Max McNown Releases Surprise EP ‘Both Sides Of The Blade’

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Max McNown surprise-released a five-song EP titled Both Sides of the Blade via Fugitive Recordings on Friday (Nov. 14).

The acoustic project, which he originally teased to fans as a single, explores the push and pull of love, loss and growing up.

“Both Sides of the Blade begins with a cold conversation over coffee in the morning between a couple who’s lost their spark. The song follows a romance gone numb, and its desperate desire to feel something… anything… once again,” he shares.

McNown will embark on his “The Cost of Growing Up Tour” in March, which includes two sold-out nights at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

Both Sides of the Blade Track List:
DISC 1
1. Both Sides of the Blade
2. Dream Run Dry
3. 97
4. Window In The Wall
5. From Me To You
DISC 2
1. Fishing Line
2. Willfully Blind
3. Snowman
4. MacBeth
5. Running On Empty

SESAC Celebrates Songwriters & Publishers At 2025 Nashville Music Awards

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Michael Tyler wins SESAC 2025 Songwriter of the Year. Photo: Katie Kauss

SESAC kicked off 2025 CMA Awards week in Nashville last night (Nov. 16) with its annual SESAC Nashville Awards. Held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the star-studded event honored the songwriters and publishers behind this year’s most-performed country and Americana songs. More than 500 songwriters, publishers and industry professionals attended the celebration, which was sponsored in part by Hatef Aesthetics.

Guests enjoyed charcuterie snacks, sliders, a salad station, the yearly favorite mac & cheese bar, and passed appetizers while socializing during cocktail hour. When the program began, SESAC’s Scott Jungmichel and Sam Kling welcomed attendees before introducing affiliate Stephen Wilson Jr. to open the evening’s performances.

Stephen Wilson Jr. performs onstage for the 2025 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Wilson Jr. captivated the room with a performance of his brand-new single, “Gary,” quickly drawing focus from the socializing crowd with his grunge-country stylings.

SVP, Head of Nashville Creative, Shannan Hatch then took the stage to host the evening alongside Senior Directors of Creative Services, ET Brown and Lydia Cahill. They first recognized Americana stalwarts Mumford & Sons, Hayes Carll, Rachael Price (Lake Street Dive), Margo Price and Jeremy Ivey, followed by affiliates Steve Bogard and Jim Lauderdale, who were inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame earlier this fall. Singer-songwriter Emily Ann Roberts paid tribute with performances of Bogard’s “Carried Away” and Lauderdale’s “Hole in My Head.”

Then came the country awards. Among the many SESAC songwriters behind this year’s top-performed country hits, several received special presentations.

Kelsea Ballerini was on hand to present her longtime collaborator Alysa Vanderheym with her award for “Baggage.” Megan Moroney took the stage next to perform her latest release, “Beautiful Things,” building excitement for her upcoming third studio album, Cloud 9, due in February.

Megan Moroney and Jessie Jo Dillon onstage for the 2025 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for SESAC

Frequent co-writer Jessie Jo Dillon surprised Moroney by presenting her with SESAC’s Song of the Year award for her No. 1 hit “Am I Okay?” An emotional Moroney accepted the honor, sharing, “Songwriting is so therapeutic. I wouldn’t get through life and situations without it… thank you SESAC, my amazing team and country music.”

Warner Chappell Music earned the title of Publisher of the Year after taking home multiple awards throughout the night. The team joined SESAC executives onstage for a celebratory photo.

Michael Tyler was named SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year on the strength of hits including “Cowboy Songs” (recorded by George Birge), “Holy Smokes” (recorded by Bailey Zimmerman) and “This Heart” (recorded by Corey Kent). To mark the achievement, Gibson created a custom guitar and Jostens provided a one-of-a-kind ring.

Tyler was surprised with a video montage featuring his family as well as congratulatory messages from Birge and Kent. When he took the stage, he was stunned again to see his family in the audience—a surprise coordinated by SESAC. He grew emotional as he thanked Jesus, his family, and his team for their support.

