DISClaimer Single Reviews: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Release ‘Catchy Country Rocker’

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I can’t remember when I enjoyed a listening session more.

The reason is that this edition of DISClaimer reviews current country records that are actually country music. Thanks for that, Joshua Hedley, Jake Worthington, Avery Anna, Alex Miller, HARDY and the rest of you fine folks.

It also says something about the depth of our talent pool when Jon Randall, Ray Benson, Shooter Jennings, Alan Jackson, Daniel Tashian, Jerry Salley and Jerry Douglas are names in the credits and not out front. How cool is that?

The Disc of the Day belongs to the legendary, enduring Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The group may be retiring, but it clearly still has plenty of gas in its tank.

Give a DISCovery Award to Brandon Wisham.

BRANDON WISHAM / “Whiskey’s Whisperin’”
Writers: Andrew Stoelzing/Brandon Wisham/Nate Miles/Zachary Knowles; Producer: Nate Miles; Label: UMG
– He sounds like a wonderful singer. Imagine what he could do with a song that had a melody.

JAKE OWEN / “Long Time Lovin’ You”
Writers: Kendell Marvel/Will Jones; Producers: Jake Owen, Kendell Marvel, Shooter Jennings; Label: Good Company Entertainment
– Owen sings in a softer tone and a lower register on this gentle love ballad. It’s lovely, simple folk-country, somewhat in the manner of the late Don Williams. Which is to say, it’s awfully good. Ear cleansing and spirit soothing.

ALEX MILLER / “Secondhand Smoke”
Writers: Alan Jackson/Jim McBride; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– Yee-Haw! This honky-tonk romp will have you grinning from ear to ear. Get a load of those songwriter credits. Is there any doubt in your mind that this is a COUNTRY record? Miller is one of our finest singers, and he really struts his stuff on this barroom toe-tapper.

HARDY / “Dog Years”
Writer: Michael Hardy; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– As a total dog lover, I found this irresistible. It’s written from the point of view of a stray who finds a boy to love him. And, yes, the ballad ends sadly, as every good dog story does. They are wonderful little beings who come into our lives, but leave too soon because they just don’t live as long as we do. Hardy captures these emotions perfectly.

JOSHUA HEDLEY / “Fresh Hot Biscuits”
Writer: Joshua Hedley; Producers: Joshua Hedley, Ray Benson; Label: New West Records
– Hedley teams up with members of Asleep at the Wheel for this splendid western-swing bopper. In addition to delivering a dandy, jaunty vocal, he breaks out a hot fiddle solo in midsong. If you’d like to catch this country talent live, head on downtown to Robert’s Western World whenever he’s performing as the resident entertainer.

NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND / “Night After Night”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Paul Kennerley; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Label: Many Hats Distribution
– OMG what a delightful track. The band zips through this catchy country rocker with joyous abandon. The song has more hooks than a tuna boat, and Jeff Hanna’s lead vocal is beyond cool. Put this on endless repeat. The Dirt Band is currently on its farewell tour. Go see these legends while you still can.

ASHLEY COOKE / “The Hell You Are”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Chase McGill/Emily Weisband/Joe Fox/Seth Ennis; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Big Loud Records
– She’s finally had enough. In this lively, rollicking kiss-off, she lets him know that his lines don’t work anymore. The mix perfectly balances her saucy delivery and a full-bodied country-rock production with notes that pierce like drops of fire. Extremely well done.

CHARLEY PRIDE / “Thank You Pretty Baby”
Writers: Brook Benton/Clyde Otis; Producers: Bob Pickering, Charley Pride; Label: Music City Records
– Endlessly is a tribute album to Brook Benton (1931-1988) by Pride. The new CD came about after the tapes for it were discovered following the superstar’s death from COVID in 2020. The performances are a revelation, perhaps the finest vocals of the Hall of Famer’s career. This entire project is essential listening. The single from it is a charming, retro bopper, punctuated by sax bursts and propelled by some punchy, shuffling percussion.

AVERY ANNA / “Girl of Constant Sorrow”
Writer: Avery Anna; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This is an enchanting, folk-maiden performance. Her aching soprano is backed by simple acoustic guitar accompaniment. Let the cares of the world slip away and allow yourself to be transported back to a time when music was this pure and clear.

