Hudson Westbrook. Photo: Ian Noh
Country music groups and collaborations vie for our attention today in DISClaimer.
The Red Clay Strays, Midland and 49 Winchester are representing country bands in this week’s column. Our collabs include Russell Dickerson with Fetty Wap, Rodney Crowell with the late Guy Clark, and this week’s DISCovery Award winners ALeeN Rose with Willie Nelson.
The Disc of the Day is “Backwards” by Hudson Westbrook.
Sunday is Mother’s Day. I have four suggestions for the holiday’s soundtrack. Danny Kensy offers “Mama’s Recipe.” Camille Harrison is issuing “I Miss You, Mother.” Alex Miller has “Just a Mom.” Canadian Abigail Lapell has an entire collection with the day’s theme. Her Shadow Child is “an album about motherhood whose nine songs each represent a month of gestation,” or so it says here.
McCOY MOORE / “Not Even Close”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/McCoy Moore/Sam Ellis; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville/Cervidae Records
– Dishing out compliments to his lover. In his eyes, she’s the ultimate best.
THE RED CLAY STRAYS / “Demons In Your Choir”
Writers: Brandon Coleman/Dakota Coleman/Matthew Coleman; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: RCA Records
– It’s a slow-burn, gospel-flavored anthem with moody, minor-key drama about spiritual deliverance. An absolutely searing lead vocal, righteous piano chords and an uplifting church choir. Somebody say, “Amen.”
ALYSSA MICAELA / “Born In Boots”
Writers: Alyssa Micaela/Olivia Rudeen/Tori Tullier; Producers: Stormy Cooper, Will Braun; Label: Azteca Ranch Music
– Bouncing and bubbly. She’s a proud cowgirl who chose boots over dolls and never looked back. Innocent fun.
RODNEY CROWELL & GUY CLARK / “Are You One of Us?”
Writer: Rodney Crowell; Producers: Rodney Crowell, Steuart Smith; Label: New West Records
– Crowell explores the “us-versus-them” attitudes of today with the late Clark interjecting fatherly wisdom. It starts off with a hushed series of statements underscored by insistent electric guitar, then builds to a rocking crescendo. The whole thing is utterly haunting and poetic. The song (and the previously reviewed “Go Light a Candle”) will appear on Crowell’s long-lost Then Again LP, which drops June 26. I’m buyin’ a copy.
ALeeN ROSE & WILLIE NELSON / “They’re There”
Writers: Amy Lee Nelson/Tina Rose Bridges/Willie Nelson; Producers: ALeeN Rose, Jeff Klein, Matt Hubbard; Label: Luna Wolf
– This duo is comprised of Willie’s daughter, Amy Nelson, and Tina Rose Bridges, who is Leon Russell’s daughter. Their country ballad invokes Amy’s late brother Billy and Tina’s late father, stating that their spirits walk alongside them every day. Willie provides his distinctive guitar as the instrumental solo, then chimes in with a third harmony part. Lovely listening.
MIDLAND / “Shooting Memories With Tequila”
Writers: Joe Clemmons/Mike Walker/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Blue Highway Records
– Give these guys a gold star for singing songs with actual melodies. Breezy heartaches, laced with creamy vocal harmonies and lilting steel guitar characterize this one. Riffs and lyrics in the production lend the track a Latin accent. Wonderfully tuneful and effortlessly engaging. By all means, play it.
JENNY TOLMAN / “Show Pony”
Writers: Dave Brainard/Jenny Tolman/Matt Willis; Producer: Dave Brainard; Label: Old Sol Records
– Tolman gallops a sprightly country rocker around the track at a lickety-split pace. The lyric warns a guy that his gal “ain’t nothin’ but a show pony you been trotting around” and not the thoroughbred he thinks she is.