See the full list of honorees below.

“AM I OKAY?”
Written by: Megan Moroney
Published by: Megan Moroney
Recorded by: Megan Moroney

“BOYS BACK HOME”
Written by: Joe Fox
Published by: Real Bad Songs, Liz Rose Music, Warner Chappell Music
Recorded by: Dylan Marlowe and Dylan Scott

“COWBOY SONGS”
Written by: Lalo Guzman, Matt McGinn, Michael Tyler
Published by: MT Room, Boom Town Songs, Young Guns Tunes, SMACKWORKS Music, Warner Chappell Music, Melodies of CTM Outlander, Cinq Songs
Recorded by: George Birge

“I AM NOT OKAY”
Written by: Casey Brown
Published by: Track & Feels, Tape Room Tunes, Warner Chappell Music
Recorded by: Jelly Roll

“HOLY SMOKES”
Written by: Michael Tyler
Published by: MT Room, Young Gunes Tunes, Melodies of CTM Outlander
Recorded by: Bailey Zimmerman

“RELAPSE”
Written by: Justin Ebach
Published by: El Chapo Music
Recorded by: Warren Zeiders

“SINGLE AGAIN”
Written by: Joe Fox
Published by: Real Bad Songs, Liz Rose Music, Warner Chappell Music
Recorded by: Josh Ross

“TEXAS”
Written by: Lalo Guzman
Published by: SMACKWORKS Music
Recorded by: Blake Shelton

“THIS HEART”
Written by: Blake Bollinger, Michael Tyler
Published by: MT Room, I Like Big Cuts Publishing, Young Guns Tunes, Melodies of CTM Outlander, Combuster Bluth
Recorded by: Corey Kent

“TRUCK ON FIRE”
Written by: Justin Ebach
Published by: Phat Racoon, Universal Tunes
Recorded by: Carly Pearce

“WIND UP MISSIN’ YOU”
Written by: Chris LaCorte
Published by: Card Tables Music, Concord Tunes, Hang Your Hat Hits
Recorded by: Tucker Wetmore

“BAGGAGE”
Written by: Alysa Vanderheym
Published by: Vandeezy Songs, Warner Chappell Music, Songs of Rhythm House Black
Recorded by: Kelsea Ballerini

“BREAK IT RIGHT BACK”
Written by: Rob Hatch, Megan Moroney
Published by: Shannanigans Publishing, Georgiamo, Eclipse Three Music
Recorded by: Megan Moroney

“HAPPEN TO ME”
Written by: Chris LaCorte
Published by: Card Tables Music, Concord Tunes, Hang Your Hat Hits
Recorded by: Russell Dickerson

“CAROLINE”
Written by: Marcus Mumford, Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett
Published by: Universal Polygram International Tunes Inc
Recorded by: Mumford & Sons

“RUSHMERE”
Written by: Marcus Mumford, Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett
Published by: Universal Polygram International Tunes Inc
Recorded by: Mumford & Sons

“PROGRESS OF MAN (BITCOIN & CATTLE)”
Written by: Hayes Carll
Published by: Highway 87 Publishing
Recorded by: Hayes Carll

“ANY OTHER WAY”
Written by: Hayes Carll
Published by: Highway 87 Publishing
Recorded by: Hayes & The Heathens

“DANCE WITH A STRANGER”
Written by: Rachael Price
Published by: 17 Lake Street Music, Warner Chappell Music
Recorded by: Lake Street Dive

“DON’T LET THE BASTARDS GET YOU DOWN”
Written by: Margo Price, Jeremy Ivey
Published by: Peach Pit, Fisheye, Good Songs We Love, RMM 416 Publishing
Recorded by: Margo Price

The Chicks & Rascal Flatts To Headline Boots And Hearts 2026

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Boots And Hearts.

The Canadian country music festival Boots and Hearts will return to Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte next August 7–9 with The Chicks and Rascal Flatts set to headline.

