DISClaimer Single Reviews: New Russell Dickerson Is ‘Joyously Rocking’

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.

Industry Ink: ERNEST, Tucker Wetmore, Marcus K. Dowling, Boop Nashville, More

ERNEST 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.

Cody Johnson & Tractor Supply Team For Life Out Here Emerging Artist Program

Cody Johnson. Photo: Chris Douglas

Cody Johnson and Tractor Supply Company have teamed up for the return of TSC’s Life Out Here Emerging Artist Program.

The Emerging Artist Program celebrates rising country stars who live and love “Life Out Here.” First launched in 2023 with country powerhouse Lainey Wilson, the program supports the journey from the backroads to the stage, offering mentorship and performance opportunities while connecting Tractor Supply with audiences who share a passion for country music and the lifestyle it inspires.

Beginning today through Dec. 1, artists can enter to win an opportunity to travel to Nashville to perform before a private Cody Johnson concert, record a song at a studio, meet with a music industry executive and more.

“I’m so proud to team up with Tractor Supply for their Emerging Artist Program, shining a spotlight on up-and-coming artists who have something real to share,” says Johnson. “My high school FFA teacher was the first person to encourage me to perform. I took the stage and that moment ended up changing the course of my life. He believed in me, and now it’s my turn to help give someone that same encouragement.”

“The tradition of lifting up our neighbors is one of the foundations of Life Out Here. It’s in that same tradition that we’re joining forces with Cody to open doors for other aspiring artists,” says Kimberley Gardiner, Chief Marketing Officer at Tractor Supply. “Our communities are home to amazing musicians whose songs reflect the lifestyle we all love. We’re here to give them a platform to share their music — and help bring their talents to a bigger stage.”

Earlier this month, Tractor Supply was the presenting sponsor for Johnson’s COJO Championship team roping event which benefits the Texas FFA. Tractor Supply maintains a deep-rooted commitment to supporting country music, the rural lifestyle, the communities it serves and is one of the largest funders of FFA.

Turnpike Troubadours, Shane Smith & The Saints & Kaitlin Butts To Headline Jackalope Jamboree

Turnpike Troubadours, Shane Smith & The Saints and Kaitlin Butts will headline the 2026 Jackalope Jamboree. The event is slated for June 25-27 Happy Canyon Arena in Pendleton, Oregon.

Additionally, Summer Dean, Rattlesnake Milk, Taylor Hunnicutt, Shelby Stone, Josh Weathers, Presley Haile and many more will take the stage across the three days.

Pre-sale tickets go live Oct. 20 ahead of general sales on Oct. 21. Overnight camping and RV options are available.

In addition to the main stage performances, free pre-party and after-party shows take place downtown. The festival will offer local vendors featuring beverages, clothing, jewelry, art and more.

Post Malone, Kenny Chesney, Riley Green To Headline Tortuga Music Festival 2026

Post Malone, Riley Green and Kenny Chesney have been announced as headliners for the Rock The Ocean Tortuga Music Festival’s 13th annual beachfront celebration April 10-12 on the shores of Fort Lauderdale.

Florida favorite Chesney has headlined the festival multiple times, including the inaugural festival in 2013, and will be returning for his fifth Tortuga performance.

“I love everything about Tortuga, starting with that very first year! To be on the Atlantic Ocean with all that beach, the sea to one side and A1A to the other is everything this music is made of—and the people who’ve been coming out every time we’ve played there are my kind of people,” Chesney enthuses. “Work hard, play harder and have fun while loving everyone in the space is a good way to be, and I can’t wait to get there next April.”

Other performers on the star-studded 2026 lineup include Afroman, Graham Barham, Chayce Beckham, Colbie Caillat, Ashley Cooke, Preston Cooper, Russell Dickerson, Flatland Cavalry, The Fray, Tyler Hubbard, Greylan James, Uncle Kracker, G. Love and Special Sauce, Dustin Lynch, McCoy Moore, Lukas Nelson, Emily Ann Roberts, Josh Ross, Amanda Shires, Brittney Spencer, Dwight Yoakam and many more.

Tickets will go on sale this Saturday (Oct. 18) at tortugamusicfestival.com. Ahead of Saturday’s ticket drop, fans can purchase expanded hotel and VIP experience packages today via Vibee by visiting tortuga.vibee.com.

Each year, the festival raises funds and serves as an opportunity to educate the public about critical environmental issues impacting the oceans. Fans will be able to explore the Rock The Ocean’s Conservation Village to learn more about the organization’s work and how to get involved. To date, Tortuga fans have helped raise six million dollars for ocean conservation initiatives.

Callie Prince Signs With 1221 Management, Readies Debut EP

Callie Prince has signed an exclusive management deal with 1221 Management. Prince is the first client for the company started by J.D. Groover, Chris DuBois and Geoff Ogunlesi.

“Callie is a dream come true for a first client. She’s talented, diligent, and commands a room when she walks in.” says Groover. “You’re going to be hearing a lot about Callie Prince the artist and the songwriter for a long time!”

“I’ve been lucky to work with a lot of great artists, but there’s something about Callie that just clicked right away. She’s talented, focused and knows exactly what she wants to say with her music. Signing her as the first artist on 1221 felt like a natural first step- we’re excited to build something real together.” adds Ogunlesi.

Alongside the signing, Prince revealed her debut EP, GIRLS WHO CUSS, will release on Nov. 14.

The Circuit Group Launches Red Wire Publishing

David Gray, President of Red Wire Publishing and Co-Founder of The Circuit Group.

