker Welling, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
10. Sun Keeps Comin’ Back Up (Jenna Paulette, Jordan Reynolds, Jordan Minton, Mark Trussell)
11. Truck Boy (Jenna Paulette, Jessie Jo Dillon, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
12. We Know How to Friday Night (Jenna Paulette, Casey Beathard, Bobby Pinson)
13. The Girl I Was (Jenna Paulette, Jessie Jo Dillon, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
14. Make the World a Small Town (Jenna Paulette, Dustin Christensen)
15. Stop and Smell the Horses (Jenna Paulette, Jamie Davis)
16. Home on the Range – Outro
Ruston Kelly Announces ‘The Weakness Tour’ For This Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughRuston Kelly. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
Ruston Kelly will embark on his new headlining “The Weakness Tour” this spring, beginning April 12 at Louisville’s Mercury Ballroom.
The 30-date trek will make stops at NYC’s Webster Hall, Chicago’s House of Blues, Los Angeles’s The Fonda Theater, Cleveland’s Beachland Ballroom and more before wrapping with a hometown show at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater with Jenny Lewis on June 2. Tickets, as well as VIP packages, are on sale now.
The new tour will support Kelly’s third album, The Weakness, due out April 7 on Rounder Records. The project was created out of an attempt to process a number of life-altering changes Kelly endured over the past couple of years, including a public divorce as well as major upheaval in his immediate family. He collaborated for the first time with producer/songwriter Nate Mercereau on the new collection.
Weekly Register: Hardy Makes Massive Debuts On Country Albums & Songs Charts
/by Lydia FarthingBig Loud rocker Hardy makes massive waves on both the top country streaming songs and top country albums charts this week.
Following the release of his ground- and genre-breaking album, The Mockingbird & The Crow, the decorated singer-songwriter’s 17-track project takes the top spot on the top country albums chart. The album makes a massive debut with 55K in total consumption (20K album only/42 million song streams) and helps Hardy secure 13 songs on this week’s country streaming songs charts, according to Luminate data.
Hardy also sees some action in the top five country streaming songs this week as his duet with Lainey Wilson, “Wait In The Truck,” claims the fourth spot with 8.9 million streams. Additionally, Hardy notches the highest debut on the songs chart at No. 14 with “Red,” his collaboration with label-mate Morgan Wallen, nabbing 5.1 million first-week streams.
Elsewhere on the albums chart, everyone shifts down one spot from last week. Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album moves to the second spot with 41K in total consumption (1.2K album only/50 million songs streams), Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak goes to third with 32K, Bailey Zimmerman‘s Leave The Light On falls to fourth with 20K and Luke Combs‘ Growin’ Up seals the top five with 18K.
On the songs side, the top three remain the same this week. Bryan maintains the top spot as “Something In The Orange” adds another 15 million streams, Zimmerman’s “Rock And A Hard Place” keeps second with 11 million and Wallen’s “You Proof” claims third with 9 million streams. Kane & Katelyn Brown‘s “Thank God” falls one spot to No. 5 with 8.2 million streams.
Bryan Martin Readies Third Album, ‘Poets & Old Souls,’ For March
/by Lorie HollabaughBryan Martin. Photo: Josh Russell
Bryan Martin‘s third full-length, studio album, Poets & Old Souls, will drop March 31 via Average Joes Entertainment.
Martin honors his Native American heritage with his new single from the project, “Wolves Cry.” Written solely by Martin, the track preaches hard work and resiliency and offers a glimpse into his upbringing, conveying his pride and appreciation for where he came from.
“‘Wolves Cry’ is purely about how I was raised,” Martin explains. “It’s a testament to appreciating your roots, even if you don’t come from much. I want it to serve as a reminder to people to not let your past get in the way of what you really want in life.”
Poets & Old Souls is a collection of personal songs that showcase the Louisiana native’s growth and evolution. It follows Martin’s debut album, If It Was Easy, which detailed his struggle with opiate addiction and mental health, and tells the story of growing up in an oil field family. His sophomore album, Self Inflicted Scars, expanded on his hardships and recounted his suicide attempt at 19.
