The War And Treaty. Photo: Luke Rogers
Songwriting is in the spotlight today in DISClaimer.
Taylor Swift’s ascent to the top of the hit parade with “I Knew It I Knew You” is particularly welcome because it is an illustration of what a superb song craftsman she is. For me, this is a big part of what makes country music, country music. Today, we are also visited by Bill Anderson, Eric Church, Dolly Parton, Darius Rucker, and Skip Ewing as further exemplars of this eternal truth.
The Disc of the Day goes to The War And Treaty, whose new lyrics bravely address Michael’s PTSD from his military service and dive deeply into the duo’s emotional core.
Hand a DISCovery Award to the promising Myles Erlick.
BUDDY MILLER / “As Long As I Have You”
Writers: Bob Elgin/Jerry Ragovoy; Producer: Buddy Miller; Label: New West Records
– This earstwhile sideman and bandleader releases his first solo album in 15 years tomorrow (Sept. 11). Its dynamic advance single is a bluesy country rocker with a slammin’ backbeat and some snarling lead guitar, not to mention Miller’s soulful singing. The album’s stellar cast includes The McCrary Sisters (heard on this track), Emmylou Harris, The War & Treaty, Lee Ann Womack, Shawn Colvin, Ashley Monroe, Elizabeth Cook, Jim Lauderdale, and Dan Penn, among others. Buy this record.
BELLES & DOLLY PARTON / “Son of Jolene”
Writers: Dan Harrison/Dolly Parton/Kelli Belles/Tyler Bank; Producers: Austin Luther, Johnny Gates, Kent Wells; Label: East Music Row Records
– This is apparently Dolly’s last recording. Singer-songwriter Kelli Belles recruited her to sing on a track that answers the musical question, “What would the offspring of Jolene be like?” The sprightly, rollicking tune features the superstar on high harmony throughout, plus some lovely ad libs. It will surprise no one to learn that Jolene’s son is a heartbreaker. Essential listening
SKIP EWING / “Not Me This Time”
Writer: Skip Ewing; Producers: Bryan Sutton, Skip Ewing, F. Reid Shippen; Label: Write! Records
– This lustrous, moody ballad swims in an echoey pool of sound. Ewing’s intimate delivery portrays a guy who is trying to leave an unfaithful lover when she calls him on the phone, trying to lure him back in. The stark finale is “Hang up and don’t call me again.” Beautifully sung and brilliantly written. Ewing’s new Dragonfly album drops on Sept. 18.
ERIC CHURCH / “On the Road”
Writer: Eric Church; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: MCA
– To be a country performer is to sign up for life of endless travel. Church reflects on his journeys, recalling sharing stages with Kris and Willie, finding joy at performances, witnessing the tragic mass shooting in Vegas, and musing about the day when the bright lights and the shows are over. The track is a foaming froth of energy. Can we just go ahead and put this guy in the Hall of Fame right now?
MUMFORD AND SONS & CHRIS STAPLETON / “Here”
Writers: Aaron Dessner/Ben Lovett/Marcus Mumford/Ted Dwane; Producers: Aaron Dessner, Mumford & Sons; Label: Glassnote Entertainment Group
– Strummy, urgent folk-rock with an anguished litany of regrets. Fiercely compelling music. Two great singers.
DARIUS RUCKER / “I Believe”
Writers: Darius Rucker/Eric Paslay/Steve Robson/Wayne Hector; Producer: Steve Robson; Label: MCA
– Comforting and inspiring. Despite being surrounded by lies, darkness and evil, Rucker urges us to get beyond the blues and shine with love, truth and hope. Amen, brother.
THEO LAWRENCE / “Today Is a Good Day”
Writers: Bill Anderson/Bobby Tomberlin/Theo Lawrence; Producer: Chris Scruggs; Label: Bee & El/Reprise Records
– Classic country. Small wonder, since Lawrence co-wrote it with Anderson, a supreme master of the genre. The youngster sings like a bird, and the song ripples with authenticity. He opens for Alison Krauss & Union Station at the Ryman on Sept. 18-20, plus plays a solo gig at Skinny Dennis on the 19th. You need to know this guy’s music.
