Russell Dickerson
Back to the barrooms!
This edition of DISClaimer spotlights a number of talents who are steering this genre back to country music. You can’t go wrong with superb efforts by Vince Gill, Morgan Wallen, Carter Faith, Joe Nichols and Mae Estes.
Rollicking Russell Dickerson rides off with the Disc of the Day award.
Lex Lashaun is a new female voice on the contemporary country scene. Her debut earns her a DISCovery Award.
LUKAS NELSON, SIERRA FERRELL, TRAVELIN’ McCOURYS / “Unknown Legend”
Writer: Neil Young; Producers: Lukas Nelson, Ronnie McCoury; Label: 6 Ace Records/Sony Music Nashville
– Zesty and utterly refreshing. The fleet fingers of the McCourys scamper across the fretboards to set the brisk tempo. Lukas begins to spin the yarn of a free-spirited gal who rides the roads. Then Sierra takes over, and, as always, everything she sings is a cloak of shining gold. When everyone is picking and singing at this level, I’m in heaven.
BRANTLEY GILBERT / “Want You Back”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Hunter Phelps/Michael Hardy/Will Weatherly; Producers: Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Will Weatherly; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Clever and engaging. He wishes she’d done something totally crazy instead of just breaking up. That way he knows he’d never miss her. The track rocks and Gilbert delivers just the right touch of snark.
DASHA / “Work on Me”
Writers: Amy Allen/Dasha/John Ryan; Producer: John Ryan; Label: Warner Records
– Car-repair imagery abounds in this saucy come-on. Dasha’s wit and pop smarts twinkle as brightly as ever.
MORGAN WALLEN / “20 Cigarettes”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Chase McGill/Chris LaCorte/Josh Miller; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/ Mercury Records/Republic Records
– The lyric is loaded with visuals and Wallen delivers the goods, vocally. A night of passion in a pick-up truck that sounds youthful and utterly authentic.
MAE ESTES / “I Better Go”
Writers: Brice Long/Mae Estes/Paul Sikes; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Big Machine Records
– She has a lovely, pure-country delivery. The mid-tempo tune explores the war between the head and the heart as she contemplates whether to take a walk on the wild side or not. I think I could listen to this lady all day.
THOMAS RHETT & NIALL HORAN / “Old Tricks”
Writers: Andrew Haas/Ian Franzino/Jim Beavers/John Ryan/Julian Bunetta/Thomas Rhett; Producers: Dann Huff, Julian Bunetta, Scott Hendricks; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Rhett takes the global pop star out for a night in the honky tonks. Horan seems marvelously comfortable in this twangin,’ good-time, country rocker. Lotsa roadhouse fun.
GREG BLAKE / “Nora McNally”
Writers: Milan Miller; Producer: none listed; Label: Turnberry Records
– Greg Blake continues on the 50th-anniversary tour of Special Consensus. In the meantime, he cuts solo tunes like this bluegrass ditty of an alluring lass. His mellow tone floats atop the merry instrumental work and explains his two-time anointment as the IBMA’s Male Vocalist of the Year.
JOE NICHOLS / “Goodbyes Are Hard to Listen To”
Writers: Jacob Lyda/James LeBlanc/Jen Stegall; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– A terrific barroom weeper from a master of the form. Advice for the broken hearted: “You shouldn’t mix whiskey/With Haggard and Whitley.” Or Hank: He needs to padlock the jukebox because he keeps playing “Lovesick Blues” over and over. Country music with a capital “C.”
VINCE GILL / “I Gave You Everything I Had”
Writer: Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA
– This heart-tugging ballad is the elegy of an aging troubadour looking back at a life well lived. It’s a mini-masterpiece of emotion from one of our living giants. You’ll hear nothing but cheers and amens from me about that lifetime MCA Records contract. A legendary talent for the ages.
CARTER FAITH / “Betty”
Writers: Carter Faith/Shane McAnally/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: MCA
– “Charming” doesn’t even begin to describe this bopper. In a pert and perky vocal performance, Faith imagines her ex with a beauty who cooks. Jealous? Just a titch.
RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Worth Your Wild”
Writers: Anthony Kiedis/Bret Mazur/Casey Brown/Chad Smith/John Frusciante/Michael Balzary/Parker Welling/Russell Dickerson/Seth Binzer; Producers: Casey Brown, Josh Kerr, Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
– Joyously rocking. This lights a fire under Friday night and points to a night of tearin’ up the roads and makin’ whoopie. Dickerson always heats up a playlist, and he’s hotter than ever here.
LEX LASHAUN / “From the Start”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: LL
– She didn’t grow up on a farm, own a truck, go hunting or live a rural life. But she loves good country music. Her throaty alto and the strummed acoustic guitar on this sweet ballad are the proof. An excellent disc debut.
MORGXN / “Evergreens”
Writers: Kyle Ryan/Morgan Karr; Producers: Kyle Ryan, MORGXN; Label: BMG
– Nashville native Morgxn (Morgan Karr) is an openly queer folk-pop artist. His debut outing since signing with BMG is a super happy love song, sung to a strummy acoustic track. This artist’s LGBTLQ+ advocacy and his alternative-radio hit “Home” have led to guesting on Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Kelly Clarkson Show, as well as a slot on Lollapalooza. The video for “Evergreens” finds him riding around in the bed of a pick-up truck with an all-female band, driving past the sights of Music City.
Adam Doleac Releases New Album ‘Dream House’
/by Lorie HollabaughAdam Doleac is releasing his third studio album Dream House today (Oct. 17) via Stem.
The 12-track collection is rooted in faith, family and the idea that dreams are built with the people you love. The project includes “That Ol’ Jeep,” which pays homage to the companion that’s carried him through countless miles and milestones, “I Wanna Go” that channels that same adventurous spirit, while “All Moms Go To Heaven”and “Lookin’ Forward to Lookin’ Back” reflect the grateful heart of a son, husband and new father seeing life through fresh eyes.
Out today, “Big Day In Our Little World” anchors the album as a celebration of life’s milestones, and fans have already connected with previously-released songs including title track “Dream House,” “Didn’t We,” “Playin’ Catch,” “Bar Named Jesus (ft. Thomas Rhett),” “Day One (ft. Madeline Merlo)” and “Bye Heart.”
“This album is called Dream House because for the first time in my life, I’m living in mine,” shares Doleac. “I wrote all of these songs from under the roof of it. I grew up thinking a dream house was just a house, but these songs are me realizing I was wrong. The dream isn’t about how big the house is, it’s about how big the love is inside the house. It’s about Family, and that’s exactly what this album is about.”
Doleac is currently on the road on his “Dream House Tour,” where he is playing intimate venues across the country through December.
Dream House Track List:
1. “That Ol’ Jeep” (Written by Adam Doleac, Trannie Anderson)
Produced by Andy Skib and Adam Doleac
2. “I Wanna Go” (Written by Adam Doleac, Heather Morgan, James McNair, Ben Foster)
Produced by Brandon Hood
3. “Big Day In Our Little World” (Written by Adam Doleac, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins, Jared Keim)
Produced by Andy Skib and Adam Doleac
4. “Dream House” (Written by Adam Doleac, Brandon Hood, Josh Jenkins)
Produced by Brandon Hood
5. “Bar Named Jesus (ft. Thomas Rhett)” (Written by Adam Doleac, Josh Jenkins, Chris LaCorte)
Produced by Chris LaCorte and Adam Doleac
6. “Didn’t We” (Written by Adam Doleac, Ryan Beaver, Jared Keim)
Produced by Jared Keim and Adam Doleac
7. “Whatever Helps You Sleep At Night” (Written by Adam Doleac, Jordan Rentals, Wendell Mobley)
Produced by Brandon Hood
8. “Lookin’ Forward To Lookin’ Back” (Written by Adam Doleac, Ryan Kinder, Frank Legeay, Lance Herring)
Produced by Brandon Hood
9. “All Moms Go To Heaven” (Written by Adam Doleac, Josh Jenkins, Seth Mosley)
Produced by Andy Skib and Adam Doleac
10. “Playin’ Catch” (Written by Adam Doleac, Andy Skib, Derrick Southerland)
Produced by Andy Skib
11. “Day One (ft. Madeline Merlo)” (Written by Adam Doleac, Troy Cartwright, Michael August, Frank Legeay)
Produced by Frank Legeay and Adam Doleac
12. “Bye Heart” (Written by Adam Doleac, Jacob Davis, Lalo Guzman)
Produced by Lalo Guzman and Adam Doleac
Flatland Cavalry Signs With Lost Highway, Drops New Single ‘Gone’
/by Lorie HollabaughFlatland Cavalry. Photo: Louie Nice
Flatland Cavalry has signed with the newly-relaunched Lost Highway Records, and is releasing their debut single for the label, “Gone” today (Oct. 17).