JAKE WORTHINGTON / “Two First Names”
Writers: Brett Tyler/Jake Worthington/Wyatt McCubbin; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Twang to spare. The witty lyric is groovy enough, but Worthington’s vocal delivery of it is honky-tonk nirvana. Add some stuttering guitar, barrelhoue piano, stinging steel and fiddle flourishes and you’re got yourself a shining little country-music jewel. Worthington’s sophomore album also features collabs with Miranda, Marty and Mae Estes. Get it.

VINCENT MASON / “Days Are Numbered”
Writers: Chase McDaniel/Geoff Warburton/Jessie Jo Dillon/Vincent Mason; Producers: Jake Gear, Vincent Mason; Label: MCA Nashville/Music Soup/Interscope Records
– There’s something kinda muffled about the way his vocal is miked. The yearning, contemplative song is a easy-going ride with his tender tenor backed by steel and guitar.

HUNEYFIRE / “My Country”
Writers: Caitlin Evanson/Cheaza Figueroa/Marriana Barlow; Producer: Cheaza Figueroa; Label: Double Decades Entertainment
– The mother-daughter duo issues this slowly paced song as a statement of purpose. It is somewhat thinly produced for a range-y power ballad, but they warble it well.

Kesha Signs With Mary Hilliard Harrington & Red Light Management

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Kesha. Photo: Brendan Walter

Pop sensation Kesha has signed with Mary Hilliard Harrington and Red Light management for representation, joining Harrington’s roster of Dierks Bentley and The Black Keys.

Throughout her career, Kesha has amassed billions of streams, released numerous No. 1 albums including Animal and Rainbow, and has cemented timeless No. 1 hits with “Tik Tok,” “We R Who We R,” her collaboration with Pitbull on “Timber” and more.

She recently finished her “Tits Out Tour” with sold-out arenas and amphitheaters across the U.S. including Kia Forum, Ascend Amphitheater, Madison Square Garden and more. She will continue the run in 2026 across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the UK.

Kesha is also represented by CAA, Reed Smith and FBMM.

ARC Business Management Expands Through Strategic Partnership With Jason Moll, CPA

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Tate Henshaw & Jason Moll. Photo: Hannah Drake

ARC Business Management, co-founded by Tate Henshaw and Lorne Clark, has formed a strategic partnership with Jason Moll CPA, a Nashville-based tax advisory practice serving entertainment, high-net-worth and small business clients.

The collaboration marks a significant expansion in ARC’s growth, establishing a physical presence in Nashville. The combination brings tax preparation and compliance services in-house for ARC, enhancing its capabilities alongside its business management and asset management offerings. Moll will join ARC as a senior leader with responsibilities spanning tax operations, client development, and cross-department collaboration.

“Jason has been a trusted partner for years, and this formal collaboration is a natural extension of that relationship,” says Henshaw, Co-Founder of ARC. “Bringing him onto the team not only strengthens our tax offering, but strategically positions us in Nashville — where our presence continues to grow.”

Moll brings over 15 years of experience delivering tax strategy and preparation to a wide range of clients, particularly within the entertainment sector. His deep relationships and specialized expertise further reinforce ARC’s commitment to serving creative professionals with tailored, high-touch advisory services.

“Joining ARC allows me to play a key role in establishing the firm’s presence in Nashville while continuing to expand my impact and service offering for local clients,” says Moll, CPA. “Tate and Lorne have built something truly special, and I’m excited to help drive its next chapter here in Nashville.”

Clients between the two companies include Ne-Yo, Billy Ray Cyrus, Blake Griffin, K Camp, Allman Betts Band, Secondhand Serenade, Bridgette Tatum and Danny Myrick, among others.

Steve Earle’s 11th Annual John Henry’s Friends Benefit Set For December

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Steve Earle will host his 11th annual John Henry’s Friends Benefit concert Dec. 12 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York.

The evening will feature performances by Earle, Brandi Carlile, Margaret Glaspy, Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams in a classic guitar-pull format. Steve Earle’s son John Henry was diagnosed with autism at 19 months old, and for over a decade, Earle has drawn on his talent and lifelong musical friendships to host the annual, must-see concert.

Proceeds from the show benefit The Keswell School for children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder that provides educational, therapeutic and support services for children with ASD and their families. Pre-sale tickets for John Henry’s Friends Benefit concert are available now here (pw: SONGS4KESWELL). General on-sale begins this Friday (Oct. 3) here.

