HARDY. Photo: Ryan Smith
HARDY has unveiled a new deluxe edition of his latest album, Country! Country! Country!, today (Sept. 29) via Big Loud Records.
The deluxe collection offers a brand-new song “Good Ole Boy” as well as stripped-back, acoustic versions of tracks “Dog Years,” “Country In Me” and “Take the Country and Run.” The video for “Good Ole Boy” premieres via CMT today, and is featured across their channels and on billboards in Times Square.
HARDY has already released several singles from Country! Country! including “Dog Years,” “Bottomland” and “Bro Country.” He’ll play festivals through the end of the year as well as Country vs. Cancer, presented by the American Cancer Society, HARDY’s charity The Hardy Fund, and Whiskey Jam to benefit the ACS. HARDY will headline the benefit Dec. 2 alongside Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Lanie Gardner and McCoy Moore at The Pinnacle in Nashville.
Country! Country! Country! Track List:
1. “Country Country” (Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, David Garcia, Michael Hardy)
2. “Favorite Country Song” (Ashley Gorley, Beau Bailey, Casey Brown, Michael Hardy, Nate Smith, Taylor Philips, Zach Abend)
3. “Bro Country” (feat. ERNEST) (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, Michael Hardy)
4. “Luckiest Man Alive” (Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy)
5. “Car That Drove You Away” (Drew Parker, Geoff Warburton, Matt Roy, Zach Abend)
6. “Girl With A Gun” (Carson Wallace, Greylan James, Jordan Schmidt, Michael Hardy)
7. “Buck On The Wall” (Jameson Rodgers, Jeb Gipson, Matt Dragstrem, Michael Hardy)
8. “I’d Go Crazy Too” (Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy)
9. “Take The Country and Run” (Ashley Gorley, David Garcia, Michael Hardy)
10. “Goodbye” (Cam Montgomery, Hunter Phelps, Jessie Jo Dillon, Michael Hardy)
11. “Bedrooms In The Sky” (feat. Stephen Wilson Jr.) (Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy, Zach Abend)
12. “Bottomland” (Hunter Phelps, Jessie Jo Dillon, Michael Hardy, Smith Ahnquist, Zach Abend)
13. “Good Ole Boy” (David Garcia, Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy)
14. “Who Don’t” (Greylan James, Jessie Jo Dillon, Michael Hardy, Zach Abend)
15. “Country In Me” (Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Drew Parker, Michael Hardy)
16. “Gun To My Head” (Kyle Clark, Mark Holman, Michael Hardy, Smith Ahnquist)
17. “Keep It Country” (David Garcia, Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy, Smith Ahnquist)
18. “Y’all Need Jesus” (Drew Parker, Jessie Jo Dillon, Michael Hardy, Zach Abend)
19. “Dog Years” (Michael Hardy)
20. “We’re All Gonna Die” (Jessie Jo Dillon, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Matt Dragstrem)
21. “Everybody Does” (Michael Hardy)
22. “Country In Me – Acoustic One Take” (Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Drew Parker, Michael Hardy)
23. “Take The Country and Run – Acoustic One Take” (Ashley Gorley, David Garcia, Michael Hardy)
24. “Dog Years – Acoustic One Take” (Michael Hardy)
HARDY Drops New Deluxe Album ‘Country! Country! Country!’
/by Lorie HollabaughHARDY. Photo: Ryan Smith
HARDY has unveiled a new deluxe edition of his latest album, Country! Country! Country!, today (Sept. 29) via Big Loud Records.
The deluxe collection offers a brand-new song “Good Ole Boy” as well as stripped-back, acoustic versions of tracks “Dog Years,” “Country In Me” and “Take the Country and Run.” The video for “Good Ole Boy” premieres via CMT today, and is featured across their channels and on billboards in Times Square.
HARDY has already released several singles from Country! Country! including “Dog Years,” “Bottomland” and “Bro Country.” He’ll play festivals through the end of the year as well as Country vs. Cancer, presented by the American Cancer Society, HARDY’s charity The Hardy Fund, and Whiskey Jam to benefit the ACS. HARDY will headline the benefit Dec. 2 alongside Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Lanie Gardner and McCoy Moore at The Pinnacle in Nashville.
