The War And Treaty Unveil New ‘Country Baptism’ EP

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The War And Treaty have unveiled their new EP, Country Baptism, out now via Atlantic Outpost.

The husband-and-wife team of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter first introduced fans to the project last week with a debut live performance on NBC’s America’s Got Talent.

“This EP is about continuing the body of work that reflects our journey together,” says the duo. “Country Baptism begins with a conversation about overcoming moral injury through true love and care.”

The War And Treaty have amassed over 100 million worldwide streams numerous awards over the last decade. Earlier this year, the duo released their fifth studio album and Atlantic Outpost debut, The Story of Michael and Tanya. Executive produced by Michael Trotter Jr., the album features collaborations with Whoopi Goldberg, Valerie June and Wynonna.

The band is touring throughout the fall with upcoming dates in Tennessee, Indiana, Utah and more.

Country Baptism Tracklist:
1. “Country Baptism Interlude” (Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter)
2. “Country Baptism” (Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter)
3. “Earthquake” (Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter)
4. “Keep You Warm Tonight” (Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter)
5. “It’ll Hurt Me More Than It’ll Hurt You” (Jonathan Singleton, Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter)
6. “Cowgirls Cry When Cowboys Lie” (Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter)
7. “It Won’t Go Away” (Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter)

Americana Music Association Announces Performers For 25th Annual Honors & Awards Show

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Robert Plant, Brandi Carlile, Margo Price and more are among the artists set to perform at the upcoming 25th annual Americana Honors & Awards Sept. 16 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

Plant will return to the awards stage 15 years after his 2011 Album of the Year Band of Joy with a special performance as a 2026 recipient of the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Other artists among this year’s Honors & Awards lineup include Boy Golden, Crowe Boys, Flatland Cavalry, I’m With Her, Jesse Welles, Kashus Culpepper, Kathleen Edwards, Ken Pomeroy, Molly Tuttle, Mon Rovîa, and S.G. Goodman.

The Milk Carton Kids return to host this year’s show, with Buddy Miller serving once again as musical director for the Americana All-Star Band, featuring Don Was, Larry Campbell, Fred Eltringham, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke, and The McCrary Sisters.

The Americana Music Association will also pay tribute to Dolly Parton as a Lifetime Achievement Honoree and for her impact on roots music as well as her storytelling, songwriting, and creative excellence, which embody the spirit of Americana. A special performance is planned honoring her life and legacy after her recent passing.

The 2026 Honors & Awards show will stream live via NPR’s YouTube channel and Americana Music Association’s Facebook page on Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. CT, while live audio simulcasts of the show will be available via SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country and on Nashville area radio stations WRLT (100.1 FM), WSM (650 AM) and WMOT (89.5 FM).  A special edited version of the program will also be broadcast in the Austin City Limits time slot, premiering on Nov. 21.

The ceremony is the hallmark event for the 26th annual AMERICANAFEST, held across more than 40 venues throughout Nashville Sept. 15-19.

Stella Lefty Notches Her First No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Stella Lefty; Photo: Jack Balaban

Stella Lefty notches her first No. 1 on the MusicRow Radio Chart this week with her breakout hit “Boston.”

The track comes off of her debut album Long Way Home and was written by Lefty, Grace Enger, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Joe Reeves and Noah Kahan.

Following the release of her album last Friday (Aug. 28), Lefty announced her 2027 “Long Way Home Tour.” The trek will include stops in Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Nashville and more.

“Boston” currently sits at No. 3 on both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Laura Veltz To Host Special Writers Round With Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde & Luke Dick

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Songwriter Laura Veltz is hosting a special night of music and storytelling for a cause at The Listening Room Cafe on Nov. 4.

The special songwriter round will also feature performances from Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde and Luke Dick, and will serve as a fundraiser in support of sending local Nashville 12U baseball team The M.A.D. Mavericks to Cooperstown Dreams Park in New York next year. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, exclusively reserved for 12-year-old athletes, includes a week of youth baseball at Cooperstown Dreams Park and special access to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. More than 500 Cooperstown alumni have gone on to play Major League Baseball, including Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper and Jacob deGrom.

The night will also include a silent auction of music memorabilia from songs performed during the evening, including handwritten and signed lyrics, instruments and more. Tickets will be on sale Sept. 9 at listeningroomcafe.com.