KANE BROWN & SHANIA TWAIN / “Boots”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Josh Hoge/Mutt Lange/Seth Ennis/Shania Twain; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Ultra cute. It’s a bopping, male take on the 1995 breakthrough Shania hit “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under.” The ‘90s superstar offers a couple of brief cameo interjections and sings along in unison, but this is Brown’s performance all the way. Recommended.
MYLES ERLICK / “Dyin’ in This Living Room”
Writers: David Thomson/Myles Erlick; Producers: Dann Huff, David Huff, Myles Erlick; Label: ONErpm/Huff Co. Nashville
– Erlick’s youthful tenor voice evokes romantic sincerity in this ode to his beloved. He is so utterly smitten, she’s taken his breath away. I believe the Handcrafted album that contains this is the debut release on ace producer Dann Huff’s label, and it’s a winner.
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW & EVAN FELKER / “Revolution Now”
Writers: Ketch Secor/Lee Oskar; Producer: Morgan Jahnig; Label: Hartland Records
– This folkie, harmonica-laced ballad addresses the pain and confusion of our times and pleads for some solace and direction. Felker is the frontman of Turnpike Troubadours. OCMS leader Ketch Secor describes the band’s Union Made album as a “love letter to America.”
THE WAR AND TREATY / “Country Baptism”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producers: Willie Peebles II, Zakk Garner; Label: Atlantic Outpost
– This darkly dramatic stomper showcases the duo in a new light. It builds in intensity as it unfolds into a torrid masterwork. The War and Treaty headlines at the Ryman on Sunday (Sept. 13). You need to be there: Michael and Tanya are collecting rave reviews at every tour stop.
ALICIA BLUE / “Please Don’t Call”
Writer: Alicia Blue; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: A Blue Lion
– A steady rhythmic thump and sighing steel propel this outing. The singer has an oddly pleasing, ultra high soprano that brims with alt-country charm.
HANNAH HARPER / “Hold Your Horses”
Writers: Dillon Harper/Makeena Harper; Producer: Dillon Harper; Label: 19 Recordings/Atlantic Outpost
– The 2026 American Idol champ continues her winning ways with this groovy tune. It’s a witty warning to her pissed-off man that he needs to cool down…or else.
Porter’s Call Celebrates 25 Years, Honors Amy Grant
/by Madison HahnenAmy Grant accepts the Founder’s Award. Photo: Parker & Co Creative House
Porter’s Call celebrated 25 years at its annual fundraiser, Evening of Stories, presented by The Cook Family Foundation, on Sept. 1 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The evening gathered the music community for stories and performances, raising $860,427. Proceeds support Porter’s Call and its mission to provide free and confidential care for recording artists and their partners.
The event was hosted by Dave Barnes and Melinda Doolittle, and featured performances from Lady A, Natalie Hemby, Ellie Holcomb and Hillary Scott.
Amy Grant was also presented the Founder’s Award for her enduring impact on the music community and longtime support of Porter’s Call.
“Amy Grant is a legend. What an honor to be a part of celebrating her talent, generosity, authenticity, and love last week at Porter’s Call ‘Evening of Stories,’” shared Holcomb. “She embodies the heart of Porter’s Call, being a mentor and trusted friend who often holds space for other artists to feel seen and safe. She lives a wide welcome and has shown so many of us a path to playing songs for the whole world, while remaining grounded in love. Amy is a bright light, and I was honored to share a stage with so many other amazing artists to celebrate the way she shines.”
Porter’s Call was founded in 2001 to support the mental, emotional, and creative well-being of touring recording artists and their partners. The nonprofit offers free and confidential services to artists around the world, including individual support, couples and band sessions, retreats, and workshops designed around the challenges of life on the road and in the public eye.