DON WILLIAMS / “How Can I Miss What I Never Had”
Writer: Bob McDill; Producers: Garth Fundis, Tim Williams; Label: Craft Recordings
– Previously unheard performances by Country Music Hall of Famer Don Williams will be issued next month on a collection titled Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes. This one is a sad, resigned ballad about a dead relationship that’s infused with his trademark vocal warmth. Tunesmith McDill was also behind such Don Williams classics as “Amanda,” “It Must Be Love,” “Love Me Tonight” and, unforgettably, “Good Ole Boys Like Me.”
HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Backwards”
Writers: Hudson Westbrook/Lukas Klingensmith/Nicolette Hayford/Reid Haughton; Producers: Lukas Scott, Ryan Youman; Label: River House Artists/Warner Records Nashville
– Her leaving turned his world upside down. ACM New Male Vocalist nominee Westbrook delivers the midtempo meditation in a plaintive, expressive, softly aching fashion that’s mighty affecting.
RUSSELL DICKERSON & FETTY WAP / “Boots”
Writers: Dylan Marlowe/Matt Dragstrem/Russell Dickerson; Producer: none listed; Label: Triple Tigers
– Top showman Dickerson lights up Ascend Amphitheater tomorrow (May 8). Don’t have tickets? Party-on anyhow by listening to his latest, a country-trap mash-up with million-seller Fetty Wap. The bopping singer sees a gal on the dance floor wearing boots and a sundress and is smitten. Beats abound.
49 WINCHESTER / “Slowly”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Isaac Gibson/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: New West Records/Lucille Records/MCA
– I caught these guys on a recent Opry TV broadcast and was stunned by what a tight band they are. From organ sighs to steel-guitar pinpricks, from note-perfect harmony vocals to acoustic ripples and taut drumming, 49 Winchester has it all goin’ on. The band’s latest single is a strummy country toe tapper about moving forward despite feeling like crap. Highly recommended.
KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Middle of Nowhere”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves; Label: Lost Highway
– Shifting time signatures, moaning steel and a male duet harmony vocal characterize the title tune of Musgraves’ new album. Like the rest of the collection, the wafting sound leans back toward her Texas country roots.
ERNEST / “What’s a Little Rain”
Writers: David Garcia/Ernest Keith Smith/Rodney Clawson; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud Records
– An airy, beach-y production paints this as a watercolor wash while the singer exudes romance and dreamy relaxation. Irresistibly pretty.
Ella Langley Scores A Third Week Atop The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley scores a third consecutive week atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with her track, “Be Her.”
Langley co-wrote the song with Jordan Schmidt, Smith Ahnquist and HARDY. It appears on her sophomore album Dandelion.
Langley will join Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Zach Top, Shania Twain and Lainey Wilson for the radio special “Countdown to the ACM Awards” hosted by Dan + Shay ahead of the 61st ACM Awards.
“Be Her” currently sits at No. 6 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 5 Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Breakfield To Release Self-Titled Album In June
/by Lorie HollabaughBreakfield is releasing their self-titled album on June 12 via Rounder Records.
The band shared a track from the new project,”Straight for Heartbreak,” today (May 8). Co-written with Katie Pruitt and album producer The 400 Unit’s Sadler Vaden (who also features on electric guitar), the tune is a heartbreak-heavy song lamenting the aftermath of a breakup.
“We wrote ‘Straight for Heartbreak’ alongside our producer Sadler and our friend and labelmate Katie Pruitt,” says vocalist and banjo player Barton Davies. “I remember Katie said something like ‘if you think about it, we’re all heading straight for heartbreak eventually.’ We crafted our version of a country heartbreak song around that line. It’s funny though – the title suggests that it’s gonna be incredibly sad, but it’s the rowdiest song on the record. You can literally hear us hooting and hollering while we were laying it down. I guess we figure, if we’re all heading straight for heartbreak, we might as well enjoy it on the way there.”