Tucker Wetmore, Jessie Murph, Sam Barber, Dasha, Max McNown, Waylon Wyatt, The Jack Wharff Band, Kaitlin Butts, Ashley Cooke, Emily Ann Roberts, Brett Kissel, James Barker Band, Thelma & James, Russell Dickerson and many more will also perform across various stages throughout the festival.

“The Chicks said it best, ‘I’ve sure been down this road before,’ but there’s nothing like the road to Boots. This festival and team have always been dedicated to creating world-class experiences that bring people together, and our new three-day format is the exciting next step in that journey,” shares festival co-founder Eva Dunford. “It’s everything fans love about Boots, only better and more accessible than ever. Every aspect of our festival has been elevated to celebrate the spirit, community and connection that make Boots and Hearts the most unforgettable weekend of the summer.”

The festival is introducing Daisy Duke’s Deck VIP+ at the Main Stage and the Front Porch VIP area, two new VIP ticket options, this year. General ticket sales begin on Friday (Nov. 21).

Muscadine Bloodline Relive Some Mississippi Memories On New Album ‘Longleaf Lo-fi’

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Muscadine Bloodline

Muscadine Bloodline has released a new album Longleaf Lo-fi, via Stancaster Music/Thirty Tigers.

Members Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton surprise-announced the album earlier this month without any details, giving fans the option to purchase a limited-edition vinyl of the new album before it hit streaming. Within 24 hours, all 3,000 copies were completely sold out.

“Longleaf Lo-fi is the most laid-back and real record we’ve ever made. It feels like sitting by a fire on a cool Mississippi night,” explains Muscadine Bloodline. “Every song comes from somewhere on Highway 59 between Meridian and Poplarville, shaped by the towns, the memories, and people along the way. We’re from Alabama, but we spent a lot of our adult years and made some of our best memories in Mississippi, and both of our wives are from there too. So these songs didn’t feel like stories we made up. They felt like memories we already had.

“We left town for a while and recorded the whole album in a cabin on a quail farm in Poplarville. No rush, no fancy studio. Just us, some guitars and time to let the music happen. It’s simple, acoustic led, and we kept it that way on purpose. Longleaf Lo-fi isn’t about being polished. It’s about being present.”

In honor of Veterans Day last week, they released a video for “Peter From Picayune,” a heartfelt portrait of bravery and sacrifice. “Peter From Picayune” follows the release of “My Meridian” which was released last month and also appears on the new album.

Longleaf Lo-fi Track List:
1) “Goose Chase”
2) “Silence”
3) “My Meridian”
4) “Maybe I’ll Say It” (feat. Tenille Townes)
5) “Arsonist”
6) “Right Place, Right Time”
7) “Grace”
8) “Peter From Picayune”
9) “Clairvoyant”
10) “59”
11) “You Will Be Loved”

Americana Music Mainstay Todd Snider Passes

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Todd Snider. Photo: Angelina Castillo

Singer-songwriter Todd Snider died in Nashville on Friday (Nov. 14) at age 59 due to complications from pneumonia. He was a mercurial, highly influential Americana music star, noted for his sardonic wit, iconoclastic whimsy and contrary attitude.

Among his tunes are “Play a Train Song,” “Alright Guy,” “Talking Seattle Grunge Rock Blues,” “Beer Run,” “The Devil You Know,” “Barbie Doll,” “The Real Deal,” the gospel favorite “Somebody’s Comin,’” and the memorable “Conservative Christian, Right-Wing Republican, Straight, White, American Males.”

He was a prolific recording artist, creating more than 20 albums between 1994 and the present. Snider was also an entertaining showman, alternating his striking songs with his skills as a raconteur of anecdotes and stories. He helped to shape the Americana genre and gave voice to the alternative-music scene of East Nashville.