Amy Grant receives kind words from Porter’s Call founder Al Andrews as he names her this year’s honoree. Photo: Parker & Co Creative House
Amy Grant and artists in attendance join in an all sing finale. Photo: Parker & Co Creative House
Ellie Holcomb. Photo: Parker & Co Creative House
Natalie Hemby. Photo: Parker & Co Creative House
Denitia Embraces Her Love Of Classic Country On Upcoming Project ‘Texas Angel’
/by Lorie HollabaughSinger-songwriter Denitia will release her fourth studio album, Texas Angel, on Feb. 5. The album’s title track, “Texas Angel,” is out today (Sept. 11).
The title track captures one of the central themes of the album: the realization that loving someone does not always mean you can save them. The song explores the emotional exhaustion that comes from continually trying to fix the person you love, and the moment when self-preservation means finally letting go.
“This one is the age-old tale of being convinced you can fix the one you love,” says Denitia. “All their problems and shortcomings are there for you to pick up after. And there comes a time when you just can’t swoop in and save the day anymore. Your angel wings are all worn out.”
Texas Angel finds the Houston native looking inward, reflecting on the pursuit of happiness and the desire to find a place and a feeling that can truly be called home. On the collection she navigates the highs and lows of love, success, and self-discovery, while looking beyond herself for wisdom from the generations who came before her. Throughout the 14 tracks, she toggles between tender vulnerability and fiery flintiness as she exorcises romantic and professional demons of the past, embraces the simple pleasures of the present, and explores the freedom of an unwritten future.
“I feel like I’d been circling it with my last two records,” Denitia says of the album’s traditional sound. “I kept getting closer and closer and I thought, all right, enough. I’m going to go directly for it. I want to make a classic country record that is inspired by the people that I love in this genre – Dolly Parton, Randy Travis, Glen Campbell, Loretta Lynn, George Strait.
“This record is me reflecting on the experiences of looking for peace and happiness in love, success and chasing that feeling of belonging,” she continues. “In these songs I’m walking my way through the ups and downs and ultimately taking a good long moment to look for answers in the people that came before me. Finding solace in simplicity. Trying to figure out if I can glean some wisdom from my ancestors, living and beyond.”
Alan Jackson’s ‘Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) – Live’ Out Now
/by Lorie HollabaughAlan Jackson performs “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” live in Nashville on June 27, 2026. Photo: John Shearer
As Americans take a moment to reflect on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a new live recording of Alan Jackson‘s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” captured at the country icon’s final concert in Nashville is being released by MCA.
The live version of the song will be available to stream and download at 12 a.m. ET Friday, and will be shared nationwide with radio, who have played Jackson’s original versions of the song (included on his album, Drive) every year since the tragic events of September 2001.
Jackson penned the song in October of 2001 with a nation and the world still stunned and reeling from the tragedy, and within two weeks he somewhat reluctantly performed it live for the first time ever in front of a national audience on the 35th annual CMA Awards, having found the words to describe the full spectrum of emotions people had experienced since Sept. 11.
So many radio stations lifted the song from the CMA Awards telecast the next day, that it debuted on the country charts. The live performance and a studio-recorded version were added to Alan’s Drive album to give the public a way of owning the song and as a quicker means of doing so than releasing a physical single. The song was honored at the CMA, ACM and Grammy Awards, where it was nominated as all-genre Song of the Year. Its words have been read into the Congressional Record, Jackson was asked to sing it in New York City on the six-month anniversary of 9/11, during observances at The Pentagon on the one-year anniversary, and at the Kennedy Center for an official event in Washington, DC attended by the president and members of Congress marking the 10th anniversary in 2011.
“I was so nervous about putting it out,” Jackson recalls. “Even after we did, I thought we would perform it for a little while and then it would just go away. I didn’t feel like people would want to keep thinking about that. But ever since, I see people waiting on that song in the crowd…and I know I have to do it for them.”
“Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) – Live” was recorded in Nashville on June 27 as Jackson performed his career-capping “Last Call: One More for the Road” concert. The concert will air in December as an NBC-TV special, Alan Jackson: The Last Show, and be highlighted on the upcoming album, Alan Jackson: The Last Show One More for the Road – The Finale (Live from Nashville).
BREAKING: BMI Elevates Mason Hunter To VP, Creative Partnerships & Events
/by Madison HahnenMason Hunter
BMI has promoted Mason Hunter to VP, Creative Partnerships & Events.
Hunter will focus on developing new brand partnerships that support BMI’s business and creative goals, while creating additional revenue opportunities for BMI’s songwriters, composers and publishers. He will also work to strengthen existing partnerships and increase brand visibility.
In addition, Hunter will work closely with BMI Vice President, Creative Clay Bradley, to support Nashville’s songwriting community and help oversee the company’s Nashville Creative team of writer representatives. Hunter is based at BMI’s Nashville office.
“Mason’s leadership, creativity, and deep understanding of BMI’s mission have been instrumental in strengthening our brand partnerships and expanding the opportunities they create for BMI and our affiliates across major festivals and events nationwide,” says Mike Steinberg, Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer, BMI. “He has a proven ability to build meaningful relationships across the music and business communities, turning strategic collaborations into new revenue streams, greater brand awareness, and valuable experiences for BMI’s creative community. I’m thrilled to congratulate Mason on this well-deserved promotion and look forward to seeing his continued success in this expanded role.”
He most recently served as Assistant Vice President, Creative since 2017. In that role, he developed new partnerships and created additional revenue and performance opportunities for BMI’s music creators. During his time with the company, he has helped build partnerships with Gallagher Insurance, Xperi, Texas Roadhouse, Delta Air Lines, Nissan, INFINITI, Studio Bank, Shure, Diageo, J.P. Morgan and WP Global, among others.
Hunter has also helped develop several major BMI events, including the Rooftop on the Row series and the Ryman & BMI Block Party. He has played an important role in BMI’s long-running partnership with C3 Presents, which has made BMI the only performing rights organization with branded stages at both ACL Fest and Lollapalooza. He also worked with Yeti to launch the BMI/Yeti Day Party at SXSW, organized the Key West Songwriters Festival and other BMI showcases, and helped establish the BMI Troubadour Award and BMI Ambassador Award.
Hunter joined BMI in 2000 and has held several leadership positions in General Licensing and Industry Relations. He worked with major accounts and trade associations in the media and hospitality industries before joining BMI’s Creative department in 2014 as Executive Director, Partnerships and Events. Before BMI, Hunter worked at Deloitte, where he earned his CPA license.
He currently serves on the Texas Heritage Songwriters Advisory Board and has previously served on the boards of the Academy of Country Music, Leadership Music and the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters. Hunter earned a B.S. in Management and Accounting, graduating cum laude from Lipscomb University.
Wallen Notches His Third No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart This Year
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen; Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen notches his third No. 1 of the year on the MusicRow Radio Chart with “Been By Now.”
The track was written by Wallen, Rocky Block, Taylor Phillips, Charlie Handsome, Blake Pendergrass and John Byron.
Wallen notched two CMA Award nominations for Musical Event of the Year. One alongside Ella Langley for “I Can’t Love You Anymore” and one with Hardy, Tim McGraw and Eric Church for “McArthur.”
“Been By Now” currently sits at No. 7 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 6 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Riley Green Teams With Dollar General For Coastal Edition Of New Album
/by Madison HahnenRiley Green is partnering with Dollar General for a coastal edition of his upcoming album, That’s Just Me, available on Sept. 18.
Beginning on release day, the new edition will be available at over 16,00o Dollar General locations across the country for $9.95.
“I grew up in a small Alabama town, and places like Dollar General have always been part of communities like the one that raised me,” says Green. “Getting to spend time with the DG team at their Field Leadership Meeting was a reminder of how much pride these folks at DG take in serving small towns every day. I’m excited to partner with Dollar General to offer fans an exclusive cover art of the new CD, and I can’t wait for them to hear the music.”