Past John Henry’s Friends Benefit concerts have featured Terry Allen, Jackson Browne, David Byrne, Rosanne Cash, Shawn Colvin, Emmylou Harris, Jason Isbell, John Mellencamp, Graham Nash, Josh Ritter, Amanda Shires, Bruce Springsteen, Lucinda Williams and many more.

Earle was recently honored with an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry and was officially inducted on Sept. 17.

MusiCares Shares Findings From 2025 Wellness In Music Survey

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MusiCares has shared the results from its annual “Wellness In Music Survey.” This year’s findings from the nearly 3,200 responses were unpacked in a new op-ed by MusiCares Executive Director Theresa Wolters. Read the full article here.

According to the report, in 2025, 11.4% of WIM survey respondents reported suicidal ideation in the last year, representing an increase from 8% in the 2024 survey and more than double the U.S. general population. 15.4% of respondents lost a music industry colleague to suicide in the last year. 21.7% of those who tour frequently and 20.3% of those who lost a colleague to suicide also had suicidal thoughts.

20% of survey respondents knew a colleague who had been sexually harassed, and nearly 10% knew a colleague who had been sexually assaulted in the last year.

85% of survey respondents have health insurance, representing a slight decrease from 2024 and about 7-8% lower than coverage among the U.S. general population. Nearly half of respondents have their insurance through federal programs or the Affordable Care Act.

35% of survey respondents have a chronic disease, and nearly half of those with a chronic condition report that it impedes their ability to work in the music industry. Data from the survey shows that cancer screenings including mammograms, colonoscopies, cervical cancer screenings, and prostate cancer screenings are considerably lower among music professionals than the U.S. general population.

78% percent of survey respondents make less than $100,000 per year, and overwhelmingly report they cannot cover their expenses through music work alone. 40% of respondents attribute their anxiety to their finances and 32% attribute their depression to finances.

For more information on available resources for music industry professionals, click here.

Luke Combs To Release New Three-Song EP ‘The Prequel’

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Luke Combs is dropping a new three-song EP The Prequel, tomorrow (Oct. 3) via Sony Music Nashville.

“Still working on my new album that’ll be out early next year, but 3 songs from it are ready now and I couldn’t wait to get y’all some new music, so I’m releasing them this Friday, October 3 as The Prequel,” says Combs. “Songs will be ‘Days Like These,’ ‘15 Minutes’ and ‘My Kinda Saturday Night,’ which next year’s tour will be named after. I’ll have more news on that very soon.”

Combs recently made history as the first country artist ever to headline both Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. He is also set to headline Austin City Limits Music Festival and Country Calling later this month. Combs’ latest single, “Back in the Saddle” was released earlier this summer and is currently No. 8 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and rising.

The Prequel Track List:
1. “My Kinda Saturday Night” (Luke Combs, Randy Montana, Jonathan Singleton)
2. “15 Minutes” (Luke Combs, Trey Pendley, Rob Pennington, Grant Vogel)
3. “Days Like These” (Luke Combs, Brent Cobb, Aaron Raitiere)

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival Wraps 11th Annual Event

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Turnpike Troubadours. Photo: Alive Coverage

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival wrapped its eleventh annual festival at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin over the weekend.

Kevin Griffin gifts Gibson Guitar to audience member. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

Headliners John Mayer, Kings of Leon, Turnpike Troubadours and Young the Giant brought high-energy sets to the stage. On Saturday, Avery Anna elicited cheers from the crowd when she rolled out to accompany Sam Barber for a duet on “Indigo.” Plus, Maggie Rose welcomed Grace Potter to join her for their collaboration “Poison In My Well.” That wasn’t the only surprise from Potter. She also welcomed Brittney Spencer for a performance of “Little Hitchhiker,” and Young the Giant on “My Body.”

Emerson Hart of Tonic and Kevin Martin of Candlebox took the stage to a roar of applause during Better Than Ezra’s Sunday set. Better Than Ezra frontman and Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival Co-Founder Kevin Griffin made the most of another annual fan favorite moment when he personally gifted 2025’s official Pilgrimage Festival Gibson Guitar to a lucky attendee in the crowd.

The festival will return to Franklin in 2026.

