DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ella Langley ‘Has Never Sounded Better’

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Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Pop influences permeate this week’s country outings in DISClaimer.

The Jonas Brothers are here. So is Jimmy Webb. And the tunes by Charles Kelley, Slater Nalley and Graham Barham sound more related to pop artists than they do to anyone named Hank.

The hillbilly bright spots here include new music from Ashland Craft, Rissi Palmer, Luke Combs and Dylan Gossett, not to mention our Disc of the Day winner, Ella Langley.

The DISCovery Award goes to Sammy Arriaga. He sure can sing.

BRENDAN WALTER / “Pipe Dream”
Writers: Brendan Walter/Grady Smith; Producer: Grady Smith; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Jangly and plaintive, with a driving acoustic guitar and rumbling rhythm track underpinning his aching vocal. In the lyric, he has a yen to make it in music, no matter the cost.

LITTLE BIG TOWN & JIMMY WEBB / “Wichita Lineman”
Writer: Jimmy Webb; Producer: Little Big Town; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– LBT has delighted fans for years with its live covers of pop hits. It has collected several of these in an EP titled Scattered, Smothered and Covered. This echoey, lovely, harmony-drenched interpretation of the Glen Campbell classic features its composer setting the ethereal tone with his rippling piano accompaniment.

ASHLAND CRAFT / “Kick Rocks Cowboy”
Writers: Ashland Craft/Jonathan Singleton/Shane Minor; Producers: Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Lee Starr; Label: Leo33
– Love the snappy attitude in this kiss-off country rocker. Her personality and sass shine in every drawled note. I remain a big fan of this lady.

RUSSELL DICKERSON & THE JONAS BROTHERS / “Happen to Me”
Writers: Chase McGill/Christopher LaCorte/Jessie Jo Dillon/Robert Hazard/Russell Dickerson; Producers: Chris LaCorte, Josh Kerr, Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
– Adding the pop superstars to his joyous, rocking hit country tune sounds like a good move, since this mix simply soars with positive energy.

SLATER NALLEY / “Foolish Pride”
Writer: Slater Nalley; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
– This teen was a finalist on American Idol earlier this year. His gripping delivery of this anguished ballad was a big factor. Now it’s an electrifying country disc debut. The production is admirably spare, which throws the spotlight on his rasping, soulful voice.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Whiskey River”
Writer: Johnny Bush; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: W&T
– Michael and Tanya alternately swap lead vocal lines and bring their gospel-influenced style to Willie’s perennial show-opening song. The result is audio excitement.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “Buckshot”
Writers: Brent Anderson/Graham Barham/Ryan Hurd/Sam Bergeson; Producer: Sam Bergeson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This is country music? Electronic loops and processed, compressed vocals. A heartbreak drinking song in a busy-sounding pop production.

CHARLES KELLEY / “Steal Your Heart”
Writers: Charles Kelley/Josh Kear/Lindsay Rimes/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Southern Accent Entertainment
– Soaring and scintillating, this has an ‘80s pop-music vibe. Kelley reaches into his upper vocal register on the choruses, which gives the performance a very different tone than his work in Lady A.

RISSI PALMER / “Old Black Southern Woman”
Writers: Kyshona Armstrong/Rissi Palmer; Producer: Shannon Sanders; Label: RP
– Reflective and emotionally honest, Palmer imagines life as a senior citizen while a fiddle saws along and guitars strum in sympathy. Gently warm and comforting.

LUKE COMBS / “Days Like These”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Brent Cobb/Luke Combs; Producer: Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton/Luke Combs; Label: Columbia Nashville
– The ballad extols the simple joy of a pretty day lived with love. As usual, Luke’s singing is a beacon of emotional beauty. The enduring country truth triumphs again: Money can’t buy happiness.