The Circuit Group, a collective of artist managers, has established Red Wire Publishing. The new division will provide music publishing services to artists and songwriters globally.

Circuit Co-Founder and Partner David Gray will lead the new the new division as President. The company will continue to be headquartered in Los Angeles, but Gray will re-locate to Nashville to expand the company’s presence. Gray has career experience in artist management and music business leadership, co-founding AYITA Management, who’s roster includes Noizu, Camden Cox, Sarah de Warren, Avedon, and Ursine Vulpine.

Among the first signings to Red Wire Publishing are UK songwriter and vocalist Stevie Appleton, Nariman Akrami, GRAMMY-winning UK producer Alex Metric, DJ Secondcity, Tommy Cooperman, LA-based multi-instrumentalist Galo, and Mexico City duo RØZ.

“Red Wire was born from our management-first philosophy—helping artists not just get deals done, but build careers over the long term,” says Gray. “We’re not interested in being the biggest publisher. We want to be the most effective and the most trusted, hyper-focused on developing talent and creating opportunities for our clients. Partnering with Kobalt gives us world-class infrastructure while keeping our boutique and hands-on approach intact.”

Red Wire Publishing already administers more than 300 copyrights, with global rights administration powered by Kobalt.

“Our focus is on maintaining a selective roster of writers we’re truly passionate about, while our talented team ensures those clients are serviced at the highest level,” shares Charlie Tadman, Director of A&R at The Circuit Group. “Representing names like Stevie Appleton, Nari, Alex Metric, and Secondcity, we boast a powerhouse lineup contributing to some of today’s most in-demand artist projects. With recent cuts for FISHER, Chris Lake, Sammy Virji, Diplo, bbyclose, and more, our roster continues to define the cutting edge of dance music and beyond.”

Alan Jackson’s ‘Last Call Finale’ Concert Sells Out

Alan Jackson. Photo: David McClister

Alan Jackson’s “Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale” concert set for June 27 at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium sold out instantly as soon as pre-sale tickets for the historic show went on sale yesterday (Oct. 15).

The event,  a celebration of the country music icon’s 35+ years of touring as he retires from the road, will feature an all-star lineup of friends including Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Lee Ann Womack, with more names to be added to the bill.

“I’m proud and overwhelmed by the response from my fans. I’m just sorry there weren’t enough seats for everybody who wanted one,” Jackson says. “I appreciate all the people that have come to my shows and supported me over the years.”

Ticket-buyers from across the U.S. and Canada as well as Australia, Brazil, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, the UK and elsewhere, flocked at the opportunity to see the revered singer-songwriter in the special show as he brings his touring career to an end in Music City. Notably, half-a-million people signed up for the opportunity to purchase tickets as part of the pre-sale for the finale concert, and the more than 55,000 tickets were snapped up quickly.

Ella Langley Hosts Pawsitive Rescue Division Benefit Show At The Listening Room

Pictured (L-R): Ernest, Aaron Raitiere, Ella Langley, Kameron Marlowe and Theo Von. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Ella Langley hosted “An Evening with Ella Langley & Friends Benefitting Pawsitive Rescue Division” on Tuesday night (Oct. 14) with a sold-out writers round at The Listening Room in Nashville. Ernest, Aaron Raitiere and Kameron Marlowe joined Langley on stage for the event.

The event also featured a live auction for tickets to Langley’s sold-out Ryman Auditorium show, hand-written lyrics, exclusive show dresses and more.

“Ever since I was 10, it was always my dream to start a nonprofit dog rescue,” shares Founder/President of Pawsitive Rescue Division, Lauren Misunas. “When I was able to put something together with Ella and have her join the board so organically, it was more than a dream come true for me. She is helping us reach so many more people, spread awareness of the importance of responsible rescue and placing dogs in homes where they can be successful. It’s been a blessing every step of the way, and knowing that Ella is just as passionate as I am, makes everything that much more special. I’m forever grateful for Ella being able to expand our mission and talk to people that we normally wouldn’t be able to reach.”

Langley and Marlowe celebrated the RIAA Gold certification of their duet “Strangers” with a special plaque presentation at the show. Langley is set to release her upcoming single “Choosin’ Texas,” written with Miranda Lambert, Ben West, Luke Dick and Joybeth Taylor, this Friday (Oct. 17).

Ella Langley and Kameron Marlowe celebrate RIAA Gold-certification of their duet “Strangers”. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Ella Langley and Lauren Misunas (Founder/President of Pawsitive Rescue Division). Photo: Caylee Robillard

Pictured (L-R): Ernest, Aaron Raitiere, Ella Langley, Kameron Marlowe and Theo Von. Photo: Caylee Robillard

ACM Opens 2026 Membership Window For New Membership Applications & Renewals

The Academy of Country Music has opened applications for new members and renewals. New this year, membership applications and renewals will remain open year-round. To maintain voting eligibility for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, you must apply by Dec. 1, 2025.

Additionally, two updates have been made to the ACM membership process. All companies and members must now be approved through a double board approval process and qualified companies are no longer limited to 30 members

Accepted Academy members gain early access to tickets for ACM events, discounts on industry partner events, industry data insights, monthly educational and networking events, and more. In addition, new membership tiers and expanded benefits have been introduced for 2026.

“I can’t think of a more exciting time to join the Academy of Country Music,” shares Ken Tucker, Chair of the ACM Membership Committee. “The coming year will be one of the most significant in our long history. Our current constituents play a vital role in shaping the future of Country Music, and we look forward to embracing a new group of members that is more diverse, engaged and invigorated than ever before.”

Individual members can apply here. Corporate members can apply here.