Grace Potter & Brittany Spencer. Photo: Alive Coverage

John Mayer. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

Sam Barber. Photo: Alive Coverage

White Sands, Wide Open Spaces Inspire Jamie O’Neal’s New Album ‘Gypsum’ Set For January

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Jamie O’Neal is set to release her sixth studio album, Gypsum, via BFD/Audium Nashville on Jan. 23. The first single from the album, “Ole Heartache,” is out now.

“When I wrote ‘Ole’ Heartache with Shaye Smith and Ed Hill, I wanted to write something I could hear George Strait or Lee Ann Womack singing—a timeless country classic throwback that likens Heartache to almost being a friend, a sidekick who hangs around pointing out how love is doomed…again and again,” says O’Neal. “It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written, and it’s got harmonica on it like ‘Arizona’ which was so great to have another song with that lonesome sound.”

The new 10-song collection includes tracks co-written by O’Neal along with Dean Dillon, Stephanie Bentley, Rob Crosby, Roxie Dean, Ava Suppelsa, Ilya Toshinskiy and more. A highlight of the project is “Flowers & Fireflies,” written by O’Neal’s late sister Samantha Murphy.

“Gypsum is named for the sand dunes in White Sands National Park, one of the most beautiful and serene, other worldly places I’ve ever been to,” said Jamie. “I have an affinity for the west—the mountains, red rocks, sand dunes, and wide open spaces inspired a lot of this album. I love being in the studio and hearing some of the most incredible musicians bring the songs to life, it’s so exciting to have a new original album finished and ready for everyone to hear!”

O”Neal will play a Music City show at the Neon Steeple at Chief’s on Broadway on Nov. 6.

Gypsum Track List:
1. “Over New Mexico” – Jamie O’Neal/Shaye Smith/Lisa Drew
2. “Ole Heartache” – Jamie O’Neal/Shaye Smith/Ed Hill
3. “Slippery Slope” – Jamie O’Neal/Robin Lee/Roxie Dean
4. “John Deere Letter” – Jamie O’Neal/Shaye Smith/Tammy Hyler/Ilya Toshinskiy
5. “Just Whiskey” – Jamie O’Neal/Stephanie Bentley/Rob Crosby
6. “Flowers & Fireflies” – Samantha Murphy
7. “All The Same” – Scotty Emerick/Dean Dillon
8. “My Midnights” – Jamie O’Neal/Ava Suppelsa/Bailey Hefley
9. “Change It Now” – Kevin Doherty/Bob Regan
10. “Liberty” – Josia Eden

Tour News: Read Southall, Evan Honer, All Them Witches

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Read Southall Set For Fall Solo Acoustic Tour

Read Southall, frontman and namesake of Rural Rock and Roll band Southall, will embark on a solo acoustic headline tour this fall. The “Read Southall Acoustic Tour 2025” will canvas Texas throughout December, visiting five cities. The run kicks off Dec. 4 in Lubbock at Blue Light, rolls through various markets, and concludes on Dec. 12 in Huntsville at Jolly Fox. Tickets go on sale at 10am local time this Friday, October 3.

Additionally, the Southall band will headline Billy Bob’s Texas on Feb. 6, 2026.

“Read Southall Acoustic Tour 2025” Dates:
Dec. 4 | Lubbock, TX – Blue Light*
Dec. 5 | San Angelo, TX – Blaine’s Pub*
Dec. 6 | College Station, TX – The Tap*
Dec. 11 | New Braunfels, TX – Gruene Hall*
Dec. 12 | Huntsville, TX – Jolly Fox*

 

Evan Honer Announces 2026 “It’s A Long Road Tour”

Evan Honer has announced his 2026 headline “It’s A Long Road Tour” across North America. The announcement comes on the heels of his third studio album Everything I Wanted via Cloverdale Records. Nicholas Jamerson, harf., Michal Leah, Sam Burchfield and Timmy Skelly will join on select dates as support. Tickets will be available here on Oct. 3.

The run will stop in 30 cities including Atlanta, Seattle, Dallas and many more throughout March and April of next year. One dollar for every ticket sold benefits the Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance.