With his authenticity and lyrical courage, Martin has racked up over 150 million streams. His recently released single, “We Ride,” has earned over 12 million streams across all platforms since its release on Oct. 28.
Martin will join Warren Zeiders on his “Pretty Little Poison Tour” this spring. The 15-date tour kicks off with a sold out show on March 30 in Peoria, Illinois, with additional stops in Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Denver, Salt Lake City, Sacramento and more.
Luke Bryan Goes Country-Wide On Upcoming ‘Country On Tour’
/by Lydia FarthingLuke Bryan. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson
Five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan will launch his 36-city “Country On Tour” this summer.
Kicking off on June 15 in Syracuse, New York, the trek will include special guests Chayce Beckham, Tyler Braden, Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Jon Langston, Conner Smith, Alana Springsteen, Hailey Whitters and DJ Rock throughout the dates. The tour will criss-cross around the country through the end of October with stops in Philadelphia, Dallas, Albuquerque, Denver, Salt Lake City, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Orlando and more, including a handful of shows in Canada.
“Artists get into the business to make music and perform it for the fans,” shares Bryan. “Leaving it all out on that stage is what it’s all about for me. I’m excited to support and have so many talented new artists along for the ride this year. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of our job.”
The “Country On Tour” will also include a special show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Aug. 12. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. local time. Pre-sale for Bryan’s fan club will begin tomorrow (Jan. 31) at 8 a.m. local time through Feb. 2. Additionally, Citi cardmembers will have access to pre-sale tickets from Feb. 1-2.
The summer tour is aptly named after Bryan’s 30th No. 1 single, “Country On,” which hit the top of the country singles charts at the end of 2022 and helped him amass a career tally of 56 total weeks at No. 1.
Jenna Paulette To Release Debut Album, ‘The Girl I Was,’ In March
/by Lorie HollabaughJenna Paulette. Photo: Wes Walker
Jenna Paulette is set to release her debut album, The Girl I Was, on March 31. The new project documents Paulette’s journey of self-discovery after the end of a 10-year-long relationship, and the first single from the collection, “You Ain’t No Cowboy,” is out now.
Produced by Will Bundy, the concept for the album formed while Paulette was attending a writers retreat. The project features songs penned by Ashley McBryde, Rhett Akins, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jeb Gipson and more, and opens and closes with an intro and outro from the classic tune, “Home On The Range.”
“I thought, if we don’t write another song this weekend everything will be right if we get that song right and we did…and that song made sense of a whole record for me,” she recalls. “For the first time I felt like I was writing things that were honest enough to represent where I came from and where I am headed. I cannot wait for y’all to hear this record.”
Named a member of the CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2022, Paulette signed a publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music in June 2021. Last year, she performed the national anthem at the Professional Bull Riding World Finals, as well as day worked on ranches across Texas while securing opening slots and performing in multiple festivals across the country, including CMA Fest.
1. Home on The Range – Intro
2. Fiddle and a Violin (Ashley McBryde, Ryan Tyndell, Jeremy Spillman)
3. Anywhere the Wind Blows (Jenna Paulette, Rhett Akins, Will Bundy)
4. Slow Drawl (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
5. One Two-Step Away (Jenna Paulette, Rhett Akins, Brice Long)
6. You Ain’t No Cowboy (Jenna Paulette, Rhett Akins, Will Bundy)
7. Country in the Girl (Jenna Paulette, Smith Ahnquist, Jeb Gipson)
8. Bless Her Heart (Jenna Paulette, Heather Morgan, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
9. Pretty Ugly (Jenna Paulette, Parker Welling, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
10. Sun Keeps Comin’ Back Up (Jenna Paulette, Jordan Reynolds, Jordan Minton, Mark Trussell)
11. Truck Boy (Jenna Paulette, Jessie Jo Dillon, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
12. We Know How to Friday Night (Jenna Paulette, Casey Beathard, Bobby Pinson)
13. The Girl I Was (Jenna Paulette, Jessie Jo Dillon, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
14. Make the World a Small Town (Jenna Paulette, Dustin Christensen)
15. Stop and Smell the Horses (Jenna Paulette, Jamie Davis)
16. Home on the Range – Outro
Jo Dee Messina To Release Collection Of Timeless Hits
/by LB CantrellJo Dee Messina has announced that Curb Records will release Heads Carolina, Tails California: The Best of Jo Dee Messina on March 10.