“Gone” ushers in a bold new era for Flatland Cavalry members Cleto Cordero, Jason Albers, Jonathan Saenz, Reid Dillon, Wesley Hall and Adam Gallegos. The mid-tempo tune unfolds as Cordero spins a gritty but quietly triumphant portrait of a life lived on the road and the emotional toll of endless vagabonding. Arriving just ahead of their headline show at Red Rocks next Monday (Oct. 20), “Gone” finds the band looking back on their decade-plus journey of nonstop touring.
“Since our last show of the tour is at Red Rocks, it felt right to utilize the moment by tipping our hats to where all we’ve been, and to tee up what’s to come next — I could just imagine singing that line ‘Chased them clouds in Colorado’ and all the folks cheering along,” says Cordero. “We recorded a batch of songs earlier this year, and ‘Gone’ was the first because it was closest to my heart as we transitioned from being gone for a month to being straight into the studio. I feel like a piece of you gets woven into the mix, and when I listen to the recording of that song, I feel the soul of a man that’s been away for the last 10 years.”
Last week marked the premiere of Flatland Forever: A Texas Tech Story, a first-of-its-kind documentary chronicling the band’s early days and their roots at Texas Tech University, where Cordero, Dillon, Gallegos and Albers all studied. Along with the documentary premiere, the band was inducted into the West Texas Walk of Fame.
Flatland Cavalry will be joining Lainey Wilson’s “Whirlwind World Tour” as a special guest in Australia and New Zealand in February.
Slater Nalley Inks With Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
/by Lauryn SinkSlater Nalley.
Slater Nalley has signed a record deal with Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records in partnership with 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television. In celebration of the announcement, Nalley has released his debut single, “Foolish Pride.”
“I’m incredibly excited to release this special song. I’ve performed it for years, and after its debut on American Idol, I knew I had to share it with the world,” Nalley shares. “This song delves into self-reflection and the realization that sometimes change is necessary. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped bring this song to life. In addition, I am overjoyed to announce that I have officially signed a record deal with Warner Music. Their team and staff genuinely care about the power of music and truly believe in me. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us! Thank you to all who made this possible.”
Nalley finished in the top five contestants of American Idol earlier this year, performing alongside Carrie Underwood and Cody Johnson for a version of their chart-topping duet “I’m Gonna Love You.”
Drawing from artists like Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, and Chris Stapleton, the Georgia native began playing guitar and piano at the age of 14. When his high school English teacher experienced the loss of her son, Nalley wrote “Traces of You,” the song that initially caught the attention of the American Idol.
Al Brock To Retire From Spin Doctors Music Group
/by Madison HahnenAl Brock.
Spin Doctors Music Group President and CEO Al Brock will retire at the end of this year.
A 56 year radio veteran, Brock has worked across multiple markets and formats, including Nashville, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Providence, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Virginia Beach, Orlando, Harrisburg and more. He has won several awards for PD of the year and station of the year, and has been nominated twice for a Marconi Award.
