Colter Wall Gathers ‘Memories And Empties’ On New LP

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Colter Wall is set to release his new album, Memories and Empties, November 14 via La Honda Records and RCA Records.

Produced by Wall and Pat Lyons, the new collection of drinking songs and blue collar stories are ready for honky tonks, barrooms, porches, and pickups and is inspired by the 1970s era of country music. The 10-song collection is the exploration of the ways humans are connecting, to people, to the natural world, to time, or to God.

The album’s first single, “1800 Miles” is out now. Wall also recently launched his sold-out Fall tour Sept. 28 and just announced a run of Texas dates to kick off the New Year as well.

Memories and Empties Track List:
1. “1800 Miles” – (Colter Wall)
2. “My Present Just Gets Past Me” – (Colter Wall)
3. “Like The Hills” – (Colter Wall)
4. “Memories and Empties” – (Colter Wall)
5. “It’s Getting So (That A Man Can’t Go Into Town Just To Have Him A Drink)” – (Colter Wall)
6. “Living By The Hour” – (Colter Wall)
7. “4/4 Time” – (Colter Wall)
8. “The Longer You Hold On” – (Colter Wall)
9. “Back To Me” – (Colter Wall)
10. “Summer Wages” – (Ian Tyson)

“Colter Wall & Friends” 2026 Dates:
Jan 16 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at Moody Theater
Jan 17 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at Moody Theater
Jan 21 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Jan 22 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Jan 23 – Fort Worth, TX – Will Rogers Auditorium
Jan 24 – Fort Worth, TX – Will Rogers Auditorium

The Morgan Wallen Foundation Celebrates Ruritan Park Renovation

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Pictured (L-R): MWF executive director Kathleen Flaherty, UT baseball coach Tony Vitello, MWF Program Director Lesli Wallen and Gibbs Youth Sports President Nate Stachey. Photo: David Lehr

The Morgan Wallen Foundation, University of Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello, and the UT baseball team gathered on Sept. 28 at Gibbs High School’s Ruritan Park in Corryton, TN to host 300 kids for a baseball camp and celebrate recent upgrades made to the fields.

MWF’s Leslie Wallen and Kathleen Flaherty. Photo: David Lehr

The improvements were made thanks to last year’s $140k donation following Wallen’s historic shows at Neyland Stadium. The two fields were dedicated in name to honor both of Wallen’s parents, “Lesli Wilder Field” (a nod to her maiden name), and “Tommy Wayne Field.” Following the camp, MWF surprised Nate Stachey, President of Gibbs Youth Sports, with an additional $50k donation.

“The Morgan Wallen Foundation has refurbished several baseball fields over the years, but working with Gibbs Youth Sports at Ruritan Park is extra special because it’s the Wallen family’s hometown. It’s a full circle moment and a blessing that we can help out,” shares Kathleen Flaherty, Executive Director, MWF. “We can’t thank The UT Vols baseball team and especially Coach Tony Vitello enough for participating on Sunday. The kids went wild over them and the line for photos and autographs was endless. Tony is a great friend to MWF. He and the team show up when we are in need and we deeply appreciate it.”

“I am honored and humbled that Morgan has named these two fields after my husband and me, and I’m so proud of my son’s dedication to improving the community that helped shape him,” says Lesli Wallen.

BREAKING: Lainey Wilson Returns To CMA Awards Hosting Duties

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Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson is set to return to the CMA Awards stage to host the 59th annual awards on Nov. 19 at Bridgestone Arena. This will be her second consecutive year hosting. The ceremony will air live at 7 p.m. CST on ABC with next-day streaming available on Hulu.

Wilson is tied for the most nominations at this year’s ceremony, including a nod for Entertainer of the Year.

“I grew up watching the CMA Awards like it was the Super Bowl, so to be hosting for a second year is a true honor,” says Wilson. “I’m humbled that CMA has trusted me with this role, and I can’t wait to love on this genre that has given me so much.”

Nominees and winners for the annual awards are populated by over 7,000 industry professionals that make up CMA membership. The peer-voted awards celebrates the artistry and dedication of each individual.

Performers for the 59th Annual CMA Awards will be announced soon. Tickets for the event are on sale here.

The 59th Annual CMA Awards are produced by the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton serves as Executive Producer, Alan Carter is Director, and Jon Macks is Head Writer.

Scotty McCreery Nabs Seventh No. 1 Hit

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Scotty McCreery has scored his seventh No. 1 hit this week with “Bottle Rockets,” his collaboration with Hootie & The Blowfish. The tune sits at the top spot on both the Billboard and Mediabase Country Airplay Charts. Since release, the song has averaged six million weekly streams.

“Any time your song hits No. 1, it feels great,” says McCreery. “To be able to hit No.1 with a song featuring a band you have loved your whole life is beyond amazing! Thanks to Hootie & The Blowfish for joining me on this song, thanks to Triple Tigers Records and Triple 8 Management for all their hard work, thanks to country radio and the streaming services, and thanks to the fans who have supported me from day one.”