Todd Snider was born and raised in Oregon, but rose to popularity in the clubs of Austin and San Marcos, Texas. Following a stint in Memphis, he moved to Nashville. Jimmy Buffett and John Prine were fans of his songwriting and became friends and supporters. Buffett signed him to his Margaritaville label. Early albums included 1994’s Songs for the Daily Planet (Margaritaville/MCA), 1996’s Step Right Up (Margaritaville/MCA) and 1998’s Viva Satellite (MCA). Prine next signed Snider to his Oh Boy Records label, which issued 2000’s Happy to Be Here, 2002’s New Connection, 2003’s Near Truths and Hotel Rooms, and 2004’s breakthrough collection East Nashville Skyline.

These were followed by 2005’s MCA compilation That Was Me (Hip-O), 2006’s The Devil You Know (New Door), 2007’s Peace Love and Anarchy (Oh Boy) and 2007’s Live at Grimey’s (New Door). Because of the success of The Devil You Know and East Nashville Skyline, Snider was nominated as the Americana Music Association (AMA) Artist of the Year in 2007.

At this point, Todd Snider formed his own label, Aimless Records. The majority of his releases were on that imprint for the rest of his life. His output continued with 2008’s political Peace Queer (Aimless), 2009’s The Excitement Plan (Yep Roc), 2011’s Live: The Storyteller (Aimless), 2012’s Agnostic Hymns & Stoner Fables (Aimless) and 2012’s tribute Time As We Know It: The Songs of Jerry Jeff Walker (Aimless).

In 2013, he formed the band Hard Working Americans with Dave Schools (Widespread Panic), Neal Casal, Chad Staehly, Duane Trucks and Jesse Aycock. The group issued 2014’s Hard Working Americans (Melvin), 2016’s Rest In Chaos (Melvin), and 2017’s We’re All In This Together (Melvin). The group was also the subject of a 2014 documentary film. The AMA nominated Hard Working Americans as Group of the Year in 2014. Snider also recorded under the alias “Elmo Buzz.”

His solo albums on Aimless Records continued with 2016’s East Side Bulldog, 2019’s Cash Cabin Sessions, 2021’s fan favorite First Agnostic Church of Hope and Wonder, 2023’s Crank It, We’re Doomed, and 2025’s High, Lonesome and Then Some, released last month. Snider also participated in multi-artist tribute recordings for Buddy Holly, Billy Joe Shaver, Kris Kristofferson, Kinky Friedman, Peter Case, Shel Silverstein and Steve Forbert.

He was noted for relentless touring and acquired a devoted cult following. Snider’s career was sometimes hampered by drugs and alcohol, but his songwriting never dimmed. Among the dozens who have recorded his tunes are T. Graham Brown, Jack Ingram, Mark Chesnutt, Jason & The Scorchers, Rick Trevino, Charlie Robson, BR5-49, Gary Allan, Robert Earl Keen, Loretta Lynn, Tom Jones, and longtime band collaborator Will Kimbrough.

In addition to Kimbrough, Prine and Buffett, he collaborated with Tony Brown, Patty Griffin, Ray Kennedy, Tommy Womack, Don Was, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Kix Brooks, Joe Ely, Elizabeth Cook, and other notables.

In 2014, he issued his entertaining memoir I Never Met a Story I Didn’t Like: Mostly True Tall Tales (DaCapo Press). Texas A&M University Press published 2025’s East Nashville Skyline: The Songwriting Legacy of Todd Snider.

The circumstances leading up to the troubadour’s death are somewhat murky. Despite suffering from chronic back pain, he decided to tour in support of High, Lonesome and Then Some. The second stop on the tour was Salt Lake City. On Nov. 3, Snider announced the cancellation of all remaining tour dates. He reported that he had sustained “severe injuries as the victim of a violent fight outside of his hotel.” He told police he was beaten up and robbed. He was seen at a local hospital but became combative when the staff refused to admit him for further treatment. Salt Lake City police charged Snider with disorderly conduct, criminal trespass and threats of violence.