“The idea that I can send a quick text to my dear friends, Maren, Ashley & Luke, who happen to be some of the most talented music people on earth—and my neighbors—is one of the craziest parts of being a Nashville songwriter,” says Veltz. “I am so grateful to these legends for joining me in rallying around our local community and helping send these sweet boys on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Although I will be on stage, I am so excited to hear all of this music. ‘Choosin’ Texas’ sung by all of us in four-part harmony is going to blow my mind. I love this town!”

Veltz is a five-time Grammy-nominated songwriter whose catalog of hits includes songs recorded by Morris, McBryde, Dan + Shay, Demi Lovato, Ella Langley, Shaboozey, Blessing Offor and more. This year alone, she has had 30 cuts from artists including longtime collaborator Jessie Murph, Stella Lefty, Drew Baldridge, Anne Wilson and more.

K-LOVE Promotes Two

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Natalie Carlisle & Monica Guffey

K-LOVE has upped Natalie Carlisle to Chief Revenue Officer and Monica Guffey to Vice President of Development.

Previously serving as Chief Development Officer, Carlisle led the development department, overseeing family partnerships, planned and endowment giving, annual and mid-level giving, direct response, institutional giving, donor relations and experience, and prospect development. She will still hold these responsibilities in her new role, while also overseeing revenue strategy and generation across the ministry, including national underwriting accounts and corporate sponsorships.

“Natalie has proven herself to be the consummate professional and has a deep commitment to excellence in all that she does,” says K-LOVE CEO Tom Stultz. “In this expanded role, she will be responsible for growing our underwriting in ways that serve this Ministry and its underwriting clients while continuing to create deep relationships with all our donors.”

“I’m excited to serve this Ministry through this expanded role as we seek to inspire people to move closer to Jesus,” adds Carlisle. “We have an experienced team with great momentum that should only increase as we work together across all departments here at K-LOVE.”

Carlisle joined K-LOVE two and a half years ago and has served on the Ministry Leadership Team, reporting directly to the CEO. During her time with the organization, she has expanded the development department and become a key strategic leader for the Ministry.

In her new role, Guffey will provide strategic leadership for family partnerships, business underwriting and corporate sponsorships while continuing to build key donor and partner relationships. She will also help shape long-term revenue strategies, strengthen major gift and partnership pipelines, develop future leaders and work closely with Ministry leadership to ensure supporters and partners have a meaningful connection to the K-LOVE mission.

“For more than 13 years, Monica has been a trusted leader and faithful steward of K-LOVE’s mission,” shares Carlisle. “Throughout her Ministry tenure, she has demonstrated exceptional skill in building meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and team members. I am excited to see how God will continue to use her gifts to advance the Ministry in this new capacity.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Bryan & Luke Combs Team For Disc Of The Day

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Luke Combs & Luke Bryan. Photo: Courtesy of MCA

DISClaimer is visited by three Country Music Hall of Famers this week, Randy, Vince and the Oaks.

They’re joined by a bevy of new country stars, and who could deny the Luke-and-Luke show? Luke Bryan and Luke Combs cart off a Disc of the Day award, despite heavy competition from Warren Zeiders, Randy Travis, Mackenzie Carpenter and the Jackson Dean & Laci Kaye Booth duet.

This week’s DISCovery Award goes to Sunny Black.

LEE BRICE & VINCE GILL / “Never Meet Your Heroes”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Curb Records
– An ode to Lee’s hero, his selfless, steadfast, good-guy grandfather. Vince’s harmony is, of course, celestial. The beautifully spare production is rhythmically innovative and intriguing.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “The Idea”
Writers: Lauren Hungate/Liz Rose/Tofer Brown; Producer: Gena Johnson, Karen Fairchild; Label: MCA
– Beautifully sad. The relationship is dead, and the singers softly croon its epitaph. This one’s for anyone who has ever experienced the pain of divorce.

PYNK BEARD / “On My Hood (I’d GIve It All for Love)”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: PB
– This man is a star. I hope somebody on Music Row has been paying attention while Pynk Beard and his band have been blowing the roof off of the America’s Got Talent TV stage with this and “Mine Lord Willing” for the past couple of weeks. He’s not making it to the show’s finale, but surely these rousing, full-throated performances will bring him the fame he deserves. 

DUSTIN LYNCH / “Made In a Bottle”
Writers: Geoff Warburton/Jesse Frasure/Mark Holman; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG
– This chugging country rocker is a big fave at his concerts. It is also the lead single and opening track of his forthcoming album. Energetic and celebratory.

JACKSON DEAN & LACI KAYE BOOTH / “The Moon and the Wolf”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Jessie Jo Dillon/Luke Dick; Producer: Luke Dick; Label: Blue Highway Records
– Haunting and lonesome. Alone at midnight with only your thoughts for company. Booth’s ethereal voice contrasts and harmonizes beautifully with Dean’s echoey moans.