Country! Country! Country! Track List:
1. “Country Country” (Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, David Garcia, Michael Hardy)
2. “Favorite Country Song” (Ashley Gorley, Beau Bailey, Casey Brown, Michael Hardy, Nate Smith, Taylor Philips, Zach Abend)
3. “Bro Country” (feat. ERNEST) (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, Michael Hardy)
4. “Luckiest Man Alive” (Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy)
5. “Car That Drove You Away” (Drew Parker, Geoff Warburton, Matt Roy, Zach Abend)
6. “Girl With A Gun” (Carson Wallace, Greylan James, Jordan Schmidt, Michael Hardy)
7. “Buck On The Wall” (Jameson Rodgers, Jeb Gipson, Matt Dragstrem, Michael Hardy)
8. “I’d Go Crazy Too” (Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy)
9. “Take The Country and Run” (Ashley Gorley, David Garcia, Michael Hardy)
10. “Goodbye” (Cam Montgomery, Hunter Phelps, Jessie Jo Dillon, Michael Hardy)
11. “Bedrooms In The Sky” (feat. Stephen Wilson Jr.) (Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy, Zach Abend)
12. “Bottomland” (Hunter Phelps, Jessie Jo Dillon, Michael Hardy, Smith Ahnquist, Zach Abend)
13. “Good Ole Boy” (David Garcia, Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy)
14. “Who Don’t” (Greylan James, Jessie Jo Dillon, Michael Hardy, Zach Abend)
15. “Country In Me” (Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Drew Parker, Michael Hardy)
16. “Gun To My Head” (Kyle Clark, Mark Holman, Michael Hardy, Smith Ahnquist)
17. “Keep It Country” (David Garcia, Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy, Smith Ahnquist)
18. “Y’all Need Jesus” (Drew Parker, Jessie Jo Dillon, Michael Hardy, Zach Abend)
19. “Dog Years” (Michael Hardy)
20. “We’re All Gonna Die” (Jessie Jo Dillon, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Matt Dragstrem)
21. “Everybody Does” (Michael Hardy)
22. “Country In Me – Acoustic One Take” (Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Drew Parker, Michael Hardy)
23. “Take The Country and Run – Acoustic One Take” (Ashley Gorley, David Garcia, Michael Hardy)
24. “Dog Years – Acoustic One Take” (Michael Hardy)
Bernie Leadon Inks With Warner Chappell Music
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Greg Sowders (WCM), Guy Moot (WCM), Bernie Leadon, Carianne Marshall (WCM) and Trevian Kutti. Photo: Courtesy of WCM
Bernie Leadon, Eagles founding member and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, has signed with Warner Chappell Music to a long-term, worldwide publishing agreement. Leadon will release his first solo album in more than two decades, Too Late to Be Cool, on Oct. 10.
“I have been associated with Warner Chappell and the rest of Warner Music since 1971. I am delighted to renew my connections with them now at this point in the 21st Century,” shares Leadon. “Warner Chappell and Warner Music have always been at the pinnacle of support for songwriters and other music creators, and that reality is still very evident in the current leadership and staff. My sincere thanks go to all of them.”
“It’s no exaggeration to say that much of the music we call Americana today owes a deep debt to Bernie’s boundary-crossing inspiration,” adds WCM’s Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO, and Carianne Marshall, Co-Chair and COO. “He has helped shape a canon of iconic music, from his early years with genre-defying groups like The Flying Burrito Brothers and Dillard & Clark to his generation-defining work with the Eagles to his countless collaborations with other artists. His creativity, musical brilliance, and pure devotion to his craft have made him a true American treasure, with six decades of extraordinary songs and sounds to his credit. We’re honored and excited to welcome him into the Warner Chappell family.”
In 1971, Leadon co-founded the Eagles alongside Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Randy Meisner. After stepping away from the Eagles in 1975, he worked with Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Stephen Stills and Alabama among others. In 1998, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with The Eagles.
Leadon penned all the songs on his upcoming album, including the recently released tracks “Too Many Memories,” “Just a Little,” and “Go On Down to Mobile.” It also marks Leadon’s reunion with esteemed producer/engineer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Glyn Johns.
BMI Hosts Conversation With Addison Rae
/by Lorie HollabaughBMI’s Shannon Sanders, BMI’s Lauren Wilkinson, BMI’s Jackson Kiger, Addison Rae (BMI), Tayla Parx (BMI), BMI’s MaryAnn Keen and BMI’s Claire Dodelin. Photo: Yasmine Diba
“BMI Presents a Conversation with Addison Rae” took place at Nashville’s Analog this past Friday (Sept. 26) with the singer-songwriter discussing her debut album, Addison, with moderator and 2x Grammy nominee, Tayla Parx.