He returned home to Music City. Complaining of chest pain and difficulty breathing, he was hospitalized in Hendersonville with a case of previously undiagnosed “walking pneumonia.” His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he died the next day.

Dasha Joins Spotify Billions Club

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Dasha. Photo: Adam Budd

Dasha has joined the Spotify Billions Club two years to the day since the release of “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’).”

“I still can’t wrap my head around this. ‘Austin’ changed my life, and now just two years after I put it out on my own – it’s officially hit a billion streams on Spotify. Knowing that the only solo female country artist to do that before me is Taylor Swift, someone who’s inspired me from day one, feels completely surreal,” she shares. “All I’ve ever wanted is to make music that helps people feel like the strongest, most badass version of themselves. ‘Austin’ was written in pure rage, but it somehow turned into this beautiful source of community and empowerment. I’m the luckiest girl in the world. I have the best team, the best family and friends, and now a billion streams on my first breakout song… that’s the juiciest cherry on top.”

Over the past two years she has played stages including Stagecoach, Austin City Limits, CMA Fest and the CMT Awards. She sold out her first headlining world tour and performed on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. The track became one of the most-streamed country songs of the 2024 and won the Female Song of 2024 at the People’s Choice Country Awards.

59th Annual CMA Awards Presenters, Special Guests Revealed

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CMA has revealed the performers and special guests for the upcoming 59th Annual CMA Awards on Wednewsday night (Nov. 19).

Presenters and special guests for “country music’s biggest night” include Lady A; Alison Brown; actress Jessica Capshaw; Billy Ray Cyrus; Lauren Daigle; Jordan Davis; actress Elizabeth Hurley; Cody Johnson; comedian Bert Kreischer; Brandon Lake; Ella Langley; Banjoist and comedian Steve Martin; comedian/actress Leanne Morgan; Ne-Yo; actor Chris O’Donnell; Kimberly Perry; LeAnn Rimes; actor Alan Ritchson; Good Morning America anchor Lara Spencer; Landman star and musician Billy Bob Thornton; actress Grace Van Patten; Gretchen Wilson; and Bailey Zimmerman.

Keith Urban and Little Big Town have been added to the star-studded list of performers for Wednesday night’s show, joining  previously-announced performers Kelsea Ballerini, BigXthaPlug, Brandi Carlile,Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Patty Loveless, Megan Moroney, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, Shaboozey, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Lainey Wilson and StephenWilson Jr.

CMA Awards Backstage Live, a second screen experience hosted by Lauren Alaina and HaleyyBaylee live on CMA’s TikTok channel (@countrymusicassociation), will take viewers behind-the-scenes at Bridgestone Arena during the CMA Awards broadcast. CMA will go live multiple times on TikTok starting at the red carpet and wrapping up after the last trophy is handed out, featuring interviews with artists and celebrities, real-time reactions from winners, and all the action during the show.

Hosted by Lainey Wilson, the live broadcast airs from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville from 7-10 p.m. CT on ABC, with next-day viewing available on Hulu.

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a surge of industry activity across Nashville, with major award nominations, executive appointments, management updates and much more. Click here to read the full edition.

The nominees for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards have been revealed, marking the beginning of another high-profile awards season. Artists and creators across genres will be celebrated when the ceremony returns to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 1, 2026.

Cris Lacy has been named Chair & President of the newly-rebranded Warner Records Nashville, ushering in a new chapter for the label as it aligns more closely with the global Warner Records structure. Additionally, Warner Records Group has elevated longtime leader Gregg Nadel to President of A&R.

At Sony Music Publishing, Michael Young has been appointed Chief Information Officer and the company has elevated Dee Hale to SVP, Film & TV Administration.

MCA Nashville has announced key promotions, elevating Tatiana Angulo and Taylor Viegut as the label continues to strengthen its internal ranks.

On the management front, multi-Platinum duo Dan + Shay have signed a new management deal with Core Entertainment, marking an exciting new phase in their career and touring strategy.