“At Dollar General, we’re always looking for opportunities to surprise and delight our customers with unique products and exclusive finds,” adds Johanna Blankush, Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager at Dollar General. “Our partnership with Riley Green gives us the chance to do just that for both our customers and our employees. We were thrilled to welcome Riley to our field leadership event in downtown Nashville, and we’re excited to offer customers across the country a special coastal edition of his new album.”
Last month, Green surprised Dollar General’s operations leaders with a performance at the company’s annual Field Leadership Meeting Evening of Celebration in Nashville. The performance was part of the newly formed partnership between Green and Dollar General.
Adams & Reese To Host Continuing Legal Education Event
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Adams & Reese legal firm will host “10 Years After Blurred Lines: It’s All Blurrier Than Ever – Music, Copyrights, AI & Everything in Between,” a complimentary, live, in-person CLE program on Oct. 1 at The Virgin Hotel in Nashville.
Featured speakers for the event include Richard Busch, Counsel at Adams & Reese and a renowned IP litigator who won the landmark Blurred Lines case against Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke, and Judith Finell, Musicologist and Founder of Judith Finell Music Services Inc., who served as the musicologist in the “Blurred Lines” case.
The panel Q&A will be moderated by Lynn Morrow, Partner at Adams & Reese and Entertainment & New Media Team Leader, with Paul Ketchel, President and Co-Founder of Music IP Holdings, Inc., joining the panel. Morrow represents clients in the music and entertainment industries, counseling them on intellectual property protection and deal negotiations.
The event will explore the evolving intersection of music, copyright law, and artificial intelligence a decade after the landmark “Blurred Lines” verdict. The program is designed for attorneys who practice in or have an interest in the entertainment industry, as well as professionals working in music, talent management, and related creative fields who want to better understand how AI is transforming copyright law. It will offer practical insights and discussion from leading voices in musicology, entertainment litigation, copyright law, and new media.
The program will begin with Finell’s presentation on protecting musical creativity in the new frontier, including the musicologist’s role, degrees of similarity in music copyright, expert-witness analysis from the Blurred Lines case, the combination-of-elements doctrine, and the vulnerability of music to AI replication. Busch will then address AI- generated music and art, U.S. Copyright Office rules on human authorship, AI training and fair use, AI voice impersonations and right-of-publicity claims, Tennessee’s ELVIS Act, and copyright termination rights under Section 203.
A question-and-answer session will follow the program with Busch, Morrow, and Finell, and the event will conclude with happy hour and networking. Those interested in registering can find info here.
Grand Ole Opry Expands Birthday Weekend
/by Madison HahnenThe Grand Ole Opry has added more shows and plaza parties to its birthday weekend celebration, taking place Oct. 1-4.
An additional show has been added Thursday night (Oct. 1), joining the lineup of Friday night, two Saturday shows, and a Sunday show. Among them, more performers have been added, including Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Steven Curtis Chapman, Bill Anderson, Suzy Bogguss and Rhonda Vincent.
On Oct. 3, Rhett Akins will host the Opry Birthday Tailgate Party in Studio A at 2 p.m, where he will host the tailgate and perform a selection of his No. 1 hits. Tickets for the tailgate party can be found here.
Opry Plaza Parties will also take place on Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. and Oct. 3 at 12 p.m. The Plaza Parties will feature free live music and family-friendly activities.
On Oct. 4, the Opry will host the sixth annual Opry Community Day from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tennessee residents can take a free guided backstage tour of the venue. There will also be live music, facepainting, Opry bingo, backyard games, line dancing, food trucks and more.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: The War And Treaty Showcase ‘Emotional Core’
/by Robert K OermannThe War And Treaty. Photo: Luke Rogers
Songwriting is in the spotlight today in DISClaimer.