The intimate, invitation-only event brought together industry professionals to hear Rae chat about the co-writing process behind the 12 tracks on her album, including the viral hit, “Diet Pepsi.”
Hosted by BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Parx led the discussion with Rae on writing songs like “Headphones On,” “Times Like These” and “High Fashion.” “BMI Presents a Conversation with Addison Rae” was held prior to Rae’s headlining show at The Pinnacle in Nashville on Saturday (Sept. 27).
BMI songwriter/2x GRAMMY nominee Tayla Parx leads the conversation with BMI’s Addison Rae about the songwriting process behind her debut album, Addison. Photo: Yasmine Diba
BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Addison Rae (BMI) and Tayla Parx (BMI). Photo: Yasmine Diba
Curb Records Releases ‘REAGAN: Songs Inspired By The Film’
/by Madison HahnenCurb records has released the 11 track project, REAGAN: Songs Inspired By The Film, today (Sept. 26).
The new collection of songs follows the official film soundtrack release on Aug. 29. On the new album, the original tracks are from an array of artists including Alabama, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt and more, who drew inspiration from the themes and characters of the film. The project was produced by Mark Joseph and Vince Emmett, and Tim Cook served as music supervisor.
“We were so pleased to have an eclectic and amazing group of artists come alongside the project,” says Joseph. “It was great to partner with Mike Curb and the Curb Records team to bring these collections out.”
REAGAN: Songs Inspired By The Film Track List:
1. “America’s Dream” Gary Cherone (Gary Cherone)
2. “City On A Hill” Travis Tritt (Travis Tritt)
3. “I Saw The Time” Alabama (Randy Owen)
4. “This Is America” Wayne Newton (Caryn Borland)
5. “Rancho Del Cielo” Ricky Skaggs (Caryn Borland)
6. “Always” Commodores (William King)
7. “Keep On Moving” Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives (Marty Stuart)
8. “I Knew It Would Be You” Kathie Lee Gifford, Claude Kelly (Kathie Lee Gifford, Richard Spitz)
9. “Do We Want To Win” Tanya Tucker (Chuck Cannon, Regie Hamm)
10. “Do I Say Goodbye” Sweet Comfort Band (Bryan Duncan, James Raymond, Rick Thompson)
11. “Start The World Over Again” Lee Greenwood (Lee Greenwood, Mike Curb, Ronald Reagan)
Industry Ink: BMI, The MLC, Tyler Childers, Tori Martin
/by Lauryn SinkBMI Spark Adds Cubase, Fender, Merch Cat, Muso.AI & More
BMI Spark, the portal which launched earlier this year featuring exclusive discounts, special offers and resources for BMI songwriters and composers, has added Cubase and Dorico by Steinberg, Fourthwall, Hyperwknd, MusiCares®, Merch Cat, Muso.AI, Orchestral Tools, Shure, and Fender, with offers on Fender.com, Fender Play and PreSonus. In addition, due to the program’s success, three existing partners, Disc Makers, RoEx and RootNote, have expanded their offerings, resulting in more savings for BMI affiliates.
“We’re thrilled with the overwhelming positive response that Spark has received from our songwriters and composers, as well as the partners and companies who want to be part of what we are building,” says Jess Robertson, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships & Industry Research, BMI. “We’re looking forward to introducing this new group to our BMI family and continuing our work to ensure music creators get the support they need to keep growing and developing while doing what they love.”
MLC Hosts Creator Event With Prophet & Tammy Hurt
Pictured (L–R): The MLC’s Kayla Ott, Ellen Truley, and Jamie Dominguez; entertainment executive, entrepreneur, and drummer Tammy Hurt; and Prophet, Co-Founder, President & CEO of the Black Music Action Coalition.
The MLC hosted a creator event in Atlanta on Wednesday night (Sept. 24) with Prophet, Co-Founder, President & CEO of the Black Music Action Coalition, and Tammy Hurt, entertainment executive, entrepreneur and drummer, to discuss the importance of songwriters understanding their rights, collecting all streaming royalties and managing the business side of their careers.
Tyler Childers Launches Reading Club
Tyler Childers. Photo: Sam Waxman
Tyler Childers is launching the Hickman Holler Reading Club in partnership with Libby. Each month, Childers will select a book for fans, starting with Jack Kerouac’s On the Road.