A major honor has been announced for one of country music’s most respected figures as Vince Gill will receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his exceptional artistry, influence and enduring impact on the genre.

In publishing and creative news, BMI has promoted three members of its Nashville creative team, while Warner Chappell Music Nashville has renewed Tyler Hubbard’s global administration deal, further extending a long-standing partnership. By Design has revealed a new global publishing partnership with Sony Music Publishing.

ASCAP has unveiled the winners of the 2025 Christian Music Awards, honoring the genre’s top songwriters and publishers.

Several artists celebrated career milestones this week as well. Legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor made his Grand Ole Opry debut, while rising artist Hannah McFarland also stepped into the Opry circle for the first time, marking a pair of unforgettable nights at the historic venue.

Publishing signings continued with Brendan Walter, who has officially inked with Warner Chappell Music Nashville. EMPIRE has expanded its Nashville presence by adding two new team members. Meanwhile, Big Machine Label Group has confirmed a new round of hires and promotions across departments, reinforcing its growing footprint.

Rounding out the week’s moves, Cole Brown has joined Creative Nation as Publishing, Management & Records A&R, and Ashley Nite has joined Kobalt.

This week’s edition also features a conversation with G Major Mgmt’s Virginia Bunetta

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. HARDY takes the No. 1 spot with “Favorite Country Song.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

ECCHO Live Wraps Annual Workshop With Nearly 500 Attendees

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Photo: Courtesy of ECCHO Live/Jason Davis.

The 14th annual ECCHO Live Workshop brought nearly 500 attendees together on Tuesday (Nov. 11) at Soundcheck Annex in Nashville. The annual event reflects ECCHO Live’s mission to support live event professionals through education, community, connection, health and opportunities. Workshops throughout the day focused on career growth, leadership development, financial wellness, safety preparedness and access to professional headshots.

The free event featured keynote speaker Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association (CMA), sharing insights from her career journey and advice on succeeding in an ever-evolving industry.

The nonprofit also announced an expansion of its All Access program to include a Financial Wellness initiative, providing up to four free financial-coaching sessions each year.

“The live event world can be challenging to navigate,” says ECCHO Live founder Chris Lisle. “We exist to give people in this industry the resources and support they need to succeed.”

Touring veteran Robin Majors was honored with the 2025 Sam “Old Skool” Harden Award, which recognizes an industry leader dedicated to mentoring and uplifting the next generation of professionals. Majors, currently serving as assistant tour manager for Kenny Chesney, began his career in the 1970s with the Marshall Tucker Band and continues to exemplify mentorship and excellence on the road.

Photo: Courtesy of ECCHO Live/Jason Davis.

Photo: Courtesy of ECCHO Live/Jason Davis.

Robin Majors and Chris Lisle. Photo: Courtesy of ECCHO Live/Jason Davis.

Hayden Blount Inks With Eclipse Music Group

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Pictured (L-R): Anna Thiel (Creative Manager, Eclipse Music Publishing), Courtney Crist (Vice President, Eclipse Music Publishing), Penny Gattis (Partner, Eclipse Music Group), Hayden Blount, Kurt Locher (Partner, Eclipse Music Group), Zach Lund (Partner, Wild Child Music), Katie Vinten (Partner, Wild Child Music).

Hayden Blount has signed a publishing deal with Eclipse Music Group. Blount is managed by Wild Child Music.

The Savannah, Tennessee native garnered over five million streams and earned placements on various editorial playlists for his 2024 single “Heaven On Earth.”

“Hayden embodies everything we love about honest, roots-driven country music,” says Penny Gattis. “He’s unapologetically authentic—his songs are lived-in, his voice is unmistakable, and his perspective is entirely his own. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Eclipse family and help him continue building something truly special.”

“Not every song has to be extremely profound, but I am a big fan of substance, which is something I’ve really tried to focus on in my writing,” says Blount. “Substance allows listeners to care about songs rather than just consuming them, and Eclipse understands that, which is why I couldn’t ask for a better partner as I continue my career.”