SAMMY ARRIAGA / “Before the Next Teardrop Falls”
Writers: Ben Peters/Vivian Keith; Producer: Adam Mitchell; Label: Walk Off Entertainment
– Arriaga is a vocal soulman who issued a collection titled Heart In Texas that is billed as “the industry’s first fully bilingual country Latino album.” Seven tracks are in English, and six track are in Spanish. Plus, it contains this lovely, acoustic, Spanglish revival of Freddy Fender’s 1975 classic. The plucking guitar work and sweet fiddle notes plus Arriaga’s heart-in-throat vocal give this an audio eloquence that can’t be beat.

ELLA LANGLEY / “Choosin’ Texas”
Writers: Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert; Producers: Ben West, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia
– She loses her Tennessee lover to a temptress from the Lone Star State. Langley’s singing has never sounded better than it does on this delightful two stepper. Park this on your playlist right next to Strait.

DYLAN GOSSETT / “Windy City”
Writer: Dylan Gossett; Producer: Dylan Gossett; Label: DG
– Wistful and tender. He’s far from home, up north in Chicago. But he hopes his songs will resonate with unfamiliar audiences and carry him along. Written and performed with the panache of a true troubadour.

Country Cruising Wraps 2025 Event

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Trace Adkins. Photo: Zack Dougan

Country Cruising wrapped its 2025 trip over the weekend with over 30 artists and musicians on board.

Kicking off on Oct. 27, Trace Adkins took the stage for the sail away party, attended by nearly 2,000 country music fans. With nearly constant music, fans enjoyed performances from LOCASH, Canaan Smith, Craig Campbell, the Song Suffragettes, Maggie Baugh, Allie Collen, Taylor Austin Dye, Angie K, Clay Walker, KC Johns and more across their time on the ship.

Storme Warren hosted tapings of his Exit 209 Podcast. Campbell hosted a special Halloween themed theatre performance featuring artists dressed as their favorite influences. Various artists hosted excursions during the stops in Key West and Nassau.

The next cruise is set for spring of 2027. Additional details will be available here.

LOCASH. Photo: Nick Tavares

Song Suffragettes. Photo: Nick Tavares

Canaan Smith. Photo: Nick Tavares

Maggie Baugh. Photo: Nick Tavares

BBR Music Group/BMG Elevates & Expands A&R Team

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Pictured (clockwise): Camille Kenny, Jacee Badeaux, Tahsin Rakib Himi, Talia Heimanson and Kennedy Nickerson.

BBR Music Group/BMG has elevated three of its A&R team members, and has also welcomed two more to the company. All will report to SVP, A&R, Frontline Recordings, North America, Katie Kerkhover.

Camille Kenny has been elevated to VP, A&R, where she will lead day-to-day management across the label’s artists as well as finding, signing, and developing new talent. Kenny joined the label in 2024 as Sr. Director, A&R. Her previous career stops include THiS Music, WME and Big Loud Records. While at Big Loud, she worked with Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Chris Lane, Jake Owen, MacKenzie Porter, Hailey Whitters and Lauren Watkins. Kenny can be reached here.

Jacee Badeaux has joined the label as Sr. Director, A&R, where he will find and develop rising artists, collaborate with the creative community, and guide the label’s roster. Badeaux comes from Big Yellow Dog, where he spent eight years. He started as Director, A&R before being elevated to Sr. Director in 2023. Badeaux has been named to MusicRow’s Next Big Thing and Nashville Briefings’ 30 Under 30 lists, and also serves as co-chair of AIMP Young Professionals Committee. Badeaux can be reached here.

Tahsin Rakib Himi has been upped to Director, A&R Research, where she will lead data-informed artist discovery and deliver insights to support roster additions across the U.S. Recorded team. Before moving to the label’s recording sector, she led the Analytics Engineering team, where she developed scalable data products, including royalty data models, automation tools and API-integrated dashboards, which are used by the global teams across royalties, streaming, and marketing. Her previous career stops also include Hearst Magazines and Vox Media. Himi can be reached here.