Featuring lyrics about the complexities of relationships, the new album follows their 2023 LP Dusk, and features four previously-released singles, “Darker Out Tonight,” “Canyon Walls,” “Ever-Loving Mind” and “Pull Some Strings.” The album harnesses the spirited vitality and joyful abandon of the band’s earliest days 15 years ago as Boy Named Banjo.
Breakfield is currently on tour in support of the new album, with upcoming performances in Atlanta, New York City, Washington, D.C. and more.
Breakfield Track List:
1. “Canyon Walls”
2. “Angel 41”
3. “Ever-Loving Mind”
4. “Rivers Run”
5. “Let a Good Thing Die”
6. “Travel On”
7. “Straight for Heartbreak”
8. “Darker Out Tonight”
9. “Live By Me”
10. “Pull Some Strings”
11. “Who Am I”
Tori Rose Inks With Saddle Up Records & Johnstone Entertainment
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (Bottom Row, L-R): Manager Cole Johnstone, Tori Rose, Producer Mickey Jack Cones and ADA’s Robert Turner. (Top Row, L-R): Saddle Up Records Louie Newman, Chele Fassig, Matt Galvin and RG Jones. Photo: Nicole Murphy
Tori Rose has officially inked a deal with Saddle Up Records as their debut artist, and signed with Johnstone Entertainment for management.
The Pennsylvania native has also partnered with producer Mickey Jack Cones for her upcoming releases. Her debut single, “South of Southern,” will be released May 15.
“From day one, we’ve believed in building the right team around Tori,” says Louie Newman. “She’s a special talent, and we’re excited to help bring her music to a wider audience.”
Saddle Up Records is led by Newman and distributed by ADA/Warner Music Group.
Kenny Whitmire Signs With MCA
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Damon Moberly (MCA), Stephanie Wright (MCA), Rob Femia (MCA), Mike Harris (MCA), Kenny Whitmire, Zac Brooks (River House Artists), Zebb Luster (Riverhouse Artists) and Katie McCartney (MCA). Photo: Evan Harney
Country traditionalist Kenny Whitmire has inked with MCA.
Alongside the signing, he also released his new track “One Foot In The Grave,” and revealed the details for his debut EP Fool In A King Size Bed, releasing June 12.
“Signing with MCA is one of those moments you dream about as a kid,” shares Whitmire. “To finally be here, putting out ‘One Foot In The Grave’ and announcing Fool In A King Size Bed, it means a lot. This EP is a piece of my life, and I hope folks can feel that when they hear it.”
Originally from Georgia, Whitmire moved to Nashville in 2022 after one semester of college. He draws influence from Merle Haggard and Daryle Singletary to form his traditional country sound and songwriting.
The EP features “One Foot In The Grave,” recently released “Thought Twice About Loving You,” “You’re Getting Colder,” “Me Being Me,” and the viral hit “I Gave Her The Moon.”
“‘One Foot In The Grave’ is simply about my love for country music,” adds Whitmire. “My version of a ‘Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox’ type song. I’m happy to have a song like this to put on my debut EP Fool In A King Size Bed. Hope you love it.”
Whitmire will join Tracy Lawrence, Ian Munsick, Billy Currington and more on the road throughout 2026, and make festival appearances at Rock the Country.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Hudson Westbrook Claims Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannHudson Westbrook. Photo: Ian Noh
Country music groups and collaborations vie for our attention today in DISClaimer.
The Red Clay Strays, Midland and 49 Winchester are representing country bands in this week’s column. Our collabs include Russell Dickerson with Fetty Wap, Rodney Crowell with the late Guy Clark, and this week’s DISCovery Award winners ALeeN Rose with Willie Nelson.
The Disc of the Day is “Backwards” by Hudson Westbrook.
Sunday is Mother’s Day. I have four suggestions for the holiday’s soundtrack. Danny Kensy offers “Mama’s Recipe.” Camille Harrison is issuing “I Miss You, Mother.” Alex Miller has “Just a Mom.” Canadian Abigail Lapell has an entire collection with the day’s theme. Her Shadow Child is “an album about motherhood whose nine songs each represent a month of gestation,” or so it says here.