The project will feature 11 of her well-loved hits, including “Bye, Bye,” “I’m Alright,” “Lesson In Leavin,’” ”Heads Carolina, Tails California” and more. It will also mark Messina’s first-ever vinyl release on a limited-edition, 180 gram clear vinyl with wisps of color throughout.
“It’s amazing to look back over a catalog and have so many songs with so many memories attached,” says Messina. “Now, to have them come out on vinyl? Wow! It’s a new way to hold those memories. It’s very exciting!”
Messina’s illustrious catalog includes nine chart-toppers and 10 top 40 hits. She has garnered over 700 million on-demand streams and millions of albums sold with multiple RIAA certifications. In part due to Cole Swindell‘s remix of “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” Messina has enjoyed a recent resurgence, paving the way for a big year in 2023.
Heads Carolina, Tails California: The Best of Jo Dee Messina Track List:
1. “Heads Carolina, Tails California” (Tim Nichols, Mark D. Sanders)
2. “Bye-Bye” (Rory Bourke, Phil Vassar)
3. “I’m Alright” (Phil Vassar)
4. “Bring On The Rain” feat. Tim McGraw (Billy Montana, Helen Darling)
5. “My Give A Damn’s Busted” (Joe Diffie, Tom Shapiro, Tony Martin)
6. “You’re Not In Kansas Anymore” (Tim Nichols, Zack Turner)
7. “Lesson In Leavin'” (Randy Goodrum, Brent Maher)
8. “Stand Beside Me” (Stephen Allen Davis)
9. “Because You Love Me” (Kostas, John Scott Sherrill)
10. “That’s The Way” (Annie Roboff, Holly Lamar)
11. “Burn” (Tina Arena, Steve Werfel, Pam Reswick)
Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson, Keith Urban To Headline 2023 Watershed Festival
/by Lydia FarthingLuke Bryan, Cody Johnson and Keith Urban
Watershed Music & Camping Festival has unveiled its lineup for the 2023 event, which will see Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson and Keith Urban serve as headliners.
On its Next From Nashville stage, some of country music’s newest acts will be on display, including Avery Anna, Chayce Beckham, George Birge, Ben Burgess, Ben Chapman, Madeline Edwards, Carter Faith, Ella Langley, Alexander Ludwig, Landon Parker, Pillbox Patti, MacKenzie Porter, Peytan Porter, Aaron Raitiere and Lauren Watkins.
Three-day passes will go on sale beginning Feb. 3 12 p.m. CT. For more information on the event and ticketing, click here.
Gibson Gives’ Tempo Program Offers Opioid Emergency Response Kits To Nashville Venues
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured: (L-R):Jim DeCola (Master Luthier, Gibson USA), Trevor Henderson (Tennessee Department of Health, Overdose Response Strategy “ORS”/Tennessee CDC Foundation), Mike Hotz (Sergeant, Metro Nashville Police Department), Dr. Susan Bissett, (President, Drug Intervention Institute), Joe Murphy (Founder and CEO, ONEBox), James “JC” Curleigh (President and CEO, Gibson Brands), Dendy Jarrett (Executive Director, Gibson Gives), Erica Krusen (Sr Director of Cultural Influence, Gibson Brands), Paige Messina (Private Donor), Christopher Bonny (VP, Marketing, Hikma Pharmaceuticals), Ken Trogdon (President, Harbor Path, a TEMPO nonprofit), and Travis Messina (Private Donor)
Gibson Gives announced its new Training and Empowering Musicians to Prevent Overdose (Tempo) Nashville Live Music Venue Program in alliance with the Metro Nashville Police Department on Thursday (Jan. 26) at the Gibson Garage in downtown Nashville.
The program will offer ONEbox opioid emergency response kits to 72 live music venues in the metro Nashville area. The kits contain two doses of the opioid reversal medication Naloxone, along with personal protective equipment and video instructions that are activated when ONEbox is opened.
ONEbox
Tempo has been training musicians, crew members, music industry professionals and non-profits on how to properly administer Naloxone, and has created easy access to the medication for the public inside music venues and clubs.