Pop-up libraries will be set up at select tour stops, including Nashville from Oct. 10- 11, allowing attendees to sign up for library cards, explore local resources and enter for the chance to win signed books from Childers.
LuckySky Music & Tori Martin Celebrate Third No. 1
Bill DiLuigi (LuckySky Music), Jason Engelman (LuckySky Music), Tori Martin, Kirsti Manna (LuckySky Music), Bill Warner (LuckySky Music) and J4 (LuckySky Music).
LuckySky Music celebrates their third No. 1 song with Tori Martin. Martin’s “Cowgirls Ride,” produced by Bill Warner and written by Bill Diluigi, Kirsti Manna and Martin, has topped the Texas Regional Radio Report.
Kuke Music Holding Limited Acquires Controlling Interest In Naxos Music Group
/by Lauryn SinkKuke Music Holding Limited, a classical music services platform in China, has acquired a controlling interest in Naxos Music Group, one of the world’s largest independent classical music companies. Naxos Music Group is based in Nashville and is the label of The Nashville Symphony.
Under the terms of the agreement, Kuke acquired a controlling interest in Naxos Music Group through two transactions involving Naxos One Holding Limited (“Naxos One”) and Desun Holding Limited (“Desun”), one of the two existing shareholders of Naxos One.
Kuke firstly subscribed for 17,500 newly issued Class B ordinary shares of Naxos One for a total worth of US$105 million. Kuke secondly acquired 108 Class A ordinary shares of Naxos One from Desun, which automatically converted into 108 Class B ordinary shares of Naxos One upon transfer for a total of $1.35 million. The deal was settled entirely through the issuance of Kuke’s Class A ordinary shares as consideration.
“This strategic acquisition of Naxos Music Group represents a landmark transaction that will significantly enhance our position as a leading classical music services platform,” says Peixian Tan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kuke. “Naxos’s world-class content library, combined with its proven global distribution capabilities, creates compelling synergies with our existing music education and technology platforms.”
Better Than Ezra Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughBetter Than Ezra perform at the Opry. Photo: Garrett Keafer
Better Than Ezra made their Grand Ole Opry debut on Wednesday night (Sept. 24).
The quartet of Kevin Griffin, Tom Drummond, Jim Payne and Michael Jerome packed the house and delivered a three-song set of hits. They performed “Good” and “Coyote,” plus a cover of “Never Tear Us Apart” by INXS. They also surprised the audience by welcoming Jeff Coffin, saxophonist of Dave Matthews Band, to join them for a spirited rendition of “Never Tear Us Apart.”
“It’s such a pleasure to be here,” Griffin shared on stage. “You know we grew up country music fans in Northern Louisiana, so to be here and to be on stage is pretty amazing.”
This Sunday (Sept. 28), the group will hit the stage at Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival in Franklin, TN, marking their eighth appearance on the bill of the festival co-founded and produced by Griffin.
Better Than Ezra pose backstage moments before stepping into the Grand Ole Opry circle for their debut performance. Photo: Jeff Coffin
After wrapping their debut performance, Better Than Ezra took a moment to chat with Opry announcer Mike Terry about the milestone occasion. Photo: Chris Hollo
Better Than Ezra perform at the Opry. Photo: Garrett Keafer
Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Bailey Zimmerman Among Hoofbeat 2026 Festival Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean, Kane Brown & Bailey Zimmerman
Jason Aldean, Kane Brown and Bailey Zimmerman will headline Hoofbeat Festival in Cadott, Wisconsin June 25-27.
Other artists on the bill include Aaron Tippin, Adrien Nunez, Ashley Cooke, Atlus, Austin Brown, Chandler Walters, Chase Matthew, Chase McDaniel, Clay Walker, Crossroads, Dalton Davis, Dasha, Derek Jones & The 50 South, Dirty Prescott Kids, Elizabeth Nichols, Emily Ann Roberts, Gundo, If Nothing Else, Jake Birdseye, Josh Gallagher, Josh Ross, Katie May, Lara Bell, Lassos & Lace, Maiden Dixie, Mary Kutter, Nate Smith, Naughty Northern, Neal McCoy, Rafe Carlson, Rick Monroe & The Hitmen, Russell Dickerson, Six Figure Sunrise, Slamabama, Something Familiar, Terri Clark, Tigirlily Gold, Timothy Wayne and Tucker Wetmore.