McCOY MOORE / “Not Even Close”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/McCoy Moore/Sam Ellis; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville/Cervidae Records
– Dishing out compliments to his lover. In his eyes, she’s the ultimate best.
THE RED CLAY STRAYS / “Demons In Your Choir”
Writers: Brandon Coleman/Dakota Coleman/Matthew Coleman; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: RCA Records
– It’s a slow-burn, gospel-flavored anthem with moody, minor-key drama about spiritual deliverance. An absolutely searing lead vocal, righteous piano chords and an uplifting church choir. Somebody say, “Amen.”
ALYSSA MICAELA / “Born In Boots”
Writers: Alyssa Micaela/Olivia Rudeen/Tori Tullier; Producers: Stormy Cooper, Will Braun; Label: Azteca Ranch Music
– Bouncing and bubbly. She’s a proud cowgirl who chose boots over dolls and never looked back. Innocent fun.
RODNEY CROWELL & GUY CLARK / “Are You One of Us?”
Writer: Rodney Crowell; Producers: Rodney Crowell, Steuart Smith; Label: New West Records
– Crowell explores the “us-versus-them” attitudes of today with the late Clark interjecting fatherly wisdom. It starts off with a hushed series of statements underscored by insistent electric guitar, then builds to a rocking crescendo. The whole thing is utterly haunting and poetic. The song (and the previously reviewed “Go Light a Candle”) will appear on Crowell’s long-lost Then Again LP, which drops June 26. I’m buyin’ a copy.
ALeeN ROSE & WILLIE NELSON / “They’re There”
Writers: Amy Lee Nelson/Tina Rose Bridges/Willie Nelson; Producers: ALeeN Rose, Jeff Klein, Matt Hubbard; Label: Luna Wolf
– This duo is comprised of Willie’s daughter, Amy Nelson, and Tina Rose Bridges, who is Leon Russell’s daughter. Their country ballad invokes Amy’s late brother Billy and Tina’s late father, stating that their spirits walk alongside them every day. Willie provides his distinctive guitar as the instrumental solo, then chimes in with a third harmony part. Lovely listening.
MIDLAND / “Shooting Memories With Tequila”
Writers: Joe Clemmons/Mike Walker/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Blue Highway Records
– Give these guys a gold star for singing songs with actual melodies. Breezy heartaches, laced with creamy vocal harmonies and lilting steel guitar characterize this one. Riffs and lyrics in the production lend the track a Latin accent. Wonderfully tuneful and effortlessly engaging. By all means, play it.
JENNY TOLMAN / “Show Pony”
Writers: Dave Brainard/Jenny Tolman/Matt Willis; Producer: Dave Brainard; Label: Old Sol Records
– Tolman gallops a sprightly country rocker around the track at a lickety-split pace. The lyric warns a guy that his gal “ain’t nothin’ but a show pony you been trotting around” and not the thoroughbred he thinks she is.
DON WILLIAMS / “How Can I Miss What I Never Had”
Writer: Bob McDill; Producers: Garth Fundis, Tim Williams; Label: Craft Recordings
– Previously unheard performances by Country Music Hall of Famer Don Williams will be issued next month on a collection titled Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes. This one is a sad, resigned ballad about a dead relationship that’s infused with his trademark vocal warmth. Tunesmith McDill was also behind such Don Williams classics as “Amanda,” “It Must Be Love,” “Love Me Tonight” and, unforgettably, “Good Ole Boys Like Me.”
HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Backwards”
Writers: Hudson Westbrook/Lukas Klingensmith/Nicolette Hayford/Reid Haughton; Producers: Lukas Scott, Ryan Youman; Label: River House Artists/Warner Records Nashville
– Her leaving turned his world upside down. ACM New Male Vocalist nominee Westbrook delivers the midtempo meditation in a plaintive, expressive, softly aching fashion that’s mighty affecting.