Kennedy Nickerson has been promoted to Manager, A&R, where she will collaborate on creative support to the roster as well as continue to elevate processes, project deliverables and more. A Belmont University graduate, Kennedy joined the label in 2020, as an Income Tracking Coordinator for two years, before here promotion to Sr. Coordinator, A&R. Previous career stops include Cornman Music and Big Yellow Dog Music. Nickerson can be reached here.

Talia Heimanson has joined the label as A&R Coordinator, where she will use her experience across record labels, talent agencies, and live music programming. In her new role, she will handle audio assets, as well as assist Kerkhover day to day. Heimanson joins the team after most recently being on the A&R team at Red Bull Records. Additional career stops also include UTA and UC Santa Barbara. Heimanson can be reached here.

“This expansion of our A&R team, with both exciting promotions and new hires, is a natural next step in the growth of BMG,” shares Kerkhover. “Our collective strength and unity are truly at the heart of what we do, allowing us to passionately elevate each artist’s unique vision and relentlessly focus on delivering the highest possible quality. Camille, Jacee, Kennedy, Himi and Talia are poised to continue achieving remarkable things, and I couldn’t be prouder of each of them.”

Jeff Bates Preps First New Album Release In Over A Decade

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Jeff Bates is returning with his first new album in over a decade, Don’t Hold Me To It, on November 14 via Tall Grass Records.

Bates wrote or co-wrote all eleven songs on the new project, his seventh studio album, which also features tracks penned by Trent Willmon, Thomas Mac, Keith Dozier, Randal Fowler, Nick Autry and Jason Brownie. After some personal challenges over the last few years, Bates is excited to bring the new music to fans.

“So here we are, vocals are finished and the final product is on my phone and here come the same old doubts and fears,” Bates says. “Maybe people don’t want to hear new music from me, maybe they aren’t interested in this new batch of songs that I have lived, lived in, and lived with. What if, what if, what if? On the other hand, I haven’t been this excited about a new album since Rainbow Man and that’s saying a lot! It matters to me.”

Don’t Hold Me To It Track List:
1. “Ain’t Gotta Die to Go to Heaven”
2. “Breaking Things”
3. “Jesus Loves the Beach”
4. “Give It Back”
5. “Friends With Boats”
6. “That Ain’t Nothin”
7. “Good Time Getting Over You”
8. “Don’t Hold Me to It”
9. “Show Me the Water”
10. “Just Like Whiskey”
11. “Good Man Going Home (Charlie’s Song)”

CMA Unveils First Round Of Performers For 59th Annual CMA Awards

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The Country Music Association has unveiled the first round of performances for the 59th annual CMA Awards, set for Nov. 19.

BigXthaPlug, Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Lainey Wilson and Stephen Wilson Jr. will each take the stage throughout the night.

In addition to her performance, Wilson will serve as the host of the evening for the second consecutive year. A three-time nominee, Combs will deliver his latest single “Back in the Saddle.” Reigning CMA Musical Event of the Year winner Langley will perform her recently-released song “Choosin’ Texas,” while fellow nominee and the reigning CMA New Artist of the Year Moroney will take the stage for a performance of her single “6 Months Later.”

Top will deliver a performance of his song “Guitar.” New Artist of the Year nominee Wetmore will perform his viral track “Wind Up Missin’ You.” Fellow New Artist of the Year nominee, Wilson Jr. will bring a rendition of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me.”

Collaborations this year will include BigXthaPlug joining Combs for their song “Pray Hard,” and Shaboozey teaming up with Wilson Jr. for a rendition of their ballad “Took A Walk” from the recently released film The Long Walk.

The 59th Annual CMA Awards broadcasts live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC and next day on Hulu.

Bobby Bones’ Nashville Podcast Network Launches ‘The Upload With Brooke Taylor’

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Co-Host Pastor Mark Evans, Tyler Hubbard and Host Brooke Taylor

Bobby Bones‘ Nashville Podcast Network has launched a new faith-based original iHeartPodcast, The Upload with Brooke Taylor, which debuted Nov. 5.