The song was penned by McCreery, Brent Anderson, Derek George, Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, Frank Rogers, Bobby Hamrick, Darius Rucker, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber and Jim Sonefeld, with production by Rogers.

“We’re blessed that ‘Hold My Hand’ has lived a rather long life, and Scotty’s ‘Bottle Rockets’ has certainly given it a new one,” shares Sonefeld. “Thrilled to be part of this special rebirth!”

“All we had to do was light the fuse! Country radio took ‘Bottle Rockets’ and permanently imprinted it on the summer of 2025,” adds Kevin Herring, Co-President, Triple Tigers Records.

Dylan Scott Brings Heart & Hits To The Pinnacle

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Dylan Scott. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

Dylan Scott lit up The Pinnacle on Friday night (Sept. 26) on his “Easy Does It Tour” with a high-energy, heartfelt performance filled with hits and nostalgia.

After Zach John King and George Birge warmed up the crowd, Scott’s set began with a simulation of flipping through the radio, with snippets of songs spanning country, pop, R&B, rock and more. Each song encompassed the theme of ‘having a good time,’ leading Scott perfectly into “Good Times Go By Too Fast” to kick off the night with the energy and pyrotechnics that set the tone for the evening.

The hits started right off the bat with “Hooked,” getting the crowd rocking before singing his massive hit “New Truck.”

“I’ll tell ya this,” Scott said to the crowd. “I’ve been in this town 15 years, and what I’m seeing here tonight is validating everything. Cause I can tell you that this town’s been way to good to us,” leading into his hit “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”

Afterwards, he fired into “Country Till I Die,” before grabbing his guitar to deliver a gritty cover of Hank Williams Jr.’s “A Country Boy Can Survive.” One of nights more interactive moments came next when Scott wheeled out a cart of red solo cups and laughed, “I’ll be the bartender tonight!” before jumping into “I’ll Be a Bartender” while handing out red solo cups.

Keeping the energy perfectly balanced, Scott then slowed things down with “What He’ll Never Have,” returning to his guitar. He followed with “Till I Can’t, I Will.” Then, after an intimate story time with the crowd about his roots and his family, Scott sat down at the piano and played “I Owe You One.”

Picking things back up, he went straight into “Nobody,” a massive singalong that had couples locking arms. “Boys Back Home” followed, carrying into “Livin’ My Best Life,” a full-blown party anthem that turned The Pinnacle into one big celebration.

Up next was Scott’s time to honor “the greatest time in country music there ever will be” with a ’90s country medley featuring “Fishin’ in the Dark,” “I Like It, I Love It,” “Check Yes or No,” and “When You Say Nothing at All.”

As the night began to wind down, Scott brought out “Can’t Have Mine (Find You a Girl).” With the spotlight glowing and emotions running high, Scott closed the night with his breakout hit, “My Girl.” The entire venue swayed and sang along, creating a perfect, unifying end to a night that blended southern charm, powerful vocals and a whole lot of heart.

Scott will continue his “Easy Does It Tour” next weekend in Salem, VA (Oct. 2), Moon Township, PA (Oct. 3), and Schenectady, NY (Oct. 4).

Zach Bryan Performs First-Ever Show Held At Michigan Stadium

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Zach Bryan. Photo: Clay Gibson

Zach Bryan performed the first-ever show at Michigan Stadium on Saturday (Sept. 27) for an audience of 112,408. The event marked the largest ever ticketed show in U.S history, and also set the merchandise sales record with $5 million. The show featured special guest John Mayer and support from Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen and Joshua Slone.

Bryan kicked off the show with “Overtime” and mixed many fan favorites into the 26 song set list including “Something in the Orange,” “Dawns,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow” and “Pink Skies,” among others. Mayer joined him for a cover of “Friend of the Devil” and a duet of “Better Days.” Bryan brought out The War and Treaty for “Hey Driver.” He ended the night with a nearly 30 minute performance of “Revival” during the encore.

Photo: Michigan Photography

Chase McGill Leads MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Chase McGill.

Chase McGill has taken the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The hitmakers’ current chart entries include Morgan Wallen‘s “20 Cigarettes,” “I Got Better,” “Miami” and “TN,” Tucker Wetmore’s “Brunette,” Russell Dickerson’s “Happen To Me,” George Birge’s “It Won’t Be Long” and Keith Urban’s “Straight Line.”

Riley Green sits at No. 2 this week with his solo-penned “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Charlie Handsome remains at No. 3 with “Hell At Night,” “Holy Water,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN,” and “What I Want.”

Blake Pendergrass (No. 4) and Wallen (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Grand Ole Opry Makes History With Royal Albert Hall Show In London

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All Cast Performance of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”. Photo: David Parry/PA Media Assignments

The Grand Ole Opry made history on Friday night (Sept. 26) with “Live in London,” its first-ever live broadcast from outside of the U.S. as part of its Opry 100 celebration.