Taylor Swift’s ascent to the top of the hit parade with “I Knew It I Knew You” is particularly welcome because it is an illustration of what a superb song craftsman she is. For me, this is a big part of what makes country music, country music. Today, we are also visited by Bill Anderson, Eric Church, Dolly Parton, Darius Rucker, and Skip Ewing as further exemplars of this eternal truth.
The Disc of the Day goes to The War And Treaty, whose new lyrics bravely address Michael’s PTSD from his military service and dive deeply into the duo’s emotional core.
Hand a DISCovery Award to the promising Myles Erlick.
BUDDY MILLER / “As Long As I Have You”
Writers: Bob Elgin/Jerry Ragovoy; Producer: Buddy Miller; Label: New West Records
– This earstwhile sideman and bandleader releases his first solo album in 15 years tomorrow (Sept. 11). Its dynamic advance single is a bluesy country rocker with a slammin’ backbeat and some snarling lead guitar, not to mention Miller’s soulful singing. The album’s stellar cast includes The McCrary Sisters (heard on this track), Emmylou Harris, The War & Treaty, Lee Ann Womack, Shawn Colvin, Ashley Monroe, Elizabeth Cook, Jim Lauderdale, and Dan Penn, among others. Buy this record.
BELLES & DOLLY PARTON / “Son of Jolene”
Writers: Dan Harrison/Dolly Parton/Kelli Belles/Tyler Bank; Producers: Austin Luther, Johnny Gates, Kent Wells; Label: East Music Row Records
– This is apparently Dolly’s last recording. Singer-songwriter Kelli Belles recruited her to sing on a track that answers the musical question, “What would the offspring of Jolene be like?” The sprightly, rollicking tune features the superstar on high harmony throughout, plus some lovely ad libs. It will surprise no one to learn that Jolene’s son is a heartbreaker. Essential listening
SKIP EWING / “Not Me This Time”
Writer: Skip Ewing; Producers: Bryan Sutton, Skip Ewing, F. Reid Shippen; Label: Write! Records
– This lustrous, moody ballad swims in an echoey pool of sound. Ewing’s intimate delivery portrays a guy who is trying to leave an unfaithful lover when she calls him on the phone, trying to lure him back in. The stark finale is “Hang up and don’t call me again.” Beautifully sung and brilliantly written. Ewing’s new Dragonfly album drops on Sept. 18.
ERIC CHURCH / “On the Road”
Writer: Eric Church; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: MCA
– To be a country performer is to sign up for life of endless travel. Church reflects on his journeys, recalling sharing stages with Kris and Willie, finding joy at performances, witnessing the tragic mass shooting in Vegas, and musing about the day when the bright lights and the shows are over. The track is a foaming froth of energy. Can we just go ahead and put this guy in the Hall of Fame right now?
MUMFORD AND SONS & CHRIS STAPLETON / “Here”
Writers: Aaron Dessner/Ben Lovett/Marcus Mumford/Ted Dwane; Producers: Aaron Dessner, Mumford & Sons; Label: Glassnote Entertainment Group
– Strummy, urgent folk-rock with an anguished litany of regrets. Fiercely compelling music. Two great singers.
DARIUS RUCKER / “I Believe”
Writers: Darius Rucker/Eric Paslay/Steve Robson/Wayne Hector; Producer: Steve Robson; Label: MCA
– Comforting and inspiring. Despite being surrounded by lies, darkness and evil, Rucker urges us to get beyond the blues and shine with love, truth and hope. Amen, brother.
THEO LAWRENCE / “Today Is a Good Day”
Writers: Bill Anderson/Bobby Tomberlin/Theo Lawrence; Producer: Chris Scruggs; Label: Bee & El/Reprise Records
– Classic country. Small wonder, since Lawrence co-wrote it with Anderson, a supreme master of the genre. The youngster sings like a bird, and the song ripples with authenticity. He opens for Alison Krauss & Union Station at the Ryman on Sept. 18-20, plus plays a solo gig at Skinny Dennis on the 19th. You need to know this guy’s music.