The weekly podcast featuring faith-fueled conversations designed to inspire, encourage and uplift listeners is hosted by radio personality Brooke Taylor, weekday host on iHeartRadio Nashville’s The Big 98, alongside co-host Pastor Mark Evans. The Upload takes a closer look at what faith truly means in everyday life, with each episode featuring conversations with musicians, authors, athletes, and influencers who open up about their spiritual journeys and how their faith shapes the way they navigate their careers and family lives. The podcast explores the defining moments and spiritual lessons that sustain believers through both triumphs and challenges.

Listeners can expect candid, heartfelt interviews with upcoming guests including Tyler Hubbard, Steven Curtis Chapman, Walker Hayes, Russell & Kailey Dickerson, Gabby Barrett, Anne Wilson, Conner Smith, Drew Baldridge, Dylan Marlowe, Chris Lane and more.

The premiere episode features multi-Platinum artist Hubbard, who joins Taylor and Evans to share how faith guided him through a season of endings and new beginnings—from losing his father in a tragic accident to rediscovering purpose after Florida Georgia Line. Hubbard opens up about how surrendering control brought peace, how fatherhood has deepened his faith, and the scriptures that are changing how he views success.

“When I was 20 and lost my dad…It happened in my backyard. It was a helicopter crash and it was super graphic,” recalls Hubbard. “I remember instantly…as I was walking away from that like just standing there and talking to God. Like alright, I know how this story plays out. Like I can get mad at you right now and I can go down this road or I can lean on you. The second I made that choice, like I felt the embrace and I felt the peace and I was like that makes no sense…and I was just
like woah. Like this is Jesus.”

“The Upload isn’t afraid to go deeper,” says Taylor. “We want to explore the real stories behind people’s faith — the moments of doubt, growth, surrender, and strength that define our walk with Christ.”

New episodes of The Upload with Brooke Taylor will be released every Wednesday.

Natalie Hemby Extends Publishing Partnership With CTM Outlander Music

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Pictured: (L-R, top row): Jody Williams (CEO, Jody Williams Songs), Thomas Deelder (CTM), and Derek Crownover (Partner, Loeb & Loeb LLP). (L-R, bottom row): André de Raaff ( CEO, CTM Outlander) and Natalie Hemby.

GRAMMY-winning songwriter Natalie Hemby has renewed her publishing partnership with CTM Outlander.

Hemby first partnered with CTM Outlander four years ago when the company acquired a portion of her catalogue and writer’s share. With the new deal, CTM Outlander has now acquired the majority of her remaining publishing rights and writer’s share.

She currently is climbing country radio with her top 10 co-penned “What Kinda Man,” recorded by Parker McCollum. Throughout her career, she has notched eight Billboard chart-toppers. Her wide array of cuts include Alicia Keys, Ed Sheeran, Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Lady Gaga, Yola, Dierks Bentley, Rag’n’Bone Man, Lady A, Kelly Clarkson, Mumford & Sons, Little Big Town and Labrinth. 

Hemby has won two GRAMMY awards for Song of the Year with “Crowded Table” and Best Song Written for Visual Media with “I’ll Never Love Again,” featured in A Star Is Born. She also has ACM Awards for “Smokin’ and Drinkin'” and “Automatic.”

Jody Williams Songs will continue its writer management relationship with Hemby.

Meg McRee & Ben Chapman Sign With Blue Harbor Music

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Pictured (L to R): Steve Markland (Blue Harbor Music), Meg McRee, Ben Chapman, Kendall Lettow (Blue Harbor Music) & Miller Arant (Blue Harbor Music)

Meg McRee and Ben Chapman have joined the publishing roster at Blue Harbor Music.

McRee, a Vanderbilt University graduate, has earned cuts with artists including Lainey Wilson, Grace Potter, Marcus King, Elle King and Brent Cobb, as well as sync placements in major TV and film projects. As an artist, she has toured with Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Morgan Wade and Marcus King, and has appeared at Stagecoach, Pilgrimage and the Grand Ole Opry. She is currently working on her sophomore album, following her acclaimed debut, Is It Just Me?