RUSSELL DICKERSON & FETTY WAP / “Boots”
Writers: Dylan Marlowe/Matt Dragstrem/Russell Dickerson; Producer: none listed; Label: Triple Tigers
– Top showman Dickerson lights up Ascend Amphitheater tomorrow (May 8). Don’t have tickets? Party-on anyhow by listening to his latest, a country-trap mash-up with million-seller Fetty Wap. The bopping singer sees a gal on the dance floor wearing boots and a sundress and is smitten. Beats abound.
49 WINCHESTER / “Slowly”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Isaac Gibson/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: New West Records/Lucille Records/MCA
– I caught these guys on a recent Opry TV broadcast and was stunned by what a tight band they are. From organ sighs to steel-guitar pinpricks, from note-perfect harmony vocals to acoustic ripples and taut drumming, 49 Winchester has it all goin’ on. The band’s latest single is a strummy country toe tapper about moving forward despite feeling like crap. Highly recommended.
KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Middle of Nowhere”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves; Label: Lost Highway
– Shifting time signatures, moaning steel and a male duet harmony vocal characterize the title tune of Musgraves’ new album. Like the rest of the collection, the wafting sound leans back toward her Texas country roots.
ERNEST / “What’s a Little Rain”
Writers: David Garcia/Ernest Keith Smith/Rodney Clawson; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud Records
– An airy, beach-y production paints this as a watercolor wash while the singer exudes romance and dreamy relaxation. Irresistibly pretty.
Carly Pearce, Craig Morgan To Headline Pigeon Forge’s Patriot Festival July 3 & 4
/by Lorie HollabaughCraig Morgan, Carly Pearce
The Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee has expanded into a two-night event in honor of the 250th Anniversary of America, and this year will feature concerts by Craig Morgan and Carly Pearce.
Country music hitmaker and Army Reserve soldier Morgan will take the stage on Friday, July 3, at 8 p.m., while Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Pearce will perform on Saturday, July 4, at 8 p.m.
Patriot Festival is a homecoming for both artists, as both Morgan and Pearce’s careers have deep roots in Pigeon Forge. Morgan, a Tennessee native, was a featured artist at the Country Tonite show before finding success in country music. Pearce also performed at Country Tonite, but got her start at the age of 16 performing in Dollywood’s Country Crossroads show.
The festival will include a family-friendly lineup, including children’s activities, food trucks and other vendors, and begins at 1 p.m. prior to the evening concerts. Patriot Festival guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets and clear bags. Umbrellas, tents and coolers are not permitted. Free parking is provided at the Teaster Lane Municipal parking lot, and a free shuttle operates every 20 minutes between the lot and festival site.
“Pigeon Forge’s Patriot Festival is an Independence Day tradition, and to honor America’s 250th birthday, we’re making this year’s festival the biggest and best ever,” says Pigeon Forge Mayor Kevin McClure. “We’re proud to welcome country music superstars Craig Morgan and Carly Pearce—two headliners, one for each night—who have strong ties to the city of Pigeon Forge.
The Patriot Festival takes place at the city’s Patriot Park (186 Old Mill Ave.), and first-come, first-served general admission for both concerts is free. Saturday evening ends with an all-American fireworks extravaganza.
Hudson Westbrook Celebrates ‘House Again’ With No. 1 Party
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, back row): Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Warner Records Nashville’s Cris Lacy, River House Artists’ Zebb Luster, BMI’s Mitch Ballard, ASCAP’s Emilia James and River House Artists’ Lynn Oliver-Cline. (L-R, front row): Ryan Youmans (Producer), Neil Medley (ASCAP), Hudson Westbrook (BMI), Dan Alley (BMI), Lukas Scott (Producer) and Studio Bank’s Ron Cox. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Hudson Westbrook packed out the BMI lobby yesterday (May 6) for a No. 1 party honoring his first chart-topper, “House Again.”