Over the past 15 years, Brock has led Nashville-based Spin Doctors Music Group alongside his daughter Kristin Gonzales. Spin Doctors is an artist service company, providing country radio promotion and working with new and emerging artists.
Brock plans to continue his part-time on-air work at 955 WSM FM, and on The Westwood One “Nash Icon” format, as well as his internet Classic Hits station, rockinhitsradio.com. He will hold a celebration on March 21, 2026, in Nashville. Event information and additional details will be revealed at a later date.
Brock can be reached here.
Luke Combs Tops MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Back In The Saddle’
/by LB CantrellLuke Combs. Photo: Robby Klein
Luke Combs claims the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Back in the Saddle.” The track was co-written by Combs alongside Dan Isbell and Jonathan Singleton.
Following the single’s release, Combs dropped The Prequel, a three-song collection of new music. It was also recently announced that Combs is now the most RIAA-certified country artist of all time, with 168 million units sold, surpassing Garth Brooks.
“Back In The Saddle” currently sits at No. 5 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 3 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
George Strait To Return To South Carolina For One Night Only Show
/by Lauryn SinkGeorge Strait.
George Strait will return to Clemson, South Carolina’s Memorial Stadium for one night only, in-the-round on May 2, 2026. Strait will be joined by Cody Johnson and Wyatt Flores.
The performance will mark the first concert at Memorial Stadium since 1999, which was also headlined by Strait. Tickets go on Oct. 31.
“Going back to Death Valley for the first time in more than 25 years feels pretty special,” he shares. “Can’t wait to see you, Clemson!”
In 2024, Strait played a few one-off stadium shows including A&M’s Kyle Field, marking one of the largest single ticketed concerts in U.S. history with 110,905 fans in attendance. He followed that with five live shows in 2025 with stops in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Foxborough and Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium.
In addition to this show, Strait will be celebrated at the 47th Annual Kennedy Center Honors this December. Early next year, he will also be inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Cooper Alan Reveals Track List For Debut Album ‘Winston-Salem’ [Exclusive]
/by Lauryn SinkCooper Alan is set to release his debut album Winston-Salem on Nov. 7. He shared two new tracks from the project, “Roots” and “BOS,” today.
Winston-Salem, named for Alan’s North Carolina hometown, is split into two sides, with “Winston” reflecting on family, fatherhood and personal roots, while “Salem” features rowdy tracks that Alan is known for.
“I’m beyond excited to finally share a body of work that captures every side of who I am,” shares Alan. “Winston-Salem is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a reflection of the highs, lows, and everything in between that have shaped me. From the raw, emotional tracks that dig into the heart of my story, to the wild, off-the-wall songs that showcase the fun and unpredictable side of me, it’s all here. I couldn’t have made this without the support of fans and a team who continue to encourage me to chase authenticity above all else; staying true to what I want to say and how I want to sound. This record is a ride through every corner of my world, and I can’t wait for you to experience it with me.”
Alan co-wrote all 20 tracks alongside Kyle Sturrock, Ben Williams, Matt McKinney, Joybeth Taylor and Seth Mosley, among others. “BOS” and “Roots” arrive on the heels of Alan’s previous releases, “Hard Acre,” “Holy Ghost,” “Dale Dickens (RIP)” and “Plead The Fifth.”
Earlier in the year, he completed his headlining “To The Bar Tour,” selling out the majority of dates. In addition to the tour, Alan launched The Cooper Alan Foundation earlier this year which supports mental health organizations and causes.