Gibson Gives’ Tempo program is a partnership of 12 music-industry related non-profits across the U.S., including MusiCares, The Scars Foundation, The Roadie Clinic, Sandgaard Foundation, Sims Foundation, Harbor Path, Musicians For Overdose Prevention, Life By Music, Passenger Recovery, National Harm Reduction and Solace For Hope, which provide life-saving training for using Naloxone to prevent and/or reverse opioid overdoses and offer a network for recovery from opioid addiction.
“Gibson Gives and Tempo are proud to partner with live music venues across Nashville to provide free access to life-saving Naloxone for music fans in our city,” says Dendy Jarrett, Executive Director, Gibson Gives. “Following our announcement of Hikma’s $1 million dollar donation of Naloxone to the Tempo program in late 2022, the Tennessee Department of Health CDC Foundation Overdose Response Strategy in TN, and the Metro Police Department reached out to help create an impactful opioid overdose awareness campaign for the city of Nashville concentrating on the areas most affected.”
He continues, “We thank them and ONEbox for helping us bring this life-saving program inside our live music venues, so that every music fan can safely enjoy their favorite artists across Music City, Nashville.”
Cole Swindell Unveils New Deluxe Album, ‘Stereotype Broken,’ Out In April
/by Lydia FarthingMulti-Platinum singer-songwriter Cole Swindell has dropped his new single, “Drinkaby,” as he also announces his deluxe album, Stereotype Broken, will be available on April 28.
The single will go for radio adds on Monday, Jan. 30 and is one of three new songs included on the deluxe album. Written by Jon Pardi, Jordan Schmidt, Michael Hardy and Hunter Phelps, “Drinkaby” follows Swindell’s three Platinum-certified, multi-week No. 1 singles from Stereotype: “Never Say Never” featuring Lainey Wilson, “Single Saturday Night” and “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” which remained in the top 5 for 23 consecutive weeks.
“’Drinkaby’, from the first time I heard it I pictured it being a huge show opener,” Swindell recalls. “The guitar lick in the intro just grabs you and doesn’t let you go. I’m not sure if there is such thing as a fun breakup song but that’s kind of what this is. Glad it’s finally out and can’t wait to get out there and play it live.”
Following his two sold out, headlining tours in 2022, “Down To The Bar Tour” and “Back Down To The Bar Tour,” Swindell will join multi-Platinum entertainer Thomas Rhett this summer for his “Home Team Tour 23.”
Stereotype Broken Track List:
1. Sad Ass Country Song
2. Broken
3. Drinkaby
4. Stereotype
5. Every Beer
6. Never Say Never (with Lainey Wilson)
7. She Had Me At Heads Carolina
8. Sayin’ You Love Me
9. I’m Gonna Let Her
10. Down To The Bar (featuring Hardy)
11. How Is She
12. Miss Wherever
13. Single Saturday Night
14. Some Habits
15. Girls Go Crazy
16. Walk On Whiskey
17. She Had Me At Heads Carolina (Remix)
Runaway June To Headline St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Running Series Post-Race Concert In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughRunaway June. Photo: Gregg Rothe
Runaway June will headline the post-race concert at the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series race in Music City on April 22. Additional acts performing at the post-race celebration will be announced in the coming weeks.
Comprised of Stevie Woodward (lead vocals/guitar/harmonica/piano), Natalie Stovall (vocals/fiddle/guitar) and Jennifer Wayne (vocals/guitar, Runaway June has earned nominations from the Academy of Country Music Awards and the CMT Music Awards. They’ve also landed a radio hit with their Gold-certified breakthrough single, “Buy My Own Drinks.”
“The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville is thrilled that Runaway June will perform as the Encore Entertainment,” notes Drew Wolff, Regional Director for Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series. “The race uniquely unites the amazing music community with fitness enthusiasts.”
The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville will take place April 22-23 , combining live music and entertainment with scenic routes that highlight Nashville’s historic and natural beauty. Participants will experience a running tour of Nashville’s most famous locations, including Broadway, Music Row, The Gulch, 12 South, Nissan Stadium and more.
The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville offers 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon lengths, plus a Doggie Dash and KiDS ROCK event. To register, click here.