Written by Westbrook, Dan Alley and Neil Medley, and produced by Lukas Scott and Ryan Youmans, the hit stems from the ACM nominee’s debut album, Texas Forever. During the celebration, Warner Records Nashville presented Westbrook with a plaque announcing that the single had been RIAA certified double-Platinum. Additionally, the track marked the first No. 1 with all writers signed to RiverHouse Artists.
Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Sponsored by Studio Bank, Ron Cox made a special donation presentation on behalf of Westbrook and the songwriters in support of the Stephenville High School FFA Chapter. The official whiskey sponsor of BMI No. 1 parties, Green River Whiskey, gifted the “House Again” creatives each with a commemorative bottle of single barrel bourbon in honor of their chart topper. To commemorate both Westbrook and Alley’s first No. 1 party as BMI songwriters, they were each gifted each with a custom Taylor 210e DLX guitar.
Hosted by BMI and ASCAP and emceed by BMI’s Mitch Ballard, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Country Aircheck’s Chuck Aly, Warner Records Nashville’s Cris Lacy, River House Artists’ Zebb Luster and Kayla Adkins, and ASCAP’s Emilia James each took the microphone to honor the team behind the song.
Many spoke highly of Westbrook’s character, work ethic, songwriting talent and artistic vision, sharing their belief in his career and gratitude for being involved.
“We recorded ‘House Again’ five weeks after our first session, so I had only spent four hours with [Westbrook] before cutting that song that day,” Youmans shared. “It’s a testament to Hudson as a vision, and the song these guys were able to write. It all starts with a song. Hudson had something to say and he knew how to convey it. I’m just glad to be on the team.”
“This is my first No. 1 party, and it couldn’t be for a cooler song or cooler artist,” Alley said. “It’s a dream come true to provide for my family writing songs and doing what I love more than anything in the world.”
To close out the night, Westbrook took the microphone, thanking each member of his team and family individually for their role in his success.
“I feel like the songwriter I am is because of everything I’ve learned from [my co-writers and producers]. Neil, your delicacy and maturity on your lyrics, and the way you write while making sure the whole thing makes sense does not go unseen. Dan, your melodies are insane and you have one of the best voices I’ve ever heard. Lukas taught me how to sing. We sat in the studio for hours singing song after song and y’all were so patient. Ryan, thank you for producing me and creating my sound.”
Clint Black Extends ‘Back On The Blacktop Tour’
/by Madison HahnenClint Black. Photo: Russ Harrington
Clint Black has extended his “Back on the Blacktop Tour,” with new dates kicking off May 28 in Fort Wayne and running through November.
The newly added dates include stops in Jackson Hole, Orlando, St. Louis and more. Tickets for select dates are on sale now.
Throughout the year, Black will also make appearances at 5 O’Clock Somewhere Festival, Headwaters Country Jam, Boots in the Gorge and more, as well as select shows with Cody Johnson. He will also release his memoir, Killin’ Time: My Life and Music, on May 19.
“Back on the Blacktop Tour” Newly Added Dates:
May 28, 2026 — Fort Wayne, IN — Sweetwater Performance Pavilion
July 3, 2026 — Choctaw, MS — Pearl River Resort
July 9, 2026 — Minden, NV — TJ’s Corral
July 11, 2026 — Rohnert Park, CA — Graton Event Center
July 23, 2026 — Jackson Hole, WY — The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
July 25, 2026 — Libby, MT — Happy’s Inn
September 12, 2026 — Carterville, IL — Walker’s Bluff Casino
September 18, 2026 — Orlando, FL — Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
September 26, 2026 — Helotes, TX — John T. Floore’s Country Store
October 1, 2026 — St. Louis, MO — The Event Center at River City Casino
November 12, 2026 — Mayetta, KS — Prairie Band Casino & Resort – Great Lakes Ballroom
November 13, 2026 — Catoosa, OK — Hard Rock Live Tulsa
November 14, 2026 — Lake Charles, LA — Event Center at L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake
Charles
2027 Dates Announced For HITS HOME Music Conference
/by Lorie HollabaughHITS HOME 2026. Photo: Dwell House
The inaugural global HITS HOME Music Conference took place in Nashville at the Virgin Hotel a few weeks ago with more than 300 attendees from 10+ countries. The music business conference will return to Nashville April 18-20, 2027.