Winston-Salem Track List:
WINSTON
1.) “Roots” (Cooper Alan, Matt McKinney, Seth Mosley)
2.) “Fourth of July” (Cooper Alan, Joe Clemmons, Adam James, Colton Venner)
3.) “La-Z-y Boy” (Cooper Alan, Jake Connelly, Adam James)
4.) “5X7” (Cooper Alan, Matt McKinney, Seth Mosley, Kyle Sturrock)
5.) “Holy Ghost” (Cooper Alan, Jake Connelly, Justin Ebach)
6.) “Starting To Show” (Cooper Alan, Justin Morgan, Kylie Sackley)
7.) “Better Dad” (Cooper Alan, Zach Abend, Ben Williams)
8.) “Good Mama” (Cooper Alan, Jake Connelly, Seth Mosley)
9.) “Hard Acre” (Cooper Alan, Derek Bahr, Zachary Kale, Joseph Patton)
10.) “Take a Life” (Cooper Alan, Zach Abend, Jake Rose, Ben Williams)
11.) “Devil in my Mind” (Cooper Alan, Matt McKinney, Seth Mosley)
SALEM
12.) “Plead The Fifth” (Cooper Alan, Matt McKinney, Justin Morgan)
13.) “Damn In Me” (Cooper Alan, Matt McKinney, Jake Rose)
14.) “Dale Dickens” (Cooper Alan, Sam Bergeson, Jake Rose)
15.) “BOS” (Cooper Alan, Sam Bergeson)
16.) “Crazy Shady Uncle” (Cooper Alan, Sam Bergeson, Joe Clemmons)
17.) “Alive” (Cooper Alan, John Pierce, Micah Wilshire)
18.) “Greener Grass” (Cooper Alan, Sam Bergeson, Matt McKinney, Joybeth Taylor)
19.) “Take Bobby Home” (Cooper Alan, Matt McKinney, Justin Morgan, Seth Mosley)
20.) “Drunk Drink” (Cooper Alan, Matt McKinney, Justin Morgan)
Wasserman Music & Save The Music Foundation Form Five-Year Partnership
/by Lorie HollabaughWasserman artist Niko Rubio coaches students during a Melody Making Workshop. Photo: Eric Strong
Wasserman Music has entered a five-year partnership with Save The Music Foundation, committing to fund J Dilla Music Tech Grants in six high schools across L.A. and New York.
Through the new partnership, Wasserman Music and Save The Music will ensure that students not only have access to high-quality music education, but also the chance to connect with artists and industry leaders who can inspire and support their creative journeys. In the partnership’s first year, Wasserman Music will support one high school in Los Angeles and one in New York, with future years alternating between the two cities. Each launch will include special events featuring Wasserman staff and clients, including songwriting workshops, live student performances, executive-led panels, and student-produced podcast interviews.
“We are grateful to Wasserman Music for investing in the future of young creators,” says Henry Donahue, Executive Director of Save The Music. “Together, we’re not only equipping students with the tools to make music, but also opening doors to mentorship, career pathways, and the inspiration that comes from connecting with working artists and industry leaders.”
“Music has shaped our lives, and we believe every young person deserves the same chance to experience that impact,” Wasserman Music President Lee Anderson says. “With Save The Music, we can help ensure kids in our communities have access to the tools, education, and opportunities that spark a lifelong passion.”
The first launch took place on Oct. 8 in Los Angeles, with Wasserman Music client Niko Rubio joining and several Wasserman Music employees participating in a career panel. Students prepared questions for the panel discussion and sought advice on how to break into the music industry. The event took place at Warren High School, where music technology was recently added as a CTE pathway elective thanks to the Save The Music J Dilla Music Technology grant and Wasserman support. The day continued with Save The Music’s partner, We Make Noise, who led two workshop sessions alongside Rubio. Students were tasked with creating melody motifs and beat overlays to Rubio’s tracks “Save Me” and “Baby.”
The next launch will take place in New York on Oct. 28.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: New Russell Dickerson Is ‘Joyously Rocking’
/by Robert K OermannRussell Dickerson
Back to the barrooms!
This edition of DISClaimer spotlights a number of talents who are steering this genre back to country music. You can’t go wrong with superb efforts by Vince Gill, Morgan Wallen, Carter Faith, Joe Nichols and Mae Estes.