Ashley McBryde performs during Grand Ole Opry: Live in London, at the Royal Albert Hall. Photo: David Parry/PA Media Assignments

The sold-out, one-night-only event at Royal Albert Hall brought together more than 5,000 country music fans for an evening of performances and a celebration of country’s past, present and future. The star-studded lineup included Opry members Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker and Marty Stuart with special UK guest artists Mumford & Sons and Breabach.

Performers stood on a circle of wood sourced from the original stage floor of the Ryman Auditorium. Designed to honor The Circle, which is permanently installed in the Grand Ole Opry House, the replica was transported across the globe for the centennial event.

In keeping with a longstanding Opry tradition, Opry members and special guests teamed to deliver some of the most memorable moments of the night, including performances of “Wagon Wheel” by Rucker and Breabach,“I Hope You’re Happy Now” by Pearce and Combs, “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’ Anymore” by McBryde and Stuart and “Always On My Mind” by Combs and Marcus Mumford. The entire cast closed the special show with a finale performance of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

Those who missed the event can tune in to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds on Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. to hear the host of Radio 2’s Country Show, Bob Harris, bring listeners backstage interviews recorded at the event, followed by a two-hour broadcast of the show itself. BBC Two and BBC iPlayer will air highlights at 8.40pm on Oct. 4.

Carly Pearce performs during Grand Ole Opry: Live in London, at the Royal Albert Hall. Photo: David Parry/PA Media Assignments

Darius Rucker performs during Grand Ole Opry: Live in London, at the Royal Albert Hall. Photo: David Parry/PA Media Assignments

Luke Combs performs during Grand Ole Opry: Live in London, at the Royal Albert Hall. Photo: David Parry/PA Media Assignments

Marty Stuart performs during Grand Ole Opry: Live in London, at the Royal Albert Hall. Photo: David Parry/PA Media Assignments

Songview Expands To Include GMR & SESAC

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Songview, the industry’s comprehensive US public performance copyright data resource launched by ASCAP and BMI in December 2020, has expanded the include works from GMR and SESAC. The platform will now feature information for over 38 million musical works licensed by four of the major performing rights organizations in the United States.

Over the coming months, Songview will begin incorporating data from GMR and SESAC, starting with the addition of all 100%-owned works represented by GMR and SESAC. In addition, Songview will enhance the limited data that currently appears for GMR and SESAC works by including the publisher names for GMR and SESAC works that have split ownership percentages with ASCAP and/or BMI, one of the most popular information requests from Songview users. The ownership percentages for the GMR and SESAC split works are part of a future plan.

“It was always our intention to ensure Songview would be the single most comprehensive source of copyright information for the industry, which is why the addition of GMR and SESAC data is so important,” shares BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill. “Having the four major US PROs come together to enhance data transparency highlights how we as an industry can successfully collaborate and deliver solutions that benefit the entire music community.”

John Josephson, Chairman & CEO of SESAC shares, “The addition of SESAC and GMR to Songview will provide a comprehensive view of ownership data and licensing representation for the largest music market in the world. This collaborative solution addresses requests from licensees and Congress that extends the visibility of repertory data already available from SESAC.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with BMI, GMR and SESAC as we innovate to provide more transparency to licensees into musical ownership data for the combined repertories of the most performed music in the world,” says ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews.

Randy Grimmett, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Music Rights adds, “With the addition of the GMR and SESAC repertoire to Songview, the most comprehensive view of US songwriter and publishing information will represent over 38 million works. This is a major step in addressing the needs of licensees for a comprehensive view of PRO licensing obligations.”

Morgan Evans Teams With Virgin Music Group

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Pictured (L-R): Jen Bontusa (SVP, Label Management, Virgin Music Group); Jordon Isbell (Director, Marketing, Virgin Music Group); Morgan Evans; John Mayer (Sr. Director, National Promotion and Streaming, Virgin Music Group) and René Symonds (Artist Manager, TaP Music).

Morgan Evans will partner with Virgin Music Group on his upcoming new music. Evans will drop his first track under the new partnership, “Beer Back Home,” on Oct. 10, with a full length album slated for early 2026.

“I’m stoked to partner with Virgin Music Group on this record,” says Evans. “They’ve built a global team that gets Nashville, Europe, Australia, and they get me. The industry’s changing fast, but their model keeps artists in control, especially creatively. I couldn’t be prouder of this new music or more excited to share it with the world alongside the legends at VMG. Let’s go!”

Hailing from Australia, Evans released his debut self-titled album in 2014, marking his burst into the country music scene. Over the course of his career, he has garnered more than 800 million streams. The new single “Beer Back Home” was recorded in Nashville, and co-produced by Evans and Todd Clark.

“Morgan is an artist dedicated to the continued growth of his loyal fanbase and country music around the world,” shares Jen Bontusa, SVP of Label Management for Virgin Music Group. “The Virgin Music Group global team will play an important role in helping to expand that fanbase with an incredible collection of new music. We can’t wait to get started.”

Evan’s next show will be a return to his hometown of Newcastle on Feb. 14 at Howlin’ Country Music Festival.