“It’s A Long Road Tour” Dates
3/2 – WORKPLAY – Birmingham, AL *
3/3 – Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA *
3/5 – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL *
3/6 – Charleston Music Hall – Charleston, SC *
3/7 – The Orange Peel – Asheville, NC &
3/9 – 9:30 Club – Washington, DC &
3/10 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA &
3/11 – Mr. Smalls Theatre – Millvale, PA &
3/13 – Webster Hall – New York, NY &
3/14 – Royale – Boston, MA &
3/16 – The Danforth Music Hall – Toronto, ON @
3/17 – Bronson Centre – Ottawa, ON @
3/19 – Majestic Theatre – Detroit, MI @
3/20 – Vic Theatre – Chicago, IL @
3/21 – First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN @
3/26 – The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT ^
3/27-28 – Treefort Music Fest – Boise, ID
3/28 – The ELM – Bozeman, MT ^
3/30 – Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC ^
3/31 – Showbox – Seattle, WA ^
4/1 – Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR ^
4/3 – The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA ^
4/4 – El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
4/5 – The Observatory North Park – San Diego, CA #
4/7 – Orpheum Theater – Flagstaff, AZ #
4/10 – La Rosa – Tucson, AZ #
4/11 – The Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ #
4/15 – Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, OK #
4/16 – The Echo Lounge & Music Hall – Dallas, TX #
4/18 – Two Step Inn – Georgetown, TX
* harf. supporting
& Nicholas Jamerson supporting
@ Michal Leah supporting
^ Sam Burchfield supporting
# Timmy Skelly supporting

 

All Them Witches Announce Second Leg Of “House Of Mirrors” Tour

All Them Witches.

All Them Witches, the Nashville-based hard rock quartet, has announced the second leg of their North American headline tour. The band, made up of Ben McLeod (guitarist), Charles Michael Parks Jr. (bass/vocals), Christian Powers (drums), and Allan Van Cleave (keys) have confirmed 18 additional dates to their previously announced 29-date “House of Mirrors” tour across the EU, UK, and North America. The band will perform in cities including LA, Seattle, Denver, Austin and more. Tickets for the new dates will go on sale on Friday (Oct. 3). King Buffalo will join as support for this leg of the tour.

All Them Witches New “House of Mirrors” Tour Dates:
Feb 13: Birmingham, AL – Iron City+
Feb 14: Baton Rouge, LA – Chelsea’s Live+
Feb 15: Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall+
Feb 18: Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren+
Feb 19: San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park+
Feb 20: Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern+
Feb 21: Berkeley, CA – UC Theatre+
Feb 23: Vancouver, BC – The Vogue+
Feb 24: Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom+
Feb 25: Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo+
Feb 26: Boise, ID – Shrine Ballroom+
Feb 28: Boulder, CO – Boulder Theatre+
Mar 1: Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre+
Mar 3: Omaha, NE – Slowdown+
Mar 4: Lawrence, KS – Liberty Hall+
Mar 5: Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theatre+
Mar 6: Austin, TX – Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheatre+
Mar 7: Dallas, TX – House of Blues+
* with support from King Buffalo

Chris Janson To Kick Off ‘Wild Horses Untamed Tour’ In October

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Chris Janson

Chris Janson has announced dates for his new “Wild Horses Untamed Tour,” which kicks off Oct. 3 in Laramie, Wyoming.

The tour will visit Huntsville, Seattle, Montgomery, Ocala and more, with a Nashville stop set for January 29. The tour announcement comes on the heels of Janson’s latest album, Wild Horses, which was released on August 1. From high-energy romps like “Hung Up On” to emotional ballads that cut to the core, the project is a full-spectrum ride through Janson’s life, loves, and lessons and is a reflection of Janson’s journey: bold, wild, and untamed.

The leadoff single from the album, “Me and a Beer,” a breezy, feel-good anthem that invites listeners to let loose and celebrate the moment, is nearing the Top 30 at country radio and climbing.

“Wild Horses Untamed Tour” Dates:
10.3.25 I Laramie, WY
10.4.25 I Greenfield, MO
10.9.15 I Bethlehem, PA
10.10.25 I Shipshewana, IN
10.11.25 I Wisconsin Dells, WI
10.18.25 I Hobbs, NM
10.24.25 I Mount Vernon, KY
10.25.25 I Odessa, MO
11.11.25 I Huntsville, AL
11.15.25 I Seattle, WA
1.16.26 I Montgomery, AL
1.29.26 I Nashville, TN
1.30.26 I Effingham, IL
1.31.26 I Hiawassee, GA
2.6.26 I Ocala, FL
2.26.26 I New London, CT
2.28.26 I Woonsocket, RI