KANE BROWN & SHANIA TWAIN / “Boots”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Josh Hoge/Mutt Lange/Seth Ennis/Shania Twain; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Ultra cute. It’s a bopping, male take on the 1995 breakthrough Shania hit “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under.” The ‘90s superstar offers a couple of brief cameo interjections and sings along in unison, but this is Brown’s performance all the way. Recommended.
MYLES ERLICK / “Dyin’ in This Living Room”
Writers: David Thomson/Myles Erlick; Producers: Dann Huff, David Huff, Myles Erlick; Label: ONErpm/Huff Co. Nashville
– Erlick’s youthful tenor voice evokes romantic sincerity in this ode to his beloved. He is so utterly smitten, she’s taken his breath away. I believe the Handcrafted album that contains this is the debut release on ace producer Dann Huff’s label, and it’s a winner.
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW & EVAN FELKER / “Revolution Now”
Writers: Ketch Secor/Lee Oskar; Producer: Morgan Jahnig; Label: Hartland Records
– This folkie, harmonica-laced ballad addresses the pain and confusion of our times and pleads for some solace and direction. Felker is the frontman of Turnpike Troubadours. OCMS leader Ketch Secor describes the band’s Union Made album as a “love letter to America.”
THE WAR AND TREATY / “Country Baptism”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producers: Willie Peebles II, Zakk Garner; Label: Atlantic Outpost
– This darkly dramatic stomper showcases the duo in a new light. It builds in intensity as it unfolds into a torrid masterwork. The War and Treaty headlines at the Ryman on Sunday (Sept. 13). You need to be there: Michael and Tanya are collecting rave reviews at every tour stop.
ALICIA BLUE / “Please Don’t Call”
Writer: Alicia Blue; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: A Blue Lion
– A steady rhythmic thump and sighing steel propel this outing. The singer has an oddly pleasing, ultra high soprano that brims with alt-country charm.
HANNAH HARPER / “Hold Your Horses”
Writers: Dillon Harper/Makeena Harper; Producer: Dillon Harper; Label: 19 Recordings/Atlantic Outpost
– The 2026 American Idol champ continues her winning ways with this groovy tune. It’s a witty warning to her pissed-off man that he needs to cool down…or else.
Justin Dukes Inks With Reservoir [Exclusive]
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Greg Gallo (VP of Creative, Reservoir), Beth St. Jean (Senior Creative Manager, Reservoir), John Ozier (EVP of Creative, Reservoir), Justin Dukes, Sarah McDaniels (Creative Coordinator, Reservoir) and Scott Safford (Attorney with Safford & Motley).
Songwriter Justin Dukes has signed his first-ever publishing deal with Reservoir, covering both his catalog and future works.
Hailing from Georgia, Dukes picked up the guitar at age 12 and spent his teenage years performing throughout the Southeast before moving to Nashville in 2015 to pursue songwriting full-time. Since then, he has continued to develop his storytelling, drawing inspiration from the honest lyrics and timeless melodies of ’90s country music.
Dukes has more than 50 artist cuts to his name, including songs recorded by Sean Stemaly and Matt Jordan. He also co-wrote Cole Goodwin’s 2024 song “Catchin’ On,” leading to another collaboration on Goodwin’s latest single, “Howdy,” from his EP of the same name. The single went to radio in June with 56 first-week adds.
“Getting to write country music every day and having the best team behind me is a dream come true,” says Dukes. “I’m so grateful to be working with Sarah McDaniels, John Ozier, Greg Gallo, and the whole Reservoir team.”
“Justin is an exceptional songwriter with a rare ability to turn real-life experiences into songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable,” adds Reservoir Executive Vice President of Creative John Ozier. “His gift for authentic storytelling is at the heart of what makes country music so powerful, and he brings that same honesty and emotional depth to every song he writes. We’re thrilled to welcome Justin to the Reservoir family and look forward to supporting him as he continues to build an incredible body of work and make his mark on country music.”