“I’m beyond excited to be working with the dynamic and passionate crew at Blue Harbor and to take my writing and artist career to the next level with them. I feel truly lucky to have landed there and can’t wait to get to work,” shares McRee.

A Georgia native, Chapman has written songs recorded by Muscadine Bloodline, Brent Cobb, Hayes Carll, Shelby Lynne and Flatland Cavalry. His latest album, Downbeat, released last year. He is the creator and host of Peach Jam, which has hosted Lainey Wilson, Lukas Nelson, Brent Cobb, Kaitlin Butts, the Red Clay Strays and more since 2022.

“I feel so lucky to have a home at Blue Harbor! The team’s passion and care for their writers and great songs is second to none. I can’t wait to grow with them and start this exciting chapter of my career,” says Chapman.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Ben Chapman and Meg McRee to the Blue Harbor Music family,” adds Steve Markland, President of Blue Harbor Music. “Their songwriting embodies the authenticity, heart, and craft that we love and believe in deeply. Both Ben and Meg bring a unique voice and creative spirit that perfectly aligns with what Blue Harbor Music stands for. We’re honored to support them as they continue to grow and share their music with the world.”

Artist & Beloved Session Vocalist John Wesley Ryles Passes At 74

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John Wesley Ryles

Artist and beloved session vocalist John Wesley Ryles passed away on Nov. 2. He was 74.

The Bastrop, Louisiana native had several charting hits throughout his early recording career including “Kay” in 1968, (which was a Top 10 hit and the title track to his debut album for Columbia Records), “Once In A Lifetime Thing,” “Liberated Woman” and “Louisiana Rain.” Along with Columbia he recorded for MCA, Dot, Warner Bros. and others through the years.

In the late ’80s Ryles became an in-demand backing vocalist. His session credits include cuts by Brooks & Dunn (“Boot Scootin’ Boogie”), Alan Jackson, (“Drive”), George Jones (“Choices”) and Dolly Parton (“An Eagle When She Flies.”) His coveted harmony vocals can also be heard on Tracy Byrd’s “Watermelon Crawl,” Martina McBride’s “Independence Day” and Travis Tritt’s “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” and he penned Steve Wariner’s “Starting Over Again” with Don Goodman, which peaked at No. 4 on the charts in the mid-80s.

Ryles was married to Joni Lee, the daughter of Conway Twitty.

Winter Jam 2026 Returns In January With Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, More

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Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Katy Nichole and more are among “The Winter Jam 2026 Tour” lineup, which is returning to arenas nationwide this winter beginning Jan. 9.

Known as Christian music’s largest annual tour, Winter Jam 2026 will also feature performances by Hulvey, Disciple, Emerson Day and Newsong, along with speaker Zane Black. The tour will visit 40 cities across the U.S., including Tampa, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Birmingham, Louisville, Oklahoma City, Des Moines, Cleveland and more, with a Nashville date set for Feb. 13. The Pre-Jam Party will feature performances from Jeremy Rosado, Heath Brothers and Cliff Preston.

“We are in a moment in our country… one of revival and awakening that is being sparked by young people. Each night of Winter Jam is an opportunity to experience how God is continuing to move and use this generation,” shares Tomlin. “Let’s come together as the people of God, singing the praises of God, in the presence of God.”

Known for its “no ticket required” approach, Winter Jam continues its long-standing tradition of affordability and accessibility, with admission only a $15 donation at the door. Fans can also join Jam Nation for free and early admission, exclusive merchandise, and opportunities to connect directly with artists during select Q&A sessions.

Since its founding more than 30 years ago, Winter Jam has grown into one of the most influential tours in Christian music, consistently ranking among Pollstar’s Top 100 Tours and drawing hundreds of thousands of fans each year.