Designed around the simple premise that the future of music could be discovered the same way music itself often is – through surprise, spontaneity, and shared moments, the conference featured conversations with leaders like Warner Records Nashville’s Cris Lacy, Neon Coast’s Martha Earls, Riveter Management’s Charlene Bryant, Primary Wave’s Lexi Todd, A2IM’s Ian Harrison, and Billboard‘s Kristin Robinson.
The three-day experience began with a “Welcome Home Party” on Sunday evening sponsored by genni and Concord, and Monday was filled with segments, talks, and “music moments,” before concluding Tuesday with a rooftop brunch and self-directed “house visits” across offices in Nashville. Live performances included Nashville-based artists like Kat Luna, dominique., Iris Copperman and Restless Road, as well as Finn Forster from the UK, Muryel from Berlin, Germany; and Beau Shearer from Australia.
A post-lunch “Food Coma Comeback” variety show blended comedy, games, and music into something closer to a shared experience than a scheduled segment. And at one point, the unexpected took over entirely: a full flash mob by Belmont University’s RVX K-Pop Dance Team performing “GOLDEN” turned the room into a collective moment of surprise and energy.
“We intentionally blurred the line between conversation and experience – bringing together industry dialogue, live performances, comedy, and moments no one saw coming. The result felt less like a conference and more like a home. The surprises – from day-of programming reveals to flash-mob energy – created a sense of shared discovery you can’t replicate on a run-of-show. And that feeling is the point. It’s exactly why HITS HOME will return to Nashville in 2027,” says Nick Maiale, Founder of HITS HOME & jump.global. “HITS HOME will always be rooted here – we’re proud to continue shining a light on Nashville’s music culture while welcoming voices and perspectives from around the world.”
The War And Treaty Sign With Atlantic Outpost, Slate New Album
/by Madison HahnenThe War and Treaty. Photo: Luke Rogers
The War and Treaty have signed with Atlantic Outpost, first reported by Billboard.
Alongside the signing, the duo have revealed their new album, The Story of Michael and Tanya, will be released on June 19. The 10-track project features collaborations with Whoopi Goldberg, Valerie June and Wynonna. The first track from the album, “Don’t Say Goodbye,” is out now.
“Evoking hard, honest emotions first required me to find those parts in myself,” Tanya Trotter shared to Billboard. “Once you find them, there’s a strength to the urgency that feels like you’ll be at your wits’ end if you don’t express that emotion.”
“For The War and Treaty, feeling every aspect of what we’re writing and singing has grown from representing routine emotions to now demanding that people connect with our spirit,” added Michael Trotter.
The husband and wife duo are two-time Grammy nominees, and were crowned Emerging Artist of the Year in 2019 at the Americana Music Honors & Awards. In 2022, they were named Duo/Group of the Year at the same awards, as well as in 2023.
Also in 2023, The War and Treaty hit No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 with Zach Bryan collaboration “Hey Driver.” Billboard also honored them in 2024 with the Groundbreaker Award. They released their last album, Plus One, in 2025.
The War and Treaty have also slated a headlining show at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 13. Tickets go on sale May 15.
The Story of Michael and Tanya Track List:
1. “Litty” (feat. Whoopi Goldberg)
2. “Don’t Say Goodbye”
3. “You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore”
4. “Shouldn’t Have”
5. “Darlene and Gene”
6. “Reclaim All of Your Time” (feat. Valerie June and Wynonna)
7. “Lay This Bottle Down”
8. “Don’t Give Up Now”
9. “Holy Ghost Fire”
10. “High Heels”