LUKE BRYAN & LUKE COMBS / “Finders Keepers”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Jimi Bell/Sam Ellis; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– The mighty Combs pushes Bryan to his finest vocal to date on this wailing country rocker with its honky-tonk hallelujah lyric. A dynamite duet.

BELLAH MAE / “Gimme Gimme”
Writers: Bellah Mae/Janeva Burrill; Producers: Brett Truitt, JANEVA; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Processed vocal. Electronic track. Pop production. Throw-away lyrics.

RANDY TRAVIS / “Same Old Way”
Writers: Kyle Lehning/Randy Travis; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Another discovery from the vault of previously unreleased unissued performances. This is the best one yet, a dreamy, aching, bluesy heartache tune that the Hall of Famer sings with soft resignation and steamy soul. A slam-dunk brilliant single.

MACKENZIE CARPENTER / “Kinda Want Your Man”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Jamie Moore/Jonathan Hutcherson/Mackenzie Carpenter; Producer: Jamie Moore; Label: Big Machine Records
– She’s sultry and blurry boozy-woozy on this dreamy, languid ballad. She’s looped and relaxed while she contemplates temptation with someone else’s guy. The gentle backup vocals at the fade are enchanting, too.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS / “Buried Treasure”
Writer: Aaron Raitiere; Producer: Anderson East; Label: Lightning Rod Records
– This is the title tune and theme song of a collection of classic songs (due Oct. 30) by the durable quartet. It’s kinda plodding and draggy, plus there isn’t nearly enough four-part harmony singing. The Oaks will be appearing on the Opry for the next three nights (Sept. 3-5).

VINNY TOVAR / “Yellow Roses”
Writers: Alyssa Micaela/Gerardo DeLeon Jr./Vicente Andres Tovar/Victor Badillo; Producer: Stormy Cooper, Will Braun; Label: Azteca Ranch Music
– Solidly country. A smoothly rolling heartache tune wherein he’s begging for one last chance by bringing posies. The longer he sings, the more you love it.

WARREN ZEIDERS / “Looks Good On You”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Jon Robert Hall/KK Johnson/Sam Backoff/Warren Zeiders; Producers: Ben Johnson, KK Johnson; Label: Warner Records
– He is utterly and passionately besotted with her beauty. She’s pulling him in while she’s letting him go. “Even leaving looks good on you,” he sings as he tears into the soaring choruses.

SUNNY BLACK / “Turn on the Radio”
Writers: Cole Miracle/Sam Martinez/Sunny Black; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: P2026
– He’s been on the road opening shows for Jelly Roll. Black’s new single is a charming, jaunty, hillbilly toe tapper addressing his aspirations of making it big in country music, even though he’s no “Okie From Muskogee” or a “No-Show Jones.”

Ty Myers Headlines Red Rocks Amphitheatre

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Ty Myers and his band. Photo: Jocelyn Myers

Ty Myers made history with his debut at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Saturday (Aug. 30), becoming the youngest country artist ever to headline the venue and the second youngest artist of any genre, following Billie Eilish.

Myers’ set was packed with songs from his Gold-certified 2025 debut album The Select and 2026 follow-up Heavy On The Soul, including Platinum-certified “Ends of the Earth,” “Thought It Was Love” and “Drinkin’ Alone.” He performed a cover of “Always On My Mind,” famously recorded by Willie Nelson

The 19-year-old Texas native will release his new album Two Braids & The Truth – My Tribute to Willie on Sept. 18. The project comes just before he joins Willie Nelson & Family and Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts as a special guest for a pair of co-headlining shows in Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Later this year, he’ll also make his Farm Aid debut.

Photo: Jocelyn Myers

Photo: Jocelyn Myers

Oak Ridge Boys Share New ‘Buried Treasures’ Collection Due In October

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The Oak Ridge Boys‘ latest album, Buried Treasures, will be released Oct. 30 via Lightning Rod Records.

Produced and engineered by Anderson East, Buried Treasures finds the Oaks returning to collection of songs they have loved forever including Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me,” Billy Joe Shaver’s “Live Forever” and more. Penned by Aaron Raitiere, title track from the project, which is the only newly-written song, is out now.

“Every song on the album is about something that’s dear to us,” says the band’s Duane Allen. ” “These songs are all buried treasures — great songs we’ve loved and sung for years, and this is the first time we’ve brought them all together on one record.”