Rollicking Russell Dickerson rides off with the Disc of the Day award.
Lex Lashaun is a new female voice on the contemporary country scene. Her debut earns her a DISCovery Award.
LUKAS NELSON, SIERRA FERRELL, TRAVELIN’ McCOURYS / “Unknown Legend”
Writer: Neil Young; Producers: Lukas Nelson, Ronnie McCoury; Label: 6 Ace Records/Sony Music Nashville
– Zesty and utterly refreshing. The fleet fingers of the McCourys scamper across the fretboards to set the brisk tempo. Lukas begins to spin the yarn of a free-spirited gal who rides the roads. Then Sierra takes over, and, as always, everything she sings is a cloak of shining gold. When everyone is picking and singing at this level, I’m in heaven.
BRANTLEY GILBERT / “Want You Back”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Hunter Phelps/Michael Hardy/Will Weatherly; Producers: Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Will Weatherly; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Clever and engaging. He wishes she’d done something totally crazy instead of just breaking up. That way he knows he’d never miss her. The track rocks and Gilbert delivers just the right touch of snark.
DASHA / “Work on Me”
Writers: Amy Allen/Dasha/John Ryan; Producer: John Ryan; Label: Warner Records
– Car-repair imagery abounds in this saucy come-on. Dasha’s wit and pop smarts twinkle as brightly as ever.
MORGAN WALLEN / “20 Cigarettes”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Chase McGill/Chris LaCorte/Josh Miller; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/ Mercury Records/Republic Records
– The lyric is loaded with visuals and Wallen delivers the goods, vocally. A night of passion in a pick-up truck that sounds youthful and utterly authentic.
MAE ESTES / “I Better Go”
Writers: Brice Long/Mae Estes/Paul Sikes; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Big Machine Records
– She has a lovely, pure-country delivery. The mid-tempo tune explores the war between the head and the heart as she contemplates whether to take a walk on the wild side or not. I think I could listen to this lady all day.
THOMAS RHETT & NIALL HORAN / “Old Tricks”
Writers: Andrew Haas/Ian Franzino/Jim Beavers/John Ryan/Julian Bunetta/Thomas Rhett; Producers: Dann Huff, Julian Bunetta, Scott Hendricks; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Rhett takes the global pop star out for a night in the honky tonks. Horan seems marvelously comfortable in this twangin,’ good-time, country rocker. Lotsa roadhouse fun.
GREG BLAKE / “Nora McNally”
Writers: Milan Miller; Producer: none listed; Label: Turnberry Records
– Greg Blake continues on the 50th-anniversary tour of Special Consensus. In the meantime, he cuts solo tunes like this bluegrass ditty of an alluring lass. His mellow tone floats atop the merry instrumental work and explains his two-time anointment as the IBMA’s Male Vocalist of the Year.
JOE NICHOLS / “Goodbyes Are Hard to Listen To”
Writers: Jacob Lyda/James LeBlanc/Jen Stegall; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– A terrific barroom weeper from a master of the form. Advice for the broken hearted: “You shouldn’t mix whiskey/With Haggard and Whitley.” Or Hank: He needs to padlock the jukebox because he keeps playing “Lovesick Blues” over and over. Country music with a capital “C.”
VINCE GILL / “I Gave You Everything I Had”
Writer: Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA
– This heart-tugging ballad is the elegy of an aging troubadour looking back at a life well lived. It’s a mini-masterpiece of emotion from one of our living giants. You’ll hear nothing but cheers and amens from me about that lifetime MCA Records contract. A legendary talent for the ages.
CARTER FAITH / “Betty”
Writers: Carter Faith/Shane McAnally/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: MCA
– “Charming” doesn’t even begin to describe this bopper. In a pert and perky vocal performance, Faith imagines her ex with a beauty who cooks. Jealous? Just a titch.
RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Worth Your Wild”
Writers: Anthony Kiedis/Bret Mazur/Casey Brown/Chad Smith/John Frusciante/Michael Balzary/Parker Welling/Russell Dickerson/Seth Binzer; Producers: Casey Brown, Josh Kerr, Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
– Joyously rocking. This lights a fire under Friday night and points to a night of tearin’ up the roads and makin’ whoopie. Dickerson always heats up a playlist, and he’s hotter than ever here.
LEX LASHAUN / “From the Start”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: LL
– She didn’t grow up on a farm, own a truck, go hunting or live a rural life. But she loves good country music. Her throaty alto and the strummed acoustic guitar on this sweet ballad are the proof. An excellent disc debut.
MORGXN / “Evergreens”
Writers: Kyle Ryan/Morgan Karr; Producers: Kyle Ryan, MORGXN; Label: BMG
– Nashville native Morgxn (Morgan Karr) is an openly queer folk-pop artist. His debut outing since signing with BMG is a super happy love song, sung to a strummy acoustic track. This artist’s LGBTLQ+ advocacy and his alternative-radio hit “Home” have led to guesting on Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Kelly Clarkson Show, as well as a slot on Lollapalooza. The video for “Evergreens” finds him riding around in the bed of a pick-up truck with an all-female band, driving past the sights of Music City.
Industry Ink: ERNEST, Tucker Wetmore, Marcus K. Dowling, Boop Nashville, More
/by Lauryn SinkERNEST Hosts Nashville Pop-Up Performance On Broadway
ERNEST. Photo: Courtesy of Busch Light.
ERNEST hosted a pop-up performance on Broadway earlier this week in partnership with Busch Light.
ERNEST opened the show with a cover of Hank Williams Jr.’s “Family Traditions,” before performing fan-favorites from his two albums. He mixed a few of his biggest cuts as a songwriter into the set, performing “Son of Sinner” by Jelly Roll and “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen.
Tucker Wetmore Visits Notes For Notes
Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
Tucker Wetmore recently stopped by the Notes for Notes East Nashville studio to meet with a few young artists. The visit included a Q&A session where the group had the chance to ask questions and share their own work with Wetmore.
Founded in 2006, Notes for Notes is a national nonprofit that provides youth with free access to high-quality instruments, professional gear and mentorship from experienced producers, all in state-of-the-art recording studio environments.
Marcus K. Dowling Launches ‘Culture At Large’ Podcast
Pictured (L-R): Laura Veltz, Marcus K. Dowling, Ben Johnson. Photo: iamjohnjo
Marcus K. Dowling launched his new podcast, Culture At Large, featuring songwriters Laura Veltz and Ben Johnson, live from Nashville’s Anzie Blue earlier this week. The episode is available now on Spotify.
The next episode is scheduled for Oct. 21, honoring the legacy of John Prine. Episode three on Oct. 30 features ERNEST. Attendance is free and registration is available here.
Melody Place Hosts Boop! Vinyl Release Party
Photo: Courtesy of Melody Place
Melody Place recently hosted a Boop! Vinyl release party in Nashville.
Brother Maven Signs With NVRDUL Management LLC
Brother Maven and Carri Hyde.
Brother Maven has signed with NVRDUL Management LLC. The band, consisting of Daniel Mason (vocals & guitar), JP Presley (lead guitar & vocals), Jeremy McCoy (bass & vocals) and Joel Burns (drums & percussion), released their newest single, “Goods On Me,” alongside the announcement.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Brother Maven to the NVRDUL family,” says Carri Hyde. “They’re a rare combination of artistry, authenticity, and work ethic, and we look forward to helping elevate their career to new heights. Our team is passionate about supporting artists who bring something unique to the table, and Brother Maven does exactly that.”
Innovo Management Adds Haley Sorg
Haley Sorg.
Innovo Management has added Haley Sorg as an Associate Talent Manager. She will be working closely with Innovo’s CEO Sam Saideman on the roster’s continued expansion and diversification of special projects. Sorg will be based out of the Los Angeles office, but will also work with the Nashville team.