“Hoofbeat has always been about tradition—friends, family, and music in the hayfield,” festival promoter Wade Asher says. “Year after year, our loyal fans return, and new fans join the party. This lineup carries that spirit forward, honoring the roots of country while celebrating the next wave of artists our fans will be talking about for years.”
Festival tickets, camping, and glamping are on sale now, along with pit passes. Tickets and more information are available here.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly highlights the powerful moments and major moves shaping Nashville’s music scene, from heartfelt award show tributes to industry updates and fresh artist signings. Click here to see the full edition.
On Tuesday night (Sept. 23), the eighth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards lit up the Ryman Auditorium with a celebration of songwriting excellence. Hosted by NSAI, in partnership with City National Bank, the evening honored 42 individuals whose contributions to the craft continue to elevate the genre. ALABAMA received the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing their enduring influence on country music. Brenda Lee was honored with the 2025 President’s Keystone Award, while the Legendary Song Award was presented to Dolly Parton’s timeless hit “I Will Always Love You.”
Hitmaker Ashley Gorley made history once again, taking home Songwriter of the Year for a record-breaking ninth time. Meanwhile, Matthew West was named 2025 Songwriter-Artist of the Year, earning the title for a second time. The ceremony also included the presentation of the coveted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” awards, spotlighting the most admired compositions of the year.
Donna Duncan, Vice President of CMT Music & Talent, has exited her role amid company restructuring. Today (Sept. 26) marks her last day.
Shane McAnally has signed with UTA for global representation in all areas.
In the label world, several artists are charting new paths. Ian Munsick has parted ways with Warner Music Nashville after a five-year run. Meanwhile, Coleman Jennings has inked a deal with Big Loud Texas and Mercury Records, and bluegrass-country band The Creekers have signed with Warner Music Nashville and Warner Records.
Management and publishing deals also made headlines this week. Mackenzie Carpenter has joined the roster at Rich MGMT, while Kasey Tyndall secured a global publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville and 2Mix Music. Alex Maxwell has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Nashville, and Lane Smith has joined the publishing family at BMG.
Additionally, Brayden Stewart has landed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, which also announced the promotion of Kayce Russell to Manager, Creative Services and A&R Operations.
This week’s edition also features a conversation with Riser House Entertainment’s Jennifer Johnson.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen maintains the No. 1 spot with “I Got Better.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Lamont Landers Shares His Story On New EP
/by Lorie HollabaughLamont Landers has dropped his debut EP Introducing… Lamont Landers today (Sept. 26) via Lucille Records.
Produced by Dave Cobb, the seven tracks capture life in America and the joys of love. Lori McKenna co-penned a track with Landers, “Devil Is Alive And Well,” on the new collection, which also features cuts by Oscar Charles, Madeline Edwards, Philip Towns and more.
“I’m beyond excited to finally share this EP with everyone,” shares Landers. “Each song is a piece of my story, and I poured everything I’ve felt and lived into this music. I hope fans connect with it, feel the emotion behind each track, and enjoy the journey as much as I did creating it.”
Hailing from Decatur, Alabama, Landers’ journey began when a viral cover of Ray Charles’ “Hit The Road Jack” earned over half a million views overnight, leading to performances on America’s Got Talent and Showtime at the Apollo. His social media presence, including a repost by Questlove of his rendition of “Rubber Band Man”, caught the attention of Cobb and ultimately led to a deal with Cobb’s MCA imprint, Lucille.
Landers recently took the stage alongside Yola and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band at the King of Soul Music Festival which benefits the Otis Redding Center for the Arts in Macon, Georgia. He is currently touring across the U.S. as a headliner as well as direct support for St. Paul & The Broken Bones.
Introducing… Lamont Landers Track List:
1. “America” (Lamont Landers, Dave Cobb)
2. “Oh Shit! (I’m In Love)” (Lamont Landers, Dave Cobb, Aaron Raitiere)
3. “Golden Skies” (Lamont Landers, Dave Cobb, Philip Towns)
4. “Lotta Love” (Madeline Edwards, Klare Essad, Oscar Charles)
5. “Devil Is Alive And Well” (Lamont Landers, Lori McKenna)
6. “Love’s Got The Best Of Us” (Madeline Edwards, Dan Fernandez, Emily Falvey)
7. “How Long (Until The Rain Is Gone)” (Lamont Landers, Dave Cobb, Philip Towns)