“It was a lot of fun, reaching back to some of these classic songs,” adds William Lee Golden. “I feel like this album touched on our love of life, love of family, love of our mates that we’ve chosen in life, and also the love of God.”

The Oaks begin their fall tour with three nights at the Grand Ole Opry House beginning tonight (Sept. 3) and remain on the road through December.

Buried Treasures Track Listing:
1. “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
2. “Buried Treasure”
3. “Deep River”
4. “How Great Thou Art”
5. “Lean on Me”
6. “Live Forever”
7. “Softly and Tenderly”
8. “Stardust”
9. “What a Wonderful World”
10. “You Are So Beautiful”

The Gatlin Brothers Celebrate 70 Years Of Music With Farewell Tour

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The Gatlin Brothers will hit the road on the “Farewell Celebration Tour,” celebrating more than 70 years of music, memories and milestones.

Kicking off Sept. 8 in Mississippi, the tour will make stops across the country in Missouri, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Texas, Florida, and more, through March 2027. Ticket information can be found here.

The shows will feature rare personal videos, stories highlighting their journey and performances of the signature tracks including “All the Gold in California,” “Broken Lady,” “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You),” “I Don’t Wanna Cry” and “Night Time Magic.”

“Dear friends, after much thought and prayer, we have decided that it’s time to hit the turn signal, check the rearview mirror, pump the brakes, move over into the right lane, and look for the off-ramp,” says Larry Gatlin. “There is no ‘hard date’ for all of this, but we’re thinking Mayish of ‘28. In the meantime, we’ll be all over America to play and sing our songs for you wonderful people who have supported us for 71 years. Keep the Faith.”

Gatlin Brothers Farewell Celebration Tour Dates:
Sept. 8 / Oxford, MS / Gertrude C. Ford Center (University of Mississippi)
Sept. 19 / Lincoln City, OR / Chinook Winds Casino Resort
Oct. 2 / Thatcher, AZ / Eastern Arizona College
Oct. 3 / Gilbert, AZ / Higley Center for the Performing Arts
Oct. 4 / Galveston, TX / The Grand 1894 Opera House
Oct. 17 / Branson, MO / The Mansion Theatre
Oct. 24 / Fort Hall, ID / Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel
Nov. 17 / Shipshewana, IN / Bluegate Theatre
Nov. 21 / Arlington, TX / Arlington Music Hall
Nov. 22 / The Woodlands, TX / Dosey Doe
Dec. 4 / Jonesborough, TN / Jackson Theatre
Dec. 5 / Franklin, NC / Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 11 / McPherson, KS / McPherson Opera House
Dec. 17 / St. Charles, MO / Family Arena
Dec. 21 / Franklin, TN / Franklin Theatre
Dec. 22 / Franklin, TN / Franklin Theatre
Feb. 5 / Bremerton, WA / Admiral Theatre
Feb. 11 / Belle Glade, FL / Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center (Palm Beach State College)
Feb. 13 / Weirsdale, FL / Orange Blossom Opry
March 6 / Oxford, AL / Oxford PAC
March 20 / Lancaster, PA / American Music Theatre
March 21 / Easton, MD / Avalon Theatre

Lucky Money Entertainment Celebrates New Office

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Pictured (L-R): Lauren Wheelis (Executive Membership Coordinator), Sarah Morey (Founder/CEO), Casey LeVasseur (Writer Manager) and Macy Dot (Lucky Money Live). Photo: Bonner Rhae

Lucky Money Entertainment has opened a new office within Lucid Private Offices, located at 1801 West End Ave in Nashville.

Featuring an entertainment space, conference rooms and a songwriting studio, the entertainment company recently celebrated the opening alongside team members, affiliates and clients. The studio is exclusively available to Lucky Money Entertainment members for bookings, available daily from 10-9 pm CT (pending scheduling availability). The space comes equipped with a GSmini acoustic Taylor guitar, and an 88 key Yamaha keyboard.

The company is also celebrating “Something That I Need” by Carson Beyer, currently No.30 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. Beyer performed the single, along with several other originals, at Lucky Money Entertainment’s new offices, accompanied by co-writer Dan Harrison.

“I am so grateful for my incredible team at Lucky Money Entertainment,” says Sarah Morey, Lucky Money Entertainment Founder/CEO. “Their hard work has allowed us to grow – all the way to the 10th floor of the 1801 West End building! It is such an honor to be trusted by artists, like Carson Beyer, to be stewards of great original music. Congrats to Carson and the whole team on reaching Top 30! Cheers to getting many more songs heard!”